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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!

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!