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I recently had the pleasure of hosting my 396th show with Brian McCarver, an Army veteran and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and his assistant, Morgan Emery. Brian shared insights into his military service, his transition into the wealth management industry, and his ongoing commitment to veteran advocacy.

Brian’s military journey began in the early '90s at West Point, where he developed key leadership skills and discipline that later proved invaluable in his civilian career. After serving as an infantry officer with assignments in Fort Benning and Vicenza, Italy, Brian transitioned back to civilian life—a challenging move, especially with a young family.

Settling back in his hometown, Brian applied his military skills to a new career in wealth management, joining Stonebridge Financial Group where he has now served for over two decades. His story is a powerful example of how veterans can adapt and thrive in the workforce.

The wealth management field has evolved significantly, influenced by technological advancements and regulatory changes. Brian has adeptly embraced these changes, utilizing technology like AI to enhance client services and improve operational efficiency.

Beyond his professional life, Brian is deeply committed to veteran advocacy. He has been instrumental in organizing fundraising events such as clay shooting tournaments to support veteran charities. These events, despite initial challenges like sourcing ammunition, have successfully rallied community support for veterans.

Our conversation underscored the value of adaptability, the importance of community engagement, and the impact of sustained dedication to a cause. Brian’s journey from West Point to wealth management encapsulates the profound influence of military values in achieving a successful and meaningful career.

For more information on the 3rd Annual Veterans Charities Clay Shoot and to learn how you can support, visit Stonebridge Financial Group's dedicated page here - https://www.stonebridgefg.com/veterans-charities-clay-shoot/

Thank you, Brian and Morgan, for sharing with us!

Growing up in Effingham, Illinois, Austin's small-town values deeply influenced his life decisions, leading him to serve in the Air Force. The camaraderie and American pride nurtured in his community resonate through his music and service. It's a story of genuine love for our nation.

In an emotionally charged conversation, Austin talked openly about his parents' musical legacy and how his mother's battle with cancer propelled his musical journey. The image of his father's tears on his guitar strings isn't just a memory; it's the heartbeat of his music. Our conversation explored how Austin's tribulations and triumphs are woven into his songs.

From wearing the badge to hitting the stage, Austin Edwards' life is a testament to the power of following your heart. He shares how, against the odds of a demanding career in law enforcement, he embraced his passion for music. His story isn't just about chasing dreams and crafting a message of unity and patriotism, one song at a time.

Excitement is building for Patriots Fest. This festival is more than just a gathering; it celebrates our nation's spirit, supporting special ops survivors and nurturing America's future.

Sometimes life offers us a crossroad between opportunity and duty. Austin Edwards faced this when he contemplated auditioning for America's Got Talent while serving as a police officer. His choice? To step aside for another contestant, leading to an unexpected duo act that soared to second place on the show. Hear Austin's incredible journey and his aspirations to unite our country through music at Patriots Fest.

Patriots Fest is on May 18th, 2024, at The Piazza in Aurora, Illinois. Get your tickets at https://patriotsfest.com/ now!

Thank you, Austin, for talking with me. I am looking forward to meeting you.

At just 6 or 7 years old, Brandon was already strumming tunes inspired by legends like Elvis. It's fascinating how the chords we hear in our youth can echo into our life's work.

Brandon Hart shared how crafting lyrics and melodies is his favorite part of being a musician. He finds joy in touching souls with his sound. It's a beautiful reminder of how art can connect with our innermost beliefs.

Motorcycles and music might seem worlds apart, but for Brandon Hart, they fuel the same creative spark. We dove into an intriguing conversation about the parallels between these two passions and how the simpler designs of classic bikes resonate with his musical ethos. Sometimes, it's the traditional elements that keep our modern lives grounded.

On "Oscar Mike Radio," we don't just talk about military support; we live it. This Patriot Fest, Brandon Hart will join a star-studded lineup in Aurora, Illinois, to celebrate our servicemen and women. His commitment to the cause is deeply personal, with a family legacy of military service. These events aren't just concerts; they're gatherings of gratitude and unity.

The interweaving of faith and music can create a profound tapestry. Brandon Hart's upbringing in the church has indelibly marked his music, allowing his faith to flow naturally into his songwriting. It's a testament to the authenticity that resonates with so many fans. When you listen to Brandon, you're not just hearing notes; you're experiencing a story of belief.

Patriots Fest is on May 18th, 2024, at The Piazza in Aurora, Illinois. Get your tickets at https://patriotsfest.com/ now!

Thank you, Brett, for talking with me.

Ever experienced peace through the thrill of motorcycle riding? I recently discussed this on Oscar Mike Radio with Brett Stralo, a professional motocross racer and former AH-64 Apache helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Army. Brett shared how motocross offers him tranquility and focus, serving as a form of therapy, especially after his military service. The intensity of racing, surprisingly, brings about a therapeutic calm.



Brett’s journey took him from military service to rediscovering his passion for dirt biking and turning professional at age 30. He emphasized the therapeutic aspects of motocross in helping veterans transition to civilian life. Through his Warrior Max program, Brett provides camaraderie and mental health support on the track, aiming to reduce veteran suicide rates.



Our conversation also covered the technological evolution in motocross, noting advancements in bike performance and suspension. Legends like McGrath, Carmichael, and Stewart have significantly shaped the sport. Brett expressed his gratitude for the motocross industry's role in supporting veterans and discussed his work with Operation Vet Now, where he promotes mental health and honors fallen soldiers.



Brett's commitment to expanding his foundation and participating in outdoor rounds highlights his dedication to giving back. For more about his efforts and to support veteran mental health, visit Operation Vet Now. https://opvetnow.org/



Thank you, Brett, for your inspiring contributions both on and off the track.

Stephanie Dasher, a Navy veteran involved with the Warrior Surf Foundation shared a different kind of Veteran transition story. Stephanie’s story highlights the remarkable transition from the demanding world of military life to the therapeutic embrace of the ocean waves.

Stephanie entered the Navy straight out of high school, aiming to become a pilot. Instead, she found herself in the challenging realm of nuclear power on aircraft carriers. Her exit from the Navy coincided with a pivotal family phase—her husband's return from deployment and their first child on the way. It was during this transition that Stephanie discovered surf therapy through the Warrior Surf Foundation, a nonprofit based in South Carolina dedicated to veteran welfare.

Initially skeptical, Stephanie and her husband quickly saw the benefits as surfing began transforming their lives. The foundation not only introduced them to surf therapy but also integrated them into a vibrant local surfing community. This involvement shifted Stephanie's role from participant to leader, where she applied her skills to improve the foundation's operations.

Surf therapy at the foundation is paired with wellness coaching to promote mindfulness and connection to nature, aiding veterans and their families in healing and growth. The organization places a high priority on safety, employing experienced instructors and even providing shark deterrents to ensure peace of mind.

Today, the foundation is a sustainable community that fosters belonging and gives veterans a platform to continue serving by mentoring new participants. They are expanding to include more programs for spouses and children and are even exploring ways to help others establish similar nonprofits.

For those inspired by the transformative power of surf therapy or interested in supporting the Warrior Surf Foundation, the organization welcomes volunteers and financial contributions. Whether you’re in South Carolina or elsewhere, exploring the impact of surf therapy could be a profoundly rewarding journey.

Go to https://www.warriorsurf.org/ to learn more. Thank you, Stephanie, for talking with us!

This week, I spoke with Dr. Pamela Arnell, whose leadership with the 22 Zero is significantly advancing post-traumatic stress disorder recovery.

22 Zero has earned my respect for its commitment to healing those who have served our country. Dr. Arnell, although not from a military background, has become a pivotal figure in this mission due to her extensive counseling experience and genuine compassion.

During our conversation, Dr. Arnell shared her journey into trauma resiliency and her dedication to helping others. She explained how the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP) and the Emotions Management Process (EMP), two innovative tools used by 22 Zero, are making real changes in the lives of our heroes. TRP focuses on true healing rather than just symptom management, and EMP helps individuals manage their emotional responses, crucial for overcoming traumatic experiences.

Dr. Arnell's insights into these processes were both enlightening and moving, underscoring the importance of confronting trauma with effective, innovative methods. Her work reminds us that support for our veterans and first responders can come from both military and non-military individuals alike.

Our discussion left me optimistic about the future of trauma recovery. I'm grateful to share Dr. Arnell's impactful story and 22 Zero’s mission with our listeners. I encourage everyone to listen to the full episode to hear more about her remarkable contributions.

Go to https://22zero.org/ to learn more about the work and support their mission.

Until next time, we are Mision in Flight!