425 – Tab Bartley – Oath We Took Podcast

Wreaths Across America Radio has been an amazing platform for Oscar Mike Radio. Jeff Pierce, Director of Broadcast and Media Partnerships at Wreaths Across America has built a place for Veterans to tell their stories and be heard. This is how I was connected to USMC Veteran Tabitha Bartley and her show, the Oath We Took Podcast. Tabitha's path to the Marine Corps began unexpectedly with a chance encounter with a recruiter. Drawn to the field of public affairs, she found her calling in storytelling through photography and journalism. Tabitha thrived at Quantico, covering diverse events and fostering camaraderie within her unit. Tab discussed the disbandment of the Marine Corps' last newspaper, raising concerns about preserving military storytelling in the digital age. Tabitha underscored the importance of sharing authentic narratives to strengthen connections within the military community. Her transition to civilian life brought challenges, including navigating health issues after an injury. This experience inspired her to form a support group for women veterans, addressing shared struggles and advocating for healthcare reforms. Encouraged by her community, Tabitha ran for office, focusing on veterans’ needs and holding politicians accountable for their support—or lack thereof—of veteran issues. As a sexual assault victim advocate, Tabitha highlighted the power of honest conversations in addressing sensitive topics and fostering trust and understanding. She continues this work through her podcast, using her platform to amplify veterans' voices. The episode concluded with a shared commitment to storytelling and advocacy, celebrating the resilience and impact of veterans like Tabitha. Her journey reminds us that by sharing our stories and standing for change, we can inspire others and leave a legacy. Listen to The Oath We Took on (https://www.podpage.com/oath-we-took/) and all streaming platforms and follow Tabitha’s advocacy journey on social media. Thank you, Tabitha, for talking with me and sharing so openly. Semper Fidelis