by Travis Partington | Feb 18, 2017 | Podcast
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!
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by Travis Partington | Feb 10, 2017 | Podcast
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
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by Travis Partington | Feb 3, 2017 | Podcast
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
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by Travis Partington | Jan 27, 2017 | Podcast
Question of the Week
This came from Adam in Illnois. “I want to start my own podcast talking about veteran issues in my area. Do you think I can do it?” I told him yes, if he had ideas and issues he wanted to talk about that this was a good time to jump into the pond than podcasting. I don’t think there has been a better time to create and share content. I think the hard part is determining your message and staying on it so people can relate to what you are trying to say.
I also have the good fortune of being managed by Whoobazoo. If you are looking for a great client experience with industry professionals I would encourage you go to http://www.whoobazoo.com and check them out. I wouldn’t be where I am not without them
The Word
I have been following the story about the Army wanting to replace the M9 Beretta which replaced the Colt 1911. This was a multiyear search for the replacement that the Army conducted before selecting this weapon. I think that the Beretta could use some improvements, but I wonder how many are going to be sold for $580,000,000.00.
The Complaint Department
TCD, or The Compliant Department, is upset that the an American firearms company did not win the contract to replace the M9 Beretta which means an Italian and German company get U.S. Tax dollars to provide a sidearm for the U.S. Army. It is a valid question, and I don’t have an answer. It seems that Sig Sauer was able to meet the requirements the Army had for a new pistol. It will be interesting to see what the other services do since the Marine Corps still uses the M9 Beretta.
Unit Shout Out
The British Royal Navy removed a WWII bomb from the Thames last week. This appeared to be a German bomb that according to a spokesman. I know the Germans can build good stuff, but this is nuts that they were actually able to detonate it.
Royal Navy disarms WWII Bomb
Upcoming Events
Dial-a-Lawyer
Date: First Wednesday of the Month, 5:30–7:30 PM
Phone number: 617-338-0610. Since March of 1991, the Mass Bar Association has sponsored a monthly Dial-A-Lawyer program that encourages members of the public to call with their legal problems and questions. This program was created in order to assist the people of Massachusetts who have fallen through the cracks of the legal and criminal justice system. The phones tend to be extremely busy during that two hour time period so please keep trying to get through.
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by Travis Partington | Jan 20, 2017 | Podcast
Hawk Class 1-96 – John is on the far left.
This episode is dedicated to John Francis Meath. I went to HAWK School with John, we served in the same HAWK Battery (Charlie). John passed away Monday, January 9th 2017. He was 52. Everyone who knew John in Ist LAAM BN loved the big Irishman from NY who loved the Yankees and his Jeep. I always found John to be a voice of reason when things were going haywire. He always told us to think of the Marine Corps as a game, and we would be just fine. John had the distinction of serving in all four branches of the military. You read that right. John served in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. That is what he wanted to do, and while it took him almost 20 years, he did it. I personally do not know anyone else who can make that claim. John was like that though, he lived life on his beat. We were all better for knowing him, and we all mourn his passing, but we all spent time celebrating his life. All I can say from all of is Semper Fidelis John, we will meet again at Heaven’s Gate.
EPISODE 27 – Smitty’s Kitchen
I met LaShelle over 21 years ago. We both served in Ist LAAM (Light Anti Aircraft Missile) Battalion at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
LaShelle Smith – Marine, HAWKER, and now Business Owner
You never had to guess where you stood with LaShelle. We both got out the Marine Corps and went our separate ways, but like many of my brothers and sisters we kept in touch.
I started see that LaShelle was getting into cooking. I thought that was awesome. So many times people in the military re-invent themselves as they through life. I think that is because we have had to adapt to more times in our lives than others who have taken a traditional career or life path.
Like I said in Episode 25, I want to talk to active duty service-members and veterans who are starting or have started their own businesses. I think we call can learn from a person who decides to take the risk to build a brand or company that we all can learn.
LaShelle is looking to launch her business which will be a food truck called “Smitty’s Kitchen”. As you will hear on the episode her love of food and family started at an early age and in some ways was honed in the Marine Corps. Whether it was eating different food and watching food from different countries being prepared, listening to LaShelle reminded me that good food is more than just watching a cooking show on the food network. Preparing, serving and enjoying good food with people is an essential part of the human experience. I think we all heard that in her voice as she spoke about what she wants to do with her life.
I can’t wait to see her launch her business. A big thanks to everyone who joined in on the Live Chat!
Check out some of Lashelle’s thing tasty dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from her kitchen.
Fettucine
Pork Stew
Gazpacho & Avocado
Check out Smitty’s Go Fund Me Page and YouTube Link. Spread the word, especially if you live in the Richmond, VA area.
Smitty’s YouTube GoFundMe
Smitty’s Kitchen Go Fund Me Page
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