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.
Kit can mean many things in the military. You have mess kit, med kit, your “kit” which in the U.S. Military means your issue. There is now, courtesy of Tough Wellness, a Soldier’s Kit.
Becky was on Oscar Mike Radio for #125, and I quickly discovered that I could not discuss all the aspects of essential oils with her on one podcast.
I asked Becky about the need for the Soldier’s Kit. Becky said the she and her husband Jim saw a need among soldiers who were dealing with a wide variety of emotions from anger, to stress, and sadness. Becky and Jim created this kit as a way to offer more natural approach to dealing with their emotions in conjunction with other coping tools like prayer, meditation, and therapy.
Becky has told me from day one that essential oils are not the silver bullet to all one’s problems. She is very clear that wellness means that someone has to look at things like diet, exercise, prayer and meditation to take care of the whole person.
Each oil in the kit address a different need and can be used together or separately. One of the key things Becky emphasized was buying quality oils. Young Living Essential Oils produce a quality oil with no added fillers or chemicals. So while you pay a bit more, you don’t have worry that you are using snake oil. (Pun intended).
So I am waiting for my Thieves Household cleaner to arrive. When it does, I will do a livecast review of how it compares to Windex. I have read that many people like it. If this works, out I will start using more products like this. Stay tuned!
125 – Army Veteran Becky Tough – Essential Oils & Toxin Free Living
I am always looking to learn how to live better. Most interesting are ways to introduce natural products into my daily life. Becky Tough served in the Army as a Medic. She told me what her favorite thing do in the Army was, and I got real nervous. Good thing she switched to wellness and healthy living, whew!
Becky has studied, researched and now uses essential oils as part of her journey toward complete wellness. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, and more and more people use these oils in their daily lives.
Like others I have had on Oscar Mike Radio, Becky had to re-invent herself after separating from active duty service. As time and life went on she discovered that wellness for herself and family was a calling for her.
She started working with Young Living Products. You can find out more by going to her Facebook Page – Becky and Jim’s Young Living Essential Oils – These are high quality oils with all natural ingredients. Becky sent me a goody bag of samples and I am going to give this a go. If I can feel better with some of this stuff, why not?
The second mission focus for Becky is what she calls, “Toxin-Free Living“. This is where she can tell you how to reduce or altogether eliminate cleaning products that have harsh chemicals in the ingredients. I had an eye brow raised, I am not going to kid around with this. I still remember Gunny’s saying about Simple Green. “If it doesn’t smell green, then it is not clean Marine!” Those words will echo every time I clean my house. These products are all natural and it makes sense to try and switch.
As we talked, it became clear that this was not all about the money for Becky. She really wants you to consider using these products so you can have a better, healthier life. Again go to Becky’s Facebook Page to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/Toughwellness . I love it when Veterans make something different out of themselves, that still allows them to serve, but also enrich their own life. Keep being Tough Becky!
LiveCast at Veteran Owned Veteran Operated – 12/09/18
VIcki Smith – Fitts talks with me about the documentary 21 Years a Folded Flag.
Owned. What does that mean? Business owners know about the word owned. It has been a good thing to talk with so many Veterans who are business owners. Many times that ownership is dealing with problems that customers never know about, all to take care of family and provide for the future.
I met Jonathan Gosselin recently at a 22Kill Event in Abington, MA. We had done business in early 2018, but never met face to face. We started talking about the OMR brand and my goals for 2019 when he hit me with an idea. I could come to his store and livecast from VOVO INC (https://vovoprints.com/). So we did a livecast as couple of weeks ago and it went great. Jonathan aske me to come back on Sunday December 9th to talk with other Veterans and people who support us.
Setting up is a cinch now and it gave me a chance to talk with Jonathan about what he is doing. He has given me some great ideas for promoting Oscar Mike Radio, and we got some laughs from the last livecast I did.
The question was asked about my feelings. Was I nervous? Did I think this was going to be difficult? I was a little bit nervous and then once the cast went live I was ok. I didn’t really think about anything other than listening to guests and talking about why we were all here on Sunday.
Jonathan didn’t really talk a lot on this livecast, and there was a reason for that. He wanted people to get one on one with me to talk about what had worked for them during hard times and how they used what they learned to meet their goals. In that regard, this livecast was a great success. You can watch the video below and let me know what you think. Go to Facebook, Like and Follow VOVO INC and Oscar Mike Radio.
Veterans, you are not alone. We need to own our success and keep building on what we have no matter the obstacle.
What can I get people for Christmas that is military and unique and cool at the same time? I am reading a book by US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills about what happened after he sustained quadruple amputee injuries while in Afghanistan. I am going to do a book review podcast because the story is a must read. I found it uplifting. Calling highly paid athletes tough does not work for me after reading his story. You can get Tough as They Come on Amazon for $12.00.
If you are looking for a custom apparel gift or something cool for your favorite veteran or military supporter then look no further than Veteran Owned Veteran Operated. Army/Navy Veteran (Yes, that is right) Jonathan Gosselin can either make or has something that will be perfect for your favorite motivator. Veteran Owned Veteran Operated is located at 1540 Bedford Street Abington, MA. Go to https://vovoprints.com/ to see what John can do for you. Your gift giving, Santa, Sweet Baby Jesus worries are over.
The question I was asked after two US Army Green Berets and one US Air Force Paratrooper were killed is, “Why is the U.S. still in Afghanistan? The short answer is because fighting an enemy on their turf and imposing our will in their backyard is easier and less costly in the long run than doing it here. The Taliban want to raise generations of fighters who will be able to conduct terrorists attacks here on American soil. This must not be allowed to happen, and I understand and support this mission. I would say that we need to understand how this is being done and if we are making true progress in eliminating the Taliban in Afghanistan. Otherwise, we are going to keep seeing images like the one on the left. Rest in peace brothers.
It is hard for me to think about an 18 years old kid learning to fly combat missions. President Bush did just that and at 19 was shot down doing a bombing run. One of my favorite memories was watching the President Skydive at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground. President Bush was the last combat veteran to serve our country. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bush family during this time of loss.
I will be at Veteran Owned Veteran Operated Sunday, December 9th from 4-7. Jonathan Gosselin will be finishing up his clothes drive for homeless Veterans. Come on by and say hello on the Livecast. Veteran Owned Veteran Operated is located at 1540 Bedford Street Abington, MA. https://vovoprints.com/
I am always looking to learn how to live better. Most interesting are ways to introduce natural products into my daily life. Becky Tough served in the Army as a Medic. She told me what her favorite thing do in the Army was, and I got real nervous. Good thing she switched to wellness and healthy living, whew!
What can I get people for Christmas that is military and unique and cool at the same time? I am reading a book by US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills about what happened after he sustained quadruple amputee injuries while in Afghanistan. I am going to do a book review podcast because the story is a must read. I found it uplifting. Calling highly paid athletes tough does not work for me after reading his story. You can get Tough as They Come on Amazon for $12.00.
then look no further than Veteran Owned Veteran Operated. Army/Navy Veteran (Yes, that is right) Jonathan Gosselin can either make or has something that will be perfect for your favorite motivator. 
The question I was asked after two US Army Green Berets and one US Air Force Paratrooper were killed is, “Why is the U.S. still in Afghanistan? The short answer is because fighting an enemy on their turf and imposing our will in their backyard is easier and less costly in the long run than doing it here. The Taliban want to raise generations of fighters who will be able to conduct terrorists attacks here on American soil. This must not be allowed to happen, and I understand and support this mission. I would say that we need to understand how this is being done and if we are making true progress in eliminating the Taliban in Afghanistan. Otherwise, we are going to keep seeing images like the one on the left. Rest in peace brothers.
