Making Motivation with Dr. Drill

Making my motivational rounds, I invited West Virginia's, Shawn Gates onto the podcast to catch up on old times and discuss our service in the USMC. Thought it would be a nice touch to surprise Gates with our 1/6 brothers, Robert Nunn and Adron Presley. It was smiles all around, as we reminsiced. We enjoyed a great conversation today, as Gates shared his post-USMC service in the WV Nation Guard, deployments to Afghanistan and ultimately, his retirement following 20 years of honorable service. Nunn joined in and we engaged in a few rounds of, "remember when," and discussed inspiring leaders we recall. Finally, we all accompanied Presley on a virtual lunch date in his home town of Laurel, Mississippi, which is the very location of the reality TV series, Home Town. He introduced us to his friends and family and we all got a little peek into the life of Adron, a very good dude. We finished up sharing our thoughts on the topic of brotherhood and the importance of reconnecting with our fellow Devildogs.

Rick grew up in Philadelphia native and enlisted in the Air Force, serving in Viet Nam at Phu Cat Air Base.

This is his story.

My neighbor, Marcos Gonzalez has been collecting Transformers since the 80's when, as a little boy he stared into the television watching Optimus Prime and Megatron fight it out in an epic battle between good and evil! "Roll out" with us as Marcos gives us a personal tour of his vast collection. It truly is, more than meets the eye! Intro music: Transformers theme

An extraordinary account of a life well-lived, the bond between mother and son and how all the love comes back to us in the end.

Rush, Time Stand Still

"I turn my back to the windTo catch my breath before I start off againDriven on without a moment to spendTo pass an evening with a drink and a friend

I let my skin get too thin I'd like to pause, no matter what I pretend

Like some pilgrim who learns to transcend

Learns to live as if each step was the end

(Time stand still)

I'm not looking back, but I want to look around me now

(Time stand still)

See more of the people and the places that surround me now

Time stand still

Freeze this moment a little bit longer

Make each sensation a little bit stronger

Experience slips awayExperience slips away

Time stand still"

Musical Intro: Beck, Where It's At Erik Watson grew up in Long Island, NY and from a very young age he dreamed of being a United States Marine. Manifesting this ambition in the early 90s, Erik shipped off to recruit training in Parris Island, SC and was soon out serving in the Fleet Marine Force, with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Platoon. Upon my arrival at 1/6 in 1993, Watson was among the seasoned Marines tasked with bringing us new guys up to speed. He was a very squared away fellow and a great role model for us boots. In this podcast, Watson and I discuss his USMC experiences, as well as some of the lessons learned during his enlistment and the Devildogs he served with. Semper Fi, Brother!

Jim Valentin served in the Air Force for twenty years, operating in Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He flew in various aircraft, such as the C-150 Spectre Gunship and has a great many stories to tell.

His resume:

Enlisted in Air Force December 1968 

Motivation: Vietnam war, draft, older brother was already in AF 

AFSC/MOS jet engine/ helicopter mechanic 

February 1970 Vietnam, MACV SOG, C-130 Gunships 

--Commando Hunt, Cambodian Campaign 

1971 Back to US, Dover AFB, DE 

-certified as Spanish Interperter 

--campaigns in all South and Central America 

Operation Fuerte Apoyo (Strong Support) Nicaragua 

Stationed in Germany 1978-1981 7th Special Operations Squadron 

--operations in middle east and Africia 

USMTM (supported United States Military Training Mission) 

--Operation Eagles claw (Iran Hostages) 

Returned to United States 1981 

--Operation Urgent Fury  1983 (Grenada) 

--Operation Secure Enhance (Panama) 

--Operation Just Cause (Panama) 1989 

Retired June 1993 

Entered Law School August 1993-Graduated January 1997 

EDUCATION 

Associate in Applied Science- Aeronautics, Community College of the Air Force 

Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 

Masters in Administration, Central Michigan University 

Juris Doctorate, Temple School of Law 

At 75 years of age, Jim remains a practicing lawyer, focusing on veterans rights and immigration law.

In his spare time, Jim is a firearms instructor, teaching coures in handgun and carbine safety and weapons employment to both law enforcement and civilians.

Musical intro: These Are The Days. 10,000 Maniacs Context: I grew up with Deirdre in the Pine Barrens of NJ. She is a gifted artist and has always been an outstanding human being and friend. Bio: My name is Deirdre Callaghan and I am originally from Jersey City, NJ I attended Saint Peters grammar school in Paulus Hook section of Jersey City. The school t. Peters Grammar School was built in 1861 and St. Peters Hall, also known as the auditorium building, was constructed in 1898. My great great grandfather was a solicitor for the land the parish and school was built on. He is named on a cornerstone of the original church. By the time I attended Saint peters it was a satellite school for Spanish speaking students. My friends were from all over the planet. It was so diverse and some of these friends have turned into family. My identity was my name and I was what Ellis Island left behind. NYC was my backyard and I knew more about Manhattan then the rest of Jersey City. My family moved to Lacey, NJ. When I was 10 years old. When I found out Long beach Island was our backyard I loved it. I currently reside here with my 2 cats, 2 chickens, 1 dog and we all live in Forked River. I am currently a commercial art teacher at Monmouth County Vocational school for the past 17 years. I have also taught at the Community School in Teaneck New Jersey which specializes in special education. In 2003-2004 I lived in Cork City, Ireland for 12 months as an advocate for the homeless at the Simon Community of Ireland. I studied visual communications at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, and received my alternate route teaching certificate from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I worked at Designation inc. for the artist/illustrator Mike Quon for several years creating award winning graphics. I also worked on the Betsy Ross to Sacajewa coin in 1996 in Philadelphia as the graphics department for pitney bowes management services. Besides teaching at MCVSD, I also teach classes at the Lacey recreation as well as Barnegat/Waretown recreation. I was in a community theater play “Godspell” in 2005 in Jersey City. I was part of JC Fridays in 2006 singing with the cast members. I have shown my fine art work at 313 Gallery in Jersey City, Jersey City Puerto Rican day Parade 2021-22, Barrow Mansion in Jersey City, Project Greenville in Jersey City as well as a chosen artist in JCAST a show hosted by the City of Jersey City. I currently curate local art shows in Ocean County showcasing local artists.

Sunday, March 22, 2024

Context: I grew up with Jay Houle in the Pine Barrens of NJ. We were part of a tight knit group of friends who were always together - surfing, drinking beer and otherwise carrying on. We remain great friends to this day, though our busy lives don’t offer the freedom of jumping in the truck and heading down to LBI as often.

Following high school graduation, Jay, myself and several other friends joined the Marine Corps. This is Jay’s account of his USMC service and up to the present day.

Musical intro: Broheim, by Pennywise

Wow! How interesting it was to Make Motivation with Forensic Scientist, Mandi Mohr!

Mandi Mohr is a Montana native that transplanted to Pennsylvania in 2010 for graduate school. She holds a Masters Degree in Forensic Science from Arcadia University.

Mandi is a board certified forensic toxicologist, and currently serves as a Director at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education and outreach in the forensic sciences.

In her role at the CFSRE, she is responsible for the management and oversight of a portfolio of research projects and contracts. She is active in the forensic toxicology community and a member of several professional organizations.

Her research interests include drug impaired driving and oral fluid drug testing. Mandi is the proud wife of an army vet and mom to 2 amazing kids. She enjoys traveling and doing all things that in involve physical activity. 

Grant and I served out our entire enlistment together, from boot camp in summer of 1993 to honorable discharge from active duty in 1997. We discuss our exploits at length in this episode. Grant would later rejoin the USMC reserves, serving in the air wing and a stinger missile unit, deploying to Iraq.

Today, Jeff is a family man living down in Florida. He works for Amazon and remains active in a number of veteran organizations where he puts to use his JJDIDTIEBUCKLE to continue to make a difference.

Another great conversation with a 1/6 hard dick. Loved it!

Making Motivation Podcast mission: honor authentic people and tell their motivating stories. In the process, we aim to inspire and inform, put smiles on faces and a little fire under the asses of the masses. Sunday, 10 March 2024 @ time 2pm Context: I served with Kip Tillman from the time of boot camp, through our infantry schooling and for the entirety of our time in 1st Bn 6th Marines. Though Tillman was in 3rd Platoon, I would see him all the time and he was always a stellar Marine, PT stud and all around good dude. Musical intro: Simple Man, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Anchors Aweigh with Dan O’Hara Making Motivation Podcast mission: honor authentic people and tell their motivating stories. In the process, we aim to inspire and inform, put smiles on faces and a little fire under the asses of the masses. Context: Daniel O’Hara is an old school Philadelphia native who served in the Navy from 1966 to 1969 Vietnam War era......on LPH Helicopter carrier, USS Guam...loaded 3,000 marines on board at Onslow Beach (Camp Lejeune) for jungle warfare training on Vieques Island in the Caribbean. Worked for 48 years on the railroad Married for 48 years, with a son and two beautiful granddaughters. Dan is an Irish tenor. Musical intro: Oh, Danny Boy

Making Motivation Podcast mission: honor authentic people and tell their motivating stories. In the process, we aim to inspire and inform, put smiles on faces and a little fire under the asses of the masses. 

Sunday, 10 March 2024 @ time 2pm

Context: I served with Kip Tillman from the time of boot camp, through our infantry schooling and for the entirety of our time in 1st Bn 6th Marines. Though Tillman was in 3rd Platoon, I would see him all the time and he was always a stellar Marine, PT stud and all around good dude.

Musical intro: Simple Man, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Making Motivation Podcast mission: honor authentic people and tell their motivating stories. In the process, we aim to inspire and inform, put smiles on faces and a little fire under the asses of the masses. 

Sunday, 10 March 2024 @ time 1000

Context: I grew up with Shawn, we met in the 6th grade and remain great friends to this day. For the majority of the tremendous and sometimes crazy memories from my youth, Shawn was on the scene. Upon high school graduation, Shawn would also join the USMC, where he served an enlistment with 2nd Marine Recon Battalion. While serving, Shawn went home on libbo with a Marine from Colorado, met a girl along the way and has lived out in Detroit ever since.

Musical intro:  Ocean Size, Janes Addiction

Talking Points

Surf and Skate

• How do you feel about our growing up in the Pine Barrens / Jersey Shore?

• School and sports

• Friendship and memories

• Characters about town - Danny’s recycling, Moonhead, Karl Hedburg, Smellen Helen etc

• The Lemmy story

Motivate

• What motivated you to join the Corps and did it meet your expectations?

• Service stories

• What was 2nd Recon like?

• Training - work-ups, deployments and life as a recon marine 

• Schooling: jump and scuba school, sear etc

• Barracks life and tomfoolery

• What does Semper Fidelis mean to you?

• Cutting loose with the boys

• Military vs civdiv, transitions and brotherhood.

• What do you miss about it all?

• Characters you remember 

• Leaders, good and bad

• Hazing

• Favorite leadership traits - jjdidtiebuckle 

• Favorite MRE

• Memories, good and bad

• Lessons learned and extrapolated to life?

• Float, Oki, CAX, AP Hill

• Libbo destinations

Michigan

• Tell story about how you wound up there and why you remain

• Michigan vs Jersey

• The mitten and other Michigander isms

• Music

The mission of the Making Motivation Podcast is to honor interesting and authentic people and tell their motivating stories. In the process, we aim to inspire and inform, put smiles on faces and a little fire under the asses of the masses.

I served with Beck and Stone between 1994-97 in 1st Bn 6th Marines C company. We trained hard and had many adventures working up to several deployments: Float w 22 MEU, Okinawa and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Beck and Stone are two special Marines, among so many whom left an indelible mark upon me during my time in service. I am thankful for their time and enthusiasm around this conversation.

Topics covered:

- Why you joined the Corps and did it meet your expectations

- Show-n-tell

- Training and deployments

- Iconic Marines from our unit

- Favorite leadership traits

- Meaning of Semper Fidelis

- Brotherhood

As I continue to reflect upon our service in C1/6 2nd platoon, I am joined by two of my closest buddies from back in the day. Pudge, Rumpler and I were among a tight crew of individuals who shipped down to Parris Island in June of 1993, remained together throughout our schooling and the entirety of our time in Charlie Company 1/6, 2nd Platoon. Stripped of our civilian lives, we reflexively formed a surrogate family and leaned on one another to make it through times, both good and bad. These men are my brothers and it was an honor to have a conversation with them, 31 years after the fact. Topics discussed: - Motivation for joining the Corps - Boot camp memories - Notable experiences and Devildogs - Amtrak life - Remember when

Mariann Lucas, AKA "10" is a friend of mine from back in the DDIP (Dr Drill Instructor Program) day. She was always an outstanding human being, a hard worker and cherished member of our community. Then one day she embarked on a missions trip to South America, fell in love with Peruvian culture and developed a passion for missionary work. There she remains.

On a recent visit to the US, Mariann came in for a well-needed chiropractic adjustment (traversing bumpy Peruvian roads on a motorcycle) and I wasted no time interrogating her about her life and work, which is absolutely fascinating!

Please tune in for my interesting conversation with Mariann Lucas, the Gringa Pastor!

I have embarked on a mission to interview every Marine from the Charlie Company 1/6 sphere. Nunn and Oster are two Marines with whom I served daily between 1993-97. I remember them well and we've kept in touch over the years, periodically getting together for the Marine Corps Birthday.

In this podcast, my brothers and I discuss the early days of C1/6 2nd Platoon as we approached deployment to the Mediterranean with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Topics covered include the leadership, training, food and drink, tomfoolery, ports of call, liberty etc.

Please jack up the volume so you can hear my brothers clearly.

Semper Fidelis

OB

I often say that I met some of the best people in my life in the Marine Corps, as well as the worst. Tom Foresman is without a doubt, in the former category.

It was 1996, when Staff Sergeant Foresman came over from the battalion Scout Sniper platoon to lead us in C1/6 2nd Platoon. The early days were rocky, as coming from more elite units we were not up to his standards. But as the months passed on our work-up to deployment to Okinawa, the platoon learned much and developed a cohesiveness that we had not enjoyed up to that point.

It was an honor to have served under the leadership of this man. He taught me many lessons and the vivid memories of hard training, raucous laughter and storytelling have taken up permanent residence in my brain housing group.

Semper Fi, Foresman

Today was our debut in the new podcast studio using all the new equipment - Podtrak P4, microphones with boom, headphones etc. Guests were my pal Bryan and the Emster.

Topics dicussed:

- What motivates us

- Maintaining precedent

- Going into nature to find peace and balance

After a holiday hiatus, we are once again Making Motivation. I ordered a bunch of serious podcasting equipment so this represents my soundcheck.

Once we are ready for showtime, expect an increase in the frequency and quality of episodes. Very excited to be back at it!

This podcast is a mere 30 minutes because that is the time limit using a pc for some reason.