Oscar Mike Radio

I first met Greg Potapenko at Military Creator Con 2026. During some very long days at the conference, his Tactical Snack Packs helped keep us going. That made me curious about the veteran and entrepreneur behind the brand.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, Greg joins me to talk about military service, entrepreneurship, and what happens when you take the skills developed in uniform and apply them to a new mission.

Greg served 23 years in the Canadian Army before retiring as a warrant officer and transitioning into the business world.

Like many veterans, taking off the uniform didn’t mean he was finished serving. Instead, Greg found a new way to support the military and first responder communities through Tactical Snacks.

We discuss how his military experience developed the leadership, discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused mindset he now brings to entrepreneurship.

Tactical Snacks is a healthier snack brand created with military personnel and first responders in mind. But Greg wanted to build something bigger than food.

For him, Tactical Snacks is also about morale, connection, and community. It is a brand built by someone who understands the people he wants to serve.

Greg also brings extensive experience in digital marketing and business acquisitions to the company. We talk about lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, why staying focused is critical when building a business, and why creating a community around your mission can be more powerful than simply trying to sell a product.

Greg is just getting started.

One of his goals is expanding Tactical Snacks onto U.S. military installations through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). It’s an ambitious next step for a veteran-owned brand with a mission to serve military members and first responders.

What stood out to me throughout our conversation was how naturally Greg carried his military leadership into entrepreneurship.

His story demonstrates something many veterans discover during transition: leaving the military doesn’t mean leaving the mission behind. Sometimes, it means finding a new way to serve.

Learn more about Tactical Snacks at:

Greg, thank you for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio, sharing your journey, and continuing to support the military and first responder communities.

We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I had the privilege of sitting down with Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe photographer Bill Brett and artist and poet Paul Doyle to talk about their remarkable collaboration, Boston Veterans Appreciation.

This book is much more than a collection of photographs. It is a tribute to veterans from the Boston area who answered the call to serve across different generations and conflicts, and an effort to ensure their stories are never forgotten.

Bill reflected on his extraordinary 60-year photography career and what decades behind the camera taught him about capturing more than an image. His portraits seek to reveal the person, experiences, and story behind the photograph.

Paul shared how accompanying Bill to meet and interview veterans drew him deeper into the project. Listening to these men and women tell their stories gave him an even greater appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Throughout our conversation, Bill and Paul shared some of the veterans whose stories stayed with them, what went into creating their portraits, and how veterans, families, and the Boston community responded to the finished book.

The success of Boston Veterans Appreciation reinforces something I have believed throughout my years of producing Oscar Mike Radio: our veterans’ stories matter.

There will come a time when veterans from previous generations will no longer be here to tell us what they saw, what they endured, and what their service meant. Preserving these stories now gives future generations a connection to the people behind our military history.

A name, date, or photograph can tell us someone served. Their story tells us who they were.

We also looked toward the future. Bill shared plans for a follow-up project honoring Gold Star families and preserving the stories of families who have experienced the ultimate sacrifice of losing a loved one in service to our country.

Projects like Boston Veterans Appreciation demonstrate the power of photography, art, and storytelling to preserve military history in a deeply human way.

Bill and Paul, thank you for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio and, more importantly, for using your talents to honor our veterans and preserve their stories.

Their service is history. Their stories are legacy. Our responsibility is to remember.

We are Mission in Flight!

I spoke with retired U.S. Army officer Julie Austin about leadership, military transition, and the next mission many veterans choose after taking off the uniform: entrepreneurship.

Julie served our nation for 20 years while carrying on a proud military family legacy. Her journey began as a reluctant ROTC cadet and eventually took her into positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as a battalion commander.

Throughout our conversation, Julie shares the leadership lessons she learned during two decades in the Army and how those experiences continue to shape her life today. We also discuss her transition from military to civilian life and why prioritizing her family became an important part of deciding what came next.

Military service develops skills that translate naturally into business ownership. Leadership, discipline, adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to operate under pressure are all qualities veterans can bring to entrepreneurship.

Julie is putting those skills to work as co-host of the Dog Tags to Ownership podcast, where she helps veterans explore the opportunities and challenges that come with starting and growing a business.

We discuss why entrepreneurship can provide veterans with something beyond a career, and how 0it can offer a new mission and another opportunity to lead.

One of the most exciting parts of our conversation is Julie’s announcement of Forces Brands USA, an online marketplace designed to connect consumers with veteran-owned businesses across the country.

The concept creates an opportunity to strengthen the veteran business community while making it easier for consumers to intentionally support entrepreneurs who have served our nation.

Forces Brands USA represents something I strongly believe in: Veterans supporting Veterans while building stronger communities.

Whether you’re a veteran considering entrepreneurship, a business owner looking for inspiration, or a consumer who wants to support veteran-owned companies, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, transition, and finding your next mission.

Visit https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ to learn more about Forces Brands USA and how you can get involved.

Julie, thank you for your 20 years of military service, your continued commitment to empowering veterans, and for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio.

We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with Air Force veteran Justin Jordan for one of the most honest and powerful conversations I’ve had about trauma, healing, and finding purpose after military service.

During his Air Force career, Justin served in mortuary affairs, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of caring for America’s fallen service members. It is a mission few people truly understand, and one that carried an enormous emotional weight. Justin shares how those experiences followed him long after he returned home, leading to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and olfactory hallucinations that served as constant reminders of the invisible wounds he carried.

Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Justin chose to confront them.

We discuss how writing his book, And Then I Cried, became a critical part of his healing journey. Putting his experiences into words gave him the opportunity to process years of pain, grief, and trauma while opening the door for other veterans to recognize they are not alone.

Like many veterans, Justin also faced the difficult transition from military service to civilian life. He speaks candidly about the challenges of finding a new purpose and the work required to move forward when the uniform comes off.

That journey ultimately led him to Warriors Heart, the nation’s first private treatment program built exclusively for veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. With campuses in Texas and Virginia, Warriors Heart provides a 42-day residential program that combines evidence-based treatment for PTSD, trauma, TBI, addiction, and other co-occurring conditions in an environment where warriors are surrounded by people who understand their experiences. Their philosophy is simple and powerful: “Warriors Healing Warriors.”

One of the organization’s most ambitious goals is to bring one million warriors home, not simply by treating symptoms, but by restoring purpose, connection, and hope for those who have carried the invisible wounds of service.

What resonated with me most was the reminder that healing begins when warriors no longer feel they have to explain the culture they come from. Recovery becomes possible when veterans and first responders are surrounded by others who understand sacrifice, service, and the weight that often comes with both.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about Warriors Heart and its programs for veterans and first responders, visit:

Warriors Heart

Justin, thank you for trusting me and the Oscar Mike Radio audience with your story. Your courage, honesty, and commitment to helping other warriors find their way home are making a difference.

We are Oscar Mike, Mission in Flight1

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with Lenna Rodriguez, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3, to talk about her remarkable journey of military service, transition, and continued advocacy for the veteran community.

Lenna shares how she overcame a challenging upbringing in Utah and went on to build a diverse 20-year Army career. Her service included roles in supply, civil affairs, military intelligence, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Her journey demonstrates how military service can create opportunities for growth, leadership, and purpose while preparing service members for challenges they may never have anticipated.

Eventually, every service member faces a major question: What comes next when you take off the uniform?

Lenna and I discuss how she approached that transition and used the Department of Defense SkillBridge program to help bridge the gap between military and civilian life. Through SkillBridge, Lenna was able to prepare for her next chapter and ultimately begin a new career as a talent acquisition strategist.

Her experience highlights the importance of preparing for military transition before the final day of service and using the resources available to veterans and transitioning service members.

Retirement didn’t end Lenna’s commitment to serving others.

She shares her work with Final Salute Inc., supporting women veterans experiencing housing crises and helping ensure their service and needs are not overlooked. We also discuss her participation in Miss Veteran America and how the program helps bring greater awareness to the challenges facing women veterans.

Lenna’s advocacy demonstrates that taking off the uniform doesn’t mean giving up the mission.

We also talk about Lenna’s involvement with America’s Warrior Partnership and efforts to connect veterans with resources, community, and support.

Our conversation touches on the critical importance of veteran suicide prevention and reaching veterans before they find themselves facing a crisis alone.

Lenna’s story is about much more than a successful 20-year Army career. It’s about finding purpose after military service, continuing to serve, and using your experiences to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Thank you, Lenna, for sharing your journey with me and the Oscar Mike Radio audience, and for continuing to be Oscar Mike!

Episode 500 of Oscar Mike Radio is more than a milestone, it’s a celebration of the people who have helped make this journey possible.

The day began with my longtime friend and supporter, Mistress Carrie. A media professional with decades of experience in radio, music, production, and podcasting, Carrie has joined me for every 100th episode of Oscar Mike Radio. We met at the USMC Scout Sniper Association Skydive Event at Jumptown in Orange, Massachusetts to start the taping of number 500. We talked about her unwavering support of veterans, and stories that demonstrate how civilians and women play an essential role in strengthening the veteran community.

After leaving Orange and fitting in a training session for the Bay State Games, I headed to Foxborough, MA to spend time with Rolling Thunder MA Chapter 2.

Their mission to educate the public about POW/MIA issues and support veterans from every generation was on full display. From the POW Pledge of Allegiance to the Missing Man Table Ceremony, every moment served as a powerful reminder that remembrance is not a one-day event, it is a lifelong commitment.

What stood out to me most was seeing so many passionate advocates who never wore the uniform. Women, family members, and civilians stood shoulder to shoulder with veterans, proving that supporting those who served is a responsibility shared by an entire community.

Sometimes the best days don’t go exactly as planned. In the Marine Corps, we call that “Semper Gumby“, always flexible. Despite schedule changes and unexpected turns, the mission continued, and the people I met along the way reminded me why I started Oscar Mike Radio 500 episodes ago.

My sincere thanks to the members of Rolling Thunder MA Chapter 2 for welcoming me into your family. Thank you as well to Keith Hayes of Sinista1 Productions, Kip Clark of Stride and Saunter, and Nancy Morrison of Nancy’s Nook Podcast for your friendship and support.

To everyone who has listened, shared an episode, appeared as a guest, or believed in this mission over the past 500 episodes, thank you.

We’re still moving forward.

We’re still telling stories that matter.

We’re still Oscar Mike.

We are Mission in Flight.

I had the opportunity to broadcast live from the Veterans Expo in Brockton, Massachusetts, bringing listeners inside one of the region’s premier events dedicated to connecting veterans with the services, support, and resources they have earned through their service.

Using drone footage and on-site interviews, I captured not only the energy of the Expo but also the incredible work being done by organizations committed to improving the lives of veterans and their families throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

During the event, I spoke with representatives from Abernathy Home Care, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, the Women’s Veterans Network, the Veterans Voice Network, and VA Boston Healthcare. Each conversation highlighted important programs, benefits, and opportunities available to veterans navigating life after military service.

What stood out most to me was the shared commitment to ensuring that no veteran has to face life’s challenges alone. Behind every table, display, and conversation was a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers working to connect veterans with healthcare, advocacy, housing support, benefits assistance, community programs, and opportunities for continued growth and success.

Events like the Veterans Expo serve as an important reminder that the veteran community is strongest when we come together, share information, and support one another.

To everyone who made the Veterans Expo possible, thank you for your commitment to serving those who served. To the organizations that continue this work every day, your efforts matter. And to every veteran who stopped by to share a story, ask a question, or simply say hello, thank you for your service and your continued commitment to your fellow veterans.

Your resilience, service, and dedication to one another are exactly what Oscar Mike Radio is all about.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I had the privilege of sitting down with Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn at Boston City Hall for an important conversation about what it truly means to continue serving those who have served our nation.

As a Navy veteran and disabled veteran, Ed brings a unique perspective to public service. Throughout our discussion, he shared why advocating for veterans has remained one of his highest priorities, especially for those whose voices are too often overlooked. He specifically talked about women veterans, veterans of color, and veterans facing significant challenges after military service.

One story that deeply impacted me was that of Steve, a disabled double-amputee veteran living in a Boston Housing Authority apartment. When the building’s elevator failed, Steve was unable to access his sixth-floor home and was forced to sleep outside. Ed explained why this situation should never have happened, expressed his concerns about the city’s response, and reaffirmed a simple but powerful principle: every veteran deserves dignity, respect, safe housing, and access to the support they have earned through their service.

We also discussed the importance of veterans continuing their mission after leaving the military by serving in leadership roles, public office, and their local communities. Ed believes veterans bring invaluable leadership, integrity, and a commitment to service that can strengthen government and improve the lives of others.

This conversation is a reminder that supporting veterans extends far beyond saying “thank you for your service.” It requires action, accountability, and leaders willing to stand up for those who have sacrificed for our country.

Councilor Flynn, thank you for your lifelong commitment to veterans and for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio. Your dedication to ensuring that no veteran is forgotten continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I had the opportunity to reconnect with my first Marine Corps sister, Tammy Harrington. Some friendships are forged through shared experiences and challenges, and ours began many years ago as Hawk missile operators in one of the last classes before the MOS was phased out.

It was great to sit down with Tammy and reflect on the experiences that helped shape both of our lives.

We talked about the challenges of Hawk School, the lessons learned through military service, and the lifelong friendships forged through shared adversity. There is a unique bond that comes from serving together in the Marine Corps, and our conversation brought back many memories of those early days in uniform.

After leaving the military, Tammy continued her commitment to public service through a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She shared stories about that transition and how the values learned in the Marine Corps continued to guide her throughout her career.

Today, Tammy has combined her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into a new venture, TNT Pin Co., a Disney-inspired pin company featuring military-themed designs that celebrate service, pride, and community. Her collection reflects both her passion for creativity and her commitment to supporting the veteran community. As a way of giving back, Tammy proudly offers discounts to veterans.

What stood out most during our conversation was Tammy’s dedication to service, whether in uniform, in law enforcement, or as a small business owner creating products that bring people together.

You can learn more about Tammy and browse her collection at: www.tntpinco.com

Tam, thank you for your friendship, loyalty, and support through both the good times and the difficult ones. It was an honor to have you on the show and share your story with the Oscar Mike Radio audience.

Welcome to the OMR Family!

I had the honor of speaking with fellow Marine veteran Gloria Nesloney, whose story is one of resilience, faith, healing, and purpose.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, Gloria shares her journey from military service through some of the most difficult challenges a veteran can face, including PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a suicide attempt. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, revealing the realities many veterans face after service and the strength required to move forward.

Gloria spoke openly about the pain she carried and the turning point that changed her life: accepting Jesus Christ and beginning a path toward healing, restoration, and renewed purpose. Through faith, she found the courage to confront her past and build a future centered on helping others.

One of the most powerful themes from our conversation was the importance of speaking your truth. Gloria believes healing begins when we find the courage to share our stories and bring our struggles into the light. That belief has become the foundation of her work with veterans, helping them process trauma, discover hope, and reclaim their lives.

We also discussed her involvement in veterans’ retreats, where she helps create safe spaces for veterans to connect, heal, and experience freedom from burdens they may have carried for years. Her commitment to serving others is evident in everything she does.

In addition to her advocacy work, Gloria is an accomplished author who has contributed to 32 books. Writing became an important part of her own healing journey, and today she helps other veterans tell their stories as a path toward healing, restoration, and strength.

What stood out most to me was Gloria’s unwavering message that no matter how dark life may seem, hope is always possible. Her story reminds us that healing can happen when we find the courage to speak, connect, and believe in a better future.

Learn more about Gloria’s ministry at:

Thank you, Gloria, for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio and for your continued mission to help veterans heal through faith, storytelling, and service.