I was on at 101 Arch St in Boston doing work when all of the sudden my colleagues and I got word that something terrible had happened in New York City. We were all watching the TV and our computer screens when the second plane hit the Tower.
Our thoughts were for our friends, family, and colleagues on Wall Street, Were they Ok? What was going on? How could this happen? When it finally unfolded that we, the United States had been attacked, the sense of disbelief was palpable.
Everything changed.
20 years later, I am seeing things I would never have thought possible as an American. We seem divided. There are Americans trapped in Afghanistan and our leadership does not seem to care. Veterans still experience challenges that other groups do not face. It is getting more and more difficult to see a path to the American Dream. I see hope and am encouraged by people who still believe that America is the best place to be on this planet. I believe and continue to be proud to be an American.
Today 09/11 should remind all of us that we are Americans. We are different, we have our problems, we fight and squabble with each other, but at the end of the day, America and what it represents is still seen as a beacon to many.
I am able to sit here today, drink my coffee, listen to my favorite podcast while writing this because of those willing to serve our country to protect our freedoms and those who work every day to make America a great place. While you are going about your life today, please remember so that we never forget.
This is the information post about the Livestream I am doing with Danielle Rocco of Devoted to a Soldier for Gold Star son Richard Fitts Jr.
SSGT. Richard Fitts Sr. lost his life during a mission in Laos in 1968. It took 21 years for Richard Fitts Jr. and his family to receive closure. This is hard to believe in this day and age, but seeing how this affected Richard Fitts Jr. and his family brings you back to a very different time in our country.
21 Years a Folded Flag is a son’s desire to tell the story of his father’s legacy, and by extension ensure that those who served during the Vietnam War are not forgotten. It is our desire that any Vietnam Veteran who is watching this will come away with a feeling that we honor your service and we appreciate the sacrifices you and those who served with you made for our country.
Oscar Mike Radio YouTube Link – You can go to this link directly for the Livestream Saturday May 29th. Note: This link goes LIVE Saturday, May 29th 5 PM EST Promptly
Other Links to Livestream
You can go to any of these links on Saturday, May 29th, 5 PM EST to see the Livestream
Sean started his outreach in 2016 where he would give out guitars to Veterans after taking 60 – 90 minutes to show us the basics. I had come to the cookout and I was encouraged to give it a try. I had never really taken to the guitar. My background was piano and when I tried playing bass or guitar, I would get frustrated and put the bass away and wouldn’t even think about trying the guitar
So it was cool to be sitting there with other Veterans just learning the basics with someone who wanted to share their love of music with us. I was hooked, and the other Veterans had a great time as well.
I talked with Sean later and said that I don’t know what the future holds, but I hope to really do something with this. Music is a gift and has so many benefits to everyone. Thanks Sean, I am looking forward to learning more.
The President of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 got a hold of me and said I should check out the Cookout at The Veterans Garden Sunday, August 30th. I went down to Bridgewater, MA and was impressed by the work done.
Veterans grow vegetables for themselves and for a food back in southern Massachusetts. The place is beautiful and seeing all the support out for the cookout underscored how important this was to so many people. Great job today everyone!
Three years ago to the day, I posted this on my old wordpress. I had no idea what was going to happen or even if Oscar Mike Radio would last this long. 156 podcasts later, I am still having fun producing them. Getting to learn about Veterans and Military issues, the people who support us and history never gets old. It is a privilege to use this platform to serve and assist my brothers and sisters in arms.
Below is the link to my first podcast post, enjoy. Also, you can listen to my very first podcast. Let me know what you think versus what you hear today.
Good things are on the way, and once again thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years.
I was doing a livecast at Veteran Owned Veteran Operated in Abington, MA. Jonathan Gosselin asked me to talk about South Shore Veterans Assistance during the livecast. SSVA is a local group from the South Shore area of Massachusetts who support Veterans. Many of these individuals are civilians.
Jonathan said it would be a good idea to reach out to SSVA Inc. after the livecast to learn more about the good work they are doing. It is also a good idea if you need custom screen printing or promotional materials to go to VOVO Inc on 1540 Bedford Street in Abington. Check out Jonathan’s website – https://vovoprints.com/ to learn more.
So I got on Facebook and sent a message on the South Shore Veterans Assistance Page – https://www.facebook.com/SouthShoreVeteransAssistance/ and Cindy got right back me. SSVA would be putting together gift bags for Veterans that Monday night, would I come down and check it out?
Whitman VFW Post 697 is located about 40 minutes south of Boston, depending on traffic:) The VFW has several events and a friendly bar. Walking into the room, there crew was already in motion assembling the gift bags. Cindy introduced me to me to Dave Andrews who is the treasurer for SSVA. Since SSVA is a registered 501c3, they are creative in how the advocate veterans. Dave told me that the majority of the members of SSVA are civilians. A civilian himself, Dave came from a military family wanted to serve Veterans in a meaningful way. You can watch my conversation with Dave here – Facebook Livestream with Dave Andrews of SSVA .
I wanted to leave you with this. You can make change right where you if look hard enough. SSVA has been doing this for many years, and is always looking for help. Can’t wait to come back and find out more. Thanks for all you do, Merry Christmas!
This is the amazing crew that put together the gift bags for Veterans
