Episode 44 – My First Rant about Stolen Valor

Episode 44 – My First Rant about Stolen Valor

Question of the Week

 

Camo Pattern I wore in the Marine Corps. Yep, I am old;)

The question of the week came from one of my kid’s friends. “Did you like your Camo Uniform.” As a matter of fact, I did. We were tough on our cammies, and I never had a complaint. All I had to do was wash in cold water, spray my starch solution, then iron to make them look good. They weren’t worth anything for concealment in the desert, but in the woods I was almost invisible.

I know there are many different kinds of patterns available now as technology and fabric improve, but these still got the job done. I guess what I am saying is I have no complaints…… Is that a good thing?

 

 

The Word – Stolen Valor

Credit – https://tribwtic.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/stolen-valor.png

I am tired of seeing photos like this one on my left. This sorry excuse for a man dressed up as something he is not. This is an example of Stolen Valor. I wanted to give my view of this since I see no way to defend this. Good Americans have gotten maimed, wounded or killed in service to our country so I take this personally when I see people of all kinds doing this.

You have every right to want to make sure that someone in uniform is who they say they are. A great website to do this is Stolen Valor.com – Stolen Valor Website They clearly state that they are not law enforcement but can guide you through the process of searching for someone’s records.

Long story short, is if I think you are a fraud and confirm as much, I will call you out. A liar can’t hide on the internet anymore and I will be motivated to see you get what is coming to you. People earned the right and privilege to wear the uniform. Don’t feel bad questioning a story if it sounds too good to be true.

The Complaint Department

POG and GRUNT could not complain about anything Mason Crosslin from Justice for Huey said last week in Episode 43. While what happened to Huey was terrible, Justice for Huey has been able to take action and educate others about service animals. Mason and Heidi from Justice for Huey have taken something that they battle everyday and turned it into a rallying cry for those without hope. More to follow on this story.

Shout Out

My Shout Out goes to the New England Center for Home and Center for Veterans. They had the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the renovation of their building and it was something to see. The project was completed on time and under budget and they did not shut down for one day. No Veteran missed out on services while the construction as underway. I know that the New England Center and Home for Veterans will continue to provide the best services to all Veterans who come through the front door.

Sweats for Vets – 2016 Fundraising Summary

Sweats for Vets – 2016 Fundraising Summary

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!

Sweats for Vets – 2016 Fundraising Summary

OMR Episode 18: Mark Vital Founder of Sweats4Vets

I had the pleasure of speaking to Mark Vital who is the founder of Sweats 4 Vets.  This is a great story as you will hear. Last year Mark collected over 900 sweatshirts, this year he is looking to collect 1000 – 1100 New England Sports Themed Sweatshirts for Homeless Veterans.

This is a great story, and why I do Oscar Mike Radio. I like that Mark saw an opportunity to give a Homeless Veteran’s some comfort. I am a New Orleans Saints fan, and I could not imagine wearing a Patriots or Cowboys jersey. I would wear one if I was homeless to stay warm, but I would feel the same as the Veteran that Mark first talked to about his sweatshirt.

I am going to help Mark get the word out. I would ask anyone to go to the site and see how you can help. I will be posting updates until the end of the year and I hope Mark crushes his goal.

Lets see if we can all help Mark do this.

Click here to go to Sweats4Vets

 

A table full of sweatshirtx

A table full of sweatshirtx

OMR Episode 16: November Veterans Events

OMR Episode 16: November Veterans Events

I consider November Veterans Month. There is Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday. I wanted to highlight some events that are happening in this area and nationwide.

There is no question of the week, or anything from The POG & GRUNT Complaint Department. This week is all about Veterans Events for the month of November.

 

Guardian Overwatch – North Carolina Military Appreciation Concert

Veteran Appreciation Concert - November 10th Fort Bragg, NC

Veteran Appreciation Concert – November 10th Fort Bragg, NC

Episode 5 – Guardian Overwatch (Click on the link to check it out) was about Guardian Overwatch. Guardian Overwatch helps and supports active duty military and veterans. I got to know Brandon and his team when they helped a family in Texas.

November 10th, 2016 Guardian Overwatch will be putting on a rock concert at Fort Bragg, NC. You can get more details at the Guardian Overwatch NC Facebook Page. This kind of event is important because volunteers put it on and all proceeds allow Guardian Overwatch to stay on mission.

22Kill Benefit Night

Saturday, November 19 at 9 PM - 12 AM at the CabbyShack

Saturday, November 19 at 9 PM – 12 AM at the CabbyShack

I learned about 22Kill.com from a fellow MA Patriot Guard Rider. 22KILL is a global movement bridging the gap between veterans and civilians to build a community of support and empowerment. This event will be held Saturday, November 19th 9 PM-12AM at the CabbyShack in Plymouth, MA 02360.

Please come out and show your support and help raise awareness. They will be having raffle and local band Shattered-Rocks New England will be performing.

Pets for Vets Boston Chapter – Yappy Hour

Yappy Hour - Nov 11th@ Night Shift Brewing in Everett.

Yappy Hour – Nov 11th@ Night Shift Brewing in Everett.

One of my colleagues works with Pets for Vets. They provide pets as therapy animals for veterans. They have chapters nationwide.

Pets for Vets Boston MA is excited to have our first event! We will be hosting a Yappy Hour to celebrate Veteran’s Day!
Please join us on Nov 11 from 4-8pm @ Night Shift Brewing in Everett. Bring your family & friends (furry ones included!) and join us.
For more details, please visit our Pets for Vets Boston – Facebook Page.

Comedy for a Cause – Benefit for Homes for Our Troops

Homes for Troops - November 17th Knights of Columbus Pembroke, MA.

Homes for Troops – November 17th Knights of Columbus Pembroke, MA.

The event is called Comedy for a Cause for Homes for Our Troops. (Comedy for a Cause  A Benefit for Homes for our Troops)  The event is on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 48 Schoosett St., Pembroke, MA. Tickets cost $25.00.  Cash bar is available and you can bring your own food.  There is no reserved seating. In addition to the comedy show, you can honor a veteran in your life by purchasing a blue or gold star that will be displayed at the event.

Old Colony YMCA – Free Admission for Veterans November 6th -12th

Vets are free Nov 6-12

Vets are free Nov 6-12

VETERANS ARE FREE NOVEMBER 6TH – 12TH
With heartfelt thanks and gratitude on Veteran’s day and everyday, Old Colony Y would like to extend an invitation to active, reservist & veteran members of our armed services and their families to use our YMCA facility free, November 6th – 12th.
Stop by our WELCOME CENTER to learn more!
14th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala - Seaport World Trade Center - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

14th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala – Seaport World Trade Center – Wednesday, November 2, 2016

2016 New England Center and Home for Veterans – 2016 Leave No One Behind Website

For the past 13 years Leave No One Behind has been the signature fundraising event to support the many programs and services at the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV). We anticipate more than 700 guests in attendance. All proceeds will benefit NECHV’s capital needs, clinical support services, and the onsite Veterans Training School.

Please join us on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 to help provide support to the nation’s leading provider of services to Veterans in need. This is also an evening to honor and appreciate the military service and sacrifice of those who serve and have served.