Sponsored by ShopVeteran.ca by Canadian Legacy Project- 

Support Veteran owned businesses and register your Veteran owned business for free. 

Listen as they discuss PTSI, the nervous system and Dougs new book.

Dougs linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-allen-cd-sep-msw-337a2a94/⁠

All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host. 

The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Creator and Host Mark Meincke

Sponsored by ⁠ShopVeteran.ca⁠ by Canadian Legacy Project

Produced by Jessika Dupuis

Support a Hero ⁠HERE⁠

Recover Out Loud!

Book your Guest Appearance ⁠HERE⁠ 

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A Very Important Episode- Please share.

All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host. 

The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Creator and Host Mark Meincke

Sponsored by Canadian Legacy Project

https://www.canadianlegacy.org/

Produced by Jessika Dupuis

Support a Hero HERE

Recover Out Loud!

Book your Guest Appearance HERE 

Find the OTR podcast on

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#rcmp, #mountie, #depot, #mentalhealth, #mentor #royalcanadianmountedpolice, 

Find him on LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglawrence-mentor/

Email him: doug.lawrence@talentc.ca

Visit his website here: https://talentc.ca/

From Doug:

My name is Doug Lawrence, and I am the founder of TalentC® and proud co-founder of the International Mentoring Community (IMC). I have over 40 years of leadership and mentoring experience.

I have had a journey that has been truly inspiring for me. My journey is one that has shaped what has been referred to as my calling. My calling is the “gift of mentoring” and the desire and goal to make the world a better place to be. It is by working with people and organizations to create mentoring movements and a mentoring community that we will realize a dream come true. My vision was that the world could be a better place with everyone embracing the “gift of mentoring.” One person, one organization at a time. That vision included championing the paradigm shift for mentoring and realizing that with that shift we could make mentoring a deeper, richer experience.

In August 1993, the 2nd Battalion PPCLI, (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) augmented with several reserve units engaged in the largest battle since the Korean War. The place, was a little town in Croatia known as the Medak Pocket.  

The Croatian Civil War is largely forgotten by the world, but not by those who were there.  For some reason, precious little has been written or recorded about the Croatian Civil war, and very little of the history has been preserved.  The United Nations invented a new term, "Ethnic Cleansing" to replace the word Genocide, so as to minimize the reality of the slaughter of civilians in that region. 

The French forced attempted to hold the ground, but failed in their mission.  They were replaced with the Canadian troops, who held the ground despite incredible odds. 

For more than four days the battle raged on but the Canadians held firm, keeping the Croatians at bay.  Out manned, and out gunned, the Canadians were successful in keeping most of the Serb civilians alive. 

The Canadian Government, and the United Nations buried the story. To this day most Canadians have no Idea about the courage and gallantry of their Soldiers at the battle of Medak Pocket. 

Find out more by reading "The Ghosts of Medak Pocket" the story of Canada's secret war.   

A HUGE, heartfelt hank you to Rudy Bajema for sharing his story with me, on his first ever podcast appearance. 

WO (Ret’d) Rudy Bajema, MMM, CD
And awarded the MiD

Buy the book HERE

All profits go to Homes 4 Heroes, housing homeless Veterans. 

Find John Barnes on Facebook HERE

Chief Warrant Officer John Barnes was born in the great province of Newfoundland and joined the Canadian Forces in 1981. He completed his basic training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia and then made his way to London, Ontario, where he completed his basic Infantry training within the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR).

On graduation from Basic Infantry Training, he was posted to 1RCR as a rifleman. Less than a year later, he requested and was granted a posting to 3RCR in Baden, Germany, where he remained as part of the NATO Defence Force for Europe until 1984 when he moved with the battalion to Winnipeg, Manitoba, becoming part of the Army of the West. While in Winnipeg, he completed his Infantry Section Commanders Course at the Battle School in Wainwright and was appointed to the rank of Master Corporal in 1985.

In 1988, he returned to Baden, Germany, with 3RCR where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and remained with the Battalion until 1992. He was then posted to 2 Brigade Headquarters and Signals Squadron Petawawa, as the Operations and Training Sergeant. In 1996, he returned to Petawawa and to1RCR, where he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer and served as the Platoon Warrant Officer and Company Quartermaster Sergeant until his posting to Land Force Central Area Training Centre Meaford in 1999. While in Meaford, he was responsible for numerous jobs including running the basic Infantry Courses, and setting up and conducting the new Soldiers Qualification Course.

He was posted back to 1RCR in 2003 and shortly thereafter was promoted to the rank of Master Warrant Officer, becoming the Company Sergeant-Major for Charles Company. In 2007, he was posted to 3RCR as the Battalion Drill Sergeant-Major and in 2009, was posted to Land Force Doctrine and Training System in Kingston, Ontario, as the Headquarters Sergeant-Major. Master Warrant Officer Barnes was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in March 2010 and posted to Joint Task Force X in Kingston as the Unit Chief Warrant Officer. He was posted to Ottawa in 2013 as the first non-Military Policeman to be selected as the Canadian Forces Military Police Group Chief Warrant Officer. In 2016 he was posted into the Canadian Army HQ as the Chief for the Canadian Army Soldier Care Unit.

Chief Warrant Officer Barnes has served in operations in Cyprus, the Persian Gulf, Croatia, Bosnia, and Afghanistan and has been awarded the Sacrifice Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Member of the Order of Military Merit.

CWO Barnes recently had a book published, “ White School Black Memories” which has been on Amazon #1 Best Seller list for two weeks. The Book is his story of Operation Medusa in 2006 in Afghanistan.

He has been married to his wife Julie for 33 plus years, and has two children, John a tech with the federal government and Jana a proud member of the Canadian Military Police. Julie and John are now blessed with two wonderful grandsons, Noah and Theo.

https://www.facebook.com/themessenger.documentary

https://www.facebook.com/10days.documentary

https://www.patriceberiault.film/documentaries 

Patrice Beriault was kind enough to join me for this conversation.  Through his work, he shares these powerful stories which we can all learn from. 

#themessenger

#10days

Johns' Peer support coaching/consulting/training company is called Alberta Recoil. 

Johns cell# 780-201-0974

Facebook: Armoured John    https://www.facebook.com/jsenior2

The pain of PTSD/OSI/PTSI is from disconnection.  The cure, is connection. Properly done peer support provides the connection necessary for healing.  Done wrong, peer support can do damage VIA Sanctuary trauma. 

In this conversation we explored our story of peer support, it's effect on the Veteran / EMS/ Fire/ Police community,  and it's barriers to entry. 

EVERY station should have a confidential peer support group as prevention, treatment, and aftercare. Those who don't are not properly looking after their people. 

Contact John for more info. 

#police, #fire, #EMS, #peersupport, #mentalhealthmatters, #talkaboutit, #suicideprevention, #ptsd, 

LIVE: From Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

Ryan Espey is known as the Manitoba Mastiff.  He's a huge man with an equally huge heart.  Ryan is a globally recognized legend within the Armwrestling world. 

For Arm Sport fans, you'll hear things from Ryan you've never heard before on any other interview. 

For those who don't know anything about Arm Sports, you'll get a unique insight into the sport. 

Ryan and I got our times mixed up for the interview, so this one was short...but we'll have him back again soon. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation. 

And...if you are in the Portage La Prairie area, and need a Realtor...Ryan is your man. 

https://www.facebook.com/mike.meilleur

officialfreedomhoney@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/officialfreedomhoney

Small veteran ran apiary located outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Making premium honey with the proceeds going to help veterans.

Follow us on our amateur bee keeping adventure

FREEDOM HONEY , That sweet taste of freedom.

Mike has been in the news for protecting children from child predators.  He also helps Veterans with PTSD VIA honey farming.  Mike has dedicated a great deal of time and effort towards supporting his community.  His dedication to helping others is a shining example of how to give back to others. 

https://www.hardknoxtalks.com/

About his show:

Some call us an addiction recovery podcast. Others call us harm reduction advocates.
We are a live streaming talk show centered around all things substance use. Join the live and interactive conversation 3 times a week on Facebook and YouTube and find us on all audio podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addicts, Google Podcasts, and more!

James has walked from Vancouver to Ottawa, and will be starting up again on the east coast, and will make his way back west. 

THAT is a LONG walk. 

James and I served together in the 3rd Battalion PPCLI in the early 90's. He is an Army Veteran with numerous tours of the Balkans, and Afghanistan. 

James believes that our freedoms in Canada have been, and continue to be reduced and/or removed.  He also believes people should have the right to decide what gets put into their own bodies, without having to face losing their jobs, careers, or reputation.  He believes this so strongly, that he is crossing our massive country by foot. 

Whether you disagree, or agree with him, there is no cause to hate him.  He's just a guy doing what he thinks is right. 

If you're a hater, I hope you take the time to get to know him a little bit before you judge him. 

If you're a fan, we covered some ground that I have not heard him talk about on other podcasts or interviews. 

If you're a Veteran of 3PPCLI, there will be some nostalgia. 

#ppcli, #army, #canadamarches, #jamestopp, #whoisjamestopp

John is an Army Veteran, Poet, Author, and speaker. 

https://johntkrotec.com/ 

Poetic humans (pō-ĕt′ĭk hyoo͞′məns) are men who seek to be voices of freedom, wisdom, and integrity. They live as examples of loving leaders for change. This tribe of men is an unwavering, compelling source of courage and hope that will empower others. They intentionally seek out ways to positively impact all those they lead, in every circle of their lives. They are men who encourage other men to know and embrace their true identity.

In today’s world, the role of the “modern man” has a number of definitions, appearances and ways in which he is presented. But what is most apparent is that the conversation has to change.

There seems to be a disconnect between heart and mind.

The dialogue between a man and his family, his spouse, his coworkers, his friends, his peers and most importantly, himself, is in dire need of repairing and rebuilding.

This is the root of our tribal calling to reclaim the man in mankind and put kind back into mankind.

We are the pivotal bridge to begin again, to start anew, and to allow for transformation to take shape. We’re committed to a different kind of freedom that empowers men to feel safe enough to bring their trauma, shame, guilt and confusion, as well as their strengths, brilliance, and wisdom, to the light.

It is time for men to emerge as new souls, healing from what once was, to blazing new paths of emotional freedom.

This is where we seek the power of divine leadership as poetic humans with a tribe to support you along the way.

All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host.

The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Creator and Host Mark Meincke

Sponsored by Canadian Legacy Project

https://www.canadianlegacy.org/

Produced by Jessika Dupuis

Support a Hero HERE

Recover Out Loud!

Book your Guest Appearance HERE 

Find the OTR podcast on

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____

https://www.optimihealth.ca/

About Bill:

Over 25 years of Global experience across a wide array of industries in multifunctional organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small and medium-sized businesses. Bill graduated from UBC with a Bachelor Degree in Economics and has spent his career working in various cities across North America. Prior experience includes leading a specialty advisory practice for the Business Development Bank of Canada, running his own successful consulting firm and helping a high tech company go public and grow from $200 M to $800 M in under 4 years. Bill additionally spent 17 years at Procter & Gamble and has a love and proven track record for growing products and brands.

Optimi HealthTM (CSE: OPTI – OTCQX: OPTHF – FRA: 8BN) believes that personal identity is a fluid and evolving aspect of all our lives

This includes physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Our goal is to bring-to-market an evolving product family of functional mushroom-based formulations to help transform and “optimize” human development

DO THE WORK

You can’t get strong by watching YOUTUBE videos of other people going to the gym. From the videos you can certainly garner some great tips on HOW to work out effectively, but you won’t receive any results without actually doing the workouts.

If you break your arm, it’s not very useful to sit on the couch thinking about possibly going to the hospital.  The longer you sit around just “thinking” about getting help for your arm, the more pain you will endure unnecessarily. If you wait a few days, your arm will start to set itself in the wrong position, causing more unnecessary long term suffering. By not addressing the issue and simply getting help, you have made your broken arm into a way bigger issue than it had to be.

If you choose to stay home and just wish you had help, you will suffer from your choices.

If help comes to your door, and you refuse to open that door, you will suffer from your choice.

This is exactly the same for people who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Injuries.  If you don’t do the work, if you don’t take positive action, you will suffer more than you need to.

By procrastinating on getting help, the injury is getting worse than it needs to be.

If you don’t know where to start looking for help, start with my show. Operation Tango Romeo has over 230 episodes that are dedicated to investigating every form of healing that I can find. I have done episodes on Nutrition, exercise, psychedelics, retreats, NLP, equine therapy, motorcycle riding, canine companionship, skilled peer support, EMDR, talk therapy, mental health first aid, finding purpose, and on, and on, and on.   There IS help available, all you have to do is put up your hand and ask for it. Reach out to any of the organizations that I’ve had on the show, and ask for help.

If moving forward with help is beyond your capacity right now…what CAN you do?

Can you do one pushup an hour?

Can you walk up and down stairs?

Can you do half of a bodyweight squat?

Can you quit drinking alcohol?

Can you attend a peer support meeting, in person or online?

Can you visit with someone at least once a week?

Can you read one paragraph of a self help book every day?

Can you learn one new word of a new language every day?

Can you do yoga with the help of youtube videos?

Can you listen to one episode of my show a day?

Can you call a service officer to ask for help?

Can you help someone else?

Can you volunteer at a food bank, or any other charitable organization?

What skills do you have which could be used to help another human being, or an animal?

Can you babysit a dog while people are on vacation? Or a cat? Or a goldfish?  Or a plant?

Can you water plants?

Can you compliment someone?

Can you smile?

Can you keep hydrated?

Can you make your bed?

Can you take a shower?

Can you brush your teeth?

If you can do any of these things…then do it.  If you can do more, then do more.  Focus on what you CAN do, and get it done.

Just pick ONE thing, and do it every single day. Eventually you’ll find the strength to do two things a day, then three, and your capacity for self care will grow.  Eventually you will find the strength to reach out for help, and take your healing to the next level.

Taking massive action is great, but not necessary. Tiny steps, done consistently, will get you to a better place…but you still have to take those steps.  If you don’t, you won’t move.  If you don’t move, nothing will change. If nothing changes, you won’t heal.

Do the work.

This is a special series dedicated to supporting the success of the RCL.  There are several Legion Branches across the country which are struggling, and several others which have closed down.  And yet, there are other branches which are thriving.

The intent of this series is to investigate why some branches thrive, while others wither away.

At the end of this series, I will do a conclusion episode with the do’s and don'ts of successful branches.  This roadmap to success will be available to all branches, and to National Command.  It is my sincere hope that the Legion embraces this information to create a plan to move forward, and ensure the survival and success of the RCL.

When the Legion succeeds, the entire Veteran community succeeds.  It is crucial that the RCL continues to be a cornerstone of Veteran support and advocacy.  This can only be done by attracting more Veterans into leadership roles within the organization. Attracting more Veterans can only be done by creating a warm and welcoming environment for the Veteran community.

Please share this episode with as many Legion members as you can. Together we can save the Royal Canadian Legion.

Mental Health First Aid is a skill that EVERYONE should have.  You are guaranteed to be in several situations in your life where these skills will be incredibly helpful, and not having the skills could be incredibly harmful. 

sherry@broadmind.ca

https://www.broadmind.ca/

About Broadmind:

We bring proven science, best practices, new innovations and delightful experiences in mental health to educate individuals and organizations on how to manage stress, support each other and create psychological safety.

Connection

Together we can create real-human-connection in workplaces – safer, happier, connected.

People

We equip people with the knowledge and skills to thrive and to support others in their mental health and wellbeing journey.

Proven Science

We bring the proven science, best practices, and new innovations in mental health to every organization we serve.

Community

We believe in supporting the health of our community members.  Not everyone has an employer or the opportunity to get these supportive, life-enhancing/saving educational experiences.  That's why we provide free training to community members through our amazing relationship with the Kingston Community Health Centres.  Learn more

This is a special series dedicated to supporting the success of the RCL.  There are several Legion Branches across the country which are struggling, and several others which have closed down.  And yet, there are other branches which are thriving.

The intent of this series is to investigate why some branches thrive, while others wither away.

At the end of this series, I will do a conclusion episode with the do’s and don'ts of successful branches.  This roadmap to success will be available to all branches, and to National Command.  It is my sincere hope that the Legion embraces this information to create a plan to move forward, and ensure the survival and success of the RCL.

When the Legion succeeds, the entire Veteran community succeeds.  It is crucial that the RCL continues to be a cornerstone of Veteran support and advocacy.  This can only be done by attracting more Veterans into leadership roles within the organization. Attracting more Veterans can only be done by creating a warm and welcoming environment for the Veteran community.

Please share this episode with as many Legion members as you can. Together we can save the Royal Canadian Legion.

Several Branches of the RCL have closed down over the years.  Fewer and fewer Veterans attend, or buy memberships. But I believe the RCL can be saved. 

This series is dedicated to discovering the do's and don'ts for Branches to become successful. 

The Legion is an important institution, but most feel they have lost their way. 

Lets fix it. 

Military Sexual Trauma, like other traumas can be devastating to a persons life.  Healing, and rebuilding is no easy task.  Dawn has been able to rebuild, and use her experience to help others heal and reach out for help. 

Kids don't play "Hide N Seek" any more, instead they play "Mantracker".  Terry Grant is an international icon.  You can join him for a back-country trip by contacting Anchor D Ranch, and booking your spot. https://anchord.com/

Terry joined me for the first ever "Bonus Episode" Of Operation Tango Romeo.   Bonus episodes have nothing to do with trauma recovery.  They are just cool conversations with cool people about interesting stuff. 

If you want to get to know more about Terry, this episode is for you!

Country Music Star, Paul Brandt was kind enough to ride his motorcycle to my studio to record this important episode. 

Paul shares stories that you won't believe.  

To help protect your children, and the children of others, please listen to, and share this episode as much as you can. 

Please visit www.notinmycity.ca to learn more about what YOU can do to help protect children. 

THE BETTER BRAIN, Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition.

Buy "The Better Brain" book! https://thebetterbrainbook.com/ 

On Amazon: HERE

True Hope.com

Hardy Nutritionals

Bonnie J. Kaplan, PhD is a Professor Emerita in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Originally from Ohio, she did all her training in the US (University of Chicago and Brandeis University).

Her interest in the biological basis of behavior led to postdoctoral training and then faculty research in neurophysiology at Yale University Department of Neurology and the West Haven (CT) Veterans Administration Neuropsychology Laboratory until she moved to Canada in 1979.

She has published widely on the biological basis of developmental disorders and mental health, especially the contribution of nutrition to brain development and brain function. She was the founding principal investigator of the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition longitudinal study (ApronStudy.ca). Bonnie has over 180 peer-reviewed publications and textbook contributions, and many more invited lectures.

After retiring from full-time academic research in 2016, she turned her attention to raising the profile of nutrition in mental health in two ways: a) by focusing on Knowledge Translation, and b) by raising funds to help her junior colleagues who have not yet been able to convince funding agencies that this is an important topic.

Her efforts to include nutrition knowledge in the care of people with mental health challenges has earned her a variety of awards, including the Dr. Rogers Prize in September 2019; and selection in 2017 as one of 150 Canadian Difference Makers in Mental Health, in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday. In 2021 she was chosen as one of the top “7 Over 70” in Calgary, partly for her book The Better Brain, written with Professor Julia Rucklidge and published by Harper Collins as well as Penguin Random House. The award also was acknowledgement of her establishment of two charitable funds supporting research by junior colleagues who study nutrition and mental health. Those funds have now raised and distributed over $1 million CAD.
Her primary goal is to influence the way mental health treatment is delivered.

If you wish to read this at your school, or your remembrance day ceremony, please go ahead. If you could pop me a note to let me know, that would be appreciated.

Why we remember

To remember not only the fallen, but the sacrifices made by the living who have experienced horrors which are simply beyond the comprehension of the unindoctrinated.

To acknowledge the sacrifice made by the families of the fallen, and of all those who have served and who are still serving.

Because nobody ever truly comes home from War. Only a version of yourself returns.

A haunted version, whose very soul has been irreversibly stained by the realization that Satan is in fact real, and he does indeed cajole decent people into doing awful things.

It’s the understanding of how unspeakably horrible one person can be to another. War forever taints’ you. Witnessing a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of life is not something you can unsee. It is this stain which affects every aspect of your civilian life, often for the rest of your life.

We remember our soldiers because they bear a terrible burden, so that others will never have to carry the painful weight of freedom.

To acknowledge the privilege we enjoy, of living in a peaceful country where our children can safely walk to school without the fear of their school being bombed.

We remember, because we acknowledge that we can’t ever fully appreciate the sacrifices, so we remember in lieu of understanding.

We remember, because it’s the best we can do, and the least we should do to honor our Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen both past and present.

We remember, because they likely know the unforgettable smell of burning human flesh, and the sound of the screams of the burning.

We remember them, because they can not forget.

We remember, because the survivors often struggle from debilitating depression, relentless nightmares, and uncontrollable anger.

We remember because Veterans are at a much higher risk of suicide.

We remember them, because many of them can never find peace.

We remember them, because we don’t carry the burden of becoming them.

On November the 11th, we will remove our hats, stand for our two minutes of silence, and we will remember them.

Lakeydra Houston, USAF Veteran, Space Force recruiter, MST survivor

Find her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lakeydrahouston

About Lakeydra:

For years I was ashamed…..only a few knew my secret and no one knew my pain!   As a child, I was bullied at school and molested by a family member.  Joining the military was my way to escape and blossom into the person I thought I wanted to be not knowing my life would change forever.  Military Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence was not talked about and I was a victim of both.  Due to embarrassment and fear of retaliation, I kept the incidents to myself and alcohol became my security.

While I was trying to overcome my pain, my sister was murdered.  I felt so alone, I was ready to end it all.  After a suicide attempt, I realized it was more to live for and my faith was renewed.  Since that day my pain birthed my purpose to be a voice for victims.

We are a support system that will fight with you and for you so you are never alone during your healing.

Find KOLO on Facebook HERE

Visit the KOLO website HERE

Email KOLO HERE

KOLO is a group of top managers from the IT industry who have come together to help the Ukrainian army. We find, buy and send drones, thermal imagers, bulletproof vests and other equipment to the soldiers of the Armed Forces in hellish places.

https://therollingbarrage.com/

Are you ready to ride?!

Come join us for some wind/throttle therapy on a stop, a leg, a day, a weekend, or the whole ride, in our efforts to combat PTSD, personal challenges, and to join a supportive network of brothers and sisters. This is the family you never knew you had.

The Rolling Barrage starts on the first Monday in August and crosses Canada on a daily route until it “takes the ridge” during a grand finale in Vancouver, BC. Riders, many of them in for the “full pull”, conduct a 20 day epic motorcycle journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, with daily events scheduled in towns all the way across Canada.  Registered riders and those who support us, may join in at any point along the route, to show nationwide strength and unity that our military, first responders, and safety community deserve.

What separates TRB from a typical charity ride?

TRB is a pilgrimage, it’s a 20 day excursion through everything that Canada has to offer its visitors.  The smells, the sights, the tastes, the sounds, the touch, All your senses are engaged.  It’s time to think, long and hard, about everything and anything you’ve been needing to think about.  It’s connection to people who understand that life throws potholes into your  journey and it can cause you to lose your balance and crash.  TRB isn’t just a motorcycle group ride, it’s life changing moments that brings human vulnerability to the forefront of our minds.  This is the family you didn’t know existed.

Disclaimer

The Rolling Barrage is an independent, yet inclusive, organization and event.  All are welcome to attend and support us as private citizens or companies.  Apart from the recipients, providers, and donors that we have vetted on our public lists, we:

• Claim no territory;
• Are not part of CAF, Veterans Affairs, Emergency Service, or any local / provincial / federal government entity;
• Do not actively support political entities or activities; and
• Hold no allegiance to any specific club or organization.

We welcome all registered riders and supporters to wear the military, veteran, first responder, safety community, or motorcycle vest and paraphernalia that they are proud of, during the TRB rides and events – so long as they don’t represent any criminal entity / behavior, undermine or bring discredit to our organization and its efforts.

https://www.facebook.com/brunoredemption    

Bruno was injured, sought help, got better, and continues to heal.  He is now travelling across the country to share his story of healing as inspiration for others to walk the healing path as well. 

Erin enrolled in the Royal Military College of Canada at 18 and became an officer for the Royal Canadian Air Force at 22. He did basic training in Chilliwack, got his wings in Winnipeg and was then based in Shearwater, Nova Scotia.

Erin then spent his twenties flying on search and rescue missions and naval support operations with 423 Squadron.

He rose the military ranks to Captain and was awarded both the Canadian Forces Decoration and the Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Award for rescuing an injured fisherman at sea.

Erin’s military service instilled him with the determination to always see a mission through.

Mr. O'Toole was very nearly the next Prime Minister of Canada, and continues to serve Canada as a Member of Parliament, and by working with several Veterans organizations. 

I've always said there MUST be a better way to treat PTSI's , and maybe this is it. 

This could be one of the most important episodes I've ever done.  Dan Jarvis is on a mission to take the 22 suicides a day, down to ZERO.  Is this pie in the sky? Or, is it actually possible?

Please take the time to check out the links below, and have a look for yourself. 

I plan on going through the protocols myself, and I'll keep everyone posted as to the results. 

Is there a Silver Bullet for PTSD/PTSI/OSI?   Is it REALLY a life sentence?

Visit the 22zero website here: https://22zero.org/

Watch the Documentary here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMvt3Pcs92I  

Do you remember your first bike?  Todd Martin sure does, it was gifted to him, as his family couldn't afford one. Now, he's paying it forward by fixing up, and distributing used bikes to thousands of kids. 

In addition to helping so many children, Todd is also a fundraiser and advocate for Veterans Mental health. 

Todd's massive efforts have recently received National recognition, and he has received the "Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation".  

From Brent Calver of the Western Wheel:  

An Okotoks veteran has been recognized at the national level for helping his comrades.

Todd Martin, a veteran of the 1990s Yugoslavia conflict and prolific community volunteer, was presented with the The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation Award during a virtual presentation by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

The award was in recognition of Martin’s extensive efforts and volunteerism to raise funds and awareness for veterans and mental health, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other similar operational stress injuries.

“The typical mantra in the military is you’ve got to look out for each other,” said Martin, a retired Army mechanic and member of the Okotoks Legion Branch 291. “And even though I’m out of the military, I had a network and connectivity, I had energy, why wouldn’t I do something to help them?”

While he didn’t find himself affected by PTSD, he saw the effects first-hand with others who served, and saw the need to do more.

“The thing that drove me to do this was recognizing there was a need for privately funded organizations to put up mental health programming for ex-military folks,” Martin said.

“It’s driven out of the need of having to do something, because if there’s a need, there’s an opportunity to do something.”

n June 2019 Martin took part in the Battlefield Bike Ride, a 670km ride from Dieppe, France to Juno Beach on the 75th anniversary of D-Day with Wounded Warriors.

Through the ride he raised over $17,000 for Wounded Warriors, a charity supporting veterans suffering with PTSD.

Martin was slated for another ride in 2020 through The Netherlands, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He hopes to take part in a 2022 ride.

In 2021 he also took part in the stressful activity of caving to raise funds for the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry (PPCLI) Foundation, which similarly supports veterans, where he raised $3,808.

“Simply put, whether it’s with Wounded Warriors, the PPCLI or cycling or whatever it is, if there’s something that needs to be done and I’m able to help them do it, I want to be a part of it,” he said.

That nomination, Martin said, was the product of his friend Wayne Krause and wife Sharon Martin ‘conspiring’ with the help of Legion Branch 291 (Okotoks) President Bob McLeod.

“Todd is certainly a unique sort of individual, he gives so much of himself to the community and to veterans and our branch,” McLeod said.

“Really any activity that’s supporting veterans, Todd is in there with both feet, and he’s done so much. And it’s not just a think that he does, but what’s on his mind, like what we can do to help veterans and what we can do in the Branch to help veterans better.

https://saveawarrior.org/

https://thecode9project.org/ 

Melanie Mikeska knows what it's like to feel different, disconnected, and isolated.  

When she reached out to her department for help, the help wasn't there.  The department heads didn't know what to do, or how to respond to one of their own needing help. 

This is her story of healing and recovery. 

Visit his website here: http://Gurdeep.ca/ 

On Instagram: gurdeeppandher

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GurdeepPandher

We must not wait for Joy to find us, instead we must create our own joy, and spread the joy to other. 

When you're hungry, you must eat.  When you are cold, you must go to the warmth. When you are troubled, you must create joy. 

Gurdeep is creating and spreading joy around the world, and is being received by open arms globally. 

This is the power of one single person....and this same power is inside YOU.  Find it, use it, and be joyful. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-sawman-sawyer-010032214/ 

Watch the Contraland movie: https://www.contralandmovie.com/

Watch the Contraland movie on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnFlSvDycY0 

https://vets4childrescue.org/

V4CR was founded in April of 2017. V4CR is dedicated to raising awareness about the epidemic of child sex trafficking right here in the United States, exposing this fastest growing criminal enterprise and putting predators behind bars.
The mission of V4CR is three fold:

• Nationwide alert: Provide nationwide attention to the prevalence of child sex trafficking that is rampant in all 50 states. We do this through traditional media, social media and our Nationwide Volunteer program.

• Arrest child predators: An investigative team uses their military and law enforcement experience to run operations in conjunction with local police and district attorneys to arrest predators that prey on children and see the cases through to conviction.


• Protect our children: The V4CR Nationwide Volunteer program provides educational outreach programs to arm citizens with the necessary tools to protect their children and maintain safe communities.

All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host. 

The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Creator and Host Mark Meincke

Sponsored by Canadian Legacy Project

https://www.canadianlegacy.org/

Produced by Jessika Dupuis

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Visit her website here: https://www.awildridecalledlife.com/

Find her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-whittenberger-a-wild-ride-called-life-/ 

Find her on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/annette.whittenberger 

 "My self healing journey started with writing and speaking out... it was one of the scariest things in my life."

From Annette:

This is the story of a Retired Army Veteran, a Mother and a Military Wife...

dealing with life after the Army.

I share my story and talk about the daily struggles with family and personal issues (depression, PTSD, anxiety, trauma). My goal is to inspire and motivate other men and women who struggle. My mission is to end the stigma of mental health, stop suicide and let you know that you are NOT alone.

Find Operation Tango Romeo on Anchor: HERE

Visit Operation Tango Romeo on Facebook HERE

Visit the Operation Tango Romeo website HERE

Buy the Book “Why not Me?”                    HERE

On LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-molino-bca-0422a338/ 

Forces Fitness Website: http://www.forcesfitness.co.uk/ 

info@forcesfitness.co.uk

Veteran Awards Website: southwalesfitnessawards.co.uk

About:

Working with Organizations, Companies, schools colleges and universities on all their Health and well- being needs. We can design anything from one hour workshops to full board residential health and wellbeing retreats. We've worked with 100's of partners on these projects and the feedback we have received has been fantastic. The sessions mainly cover a basis of education in health, well-being & nutrition, motivating them and encouraging problem solving through team work & communication challenges.

Other recent projects include employability Bootcamps working in partnership with local housing associations in England & Wales. Our program provides attendees with the fundamentals on job search skills, career exploration, developing a positive attitude, money management and steps towards leading a healthier & happier life. Healthy body, healthy mind. If one thing the military has taught me is mental fitness Is just as important as physical fitness.

Extremely proud to be an ambassador for the Welsh Government, role model and mentor for the big ideas Wales project. This project involves helping young entrepreneurs into becoming successful at self employment by telling my story and working with them. I conduct these sessions within schools & colleges across Wales.

Founder of the The Veterans Awards CIC a not for profit organization, rewarding our Military Veterans & organizations/companies that that support them to inspire future service leavers that great things can happen. In support of the ABF The Soldiers' Charity!

I also occupy the role of MD of Forces Fitness. FF is a Multi award winning company, winning Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday, Business of the year at the S Wales Business Awards, FSB Community Business of the year Finalists and Gold ERS Award Holders. We run group residential Bootcamps available for corporate bookings or individuals. All levels of fitness attend, from the athlete to the person wishing to lose a stone or two! We also work with, schools, youth clubs, professional sports teams, councils & many companies throughout the UK.

Our Bootcamps have featured on multiple TV programs on BBC, BBC Wales and Cardiff TV.

Specialties: Employability Bootcamps, Health & wellbeing workshops, Survival Days, Team Building workshops & residential Bootcamps.

One thing I am always careful about, is to NOT be hypocritical in anything I represent on OTR.  In this analysis of the Smith vs Rock debate, I open up with a story that I have never before shared publicly.  

I've never been a fan of bullies or cowards...and they are usually one in the same.  In this instance, Will Smith was both a bully and a coward.  I'm not saying that is who he is on the whole, but only in this particular instance. 

I hope has the character to look inside of himself, and take ownership of his actions.  He was NOT in the right here, not under these circumstances. 

Find Chad on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/seatoseaforptsd

Find his Website here: https://www.seatoseaforptsd.ca/

Chad Kennedy is both an Army Veteran, and a First Responder.  He is walking across Canada to raise awareness and funds for PTSD treatment and awareness. 

If you are able, please donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/seatoseaforptsdca 

Meet the Man - Chad Kennedy

I have been involved in Law Enforcement since 2004, most recently with the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol, now off work indefinitely while working on my healing.

Up until a few years ago I had a constant battle with anger and anxiety... I reached out for help. I was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety in 2018. Recently I suffered a post traumatic stress injury (PTSI) after attending a horrible incident in the Canadian Rockies on July 18, 2020, fortunately I was able to receive the help I so desperately needed for my trauma.

August of the same year I suffered a meltdown... after calming down and reevaluating the situation, it was evident that though our loved ones are at our side, our loved ones don't truly understand the beast that lives within us. Yes it's a physical injury, not a visual injury. "NOT ALL WOUNDS ARE VISIBLE."

The vision. To walk across Canada alongside of some amazing warriors, raising awareness of PTS and mental health, to raise funds to help those who need treatment and to assist in creating education programs for loved ones and friends.

Emergency Service (nurses, doctors, corrections, police, peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMT's, & dispatchers), Military, and Veteran Communities. It's time to tell our stories, it's time to be heard. April 2022 we shall be warriors, we shall beat this together!

Your donation or purchase of our merchandise will help fuel our walk and support Mental Health Initiatives across Canada.

Fitness, Community, Strength, Health, ...Armwrestling is all these things to me.

It's a sport I can engage in with my kids

It's a community where I feel accepted and happy

It's really FUN!

Devon Larratt is #1 in North America, and in June we'll find out if he is #1 in the world.  He's a Canadian Army Veteran of the PPCLI, RCR, and Special Forces. It was his YouTube videos that ignited my interest in the sport, even at my age. 

I'll be 52 in May, but this is a sport that I can keep competing in, well into my 60's.  We'll see how strong I'll be when I'm 62!  It's better to be old and strong, than young and weak.   

#devonlarratt, #nolimitslarratt   

https://nolimitsarmwrestling.com/

https://armbet.net/ 

#nolimitsarmwrestling

#armwrestling

https://veteransassociationfoodbank.ca/

Marie Blackburn founded the Veterans Association Food Bank in Calgary, Alberta.  This Food Bank was the first of it's kind in Canada, and as far as I know, the first in the world. 

It has now expanded to Edmonton, and there is a demand for new branches across the country. 

There has been a large increase in demand for their services due to inflation, so if you're able to donate, please do so. 

The Calgary branch also has a thrift store, so donations can be made there as well in the form of household items, clothing, tools, etc. 

Our Mission

The Veterans Association Food Bank is dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of Veterans and their families.

Our Vision

As a community of Veterans helping Veterans, we will be the support base where together we create healthy and resilient futures.

The Veterans Association Food Bank recognizes any person who is currently serving or has honorably served in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Veterans Association Food Bank also recognizes and offers support to those currently serving, honorably discharged or honorably released Commonwealth Allies, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Peacekeepers, Merchant Marines, or Ferry Command (Coast Guard). Support will be extended to spouses, widows, widowers, and any dependent children in need. Proof of military service or affiliation required.

Nathan Phillips was a volunteer fire fighter who was on scene for the Humboldt bus crash which took 16 lives.

Here is his story. 

Luc is the founder CEO of Psychedelic Insights BV/Ltd. to offer qualified trip guides the opportunity to serve clients in an optimized setting and with science based protocols. The aim: Professional and experienced staff, providing psychological guidance of psychedelic experiences. Psychedelic Insights has since become an experienced professional and no nonsense organization with passionate trip guides to help our clients navigate altered states of consciousness.

He is a Royal Netherlands Marine Corps veteran, plant medicine advocate, entrepreneur, ocean sailor, mountaineer, and rain forest explorer. Above all, he is a dad to his daughter Sam (2006). His life (choices) changed after Psilocybin and Ayahuasca experiences in 2013. Luc ran a emotional health education service for 4 years, including (walking) therapy and lifestyle coaching, and was a public speaker on mental well-being, especially in youth prisons where he gave 40+ talks on emotional health where he inspired the most serious offenders in The Netherlands.
Luc is a proponent of keeping these sacred medicines alive inside you, by doing them periodically.

His service provides the psychological guidance for a 1 day private psychedelic psilocybin session with (donated) fresh truffles. This process comprises of 6 video intro, preparation, intention and integration support calls. Also, everything for the session day.

2 professional trip-guides are there just for you for the entire experience and are not on the clock. Two guides are there for you to guide, hold space and keep you safe. The post session day support and integration therapy sessions can be schedules with one of your 2 your therapist-guides. Our trip-guide facilitators consist mostly of therapeutic and medical professionals and deeply empathetic entheogenic plant medicine practitioners.

Jesse Gould is Founder and President of the Heroic Hearts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pioneering psychedelic therapies for military veterans. After being deployed as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan three times, he founded the Heroic Hearts Project in 2017 to spearhead the acceptance and use of ayahuasca therapy as a means of addressing the current mental health crisis among veterans. The Heroic Hearts Project has raised over $350,000 in scholarships from donors including Dr. Bronner’s and partnered with the world’s leading ayahuasca treatment centers, as well as sponsoring psychiatric applications with the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Georgia. Jesse helps shape treatment programs and spreads awareness of plant medicine as a therapeutic method. He has spoken globally about psychedelics and mental health, and received accolades including being recognized as one of the Social Entrepreneurs To Watch For In 2020 by Cause Artist. Driven by a mission to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma, he is best known for his own inspiring battle with PTSD and his recovery through ayahuasca therapy.

Jesse’s work can be seen and heard at NY Times, Breaking Convention, San Francisco Psychedelic Liberty Summit, People of Purchase, The Freq, Psychedelics Today Podcast, Kyle Kingsbury Podcast, Cause Artist,  and The GrowthOp.

1. Stop beating yourself up.  Be as kind to yourself as the person you love the most. 

2. Try to realize, you ARE enough!

3. You are not your past. 

4. Choosing a better path, and walking it, is the only way to resolve the mistakes of the past. 

5. Self Love is the courage to make a promise to yourself, and the integrity to keep the promise. 

All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host.

The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Creator and Host Mark Meincke

Sponsored by Canadian Legacy Project

https://www.canadianlegacy.org/

Produced by Jessika Dupuis

Find the OTR podcast on

Facebook

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TikTok

Youtube

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tango-romeo/support

Rejection sucks, and the damage it can do can be catastrophic. This rejection loop is often played out when Military members try to transition to civilian life, but that's not the only place where we see it. 

Anyone who is a little socially awkward can experience rejection, which puts them in isolation, which makes them more awkward, which causes more rejection. 

Rejection-Isolation-repeat until someone becomes either a total recluse, or unable to function in any social setting. 

When this happens, people will either become wall-flowers, or they will lash out / act out.  Often, they simply isolate, and avoid people at all costs. 

Truman Scholar, Martin Honor Scholar, UW graduate, National Spokesperson, Author, Mother, Recovering Addict, and Former Prisoner.

vginnyburton.com

"My Story Isn't an Accident"

Ginny’s remarkable story is sparking hope in many across the world, creating a belief that change is possible for anyone. Her story is one that she says “must be shared so others know there is a way out of whatever hell they have been caught in, whatever challenges they face.” The big picture goal for Ginny is to change institutional policy in the US for those impacted by systems, and she’s gaining momentum.

Her personal experience with addiction, criminal justice, and homelessness; and then as a social service provider and behavioral health service provider combined with her education has given Ginny a unique perspective and credibility in areas that most policy makers lack.

12/20/2021 - Guest on Tucker Carlson Today. Catch the long form show on Fox Nation. Must Subscribe for full version.

1/24/2022 - Guest on "Addict to Athlete" podcast. Catch "Through the Eyes of My Clean Self"

1/26/2022 - Guest on Ladies of Another View in North Dakota (12:45 minutes into show)

1/29/2022 - Guest on Blugh - Skyy Show "From Addict to Scholar" 7 PM Eastern; 4 PM PST, 5 PM MT, 6 PM CT. Listen Live OR Catch Here

1/31/2022- Guest on North Dakota Today (link for viewing to come soon)

2/3/2022 - Keynote Speaker at the F5 Project Opportunity Ball in Fargo North Dakota.

2/14/2022 - Speaker at the Trevecca University Chapel Service, 6PM in Nashville TN

2/2022 - Guest on Daily Blast News Show in Denver, Colorado

3/8/2022 - Guest on Operation Tango Romeo Podcast

3/10/2022 - Guest on the Painless Universal Podcast

3/16/2022 - Speaker at New Freedom AZ

4/30/2022 - Speaker at the TedX Wilmington, "Leading From The Front: Profiles in Leadership, Courage, and Passion", 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT

#vginnyburton, #donttellmeicant, #systemschaneagent, #livedexperienceleader,  #doinghardthingschangecourse

Sexual predators often put themselves into a position where they have access to their young prey.  In Jimmy's case, the predator who stalked him was an adult leader of the Sea Cadets.  At the age of 14, the grooming process started, and the abuse began. 

Predators can always tell who may be vulnerable, and susceptible to the grooming process.  Like a Lion on the Serengeti, they pick out the young and the vulnerable from the herd, and start stalking their prey. 

Children who feel unloved, and or insecure are the most vulnerable. The child predator can identify those who are craving attention and affirmation more than most, and they use that craving to start the grooming process. 

The predator offers a sense of connection, false love, false acceptance, and false self esteem to their prey.  Once the bond is strong enough, the abuse begins, often without the child even realizing that they are being abused. 

The effect this can have on a Childs' life is always profound, and often catastrophic. Their sense of identity is destroyed.  They may become confused about their sexuality, and unable to navigate morality. 

Jimmy is helping others via Peer Support, to help them find a sense of healthy connection.  Peer support, when done right, helps to end the stigma and shame of abuse.