I continue my military story with #184 which is about swim qualification in the Marine Corps. Knowing how to swim is kind of important for any Marine. Also, one can’t graduate boot without passing a basic water qualification. I am not the best swimmer and treading water for four minutes seemed like an eternity. I just had to make slow, easy movements and keep breathing. Sounds simple enough, but panic is a laughing bastard when I let it take over my mind. If you are planning on joining the Marine Corps take some swimming lessons. It is only a week out of boot camp, but like range an important part of being a Green Amphibious Monster.
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During his service, Conor discovered that there was a serious issue with his heart and he would need a transplant. After his transplant, Conor had a goal to run a marathon. Earlier this year Conor completed the Boston Marathon becoming one of few heart transplant recipients to do accomplish this feat.
Not satisfied with a 26.2 marathon, Conor started training for ultra marathons. Most ultra marathons are over 31 miles, so it is was impressive that Conor wanted train and compete.
I met Conor at Article XV Brewery (https://articlefifteenbrewing.com/) in Weymouth, MA. Conor was doing a fund raiser for the Travis Mills Foundation. Conor had met Travis and it was great getting to hear about his experience and meet Conor’s family.
Watch this space for more updates on Conor’s goals. As of this writing, he succeeded in running an ultra marathon. Watching Conor, take something that changed his life and turn into a positive force for good is simply amazing. Especially since I do not like to run at all! Proud of you Conor!
You can watch the interview on YouTube. Please like and subscribe! Conor Completing his Ultra Marathon
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Thanks to my sponsors Joyce Asack and Mark Holmes for supporting Veterans!
If you have been watching the videos, you will notice that there have been changes to the logo. This is due to the work of Marine Veteran Mike Damon. Mike is the founder of Vet Unite – https://www.facebook.com/VetUnite/. He also owns and operates Last Call Designs. https://www.facebook.com/bvsigns/. I trusted Mike with Oscar Mike Radio, you can trust him too!
It has been as while so I wanted to to tell another part of my time in the military. The Gas Chamber to me was the worst part of boot camp.. Don’t know why I feel that way I just do.
Look at these upcoming events below. Make sure you like and follow Oscar Mike Radio and these orgs.
Check out Frost Call this org setups up VA Game Night for Veterans. They have an event Friday, September 27th at the Jamaica Plain VA.
Heidrea For Heroes is having their 2nd Annual Harvest Day Brunch on October 12, 10 AM – 3 PM. The event is at Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 1077 Pond St, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038.
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Thanks to my sponsors Joyce Asack and Mark Holmes for supporting Veterans!
I went to the 2019 Greater Boston Stand Down put on by the New England Center and Home for Veterans. I met some nurses from the Greater VA Medical Center and they started getting me right. Good stuff.
The Nurses Got Me!
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Thanks to my sponsors Joyce Asack and Mark Holmes for supporting Veterans!
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.
