Ron & Jen’s Great Escape, December 6, 2023 – Ron St. Pierre and Jen Brien

by Ron St. Pierre and Jen Brien, commentary

OSDRI SAVED MY LIFE

For those of you that don’t know what OSDRI is, I’m about to tell you, and it could prove to be LIFE CHANGING. Trust me.

Back in 2015 as I struggled with so many things… I was at rock bottom. I couldn’t do life. I had undiagnosed PTSD from military sexual trauma that went on for well over a year and I was incapable of being anything other than a very heavy blackout drinker. The trauma proved too intense, and drinking was my coping mechanism. At work one day as I was considering throwing in the towel because I was exhausted and tired of all of it, I saw a business card at the radio station for OPERATION STAND DOWN RI and I proceeded to pick up the phone in a commercial break and ask for help.

When I tell you that I would be dead without OSDRI I’m not being dramatic. That organization helped save my life. They immediately got to work figuring out how to best help me with all of the things I needed help with. I cried on their shoulders, relied on them, shared my fears with them, and allowed them to direct my steps as God needed them to.

I will forever be grateful to Tony for his pep talks, compassion and tough love. I am fortunate to have made it out of that addiction and darkness. It took me a while to find the best trauma program that fit, but I finally found the right place in 2017 and never looked back. Now, almost 6 years sober, I am strong and driven – I went from a full court press dying alcoholic, to a half marathon runner, a daughter, sister, friend and servant for God. None of that would be a reality without OSDRI. 

This holiday season maybe you would be interested in helping out struggling VETS in our community. If it’s a financial donation, clothes, food, presents… maybe sponsoring a vet during the holidays… whatever you can do to help someone who is hurting. 

There are days I’m blown away I’m still here. There are times I cry in my private moments and am so very grateful for what people did to save a wretch like me. I want you to know, the people at OSDRI are more than problem solvers. They love veterans, respect them, and honor them. 

Help them help other vets in need. I’m living proof you can come out of the pit and begin again living with purpose and dignity. You can find them online at OSDRI.ORG or you can give them a call at 401-383-4730. By the way, if you’re a vet reading this, and you are afraid or need help reach out. They’re your battle buddies. 

I love them and I love my fellow veterans. 

Till next week,

Jen

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CHRISTMAS IN THE BUCKET

Did you know the city of Pawtucket boasts the state’s largest Christmas display and festival? Well, it does – at Slater Park! The display includes 650 decorated Christmas trees and 100 light displays over 30 acres and that’s not all. This Saturday and Sunday the park’s roads will be closed allowing visitors to stroll through the displays that also include 20 Victorian Houses, visits with Santa in the park’s boathouse, rides on a miniature train, hay rides, plus the Looff carousel. Of course there’s lots of holiday food and good cheer with hot chocolate, cookies and more at a food tent, plus loads of entertainment!

DANGEROUS BEHAVIORS

A survey from the Triple A Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that six in 10 drivers admit to unsafe behaviors behind the wheel. 23% admitted going over the speed limit. Other dangerous behaviors include texting while driving, running red lights, and driving while impaired. Think about that number during the holiday party season and, here’s a phrase you haven’t heard in awhile, LOOK OUT FOR THE OTHER GUY!

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Read all of Ron & Jen’s columns, here: https://rinewstoday.com/ron-st-pierre-jen-brien/

Ron St. Pierre is a veteran broadcaster whose career has spanned over four decades. Ron has programmed, performed on and managed WHJJ, WPRO, WWRX, 790 The Score in Providence, as well as WBZT and WKGR in West Palm Beach and WABC in New York City. Ron also anchored sports on WPRI Ch 12 in Providence. He is a member of both the Rhode Island Radio and Television and the City of Pawtucket Halls of Fame. He was born and raised in Pawtucket.

Jen Brien has over 20 years of radio broadcast experience having hosted shows on WPRO and WHJJ with Ron as well as her own shows on WRKO and WBZ in Boston, WXTK on Cape Cod and WHAM in Rochester, New York. Jen was born and raised in Woonsocket and served six years in the Army MP Canine Unit.

Hazel, Ron’s dog, makes regular appearances.

“Ron and Jen’s Great Escape” podcast, a more lighthearted look at the events happening around us, can be found on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes premiering each Wednesday and listen to Ron and Jen’s Great Escape on NewsRadio 920 and 104-7 FM, Saturday morning, 7am!