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.
What did I did I do for New Years? I did nothing exciting which was great! I worked on the blanket I am making for a friend with cancer. This was also a year I was happy to do Dad’s Taxi. A service which beats Uber and LYFT. I finished podcast 128 for Mugzy Brady, and just hung out. It was a fantastic New Year’s Eve!
“The military divorce rate is calculated by comparing the number of troops listed as married in the Pentagon’s personnel system at the beginning of the fiscal year with the number who report divorces over the year. The information is managed and compiled by the Defense Manpower Data Center.” (Military.com article by Amy Bushatz ). Interesting viewpoint on divorce among female servicemembers. It would appear that female Marines have a hard time. I believe there are a couple reasons for that, but I don’t blame the Marine Corps.
My SNCOs and Officers were right. E-4s and below should not get married during their first tour.
Jody and Jodie Podcast Links
I will add the episode links so you can get caught up. This is a year long series, so buckle up
You can listen to “My Journey” by Mugzy Brady. He is a rapper and hip hop artist from Australia. I am dropping his track at the end of this podcast. Go to https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMugzy/
Jim Tough came on Oscar Mike Radio for Episode 95. ( Oscar Mike Radio Episode 95 – Jim Tough ) Jim has done over 8000 pushups to raise awareness for veteran’s suicide and PTSD.
Go to Jim’s YouTube Channel ( That Push Up Guy Tough ) and check out the 160+ videos he has posted. It isn’t just about the pushups. Jim takes 7-10 minutes to give his thoughts on things that he has experienced and how to “Stay in your Fight”.
I wanted to talk with Jim about finding ways to be grateful. Even when staring into the abyss, I got common theme of hope when I watched the videos. I wanted to find out how to hold onto hope when life’s has one pinned down in a crossfire. I got a lesson Tough Style!
Jim wasn’t done though, as a bonus, I got to talk with Mrs. Tough. Becky has had a tremendous positive effect on Jim’s life, and he can’t say enough good things about her. She does work in wellness and introduced Jim to essential oils ( Seed to Seal Website ). Becky is going to come back on for a full episode talk with me about wellness, essential oils and reducing contact with chemicals. She is telling me I can do this by throwing out my Windex and PineSol and switching to other products. Wow!!! I could not believe it. My Gunny in the Marine Corps certainly would not believe it. I can’t wait to hear more.
This Thanksgiving think of all the things you have going for you. Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently, but we can all get a little Tough.
About a year ago I started studying different aspects of World War One. Over one million Indians served the British in World War One.
Come to find out, I haven’t even scratched this surface on India’s involvement in World War One and World War Two. I like to think of myself as fair military historian. I am not expert by any means, but I used to consider myself pretty knowledgeable. My knowledge about World War One and India’s involvement was woefully inadequate.
In the mid 1700s Britain began expanding and grabbing territory in India. It took almost 200 years for India to regain its independence as a country. Britain declared war on Germany on behalf of India, and so started road to independence won by blood.
Great Britain desperately needed troops to help with the war effort. Indian units served in Africa on the Western Front and other places. The Indians, comprised of Gurkas, Sikhs, Bengalis, and Punjabs were fearsome fighters. One such example was Khudadad Khan. He was the first Southeast Asian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery. (Story of Khudadad Khan) He was a machine gunner who manned a machine gun even while his fellow soldiers were killed and the gun was rendered inoperable by German forces.
I began talking my Indian colleagues at work about World War One. I discovered that they were extremely proud of their grandfather’s and great grandfather’s service. The pride in their eyes as they talked about how their service and sacrifice helped restore India as an independent country was something I don’t see a lot anymore.
There is so much to learn about our history and World War One. I realize I have a lot to learn. However, taking the time to dig into this really put things into perspective. I hope that we never forget what these brave soldiers did for their country.
I wanted to bring some attention to a great organization in Boston – New England Center and Home for Veterans. Check out their 16th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala here –> 16th Annual Leave No One Behind Gala
I got asked if I am watching the NFL this year. I said no. I don’t even have cable anymore. In a complete reverse, I do not have a fantasy football team either. I don’t miss it, and I am not sure if NFL football could ever get me back now. I am looking forward to hockey season since the Royals were rebuilding this year.
I do have a friend of mine who is a die hard Redskins fan. He asked me about it and said why don’t you watch the Thanksgiving game and see how you feel. He understands my positions and while he may not agree with it, he respects where I am coming from. I am thinking I will meet him half way. Hail to the Redskins, Hail to the Chief.
The Word
Jody Part 6: Reverse Jody
I wanted to do this part 6 and make the case for a different kind of Jody. What if Jody is a fellow servicemember who has an affair with your wife or husband? What would happen then? How is a situation like this treated in the military? I talked about two stories that demonstrated what can happen.
I talk about Ist Sgt Usher who was labled a “Horny Bastard”. Army Times Story about Horny Ist Sgt . While married he had an affair with a Private First Class under his command. He was outed when he was filmed on a cell phone camera making out in public with this PFC. Both were punished although it is unclear the severity of the censure. His career is effectively over.
Not to be outdone by the Army, the Marine Corps had a similar problem come to light. Corporal Remedios Cruz, one of the first female infantry Marines, was kicked out for fraternization. Task and Purpose Article about Female Marine .
Both servicemembers committed adultery with people who they served with during active service. What is it like for a spouse who is faithful to find something like this out? I can’t imagine, but these stories would suggest that Jody is everywhere.
Jody and Jodie Podcast Links
I will add the episode links so you can get caught up. This is a year long series, so buckle up
About a year ago I started studying different aspects of World War One. Over one million Indians served the British in World War One.
I got asked if I am watching the NFL this year. I said no. I don’t even have cable anymore. In a complete reverse, I do not have a fantasy football team either. I don’t miss it, and I am not sure if NFL football could ever get me back now. I am looking forward to hockey season since the Royals were rebuilding this year.
I wanted to do this part 6 and make the case for a different kind of Jody. What if Jody is a fellow servicemember who has an affair with your wife or husband? What would happen then? How is a situation like this treated in the military? I talked about two stories that demonstrated what can happen.
