MY PODCAST IS PUBLISHED

On Nov. 8, I published my first Podcast, “The Life & Times with JB.” This has allowed me to continue discussing life’s adventures, alongside family and friends that will join me in the conversation.

Episode 1 explores how my family roots were planted in Southern California as my Mom shares the family story, beginning with my Grandfather’s migration from Mexico and his childhood struggles to his entrepreneurship and his longevity of caring and loving others. My Mom also talks about her siblings, how she met my father, and how they began our little family while sharing some funny stories of my childhood.

My Mom with her Father, Sister, and Brother

Episode 2 will be published on Sunday, Nov. 22 when Dr. Dennis and Yvonne discuss how their son, Tyler was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer at 25-years-old and passing away five years later. They continue Tyler’s fight against Pancreatic Cancer with their involvement in advocating with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and sharing his story to help increase awareness of this deadly disease that has become the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and it is soon projected to become the second leading cause.

 

I'm joined with Tyler and his parents, Yvonne and Dennis inside a U.S. House of Representatives Committee Room in 2010 while participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day.

You can listen and subscribe to the Podcast where all podcasts can be found or follow the links below:

Also, follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @LifeAndTimesWithJB to see photos of the stories that are discussed on the podcast.

BLOG UPDATE!

Now that I'm producing the podcast, I will no longer attempt to write a weekly blog, rather biweekly. You will still receive your weekly fix, either through podcasts or blogs. The next blog will be published on Nov. 30.

 

NOVEMBER IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In 2020, pancreatic cancer will affect an estimated 57,600 Americans, 71 percent of whom will die within one year of their diagnosis, and 90 percent of whom will die within five years of diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer has surpassed breast cancer to become the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and it is soon projected to become the second leading cause.

It is the only major cancer with the lowest five-year relative survival rate, at just ten percent.

We need your help to shine a spotlight on this disease and finally make progress in developing treatments and early detection tools.

 

By WEARING PURPLE in observance of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday, November 19, you can help us raise awareness in your community.

Take pictures and post on your social media outlets with #PanCanForProgress.

 

Also, I was notified by the Board of Commissioners, that Cumberland County, North Carolina has proclaimed November 19th as "World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day" in the county which is home to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg areas! Thank you to Commissioner Larry Lancaster for spearheading the unanimous vote. Commissioner Lancaster's wife is a Pancreatic Cancer Survivor!

For more information about Pancreatic Cancer or if you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, reach out to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at http://www.pancan.org

CONGRATULATIONS MYESHIA!

On November 6, I had the utmost privilege and honor to officiate the promotion ceremony from Staff Sergeant (E-6) to Sergeant First Class (E-7) for one of my closest friends, Myeshia Boston.

There are about 1.2 million active-duty Soldiers servings in the Army today! Just over 55,000 are senior NCOs (E7-E9) with a very small fraction – just over 6,000 females. 

On November 6, we promoted Myeshia into the Senior NCO ranks and I couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments, determination, commitment, and most all friendship – the Army got this promotion right!

Congratulations Myeshia!

 

RETIREMENT TRANSITION

Last weekend I was able to participate in my third Vets2Industry event, which is a five-hour virtual networking event designed to connect transitioning or transitioned Veterans with each other and recruiters from an array of industries. It is such an amazing event where I’ve been able to meet other transitioning Veterans, either separating from the military or retiring. It’s been great to have them by my side during this retirement process.

The event begins with a guest speaker, but this time began with a live virtual performance from Navy Veteran, now professional singer, Emay Holmes who sings the popular "Deployment Song."

Following Emay’s performance, the former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, John W. Troxell spoke and share a tremendous amount of knowledge. It was great hearing the formerly top enlisted member in the entire United States Armed Forces talk about transition and retirement!

My positive testimonial on why I like this event was even published in the Vets2Industry Veterans Day Special Edition Newsletter

For more information about Vets2Industry, visit their website at https://vets2industry.com/

MILITARY MEMORY

I have been blessed to have had such an amazing military occupational specialty (MOS), which opened a tremendous number of doors, including deployments, specialized training, unique positions, and a wealth of knowledge. 

The MOS is a military member’s specific job or career field. My MOS began as a 54B, Chemical Operations Specialist, and later renumbered to 74D, Chemical Operations Specialist.

The Army’s description of my job is:

As a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, you’ll protect the country against the threat of CBRN weapons of mass destruction, and you’ll decontaminate hazardous material spills or accidents. You’ll employ the most advanced equipment and coordinate defense systems against these weapons of mass destruction in support of joint and combined arms operations.

In 2011, before my deployment to Afghanistan, I was able to conduct specialized training with my team on chemical processes and reactions. It was such an amazing experience and I learned a tremendous amount on a subject that I hated in high school! These are some of the pictures from that training:

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS

Without a doubt, I appreciate you all for reading this blog, as I continue to tell my story. It’s been so much fun reflecting on not just my military career, but my life in general. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would like me to discuss a subject in a future blog, please don’t hesitate to ask – I’d be happy to discuss subjects you’d like to hear!

Thank you again for reading!

Have a great week and Spread Some Aloha!!!!