Veteran's Affairs Plus W/ David L. Washington

Unknown Speaker 0:00
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Unknown Speaker 0:42
Come on. You can see what's going on. What's going on? What's going on. Good morning, Las Vegas, this infectious affairs plus on 91.5, jazz and more. As we move into Black History Month. We're going to have a few guests today to talk about a few things that is germane to military, as well as we had the Sierra snow glider officers in a month or so ago. And we're going to have a little update brought to us by Miss Carolyn Reedham. Some of the work that he had mentioned that they were going to take some kids up to camp Lee Canyon that did take place she sent me a video of it on TV. So we have to a few remarks. I'm going to bring Miss Carolyn reading me and shortly. Once again. We always like to start off our little time on radio with my man Wes with birthdays. birthday this month is my lovely wife Marcia. Her birthday is coming up soon. Mr. Eddie bunch longtime friend of mine, Mr. Ray Feaster and Gone but not forgotten. Mr. RJ Robinson, Myron Jenkins and Les Brown. Those are birthdays that I'm aware of for this month of February. They would like to extend condolences to the family of Rashad Jones. He was a retired civilian staff member of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, as well as we want to express condolences to the family of Chief Lawrence Wickliffe, who retired with Las Vegas Fire and Rescue out the 46 years of service. Lars and I were only a few months apart in terms of start of our tenure with the department. But we never grew close. I took the staff or administrators track and he did the line or operations track. While out there in the field or operations. Lawrence was considered one of the best fire ground commanders ever to don our uniform. And on a personal personal note, when police and fire played a football game. Back in the 80s. We were at practice we did our practice at Western High School. And I was a safety and Lawrence was a running back he's a fullback anyway they sell so when when when somebody has come through the land, they've gotten through the the alignment they've gotten through the the linebackers, the safeties or corners go low. I went low on Lawrence, and ain't talking about a Mack truck. I'm talking about a train. He rolled over me and my shoulder hurt me for weeks, but Gone but not forgotten where he's now on ancestry. And we will continue to talk about Larson the things that he did for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. With that, bringing in our first guests. For today's show, Miss Carolyn Reedham. And Carolyn, we want to update. You guys had some wonderful things to say yourself, your husband Ron and Carolyn Hayward, sister of my longtime colleague, Leonard lad who passed away a few months ago. So how you doing, sister?

Unknown Speaker 4:04
I'm doing great, David, and thanks for having me back on again. On your podcast, yes. But during Great.

Unknown Speaker 4:15
Absolutely. So tell us tell us Carolyn about the experience. I know you guys talked Well, first of all, I should ask you to give just a little quick background on the club itself. And then we'll you can tell our listening audience a little bit about the excursion you had with the young folks.

Unknown Speaker 4:30
Okay, the stairs nose ladders is a black Ski Club here in Las Vegas. We're a part we're chapter of the National brotherhood of snow sports, which is an organization comprised of about 30,000 African American skiers from all over the United States and in other parts of the world. We have chapters in Canada we have chapters in Jamaica So we have chapters in on some, some of the islands. And as we we've been, like I said, we've been members of this organization since 1991. And on January 6, we have took 30 children from the Southern Nevada Housing Authority, we partnered with them. And we took 30 children from Sherman gardens and these are children who will not have a narrow have an opportunity to experience winter sports. So we come up to Lake Canyon for the day, we provided everything the the their equipment, transportation, food, ski lessons, snowboarding lessons to children, I was tunity to choose the sport that they wanted to engage in being our snowboarding. And we had a great time, it was a great day. Very successful, the kids loved it. And the Housing Authority was fantastic. They worked with us to identify the students, I mean, the children and educators. But anyway, but but it was, and this, you know, one of our primary goals or missions is to engage black children in us, snow sports. And, and, and it's such a wonderful experience to them, it's it they get to experience this wonderful atmosphere, and environment of being you know, in, in, in the in the snow, but not just sat to learn a new sport, and the kids just had a blast. So we're gonna do it again. And we're able to do this throughout fundraising. And like I said, we provide everything for them. And channel three came out and it's filmed the day and it was on the news, and they did a great did a great job of covering this event for

Unknown Speaker 7:17
us. Excellent, excellent. So I know that when you guys were on the show, you did mention that it was a goal of us. So as I recall, you plan to do a couple more excursion with young folks.

Unknown Speaker 7:29
Yes, our next trip is going to be March 9. Going back up to the canyon again, and they'll get to, you know, just going one time isn't enough, right? We asked but I hope that the kids enjoy to the point where they, you know, will will want to continue to to participate in this sport, because it is truly a wonderful experience for them. Excellent husband. We've been skiing for almost 50 years, we've been members of the National brotherhood of skiers for since 1991. And we've traveled all over all over the world, really, I mean, the national organization, we skied in Canada and Australia and all of the major ski resorts in United States. If you're really into winter sports, it's just wonderful. Great.

Unknown Speaker 8:26
Look, Carolyn, as we wind up the time with you because I just wanted to give an update to our audience. Would you please give the website because I trust that there's others out there that may be interested in joining your club?

Unknown Speaker 8:37
Yes, it's a CRS no gliders.com and you can join a donate and be a part of this wonderful initiative that we that we have here in Las Vegas for put the children that live in the you know, historic west side. And we love doing it and the kids love it. The parents so appreciative and it's just something that we're we feel very strongly about to have children who would not ordinarily be able to do this to give them an opportunity to experience sport. Absolutely.

Unknown Speaker 9:18
Well we appreciate the time you spend with those young folks and we hope to get you back on the air again just to continue to tell us about what's the good things that you guys are doing as a car so glad so with that. This is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5 Jazz and

Unknown Speaker 9:40
good morning once again, this is Veterans Affairs plus on 91.5 Jazz and more. Second guest for our show was Antonio Moore in France. Fast Is that correct? Because I've been known Butcher some names. Hey, good to have you guys on the show. Again, I'd like to have you guys to introduce yourself as well as, and we'll start with you, France. give an indication of your time in the military. What was your job classification? And how long did you serve?

Unknown Speaker 10:19
Um, France, Boston. I served 18 years in the military. I met bought it out. During my time in the military, I enlisted as a patient administration specialist. And then I crossed over and became a medical Logistics Officer.

Unknown Speaker 10:39
So you went from enlisted to Officer? All right. So what was the requirement to make that change?

Unknown Speaker 10:49
What are we, the way that I did? My process was I got out the military. And then I did the ROTC program while I worked on my master's degree. Hmm, interesting,

Unknown Speaker 10:58
and decided to go back

Unknown Speaker 11:03
to that one more time,

Unknown Speaker 11:04
and then you decided you got out then you decided to go back as an officer? Yes, I

Unknown Speaker 11:09
did. Yes. Interesting.

Unknown Speaker 11:11
Track, Antonio.

Unknown Speaker 11:15
Yes. My name is Antonio. I was an Army as well, fashion out, we we met actually in our career field. So I was to healthcare administration. Soldier. I did 21 years, and then retired. And now I'm enjoying life as a DOD civilian.

Unknown Speaker 11:39
DOD civilian, tell us a little bit about that, if you can share that.

Unknown Speaker 11:45
Well, um, while I was in the army, I took advantage of the educational benefits and opportunities. So I got my masters before getting out of army. And I just pretty much transition on the other side, to wear civilian clothes. And I'm still helping soldiers. So that's always a plus. So I worked remote. I was a Madigan Army Medical Center. So life is life is good. So

Unknown Speaker 12:20
what and this is a question to each of you. Why did you join the military to begin with?

Unknown Speaker 12:27
Well, me at the time, I was at UNC in Chapel Hill. So I was overwhelmed with a passion for college. So I actually saw a commercial and says, If you want money for college, this is a potential route. So I just did into the reserves. And then that I mean, I did my my basic AIP. And then I decided I wanted to be a full time soldier. So well, I got out the reserves, of course, and then enlisted into the active component, and did my 21 years. So that was, that was me.

Unknown Speaker 13:12
And both of you guys were in the medical area.

Unknown Speaker 13:20
That's correct. bumbag was one

Unknown Speaker 13:22
of the administrators who the administrators said, Okay, France.

Unknown Speaker 13:28
Yes. And for me, I joined the military for two reasons. I joined because I'm at the time I was living in Miami. And in Miami, um, if you don't speak Spanish, you basically cannot really make it out there. And even with having a degree, it wasn't working for me, um, the Spanish speaking employees were making more than me who didn't have degrees. So that was the first thing. And then the second reason is because I never wanted to depend on no one again in my life. Because what made a decision for me is when I was pregnant with my first child, and I, and I asked my ex husband to give me like money, to go buy something to drink while I was taking my box, because I was a high risk pregnancy with him. And when he told me know that he pays the bills. That was it for me that I didn't need to ask him for anything and this and that, that made my mind up that for as long as I live, I will never depend on a man or anyone and I wanted to make sure my child had a better life.

Unknown Speaker 14:28
Okay. There's two interesting, different tracks for joining. And I trust that you guys did quite a bit of traveling.

Unknown Speaker 14:40
We did Yes, we did.

Unknown Speaker 14:43
Give a given assignment or to

Unknown Speaker 14:48
call this assignment was Fort Bragg for me and old CONUS was launched to Germany. So that's the biggest DoD hospital outside the United States. So they It's who I liked the most was really DC. And also, Seoul, Korea, and Carson, Colorado.

Unknown Speaker 15:13
So tell me, is there anything you would suggest to someone younger? Oh, who may be thinking about joining the military? What suggestion would you give?

Unknown Speaker 15:28
Well, the thing I would tell an individual looking to join the military is going in with an open mind. To me, joining the military was one of the best decisions I made in my life, because it gave me purpose. And it kind of it made me aware, actually, so it gave me a great foundation. I mean, you know, armies, they provide opportunities for thought leadership, and school. So the best thing I would tell him is to go in with open mind and take advantage of the opportunities while while you started, whether it be for one contract, or if you go the long haul to to retire your status.

Unknown Speaker 16:10
So Tony, did you get your degree Well, serving?

Unknown Speaker 16:15
Yes, I did. Typically when I was deployed, actually, so I had a lot of time at night to do some work. Because I mean, there's no distractions when you pull up on a deployment. So you work long hours, but when you all get time to time, so I took that upon, I took that opportunity to complete a couple of degrees while I was deployed,

Unknown Speaker 16:37
you see a couple of degrees, what were they? What are they?

Unknown Speaker 16:41
I got my Associates when I was deployed initially. Then I got my bachelor's and then prior to leaving on me, I got my masters in healthcare administration. So pretty much my age and visit administration, my bachelor's in healthcare administration, and then my masters in healthcare administration, which is the MHA.

Unknown Speaker 17:00
Okay, made some smart moves. I, after I got out, I got my associate's degree in general studies. And that's where I left. You know, as I look back at age 72, now, I'm thinking man, you wasted a lot of time. But one thing I didn't know that I needed to do, and that was to get out with an honorable discharge, because I had gotten into some trouble while in the military, and I said, you know, what, I got a, I got a gdb. And they don't like you black, white, male, female with a dishonorable discharge. So I got myself together, straight MCC straightened out my act, as they say, and got out with with an honorable discharge. And as such, I was able to join the fire department, thanks to my five military points. So there's things that you get to a listening audience out there those who aren't in the military, or even those who are in as you heard. Tony, say, Antonio, say, look, there's opportunity to get further education while you're in. Now, France, you give us a rundown on yourself, please.

Unknown Speaker 18:10
I've so received my degrees in the military. My masters actually, almost to the military. Well, well, my Bachelor's as well. My master's is an organizational leadership and my Bachelor's is in organizational management. I would say the advice that I would give to someone that's joined the military, some are thinking about it. Like my honey said, I'm going out with an open mind. Because what I'm hearing a lot of the young people saying today is, you know, they don't want to go to war. And yesterday, I had a conversation with two recruits that were getting ready to join. And they wanted my input. And what I told them was, this was life. Like, in life, there's pros and cons. It's going to be the same way in the military. You're dealing with people, you're dealing with people, you're gonna have good days with them, you're gonna have bad days. I've had great bosses, I've had Horrible Bosses, I've had racist bosses. I mean, you have to make it you have to make the best of it. And, and like Tony said, it is very important to get two degrees while you're in military because also they will pay for it. Like the military offers a lot of opportunities that jobs out here, it's not going to offer you, you get paid to learn a trade and depend on your trade. You can step out of your uniform and get into your suit or your dress and heels and continuing make even more money but the military is the best thing that ever happened to me. Besides God, like with the military. I'm very successful. I can say, you know, I was able to buy my own home I'll I'm traveling all the time. Like, life is great. I was able to take care of my kids as a single mom. Because of the military. I was a single mom of three boys. And I made it just fine. But it's because of God in the military. Right? If I didn't join the military, I wouldn't have been able to beat those odds.

Unknown Speaker 20:08
I understood. So where were you both born and raised? Because I'm assuming he was different.

Unknown Speaker 20:18
Yeah, I was, um, I was born and raised in Bronx, New York.

Unknown Speaker 20:25
I was born in Haiti, and I was raised in Miami.

Unknown Speaker 20:29
Now, are you both from from big families or small families? Relatively speaking?

Unknown Speaker 20:35
Yeah, small family, just two siblings, a single mom.

Unknown Speaker 20:41
I have three siblings, and my mom and dad. I'm a small family as well.

Unknown Speaker 20:47
Very interesting story. And you guys met in the military had successful careers. Now having success in civilian life. And again, to the to the our listening audience, these two military veterans I've met here in Las Vegas, where they've been here, at least three times that I'm aware of. And I trust that they will continue to come back to the entertainment capital of the world. And we certainly, we certainly appreciate it. Because we're always looking for visitors to come in and spend a couple of dollars. Always a pleasure. So any any closing remarks that you guys may have out? I'll check in with Wes to see how we're standing time wise. Any any remarks you'd like to share?

Unknown Speaker 21:32
But I like to say thank you, to us. Even concerned considering us to be on your show. It was a pleasure. I always enjoy talking about the military. I love it. And I would do it again, if I had to 44 years old.

Unknown Speaker 21:48
Yeah, I would like to echo that sentiment they gave us is time gone. Like you said it was three times you took care of us. You kind of acted as a tour guide. You was like a friend in the loader. But you still you still are friends. And we love to come see and visit you. But yeah, like Fran said, I mean, if I could, if I could do it all over again. I would I would join the army. I know people talk about other branches. And then we all have our own individual missions. But I'm closed on it looked on me. So I will turn on me again. And I just love helping us soldiers being around soldiers. And yeah, I love everything about the army and being a soldier. And Dave, you are God's

Unknown Speaker 22:37
sent you weren't God sent? Well,

Unknown Speaker 22:39
let me say this to your friends. And we still got another three and a half, four minutes. People just like you guys, when I when I realized that they were in the military, I asked him about being on my show. You guys are the really the first ones who ever responded. And I think the first time I asked you guys, we just had a little communication breakdown on time. But all the rest of you Oh, yeah, I love to be on show. And and I think they get cold feet for whatever reason. But I enjoy talking to people, because I think that what people will get out of this conversation, I believe it will be inspirational to some particularly young people who worked with, as you mentioned, France, trying to make up their mind, what they're going to do with their life. And certainly, there's opportunity there, particularly when you when you serve you can as you spend your time, you can get yourself educated as well. And I know France, you mentioned that even some of the jobs will transfer from a uniform right to a suit, or skirt. And that's a good thing. And that's something that we must capitalize on, I believe and it's a it's good to hear you guys speak well of our military service. And I think that it's important again to share with others. Thoughts. Thoughts friends?

Unknown Speaker 24:09
Yes, definitely. I agree. I know

Unknown Speaker 24:11
you're gonna give me some short answers we got. We probably got another two to two and a half minutes.

Unknown Speaker 24:18
Well, the question well, well, I didn't have to tell you I didn't get to tell you. How we asked we go ahead. Oh, yeah. Also, because of the way that we live and how my son's witnessed my life as a single mom being in the military. I have two dads. I'm currently serving as well. My oldest, he's, he's stationed in Colorado. Well, our oldest he's stationed in Colorado, and then the middle one. He's currently at basic training in Oklahoma right now. And he graduates in three weeks now which branch are they want to follow our footsteps based on how they feel things going for us.

Unknown Speaker 25:01
Right? What branch are the army?

Unknown Speaker 25:04
No other branch going?

Unknown Speaker 25:06
In one is in, in, in training where?

Unknown Speaker 25:12
Oklahoma?

Unknown Speaker 25:13
Where? Where's it call? What is it go to Oklahoma? Oh, for sale for sale is what is Fort Sill known for their something

Unknown Speaker 25:27
totally. Okay.

Unknown Speaker 25:30
Okay. Well I can tell you, you guys bring joy to the show because I trust that. Again, as I've already mentioned, someone will be inspired by what you have said, and take it to heart. Others will say, Oh, not me. But I can tell you once again, if you get if you get someone, whomever it may be, whether you're working for city, government, state government, whomever they will pay for your education, you better grab on the legacy at 72, the only disappointment in me and my personal thoughts about what I didn't do. At a minimum, I should have got it, I do have some credit toward a bachelor's degree. But I didn't put my heels down and get busy to complete that. And at the time I was I told them, I was a working active fire chief for six years. And I was already an activist. And as such you, you run out of time, but sometimes you got to spend time for you. And that's something that I always encourage my staff spend time for you. And also have a life outside of whether it's the military, whether it's the fire service, because sometimes people get very, very lonely. And when they retire, they don't have a clue what they want to do. I think, Tony that when I left, I've never, and I live about eight minutes from where I worked. And I've never got upset, Oh man, I'm, gosh, I'm gonna be late for work. Thank God, because I left all that behind. And there are some friends that we get together once or twice a year, we have breakfast. And we enjoy each other's company. We were friends beyond the job. And there's others. We were just fellow employees, and I met and nobody feel good about me. And I'm Oh, keep it rolling. So um, I'm excited and appreciate the opportunity to speak with you guys. Because, again, I think you brought great value to the table of the Veterans Affairs, plus show on any 1.5 Jazz and mortar. And again, we're growing our audience. And in fact, I will send you this because you were here this weekend. Thanks to Wes, you'll get this all fixed up and it'll go out. So thank you guys for your time. And I wish you Godspeed and see you next time you come to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world.

Unknown Speaker 27:59
Yeah, definitely. Dave, we're definitely Be seeing you. So.

Unknown Speaker 28:02
All right. Yes. We'll be seeing you soon. And thank you for the invite again. Okay,

Unknown Speaker 28:07
it's my pleasure. Once again, this veterans for fair Veterans Affairs plus on any 1.5 Jazz and more, and we encourage our people out there to continue to listen to the show and if you have any issues or need in terms of benefits 301-537-9465 That's Tony Marshall. He's our service officer and he has several locations now. Thank you Las Vegas.

Unknown Speaker 29:05
Smoking

Unknown Speaker 29:06
weed

Transcribed by https://otter.ai