by Travis Partington | Dec 7, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 124 – Afghanistan, Why?
Question of the Week
What can I get people for Christmas that is military and unique and cool at the same time? I am reading a book by US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills about what happened after he sustained quadruple amputee injuries while in Afghanistan. I am going to do a book review podcast because the story is a must read. I found it uplifting. Calling highly paid athletes tough does not work for me after reading his story. You can get Tough as They Come on Amazon for $12.00.
If you are looking for a custom apparel gift or something cool for your favorite veteran or military supporter
then look no further than Veteran Owned Veteran Operated. Army/Navy Veteran (Yes, that is right) Jonathan Gosselin can either make or has something that will be perfect for your favorite motivator. Veteran Owned Veteran Operated is located at 1540 Bedford Street Abington, MA. Go to https://vovoprints.com/ to see what John can do for you. Your gift giving, Santa, Sweet Baby Jesus worries are over.
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Afghanistan
The question I was asked after two US Army Green Berets and one US Air Force Paratrooper were killed is, “Why is the U.S. still in Afghanistan? The short answer is because fighting an enemy on their turf and imposing our will in their backyard is easier and less costly in the long run than doing it here. The Taliban want to raise generations of fighters who will be able to conduct terrorists attacks here on American soil. This must not be allowed to happen, and I understand and support this mission. I would say that we need to understand how this is being done and if we are making true progress in eliminating the Taliban in Afghanistan. Otherwise, we are going to keep seeing images like the one on the left. Rest in peace brothers.
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A few words about President H.W. Bush
It is hard for me to think about an 18 years old kid learning to fly combat missions. President Bush did just that and at 19 was shot down doing a bombing run. One of my favorite memories was watching the President Skydive at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground. President Bush was the last combat veteran to serve our country. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bush family during this time of loss.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUKMLx4f10U[/embedyt]
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Upcoming Event(s)
I will be at Veteran Owned Veteran Operated Sunday, December 9th from 4-7. Jonathan Gosselin will be finishing up his clothes drive for homeless Veterans. Come on by and say hello on the Livecast. Veteran Owned Veteran Operated is located at 1540 Bedford Street Abington, MA. https://vovoprints.com/
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by Travis Partington | Nov 23, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 122 – Thanksgiving Tough Style
Good story here…..
Jim Tough came on Oscar Mike Radio for Episode 95. ( Oscar Mike Radio Episode 95 – Jim Tough ) Jim has done over 8000 pushups to raise awareness for veteran’s suicide and PTSD.
Go to Jim’s YouTube Channel ( That Push Up Guy Tough ) and check out the 160+ videos he has posted. It isn’t just about the pushups. Jim takes 7-10 minutes to give his thoughts on things that he has experienced and how to “Stay in your Fight”.
I wanted to talk with Jim about finding ways to be grateful. Even when staring into the abyss, I got common theme of hope when I watched the videos. I wanted to find out how to hold onto hope when life’s has one pinned down in a crossfire. I got a lesson Tough Style!
Jim wasn’t done though, as a bonus, I got to talk with Mrs. Tough. Becky has had a tremendous positive effect on Jim’s life, and he can’t say enough good things about her. She does work in wellness and introduced Jim to essential oils ( Seed to Seal Website ). Becky is going to come back on for a full episode talk with me about wellness, essential oils and reducing contact with chemicals. She is telling me I can do this by throwing out my Windex and PineSol and switching to other products. Wow!!! I could not believe it. My Gunny in the Marine Corps certainly would not believe it. I can’t wait to hear more.
This Thanksgiving think of all the things you have going for you. Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently, but we can all get a little Tough.
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Check out Jim’s Day 474 22 for 22! Reach Out This Holiday Season 2018!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53c9fzUHfS0[/embedyt]
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by Travis Partington | Nov 16, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 121 – Army Veteran Brian Richards – Media Career
Doug Meehan & Brian Richards
I met Brian Richards three years ago. He was working at Massasoit Community College, and they were having their first annual Dale Dorman Media Day. I was working to break into voice over acting and podcasting.
Brian was a flurry of activity but one thing stuck out the moment I saw him. He was wearing an Army Veteran hat. I introduced myself and we talked for a few minutes, then he was a blur again!
I saw him the next year and he asked how I was doing. I told him I had 60+ podcasts recorded and was looking for more. I joked that he never quits moving on Dale Dorman days and he told me he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The 3rd Dale Dorman Day happened in April this year and we talked about having him come on Oscar Mike Radio. Brian told me about his Gen X Flashback show at Massasoit and finally we got together and talked on November 12th, 2018.
I asked Brian questions about starting a media career. I meet a lot of Veterans who want to get into YouTube, Instagram or podcasting. They get frustrated when things don’t work out they way they envisioned. Brian emphasized that it takes time and practice to perfect the craft. One needs training, coaching and equipment to succeed. If one can’t get training or coaching then be prepared to learn by trial and error.
Speaking of trial and error, I had been working doing more live work in front of a camera. I wanted to live cast this using Open Broadcast Studio and then use the audio for a podcast.
Facebook Live simply would not recognize my web cam. Brian was cool the entire time, I went through all my options and while we started late, I felt the video (Episode 121 LiveCast) turned out well despite the technical snafus.
Brian is a great example of a Veteran who re-invented himself after getting out of the military. Working with others to help them realize their career aspirations in media and content creation means his influence will be felt far and wide for a long time. I enjoyed my time with him, and now it is my turn to be interviewed by him. Thanks for your time brother, I hope to learn a lot from you.
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Jackson Blue and Brian Richards
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by Travis Partington | Oct 26, 2018 | Podcast
Question of the Week
How was the 22Kill Boston Casino night? I had a lot of fun getting to see familiar faces and meet new people. 22 Kill was at the Emerald Club in Abington, MA doing a fundraiser.
I am hoping that 22Kill Boston does more events. The whole tribe concept is very appealing to me. A group of people who are bound together is a powerful force.
Speaking of people, a listener was at the event and it was good talking about their story. They may be coming on the Oscar Mike Radio very soon. It is important to socialize and connect with each other. It is the only way to cover each other’s 6.
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WWI Series Part 4 – Eye Deep in Hell
I got the book Eye Deep in Hell from a friend of mine. Again, I thought I had a pretty good idea about how World War One was fought. To my disappointment I discovered again that my knowledge was elementary at best. John Ellis takes the reader through everything about Trench Warfare.
There is no whitewashing of the situation in this book. John lays out the history and methodology behind trench warfare. He then goes into the soldier’s lives doing this kind of warfare. I thought I had hard times serving in the desert, but nothing I experienced comes close to what these men did.
Lice, rats and standing twelve hours or more in icy waist deep mud was all in a normal day for the Doughboys. More men were injured from gangrene than anything else. It was a war of attrition that ground soldiers on all sides into nothing. This was a difficult book to read. However, it is just the kind of book that we all should read, especially high and college kids. You can get Eye Deep in Hell from Amazon for $25.00. I consider this a must read. Like I have said before, I could a year of podcasts on World War One and not even scratch the surface. I hope you enjoyed these. I learned just how little I know. OMR out.
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Time Question
My podcast is targeted for 30 minutes air time. Some people are asking for 60 minutes. That raises all kinds of questions, and I would like to know what you think.
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by Travis Partington | Oct 11, 2018 | Podcast
Episode 116 – WWI Series Part 2: Indian Army
About a year ago I started studying different aspects of World War One. Over one million Indians served the British in World War One.
Come to find out, I haven’t even scratched this surface on India’s involvement in World War One and World War Two. I like to think of myself as fair military historian. I am not expert by any means, but I used to consider myself pretty knowledgeable. My knowledge about World War One and India’s involvement was woefully inadequate.
In the mid 1700s Britain began expanding and grabbing territory in India. It took almost 200 years for India to regain its independence as a country. Britain declared war on Germany on behalf of India, and so started road to independence won by blood.
Great Britain desperately needed troops to help with the war effort. Indian units served in Africa on the Western Front and other places. The Indians, comprised of Gurkas, Sikhs, Bengalis, and Punjabs were fearsome fighters. One such example was Khudadad Khan. He was the first Southeast Asian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery. (Story of Khudadad Khan) He was a machine gunner who manned a machine gun even while his fellow soldiers were killed and the gun was rendered inoperable by German forces.
I began talking my Indian colleagues at work about World War One. I discovered that they were extremely proud of their grandfather’s and great grandfather’s service. The pride in their eyes as they talked about how their service and sacrifice helped restore India as an independent country was something I don’t see a lot anymore.
There is so much to learn about our history and World War One. I realize I have a lot to learn. However, taking the time to dig into this really put things into perspective. I hope that we never forget what these brave soldiers did for their country.
YouTube Video about India in World War One
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naiAc9xorFk[/embedyt]
2018 Leave No One Behind Gala
I wanted to bring some attention to a great organization in Boston – New England Center and Home for Veterans. Check out their 16th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala here –> 16th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala
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