Homeland Veterans Magazine April 2018

Vol. 5 Number 4 • April 2018

Homeland Veterans Magazine

Month of the Military Child Strengthening Family Support Marine Striving To Be Role Model For Son Silver Star Recipient Receives Honor Salute Careers In Law Enforcement

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR Financial - Legal

Military Service Family Service Darnisha Hunter

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE

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PTSD TREATMENT DECISION AID: THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Wondering which PTSD treatment is right for you?

Use the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid to learn about and compare treatments.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Watch Video Interviews with Providers Compare the Treatments You Like Best Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Get a Personalized Summary

WHO IS IT FOR? PATIENTS: The Decision Aid teaches you about your options and gets you ready to work with your provider to choose the best treatment for you.

PROVIDERS: The Decision Aid educates your patients about evidence-based PTSD treatments.

Review it together in session, or have your patients work through it at home.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. You have options. The choice is yours.

The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid is an online tool to help you learn about effective treatments and think about which one might be best for you.

www.ptsd.va.gov/decisionaid 2

HOMELAND / April 2018

VETERANS

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HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM Resources Support Inspiration

Homeland Veterans Magazine Voted 2017 Best Resource, Support Media for veterans, military families and transitioning military personnel.

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller Contributing Writers CJ Machado Vicki Garcia - Enlisted Joe Molina - VCCSD Holly Shaffner Honor Flight Shelter to Soldier Eva M. Stimson Boot Campaign Barry Smith Wounded Warrior Project Vesta Anderson John Roberts DAV - Steven Wilson USO - Sharon Smith Andrew McClure Operation Homefront Stephen Thomas Chris Martin Sevrine Banks Kelly Bagla. Esq. Public Relations CJ Machado Thomas McBrien

Greetings and a warm welcome to HOMELAND Magazine!

Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. Homeland Magazine focuses on real stories from real heroes; the service member, the veteran, the wounded and the families that keep it together.

Our magazine is driven by passion, vision, reflection and the future. The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with service members, families, veterans and civilians. Homeland is about standing your ground, resilience, adaptation, inspiration and solidarity.

HOMELAND is inspirational, “feel good” reading; our focus is on veterans, military and civilians alike. I believe HOMELAND is where the heart is, and our publication covers a wide variety of topics, and issues about real life and real stories.

We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.

Marketing/Sales Mike Miller Gina Henderson Entertainment Media Bob Dietrich Calvin Goetz

Homeland Magazine is published monthly.

Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items.

All rights reserved.

We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of HOMELAND Magazine.

Homeland Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92126

With warmest thanks, Mike Miller, Publisher

858.275-4281 Contact Homeland Magazine at: info@homelandmagazine.com

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Month of the Military Child

inside this issue 8 Military Service - Family Service 10 Strengthening Family Support 14 Wic - Women, Infants & Children 16 USMC SSgt now Striving to be Role Model 21 Month of the Military Child 22 Silver Star recipient receives Honor Salute 26 BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE 30 Military Appreciation Day 32 Benevolent Naval Veteran Inspires 34 ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR 36 Evaluating New Technology 38 Promoting Youth Entrepreneurs 40 What is taking a bite out of your paycheck?

41 SIGNING A BUSINESS CONTRACT? 45 Careers in Law Enforcement

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE WWW.HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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Y B D AND E ND DEM E T EX LAR PU O P

Weekends Now–April 29

Foodies and craft beer aficionados will love SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival, featuring nearly 60 amazing menu items, craft beers from local breweries and wine tastings.

Plus, enjoy the sounds of live bands pulled straight from the local San Diego music scene.

© 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Military Service - Family Service In 2001, Utah PTA established a Military Family position on their State Board.

This board member was to reach out to Utah PTA schools and help them better recognize, and understand the issues facing military children and families, so they can act as partners in helping and supporting military children.

When a spouse joins the military, the family joins also!

In the military it is a 24/7 proposition that affects not just the service member, but the family, and the children.

It has been said, and Utah PTA agrees, that the “care of our nation’s military children helps sustain our fighting force and helps strengthen the health, security and safety of our nation’s families and communities.”

In the past 17 years, our American military service members have been asked to shoulder a heavy responsibility in the defense of our national values.

This is as hard on the children and family as it is on the service member.

The responsibility can entail separations, frequent moves and difficult transitions. All involving the children and family. It has been often said that “the deployed family member isn’t the one serving the ‘hardship’ tour, it is the family at home.” That family carries a significant burden when their military member is away from home.

One of the community institutions that can help and support the family when the military spouse is deployed is the local school – principal, staff, teachers and the PTA. The PTA can provide continuity, connectedness, help with transition for the child and the spouse with fortifying friendship through fellowship and volunteer service.

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Our Utah PTA Military Family Specialist created an assembly and activities for the local PTA’s to use during April, “The Month of the Military Child” and November, “The Month of the Military Family.”

These are a few of the suggested activities and can be used for either month: 1. Wear a camouflage ribbon or article of clothing on Assembly Day, Veteran’s Day or any patriotic day.

2. Have students create artwork that promotes patriotism and display it in the classroom and/or school.

3. Encourage the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

4. Present a patriotic play or story in the classroom or in an assembly.

5. Invite a student’s military family member to the class to explain what their military service meant/ means to them.

6. Recommend Military Family members wear their service uniform to a program, assembly or to the child’s classroom. Have the military child introduce them.

Each April, America honors the courage and recognizes the sacrifice of over 1.7 million children in military families nationwide. April is “The Month of the Military Child” and provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.

This year’s theme is ‘Brave Hearts, Resilient Souls’. Local PTA’s are encouraged to conduct Patriotic assemblies and activities during the month. Utah PTA awards a banner to the participating schools to recognize their celebration of the value of military children and families.

Military families bring a richness of experience to their schools, their communities, and their PTA units.

Utah PTA is proud to be a partner and sponsor of these programs and activities that recognize, support and celebrate the value of military families and children. We can never forget that even as our military personnel make sacrifices each day for our country, so do their families, their children.

In November, “The Month of the Military Family”, Utah PTA partners with the Utah National Guard and its family support network. This allows Utah PTA to more accurately identify military family members throughout the state.

An annual essay contest was created and co-sponsored by the Utah PTA and Utah National Guard to allow service members’ children to create essays on why they were proud of their family’s service member. What started as a Utah National Guard initiative quickly evolved into recognition of all military families in Utah to include active and reserve members as well. Active units and Reserve units are also encouraged to promote the essay contest and the winners are recognized and awarded cash prizes, from the Utah National Guard “Honorary Colonels,” at the annual Veteran’s Day Concert organized by the Utah National Guard.

Involvement in PTA enables military parents to function in a familiar group setting and connect with their new community through their children’s educational activities.

Article is authored by: Kathleen N. Allred, Utah PTA Military Family Associate Specialist Kathy has been working with PTA organization for the past 40+years.

As an active duty military wife and mother of eight children, she has been an advocate for the military family and children throughout her husband,LTC Ret. Joseph L Allred 24 year military career and continues to be involved with PTA on both State and National levels.

She can be contacted at kathy@ utahpta.org.

Information on the Utah PTA Military Families Program can be found on the Utah PTA website utahpta.org or contacted through the Utah PTA office

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Strengthening Family Support

By John Roberts – National Service Director, Wounded Warrior Project It can be a difficult chore for any veteran to transition from the battlefront to the home front. When a military service member is injured, it can place stress on their family members, all of whom are integral and loving components of a warrior’s successful mental and physical recovery.

Compounding the issue is the significant time many wounded warriors have spent away from their children, which can strain their relationships.

April is the Month of the Military Child. It’s a time to recognize the children of our Armed Forces heroes because they too make sacrifices and must overcome many challenges.

Warriors’ kids, depending on their ages, may not fully understand the situation, but they can sense there’s something very different about their mom or dad. Loved ones, especially children, need to be assured things will get better. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) can help with that through family-oriented events.

Reinforcing the Warrior and Child Connection Marine Corps veteran and wounded warrior Bradley Thomas sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2011 and took the struggles of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into his civilian life.

“In the darkest moments of my life, my children were the only light I had. The only thing I could see in the distance, that one speckle of light, were my children.

Each day, I get closer and closer to that light,” - Bradley said.

Bradley’s young children motivated their father to find help for his physical and emotional wounds through WWP. In the process, Brandon’s son, Landon, said he got his father back. “Most of the time it was hard,” Landon said. “I liked having him home at first, but he was always in pain and not happy. It made me sad for him. Now he’s happy.”

WWP family connection events are a chance for kids and parents to get away from everyday life and do things at their own pace while relaxing, reconnecting, and enriching relationships.

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While many WWP family events are outdoorsy, it’s nice to see a tough veteran sitting in a small chair at a princess party and drinking pretend tea with his or her son or daughter, with pinky finger properly raised. Priceless.

“Our daughter was over the moon about going to a princess party,” said Jamie Pryde, whose husband, Forrest, is an Army veteran. “And we were happy to be part of something that lets Wounded Warrior Project families spend time together.”

“Forrest wasn’t sure about going to the party at first because he didn’t think it was something for him, but we are so glad he did,” Jamie said. “We’ve had amazing family experiences with the organization.”

Like Forrest, other warrior dads are learning more about themselves and their children.

Army Reserve veteran Steven Olsen and his family attended a WWP connection event that sparked his children’s minds at the Science Center of Iowa. “I learned my kids are way smarter than me. I would ask them a question about something I read, and they already knew the answer.”

“My kids loved going to the Science Center, and we felt like VIPs,” Steven said. “We had a great time hanging out with our kids and other Wounded Warrior Project families.”

National Guard veteran Daniel Bittner attended the same event and found its value for his recovery. He realized that not only were his kids and wife entertained – he was with those he loved in a safe environment, and it allowed him to relax, enjoy the moment, and not feel the anxiety that often comes with going out in public.

“Through Wounded Warrior Project events, we have been able to spend quality time together and create lifelong memories with the kids, and even meet new friends with similar life experiences,” said Daniel’s wife, Sonya.

“I never would have thought this hidden gem of a museum would make me and my kids so happy,” said Army veteran Joe Lawyer. “There was so much to do, and having the place to ourselves allowed me to feel comfortable. I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”

Joe’s wife, Tiffany, considers Wounded Warrior Project to be a family filled with deserving people who are able to experience events they sometimes wouldn’t be able to afford or attend.

Reinforcing the Warrior and Child Connection

Continued on next page

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Punt, Pass, and Get Down and Give Me 20 Playing football alongside a professional who has an NFL Championship game under his belt is something most kids never have a chance to do, but Army veteran Alvin Rodriguez and his children were able to do just that at a WWP event in Cincinnati.

NFL wide receiver Brandon LaFell wore a Bengalsorange shirt while teaching warriors’ kids about technique, pass routes, and hand-eye coordination.

Warriors and their children loved scrimmaging with and catching passes from the famous wide receiver.

They all learned a lot that day about football, but most importantly, they learned about the importance of family bonding.

Weekends of Meaningful Time The importance of parents spending quality time with their kids is very evident – but the amount of meaningful time spent between a warrior and his child helps to curb the loneliness the military child can feel during a parent’s service – especially long deployments.

WWP weekend adventures, like a beachside camping trip in North Carolina, provide a special atmosphere to re-establish bonds that time and distance can strain.

“It was a chance to get away – literally – from the commotion of the city and do things at our own pace,” said Army veteran Daniel Allums. “It was very therapeutic to rest and relax – to chill out. It was really important for me to reconnect with my daughter.”

When veterans and their kids are in a comfortable setting, they are more open to communicating.

WWP provides family-friendly settings for warriors and their children to discuss military service – what it means to the parent and the child – and the difficult emotions it often brings. They learn better ways to communicate with each other – and which methods work best during their healing processes.

Before the campout, Daniel usually talked with his daughter through text messages. Amid the rumble of waves and a campfire, they explored how to speak face-to-face, enriching their relationship. They were able to get to know each other again. It had an immediate impact on their relationship.

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Military Kids Connect with Each Other Kids just need to be around other kids, but military children truly need to be around other military children who understand what it’s like to miss a parent, relocate on a regular basis, Kids just need to be around other kids, but military children truly need to be around other military children who understand what it’s like to miss a parent, relocate on a regular basis, and lose friends as quickly as they make them. Finding common ground and belonging through similar life experiences is crucial for the emotional wellness of children, which is why WWP partners with the National Military Family Association (NMFA), which hosts Operation Purple® Camps (OPC).

These weeklong summer camps are free for children of military service members – wounded, active, or retired. It’s a place where military kids can get together and spend time playing and sharing experiences.

Eric Bird, a retired United States Air Force veteran, said his son enjoyed the camp. “He’s not the most social kid, but he came out of his shell. He was able to spend time around other kids who have experienced the same things he has – other kids with parents like me.”

WWP’s family-oriented connection events are relaxing, comfortable ways to reconnect and enrich relationships. By strengthening the family unit, warriors are armed with steadfast support structures that empower them during their recoveries and allow them to live life on their terms.

About Wounded Warrior Project We Connect, Serve, and Empower The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms.

WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. WWP is an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), is top rated by Charity Navigator, and holds a GuideStar Platinum rating. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

(Photos courtesy WWP)

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Families Grow Healthy with the Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program.

You work hard to bring in a paycheck, you take care of how you spend your money, but sometimes still find yourself a little low in cash toward the end of the month. Then comes the worry: “Will I have enough to buy healthy foods for my children?� You are not alone and the Women, Infant and Children nutrition program is here to help you through when money is tight.

The Women, Infant and Children nutrition program (WIC) provides checks to purchase healthy foods for pregnant, post-partum and breastfeeding women; infants; and children up to their 5th birthday, including those cared for by a single father, grandparent, foster parent, stepparent or guardian. Checks are worth $50-$113

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Here’s what current WIC participants have to say about the program: • “[WIC staff] provide good education for new mothers whether in nutrition or newborn babies. You guys are the support that a lot of mothers need and the help for low income families so that they don’t have to struggle as much.”

• “The information I received about breastfeeding was very useful especially because I am a first time mother. At the beginning I was supplementing with formula and they explain[ed] the importance of breastfeeding. They helped me a lot on feeling comfortable about it.” a month per participating family member, with multiple family members able to enroll simultaneously if eligible. Foods that can be purchased with WIC checks include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, baby food, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter and beans.

In addition to providing checks for foods, WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other community resources.

Wondering when to introduce solids to your baby?

Trying to figure out how to get your toddler to eat more vegetables? WIC has answers for you!

WIC provides one-on-one counseling with a nutrition counselor to discuss your family’s health and nutrition goals, and to answer questions about your child’s growth and development. Wanting to breastfeed, but worried that your baby isn’t getting enough breastmilk? WIC can help you!

• “I had a terrible experience when applying to other social service offices. I didn’t want to apply to WIC because of those experiences. When my husband finally convinced me to apply it was a totally different experience and atmosphere. The staff was respectful. WIC is a good program.”

• “I’m so happy for everything you all do and give me. All my three kids have been at the same office for so many years and I just like it so much, so thank you.”

Millions of families across the country rely on WIC to ease their financial strain and to provide the nutritious foods their families need to grow healthy and strong. As a nationwide program, when you move, WIC moves with you. The WIC program runs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and other overseas locations.

To find out if you are eligible for the WIC program and to learn how to enroll, visit www.sdsuwic.org or call 1-888-999-6897.

WIC lactation educators provide guidance and support to help you breastfeed with confidence and provide referrals to additional breastfeeding support when needed.

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Inspired At 15 To Join Military After 9/11, USMC SSgt Jake McCormack Now Striving To Be Role Model For His 9-Year-Old Son

By Barry Smith Boot Campaign

USMC SSgt Jacob (Jake) McCormack, with his son Cole and wife Kyra

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As a 15-year-old growing up in Seattle, Wash., Jacob “Jake” McCormack was a sports junkie like many teenage boys, enjoying year-round training and high school competition in his favorite sports of football and baseball while following his hometown Seahawks and Mariners closely.

He says he played football and baseball “pretty much from the time I was six years old,” but one month shy of his 16th birthday his focus immediately changed in an instant.

McCormack and an entire nation were shocked to the core the morning of September 11, 2001 when the United States was blindsided by a series of four terrorist attacks coordinated by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda.

“After 9/11, high school was pretty much an obstacle in my way of going into the military,” remembers McCormack, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and Veteran Ambassador for the military non-profit Boot Campaign.

“My focus was pretty singular on the military and I did everything to finish high school and get it all squared away.”

The son of U.S. Army Specialist Richard McCormack who served in Vietnam, and the grandson of two Army veterans of the Korean war, it was certainly within the realm of possibility that a career in the armed forces might be in his future. In fact, he says: “I was considering entering the military prior to September 11th, but that day cemented the fact it would be what I was doing immediately after high school.”

When he says “immediately,” he could not have been more serious, and it was that seriousness of his conviction to join the military that was a complete jolt to his mother Callie Britton.

“My mom asked me before I turned 17 what I wanted for my birthday, and I said I wanted her to sign consent papers so I can go into the Marine Corps,” admits McCormack.

“Her first response was, ‘Over my dead body!’ I wore her down over the next couple months. I washed a lot of dishes and did a lot of chores, and a couple weeks before my birthday she asked me if this is what I really want to do? I said - without a shadow of a doubt - this is what I need to do.”

So on his 17th birthday, his mother made his birthday dinner and invited a special guest to join them, a Marine recruiter, who brought the paperwork so she could sign her consent for her son to go to the nearest military entrance processing station.

That night I did my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test), the following day I took my physical and I got into the delayed entry program,” he recalls as if it was yesterday. “I had to finish my senior year of high

school and I shipped out in September of 2003 and I had my 18th birthday in boot camp.”

With a family tree full of Army veterans, why did he choose to become a Marine?

Continued on next page

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“I was a catcher in baseball and then played fullback and linebacker in football, and that may have had something to do with me joining the Marine Corps, because I really like hitting people,” reflects McCormack. “I figured that translated well into the physicality of the Marine Corps.”

McCormack also is not one to back down from a challenge.

“I was very competitive, always have been, and the Marine Corps really drew me in,” he explains. “They said, ‘we’re the toughest, we have the hardest boot camp, we are the most disciplined,’ and that kind of top-tier program really attracted me as a teenage guy playing sports.

In addition to crafting custom furniture, McCormack enjoys spending his free time fishing or riding and working on his motorcycle, a 2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special, experiences he is thrilled to share with his son.

“Cole is my biggest driving force, period,” McCormack confides. “He rides on my motorcycle with me, we go fishing together, play video games, and he helps with projects around the house. He is absolutely the reason I push myself to continue to be successful. I want to be a role model to him and be able to provide all the opportunities he needs to be successful himself.

“I wanted to challenge myself to do something that very few other people could do,” he adds. “The Marine Corps wasn’t offering me anything. They said you have to prove to us that you are worthy to wear the same uniform we do.

I wanted that challenge and I wanted to earn that right to wear that uniform.”

McCormack was first stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. from 2004-2007, where he met his bride-to-be Kyra and where he was twice deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From 2007-2011, he was stationed in Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he became a father to his son Cole. An opportunity to be closer to his sister’s family in Texas became available when he volunteered for a recruiter assignment in Dallas, Texas, so he packed up the family and spent the next five years in the Lone Star state. He and his family fell in love with Texas and now hope to call it home after his military service comes to an end.

A recipient of numerous unit awards and four Navy Achievement medals, McCormack is now in his 15th year of military service and is working towards a bachelor’s degree in business and a promotion to gunnery sergeant at San Diego’s Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Off the base and away from the military, McCormack’s priorities understandably shift to his son and wife of 11 years. For Kyra, taking care of some big-ticket items on his “honey do” list has provided him with a unique opportunity to be creative and make a little money on the side.

“My wife loves Pottery Barn,” acknowledges McCormack, “and we were looking at furniture one day and I opened my big fat mouth and said, ‘I can make that kitchen table.’

And she said, ‘I’ve never seen you build anything.’ So I was at Home Depot the following morning picking up lumber, and that’s how I made my first kitchen table for our house.

I’ve mostly just made some furniture for my wife and our house, but I’ve built a few pieces for other people and made some extra money here and there.”

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“I know that being a child in the military has been a challenge for my son,” he continues. “Moving to new locations and schools has always been a challenge and has come with its own unique set of problems. But my son has always met those challenges head on and thrived.”

Although only nine years old, Jake believes Cole has experienced enough already to have a thorough grasp of the dangers, responsibilities and sacrifices that come with military life and being a part of the military community.

“I have a framed photo in my office of the seven brothers I have lost in the military, and during one especially rough time I was looking at their photo and crying,” reveals McCormack. “My son, maybe six at the time, came up and asked me why I was crying. I told him that I missed my brothers very much. He asked where they were, and I told him that they died protecting our country from very bad people. He told me, ‘then we will never forget them

Daddy, because they are heroes and we never forget who our heroes are.’

“He is an extremely patriotic kid,” adds the proud papa.

“He knows from my experiences and as a family that a lot of sacrifices have been made on our behalf to enjoy the things we enjoy today.”

One family activity they relish comes during the holidays when the McCormacks participate in Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots project, an outreach initiative which delivers carefully personalized Christmas gifts to deserving military families thanks to the help of patriotic corporate partners, Boot Elves, and a little magic!

“Santa Boots was an incredible opportunity for my family as we’ve been able to deliver presents to two families local to the Southern California area,” says the Boot Campaign

“I got an email from someone in my chain of command that said, hey there’s this charity event, you’re going to be able to shoot shotguns and get free food,” laughs McCormack. “So, pretty much all the guys I worked with said, ‘yeah, let’s do it!’

“I was completely blown away by the people who were at that event,” he continues. “It really felt like everyone was cut from the same cloth. The things that they were doing for veterans, the patriotism that was exuded, I knew I had to be involved any way I could. Until that time in my life, I had never experienced that before.”

His first introduction to Boot Campaign also came with another huge bonus – the chance to personally meet one-on-one with one of his most revered military heroes.

Veteran Ambassador. “As a military family we know first-hand what it’s like to struggle while in the military, so being able to be a part of this project and give back to other military families has been incredible.

McCormack actually became involved with the Texasbased Boot Campaign when he was stationed in Dallas as a recruiter back in 2012. He remembers an invitation being sent to the recruiting station that Boot Campaign wanted to get a few active-duty military members out to its Boot’N & Shoot’N event at the Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville, Texas.

“A couple of weeks before the event I had just finished reading American Sniper by Chris Kyle, and when I got to the event I found out that Chris was going to be there as one of the speakers,” says McCormack. “Even as a grown Marine with combat deployments, I just about freaked out that somebody I looked up to so highly was going to be there.

“I had an opportunity to meet and talk to him,” he adds, “and after we’d been talking for a few minutes we figured out we had been in Fallujah at the same time and worked some of the same operations. That was incredibly impactful for me, that I had a chance to meet someone I admired and respected so much, and that event had made it all possible.”

Learn more about Boot Campaign at www.BootCampaign.org.

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geico.com/san-diego-north | 760-753-7907 | dagrant@geico.com 711 Center Drive | San Marcos Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image Š 1999-2018. Š 2018 GEICO

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Month of the Military Child

By Sevrine Banks April, is Month of the Military Child. Around 42% of children of active-duty service members are under the age of 5.

Nine schools, deployments, mid school-year moving to a new location, new friends, early mornings, late nights, unaccompanied tours, 12 hours at daycare and overnights, independence and maturity at an early age. These are some of the things that my military child experienced being part of a military family. I retired from the U. S. Army as a Combat Medic, serving 20 years to our Nation. I sacrificed and would do it all over again, however, military families also sacrifice, especially military children.

I remember doing the math on how much time I spent away from my daughter, and it came to approximately 5 years including deployments, field training exercises and unaccompanied overseas tours. Resiliency is a term that is often heard in the military setting.

Reaching for your child, to be able to hold them again and he screamed not recognizing me is just one of the things non-Veterans don’t realize.

My son is ten years younger than my daughter.

His experience as a military child is completely different. He was born in El Paso, TX and we moved to California upon my retirement. Even though my deployment to Iraq was heartbreaking, leaving him when he was 13 months old, I am grateful he doesn’t remember it. Even though I communicated as much as possible with him, when I returned, he didn’t remember who I was. Reaching for your child, to be able to hold them again and he screamed not recognizing me is just one of the things non-Veterans don’t realize.

He was a little bit older (4 years old) when I deployed to Afghanistan, however he didn’t fully understand what I was doing. He still says, “Mommy, when it was night time in Afghanistan, it was day time here”, a statement we still use, since his Uncle is currently serving as a Marine.

We want service members to be resilient, and that term is also heard when referring to military children. Imagine moving a few months after school has started, going to another school for a few months and then returning to the original school, all in one school year, that was my daughter during my deployments.

Resiliency goes hand in hand with Military Children, they don’t have a choice, and they figure it out. My daughter always attended a school where the majority of the other children were not military children, so they didn’t understand our way of life, but it also gave an amazing opportunity to share what being a military family is all about.

Despite all those moves, my daughter graduated in the top 10% of her class and is a freshman at San Diego State University. Since I am a Service Connected Disabled Veteran, my daughter attends college at no cost to our family. I was also able to transfer my Post 911 GI benefits to both of my children which currently covers her housing. The benefits we have are priceless.

Najee, Alana & Sevrine Banks

As a Combat Veteran, I hope that my children truly appreciate the sacrifices made and know that I did this for a better place for them to grow up in.

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Silver Star recipient receives Honor Salute by Camp Pendleton Marines

by Lisa Marcolongo

Carlsbad resident Leonard Pecchia joined the Marine Corps in 1944. Shortly after boot camp, he was shipped out to the South Pacific as a member of Company H, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

By February of 1945, Pecchia was held in high regard by senior Marines in his platoon for his leadership and was appointed as a fire team leader at the start of the historic Battle of Iwo Jima.

On March 2, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Private First Class (PFC) Leonard Pecchia braved harrowing enemy fire to aid a fellow Marine who had been wounded and was stranded on the enemy-side of a ridge.

Ignoring his own wounds, PFC Pecchia retrieved and evacuated the wounded Marine. PFC Pecchia was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and the actions he took out of “grave concern for the life of another,” his citation states. He also received the Purple Heart.

Mr. Pecchia’s three sons said their father spoke very little about his military service when they were growing up. When children at the local pool would ask Mr. Pecchia about the scars on his chest, he responded, “A lion got me.”

Photo credits: Lance Pecchia, son of Leonard Pecchia 22

HOMELAND / April 2018

When five CampPendleton Marines recently paid a visit to Leonard and Joan, his wife of 70 years, he was still quiet about his time in the Marine Corps, even downplaying his efforts. Mr. Pecchia, did however, impart some advice to the young Marines.

1st Lt Kimberly Colby said, “Mr. Pecchia has carried the qualities embodied as a Marine throughout his entire life. Selfdiscipline, respect, integrity and courage exemplify this Silver Star recipient. We could tell by the actions and words of his family how much Mr. Pecchia is loved and respected.”

1st Lt Kimberly Colby, USMC and four other Marines from Camp Pendleton read Mr. Pecchia’s citation from 73 years ago and conducted an Honor Salute in recognition of his military service.

1st Lt Kimberly Colby volunteers with The Elizabeth Hospice to recognize and thank veterans for their service in the Armed Forces.

With the help of StoryCorps, Mr. Pecchia’s sons have captured their father’s stories to preserve and share his memories and life experiences. One story that was shared demonstrates that service is never forgotten.

Decades after the war Leonard and Joan attended a Marine reunion. They were in a hotel elevator when another reunion attendee stepped in.

His eyes popped when he saw the name “Pecchia” on Leonard’s name tag:

‘You saved my life! Under fire, our unit was ordered to leave shore and board a Higgins boat. As I desperately tried to board, you took my hand. For a long time your strong grip held me on the side of the boat. The entire time I could see the name on your uniform: Pecchia. You saved my life that day.’

About The Elizabeth Hospice The Elizabeth Hospice is a “Level 4 Partner,” the highest distinction possible, with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), – in the national We Honor Veterans program. An important part of our program are our volunteers; veterans and active duty military personnel.

Active duty personnel and veteran volunteers assist The Elizabeth Hospice by providing companionship visits with hospice patients.

They thank fellow veterans for their service by officiating veteran pinning ceremonies at the bedside. Each veteran is presented with a certificate of appreciation and an American flag lapel pin. The most important part of the ceremony is the time spent with the veteran hospice patient and their family reminiscing about their time in the service. “Sometimes I hear stories from veterans that they never shared with their families,” said Mike Denen, Elizabeth Hospice volunteer who served in the Air Force during Vietnam. “It’s a privilege to hear their stories, actively listen, and let the person express their own views.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact The Elizabeth Hospice Volunteer Coordinators by calling 800-797-2050 or email volunteer@ehospice.org

HOMELAND / April 2018 23

leading. Human. Kind.

Pioneers in the hospice movement since 1978, The Elizabeth Hospice expertly guides families through life’s most difficult transition, providing support and counsel for every age, at every step.

our programs of Distinction Palliative Care

Counseling and Grief Support

Our palliative care experts focus on relief from symptoms,

The Center for Compassionate Care provides

pain, and stress in any phase of a diagnosis.

comprehensive counseling and grief support for all ages and is available to the entire community.

Veterans Program We are a proud partner in the national

Children’s Services

We Honor Veterans program, by the National Hospice

Our team of medical experts provide comprehensive

and Palliative Care Organization, supported by the VA,

programs and services to support children and

and received highest ranking as a Level 4 Partner.

infants impacted by illness, grief, and loss.

Join our Vet to Vet Volunteer Program Veteran volunteers are paired with hospice patients who also have military experience. Veteran volunteers can help recognize and thank a fellow veteran through veteran pinning ceremonies.

800.797.2050 | www.elizabethhospice.org

Serving San Diego anD inlanD empire aS a nonprofit HealtHcare leaDer Since 1978 The Elizabeth Hospice I.R.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit status number is 95-3275679.

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HOMELAND / April 2018

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HOMELAND / April 2018 25

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE “In order to achieve progressive growth, we must invest our time in our youth,” Darnisha adds. She invests her time and energy taking kids deep sea fishing; those who would not have otherwise been able to afford the cost.

Darnisha Hunter for City Council, utilizing politics for change, for the betterment of our Community.

Darnisha is the epitome of a public servant and has dedicated the last four years to serving as the “voice of our veterans,” Veteran Advocate to San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer’s office.

She lives to inspire as she works to achieve. Her experience as a successful businesswoman, veteran representative and an active community volunteer, makes Darnisha a tremendous asset for the upcoming election of Imperial Beach City Council.

Hunter has resided in Imperial Beach since April 2016. Over 29,000 people reside in Imperial Beach and half of those residents have an income of less than $51,000 per year. “These are hardworking people doing their very best to provide for their families while trying to survive California’s everincreasing cost of living and housing costs. It’s a real struggle for most to stay above water,” Darnisha stated.

Her experience in providing affordable housing through the Housing Our Heroes program will hugely benefit the Imperial Beach Design and Review Board in which she is an active Board member.

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Hunter wants to make certain that the children of today, who are the future of tomorrow, know that they matter and are valued. Darnisha’s resolutions to provide economic growth by implementing apprenticeship programs for our youth and a mentoring program between Fortune 500 companies and struggling start-up businesses are innovative and proven attainable.

These contemporary solutions will help growing businesses and prepare future generations to succeed and prosper.

Her success with implementing programs that achieve their goals is attributed to her collaborative effort between other entities, such as non-profit organizations, businesses, developers and government representatives that hold similar goals and values. Darnisha excels at creating logical solutions that are functional, then putting them into action. She explains, “That having a logical plan is only one part of the process. We must always bring our stakeholders and the community to the table and take action in order to achieve the desired outcome.”

by, CJ Machado, Veteran Advocate and Photo Journalist

Hunter has a true understanding of the demographics that encompass Imperial Beach’s diverse community as well as the needs and challenges her neighborhood faces every day. Being a concerned single mother and grandmother, public safety and providing a clean environment are also at the top of her list for immediate implementation. She supports and volunteers with I Love a Clean San Diego and IB Beautiful.

Her public service also includes: - Vice President of the Imperial Beach Historical Society current - Member of the Imperial Beach Lions Club current - Board Member for the National City Military Advisory Committee current - Co-Chair for the San Diego “Hidden Heroes Cities,” campaign for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation 2017 - Committee Member for the USO Galas 2017/2018 - Planning Committee Member for the USS Raphael Peralta Ship Commissioning 2017 - Board Member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxillary current - Committee Member for “Open Doors Landlord Engagement” to help homeless veterans 2016-2017 - Member of Veteran’s Coalition current Darnisha’s strength is expressed through her philosophy of life… compassion, letting people know that everyone matters, and their value is not based upon what they have or who they know. She cares, she listens, but most of all she’ll fight for you and do whatever is best for our Community.

Darnisha Hunter’s most recent speech presented to the Council of College & Military Educator’s Symposium, given on March 27, 2018:

Hello everyone my name is Darnisha Hunter, Veteran and Military Advocate to Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, 36th Mayor of the City of San Diego.

On behalf of Mayor Faulconer, I welcome you and thank each and every one of you for all you do for our Military and Veteran families.

Today’s theme is: “Navigating Change: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in Military and Veteran Education” We are in a time where as Americans we find ourselves concerned about things in life we would of never thought twice about before. Like quality of life issues here in America. Safety in our schools, parks, theatres and homes. We as adults wonder” how did things get so bad so quickly?” In my opinion it starts with the educational environment and social skills. Remember the theme is Navigating Change and Transforming Challenges into Opportunities.

Your first gift to America was your service for country. Our young men and woman entered our military for many different reasons. What did they learn? Well while they were navigating basic training, a regimented life style, accountability, how to follow the chain of command, consequences for bad behavior or poor decision making. You were challenged daily both as a group and individual.

But in the process of your pain, fear and frustration you turned it into OPPORTUNITY!!!!

Homeland Magazine extends their support and wishes Darnisha all the best with her upcoming campaign for Imperial Beach City Council.

www.darnishahunter.com

HOMELAND / April 2018 27

Tour of Honor

“now for THe aTTenTion of all Hands...�

Honor Flight San Diego provides, at no-cost to the veteran, an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC to visit the memorials built for their service and sacrifice. Priority is given to the most senior veterans, currently WWIIera, and any veterans who have terminal illnesses.

The next trip to Washington, DC is in May 2018.

For more information, go to

www.honorflightsandiego.org

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Research Opportunities

VETERANS: WE NEED YOU VA San Diego Healthcare System and Veterans Medical Research Foundation are looking for participants for human subject research studies on Veterans health issues. Findings will help provide better treatments for Veterans and the general population.

• We are one of the largest VA research programs in the nation • We employ the most advanced research technologies • We employ some of the best, talented and world renowned researchers in the country • We conduct approximately 400 human subject studies annually

Sign up for a research study TODAY!

Some studies provide medical care and/or reimbursement for participation.

Check out our current list of research opportunities.

Visit: www.sandiego.va.gov/studies.asp and www.vmrf.org/studies.html

HOMELAND / April 2018 29

Military Appreciation Day

THE PLAYERS Championship has a longstanding tradition of supporting military and their families. Throughout the week, the tournament hosts several events all with the goal of saying ‘thank you’ to those who selflessly serve.

Each year, fans count down the days until Tuesday of tournament week, fondly known as Military Appreciation Day, which kicks off the week with a show of patriotism and support for the United States military. This is a unique way for our men and women in uniform and their families to be recognized for their service and sacrifice to our country.

As a golf fanatic, Michael Robichaud always looks forward to attending THE PLAYERS Championship as both a spectator and a volunteer. But it wasn’t until last year that his trips to TPC Sawgrass became especially unique.

In 2016, Robichaud’s son, James, was deployed with the United States Air Force. Suddenly, Military Appreciation Day had an intimate sense of importance, as he was now honoring his son. Robichaud has many special golf memories between attending majors and meeting players, but none can top his experience while volunteering at THE PLAYERS Championship in May of 2017.

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Robichaud is a tenured marshal during tournament week at the 15th hole of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Always eager to help where it’s needed, he didn’t give a second thought when a member of the tournament staff requested his assistance at the Patriots’ Outpost - a hospitality venue adjacent to 16 tee offering complimentary food, drink and shaded views of golf to military members and their families. Knowing the Outpost can receive larger than average crowds on Military Appreciation Day, Robichaud dutifully made his way to his new assignment where he was tasked with verifying all military IDs before allowing admittance to the Patriots’ Outpost. While greeting guests, he faced the opposite direction as a familiar face ventured out of the Outpost toward him.

Robichaud remained distracted after agreeing to do an interview with a local news network about his experience volunteering. He was midway through an answer when he felt the presence of someone standing a little too close for comfort. After finishing his answer, he glanced to the side to see who had entered his personal space, and was shocked to discover his son, Airman James Robichaud

• Operation Shower – Sunday, May 6th, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Patriots’ Outpost, 16th tee THE PLAYERS Championship, along with Operation Shower, hosts a baby shower for new and expectant mothers as a way to bring joy to each of their families. Each of the moms is the spouse of a deployed service member, or a service member themselves. This is a unique opportunity for the moms to come together and celebrate with others going through a similar experience.

• Military Appreciation Day – Tuesday, May 8th • Military Ticketing Offers – Tuesday, May 8th – Sunday, May 13th https://birdiesforthebrave2.sheerid.com/ theplayers2018/ Active Duty, Military Retirees, Military Reserve, National Guard, and Military Spouses along with their dependents can receive complimentary tickets for each day of THE PLAYERS Championship.

“As a military community, it is important for THE PLAYERS to pay tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Jared Rice, executive director of THE PLAYERS. “Our efforts are just a small portion of the PGA TOUR’s overall mission to honor members of the U.S. military and the families who support them.” had returned early from his months-long deployment in the Middle East. James, still in uniform, and his dad, still in shock, shared a long overdue embrace while surrounded by teary-eyed onlookers. Michael never finished his interview, but it’s safe to assume that moment is his new volunteer highlight at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Military Appreciation will be an on-going theme throughout THE PLAYERS Championship this year.

See below for a full list of events.

• Military Veterans’ Job Fair – Saturday, May 5th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Patriots’ Outpost, 16th tee THE PLAYERS Championship along with Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition invite Military Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve, Retired Military, and Military Spouses to attend this job fair geared towards helping military personnel find civilian jobs after leaving the service. This is a free opportunity, open to all who are seeking employment. Complimentary counseling and resume-writing assistance will be provided.

Military Veterans may purchase up to two (2) discounted tickets ($15 Tuesday – Wednesday, $25 Thursday – Sunday) for each day of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Must show Department of Defense Issued ID or Photo ID along with ticket voucher

• Military Appreciation Ceremony – Tuesday, May 8th, 5:30 p.m.

Hole 17 The Military Appreciation Ceremony will begin with the presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem. Members of the military will be recognized for their service, followed by flyover. The ceremony will conclude with a concert by country artist, Luke Combs.

• Patriots’ Outpost – Tuesday, May 8th – Sunday, May 13th, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

16th tee The Patriots’ Outpost is an on-course hospitality venue open to all military members and their families. Food and drinks are provided along with excellent course views. Military members must show Department of Defense issued ID for admittance.

HOMELAND / April 2018 31

Benevolent Naval Veteran Inspired to Establish Philanthropic Component to Benefit the San Diego Community and US Veterans

by Eva M. Stimson

Matthew Anderson spent eleven years in the US Navy as a Naval Aircrewman, performing Search and Rescue missions by operating out of H-60 helicopters (F, H and S models). During this time, he completed five deployments to the Middle East, visiting over 25 countries.

He participated in a multitude of helicopter missions to administer a variety of services including delivering mail, cargo and personnel, conducting above-and-below water search-andrescue efforts as well as providing medical support and transfer to personnel during humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Upon his re-entry into civilian life, Matthew was inspired to incorporate lessons he learned in the Navy to harness the power of teamwork. With a B.A. in International Business and a Masters Degree in Marketing, he found a passion for directing his talents toward the craft beer business in San Diego by creating a unique business model.

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His vision elevates the artisanal nature of craft breweries by partnering with his company to establish a consumer, membership-driven discount program that also donates a portion of proceeds back to veteran nonprofit organizations in need of financial support Prior to establishing his business, he spent a year traveling throughout the country and conducted extensive research at 50 different craft breweries to determine a loyalty program that would encourage repeat business and incorporate the capacity to give back to the community.

His survey results revealed that 98.2 percent of all customers surveyed preferred a “Happy Hour” price or regular discount price in order to attract repeat business.

Thus the concept of his unique philanthropic component was born under the name “BotmsUp” (Breweries Of The Month Subscription, Unlimited Possibilities), and they opened their membership to the public on February 1, 2018.

Today, BotmsUp includes the participation of approximately 30 craft breweries, cideries and meaderies in San Diego, with additional future partnerships in San Graham and Kyrié Bloem Diego and throughout the country.

Today, BotmsUp includes the participation of approximately 30 craft breweries, cideries and meaderies in San Diego, with additional future partnerships in San Diego and throughout the country.

Craft beer aficionados in San Diego can sign up for a monthly membership for as little as $10 per month, and receive regular discounts on beverages, food, merchandise and invitations to special events. In addition, a portion of the BotmsUp membershi p fee goes directly into community projects as well as donations to nonprofit partners, many of which benefit US veterans. According to BotmsUp CEO Matthew Anderson, “Our goal is to touch as many lives as possible on a grand scale through our charitable component, but also engage in the craft beer community to bring out the artistic talent of brewers, by encouraging them to hone their craft and introduce flavors that will provide unique sensations to a variety of consumers.

Our philosophy integrates the community, craft beer and charity into one entity ---- we feel the least we can do is give back to our veteran population in San Diego. In addition to the fundraising events we host locally, we have made a commitment to donate back 5% of all sales each month to Shelter to Soldier. Every day, we take great pride in living up to our moto of Together we can CRAFT a better life!”

Shelter to Soldier President, Graham Bloem, states, “Our vision at Shelter to Soldier from its inception has been veterans helping veterans and when I met Matthew Anderson, BotmsUp CEO, I saw another opportunity to further that mission. Being a Navy veteran himself, he understands first hand the need for our services and he’s also very passionate about helping homeless dogs.

I admire his commitment to continue to serve by supporting fellow veterans and after learning more about the incredibly special local craft beer culture, this partnership made complete sense to me. Brewery owners and staff seem to really understand our mission and they want to get behind it...as do the craft beer lovers spending time at these partner locations.

Now we can spread our mission to a broader audience that wants to support STS, and to many that also need our services. It’s a great partnership and I am grateful to have met this dynamic team and gain their support.” www.homelandmagazine.com

BotmsUp is spearheading two fundraising events in April at partner facilities to benefit Shelter to Soldier, a San Diego-based non-profit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain (TBI) and/or other afflictions associated with traumatic combat experiences.

The first April event will take place at the Mike Hess Brewing North Park Tasting Room, located at 3812 Grim Ave., San Diego, CA, 92104 on Saturday, April 21st from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The second event will be held at the Mike Hess Brewing Ocean Beach Tasting Room, located at 4893 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA, 92107 on April 28th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. There will be food and beverage specials, Shelter to Soldier merchandise, entertainment and opportunity drawings. There is no cost to attend and no need to RSVP in advance, however space is limited. For additional information, visit https://botmsup.org, or call 619-494-1291.

BotmsUp Chief Marketing Officer, Jessica Najar remarks, “We’re looking forward to hosting these two festive events in April that will benefit one of our charities of choice, Shelter to Soldier. The beautiful thing about San Diego is that it is predominately a transplant city ---people come here from all over the world and everyone who ultimately lands here has their own idea of what they do and don’t like in their taste for craft beer. Many of our customers have very sophisticated taste pallets and we enjoy bringing the best craft beer artisans together to provide a unique experience, while at the same time giving back to the community.”

Every day on average, twenty (20) U.S. veterans and one (1) active duty service member commit suicide (Department of Veteran Affairs) and every day, 3200 dogs are euthanized in the U.S. The services Shelter to Soldier provides for free to veterans and their commitment to adopt dogs, fulfills the mission of this organization by “Saving Lives, Two at a Time”.

Shelter to Soldier President, Graham Bloem, is the recipient of the ABC 10News Leadership Award, The Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Real Heroes Award, the Honeywell Life Safety Award and the 2016 Waggy Award in the Animal Welfare category. Shelter to Soldier recently relocated their headquarters to the Pacific Pet Resort and Dog Training Center located at 2909 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside, CA, to better serve the increasing number of veterans in need of their services.

Shelter to Soldier is a gold participant of GuideStar and accredited by the Patriot’s Initiative. www.sheltertosoldier.org.

To learn more about veteran-support services provided

by STS, call (855) 287-8659 for a confidential interview regarding eligibility.

HOMELAND / April 2018 33

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

By Vicki Garcia

The Truth About Partnerships

So, you and your really good friend have a great idea for a business. You look at each other and say, “let’s do it together!” And, off you go...blissfully unaware that up to 70% of all business partnerships fail.

It makes perfect sense to want to be in partnership with someone else. Starting up a business on your own can be lonely and intimidating. Having a partner can seem like you’re part of a team with synergy to work together. Plus, it would be great if your partner has funds to invest in the business.

And, that’s how you can run straight into the mistakes that will send you down the white rabbit hole called how-did-this-go-wrong.

I can tell you, from first-hand experience, that a partnership breakup is brutal. It’s nearly as bad, and in some cases worse, than a divorce. All your dreams and hard work go up in smoke, and that may not be the worst of it. It’s not unusual for a former partner goes on the warpath deploying nuclear, radioactive options.

Ask around in any business networking group and you will hear scores of partner breakup horror stories.

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A Business Partnership Is Like a Marriage Without the Good Stuff A business partnership is like a marriage, without the good parts that keep you married, like kids and sex.

Think about it...50% of marriages break up, and those people love each other.

Entrepreneurs get into partnerships for a variety of reasons – • Labor –If you have a business partner you can get a lot more work done without worrying about paying a highpriced employee.

• Splitting Up Tasks – One of the best things about having a business partner is that you can divide tasks and not worry about other aspects of your business.

And, each partner will be able to specialize on certain tasks, which will make each more efficient.

• Money – One partner can fund the startup and keep it going. The other partner typically has no money but has expertise.

Partnerships Fail for a Lot of Reasons Considering that partnerships are usually launched with such great optimism, what could go wrong?

• Sharing the Ups & Downs – Sometimes things will be going great and other times they won’t. By having a partner, you can motivate each other to stay on top of things.

• Brainstorming – when you think of something cool and want to bounce it off someone, what better person to do so with then your business partner?

• Networking – you can never have a big enough network. With a business partner you can double your network Exciting, huh? We’re going to work together in common cause and make lots of money. Yea!!

STOP!!!

For starters, a partnership is a legal entity. According to Free Advice: Legal “Partnership liability can depend on the type of partnership, as well as your position in the partnership.

It can also depend on the laws of the state in which you do business. In a general partnership, each partner has unlimited personal liability. This means you are financially responsible for whatever your partner does.

Partnership rules usually dictate that whatever debts are incurred by the business, it is the legal responsibility of all partners to pay them off. This is true even if one partner enters into a bad contract, or rear-ends another car while working.

All partners are responsible for paying the debts.” (at this point, I’m going to state, unequivocally, that this is not legal advice.

• The partners didn’t adequately define their vision and reason for existence beyond simply being a vehicle to make money. People often join partnerships for financial reasons but leave because of values, career or life goal misalignment.

• Expectations weren’t clearly set from the get-go. Who does what and when are they supposed to do it. What you don’t want is one partner working their butt off, while the other is kicking back, enjoying the fruits of the other’s labor.

• You don’t share common values and ethics. This is a subtle and yet extremely important element for a successful partnership. Egos can be easily bruised.

Animosity builds up. Honesty and integrity may be more important to one partner than the other.

• Communication wasn’t clear and honest. Just like in a marriage, it is important to work things out and talk frankly frequently. Trust is critical to a successful partnership.

If you enter into a partnership, you must make a commitment to the other partner, much like a marriage.

Not only must that person and their interests coincide with yours, but you must always give them the loyalty and concern that is due to a partner. You form a unit, and protecting that unit is paramount.

Unraveling a partnership can be a daunting, miserable experience. If the partnership has been in existence for a period of time, there may be complex financial issues.

Each partner may have assets and intellectual or material interests at stake. From my experience, there are almost always thorny emotional disputes behind a partnership dissolution.

Seek the advice of an attorney, and do your homework.

Happily, there are other options. One is to start your business as a sole proprietor and enter into joint ventures with other sole proprietorships.

Start with the following: https://business-law.freeadvice.com/business-law/ partnerships/partnership-personal-liability.htm)

Each joint venture is a separate agreement. You get all the benefits, without the liabilities, while preserving your independence.

If it doesn’t work out, go your separate ways.

Doesn’t that sound like a better alternative?

Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Veteran Entrepreneurs Today (V.E.T.) & President of Marketing Impressions, a 30+ year old marketing consulting firm. Email her at vicki@veteranentrepreneurstoday.org for free help in starting and running your business. www.homelandmagazine.com

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6 Tips Veteran-Serving Organizations Should Consider When Evaluating New Technology

By Dannielle Pope, Director of Innovative Technology at America’s Warrior Partnership From tracking donations to monitoring referrals, veteran-serving organizations have countless tasks to manage in their day-to-day operations.

Information technology (IT) platforms offer a critical tool for collecting and analyzing information related to these tasks so organizations can spend more time serving veterans and less time on paperwork.

As the director of innovative technology at America’s Warrior Partnership, I was heavily involved in the development and implementation of our WarriorServe® application, which is built on the Salesforce platform and enables veteran-serving organizations to streamline data collection and reporting as well as enhance information sharing with community partners.

Here are a few tips I learned along the way that should help your organization select a new technology platform the next time you’re in the market for an upgrade.

1. Determine your budget and stick to it – Too many organizations neglect to consider their budget and the cost of purchasing new IT solutions until they’ve already selected a product or service that they like. It’s critical for all organizations, particularly non-profits, to look at their available budget FIRST before conducting any research into their options. Decision makers that have an unbiased understanding of their available funds will have a much easier job of finding a system that will meet their unique operational needs.

2. Evaluate what other organizations are using – Take a look at the type of IT systems and platforms that other groups in your space have successfully implemented. You might be surprised at how much you can learn. If you hear of another organization experiencing trouble working with a particular service provider, then you may want to consider engaging a different company to avoid those same issues. In addition, if you consult with a partnering organization that uses the same technology that you choose to implement, then you may gain insight on how to ensure your team experiences a smooth rollout as your new system is installed.

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3. Posture your organization for the future – Technology is constantly changing, which means that the type of IT services and capabilities available on the market today may not be viable a few years down the road. This is particularly important when your organization needs to ensure its technology will be compatible with key partners both now and in the near future.

As a veteran-serving organization, it’s likely that you will interact with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at some point, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on what type of technology the VA and other national organizations are implementing so that you can ensure your operations will be ready to collaborate when the time comes.

4. Consider training needs – Implementing any sort of change within an organization is timeconsuming, and this is particularly true when technology is involved. Once you’ve installed new hardware and software, you have to train everyone within the organization on how to use the system. Make sure to consider how much training will be required for each team member to become comfortable with the technology and then factor the cost of that training into your budget.

5. Involve everyone in testing – In addition to training, you also should consider looping all levels of your organization into test runs that you conduct with a new IT platform that you may purchase. It can be easy for a decision-maker to get excited about a new platform and forget to consider how others in the organization may react. Give everyone who will be using the new platform the opportunity to test it and provide feedback. This will allow you to proactively identify and address concerns from your team before they become problems.

6. Ask about discounts – Many technology providers offer discounts on their products and services for non-profits, but these offers aren’t usually promoted on their website.

As you’re deciding on a technology partner, don’t be afraid to ask if a non-profit discount is available. You might be surprised to find out that the answer is “yes” more often than not!

Researching and implementing a new IT platform may seem like a daunting task, but the outcome will be well worth your investment if you select the right technology.

By keeping these tips in mind, you should have an easier time finding a solution for your veteran-serving organization that gives you the most bang for your buck.

About the Author Dannielle Pope is the Director of Innovative Technology for America’s Warrior Partnership, where she oversees the organization’s proprietary WarriorServe® application and helps to streamline systems that enhance the ability of communities to holistically care for their hometown veterans, military service members, and their families.

She was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps in 2007 after earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

www.americaswarriorpartnership.org

HOMELAND / April 2018 37

Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship in Our Military Communities Overview It has been my experience that today’s youth and especially those coming from a military environment tend to start businesses in areas of personal interest including types of businesses that represent a rewarding aspect of their lives, which result in businesses that are full of innovation, out of the box ideas that hit a home run!

I find it amazing that many of the students who have participated in business programs through their schools or community have little or no interest in limitation, but a huge interest in helping the world be a better place. They want to create products that help the elderly, people in pain and on and on. What drives them? Money is not the motivating factor but the social impact their ideas will have on society is.

By Joe Molina,

Executive Director, Veterans Chamber of Commerce veteransccsd@gmail.com www.vccsd.org

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I had the pleasure of experiencing one the most remarkable business plan presentations from a group of Jr. High School students on “The process of starting a business” it was clear to me that these young students were prepared with the knowledge and passion needed to be an entrepreneur. I realized that these entrepreneurial kids could not do it alone, they needed assistance, mentorship and guidance and most of all our support. Here is how we can help.

“Promote an Entrepreneurial Environment”: In order to promote entrepreneurship, the birth of new ideas, we need to have an “Entrepreneurial Mind-Set” – a way of thinking that perceives entrepreneurship as a “New Opportunity”, a way to find and create new solutions to old problems or new solutions to new problems.

Having the right mind-set will encourage the right environment that welcomes entrepreneurs and their entrepreneurial ideas.

The youth of today have an amazing entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit, an unlimited source of ideas and a potential for greatness.

• Allow kids to try: With the understanding that mistakes and or failures are just part of a business cycle. They are nothing more than opportunities to try something in a different way.

• Provide resources: Be ready to invest time and money in a few tools, resources and or training.

• Create a platform of business opportunities: Connect with businesses and organizations in the community to bring potential opportunities to the youth encouraging them to learn as well as contributing to a business. This creates a work ethic and encourages self-esteem.

These opportunities could include: creating a website for a local church or soccer club, selling items on amazon.com, or designing a flyer about the local Farmer’s Market. There are so many ways we can engage and use the creativity and skills of our youth to foster entrepreneurship.

• Make kids be accountable and responsible for money earned: It is important that they learn how to manage money. This becomes a crucial skill as the business grows.

“Encourage and Coordinate Presentations to Potential Customers: Coordinate and schedule presentations with potential buyers such as local store owners, the local flower shop, the local coffee shop, etc. Selling is a skill that when provided that will greatly benefit our young business owners.

• Be a mentor or a business coach: Mentors are key to the success of these young entrepreneurs.

Mentors/business coaches are essential to the development of business ideas and business concepts. Mentors/business coaches help by guiding and directing the business process, brainstorming ideas and identify solutions to potential obstacles.

www.homelandmagazine.com

“Establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Program”: Creating a Youth entrepreneurship program is easy. Youth programs can be located at a local school or at a city organization. It only needs to have one coordinator a group of passionate teachers, parents and/or volunteers who will be committed to developing programs and projects that will help students “test drive” their ideas. The program must establish a partnership with the local business community to help support and encourage the program.

Here are some ideas of projects that are fun to organize and very effective in helping students discover their entrepreneurial potential: 1. “Business Idea Pitch It Competition”: This project allows for students to present their business idea in front of a panel of judges providing constructive feedback.

2. “Take it to the Market”: This gives a group of students the experience and skills to create and implement a sales strategy for a product or service as well as identify its market potential.

3. “Marketing Plan Competition”: The business community submits a “Project” for a group of students to work on. These are real life scenarios/ issues that students help identify solutions to solve the problem.

4. Invention and Innovation: Students submit “a prototype” of an idea or product that currently does NOT exist, but could be created and possibly developed. Students showcase their prototype in front of a panel of judges.

In Summary, the youth of today have an amazing entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit, an unlimited source of ideas and a potential for greatness.

Let’s come together and see that we create “opportunities” that can be presented to our next generation of Entrepreneurs to encourage their greatness. www.vccsd.org

HOMELAND / April 2018 39

FINANCIAL What is taking a bite out of your paycheck?

By Chris Martin

A few months ago, a friend of mine was asked by her brother to take a look at his bank account and figure out why he was always broke at the end of the month. She asked him to place everything on his debit card for one month.

Remember to always make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover your expenditures.

She told him that even if he spent $1 on coffee to put it on the card. At the end of the month, they took a look at what he was spending and he was surprised to discover that he was spending over $350 a month on eating out alone.

When you only make $1600$2000 a month, which is quite a bit of your paycheck.

When you think about it, the average cost of lunch out today is about $5-$15, depending on where you go for lunch. If you figure $10 a day, five days a week, four weeks a month, that is $200 a month just for lunch.

That $4 coffee every morning would cost you another $80.

Eating dinner out will cost about $20 on average, which would be another $400.

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You get the idea. Imagine how much money you would save by making your own lunch or dinner. You don’t have to be a five-star chef to make yourself a sandwich or a salad for lunch.

Not only will it be cheaper but it will be healthier too.

Most banks now offer an option for you to categorize your spending if you do online banking. Some banks will even offer assistance with creating a budget and setting a savings plan for an emergency fund, vacation fund or that car you want to buy.

Each bank is different and some will offer a way to automatically transfer money to a savings account and will track your goals.

Imagine how much money you would have if you put $50 or $100 of the money you save into a savings account or a retirement account.

Saving money is not just putting money in a savings account. It can often mean keeping it in your wallet instead of spending it.

legal SIGNING A BUSINESS CONTRACT?

By Kelly Bagla. Esq.

We all overlook stupid stuff once in a while. That’s why professionals in many fields use checklists to help them do their jobs with greater confidence.

If you sign business contracts for your company, the checklist below will help you guard against future legal or business problems for your company: 1. MAKE SURE YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL TITLE IS INCLUDED IN YOUR SIGNATURE LINE. To guard against finding yourself personally liable for a company contract make sure you print your company title under your signature on every document you sign on behalf of the company.

2. SPOT CHECK FOR PROVISIONS THAT COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR YOUR BUSINESS If you’re not familiar with the detailed provisions in the contract, consider asking your attorney to confirm that the contract has been vetted for provisions that could cause significant business problems down the road 3. CHECK WHETHER THE OTHER SIDE’S SIGNER HAS APPARENT AUTHORITY TO SIGN Don’t give the other side an unnecessary out allowing them to escape their contract obligations if the person who will sign the contract for them has a low ranking job title. It’s worth checking whether they have signature authority to commit the company to the contract.

5. PERSONAL LIABILITY Watch for other contract language that could make you personally liable, such as: • You’re not personally entering into the contract.

• You’re not personally guaranteeing your company’s obligations.

• You’re not personally certifying the truth of particular facts.

6. UNLAWFUL CONTRACT PRACTICES Don’t backdate a contract for deceptive purposes • Don’t do hidden side letter agreements • Don’t engage in unlawful collusion

4. HAVE YOU ACTUALLY READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE CONTRACT? Courts seldom have much sympathy for people who complain about a contract’s terms but them admit, “I didn’t read it before I signed it.”

Indeed, in most jurisdictions, the law presumes that anyone who has signed a contract has read and understood it. Ask your attorney to explain the contract to you if you are having difficulties understanding the terms before you sign it.

Contact Kelly at: (760) 784-9109 Kelly@baglalaw.com www.baglalaw.com

HOMELAND / April 2018 41

communities built to support those who serve.

. 24/7 Maintenance . No Security Deposit . Gas & Water Included Roadside Assistance . Average Electrical Use Included . Intrusion Alarms

Free Family Events

Call 866-779-5434 or visit www.lincolnmilitary.com

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JOIN US

Veterans Chamber of Commerce www.vccsd.org

We are the Voice and Action of our Veteran Community.

Access a Network of Veterans, Service Providers and Resources to Help your business Grow!

We support programs that Improve the quality of life of our Families and our

For more information please visit our website www.vccsd.org or send us an email veteransccsd@gmail.com

Communities.

We encourage and Support New and Existing Entrepreneurs

HOMELAND / April 2018 43

Military, Firefighters, Teachers, Medical Field, Law Enforcment, Veterans

The Thank Heroes Home Rebate Program!

We are Honored to Serve Those Who Serve

Get 100% of your closing costs covered and up to a 20% return on commissions... cash!

Contact us today at 619-937-3659 or visit us at SDThankYouHeroes.com to find out how our program can help you!

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HOMELAND / April 2018

Military service can be a perfect entrance into a law enforcement career.

Military and law enforcement personnel have had a long-standing relationship with overlaps in training exercises, equipment, and, most important, personnel.

It is not uncommon for a service member to make the jump from the military to law enforcement, as both professions look for the same characteristics; leadership, fidelity, chain of command, and teamwork are all common themes in both professions.

Quite understandably, many American military veterans often gravitate to a career in law enforcement when the time comes to rejoin the civilian workforce.

The two professions have many fundamental similarities; from the uniforms they wear with pride, to the firm command structure they serve under, to great personal risk they endure while protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

Opportunities in Law Enforcement

You’ve served your country, now serve your community!

The following agencies are actively hiring & proudly support our veterans, active military and the families that keep together.

We thank you for your service, to all the men and women in law enforcement around the world for your courage, your commitment & your sacrifice.

- Homeland Magazine -

HOMELAND / April 2018 45

JOBS FOR VETS

Careers In Law Enforcement Visit Today For Law Enforcement Profiles & Job Openings

HomelandMagazine.com JOBS FOR VETS LAW ENFORCEMENT 46

HOMELAND / April 2018

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Colorado Springs Police Department Safeguarding Our Community As Our Family (719) 444-7437 cspd.coloradosprings.gov Recruiting@ci.colospgs.co.us Facebook: Colorado Springs Police twitter@cspd.pio

Visit our website for further information and fill out a job interest card today! cspd.coloradosprings.gov

We strive to maintain the trust and confidence of our citizens while working to improve your quality of life.

Answer The Call!

Accepting Applications November 13th through December 28th, 2017

Seeking qualified Men and Women with:

If serving and protecting the community is your passion, Answer the Call.

• A Strong Moral Compass • A Desire to Serve the Community • Dedication to Upholding the Law 48

HOMELAND / April 2018

www.JoinOPD.com • Phone: 402-444-3507 Facebook: JoinOPD • Twitter: JoinOPD

JOIN

PGH POLICE

LEAD. SERVE. PROTECT. The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is looking for individuals to lead, serve, and protect. We value our service members and offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Tuition Reimbursement Veterans Preference Points Career advancement through our specialized units Join us in one of America's most livable cities

Visit joinpghpolice.com for more information

HOMELAND / April 2018 49

Join A Great Team!

We find that our Veterans are the Very Best!

“We are currently hiring for Deputy, Detention Officers, and Nurses.”

• Exciting Career opportunities in the cool pines of Northern Arizona.

• Military preference given.

For employment questions call Sheriff’s Office Human Resources

(928) 226-5069 or (800) 338-7888 www.coconino.az.gov/sheriff.aspx

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• At Coconino County Sheriff’s Office our Service to the Community is accomplished by hiring the Best!

• [Check out our agency and find a home where you can apply the skills you’ve learned in the military.]

• Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing responsive and effective Service to Community.

www.homelandmagazine.com

(719) 444-7437 cspd.coloradosprings.gov Recruiting@ci.colospgs.co.us Facebook: Colorado Springs Police twitter@cspd.pio

Visit our website for further information and fill out a job interest card today! cspd.coloradosprings.gov

HOMELAND / April 2018 51

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www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / April 2018 55

The Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program is here for you and your family You can participate in WIC if you:

WIC offers families:

• Are pregnant • Are breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age • Just had a baby in the past 6 months • Have children under 5 years of age including those cared for by a single father, grandparent, foster parent, step-parent or guardian

• Checks to purchase foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, baby food, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, and beans. (Checks are worth between $50-$113 a month per participating family member.)

• Breastfeeding Support and breast pumps • Nutrition Information and Online Classes

Many Locations Off Base in San Diego to Serve You

NEW N LOCATIO

Chula Vista WIC

North Park WIC

Clairemont WIC

Escondido WIC

542 Broadway, #Q Chula Vista, CA 91910

3078 El Cajon Blvd. #100 San Diego, CA 92104

5222 Balboa Ave. #22 San Diego, CA 92117

1131 East Washington Ave. Ste. K Escondido, CA 92025

Southeast WIC

Logan Heights

Vista WIC

Mira Mesa WIC

3598 National Ave San Diego, CA 92113

1809 National Avenue San Diego, CA 92113

1000 Vale Terrace Vista, CA 92084

10737 Camino Ruiz #135 San Diego, CA 92126

El Cajon WIC

Spring Valley WIC

Fallbrook WIC

3301 North Magnolia Ave Ste. 101 El Cajon, CA 92020

9621 Campo Road #G Spring Valley, CA 91977

1328 South Mission Rd. Fallbrook, CA 92028

WIC eligibility is based on family size and income: # of people in family*

Gross Monthly Income

2 3 4 5 6

$2,504 $3,149 $3,793 $4,437 $5,082

Call us Toll-Free at

1-888-999-6897 Chat with us: www.sdsuwic.org

*Pregnant Woman = 2 People WIC does not include Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for military families. Income guidelines are subject to change.

Please check www.wicworks.ca.gov for up-to-date information.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Scan from Smart Phone for more info on WIC