Podcast – Oscar Mike Radio

Thanksgiving Reflections on Oscar Mike Radio: Gratitude, Growth & the Veteran Community In this special Thanksgiving episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I reflect on nearly 25 years of career milestones, personal growth, and the support I've received from veterans, family, and friends. Recorded in Boston, this heartfelt episode captures the true meaning of gratitude, resilience, and community. A Journey of Growth and Gratitude I share my personal and professional journey. I want to share the moments that shaped me and the people who stood by me along the way. Throughout the episode, I  express deep appreciation for: My sons and their impact on my life My weightlifting and recovery journey The freedoms and opportunities of living in America These reflections set the tone for a powerful, emotional Thanksgiving message. Honoring Veterans, First Responders & Military Members Understanding that the holidays can be difficult for many, I wanted acknowledge those facing hardship during this season. He extends a special thank-you to: Veterans Active-duty military personnel First responders Families who support them Their service and dedication remain central to the mission and values of Oscar Mike Radio. Cherishing Connection During the Holidays I encourage you all to take time to appreciate meaningful moments with family, friends, and their wider community. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. A Celebration of Community and Resilience More than a holiday message, this episode celebrates the strength of community, the power of gratitude, and the importance of supporting one another, especially in challenging times. Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode delivers heartfelt perspective and encouragement.

Thanksgiving Reflections from Boston In this Thanksgiving episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I take a moment to reflect on almost 25 years of career milestones, personal growth, and the support I've received from so many incredible people, veterans, family, friends, and my amazing community. Recording here in Boston, I can't help but feel grateful for how far I've come and the people who have lifted me throughout my journey. Whether through shared stories, meaningful conversations, or moments of quiet reflection, these connections remind me of what truly matters. My Journey of Strength and Purpose Over the years, weightlifting has become more than just physical training — it's a source of mental and emotional resilience. As I continue this journey, I'm reminded that strength isn't just built in the gym, it comes from overcoming challenges, learning from failure, and pushing forward with purpose. I'm especially grateful for my sons. They've been a constant source of inspiration, courage, and love. They remind me why staying strong every day matters. Thankful for Freedom and Service Living in the United States reminds me daily of the freedoms we too often take for granted. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to our military personnel, veterans, and first responders. These are the brave men and women who keep our communities safe and uphold the values we hold dear. As someone who has served and continues to advocate for veterans, I will always be thankful for their dedication and sacrifice. Gratitude and Connection During the Holidays I know that the holidays aren't always easy. For some, this time of year can bring challenges or reminders of what's missing. That's why I believe it's so important to reach out, to pick up the phone, share a meal, or simply listen. Connection is powerful. A simple act of kindness can make all the difference. As I share this Thanksgiving message, I hope you take a moment to appreciate the people who make your life richer, just as I'm thankful for everyone who has supported me and Oscar Mike Radio.

Honoring the Fallen: The 1979 Camp Fuji Fire In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I had the privilege of speaking with Marine Corps veteran and journalist Chas Henry, author of Fuji Fire. Together, we revisited the 1979 Camp Fuji fire in Japan, one of the most devastating peacetime disasters in Marine Corps history. This tragedy, triggered by a powerful typhoon, claimed the lives of several Marines and left a lasting scar on those who survived. My conversation with Chas brought this painful yet important chapter of military history to light, ensuring that the courage and sacrifice of those Marines are never forgotten. Chas Henry's Investigative Journey Chas took me through his in-depth investigative process behind Fuji Fire, uncovering the systemic failures that led to the disaster and exploring the leadership lessons that remain relevant today. His storytelling is both powerful and sobering, a reminder of how history can shape the standards and safety we uphold in the service today. As we talked, it was clear that this story isn't only about tragedy, it's also about resilience, courage, and brotherhood, the very essence of the Marine Corps. Lessons in Leadership and Remembrance This conversation with Chas reminded me why preserving these stories is so important. The Marines who endured Camp Fuji displayed extraordinary strength in the face of chaos, showing true leadership and unity. By revisiting this story, we honor not just those who were lost, but also those who carried on, the ones who rebuilt, learned, and continued to serve. It's a testament to the eternal Semper Fidelis spirit. Learn More To dive deeper into this powerful story, I encourage you to visit chashenry.com/fujifire to learn more about Chas Henry's investigative work and his dedication to honoring Marine Corps history. Thank you, Chas, for joining me and sharing your insights, and thank you to everyone who continues to remember and honor our brothers and sisters in arms. Semper Fidelis.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I had the honor of speaking with Vladislav Shapiro, a Ukrainian veteran, mathematician, and proud U.S. immigrant. Vlad shared his remarkable life journey from growing up in Kyiv, serving as a movie projectionist in the Soviet military, to starting a new life in America. As we spoke, I was genuinely inspired by his resilience and deep perspective on freedom, identity, and what it means to serve and rebuild after conflict. Revisiting the War in Ukraine Vlad opened up about the ongoing war in Ukraine, reflecting on how it has reshaped his homeland and challenged the global community. Our conversation dove into Russia's imperial ambitions, the human cost of the invasion, and why U.S. support continues to be essential, not just militarily but also morally and culturally. He reminded me that the fight for Ukraine is also a fight for democracy, sovereignty, and human dignity values that unite veterans and patriots everywhere. Preserving Ukrainian Culture in the U.S. Beyond his military and academic background, Vlad is the founder of the Ukrainian Cultural Initiative, a nonprofit that promotes Ukrainian art, music, and cultural awareness across the United States. Through his organization, he's building bridges between Ukrainians and Americans by showcasing the beauty, creativity, and resilience of his people. Vlad emphasized that supporting Ukraine isn't just about the battlefield; it's about preserving a culture that refuses to be silenced. How We Can Support Ukraine As Vlad shared, there are many ways to make an impact — whether through advocacy, awareness, or humanitarian aid. Every act of support helps sustain the spirit of Ukraine and the people who continue to persevere against overwhelming odds. I want to personally thank Vlad for joining me and sharing his story, wisdom, and heart. His message is one of courage, hope, and unwavering determination. Слава Україні — Glory to Ukraine.

In this episode, Travis sits down with Alexander Kobelev and Dr. Larry Poltavtsev to discuss how veterans can successfully transition into civilian careers in IT and cybersecurity. We explored the challenges many veterans face, the need for tailored education, and the innovative learning platform they've built. Learnix blends technical training, soft skills development, and real-world experience into an easy-to-use platform. The conversation dives into the impact of AI, the importance of lifelong learning, and how military experience gives veterans a powerful edge in tech. Whether you're a veteran looking to upskill or someone interested in how technology empowers transition, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation to keep growing and learning. Learn more about the program at www.learnix.com. Thank you, Larry and Alex, for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio.

I met Ben Buehler-Garcia because our shows were profiled by the Veterans Administration. Ben never served in the military.  I appreciated the challenge he faces in connecting with those who […]

I enjoy talking to civilians on Oscar Mike Radio. It reminds me why I served and that there are people who love America. I got to talk with Andy Ross […]

PFC Denisha Montgomery Smith died on August 8th, 2022, while deployed in Germany. The U.S. Army has maintained that Denisha's death is a suicide, but her family and other people […]

As I was talking with Spencer Emch for number 325, I became interested in Tactical 16 Publishing which published, “Time of Flight”. I reached out to Chris Schafer, who is […]

I opened the cover to “Time of Flight” and began to read with great interest. I like helicopters and Spencer Emch's experience of being in the U.S. Army as an […]

I know it is a holiday week but didn't want to pause. 2022 has been a challenging but good year. I am excited as 2022 comes to a close because […]

Tom Kilgannon was on Oscar Mike Radio for Number 273 (https://oscarmikeradio.com/273-thomas-kilgannon-freedom-alliance/) almost a year ago. He came back to update me on programs, services, and scholarships for children of deceased […]

Tina McCollough joined the Marine Corps in the early 1970s. It was a different time for women in the Marine Corps, but Tina had a great experience in the Marine […]

This show is about Denisha Montgomery Smith from a larger viewpoint. I have been struggling with questions about why these kinds of situations are tolerated in the military. Especially when […]

I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Hansen in March of 2021 (YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/DBjAYEPeukE). According to Dr. Hansen, The University of Applied Research & Development is a Veterans […]

I love bonus anything and so it was with great anticipation that I walked into Whole Body Solutions located in Braintree, MA to learn more about holistic health, wellness, and […]

I met Marine Corps Veteran Greg Pihs at the Echelon Front Training event at Operation Stand Down in Nashville, TN. He was a keynote speaker and listening to him, I […]

Amy Franck did not serve in the military but has made a career of advocating for victims of sexual assault for civilians and Armed Forces Servicemembers. Amy worked with Lindsey […]

Lindsey Knapp served in the Army and got out to become a sexual trauma victim advocate. She talks with me about her story from transitioning from military service to becoming […]

Army Private First Class Denisha Smith lost her life on August 8th, 2022. As the story unfolded, questions were raised about the last month of her life. I will Livestream […]

I consider this a follow-up to number 314 which dropped on October 20, 2022 (https://oscarmikeradio.com/314-jesse-james-dupree-everyone-can-make-an-impact/). I was given the opportunity to learn more about the VFW's UnMet Needs Program. VFW […]

During a Cocktails in the War Room Family Zoom Meeting and my good friend David, “Vito” Brito says, “Travis, Jesse James Dupree would be a good guest for your show. […]

WARNING!!!! This is a show that features the use of GRUNTSPEAK prominently. This is not a show for children or for people who are easily offended. This is an E-9 […]

The Veterans Kitchen hosted World War II Veterans on September 8th, 2022. This was done with help from the Veterans Brotherhood VM/C, The Fall River War Veterans Council, Andy Biggio, […]

Abington Massachusetts Veterans Service Officer Adam Gunn reached out to me about interviewing two brothers who served during World War Two. Pat, “Skinny”, who is 101 years old and his […]

Note: This conversation contains mature subject matter and language about PTSD and the effects of PTSD. I want to start off with a thank you to Paula Anne of Ablaze […]

The attacks of 09/11 changed our country. I wanted to take some time on September 10th to get my thoughts out before 09/11 tomorrow. We must never forget. Oscar Mike […]

Sean Carnell is a Marine Corps Veteran. He has borne the cost of serving our country physically and in spirit. Seeing how the cost of service affected his fellow Marines […]

Lakeydra joined the Air Force as a Military Police MOS. She is a Military Sexual Trauma Survivor This story is about holding leadership responsible, so this does not happen to […]

I got a Facebook Message a couple of months ago from David Danforth who is a member of the Veterans Brotherhood M/C about talking with a World War II Veteran […]

Nick is a U.S. Army Veteran. He served on the Paladin M109 Mobile Artillery Howitzer. He moved back to the U.S. after being medically separated. Nick got out and faced […]

I met SHOVE in 2021 at a fundraiser for Operation Flags for Veterans. SHOVE is a local rock band comprised of five musicians. Clay Reherman- Lead vocals, rhythm guitar Luke […]

I met Jane through Althea Williams', She Vets It Clubhouse. I found Jane to be a wealth of information about Veterans Benefits and I have learned a lot from her. […]

I met Tony through Alan Lacerda's Thank Me for My Service Podcast. Tony is USAF Ret. and started Operation Vet Now. Operation Vet Now works to improve the overall wellness […]

Yes, Oscar Mike Radio drops on Thursday, but for #300 it is dropping on Oscar Mike Radio's birthday which is July 16th. So this Saturday #300 is dropping with a […]

I met Richard Fitts Jr for Oscar Mike Radio number 92. He was in the final stages of bringing his father, SSG Richard Fitts Sr.'s story to life. Over the […]

Travis met Keith at the first Dale Dorman Media Day in April 2016. It was there that the idea for Oscar Mike Radio began to come together. Six years ago, […]

I met Julie a couple of years ago and we talked about her cousin Matthew who lost his life in Afghanistan.  I learned a lot about his service to our […]

I was asked the question, “How can civilians get involved to advocate for our military and veterans?”. I told the person that Alex Jimenez and what he does with his […]

Long before he became the Tennesee VFW State Commander, Brian Walker asked me to talk with Dave Rogers. Dave was living in NY and cooking for his VFW post. It […]

From Dayton Ohio to Nashville, Anna Lynn Ferris has made music her life's work. Starting out with Bluegrass, she has moved into country music and is pursuing her career in […]

Michelle joined the military out of high school during the Vietnam Era. She left the military and worked at the VA Hospital in Brockton, MA. She is the current President […]

Gina served active duty and retired from the US Navy after 28 years of service as a Hospital Administrator with a wartime specialty in Medical Plans and Operations. Finding her […]

Althea Williams joined the U.S. Army at the age of 39 and spent her time in flight operations. She managed operations for Apache, Blackhawk, and Chinook helicopter units. After an […]

This is a very exciting time as number 290 starts the countdown to 300 shows!!! This week I am talking with Alan Lacerda about his efforts with Thank Me for […]

Michael Olsen is a 22 Year Army Veteran. Michael has served in multiple conflicts overseas, and numerous duty stations in the United States. He went to Full Sail University to […]

Alayna is a Marine Corps Veteran and started Semper Fi Designs as a way to raise money for Veterans Service Organizations and people in need. She made a flag for me sporting the HAWK missile and this first, only flag of its kind raised money for a charity she supports, Run to Home Base. Great […]

For my birthday, I did a Facebook Fundraiser for Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program. $1185.00 was raised and I have some raffle prizes to give out. So I will be doing the drawing live and giving an update about the program. I will also be talking about the Veterans Development Corporation Car Show on August […]

Oscar Mike Radio is Five Years Old

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