I got an email from listener about The Moving Wall. This monument is half the size of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. There was an oppurtunity to talk with Veterans in Attleboro, MA about how this exhibit is coming to Attleboro, MA.
The Attleboro Veterans Service Officer, Ken Badertscher, along with two Vietnam Veterans came to Attleboro VFW Post 115 to talk with me about their experiences and what The Moving Wall meant to them.
As we began talking it became clear that the Vietnam War was still fresh on their minds. Both Vietnam War Veterans said that they had been healing even after all these years.. The Moving Wall shows them they are not forgotten.
And that is really the core issue with many Vietnam Veterans. For a long time, America forgot about them. America did not honor their service. These Vietnam Veterans who are alive today and are reminded of that fact. However, they are hopeful because of events like The Moving Wall. Seeing the entire city of Attleboro come together to bring this event to the region means that younger generations want to ensure stories are told. The sacrifices and ones lost will be remembered as those who answered the call, or in the case of the Vietnam War, those who didn’t have a choice to serve.
I will be going to this event, and I am looking forward to talking with these Veterans again. You all are not forgotten.
The article was about Scott Lobaido. He is an artist, and his mission to raise awareness and advocacy for PTSD. I liked that an artist wanted to do this. Since it was in Weymouth, MA there was no reason not to go.
I went the first night and talked briefly with Scott and Secretary of Veterans Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Francisco Urena. Scott asked me to come back the following night to talk with him more.
Talk with people and Scott
The next night was windy in a way that made recording any audio a real test. There was a guy on a Harley – Davidson Sportster named Anthony. He told me that the VA could have done more for his brother.
I never realized what it does to mother to have her child serve. Conversations like I had with Jacquelyn make me stop and consider the cost of PTSD. It is not the soldier who bears this alone. Family can be asked to pay a heavy price as well.
Scott was gracious to give me some time, and we talked about his work. His art is about conveying a feeling of pride in being an American and loving our great nation. You need to go to his website (http://scottlobaido.com/gallery/) and check out his work. Which piece is your favorite?
The last person I spoke with was Conor Sullivan. Conor is an Air Force Veteran. 19 months ago he got a heart transplant. Two weeks ago, he ran the Boston Marathon. Aim High indeed, well done Brother. Conor is a member of the Veterans Brotherhood Motorcycle Club. It was good seeing these guys at the exhibit.
Scott proves that anyone can do any thing to make change where they are. I won’t look at artists the same way ever again. Thanks Scott.
Scott brings his vision to light allowing us to understand the scope of loss.
I read the story about the defacement of a WWII Monument in South Boston, and got mad. Really mad. This podcast was to express my frustation with this cowardly act.
The men and women who served in WWII, answered to call to defend our country from people who were trying to destroy us. They deserve better than this disrespect.
I am going to go to the monument this weekend. It is my desire to see the ones who did this brought to justice. Nothing more to say.
I have known Mark Tyo for a long time. Mark has seen me at my worst and my best. I consider him more than just a friend. He is my brother. About 10 years ago, he told me he was going to join the Army. He wanted to take his skills as a nurse and work with a patient population that he considers the best in the world. These patients are servicemembers in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Mark joined the U.S. Army Reserves as an officer. He was assigned to the 402 Forward Service Team. Check out this article that goes into more depth with Captain Tyo’s unit. US Army Article about 402nd Forward Surgical Team
In movies, books and other places the Military Medical doesn’t get a lot of attention. It was interesting to hear Mark talk about the differences and similarities of practicing medicine in the civilian and military hospitals.
Talking with Mark was an honor. He has supported Oscar Mike Radio since day one. I thought back to when he started this journey that many people thought he was nuts for doing this at an age when most guys think doing the back nine after lunch is a major accomplishment.
I didn’t have any way to quantify what Mark has done in the Army for this podcast. There is no way to share with you how many lives he saved or helped save. All I know for sure is he was there when someone needed him. Captain Tyo was there for his team even when it didn’t matter. Last but not least, sure as sure, he has been there for me. Love you brother.
Mugzy Brady – Can’t Stop Us
You can listen to “Can’t Stop Us” by Mugzy Brady. He is a rapper and hip hop artist from Australia. Mugzy was on #128. I am dropping his track, “Can’t Stop Us”, at the end of this podcast. Go to https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMugzy/
Oscar Mike Radio
Go to the Oscar Mike Radio to check out other podcasts.
It is kind of funny it has been a year since I did a part of my military story. I will tell anyone that in the larger scheme of things my Marine Corps time was brief and unremarkable. However, this is my story and I like being able to tell it. You can get caught up by listening to Part 6 below.
You can listen to “Can’t Stop Us” by Mugzy Brady. He is a rapper and hip hop artist from Australia. Mugzy was on #128. I am dropping his track, “Can’t Stop Us”, at the end of this podcast. Go to https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMugzy/
