Episode 32 – Barksdale AFB

Episode 32 – Barksdale AFB

B-52s at Barksdale Air Force Base

I joined the Marine Corps from Shreveport, LA. However, my first real exposure with the military was the Air Force. My Dad would take us to the annual Barksdale AFB Air Show every year. It was cool. We would see everything from WWI to modern military aircraft. I remember watching the B-52s land after Desert Storm, and I was proud that these old planes got the job done and came home.

Since I was going to be in Shreveport this week, I wanted to do Episode 32 on this Air Force Base. Especially since it is so important to our country being able to project force in the world.

“Barksdale Field was named in honor of 2nd Lieutenant Eugene Hoy Barksdale (1895–1926) on 2 February 1933. Lieutenant Barksdale received his wings in Great Britain in 1918 and flew with the British during World War I. Barksdale died on 11 August 1926, over McCook Field near Dayton, Ohio when testing a Douglas O-2 observation airplane for spin characteristics. He did not recover from a flat spin while parachuting out of the plane, and his parachute was caught in the wing’s brace wires, causing Barksdale to fall to his death. He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.”

Credit – Wikipedia Article

Barksdale AFB is home the 2D Bomb Wing, the oldest Bomb Wing in the Air Force. Today it is home to the B-52 H. Barksdale also has A-10 Warthogs of the 917th Fighter Group. It was something to see the A-10s taking off doing attack runs during the Air Show.

It is always good running into an Air Force Veteran who served at Barksdale AFB. In a way this is where it all started with me.

Episode 31- Valentine’s Day, Love and the Military

Episode 31- Valentine’s Day, Love and the Military

Valentine’s Day, Love, Legalized Extortion, Every Kiss, etc etc. I wanted to talk about how love can work in the military. Regardless of service, either your significant other is a force multiplier in your life, or you get to experience hell on earth. Either way saddle up for a wild ride!

This was the first episode I tried doing remote on a “live” setting. I recorded at  Asia One – 708 Belmont Street Brockton, MA = Click on this link to check them out!

I will admit right here the sound isn’t the best. However, I am going to try it again. I liked the vibe and I felt relaxed and I had a good time. 30 minutes flew by fast. Almost too fast. Bear with me while I dial this part of the show to perfection.

Next time I go to Asia One, I will pass the word so if you want to stop by you can.

All I can say about this Episode is there is 365 days in a year, make every day Valetine’s Day!

Episode 30 – Operation Teammate

Episode 30 – Operation Teammate

 

William “Ryan” Owens

 

Operation Teammate, Oscar Mike Radio and Whoobazoo would like to dedicate Episode 30 to the service and memory of Chief Petty Officer William “Ryan” Owens. Ryan Owens was a Navy Seal who was killed in Yemen on January 30th, 2017. I don’t have all the details of what happened, and it might be a while before any of us know. I understand service members may be taken from us at anytime, and it is never good seeing this happen.

All of us thought it would be respectful to dedicate this episode to a fallen brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Owens family. Semper Fidelis

 

 

As I said in previous episodes, I wanted to take 2017 and focus on Veterans and Active Duty Service Members who are either starting their own businesses or non-profits.

Tim Montjoy is one of those individuals who started his own non-profit organization called Operation Teammate. Operation Teammate bring children of active duty service members to sporting events to make them feel special while their mom or dad are serving our country.

Tim has brought children to events at colleges and the NBA. The children are brought to the event where they get to talk to the athletes about life planning and make good choices. They then get to watch the game. If you look at the pictures on the Operation Teammate Website, you can see kids with huge smiles at these events. I believe Tim has found a need and has worked to fill that need.

I thought this was unique because there isn’t anyone else doing something like this for children of active duty service members. I looked at several veteran charities and none of them or solely focused on children. As I started talking to Tim about how he got started and it is clear that while his Air Force career is over, his work is not done. He still wants to serve, and this personal because of his military experience.

I enjoyed doing this episode. I can’t wait to check back in with Tim to see what Operation Teammate does in the future.

Go to http://www.operationteammate.org/ to find out how you can get involved, and to keep with all their events. OMR sends

 

Tim Montjoy at the Charlotte Hornets – He was their Yellow Ribbon Honoree Link to Charlotte Hornets Page Award Announcement

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 29 – Deployed, Missing the SuperBowl

Episode 29 – Deployed, Missing the SuperBowl

Question of the Week

What do you think about Donald Trump doing ____________________ and why aren’t you talking about it? Ok I understand people are all worked up about politics right now, but my answer is this. I am not going to make this a political platform. I will call out politicians when they do not act in the best interest of our active duty military and veterans. I will do it every time regardless with what letter is after their name. I am not going to use Oscar Mike Radio for political posturing.

The Word

I wanted to talk about the Super Bowl. Somewhere on February 5th there will someone on duty, on watch, on patrol, watching a radar scope, or prepping the next fire mission who is a die hard Atlanta Falcons or New England Patriots fan. They won’t be catching the commercials or judging the half time show. They will miss the big game.

I am not a Falcons or Patriots fan. However, I can’t imagine what it is like for the Falcons’ fans who are on duty and unable to watch the game……. I just wanted to take this episode and show you all my respect.

No 60 inch 4K here. These are the lucky ones…..

The Complaint Department

These guys are still talking about the Sig Sauer P320. It seems all but done that the Sig Sauer will replace the Marine Corps M9 Beretta. Grunt really went into overdrive while POG was researching how to use de-cocking levers. This wont be the last we will hear about this.

Unit Shout Out

Coast Guard Cutter Returns After $90 Million Cocaine Seizure

The Coasties are getting it done. Coast Cutter Tahoma captured $90,000,000.00 with of cocaine during its month and a half patrol. Great Job to the crew of the Tohama. Find out more about the Tahoma at http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cgcTahoma/

Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma

Upcoming Events

MASS VETS ADVISOR

MA VSO Association Winter Conference

Date: February 6th – 9th 2017

Location: The Colonial Hotel 625 Betty Spring Rd Gardner, MA

Event: Networking and training for Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers.

See Alicia Reddin, 781-979-4186