by Travis Partington | Jan 13, 2017 | Podcast
“We all have a way to bring light to others.” Tamara Reynolds
Every now and then you run across someone who actually doing something to help others, and not just waiting for someone else to do something.. Tamara volunteers with AHOPE in Ashville, North Carolina. AHOPE is the Day Center for Homeward Bound. Homeward Bound works to end chronic homelessness by placing the homeless in housing. This approach is based on the Housing First Model (House First Model Information) which states that it is better to house homeless first and then provide services to keep them in their home.
I have seen this work and think it is a better method for long term success. I wanted to talk to Tamara because even though she does not volunteer for a Veterans only homeless center, she works with homeless veterans who make up a sizeable portion of the homeless population for Ashville, NC. I believe that her perspective of seeing homeless as human beings to be treated with dignity is something we need to hear.
Tamara talked about how important socks, nail clippers and feminine hygiene products were to someone who is homeless. She understand how difficult it can be for someone to request something that is so ordinary to many of us in our day to day lives. She enjoys making someone feel like they matter, and thinks that is where it all starts with getting someone back on their feet.
I asked Tamara how people can help her outreach efforts for homeless in the Ashville, NC. What she said in the podcast was something I encourage everyone to take to heart. I am paraphrasing, but Tamara said that while she appreciates all the help she gets from people, she would ask everyone to start locally in their community to make changes. She provided this link to the National Homeless Shelter Directory so you can start advocating in your hometown.
If you want to donate to her outreach efforts you can go to her Amazon Wish for AHOPE by clicking on the link –> Tamara’s Amazon Wish List for AHOPE
I want to thank Tamara for coming on Oscar Mike Radio to talk about her experiences in working with homeless people. I would encourage you to donate to some outreach effort in your community. You may be like Tamara, and bring some light and dignity to someone who needs it.
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by Travis Partington | Jan 12, 2017 | Blog
Mark Vital from Sweats for Vets sent me an email today with the 2016 Campaign Totals. Mark Vital was in Episode 18 – Mark Vital – Sweats for Vets. Mark Vital and his crew wrapped and distributed 1,033 sweatshirts to 28 different shelters/transitional homes in all the New England states.
I looked at the totals below, and the number of sweatshirts going to these different locations means that this was a complete team effort. I just wanted to take a some time and say congratulations to Sweats for Vets. I can’t wait to have Mark back on to talk about 2017.
This is the breakdown of what Sweats for Vets did in 2016. Great job!
by Travis Partington | Jan 6, 2017 | Podcast
I hope you all had a safe and Happy New Year! I wanted to take this episode to talk about what I am going to do with Oscar Mike Radio for 2017. About this time last year, Oscar Mike Radio was becoming an idea, so I am excited to see what will happen in 2017.
http://howmanbooks.com/ – The Military Diary
One of the areas of focus for 2017 is talking to Active Duty or Veterans who are starting up their own businesses or Non-Profits. I want to share their stories to find out how and why these extraordinary people are embarking on their journeys. Some of my brothers and sisters in arms have been doing great things and taking risks with no more than an idea and the will to make it a reality. Their stories need to be heard.
I have had this idea bouncing around in my head for a while now. I wanted to write this story about “My Dad is a Zombie Biker”. I tried a couple of times to make this happen, but I never really took it anywhere. I am going to start writing a chapter of the story each week in the blog portion of Oscar Mike Radio. The story is told in 3 parts. You will have to check back throughout the year to find out what this is all about.
This process has gotten easier the more I do it. However, there are things I want to work on improving in 2017. I have taken the feedback I have received and have a list of things that I will improve in the coming year. It is my way of saying I want to perfect my craft.
Last but not least, I have a promise to keep. I told someone I would get into my Dress Blues that I wore when I was at my EAS. I got some work to do but I am going to make it happen.
There is a lot to do, but I welcome the challenge and have embraced the process. 2017 is going to be a great year!
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