At Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery – Agawam, MA.
I have lived in Massachusetts for a while. Well, a long while at this point. I am still surprised when fellow Veterans tell me they don’t know their Veterans Service Officer. Massachusetts has taken many steps to ensure Veterans have access to services and benefits. One of the ways this is accomplished is via the Veterans Service Officer. The person in charge of VSOs as they are called is the Secretary of Veterans Services. It was an honor to speak with the current Secretary of Veterans Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Francisco Urena.
This was a great oppurtunity to get information that Veterans can use from the person who is in charge of taking care of us. Secretary Urena went through what VSOs and his office do to address Veteran’s needs in Massachusetts.
We also talked about a recent event where the Town of Weymouth worked with their VSO and Department of Veterans Services. The event was Scott Lobaido’s sculpture to raise awareness about PTS and Veteran’s Suicide. This was an example of a lot of people coming together to present this impactful sculpture to across the entire state of Massachusetts.
I wanted to get Secretary Urena’s perspective on Veteran’s Non-Profits. There is always a concern of how effective an organization can be when there are so many who are working in the same space. Secretary Urena said that resources are not the problem in Massachusetts. The issue is connecting Veterans to those organizations and resources that can provide assistance.
Whether it is an organization or individual looking to help Veterans, the Department of Veterans Services exists to ensure all Veterans in Massachusetts have a “hand up” when needed. Every Veteran in Massachusetts has an advocate where they reside to assist. We are not alone.
I want to say thank you to Secretary Urena and his staff for working to make this interview happen. I learned a lot and gained a better appreciation for how Veterans are served in Massachusetts. Semper Fidelis
What is this craft called? Listen to find out!
Thanks to my sponsor Joyce Asack for supporting Veterans!
I got an email from Moni Jefferson (https://www.monijeffersonpr.com/) about Ashley Bugge. Moni does PR work and has a whole part of her business focused on the military. As I read the email, I realized I had heard the name before. Last year her husband, Brian Bugge, died in a scuba diving accident. Moni asked me to reach out and see if Ashley would come on Oscar Mike Radio.
Ashley and I connected, and set a time to record. I asked her about her husband and what his Navy career meant to her. It was clear they were in love and having a family was important to them.
She went to describe the accident, and how in just a little over a year life completely changed. However, I didn’t hear any complaining or regrets when Ashley was talking about what happened. Instead she talked about the idea of “No Bucket Lists”.
No Bucket Lists, means living life to the fullest every day. Ashley and Brian believed the life is a gift to be treasured. They wanted their children to be a part of what they were doing so no one was left out or behind. Living life this way didn’t allow for regrets. I believe that came across clearly when talking with Ashley. Yes, a terrible accident struck the Bugge family, but Ashley believes that finding a way to move forward would be what Brian would want. As terrible as this was, her message of resilience and perseverance can speak to all of us.
Find out More
Go to https://www.ashleybugge.com/ to find out more about the Bugge’s story. Ashley is writing a book about her family’s story. I want to say thanks again to Moni Jefferson for making the connection. I am looking forward to talking with Ashley again.
This podcast is dedicated to the memory and service of Navy Ensign Brian Bugge
Thanks to my sponsor Joyce Asack for supporting Veterans!
Some people have asked me what “Oscar Mike” actually means for me. I wanted to share a bit about what that means at certain times. Here we go.
Braintree Rotary Golf Tournament
It was my pleasure to support the Braintree Rotary by doing a LiveCast at their Annual Golf Tournament. “Service above Self”, was said by everyone I talked with during the livecast. I feel that Veterans could benefit by participating or joining the Rotary. You can find out more about the Braintree Rotary by visiting their website – https://braintreerotaryclub.org/
69th New England Irregulars Summer Kick Off
I talked to Scott Libby in New Hampshire for Episode 97 – https://whoobazoo.com/oscarmike/2018/06/14/episode-97-new-england-69th-irregulars1/ – Getting to see the 69th take off with Cookout was amazing if you had seen all the work Scott has done behind the scenes. This is just the first of many events and it was so good to see the Veterans having a good time.
Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes 10th Anniversary Gala
10 years of being in existence is a major accomplishment for any non-profit. Julie Lovely has been working in equestrian therapy and it was amazing to see the demonstration conducted by one of the Veterans she works with. Happy for Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes.
Thanks to my sponsor Joyce Asack for supporting Veterans!
I had met Conor Sullivan during the Livecast at Jonathan Gosselin’s place of business, Veteran Owned Veteran Operated in December 2018. Sitting there talking live with everyone was going great when I was told to talk to this guy with a big smile.
Conor introduced himself as an Air Force Veteran, but the big surprise was was when he told me he had a heart transplant!
The story really went into overdrive when we started talking about training for the Boston Marathon. As a way to give back and celebrate life, Conor wanted to run the Boston Marathon with his new heart.
I started watching Conor prepare for the Marathon and couldn’t believe it when he posted an awesome time. This Air Force Veteran is a Savage!
Conor and I ran into each other at Scott Lobaido’s sculpture for PTSD in Weymouth, MA. It was just a week after the Marathon and I asked him if he would come on Oscar Mike Radio.
We met at parking lot in Braintree, MA. Conor is a member of the Veterans Brotherhood Motorcycle Club. He rode up on his Harley – Davidson and we started talking.
Listening to his story, I noticed that there never a time where he felt sorry for himself. He talked about how he went into the Air Force to work on C-130s. His health started to deteriorate at his duty station and he found out he would need a heart transplant. I learned a lot about the process.
To me it is what Conor has done after the heart transplant that makes this story special. He is a husband and father. He has run the Boston Marathon, and is training for the Marine Corps Marathon. As a member of the Veterans Brotherhood Motorcycle Club, he has found his tribe and a way to serve his fellow Veterans.
Thanks for taking the time to talk with me Conor. Rubber down
Conor is a member of the Veterans Brotherhood Motorcyle Club
Conor is running the New England Center & Home for Veterans – Marine Corps Marathon – We want you to JOIN HIM!
Contact Nicole Hand – Nicole.hand@nechv.org
Thanks to my sponsor Joyce Asack for supporting Veterans!
We are having a blast!! Come down to Reedy’s Archery and join the fun.
The Word – Armed Memorial Veterans Day
Armed Forces Day
Many events across the United States take place on Armed Forces Day to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in times of war and peace. Those who are honored on this day include people who serve the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May because of their unique training schedules.
Memorial
Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.
If you visit a grave for Memorial Day, it’s a great idea to bring flowers and other small gifts of your appreciation.
Veterans
Day
Veteran’s Day is the day we
celebrate (and say thanks to) those who previously
served in the military.
In the USA, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918.
69th New England Irregulars’ Decals
As of today, these stickers will be available today for purchase. $2 for for the 3″ or 2 for $3. $1.50 for 1.5″ or 2 for $2. All funds go back to support events for your local veterans. Helps pay for camping sites, kayak rentals and raffle prizes. Thanks for your support! – https://www.facebook.com/groups/175247576462652/
New England Center & Home for Veterans – Marine Corps Marathon
Contact Nicole Hand – Nicole.hand@nechv.org
Thanks to my sponsor Joyce Asack for supporting Veterans!
I had met Conor Sullivan during the Livecast at Jonathan Gosselin’s place of business, Veteran Owned Veteran Operated in December 2018. Sitting there talking live with everyone was going great when I was told to talk to this guy with a big smile. 
