Episode 104 – The Wall that Heals

Episode 104 – The Wall that Heals

Episode 104 – The Wall that Heals

Dennis Donahue Riding

“Travis, get with Dennis Donahue, he escorted the Vietnam Wall that Heals to Weymouth.” Sometimes it goes just like that with my producer Keith Hayes aka Sinista1;) I knew the mobile Vietnam Veterans Wall was coming the Union Point, or what is locally known as South Weymouth Naval Air Station. I had already set Episode 103, so if I followed the schedule this podcast would have come out long after The Wall that Heals left Weymouth, MA. This was a problem because it could 10 or more years before this Wall came back. So Episode 103 and 104 dropped on the same day. The Wall that Heals is a mobile scaled down version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. and Dennis was part of a motorcycle escort from Canton, MA to Union Point in South Weymouth, MA.

Dennis served over two decades in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Iraq and when he got out of the Army he had to adjust to civilian life. He missed the brotherhood and camaraderie of being in the Army and felt alone.

Around that time, Dennis got with the VA and 22Kill Boston to help him deal with his PTSD.  He got help and started feeling better, and he was around people who cared about him. One of the ways Dennis gives back now is riding with the Patriot Guard Riders. The Patriot Guard Riders is an organization that does escorts, honor guard and funeral ceremonies for Veterans. We talked about how families and people in the community appreciate seeing the Patriot Guard Riders.

We both want everyone to go to The Wall That Heals while it is here. It is open 24 hours a day right now until Sunday, July 29th. I can’t wait to ride with Dennis and it is amazing how something like a motorcycle can help someone help someone else. Thank you for your service.


The Wall That Heals

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica & Mobile Education Center

Visits Union Point (South Weymouth Naval Air Stations) – Weymouth, MA

Wednesday, July 25th – Sunday, July 29th, 2018

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

 

 

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.