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 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.
Bill reached out to me on Facebook Messenger about coming on Oscar Mike Radio. He asked me if I would come out and talk to him at his headquarters in Worcester, MA. I headed up on cold morning in February and found the office pretty easily.
I met Bill and said introduced myself. The first thing that stood out were all the coats and toys in his office. He explained that they were a donation from UNUM Insurance Company https://www.unum.com/ and would be given to children of Veterans in need.
Bill got a laugh out of me with some good natured ribbing about me being a Marine. I had learned about Bill’s Air Force Career and gained a massive amount of respect for what he did when he served.
We moved the conversation to how Bill got Project New Hope off the ground. There is this desire that Bill has to serve and be of service. Meeting the other volunteers who popped in and out to work the mission was one of the highlights of the day.
There is also a Project New Hope Office in Westfield, MA. By car is it 60 miles one way to Westfield. That is a lot of ground to cover for any non profit organization. Bill and his team are committed to Veterans and I was glad to make the trip to meet everyone. A big shout out to BOSE for supplying headphones to troops. Thanks for my pair Bill, they sounded great!
500. 500 times 22 equals 11,000. Jim Tough actually does 25 per day because he gives a pushup to the Infantry, the Airborne Ranger in the Sky, and all other military. So Jim has actually done 12,500 pushups over the course of 500 days.
I want you all to watch Jim’s Day 500 video here (Like and Subscribe while you are at it!). What really stood out is how Jim articulated the scope of the problem of Veteran’s Suicide. He described what was lost as a result in a way that few people understand.
I believe is Jim’s desire that one day he will not have to do pushups. Wouldn’t that be great? The need to talk about someone killing themselves will no longer be a priority. I want to be there when that day happens. Jim talks about some of his battles with PTSD. This is honest talk where Jim does not hold back on what is needed to step away from the abyss.
I thought about how much effort it takes to provide an insightful message and 22 – 25 pushups over the course of 18 months. Creating any kind of content and sustaining the necessary energy to do so is impressive. What is more impressive in the Day 500 video, Jim doesn’t make it about him doing the pushups.
Usually, it would be good for one of these types of situations and podcasts to talk about a bright future after an amazing accomplishment that someone like Jim did. The future will be bright when Jim doesn’t need to do anymore pushups. However, as long as he is able, Jim will be telling us to stay in our fight and don’t quit.
You can listen to “My Journey” by Mugzy Brady. He is a rapper and hip hop artist from Australia. Mugzy was on #128. I am dropping his track, “My Journey”, at the end of this podcast. Go to https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMugzy/
