Oscar Mike Radio Oscar Mike Radio

I was honored to speak with Yvette Benavidez Garcia, daughter of Medal of Honor recipient Roy Benavidez. Our conversation offered deep insights into the personal and heroic aspects of Roy’s life, profoundly captured in Yvette's book, "Tango Mike Mike," named after Roy’s military call sign.

Growing up with a Medal of Honor Recipient for a father was a unique experience for Yvette. She described Roy as a strict yet affectionate parent, who balanced humor and generosity with the intelligence and discipline he developed through military service. Despite the physical and emotional scars from his time in Vietnam, he was a protective father, often taking extra measures to ensure his family's privacy and safety due to his post-traumatic stress disorder.

Yvette’s commitment to honoring her father’s legacy led her to target a young audience with her literary work, aiming to instill values of courage, resilience, and service in future generations. She shared the societal challenges veterans face, such as underappreciation and lack of support, comparing the recognition given to entertainers and athletes with that accorded to military personnel.

Our discussion also touched on the personal impact of her father's legacy, from the lack of community understanding and empathy regarding his disabilities to the inspirational stories that showcased his values, like the unique ways he woke her up in the morning and his cherished 1958 red Chevrolet truck. These anecdotes highlight not only Roy's valor but his role as a loving, religious, and witty individual.

Looking ahead, Yvette is continuing her mission with upcoming works like "The Ballad of Roy Benavidez," which explores his lineage and influences, and a re-release of "The Three Wars of Roy Benavidez," offering an in-depth look at his military experiences.

You can purchase Tango Mike Mike on Amazon and follow

Yvette’s author page using the following link
https://a.co/d/0mk53wR
Thank you, Yvette, for sharing with us.

I would like to welcome returning guest Phil Cook to Oscar Mike Radio. I met Phil during an Irreverent Warrior’s hike in Nashville, TN.

Phil's unwavering dedication shines through in his efforts to honor fallen soldiers and veterans. Notably, he carried a flag bearing the names of 12 fallen soldiers from the 101st Second Brigade during the Baton Death March at White Sands Missile Range.

Beyond this, Phil crafts cedar challenge coins, gift boxes, and hope chests, serving as enduring symbols of honor for Gold Star families. His significant creation, a unique 9/11 flag adorned with patches from various units nationwide, symbolizes unity and remembrance.

Stemming from his personal experiences and military service, this flag educates others about 9/11, ensuring the sacrifices are remembered.

As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 nears, the flag will permanently reside at Fort Campbell, solidifying Phil's legacy of remembrance. His journey from photography to woodworking, culminating in the 9/11 flag project, showcases the profound impact of individual dedication on collective memory.

You can check out Phil’s work in photography by going to https://www.customportraitsbyphilip.com/.

Thank you Phill, for talking with me!

Jeff Nelligan, a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran, applied military discipline principles to parenting, emphasizing punctuality, follow-through, and modesty in his children. He believes in preparing his sons for real-world challenges, encouraging them to complete tasks independently, like navigating public spaces and handling financial transactions. This approach aims to foster self-reliance and problem-solving skills, setting clear expectations and enabling personal growth.

Jeff values humor in parenting, using it to ease tensions and enhance learning experiences. He asserts that humor can be an effective tool to reinforce lessons and values.

The discussion touches on broader themes:

Confidence and Resilience: Jeff’s military-inspired parenting approach highlights the importance of instilling confidence and resilience in children, preparing them for life's challenges.

The Power of Humor: Humor can significantly impact parenting and leadership, fostering connection and education.

These insights underscore the importance of support, resilience, and a positive approach to life's complexities. The episode's lessons encourage learning, laughter, and growth, emphasizing the impact of humor and the significance of solidarity and support in various aspects of life.

Go to https://www.nelliganbooks.com/ to learn more and order Jeff’s book.

Thank you, Jeff, for talking with me!

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 features returning guest, Stephen Russell, creator of the "Tales of Nihilism" comic series. Stephen’s artistic path highlights the immense potential within our community. "Tales of Nihilism" has since amassed over 7,000 page reads, proving its appeal beyond conventional superhero tales.

Stephen's involvement in Plastic City Comic-Con was pivotal, turning his passion project into a serious business endeavor. The convention scene, while showcasing creative work, also presents opportunities for direct audience engagement.

Our discussion also touched on Stephen’s forthcoming memoir, "Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq," which promises an unfiltered look at his deployment experiences, offering insights often overlooked in mainstream war narratives. This memoir addresses the broader cultural and societal impacts of the Iraq War, shedding light on the chaos and consequences of the conflict.

Reflecting on personal and broader veterans' transitions from military to civilian life, it’s clear that support in career shifts is vital. From veterans turning into truck drivers to programs aiding skill development, these initiatives are essential for harnessing veterans' skills post-service.

Inspired by Stephen’s dedication to storytelling and the veteran experience, I look forward to his future appearances at comic conventions and the release of his memoir. His journey from soldier to artist and writer is a testament to the varied paths veterans can pursue, blending entertainment, education, and thought-provoking narratives that bridge the military and civilian worlds. Keep an eye out for Stephen's impactful work, which enriches our national narrative.

You can check out Stephen’s book on Blue Ear Books. Use this link (https://blueearbooks.com/books/troublemakers/) to order. Thank you Stephen for sharing with us!

Richard Kaufman's journey from being labeled as the
"worst soldier" to achieving "Soldier of the Year"
epitomizes resilience. His 23-year military tenure, marked by significant challenges, including a severe injury leading to an 80% vision loss, ended in 2012. Post-military life brought its struggles, notably a suicide attempt, but
also a pivotal moment of self-discovery and a thirst for knowledge, influenced by figures like Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins.
 
Meeting Gary Vaynerchuk steered Richard towards podcasting, creating the Vertical Momentum podcast to aid veterans and first responders.
His podcast fosters a space for sharing transformative stories, offering insights into transitioning from service to civilian life. Richard emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement, continuous improvement, and the strategic
aspects of podcasting, such as sound quality and audience understanding.
 
His podcasting journey, marked by initial setbacks and
learning curves, showcases his dedication and the profound connections formed through this medium. Richard advises new podcasters to start with available
resources and evolve, underscoring the effectiveness of authentic content and strategic promotion.
 The Vertical Momentum podcast aims to support veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges, with Richard's broader vision of making a significant impact through his work. He generously offers resources to
aid aspiring podcasters and emphasizes community support within the podcasting realm.
 Our discussion concluded with an open invitation to
collaborate, symbolizing the supportive nature of the podcasting community.
Richard's narrative is not just about overcoming adversity but also about leveraging personal growth and professional platforms to assist others,
particularly those transitioning from military to civilian life.
Go to https://verticalmomentumpodcast.com/
and learn about how resiliency can change your life.
Thank you Richard for talking with me!