A salute to wrestling's veterans

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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When I posted a similar blog on Memorial Day, I unintentionally ruffled some feathers. So much so that one person on Facebook criticized me for writing about a "fake sport", even though the point of the post was to heap praise on all veterans, not just those who had died. I acknowledged that in the blog. The man was livid with my decision and he not only unfriended me on Facebook but blocked me as well. This wasn't just a random person, it was someone I had actually met and done several interviews with before. I mention all this because I am going to highlight veterans who happen to wrestle as well. If you're offended by that, I apologize now.

Roger Minton aka Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Roger Minton

Current Stride Pro Wrestling heavyweight champion Roger Matheus (Roger Minton) served our country in the United States Army. He spent some overseas and credits his military training for leading him into Mixed Martial Arts and eventually professional wrestling. 

Benjamin Abney aka Nathan Brag
Courtesy: Benjamin Abney

Fellow Stride competitor Nathan Brag (Benjamin Abney), who is a member of the DR Party, is currently serving the U.S. as a member of 31B Military Police of the National Guard. His absence has been due to the responsibilities associated with his service.

Shane Rich Air Force Photo

Shane Rich wrestled for All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision. We shared the commentary desk for a time while he was hurt. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Shane joined the United States Air Force. He credits his military service with giving him discipline and education and pride. 

I know all three of these guys personally and again want to thank them for their service. It's never quite enough, but their sacrifices along with all veterans and active duty military are appreciated.

A salute to veterans who wrestle

Roger Matheus & Nathan Brag
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Today is Memorial Day, and I realize it's a time to remember the men and women who died while serving our country. I honor and respect those who are no longer with us, but I also want to recognize all veterans with this post. I come from a family filled with veterans, including my grandfathers, Harry Bresler, Sr., Melvin Hunsperger and Ken Biby, Sr. My dad, Michael Hunsperger, uncle Melvin Hunsperger and father-in-law Dale Klaus all served too. I have many friends who are veterans as well, including Tom Harness, Jeff Rose and Paul & Abby Bueza. 

Roger Minton aka Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Roger Minton

Since My 1-2-3 Cents is a wrestling blog, I'm going to use today's post to thank some of the wrestlers I know who have or are serving our country. Current Stride Pro Wrestling heavyweight champion Roger Matheus (Roger Minton) is an Army veteran who spent time in overseas. Matheus credits his military training for leading him into Mixed Martial Arts and eventually professional wrestling.  

Benjamin Abney aka Nathan Brag
Courtesy: Benjamin Abney

Nathan Brag (Benjamin Abney), who is a member of the DR Party, is currently serving the United States of America as a member of 31B Military Police of the National Guard. Regular attendees at Stride Pro Wrestling events may have noticed Brag hasn't been at the last few shows. That's because he's had training for his National Guard duties.

Courtesy: WWE

There are several other wrestlers who have served our country. Road Dogg, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Dutch Mantel, Randy Orton, Steven Cutler, Kenneth Crawford, Freddie Blassie, Macey Estrella, Kevin Nash and everyone's favorite patriot Sgt. Slaughter all have military backgrounds. 

While I know thank you is not nearly enough, it's all I've got. I appreciate the service by all these men and women and the thousands of others who have protected our freedoms.

Old Glory Relay 2016

Photo courtesy:
Harness Digital Marketing

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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For the second year in a row, I've had the honor of being a part of the Old Glory Relay. For those who don't know, it's a running event in which the flag is carried and passed across the country. The only difference this year is that the route went further south and bypassed southern Illinois.

Proud to be included

That's where my buddies Tom Harness and Brian Flath stepped in. As members of Team RWB (the force behind the national effort), Tom and Brian worked with local veterans, runners, police departments and sponsors to make sure the Stars & Stripes made its way through our region too. The route of this year's Old Glory Relay went through three southern Illinois counties; Randolph, Jackson and Williamson. The course covered about 64 miles and was completed in about nine hours. 

The community gets involved

I'm honored to have been a part of the effort, not just running with the flag, but also winding things down at the end. The final mile a large group of us walked the flag to the final destination. Lined the sides of the road and applaud as the flag passed. Others in the group, which included veterans, runners and children, carried flags too. 

Photo courtesy:
Jim Olsen

The most poignant moment was watching veterans in the crowd get a chance to walk with the flag. Some took just a few steps, others went further along. There were tears and cheers and a lot of respect. It makes me proud to live in this great community of Carterville, Illinois but it also makes me proud to be an American. (Other communities were out supporting the relay too, I wasn't able to be at all the exchanges, so thanks to all who came out). I did not serve this great country in the military, but I will do all I can to support those who did. Thank you to all who served and to everyone who made the Old Glory Relay possible.

22 Kill Pushup Challenge

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Every day in this country 22 veterans commit suicide.  That statistic is unbelievable to me.  I never served our country. I've never been to war.  I can only imagine the sights and sounds these brave men and women endure while ensuring our freedom.  

I was recently challenged to participate in the 22Kill Pushup Challenge.  It's quite simple if you consider what members of our military are asked to do on a daily basis, whether deployed overseas or working here in the United States.  Each day for 22 days do 22 pushups.  The group's goal is to reach 22 million pushups.  Together we can do it.

My dad, grandpas and uncles served overseas.  They all came home, although my uncle was injured in Vietnam.  I have many friends who were a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  I do the 22Kill Challenge in honor of them and their safe  return.  I also do it to help raise awareness about a problem we can all work together to fix.



This goes out to anyone who is suffering, it's okay to get help.  It is not a sign of weakness.  If you need someone to talk to there are professionals out there. Veterans and families in an immediate crisis can call 1-800-273-8255 and press "1", or text 838255.  There's also an online chat available here.

Motivational Monday: Your vibe attracts your tribe

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Disclaimer: I am not an expert, but the advice dispensed here has been researched or is something that has worked for me in the past.  Proceed at your own risk...

I saw that quote on Facebook earlier today and it gave me inspiration for this post.  I truly believe that surrounding yourself with positive people who are on the same mission as you is the best way to get through the obstacles and roadblocks you encounter when attempting to achieve your goals.  Whether you want to be a better person or quit smoking or exercise more.  Find people on similar missions and work together.  Look for those who are doing well for motivation and inspiration.

Courtesy: Harness Digital Marketing

I've met a lot of positive people in my 42 years on this planet.  But I'm tying in one of my friends, Tom Harness, with this post today.  This morning he presented a check for more than $3,400 to the veterans group Team RWB (Marion chapter).  He raised the money in December by wearing an ugly (fugly) Christmas sweater.  

The fugly suit on News 3 This Morning

He visited businesses in our region of southern Illinois for a photo opp and a donation.  His original goal was a thousand bucks, but he quickly surpassed that.  Tom's passion to help others isn't limited to veterans.  I know he's reached out and helped countless other groups and individuals.  He and his team at Harness Digital Marketing are making  a difference in the lives of people not just here, but around the country and I'd venture to say even the world.

Courtesy: Harness Digital Marketing & Team RWB

I aspire to be more like Tom not just as an influential person in our community, but also as a person in general.  His friendship (and love of craft beer) is something I truly value.  Find those people in your community who stand out and do good things.   Step out of your comfort zone and make new friends.  I think that's sometimes harder for adults, but it's definitely rewarding in the long run.  

Old Glory Relay

The Old Glory Relay in Carterville, Illinois 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I recently had the privilege to run a small portion of the Old Glory Relay with Team Red, White and Blue.  The group started running with the flag on September 11 of this year in San Francisco.  They're passing the flag off to different runners all across the country, eventually ending the relay in Washington, D.C. in November.

A couple friends of mine, Tom Harness and Ryan McKennedy, had asked me months ago to be a part of it as the relay came through our town.  I accepted the offer and invited others at work to run.  Coworkers Ashley Smith and Brandon Merano joined me.  This all went down one day after I ran my first marathon.  I'd agreed to participate before checking what was happening the day BEFORE the relay.  I let Ryan and Tom know that I'd do my best to run our leg, but I had major concerns.

USA! USA!

Some people told me running the 3.15 miles would be good for my recovery.  Others suggested I was crazy for doing it.  (Disclaimer: I'm not saying this to put myself on a pedestal) What put it into perspective for me was thinking about what our troops go through whether they're deployed or just the training they go through after enlisting.  Then the sacrifices they and their families make when they're away from home.  Top all that with the stress and trauma many experience once they're back in the United States. And lets not forget those who don't make it home at all. It quickly became a no-brainer that 3.15 miles was nothing in the grand scheme of things and no sacrifice at all.

Folks in Carterville ready for the relay

I'm so glad I took part in this event.  Not surprising our town rallied and showed so much support for the runners and the veterans in this community.  A stream of flags lined the busy highway as young and old gathered.  A handful of veterans accepted the flag from the team bringing it to Ashley, Brandon and I which made for an emotional scene.  Once we had the flag in hand, our team quickly headed down the highway with local fire and police department vehicles following closely behind.

Making our way down Route 13 in Carterville

We were greeted with honking horns and waves as we made our way down that 3.15 mile stretch of road.  We received thumbs up and shouts of "USA!" People slowed down and snapped photos.  I knew I was a part of something special when I signed up, but actually doing it was a whole new experience.  

The handoff

I applaud anyone who has ever served our country or plans to so.  These men and women deserve our respect and I'm so happy that people in our community gathered to show appreciation as the Old Glory Relay made its way through southern Illinois.  Thank you veterans.  Thank you friends.  

Check out drone footage of the hand off shot and edited by Todd Ellis.  Very impressive.

ATTENTION! Let's Talk About Your Health & Wealth

Blood screenings

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

In 2008, I was approached by the Women for Health and Wellness, Incorporated here in southern Illinois to help get a Men's Health Conference off the ground.  For years (decades actually) the group had done a Women's Health Conference with great success.  At the time, I was not only anchoring the morning news at WSIL, but I was also the medical reporter.  I jumped at this opportunity, mostly because there's nothing like this for men around here and I felt (still do) that it's a great service to those who attend.  Men's Health Conferences are pretty rare around the country too.

Vision screening

We held that first conference about nine months after the initial meetings.  We are now gearing up for the sixth annual MHC, and I wanted to share with you the importance of annual event.  The cost is $45 and includes blood screenings (be sure to fast 10 to 12 hours prior) for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL & LDL, blood sugar, and coronary heart disease risk assessment.  Other screenings available at the conference (March 22, 2014) include vision, blood pressure, heart rate, dental, hearing, skin cancer, and foot problems.

Breakfast and lunch are a part of the deal as are a dozen different break out sessions.  Men chose their three favorite and get to attend the 50 minute sessions.  Topics this year include prostate health, heart disease, colon cancer, 401K planning, fishing, and the million dollar knee.  You can see the complete list and descriptions (as well as register) by clicking this link.  

Core training vs. Strength training

It's my hope that men who attend the conference will not only walk away bettering themselves, but helping others in their lives.  Whether it's a father taking the information and improving the lives of his children or a middle aged man sharing the details of a session with his poker buddies, or a retired man explaining the importance of diet, exercise, and quality of sleep to his grandkids, I do believe this conference can change lives.

Jeff Rose
goodfinancialcents.com

Our keynote speaker this year is a personal friend of mine, and I'm honored that he will be a part of this year's conference.  Jeff Rose is a veteran, blogger, author, and Certified Financial Planner.  Fun fact: Jeff is the guy who encouraged me to start writing this blog in the first place.  Anyway, back to the subject, Jeff's keynote over lunch will include more about his successes.  He's accomplished many things through the years, balancing work, family, blogging, and his time in the Army National Guard.  I don't think anyone will be disappointed in hearing Jeff's story and chances are he'll inspire you to do something you may have never considered before.

If you're in the region, come out and take some time to focus on yourself.  There are plenty of awesome prizes this year too, including four box seats to a St. Louis Cardinals game (donated by Dr. William Hays) a complete set of DDP Yoga (donated by DDP Yoga), and two passes to Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours (donated by Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours in Makanda).  There are plenty of other great prizes too.  

I hope to see you at John A. Logan College on Saturday, March 22 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Call 985-9210 for more details. 

Holiday Mail for Heroes

Christmas cards

By Kevin Hunsperger 
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Two days after Thanksgiving my grandma, Betty Bresler, died after suffering a heart attack earlier that week.  For as long as I could remember, she was an avid volunteer at the VA Hospital located at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.  My grandpa, Harry Bresler, Sr., who died when my mom was a teenager, was in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II, which I think contributed to my grandma's serving at the hospital up until her death.

Over the weekend, I was helping my parents put up Christmas decorations.  In one of the tubs, I found dozens of unsent Christmas cards.  My first thought was to just put them in the recycling bin or take them to the thrift shop, but then it hit me.  Why not send them out to our troops who may not get a holiday greeting otherwise?  Better yet, I decided to incorporate my kids into the project, hence creating a new family tradition.

My daughter working hard

I did a little research on line and found that the American Red Cross has a program called Holiday Mail for Heroes.  If you want to participate, the time to act is now.  Here's the link with the complete list of rules, but in short, the deadline is this Friday, December 6.

Make sure your cards are signed.  Like I said, my kids are helping with this and took time to write a quick note in each card we're sending.  Also, use generic salutations like "Dear Service Member." Make sure you're only sending cards, because letters will not be accepted.  

Spelling doesn't count!

Here are some of the other requirements with the program:

• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.

All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456