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After a medical evacuation from Afghanistan, Army MajorChristine Polosky found a way forward through art; retired Air Force Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin began writing poetry while confronting trauma she had buried for decades. Together, they turned Fuhrman’s poems and Polosky’s collages into Latina Warrior—including a striking piece made with Fuhrman’s medals, uniform fabric, and family textiles. On Oscar Mike Radio, they discuss the realities of military transition, the trust that makes their creative partnership work, and how their art has reached veterans in prison, and helped people feel seen, sometimes for the first time. Go to https://www.woundednotworthless.com/to learn about Christine. Go to https://www.lisacarringtonfirmin.com/to learn more about Lisa Thank you, ladies. We are Mission in Flight

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with Navy veteran and acupuncture doctor Caroline Wilkerson about her journey with photobiomodulation, a therapy using red and near-infrared light. Caroline shared how, during a year of acupuncture and light-device use, a patient’s MRI showed no new lesionprogression. Using photobiomodulation, this patient also regained energy, returned to the gym, and earned a doctorate in Chinese medicine.  We discussed research exploring light therapy for brain fog, sleep, migraines, and traumatic brain injury, especially among veterans. Caroline also explained what researchers arestill learning, why treatment claims need caution, and how sleep may support recovery. Go to https://www.vielight.com/ to learn more! Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your story and helping me explore the science. We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with Jim Whaley, an Army aviation veteran who spent 20 years flying Hueys and Black Hawks before moving into corporate communications and veteran advocacy with Mission Roll Call. Jim explained how Mission Roll Call uses nonpartisan surveys to bring veterans' voices to policymakers. We discussed healthcare access, suicide prevention, homelessness, and the need for collaboration among more than 40,000 veteran support organizations. Jim encouraged veterans, families, and caregivers to take surveys and share their experiences so decision-makers can better understand the needs of those who served. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your journey and showing why every veteran's voice matters. Visit https://missionrollcall.org/ to learn more and make your voice heard. We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with Joanne Frederick of Government Market Strategies about the challenges facing military healthcare and her vision for modernizing TRICARE.Joanne shared why she believes the system needs reform, how military and VA healthcare remain separate, and how complicated federal contracts can create barriers to care. Drawing on decades of experience in government acquisition, she explained what it takes to navigate these systems and advocate for change.We also discussed a different battle Joanne is fighting in Virginia, where she is organizing neighbors concerned about a proposed power line that could impact farmland and forests to support growing data center demands.You can learn more about Government Market Strategies and Joanne's work by going to https://marketstrategiesonline.com/.Thank you, Joanne, for sharing your experience and reminding us that advocacy takes many forms, from supporting our military to protecting our communities.We are Mission in Flight!

In this Oscar Mike Radio Special, I spoke with Nashville singer-songwriter Erica Whitney about how her family's military service inspired her to support Brother's Keeper Veterans Foundation, which provides ongoing support to veterans. Erica shared her passion for music, the excitement of performing live, and why no amount of money could make her give it up. We also previewed her benefit showcase featuring combat veteran and songwriter Brooks Herring. Join Erica on Wednesday, October 14, at HOME (Helping Our Music Evolve), 615 Main St., Nashville, TN. Doors open at 6:15 PM. Proceeds will support Brother's Keeper Veterans Foundation. Tickets are still available at https://www.ericawhitney.com/charity-showcase-10-14. Thank you, Erica, for supporting veterans and sharing your story. Learn more about the foundation at https://www.bkvf.org. We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with master storyteller and artist John Mollison. Thank you to Ben Buehler-Garcia of American Warrior Radio for making the connection. John shared a moment that captures why his work matters. After watching his film about her veteran husband, a wife sat with a tear on her cheek and quietly said, “This is good.” John’s mission is about earning veterans’ trust, telling their stories without imposing an angle, and building relationships that last beyond the interview. We also talked about learning to read through model-airplane instructions, why “when an old man dies, a library burns,” and his work bringing military history into classrooms through hands-on airplane kits. Behind every aircraft is a human story worth preserving. Thank you, John, for sharing your mission with me. Learn more at JohnMollison.com. We are Mission in Flight!

I was live from The Podcast Marathon on MilitaryVoices.ai with host Enrique Acosta Gonzalez. Thank you, Riccoh Player, for this opportunity!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with Cary Sparrow, a Navy submarine veteran who brought his military experience into entrepreneurship. Cary shared his journey from operating nuclear submarines to founding WageScape, a company that collects and normalizes global labor-market data from more than 800,000 career websites across 240+ countries. We discussed his transition through consulting and corporate leadership, building a fully virtual, cloud-based company, and AI's growing impact on data and entrepreneurship. Cary also shared how lessons from military leadership translate into business and why remote work can create new opportunities. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: build your network and never be afraid to ask for help. Thank you, Cary, for joining me! Learn more at www.WageScape.com. We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with Army veteran Mike Klein, an independent candidate for Florida’s 3rd Congressional District. Mike shared his journey from West Point to serving in Operation Desert Storm and how his military experiences shaped his views on war and public service. We discussed why he chose to run as an independent and his concerns about money, special interests, and the two-party system. Mike also talked about veteran healthcare and Warrior Centric Health, which he co-founded after witnessing his brother’s recovery from severe combat injuries. We also explored reforms Mike supports, including ranked-choice voting and changes to campaign finance laws. Thank you, Mike, for joining me and sharing your military story, advocacy work, and reasons for seeking public office. Learn more at mikeklein4congress.com.

In this special edition of Oscar Mike Radio, I spoke with Army veteran Michael Waskewich Jr., founder of C.R.A.F.T., the Coalition to Represent American Flavor & Tradition, a national nonprofit supporting the veteran and first-responder craft beverage community. Michael shared his journey into the beverage industry and his vision to unite veteran-owned brands through retail opportunities, networking, and tasting events. We also previewed Frontline Tastings in Tampa, September 22–24, where veteran entrepreneurs and supporters will connect and share their stories. I’m proud to support Michael and the veteran businesses attending. Tomorrow, my friends Julie Austin and Matthew Cain will welcome Michael to their podcast, Dog Tags to Ownership. Then we’ll all meet up in Tampa! Learn more at supportcraft.org. We are Mission in Flight! Learn more about C.R.A.F.T.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I took the show on theroad to Danbury, Connecticut, to broadcast live from a Heroes on the Waterevent and see firsthand how kayak fishing is helping veterans and first responders. I spoke with founder Josh Stanwitz and members of the Heroes on the Water team about how time outdoors, camaraderie, and kayak fishing provide opportunities to decompress, reconnect, and heal. We also discussed the organization’s nationwide chapternetwork, family involvement, data-driven approach to measuring impact, and partnerships with Texas State University and the VA. Being there reminded me that healing doesn’t always happeninside four walls. Sometimes it happens with a paddle in your hands, a fishing line in the water, and people around you who understand. Go to https://heroesonthewater.org/to learn more Thank you to Heroes on the Water for welcoming Oscar MikeRadio!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I had the privilege of speaking with Neil Adams, author of From the Pile, a book that honors the life and legacy of his friend Michael Dorian, a 9/11 first responder whose story reminds us that courage and service can take many forms. Michael was HIV-positive and immunocompromised, but when America was attacked on September 11, 2001, he volunteered to help at Ground Zero. Working alongside firefighters in the dust and debris, Michael used saline to flush contaminants from their eyes—doing whatever he could to help those working on the pile. A veterinary technician and volunteer NYPD officer, Michael had lived a complicated and sometimes turbulent life. His story wasn't one of perfection. It was one of perseverance, friendship, courage, and ultimately redemption. Like so many who served at Ground Zero, Michael later developed cancer linked to his exposure to the toxic environment. Before his passing, he was recognized for his service with the Medal of Valor. Neil and I talked about much more than what Michael did after 9/11. We talked about who he was—the struggles, mistakes, relationships, and experiences that shaped him. That is what makes Michael's story so powerful. You don't have to be perfect to make a difference. Ordinary people, even those carrying their own struggles, can rise to extraordinary moments. From the Pile is also a story about friendship. Neil has made sure that Michael's courage, humanity, and service will not be forgotten. As we remember 9/11, this conversation reminded me that service doesn't always come with a uniform, a title, or recognition. Sometimes service is simply seeing that someone needs help and deciding to step forward. Thank you, Neil, for talking with me and for sharing Michael's story. This 9/11, remember that service takes many forms—and friends truly are forever. Learn more about Neil Adams and order From the Pile at readneiladams.com.

This episode of Oscar Mike Radio features returning guestLauren Burns, joined by a very special guest: former Delta Force operator Don Feeney. Lauren's incredible story began when she was kidnapped as a child from Dallas and taken to Jordan, an experience that profoundly affected her life.  After years of healing, she is now ready to share her journey in her upcoming book, Stolen, releasing on September 8th. This conversation offers a new perspective through Don, one of the men involved in her rescue. Don recounts the covert mission he undertook with teammates JD and Dave, detailing how they tracked Lauren via a school bus and successfully extracted her across the Allenby Bridge into Israel. Hearing Lauren and Don’s sides of the story was powerful:one as the child needing rescue, the other as a team member determined to bring her home. Decades later, they reflect together, not just on what occurred but on what followed. Central to this dialogue is faith; both share how it carriedthem through challenging times.  For Lauren, faith has become part of a broader mission: to turn a painful chapter into a story that offers hope to others. This episode signifies more than a rescue; it’s aboutsurvival, healing, faith, and choosing what to do with our stories after the darkest moments.  Lauren's book, Stolen, is out September 8th. Thank you, Lauren, for trusting me and the Oscar Mike Radio audience with your story again. And thank you, Don, for sharing theremarkable account of the men committed to one goal: bringing Lauren home. Go to https://www.laurenburns.net/aboutto learn more about Lauren and order her book. We are Mission in Flight!

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with MicahTaylor, a retired Air National Guard veteran and Program Director at Hire Heroes USA, to talk about one of the biggest challenges service members face: figuring out what comes next after the uniform. Micah shares her own military journey, including her serviceas an aircraft electrician and her transition into civilian life. That experience gives her a personal understanding of how difficult it can be to take years of military training, leadership, and responsibility and translate those skills into language civilian employers understand. That's where Hire Heroes USA comes in. Micah explains how the organization provides free,personalized career support to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. From career coaching and résumé development to interview preparation and job-search assistance, the goal isn't simply to help someonefind a job. It's about helping people recognize their value and connect their military experience to meaningful civilian opportunities. We also discuss specialized programs supporting womenveterans and military spouses, two groups that can face unique challenges when navigating employment and career development. One point from our conversation especially stood out to me: transition planning needs to start early. Don't wait until you're about to take off the uniform to start thinking about your next mission. We also talked about artificial intelligence and its growingrole in résumés, job searches, and recruiting. AI can be a powerful tool, but Micah reminds us that technology can't replace one of the most important parts of finding the right opportunity: human connection. Networking matters. Relationships matter. Conversationsmatter. Military service gives us skills that don't disappear whenthe uniform comes off. Sometimes, we just need help translating those skills and finding the next place to put them to work. Go to https://www.hireheroesusa.org/ to learn more. Thank you, Micah, for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio and forthe work you and the entire Hire Heroes USA team are doing to help veterans, service members, and military spouses move confidently toward their next mission.

I met Greg Potapenko at Military Creator Con 2026. HisTactical Snack Packs were key to getting through the long days, and I wanted to learn more. Greg is a Canadian Army veteran and founder of TacticalSnacks. He talks with me about military service, entrepreneurship, and what happens when you take the skills developed in uniform and apply them to a newmission. Greg served 23 years in the Canadian Army, retiring as awarrant officer before transitioning into the business world. Like many veterans, leaving the military didn't mean he was finished serving. Instead, Greg found a new way to support the military and first responder communities through entrepreneurship. We talk about the story behind Tactical Snacks, a healthiersnack brand created with military personnel and first responders in mind. Greg wanted to build something that wasn't just about food. Tactical Snacks is also about morale, connection, and creating a brand that understands the people it serves. Greg also brings extensive experience in digital marketingand business acquisitions to the conversation. We discuss what he's learned about entrepreneurship, why staying focused matters when building a business, and the importance of creating a community around your mission instead of simply trying to sell a product. What I especially enjoyed about this conversation is howGreg has taken the leadership, discipline, and mission-focused mindset developed during 23 years of military service and carried those qualities into his next chapter. And he's just getting started. Greg shares his plans to continue growing Tactical Snacks,including the goal of bringing the brand onto U.S. military installations through the AAFES system. From Canadian Army warrant officer to veteran entrepreneur,Greg's story demonstrates that leaving the military doesn't mean leaving the mission behind. Sometimes it simply means finding a new way to serve. Go to https://tactical-snacks.com/ to learn more! Thank you, Greg, for joining me on Oscar Mike Radio, sharingyour story, and continuing to support the military and first responder communities. We are Mission in Flight!