Officer Jones is a dedicated and committed public servant who has served the Denver community as well as the military and veteran community for over 28 years. Officer Jones is currently assigned as the Community Resource Officer for the Denver International Airport. He is also currently responsible for all security for the 2017 Medal of Honor Society Convention which will take place in Denver this year. Officer Jones routinely spends his off duty and personal time escorting MOH Recipients to engagements and appointments at his own expense and adamantly refuses reimbursement. Officer Jones' commitment to MOH Recipients, Gold Star Family Members, Military members and Veterans is without measure. He is spent personal time bedside with MOH Recipients and Veterans during there recovery in the hospital. Officer Jones has a long and distinguished career as a Law Enforcement Officer and is the epitome of Selfless Service! Some of his awards and decorations are listed below. Denver Police Department Purple Heart, Denver Police Officer of the year 2008, Denver Police Merit x 2, Denver Police Lifesaving Award, Denver Police Community Service Award, Official Commendation x 6, Denver Police Internal Affairs Bureau Award, Civilians Appreciate Police Award x 4. O
Ruben Archuleta was born in Antonito, Colorado. Since Ruben's parents were continually on the move while working in the fields and potato warehouses his paternal grandparents assumed the responsibility of providing a stable family environment for him. Ruben grew up in an adobe house covered with a dirt roof, no indoor plumbing, and was heated in the winter with a wood cook stove and heater. In 1962, at the age of seventeen, Ruben graduated from Antonito High School and joined the Navy. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, and upon completion of his four-year hitch with the military, he attended Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo, Colorado. He maintained his ties with the Navy and Air Force as a reservist for fifteen years. While attending college, Ruben joined the Pueblo, Colorado Police Department in 1968 and eventually obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from CSU-Pueblo. During his tenure as a police captain, Ruben was trained by the U.S. Secret Service in Arizona and Washington, D.C. and he worked with the Secret Service assisting in the protection of political dignitaries. This included U.S. Presidents, vice-presidents, first ladies, presidential hopefuls, and high profile Senators. Ruben worked with, and befriended Hollywood stars and sports figures and he still stays in contact with some of them. Ruben applied his fluency in the Russian language when he was assigned to work with the Soviets as law enforcement security liaison during the implementation of the INF Treaty. This treaty called for the destruction of specific ballistic missiles by the United States and the Soviet Union. www.eljeferuben.com
Cpl. Miyamura, a member of Company H, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On the night of 24 April, Company H was occupying a defensive position when the enemy fanatically attacked threatening to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura, a machine gun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat killing approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation. As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machine gun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable heroism and consummate devotion to duty reflect the utmost glory on himself and uphold the illustrious traditions on the military service.
The Few's Mission Reach The FEW is an adventure based outreach program designed to "reach" Exceptional Warriors. Our program strives to inspire change in the Exceptional Warriors' perceptions, decrease their feelings of helplessness, and get away from the idea that they are alone. Recognize The FEW "recognizes" the unique needs of Exceptional Warriors. This group of individuals tend to requrire experiance doing activities that are completely new and different to them, in order to begin to see themselves differently. Outdoor therapy such as peer-to-peer "fireside therapy" facilitates moments whereby those who served together can also heal together. Refresh Adventures provided to Exceptional Warriors by the FEW termed "therapeutic recreation". This type of therapy facilitates connectedness and personal empowerment. Therapeutic recreation is a catalyst used to begin a new journey and in the process, "refresh" warriors' spirits. After more than a decade of sustained conflict and multiple deployments, we now have entire generations of service members, veterans and military families who know nothing but War and that War comes home with them. Statistics show more veterans are dying from suicide, 18-22 per day, than in combat operations. As a patriotic society it is up to us to intervene. Saving the lives of veterans must be our utmost priority. "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27 http://www.exceptionalwarriors.org/ https://www.facebook.com/exceptionalwarriors/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnIj4EEGvJM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ir17pSla1M
Vision: – To ensure the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Military Working Dogs and Police K-9 Heroes through providing assistance with medical costs, food and end of duty services. Purpose: – To educate the public on the costs and responsibilities of adopting a retired K-9 Hero. – To help cover or offset all medical, food and end of duty costs for retired K-9 Heroes. – To ensure each K-9 Hero is rewarded with health and the way of life that they deserve for their faithful and loyal service. Additionally: Retired Military Working Dogs and Police K-9 Heroes accepted into Project K-9 Hero will have up to $3,000.00 per year in medical costs covered for them. Project K-9 Hero will also cover the K-9’s food costs and have food shipped directly to the owner’s residence. Project K-9 Hero additionally provides $500.00 to the owner when the K-9 is deceased for cremation or burial service. Any remaining funds out of the $3000.00 annual medical allotment will go into our general emergency medical fund available to all K-9’s in our program for surgeries or other medical expenses that may exceed the annual benefit. This is all, of course, dependent on funding raised through donations. Jason Johnson has a passion for Police K-9’s and he has dedicated his life to working with them, as well as training and taking care of them. Jason believes that Police K-9’s perform selflessly for the departments and agencies they work for, and in return, they are not offered that same respect, in their retirement years, by those they served.
Joseph Lawrence Annello was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 5, 1933. After graduating high school he enlisted in the US Army on April 24, 1950. CSM Anello has served in every leadership position from squad leader through Division Command Sergeant Major. He retired from the US Army on August 1, 1970 and pursue furthering his education. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA in 1974. In 1954 he attended the US Army Language School, Monterey, CA (now the Defense Language Institute) and graduated as a Japanese Language Linguist. Continued serving the US Government until retiring in 1998. Married to my wife, Joan, formerly Jung Ae Choi, of Busan, Korea, on June 19, 1959. Was assigned to four tours of duty in Korea between years, 1950 to 1967. Served the first tour as a squad leader in the machine gun platoon, H Company 7th RCT, 3rd Infantry Division. Was severely wounded and captured by the Chinese in April 1951. Rescued/escaped on June 1, 1951. Assigned as the Operations Sergeant, 8057th ASU, Bupyung, during the 2nd and 3rd tours, the last tour as the Sergeant Major, Detachment R, Korean Military Advisory Group, Taegu. Also, served three tours in Japan, the last assignment as CSM at HQ, US Army, Japan, Camp Zama, 1967 to 1970. Awards and Decorations include: Combat Infantry Badge, US Presidential Unit Citation badge, Korean Presidential Citation badge, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Japanese Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal (3 Battle stars), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, United Nations Korean Service Medal, and several other service medals.
Mike is creating portraits of all the Fallen, free of charge for families. So far, he has completed over 4800 free portraits. In 2007 he was awarded the American Legion’s Patriot Award and in 2009 the VFW Commander in Chief Gold Medal of Merit. In 2010 he was named the 2010 Veteran Volunteer of the Year in Washington State. In 2013 the Department of the Army awarded him The Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. In March 2015, the Lynnwood Elks presented him the General Douglas MacArthur Award, And on March 25, 2015 he was awarded the Citizen Service Before Self Honor (known to some as The Civilian Medal of Honor) by the Medal of Honor Foundation in Washington DC. On April, 10, 1968, after serving his country as in the USMC, Michael returned home from Vietnam. He knew he had been spared for a reason and needed to discover what that reason was. While in ‘Nam, Michael drew portraits of his fellow Marines. In some cases, those images were all that returned home. Since that time, Michael has completed over 10,000 portraits of more 2,000 different celebrities and notable personalities. His art is so popular that his method of obtaining priceless autographs has changed. Now when he draws portraits he asks the celebrity to autograph as many as 10 blank illustration boards. He continues to donate these images to fund-raisers throughout the nation. Michael’s collection includes Bob Hope, Katherine and Audrey Hepburn, Red Skelton, and Ingrid Bergman. He has done drawings of every Heisman Trophy winner and many NFL Hall of Fame members. After working with five U.S. Presidents, Michael was asked to draw a special piece to commemorate President George W. Bush’s election and a portrait of the First Lady, Laura Bush.
Thomas Hamill is an American civilian contractor who was employed by Haliburton as a truck convey commander to deliver fuel to U.S. Forces at Baghdad International Airport. in 9 April 2004 "Good Friday" Tommy was conducting a convey with an armed escort of U.S. Forces when the convey was attacked by heavy enemy fire and a well emplaced ambush. Five of Tommy's drivers and two Soldiers were killed in the firefight/ambush. During the ensuing firefight, Tommy made a valiant attempt to communicate his position via his laptop, prior to sending his message for help he was struck in the right arm by enemy fire. The training Tommy received prior to deployment kicked in and he remembered he needed to get low to the ground and look for cover. Tommy had used two socks to try and dress his gunshot wound which was still bleeding heavily and made crawling almost impossible. A small Iraqi boy pointed towards him and gave away his location and he was quickly captured by one of the insurgents.
The Hotwash is Honored to Present: Founder of GallantFew MAJ (R) Karl Monger WED 8 MAR 2017 7-8pm EST Call in @ (563) 999-3015 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wor/2017/03/09/the-hotwash-presents-gallant-few-founder-maj-r-karl-monger GallantFew’s mission is to prevent veteran isolation by connecting new veterans with hometown veteran mentors, thereby facilitating a peaceful, successful transition from military service to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose. We do this by creating and supporting a nationwide network of successfully transitioned veterans that engage locally with new veterans with the same military background now going through transition and by motivating communities all over the nation to take responsibility for veterans returning; welcoming, connecting, and including. We believe this will prevent veteran unemployment, homelessness and suicide. GallantFew was founded by Veterans for Veterans. We know that, in many cases, the trust level between a Veteran and one or more non-veterans can be low or nil. Another Veteran is sometimes the only assurance that a Veteran can have, the only trust, the only stability. GallantFew is Veterans from all branches of uniformed service, with no inter-service rivalry bullshit, helping our fellow Veterans in any way that we can. We’ve all been there when we were needed, when that call came. Now we know that at least we can trust one another to get some things done right. Because that’s how Veterans get the important things done. With a plan, with standards, and with a commitment to one another. Welcome to GallantFew ! https://gallantfew.org/
The Hotwash is honored to Present: Horsepower Therapy Founders CW4 (4) Retired Brian Russell and Greg Coker Mission: Use Horsepower Therapy to support, empower, and enrich the lives of America’s veterans, combat-wounded veterans and families of fallen service members to heal from their wounds, both visible and hidden. Provide opportunities for those veterans and their families to experience the fun and fellowship of Horsepower Therapy and the bond shared by all veterans during track events, car shows, and industry events. Goals: - Provide methods and opportunities for veterans and families to be around cars and experience the benefit of horsepower therapy. - Raise awareness of the visible and invisible wounds that veterans and family members experience every day as a result of their selfless service to our country. - Plan new and support existing events, including track days, drag races and speed-fests, as well as industry trade and car shows that veterans and family members can attend free of cost. - Develop relationships with members of the automobile industry and private citizens who are interested in helping us provide our veterans with horsepower therapy Horsepower Therapy will be an all-volunteer non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status formed by retired military members, family members and civilians for the express purpose of serving our nation’s wounded combat veterans and the families of fallen service members. All of our events with veterans, wounded combat veterans and families will paid for solely by contributions from donors, sponsors and our fundraising events. Every dollar goes toward the expenses related to bringing these deserving heroes and families coming from all over the country together to have the time of their lives…and enjoy a little Horsepower Therapy!
The Hotwash is honored to Present: Task Force Dagger Foundation Managing Director, Kieth David. Wed 22 FEB 2017 7-8 EST Call in @ (563) 999-3015 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wor/2017/02/23/the-hotwash-presents-task-force-dagger-foundation-managing-dir-kieth-david MISSION STATEMENT Task Force Dagger Foundation provides assistance to wounded, ill, or injured US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) members and their families. We respond to urgent needs, conduct Recreational Therapy Adaptive Events, and provide next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members. We are a rally point to combat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), and environmental exposures. Our cohesive programs enable families to seize the moment and live life. Why the Task Force Dagger Name? Task Force Dagger was the designation of the Special Forces elements that conducted the initial invasion into Afghanistan following the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11th, 2001. Task Force Dagger was comprised of elements from the US Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM). For more than forty years, SOCOM units have been the tip of the spear in defending and protecting the United States. These warriors live in the shadows protecting the American way of life. Living by the motto of "The Quiet Professionals," these soldiers deploy around the world working to keep Americans safe while keeping their presence unknown but to a few. Activated on December 1st, 1989, USASOC is comprised of the following units: US Army Special Forces, US Army Rangers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations), and the 4th Psychological Operations Group.
We are simply here to Serve our Veterans, to thank our Heroes by sponsoring healthful, invigorating, and rewarding outdoor adventures, sporting events, and Family activities. VSA is a network of grateful Americans, business owners, and patriotic companies doing for our American Heroes. Patriots are joining in and standing with us at a remarkable rate. Please join us in welcoming our Heroes home, and standing as Family and friends to provide healing and therapeutic adventures in the outdoors for our Warrior Heroes. Our goal is to give back to those who have given so very much for us and our fragile freedoms. Each Chapter of VSA serves their local community. Services and money raised by each Chapter is used locally to effect positive change in the lives of our American Heroes and their families. These funds remain in the community where they are raised and best utilized. VSA is made up of retired Veterans and willing volunteers committed to bettering the lives of those who have Served & Sacrificed. Veterans Sportsman Alliance is…….”Benefiting The Most Worthy Among Us.” When Cheyanne was 13 her question to her father that started it all she asked while watching a veteran outdoors show on The Sportsman Channel was simple: “Dad why don’t we take a veteran hunting with us?” Our search began, and whispers of our quest quickly turned into lists of enthusiastic, unselfish supporters wanting to pitch-in and supply us with anything and everything needed to turn this into an ongoing enterprise now known as the Veterans Sportsman Alliance™ A Registered 501(c)(3) Corporation http://www.VeteransSportsmanAlliance.org
Dr. Falkel received his B.S. in physical education from SUNY at Cortland, his M.S. in physical therapy from Duke University and his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. He has over 30 years of experience working with athletes of all ages from the youth athlete to the Olympic athlete – including the combat athlete of our US Special Operations Forces. His areas of specialization are the rehabilitation conditioning of athletic injuries, sport specific strength and conditioning, and implementing SportsVision training. Since 2007, Dr. Falkel has focused his interests and time to supporting the families of our Special Operations warriors. After his son, SSG Chris Falkel, was killed in the 54 hour battle of Mari Ghar in Afghanistan on 8 Aug 2005, Dr. Falkel started Junior’s Bullet Pen Company – which is dedicated to keeping the memory of his warrior, his hero, his son alive through the sale of 7.62 cal. bullet pens. To date, he has made more than 350,000 pens by hand and given over $400,000 in donations, products and fund raising for various SOF foundations. He wrote the book, The Making of OUR Warrior, about SSG Falkel with his SFODA 316 teammates, and over 6000 copies of the book have been sold or donated to worthy organizations. Currently serves as Director of Gold Star Programs for Task Force Dagger Foundation. Serves on the Board of Directors of the Dancing Angels Foundation, which was started to continue the memory of CW2 Duane Cantrell and his two beautiful daughters who were tragically killed in a house fire in 2012. Dancing Angels Foundation is dedicated to providing dance scholarships and support for young dancers so they can pursue their dreams and love of dance.
Dr. Mark Green is a conservative Christian, veteran, father, husband and businessman. As the Tennessee State Senator for District 22, Mark serves as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee as well as a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources, and The State and Local Government committees… Mark is the president/CEO of Align MD, an emergency department staffing company, which provides leadership and staffing to emergency departments and hospitalist services in thirty hospitals in six states. Mark founded Align MD Foundation, which provides healthcare to under-served populations throughout the world, and operates a free medical clinic in his hometown. Currently Mark serves on the Board of Directors for American Physician Partners, and the Rural Physician Partners Company PLLC. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Middle Tennessee Boy Scouts of America, as well as a Board Member of Soldiers and Families Embraced and Reboot for Recovery, two not-for-profit organizations focused on caring for soldiers and their families as they return with the unseen scars of war. Mark came to Tennessee as an army special operation flight surgeon assigned to the 160th Special Ops Aviation Regiment. There he planned and flew on some of the war on terror’s most covert operations. His most memorable mission was the capture of Saddam Hussein. Dr. Green interviewed Saddam for six hours on the night of his capture and wrote a book detailing the interview and his service with our military’s “Jedi Nights,” as he calls them. During this time Mark was selected as the Army Aviation Association Flight Surgeon of the year. His military awards include the Bronze Star, The Air Medal, The Air Medal with “V” device for valor under heavy enemy fire, and numerous other medals for service. He also was awarded the Combat Medical Badge, the US Army Ranger Tab, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
Code Name: "Johnny Walker” is a former Iraqi, now American who risked everything to fight with U.S. troops, specifically Special Operations Forces. Johnny quickly became a trusted team member to US Navy Seals. Johnny's expertise, attention to detail, commitment to freedom and dedication to his team earned him the title of "Brother" to the SEALs he supported. Johnny is credited by US Navy SEALs for saving countless American lives during his 8 years of service to Special Operations and the missions they conducted in Iraq. Johnny and his families lives were daily at risk becasue of his support to American Forces. Johnny went above and beyond his duty as an interpreter countless times. A true man of Valor, Johnny once ran directly into the line of fire to render aid and retrieve an injured SEAL. Without hesitation and complete disreguard for his own life Johnny picked his team mate up and carried him to safety. When Chris Kyle was asked about Johnny Walker, his reply was Johnny was the only Iraqi he trusted with a gun and credited Johnny with saving more SEAL and Iraqi lives than even he had.
Jim West is a retired Special Forces Warrant Officer and martial arts expert. Jim has trained many professional fighters and special operations Soldiers. Jack Murphy is an eight year Army Special Operations veteran who served as a Sniper and Team Leader in 3rd Ranger Battalion and as a Senior Weapons Sergeant on a Military Free Fall team in 5th Special Forces Group. Having left the military in 2010, he graduated from Columbia with a BA in political science. Murphy is the author of Reflexive Fire, Target Deck, Direct Action, and numerous non-fiction articles about Weapons, Tactics, Special Operations, Terrorism, and Counter-Terrorism. He has appeared in documentaries, national television, and syndicated radio. SOFREP.COM
About Woobies: First and giving back! They are the first real veteran designed and owned/operated shoe company. "Matt and I dropped everything and sacrificed our personal comfort in all walks of life to make this shoe get on our supporters feet and become a reality. I sent the sample back 6 times to make sure that our product was perfect, durable and super comfortable. An Super Dope!! This is a timeless and universal shoe system with 'Comfort of Any Action'." "Woobies is a footwear company founded in 2015 by former Army veterans Matt Mrwik and Tony Aguiniga. To the Woobies family, important values to the company include the family first mentality and giving back to those who served our country. A backbone to the Woobies brand is to provide veteran charities with donations that help warriors in need and their rehabilitation to society. We understand that major efforts to provide support fail and there are simply not enough resources to insulate and not isolate veterans who served. We understand this logistical need and are proud to help out our nations bravest and best. Woobies shoes are a simple, timeless and universal. The original logo was made in respect of the iconic military issued line item "liner, wet weather poncho." Including crosshairs for the "O" and a long rifle round for the "I". The engineered design is not by mistake. We take responsibility for our product to be worn for all applications with comfort. This is where our motto "Comfort For Any Action" was born. The body of our footwear is constructed with durable canvases that are similar to what is familiar with the sails on a sailboat. There are deliberate drain holes on the arch of the foot placed just above the soles. It is imperative that our shoes can be wet and drain with ease.
Mission Statement: USA Bombshells are here to support our nations warriors, heros and champions on and off the battlefield. They live by their motto "We Operate to Support our Warriors" These beautiful and strong women are all business when it comes to supporting our nation and those who defend it. No matter if they are on production sets, photo shoots or on the range shooting, these ladies set the example. Thursdays @ 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. This week we will interview one of the producers of the much anticipated veteran film "Range 15"
John Steinbaugh retired from the US Army Special Operations Command after 25 years. John was initially an infantryman. He volunteered for Special Forces, became a medic in 1994 and was assigned to 10th Special Forces Group. In 2000, John was serving as a S.E.R.E. instructor when 9/11 immediately prompted him to volunteer for additional training in counter terrorism, we were going to war and he wanted to be part of it and fight with the best. From 2002-2012 he served as a SF Medic with a tier one command that conducted continuous operations in OIF & OEF and they continue to do this today. After being wounded a 2nd time he was placed as head of medical combat development. Liaising with USSOCOM medics coming back from the battlefield, he found out what they needed to better improve patient outcomes. John was wounded a third time while serving in this position and testing new equipment under actual use conditions. Upon retirement John took a job with RevMedx as their Director of Strategic Operations. RevMedx makes hemorrhage control products for the military. John invented a revolutionary product called XSTAT which is unmatched at controlling non compressible hemorrhage, a tool that is saving lives on the battlefield. John started a 501c3 in Oregon taking wounded veterans out on fishing & hunting trips. VSA (veteranssportsmanalliance.org) was started by a 13-year-old girl in California. John was one of the 1st wounded soldiers they took on a trip. He missed the comradery very much when he retired and being able to take wounded and disabled veterans out on these events helps him keep his sanity giving him a feeling of still being involved and giving back to the veteran community. He has been married for 28 years to his wife Laurie and they have two daughters
Phil Ruddock For those of you that doubt the effects a Service Dog can have on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),let me tell you my story.I'm a Desert Storm Veteran,what I did there is only my demons I must face.I came back with all the classic symptoms.I drank all the time,I couldn't get along with anyone,I kept checking every room in the house to make sure it was clear every time I came home,I got up and checked the locks on the doors and windows too many times to count,I was always depressed and pissed at the world,and I never slept.I drove my family so crazy that they wanted to leave.I still do some of those things,but it's getting better.After the military,I worked for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center until about six years ago when my PTSD became so bad, I had a nervous breakdown.For the next three years I basically stayed on my couch,seldom leaving my land except for a trip to town once or twice a month.This became my standard until a nice person named Brenda Wagner asked me to foster some dogs for her.There was one pit bull that was a lot like I was.She was scared,avoided people,wanted to hide under a rock,and always on guard.I worked with this dog named Mia,and we became attached.She would ride with me where ever I went.I started to feel I had someone to watch my back again. That is one of the main things that is wrong when we come back.We go from knowing we have a whole group of soldiers watching our back to coming home and being alone.Mia became my “battle buddy”,She would wake me up when I had nightmares,calm me down when I had an anxiety attack, watch my back at a counter at a store or the bank, even assure me when I had doubts.Mia was the constant in my life that PTSD took away.Everyone would leave for work or school but Mia was always there.After almost two years with Mia by my side,I can now travel some places on my own,but she still comes with me on trips out of town.