In this powerful episode, I sit down with Thomas La Grave—a former Navy SEAL and Navy Corpsman who is now a clinical therapist—to explore a story of resilience, redemption, and service.Thomas opens up about his military background, his battle with addiction, and the turning points that led him on a path to recovery. Through raw honesty and deep insight, he shares the emotional toll of life after service and how seeking help changed everything. Today, he dedicates his life to supporting youth in recovery, using his journey to inspire others.His book, Special Welfare / Social Warfare, is a compelling look at the emotional wounds many of our nation’s youth carry and the healing possible through compassion and support.To learn more about Thomas’s work and The Honor Bound Academy — an organization committed to guiding and empowering today’s youth — visit thehonorboundacademy.org. You can also find a link there to order his book.Thank you, Thomas, for your service, vulnerability, and mission to make a difference.
This week features John Michael Ferrari, an Army veteran turned celebrated musician. John's journey from a San Francisco youth to a national recording artist embodies resilience and passion. Starting with a right-handed guitar despite being left-handed, he mirrored Elvis's iconic posture, showcasing the adaptability that marked his life, including during his military service. John was drafted into the Army unexpectedly, which led to intense training and combat experiences in Vietnam. These experiences deeply influenced his music, as seen in songs like "Dust Off," inspired by rescue helicopters. After nearly two years in Vietnam and teaching at Fort Gordon, John left the military, facing post-service challenges. Music remained his constant, leading him from cover performances in Las Vegas to creating his songs, guided by industry mentor Pepper Jay. John's music, often reflecting his military experiences, resonates with listeners for its emotional depth. Advising fellow veteran musicians, he stresses goal setting, industry knowledge, and the importance of mentorship and community, particularly in Nashville. Now an independent artist, John relishes the creative freedom and joy of music-making, from selecting songs to designing album artwork. His narrative is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and authenticity. Sharing the Vietnam Veteran’s story is not just a privilege but a profound source of inspiration. Go to https://johnmichaelferrari.com/ to learn more! Thank you, John and Pepper, for an amazing experience!
This week’s show highlighted the legacy of Japanese American World War II service members through a conversation with Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, Executive Director of the Go For Broke National Education Center. This center, founded by veterans 35 years ago, aims to preserve the history and contributions of Japanese Americans, focusing on their extraordinary service during a period of severe discrimination following the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Despite facing forced relocation to internment camps, many Japanese Americans volunteered for military service, showcasing their unwavering loyalty and honor to the United States. Dr. Maki emphasized the soldiers' resilience, especially the "little men of iron" of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, whose heroic efforts in Europe are legendary. They played key roles in breaking the Gothic Line, rescuing the Lost Battalion in France, and were recognized as the most highly decorated unit for their size in U.S. military history, earning 21 Medals of Honor. Beyond combat, these soldiers contributed significantly as interpreters, translators, and intelligence officers in the Pacific, helping shorten the war and save lives. Their post-war efforts in Japan and leadership roles in Hawaii further exemplify their impact. Despite their contributions, returning soldiers faced racism and prejudice, but remained determined to rebuild their lives and communities. Advocacy efforts eventually led to the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which apologized and provided reparations for the internment. The "Go For Broke" mentality, a commitment to give one's all despite adversity, encapsulates the spirit of these service members. The Go For Broke National Education Center continues to share their stories, inspiring future generations and preserving their legacy. Dr. Maki's discussion underscores the importance of remembering these veterans' sacrifices and contributions, inviting us to explore their enduring legacy and the center's efforts to honor them. Go to https://goforbroke.org/ to learn more about these amazing Americans. Thank you, Dr. Maki, for sharing with us!
Year Eight is closing out. I didn't use video; instead, I had a graphic and some letters.I really enjoyed it. Yes, I love doing videos, but there was something about me, my microphone, and Audacity that connected me to what I was saying. I may do more of these as one-offs. I didn't have a set subject tonight. I think my question to you all is, "What do you think about breakfast for Veterans?" Going into year nine is exciting. I am still enjoying Oscar Mike Radio. Thanks for being with me. We are Mission in Flight.
NASHVILLE, TN – It’s no secret that country music artist Matt Oakley bleeds red, white and blue. It is with great pride that the “Soldier’s Son” announces his performances for the Presidential Inauguration in Washington DC at the ‘All American Inaugural Ball’ on January 18 and ‘Presidential Inaugural Ball’ on January 20. “I’m proud to be an American, and to be asked to perform during a Presidential Inaugural Ball is such an honor,” states Matt Oakley. The All American Inaugural Ball will take place on Saturday, January 18 at Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. This event will not only honor the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, but also pay tribute to American heroes. Music icon, patriot and philanthropist Lee Greenwood, best known for his patriotic anthem “Proud To Be An American”, will receive an All American Hero Award. The Presidential Inaugural Ball Presented by Oregon Republican Party CD6, The Gateway Pundit and The Joe Hoft Show will kick off at 7:00pm on Monday, January 20 at The Hamilton Live. Performers include Coffey Anderson, Brandon Hartt, Matt Oakley and more. Last year, Matt Oakley released his song “Soldier’s Son” – a tribute to his father, Retired US Army Major Philip Oakley, in addition to Gold Star Families. Showing unwavering support for our military, Oakley performed at The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, DC on October 14. Matt Oakley possesses over 2 Million streams, as well as features by CMT, CountryLineTV, Medium and more. He has also shared the stage with legends including 3 Doors Down, Big & Rich and Ted Nugent. Ahead of the Presidential Inaugural events, Oakley will be releasing his song "Fire & Water" on January 17. His debut album Outside Looking In is slated to release April 4, 2025. For more on Matt Oakley, follow @mattoakleymusic on social media. About Matt Oakley Growing up with a father in the military and an Alabama-raised mother, Matt Oakley not only embraced his upbringing with a career as a touring country artist, but is on his way to stardom. Always on the move, he has shared a stage with artists like Big & Rich, Bailey Zimmerman, 3 Doors Down and Demun Jones, and has worked in the studio alongside industry titans like David Ray Stevens (Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson) and Phil Mosley. Infusing the art of storytelling in a country blend of southern rock and pop, Oakley has amassed over 2 Million streams on Spotify alone. His latest releases “Can’t Take The Dogs” and “Single This Summer” turned heads, resulting in features by CMT, The Heartland Network and CountryLine TV, roughly 200,000 YouTube views, and Spotify Editorial support on the coveted “Fresh Finds Country” and “All New Country” playlists.
I had the honor of speaking with Marine Corps veteran Logan Spiewak, founder of the Boots to Health Foundation. As we talked, I could almost feel the presence of Chesty Puller himself, a reminder of the grit, resilience, and determination that Marines carry with them long after leaving the Corps.Logan opened up about his journey from a troubled youth to earning the title of United States Marine. His service was cut short by a medical separation, which brought its own battles with mental health. Through mentorship, faith, and sheer perseverance, Logan found a new path forward—one that led him to build an organization dedicated to serving others.The Boots to Health Foundation helps veterans strengthen their physical, cognitive, and spiritual well-being through personalized fitness and coaching programs. Logan and his team are building more than workouts—they’re building resilience, purpose, and a renewed sense of community for those who’ve worn the uniform.We discussed the foundation’s growth, the impact it’s already having on veterans, and the various ways listeners can get involved in supporting the mission.This episode serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance, brotherhood, and the importance of never giving up.To learn more and support the mission, visit https://www.bootstohealthfoundation.org/.Thank you for joining me, Logan. Semper Fidelis.
In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, host Travis interviews Eric Hummel, a submariner and Air Force veteran,about his military career and his book, The Losing Game: How to Lose War and Fail Veterans. Eric shares candid insights on the failures of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, the importance of accountability in military leadership, and the need for cultural change within the armed forces. He alsodiscusses his current work leading tours at Arlington National Cemetery, aiming to connect with and support fellow veterans. The conversation offers a sobering critique of modern warfare and its lasting impact on veterans.Go to https://www.lionsixpress.com/ to learn more. Thank you, Eric, for talking to me!
I had the opportunity to sit down with K.L. Allen of Western Governors University (WGU) for a powerful conversation about education, service, and opportunity.Growing up with parents who instilled the value of education and life skills, K.L. carried those lessons into his own military service, and now into his work supporting veterans and adult learners. He knows firsthand the challenges veterans facetransitioning to civilian life, from navigating the GI Bill to finding flexible, affordable education that truly fits their needs.In our conversation, K.L. shares how WGU’s competency-based model empowers veterans tosucceed, and we explore the role of mentorship, affordable tuition, and personalized support in breaking generational cycles and transforming lives.This Thursday, I’ll be at the WGU Elevating Impact Event in Boston to learn more about how WGU is building pathways for veterans to achieve their goals.Ready to reach your own goals? Visit wgu.edu to see how WGU can help you earn your degree.A big thank you to K.L. for joining me on this episode!
This is a different kind of conversation. I talked withSarah Johnson from Mission 22, a nonprofit dedicated to combating veteran suicide. Sarah shared the organization's origins, programs, and the importance of community support.Our conversation centered around Mission 22’s recentstruggle after their Facebook page. Their Facebook Page was hacked, resulting in significant outreach and fundraising setbacks. Sarah details the challenges of getting help from Facebook and urges listeners to support their new verifiedpage.The discussion underscores the vital role and risks ofsocial media for veteran nonprofits and calls for collective action to rebuild Mission 22’s online presence.Go to Facebook and search for Mission 22 with the red logo.There is only one for Facebook. Right now, there are about 1,300 followers as of me writing this. Let’s get behind Mission 22 and help them grow again. Mark, do the best thing and fix this. You can have the ability to help out Mission 22and other Veterans who count on this community. Go to https://mission22.org/to learn more and help out. Thank you Sara, for talking with me.
We’re closing in on Episode 500, and you won’t want to miss this milestone conversation! I sat down with Martin Shefsky, CEO of Empath Therapeutics, and ibogaine trailblazer Boaz Wachtell, strategic advisor at mPath Therapeutics.Together, we unpacked how ibogaine, a powerful, plant-based psychedelic, is making waves in PTSD and addiction treatment, especially for our veterans. We delved into Martin and Boaz’s journeys. Boaz’s experience in the Israeli Defense Forces brings a compelling reminder: we owe it to our heroes to explore every path to healing.Ready to learn more? Visit https://www.mpaththerapeutics.org and join us as we reimagine mental health care.Thanks, Martin and Boaz, for an eye-opening conversation!
This episode holds particular significance to me for many reasons. I want to thank Evocati Public Relations (https://www.evocatillc.com/), a veteran-owned firm, for facilitating my conversation with Michael “Sully” Sullivan, a U.S. Army Ret. Green Beret Colonel and Incoming Executive Director for Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB).During our discussion, Michael shared insights into his distinguished military career, the unique challenges veterans encounter during the transition to civilian life, and the vital support Team RWB offers through community engagement, physical fitness initiatives, and opportunities for social connection.Colonel Sullivan emphasized that Team RWB’s mission extends well beyond fitness; he highlighted their commitment to inclusivity, the development of an innovative health-tracking application, and a range of diverse programs that promote resilience, teamwork, and strong relationships among veterans and civilians alike.Before this conversation, I was under the impression that Team RWB focused solely on running activities. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that its scope is considerably broader.For further information or to become involved, please visit https://teamrwb.org.I extend my gratitude to Michael “Sully” Sullivan for his dedicated service and for generously sharing his experiences.
In this moving episode of Oscar Mike Radio, recorded live at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s 10th Annual Convening in Washington, D.C., I sit down with U.S. Army Veteran and caregiver Heidi Munro. Her daughter, Vanessa, an Army officer, sustained a traumatic brain injury while on active duty, a moment that changed both of their lives.Heidi opens up about navigating the complexities of military healthcare, the emotional weight of caregiving, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation community that helped carry herthrough it all. Her story highlights the unseen strength of military caregivers and underscores the urgent need for expanded resources and recognition for these unsung heroes.This episode powerfully reminds us of the resilience within military families and the importance of building systems of support.To learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit elizabethdolefoundation.org.Thank you, Heidi, for your courage and for sharing your story.IJHqEizWfzauSOYrOl8j
It really is a small world.I joined the Marine Corps from Shreveport, Louisiana — a city founded by Captain Henry Miller Shreve. So, imagine my surprise when Heather Shreve, a descendant of the Shreve family tree, reached out to me about her powerful new book, The Long Blue Shadow.Heather isn’t just connected by name — she carries a 250-year family legacy of military service. Her book tells the story of her grandfather, Arthur Shreve, a WWII POW, and her grandmother Julia’s resilience on the home front. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the often-unspoken struggles military families face.In this episode, we dive into:• The emotional impact of service on generations• Why preserving these stories matters• Heather’s creative journey as a writer, speaker, and artist• And her passion for honoring military spouses and families Check out Heather’s work and upcoming projects at www.heather-p-shreve.com. You can order, “The Long Blue Shadow” on Amazon (https://a.co/d/0CwS8oW).Thank you, Heather, for sharing your voice and your family's story.
In the 450th episode of Oscar Mike Radio, we dove into the world of rallycross racing with Kito Brielmaier and Ann Hanson, a Marine Corps veteran from the Northwest Rally Association.Kito and Ann discussed the sport's grassroots appeal, inclusivity, and supportive community. Ann shared her transition from the Marine Corps to rallycross, highlighting the camaraderie like military bonds. Kito explained the accessibility of rallycross, noting its lower entry barriers compared to other motorsports. The episode emphasizes rallycross as a welcoming space for veterans and encourages participation from diverse backgrounds, celebrating the sport's community spirit.Northwest Rally Association has their upcoming June Jamboree 2025 coming up on June 21, 2025 at Albany Motorcross in Albany, Oregon. You can go to https://www.nwrallyassociation.com/ and get in on the fun!I am looking forward to seeing Ann in action in 2026. Thank you Kito for taking with me. Semper Fidelis, Ann.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lechon Kirb at Military Creator Con 2025, where James Van Prooyen and Marah Lago invited him to speak on panels about business development and strategy.A former Marine Corps EOD Tech and Marine Security Forces veteran, Lechon’s transition out of the military wasn’t without its challenges, but he turned that transition into an opportunity to enter and thrive in the business world.In this episode, Lechon shares how his mother’s story inspired him to embrace his worth, the importance of building authentic networks, and valuable insights into pricing and communicating value in today’s marketplace.Discover more about how Lechon and his team are reshaping marketing at Presgeux Hall (https://www.presgeux.com/)Thank you for joining us and sharing your perspective, Lechon. Semper Fidelis.
It was a true honor to speak with Michael Korman, U.S. Navy Retired Seabee, on this week’s episode. Michael is being recognized at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's 10th Annual National Convening on Military and Veteran Caregiving, on May 20, 2025, for his remarkable advocacy on behalf of military and veteran caregivers.In our conversation, Michael opens up about his journey caring for his father-in-law, a Vietnam veteran affected by Agent Orange. He offers powerful insights into the challenges caregivers face, especially when navigating the VA system, and stresses the crucial role families play in supporting our nation’s heroes. His advocacy work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is both inspiring and necessary.This episode is a tribute to the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the caregivers—and a call to action for greater recognition and support for their tireless work.Learn more about these extraordinary individuals here:https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/campaigns-programs/dole-caregiver-fellowsMichael, I look forward to meeting you in person. Bravo Zulu on your continued service.Special thanks to Keith Hayes of Sinista1 Productions for making this show great!
Once again, Sgt. Armand Perreault and Brianna—my U.S. Army sister from Cocktails in The War Room—are Oscar Mike and on a mission. This time, they invited me to join them for a very special visit to Delmyra Kennels in Exeter, Rhode Island.There, we met Ruth Delmyra, who shared the powerful story of her late husband, Scott Gordon, and the creation of a War Dog Memorial in his honor. Located at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, this monument pays tribute to the bond between service members and their loyal K9 companions.Ruth walks us through the emotional journey of bringing this tribute to life, from concept to installation. Sgt. Perreault, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, reflects on what this memorial means to the veteran community. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the statue—a Vietnam-era Marine alongside his war dog—that captures the heart and sacrifice of military working teams.Mark your calendars: The official dedication ceremony will take place Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at 12 PM at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery.To learn more about this sacred ground where Rhode Island’s heroes are remembered, visit: vets.ri.govSpecial thanks to Ruth, Brianna, and “Sarge” for sharing this heartfelt mission with us. This is one episode you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, United States Marine Corps Veteran Travis Partington sits down with Mark Ormrod, a Royal Marine veteran from the UK. I just like the way that looks and sounds. Having interviewed many U.S. Marines, I hold deep respect and admiration for our older Royal Marine cousins across the Atlantic. Mark’s story is nothing short of incredible.He shares how his desire for challenge—sparked by the influence of family and friends—led him to the Royal Marines. Mark walks us through the intensity of their legendary training and his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.He then recounts the life-changing IED blast that resulted in the loss of three limbs, and the long, difficult road to recovery that followed.What stands out most is Mark’s resilience. From mentoring fellow veterans to launching business ventures and inspiring thousands with his story, Mark embodies grit, determination, and purpose. It was an absolute honor to speak with him.Learn more and support Mark at www.markormrod.comPer Mare, Per Terram.
There was a time when “Made in the U.S.A.” was the standard. During World War II, many private companies played a key role in supporting the war effort. That history made my recent conversation with Ben Keeney especially meaningful, as we discussed the importance of American-made personal protective equipment (PPE).Ben is the co-founder of True Health, a company that manufactures nitrile and latex gloves here in the United States. Our discussion touched on the many challenges of PPE production, the risks of relying on foreign imports, and the contamination concerns often associated with overseas products.Ben shared True Health’s mission to provide safe, reliable PPE while also creating entrepreneurial opportunities for U.S. veterans. One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was learning about their new program that actively involves veterans in the company’s operations and growth.To learn more or place an order, visit https://www.truehealthus.com.Thank you, Ben, for an insightful and inspiring conversation.
April 26th is a special day — it marks what I consider to be the true birthday of Oscar Mike Radio.Nine years ago, on this date, Oscar Mike Radio began with a panel session at Massasoit Community College’s first Dale Dorman Media Day. To commemorate this milestone, going forward there will be a special annual show on April 26th called the Oscar Mike Radio Mission in Flight Award.The first recipient of this honor is Navy Veteran Richard Sherman.Richard shared his military experiences and his transition to civilian life, with a focus on his powerful photography project, Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned.Our conversation explored the emotional impact of visiting military cemeteries and how Richard uses photography to tell the stories of World War II veterans. He emphasizes the importance of remembering our fallen soldiers and the personal narratives behind their sacrifices.Listening to Richard, I felt a deep connection with his journey. I was so moved by his words and work that I knew I had to do something special to honor him.You can support Richard’s work by ordering his book on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1644919602/one-book-never-home-heroes-remembering.To learn more about his project, visit his website: https://www.neverhomeheroes.com.Thank you for watching and listening. Be sure to check out more episodes at https://www.oscarmikeradio.com.