Homeland July 2018

Vol. 5 Number 7 • July 2018

Homeland Veterans Magazine

Snapshots of a life reshaped, and repurposed into something extraordinary

An Extraordinary Life Wounded Warriors Find Independence in Recovery Veteran In Ambitious “Raley Road Trip”

PURPLE FOXES

World Premiere Careers In Law Enforcement Transitioning To Civilian Life ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR Financial - Legal Section

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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 Kelly Bagla. Esq. Bob Bechill 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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inside this issue 8 Combatting Misconceptions 10 Operation Dress Code 12 Raley Road Trip 16 Warriors Find Independence in Recovery 21 Vietnam Vet honors with Music 22 48 STARS - Journeys Of A Generation 26 An Extraordinary Life 30 Purple Foxes World Premiere 32 Shelter To Soldier 34 Enlisted To Entrepreneur 36 The Know List 38 Beliefs and Values 41 Careers in Law Enforcement 50 Financial - Is it true love or a scam?

51 Legal - Can I get sued because I have a website?

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE WWW.HomelandMagazine.com

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R D E F DEt. 30 F O ENs Sep T end X E urry, H

E ONLIN

ONFLEYR OF

SAN DIEGO’S TALLEST & FASTEST COASTER

We Salute Our Veterans SeaWorld® San Diego invites any U.S. veteran to enjoy a one-time free Single-Day Admission, along with up to 3 guests.*

This limited-time offer plus more exclusive deals Online only at WavesofHonor.com *ONLINE ONLY — Tickets must be obtained in advance by registering online July 5–Sept. 30, 2018.

Visitation is valid through Dec. 31, 2018. Offer not available at the SeaWorld ticket windows.

Excludes SeaWorld waterparks, Sesame Place® and Discovery Cove.® Ticket is non-transferable, non-refundable and not for sale.

Not valid with any other discounts, offers and has no upgrade value. © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Combatting Misconceptions Before They Become Stigmas

By Jim Lorraine CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership Retired Air Force Officer and Flight Nurse (22 years active duty) Let’s be up front about this: misconceptions about, and within, the military do exist.

Misconceptions and misinformation create stigmas that can create limitations for us, but only if we let them. Veterans are going to encounter misconceptions in the civilian world and within the military, but the key is not letting them turn into stigmas. We as veterans must talk about the truth and confront head-on the misconceptions to prevent the creation of stigmas. We have the power, so let’s use it! Not only for ourselves, but for the betterment of all our brothers- and sisters-inarms. In this article, we examine several common misconceptions, and how together we can change them before they become stigmas.

administrative personnel, and more—all supporting the mission of the Department of Defense of deterring and protecting the security of our country.

In fact, the lines between combative and noncombative personnel are blurring.

A common problem within the military is that service men and women don’t acknowledge themselves or self-identify as a veteran. We hear it all the time: “I never saw combat, so I’m not really a veteran.” “I was only in the service for a couple years, so it’s not enough to consider myself a veteran.” A veteran is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service for 90 days or more and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable—period. This misconception of veteran status holds veterans back from accessing life-improving opportunities. If you meet the veteran definition, you ARE a veteran.

Be proud that you served and swore to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, no matter where or how you served. This is important not only to ensure you can receive support services available to veterans after your service, but also to ensure you are not publicly devaluing your service—or the service of your comrades.

A huge misnomer in the civilian world is that veterans should follow a career path that is the same as the duties they performed during their military career. This could not be further from the truth. Serving as a nurse or engineer in the military does not mean that you need to work in these same fields when you transition to civilian life. Your military service empowered you with incredible experience in a number of areas: discipline, strong work ethic, teamwork mentality, and many others that translate to any career field. Pursue your passions, no matter how different they may be from your military experience.

Another misconception about the military is that all military members have direct combat experience.

All of us who have served know this is not true.

The military is self-supporting and operates globally, requiring many positions such as medical, transport, logistics, communications and 8

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Consider a driver who must transport cargo across a road mined with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). All positions are vital to the end mission and every role is important. If we allow the misconception to continue that “only combat operatives are veterans” then we are devaluing so many vitally important roles. We cannot let this happen and must “combat” this stigma before it’s created.

Finally, one of the most damaging misconceptions we must address is that military members who have suffered mental trauma or experience posttraumatic stress are “broken” or a risk. If you have post-traumatic stress, you are NOT broken! Many Americans have post-traumatic stress related to a shocking, scary, or dangerous event; it isn’t an experience reserved solely for those who have experienced combat. Even in the most serious of situations, post-traumatic stress is not necessarily a negative: it strengthens your ability to overcome adversity through an approach called posttraumatic growth.

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Trauma can be overcome with proper treatment. We as veterans must remind ourselves, fellow veterans and the civilian population that post-traumatic stress can become a growing experience, and prevent the misconception of post-traumatic stress from becoming a truly damaging stigma.

Overall, we must remind ourselves that we have the power to stop misconceptions before they become stigmas. Here at America’s Warrior Partnership we work hard at the local and national levels to change misconceptions and educate communities, businesses and other institutions of the tremendous value that veterans have to offer after they transition to civilian life.

Our veterans deserve acknowledgement of their experiences and skills and should not be limited by misinformation, nor should we limit ourselves.

We have the power to change them!

Jim Lorraine is President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, a national non-profit that helps veteran service organizations connect with veterans, military members and families in need.

Learn more about the organization at www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org.

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That year, approximately 3,000 pieces of clothing were donated for about 200 women who took part in the event. Since then, Operation Dress Code has expanded to San Diego and partnered with the Courage to Call program. Every year the number of donations, resources, volunteers and women veterans the program serves grows exponentially.

By Holly Shaffner

back for a 5th year!

Think about it – from the minute a service member raises their right hand and swears to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, they are told what to wear to work each and every day. Whether two years or twenty years, military men and women don’t think past, “do I need to wear a dress uniform or work uniform today?” Then they transition from active duty to civilian life and need to attend professional meetings, go to internships and to job interviews. That is intimidating enough then add not knowing what to wear or having the right clothes.

Transitioning military men are given assistance to learn how to wear suits, ties, and choose the matching belt, shoes and socks. Sometimes they are provided gift certificates for new business suits. But that doesn’t always happen for women leaving the military.

In 2017, San Diego Operation Dress Code served 450 female veterans by giving away more than 10,000 of pieces of clothing, purses, shoes, and accessories.

There were 34 drop off locations throughout San Diego County and McLain estimates there were over 15,000 articles of clothes donated. Any left over clothing, shoes and accessories are made available to female veterans throughout the year with the Courage to Call program.

According to the California Department of Veterans Affairs, California is home to nearly 145,000 women who served in our U.S. military and San Diego County has the highest percentage of women veterans in the state.

These women are returning home to go to college, start their careers, launch new businesses and raise families.

Operation Dress Code can provide the professional clothing and expert advice they need to start off on the right foot.

So how does it work? During the month of October, San Diegans donate thousands of pieces of new and gently used clothing, shoes, purses and accessories.

Courage to Call staff then picks up the donations from the drop off locations and sorts every piece of clothing by size, every pair of shoes and every accessory.

That’s why Operation Dress Code is so important and helps to fill the gap between leaving active duty and starting a new life as a civilian. Someone who navigated that transition is the San Diego Program Manager for Mental Health Systems-Courage to Call and Operation Dress Code, United States Navy veteran RanDee McLain.

RanDee has been managing the San Diego location of Operation Dress Code for four years. She says, “Operation Dress Code is important to me as a female veteran. Many of us wore a uniform from the time we left high school and have no idea how to dress for success in the civilian work force – this helps alleviate one more barrier to successful employment.”

With McLain at the helm, she has taken this program to whole new level. Operation Dress Code started in Sacramento in 2014 when a clothing closet was organized as part of the annual Women’s Conference being hosted by the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Volunteers spend a full day to set up for the shopping day known as “Boutique Day” and at 0800 the next day, it all begins. Women have pre-registered to have a personalized shopping experience complete with a personal shopper to help pair together outfits, providing advice on how to dress for different scenarios and exchange clothes for their veteran. When they have found a few new items, they check out and take home a new-found confidence.

Priscilla Juan is a United States Marine Corps veteran and had this to say about her Boutique Day experience, “The transition to civilian work was difficult. I lost the sense of purpose I had, as well as my identity. Operation Dress Code is more than getting an outfit for your next chapter.

It’s an opportunity to network, build camaraderie and connect with other women who can help you through the transition you’re going to embark upon.”

The women get clothing, purses, shoes, accessories, a headshot and help developing a resume or finding a state job. What do the women pay for such a service? Nothing there is no charge to the active duty or veteran woman!

The 2017 San Diego event costs totaled about $12,000 to cover the venue, rental racks, hangar purchases, storage, a moving truck to move all the items and the manpower.

This year, McLain is getting a head start on raising the necessary funds to pull off this event.

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Priscilla Juan

She and her volunteers are hosting a fundraiser on Friday, July 13 from 5-9 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2422 at 557 Orange Avenue in Coronado. There will be tacos, drinks, live music and silent auction items. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will support Operation Dress Code 2018. To purchase a ticket, go to: https://www.odctacofundraiser. eventbrite.com.

For more information about Operation Dress Code, please visit: www.OperationDressCode.com or go to: www.Courage2Call.org.

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Paralyzed U.S. Army National Guard Retiree Cycling It Forward For Veterans In Ambitious “Raley Road Trip”

By Barry Smith Boot Campaign

When people think of a “Road Trip” it is often understood to be a time to jump in the car for an exciting, schedulefree, no-stress, low-budget and relaxing adventure on the open road. It’s the perfect time to explore new locals and secret hideaways off the beaten path, taking whatever turn that suits their fancy en route to a final destination for some more R&R. It is almost NEVER thought of as grueling 1551-mile, 14day handcycle ride – propelled mostly by your arms and upper body – that covers more than 130 miles per day and features approximately 16,000 feet of climbing over varied terrain in who knows what kind of weather.

Yet, that latter example is exactly the kind of road trip that paralyzed Indiana Army National Guard Specialist (Ret.) Ricky Raley plans to embark on Monday, Aug. 13 when he launches the “Raley Road Trip: Cycling It Forward to Benefit Boot Campaign.” It is an ambitious ride down the Eastern Seaboard from New York City to St. Petersburg, Fla., and a trip that could potentially qualify for a handcycle world distance record.

This unusual excursion is the brainchild of Raley, a Boot Campaign Veteran Ambassador and native of Sullivan, Ind., who is making the trek on behalf of the Texasbased military non-profit’s revolutionary health and wellness program. He recently completed the program 12

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in June in an effort to improve his mental and physical capability, nearly a full decade after medically retiring from his six-year military career.

“It wasn’t until I was struggling with a very low period last winter that my wife Quynhmy urged me to go through the application process of Boot Campaign’s health and wellness program,” confides Raley, who retired from military service in 2009. “To my surprise the program was a very personalized journey. Once I got started I knew I’d be ok and that nothing was going to stop me from moving forward.”

Raley’s experience in the program sparked an overwhelming desire in him to give back, as well as a passion to ignite the inner patriot of all Americans and raise awareness of the service and sacrifice of the military community. His primary goal along the August ride is to raise $150,000, the estimated cost of sending up to five veterans through Boot Campaign’s whole person – brain and body – approach to health and well-being.

“The improvements that Boot Campaign’s health and wellness program gives a veteran are so huge,” says Raley, “that I really feel like my actions have to be just as large to show the general public the true scale of how important it is to get this program to masses.”

www.darnishahunter.com

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Each veteran in Boot Campaign’s program is connected to crucial services according to individual need. Treatment and training programs include scientifically validated protocols for traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, self-medication and sleep disturbances.

By M. Todd Hunter The cost averages $35,000 per participant, depending on services needed. Top-tier treatment and training programs are provided by Boot Campaign’s Health and Wellness pipeline partners located across the country.

“The cost of the treatment comes at a great price, and I thought there had to be some way I could bring more awareness and hopefully more money to it,” he explains. “The Raley Road Trip will now be an opportunity to spread the word about Boot Campaign and bring people together with the idea that we the people have the power to make positive changes in the lives of veterans who feel like they have been forgotten about.”

A former infantryman in the Indiana Army National Guard, Raley served in the Guard’s Alpha Company, Task Force 1-151 – better known as the Avengers – who were deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During one combat tour, the Avengers conducted more than 200 combat missions and covered more than 250,000 miles in convoy escorts. On one mission in 2008, Raley’s truck was leading the way when the mine roller tripped an IED (improvised explosive device). Ricky, along with two others in the truck at the time of the explosion, sustained mild traumatic brain injuries and were awarded Purple Hearts.

While Raley was able to walk out of Iraq in 2009, it was only six months and 17 days after returning to the states that he was involved in a near-fatal, off-duty truck accident. He says after the truck flipped a few times “it landed on me and crushed my T12 (thoracic) vertebra” leaving him paralyzed from the waist down just five months before the birth of his son Pierson. www.homelandmagazine.com

“Becoming a parent gave me the drive I needed to not let the wheelchair slow me down,” Raley remembers. “I understood that having a son now meant that I had to be an example of how I wanted my son to attack life.”

Despite many challenges, Raley only slowed down for a short while as he learned to adapt. Active and into sports before suffering his injuries, it was natural for him to have the desire to tackle the challenge of adaptive sports.

He started by training in handcycling and then became competitive in wheelchair basketball. In just over a year after his truck accident, Raley was competing in his first marathon on a handcycle, and has gone on to compete in multiple races in varying lengths and states.

Even though much time has passed since the accident and his son is already approaching his ninth birthday, Raley has still found new reasons for optimism.

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“Becoming a parent gave me the drive I needed to not let the wheelchair slow me down” During the second phase of his Boot Campaign treatments at Virginia High Performance (VHP) in Virginia Beach, his trainer noticed an overlooked strength in his legs and adapted a customized apparatus on site to maximize his leg-strength training.

“At VHP I was doing what looked like leg presses, and that was stuff I didn’t know I had in me,” Raley admits. “When I first started that, you could barely tell I had any leg strength. But the trainer, Tim Kelly, really pushed me and kept pushing. He believed I could do it, whether or not I believed it. The next thing I know we are setting up this contraption to try to do leg presses. By the time I left VHP I was able to push out these bands that equaled 60 to 100 pounds of resistance, and control them back in. This is huge for someone who can’t move their legs!

“It was a complete and utter surprise,” he adds, “and it’s just that type of training and whole dynamic approach at Virginia High Performance.

VHP treatment is a very dynamic and complex process, and it’s not easily replicated. That’s just one of the reasons I think more veterans should have the opportunity.”

Raley recently chose to transition from competing in adaptive sports to advocating after he realized what he truly cares about is making sure America makes good on its promise of giving veterans the best quality of life possible.

He currently serves in a new role as factory pilot and spokesperson for Invacare® Top End®, a division of the Elyria, Ohio-based Invacare® Corp., the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of medical products which promote recovery and active lifestyles for people requiring home and other non-acute health care.

In the upcoming Raley Road Trip, he will ride in three different models of the Invacare Top End line of handcycles. Raley has been training in the Force RX handcycle, but also will utilize the Force G and Force-3 models depending on the terrain and weather.

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“There are many parts to this complex ride and I would be very nervous about the logistics if it wasn’t for the support of Invacare Top End,” explains Raley.

“They’re the manufactures of my handcycles and are also supplying the support van that follows me for safety. The vehicle will be stocked with spare parts and a certified bike mechanic, so I should be in good shape no matter what I encounter along the way.”

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“I understood that having a son now meant that I had to be an example of how I wanted my son to attack life.”

According to the plan, his way from New York to Florida will include a large mid-point event in Virginia Beach with the support team, VHP founder Alex Oliver and the local Navy SEAL community that symbolically marks the end of the ride’s steepest Northern section. It also is where he expects to be joined by several SEALS who want to ride along with him to the Virginia/North Carolina state line.

The road trip’s official finish line will be in St. Petersburg, the back-yard of Invacare Top End’s Tampa manufacturing plant which produces all of the company’s sports-related handcycles, basketball chairs and wheelchairs.

“Finishing the entire ride from New York to St. Petersburg is a personal goal for me,” declares Raley, “but for the ride to be a success it would mean that I have raised enough money to send at least four or five more veterans through the health and wellness program of Boot Campaign, while also raising the awareness of Boot Campaign and their other amazing programs that provide such beneficial help to all veterans.”

Learn more about Boot Campaign and the Raley Road Trip at www.BootCampaign.org and www.RaleyRoadTrip.com.

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Wounded Warriors Find Independence in Recovery

By Alex Balbir, Wounded Warrior Project Independence Services and Warrior Care Network Director

Independence Day is a time for us to celebrate the birth of our nation, as much as it is to express our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices paid by our heroes on land, sea, and air to defend our rights.

Just as the lure of independence and personal freedom inspired our founding fathers to fight for the right to live life as they saw fit, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) strives to impart that same confident, independent thought process when it comes to warriors’ recovery. We stand ready to help veterans of this generation adapt to their new mission of living a fulfilling life.

Warriors’ new missions of recovery call for just as much dedication, drive, and endurance as the endeavors these brave souls undertook during their military service. Some people only need a slight push in the right direction to successfully transition back to civilian life and careers.

When given a chance and the right mental and physical recovery tools and techniques, warriors can achieve their independence goals. WWP encourages all sorts of activities for warrior recovery, including creative events, as well as participation in adaptive sports such as biking, basketball, hockey, and skiing.

Independence Program Shines Light on Path to Recovery WWP’s Independence Program helps warriors suffering from spinal cord injury, neurological conditions, or moderate to severe brain injury by developing an individualized recovery plan that works for them, their caregivers, and their families.

The program pairs severely injured veterans with specialists who ease them back into the community and help them relearn essential life skills.

We recognize that every journey is different, and every warrior has a positive future to look forward to.

The story of one warrior’s determined journey toward independence comes to mind as a shining example. I would like to share Erik and his family’s story of sacrifice and courage with you for inspiration on our country’s 242nd birthday.

While willing to take on physical activities and adaptive sports as part of achieving independence in recovery, some of the most seriously injured warriors cannot. In many cases, warriors must relearn how to move muscles and how to communicate. They require a more detailed plan of action to find their personal path to recovery — something they can do through WWP’s Independence Program.

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Loving Family Support Erik Schei is a true patriot.

When his fellow combat engineers needed someone to man the .50 Cal to protect them during a road repair mission in Iraq, Erik took up his position atop the Humvee.

The attack on his crew was short, with only one shot from a sniper’s rifle hitting Erik in his head. Barely alive, he was stabilized and flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Maryland, where his parents, Christine and Gordon, were faced with lifealtering decisions about Erik’s future and their own.

The doctors saw little hope of recovery because of the extent of Erik’s brain injuries and advised the family he would need constant help and support. The Schei family bravely took on the care of their gravely injured loved one without hesitation.

They did everything they could to take care of their son back home in New Mexico, sacrificing careers, time, and money. It was a daunting task, and although they had their son back, it slowly

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became apparent to them that Erik would never be the same man as he once was before the war.

Erik is limited in his ability to move and speak. He relies on his mother and father as caregivers to help with essential functions, including eating and getting dressed.

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Finding Peace Through Independence When Erik was still a patient at WRAMC, the Schei family found help and support through WWP. Christine took part in a WWP caregiver event with family members of other wounded veterans. There, she gained insight and perspective about her role in helping Erik.

Also, the gathering gave her a place where she could share her fears and worries with other caregivers in similar situations.

She learned about WWP’s Independence Program and enrolled Erik. Each week, he received several hours of physical therapy to help regain movement in his arms.

Erik also has spent time with other veterans, bonding at events like Soldier Ride® — a multi-day adaptive cycling event. His younger brother, Deven, also a combat-injured veteran, helped Erik ride on a special tandem bike.

When the first wounded returned home from the current military conflicts, our founders were inspired to help, and for the past 15 years, we have been dedicated in our mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors.

Our organization was established on the principle of one warrior helping another – just look at our logo.

And while not everyone can serve, everyone can support brave warriors like Erik, who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, but now live with physical and mental wounds of war.

Once these warriors are carried off the battlefield, it is our responsibility to carry them the rest of the way home, ensuring they accomplish every success in life they desire and deserve. That’s the best way to honor heroes who gave their lives in battle – to support those who made it home and help them live their best lives.

We are here to help.

Christine not only takes care of her heroic son, but is active in urging decision-makers in Washington, DC, to support caregiver legislation. She joined 18 other women who spent a day telling their stories on Capitol Hill to push support for the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, which gives financial and other assistance to caregivers of severely wounded veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq.

This Independence Day, please join me in saluting veterans, first responders, and caregivers who have endured years of therapy, which testifies to the determination displayed on the road to recovery and independence.

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About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior ProjectŽ (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition.

WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), top rated by Charity Navigator, and holding a GuideStar Platinum rating.

To get involved and learn how WWP connects, serves, and empowers, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

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Research Opportunities

VETERANS: WE NEED YOU

Stanley Troutman

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 20

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Vietnam Vet honors the Greatest Generation with Music Since retiring from broadcasting, Chamberlin has performed over 3,000 concerts, 326 in the last year alone.

His concerts take him from veteran’s homes, to war museums; from retirement homes to senior centers.

It’s a long and winding road from the jungles of Vietnam to anchoring news in a top 5 TV market to a thriving music career. That journey began for Mike Chamberlin in 1968, when he came home one afternoon to a brown envelope that read, “Dear Mr. Chamberlin, you have been drafted into the U.S. Army”. With that his journey began.

As he performs he looks out into the audience and sees people wiping away tears as they recall their own memories from years gone by. After each concert, the WWII veterans want to share their stories with him. He listens intently to all of them. “These men and women from WWII are my heroes”, he says. “It’s my belief that we owe everything to those who fought, served and died in WWII.”

After boot camp at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division and served a tour of duty in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Upon his return, with the help of the G.I. Bill, he attended broadcast school and quickly began a broadcast career that took him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix and eventually ESPN.

Of his 3,000 concerts, two stand out.

Last year Chamberlin performed a concert for a WWII reunion on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. This July he will perform his concert at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA. That’s ironic because it was President Nixon, who brought Chamberlin home early from Vietnam in 1969 as part of the troop withdrawals.

Fast-forward through a forty-year career as a TV News/Sports Anchor, Chamberlin had to decide how to spend his retirement years. Music has always been in Chamberlin’s life, even back in his teenage years in Southern California where he performed in bars and taverns to make a living. Now in retirement he found a new niche…Love Songs of WWII. Despite being raised on music of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Chamberlin’s heart always belonged to those who fought and served in WWII. In his opinion the greatest love songs ever written came out of the early1940’s call to arms.

At every concert he gives each WWII Veteran a memento that reads: Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. You will always be remembered.

Recently as he packed up his equipment and was leaving a concert, he looked over his shoulder to make sure he hadn’t left anything behind.

A veteran asked, “Did you forget something”? Mike replied that he hadn’t. “Oh yes you did”! Then the vet added, “You left smiles behind”.

So he started researching songs from WWII, picked up his guitar and put together a show that honors the Greatest Generation. His repertoire now includes songs that meant so much to so many. Songs such as “You’ll Never Know ” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”.

Chamberlin noted, “We are losing nearly a thousand WWII veterans each day, and soon they will all be gone”. He continued, “As long as I can, I will honor them the only way I know how…with music!” www.homelandmagazine.com

To contact Mike for a concert, you can reach him at mpcputt@aol.com or at his website, www.singingtvguy.com.

You Will Never Be Forgotten

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‘In memory of our brave sons whose supreme sacrifice made it possible for us to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’

By Shawn M. Concannon

Eight weeks ago I came across this…

A haunting reminder to me from long ago that should ring true today as it did 100 years ago. The sage advice is adorned by Lady Liberty. She holds the symbol of peace in her right hand as she looks down in solemn remembrance to the memorial plaque. The symbolism is clear. Peace in the past, the present and the future may always come at a terrible price.

There it was an 11” by 18” WWl parchment. This fragile paper memorial was damaged and hanging in one of those road side junk stores.

I’m sure it once adorned a home with sadden pride. This WWI document was presented to the mother of a young Navy man who died while in service to his country, Arthur Paul Sharpe.

Along its century long journey, it lost its importance to a family. Now it’s for sale for $40. Broken wood frame, cracked glass stained and faded paper. Lost to history, a relic of time and forgotten memory. For me, it is a reminder to stay the course.

Twelve years ago, I had the desire to record the lifetime and war memories of my father, a former WWII Navy Sea Bee. I arranged and pre-paid for a professional video photographer to the job. Weeks turned into months as the professional made excuses and delayed the recording.

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Thirteen months later I would receive a call that she ‘was ready to record my father.’ I told her in brief that ‘She was late. My father had died.’ I was sick and heartbroken that my family’s stories and my dad’s war memories were lost to history and I had left it to someone else to do so.

Six years would pass. I was browsing through a road side junk store. I turned a corner and was stunned by an old, large, tattered and patina 48-star flag. She covered the wall. Rusty items hung from the flag, old shutters leaned against it. In a millisecond I heard my father’s voice in my head – “Get that crrrapp off there!” I respectfully followed his command, removed the junk, purchased the flag and left the store.

Another year would go by and I raised the same flag upon the USS Arizona Memorial in memory of my father.

Later that day, I raised it on the USS Missouri. The inspirational experience at Pearl Harbor and the beauty of the old flag created a new chance for me to not miss another opportunity. I missed out on the wartime stories of my father but I could collect the stories of others who lived through that remarkable time in our history. Thus, was born the film documentary “48 STARS”.

I committed the next four years to building a ‘not for profit’, compiling a video team including a video photographer, co-director, editor, music director, art director, public relations and a research team.

In addition, building an expanded list of potential interviewees of both men and women, military and nonmilitary, different ethnic backgrounds and life journeys.

www.homelandmagazine.com

A detailed list of 48 individuals of the WWII period was compiled and the old, tired flag would go along on every interview and serve as the testimony of this unique project.

After solid persistence and determination, the interviews are done. From Harlem to Honolulu the documentary team has gathered epic stories through the eyes of those who lived it. From deadly combat to revolutionary inspiration, 48 STARS finds the unexpected revelation, the poignant moment – penetrating to the heart of each human story. Each story a unique and telling journey.

From Woodstock, New York, a battle entrenched Army ‘Dogface’, who would later become a war activist; a man of strong morals and values. He wrote painful war poetry that would shake you to your core. He passed on just last month.

An Army nurse from the Native American Rosebud tribe of South Dakota. She would stand with the nation and serve in war ridden Europe. As a little girl, she was removed from her native world and indoctrinated in the ‘white man’ world. She would put aside this injustice to serve the wounded from the battlefield.

In San Francisco, a woman with the USO who ‘loved’ entertaining the troops shared her story. Her vibrant energy still glows and her detailed memory of the young men who were yet to be sent off to war as well as the ones returning damaged from the war was remarkable.

The female pilot in Denver, Colorado broke the boundaries of aviation and would serve as a moving target for the gunnery.

Continued on next page >

HOMELAND / July 2018 23

Search 48stars.org at GoGetFunding.com

She carried her dreams of flying into the war effort serving her country in a conflicted world.

In Kansas, the African American who would see racism throughout service and beyond yet continued to serve his community and state throughout his entire life.

The resistance through his life had prepared him to a successful life into politics.

A Japanese American in Honolulu who would see the ugliness of war not only as a prejudged JapaneseAmerican man but on the battle fields of Europe.

Remorse, regret and forgiveness have empowered his life.

In our travels we have recorded 48 interviews with over 4,600 years of life and an average age of 92 years. We have traveled over 50,000 miles and have put ‘in the can’ over 300 hours of personal, intimate and amazing stories.

Their stories are the first-hand accounts reflecting the Depression, the war, a nation divided, remorse, regrets, patriotism, honor, life and death.

It is these recordings are the journeys of a generation that were captured for the 48 STARS film. The next step is purely a labor of love. Editing with a professional team and weaving the story of a generation is no small task.

The responsibility to our interviewees to let them ‘tell their story is our main goal.

As with any project of this size, raising money is a neverending responsibility. In the last several years we have fund raised through multiple means. If you are inclined to donate through your business or personally, please look for us in GoGetFunding.com, We are non-profit and financial donations can be appropriately deducted. All raised funds are put toward the final production of the film and its release target date for Memorial Weekend 2019.

It was a war that truly engulfed the world into flames, claimed millions of lives and forever changed the landscape of our modern world. It brought strength and endurance to the survivors, began future movements and shaped the hearts and minds for a generation of Americans. Their lives and journey were born under the symbol of this nation, the 48-star flag and their stories will be preserved in the 48 STARS film. Please visit our website at 48stars.org to view the seven-minute movie trailer and further details of this amazing journey.

Please visit our website at 48stars.org to view the seven-minute movie trailer and further details of this amazing journey.

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Please feel free to contact us or follow us on Facebook.

Shawn M. Concannon (Creator/Director 48 STARS) P.S. Lady Liberty and her inspiring wisdom were restored and welcomed into my home. www.homelandmagazine.com

www.homelandmagazine.com

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DAV Past National Commander Dave Riley constructs desktop boxes showing fellow disabled veterans that the splintered pieces of their life can be reshaped and repurposed into something extraordinary.

www.homelandmagazine.com

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Snapshots of a life reshaped, and repurposed inro something extraordinary.

“It took years of recovery and rehabilitation to restore my life to the new normal I face,” said Riley.

“It was the love of my wife and family, my inner strength and my sense of purpose that ultimately led to a high-quality life.

DAV Past National Commander Dave Riley constructs desktop boxes in his shop outside of his home in Mobile, Alabama. Each box is individually numbered and Riley’s custom “hook made” logo is burned into each box. Riley constructs these boxes from discarded barn wood.

“When I found the wood that makes up these boxes it was used, broken and discarded. Some might say it had outlived its worth,” said Riley. “This is how many ill and injured veterans may feel when they try to chart a life’s course alone. They can feel used up, that they have no purpose in life and that they too, like that pile of old barn wood, have been discarded.

That’s why the work DAV does in the veteran community is so vitally important. We can show fellow disabled veterans that the splintered pieces of their life can be reshaped and repurposed into something extraordinary.”

I have became a businessman, a VA hospital volunteer and a DAV National Officer. My illness was only an event in my life. It took some things from me, but it gave me many things too. So I am a better person for it. I’ve visited the VA poly trauma center in Tampa, Florida, to speak to some of the most severely wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I’ve been blessed, through DAV, with the opportunity to meet and mentor younger veterans who were recently injured and are now facing their own new normal.

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www.homelandmagazine.com

DAV Past National Commander Dave Riley and his wife, Yvonne, at the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C. While swimming near Dauphin Island, Alabama, PNC Riley contracted a serious infection that resulted in septic shock.

“My wife Yvonne, who I love more than anything in this world, had to be brave enough to make my medical decisions for me because I was in a medically induced coma,” said Riley.

I can’t imagine…I just can’t imagine it at all…the stress she went through in telling the doctors they could amputate my limbs so I could have a chance of surviving. I woke up to discover I had no arms and no legs.”

“Not long after getting involved with DAV, I had the opportunity to attend my first winter sports clinic,” said Riley. “I don’t mind telling you I was in a very dark place at the time. “But the clinic taught me something about being a disabled veteran.

It taught me that the only limits we have are those that we place on ourselves.”

After his first clinic, Riley self-pledged to never let the loss of his arms and legs get in the way of him enjoying all life has to offer.

“Since then, I’ve remained active,” Riley said. “I enjoy my recumbent bike and have done several of our DAV 5Ks. DAV is now involved in the TEE golf tournament in Iowa every year.”

“I remember seeing a fellow leg amputee walking on a prosthetic not long after I got hurt. I thought, ‘if he can do it; I can do it.’ I’ve had an active life ever since then. It’s important to look forward and live your life while not dwelling in the past. Get out there and chase your dreams and the things that inspire you.”

-Dave Riley www.DAV.org

www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / July 2018 29

PURPLE FOXES World Premiere

These courageous women unite to rescue the remaining Prisoners of War that were left behind and forgotten.

Meet the PURPLE FOXES Super Hero Military Team.

Coming soon to the Coronado 4th of July Parade.

The PURPLE FOXES have joined forces with the WWII Flying Tigers, 69th DRS Association, Rosie the Riveter, Commemorative Air Force, Air Group One, American Warrior Apparel, Stars and Stripes Surplus, San Diego GI Film Festival and veteran advocate to San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Darnisha Hunter.

The annual Coronado 4th of July parade starts at 10 am on Coronado Island.

This amazing patriotic group will be riding in an entourage of WWII military jeeps and vehicles provided by American Warrior Apparel, Stars and Stripes Surplus and Commemorative Air Force D-Day Doll pilot and WWII Airborne Demonstration Team Member, Captain Dave Brothers.

They’ve all come together to support the PURPLE FOXES World Premiere and the highly anticipated “Comic Script” release. The PURPLE FOXES Super Hero Military Team are guided by light and driven by love, risking it all to save their fellow brothers in arms.

The PURPLE FOXES captivating and inspirational story can be downloaded at:

www.HomelandMagazine.com (Just Click the Purple Fox Banner)

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VETERANS, MILITARY JOIN US WE UNITE CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY WORKING IN THE MEDIA, FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRIES

WWW.VMECONNECT.ORG

Support and Celebrate Our Military!

Helping Military and Their Families

Give Back by Becoming a Player, Sponsor or a Donor 12th Annual Holes for Heroes Golf Tournament and Military Appreciation Event Friday, September 14, 2018

Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, Solana Beach

Veteran Recognition Dinner Follows the Golf Game $1.2 million raised since 2006 Sponsorship/Registration Info:

www.holesforheroes.org psullivan@holesforheroes.org www.homelandmagazine.com

Brought to you by

San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club sdrotary.org

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Shelter to Soldier Awarded PETCO Foundation Grant

by Eva M. Stimson In December 2017, the Petco Foundation awarded Shelter to Soldier a $25,000 grant through their Helping Heroes in-store fundraising campaign. San Diego Padre player Carter Kapps, The Pad Squad, Blue Mews and Red Ruff along with coach Glenn Hoffman and family visited the Shelter to Soldier team at their training facility at Pacific Pet Resort for the check presentation, where they met the Shelter to Soldier service dogs in training and some of the organization’s veteran graduates with their service dogs.

With this gift in May 2018, Shelter to Soldier adopted a very kind and affectionate seven-month-old Mastiff mix puppy, Desmond, from San Diego Department of Animal Services Central Shelter on Gaines Street who will eventually be paired with a post-9/11 combat veteran suffering from invisible wounds.

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, forever enhances the quality of life for both.

The San Diego Department of Animals Services team recently rescued 49 Mastiffs from a hoarding situation in San Diego, and this puppy was among them. Despite his circumstances, Desmond is stable, confident and eager to work. He is now settling into his new home with Shelter to Soldier and will begin integrating into their 1218 month service dog training program, specifically geared toward alleviating the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other injuries associated with traumatic service experiences for a very worthy veteran.

Desmond’s adoption, care, housing, training and future placement with a U.S. veteran from the Shelter to Soldier wait list was generously sponsored by the Petco Foundation through their October 2017 instore Helping Heroes fundraising campaign.

According to Shelter to Soldier Founder and President Graham Bloem, “The Petco Foundation has been an integral partner in our ability to provide financial support to help us adopt and train dogs for our veteran-recipients. Shelter to Soldier dogs are extensively trained to be highly obedient and handler-focused in all environments, to ignore distractions, and to mitigate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression for our returning combat veterans through task-related work.

Desmond

We’re tremendously grateful for their benevolence and we look forward to sharing our next veteran-handler/dog success story that emulates our moto of “Saving Lives, Two at a Time”.

This is the second dog sponsored by the Petco Foundation. Moose, a two-year-old pit mix, previously adopted from San Diego Department of Animal Services Bonita Shelter and sponsored by the Petco Foundation is thriving in the Shelter to Soldier program and currently meeting approved veterans through their program. He will soon be matched with a veteran handler.

Shelter to Soldier is a CA 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 Injury (TBI) and/or other psychological injuries associated with combat service experiences.

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. Additionally, 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.

Photo credit: San Diego Padres

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— Special Military discounts— As a thank you for your service, we’re proud to offer special military pricing!

25% Discount on adoption fees with proof of active duty

SAN DIEGO CAMPUS 5500 Gaines Street San Diego, CA 92110 619.299.7012

50% Discount

on San Diego Humane Society training classes with proof of active duty

OCEANSIDE CAMPUS 2905 San Luis Rey Road (Dogs) 572 Airport Road (Cats & small animals) Oceanside, CA 92058 760.757.4357

ESCONDIDO CAMPUS 3450 E. Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027 760.888.2275

For more information about our military support, visit sdhumane.org/military-support or follow us on

HOMELAND / July 2018 33

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

By Vicki Garcia

10

Things to Know Before Starting a Business

Even before you even think about starting up a business, there are things you should know.

Considering these factors will move you a long way towards your goal...success.

1. Don’t Believe the Statistics. You will hear ridiculous rumors like 95% of businesses fail. Horse pucky. For starters, restaurant failures skew the stats. There is no definition of “fail.” There are real reasons some percentage of startups nose-dive: making poor decisions, lack of commitment, and garden-variety stupidity are just a few. Lack of funds is not a failure factor.

2. Do Something You Love. You’re going to want to succeed if this is something you really believe in, rather than just a way to make money. A passion for your work helps as an employee or an entrepreneur. Trust your gut.

3. You Won’t Know What You’re Doing. Expertise, or lack thereof, never stopped the ultimately successful. Determine to learn on the job and listen to the experts around you. Take advantage of your ability to Google just about anything you don’t know.

4. Decide if You’re a Finder or a Grinder. If you love starting things and selling but want to leave the dirty follow up details to someone else, you’re a Finder. If you like getting things done, checking off items on your “To Do” list, then you’re a Grinder.

You can be both, which is great.

5. Avoid Partnerships. It always sounds like a juicy idea to go into partnership with your friend.

Could work, but.... Warning: as many as 70% of partnerships fail, and when they do, it’s usually ugly.

Have a really rock solid reason, and a professional partnership agreement produced by an attorney if you want to “marry” someone you won’t be having sex with.

6. Labor is the Bane of Entrepreneurship. By labor, I mean hiring, managing, and firing employees.

Most startups have little experience here, and many successful businesses struggle with it, even after many years in business.

7. Don’t Drink the Social Media Kool-Aid. You’re not going to build your business using Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Like winning the lottery, there are always unreal examples to seduce you into thinking it will work.

Good for looking at cats doing stupid things. Not a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

8. Have a Plan. It doesn’t have to be a 50-page plan with projections, research, and budgets for 5 years unless you’re seeking funding or investors. Stick to one year.

Put it in writing. A plan in your head is no plan at all. It does have to have goals, a marketing strategy, action steps, and budget projections for the next 12 months.

9. Start with a Website. Setting up a website will help to crystalize your thinking so that other people can understand what you offer. Do not, repeat, do not sign up with an online system that charges you monthly to create and maintain a website. If you want to know how to create a low-cost website, completely under your control, for under $100, email me at vicki@ veteranentrepreneurstoday.org and I’ll tell you.

10. You Will Be Scared Out of Your Wits. Everybody is anxious, and those that aren’t are lying. There are ways to make the transition easier. A spouse with a good job helps, parents who are entrepreneurial are a gift, the ability to keep a job while you launch could work. Be prepared for up to 3 years of nail-biting, and then you will calm down.

America is built to support entrepreneurs.

There is no better place to start a business.

If you’re looking for security and financial freedom, business ownership is the way to go. It’s the backbone of our economy and once you have built it, they can’t take it away from you.

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.

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HOMELAND / July 2018 35

Know

The List for Military Transitioning Personnel

By Bob Bechill I am fortunate to have had a fairly direct role in helping service members make the transition to the “civilian” work force for the past 18 years. I also went through the transition myself, some say with mixed results, but I’m pretty happy. Along the way, I’ve developed The Know List. I want to share that list with you. I have prioritized the list based on my own observations and others. You may prioritize or add to the list as you see fit.

Really sit down and find out everything about you. Your interests, values, preferences, skills, accomplishments, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Need help doing that? Grab the book What Color is Your Parachute and do the exercises. Sit down with your spouse, significant other, or mentor and go through your findings. I have found that people who rush this often wind up in positions that they start hating after almost the first day on the job. Do the work…on yourself. c. Know Yourself. Wait a minute, you are repeating yourself. I am but too many people want to jump ahead. Sit down and really pore through the lists you have made. Prioritize what’s important. Are they in alignment? Example, let’s say you wanted to be a police officer but one of the things you really don’t enjoy doing is working with people. Since working with people, some of them very unhappy, is what you will be doing each and every day, is being a police officer the right occupation for you, or are you just doing it because you served in the military?

The Know List a. Know that the transition takes time and work. Yes, you may hear the story that one of your buddies wrote only one resume, submitted it to one company, and got the job of their dreams immediately. That can happen, but if that’s the case and you know it applies to you, buy a lotto ticket now. For the rest of you, you have some work ahead and it’s not something you can do as you are heading out the gate for the last time. b. Know Yourself. Too many separating service personnel jump right into writing resumes and applying for jobs. Hold on partner. The first step is to do some rigorous homework on yourself. You now have a choice in what you want to do with the rest of your life (or at least the next few years as job hopping is fairly common).

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d. Know the field you are getting into. Sounds simple, but there are so many people out there who really don’t know what they are getting into when they select a field to get into after the military. The lack of knowledge most painfully comes to the fore when people are asked these basic questions during an interview: Why are you here?

What do you know about this job? What do you know about this industry? If your only response is what you have gleaned from the job posting, you will be in for a very rough ride. You can always research occupations online but nothing compares to getting out and meeting people in the industry you want to be a part of. Conduct informational interviews.

If you don’t know what those interviews are, get on Google and find out. Finally, there is probably a professional organization for any field that you are going into. Research those organizations and select one or two that can really help you fully understand your field.

www.homelandmagazine.com

The

Know List

e. Know the culture that you are getting into. Too often I’ve seen that military vets don’t fit in because they are either unwilling or unaware of the culture they are entering into. The military teaches you a lot of great things but don’t shove those things down your new coworker’s throats when you first meet them. f. Know what employers are looking for. You served your country and your country is grateful, but very few employers will just up and give you a job because you are a vet. Now they may consider you if you show them what skills and attributes you bring to the table and can translate those skills and attributes into terms they can understand.

I currently facilitate the Department of Labor portion of the TGPS class at Camp Pendleton (sometimes called TAPS in the other services). I’m also a 27-year Navy veteran. Yet, I don’t understand half of the stuff that come out of Marines’ mouths! Imagine how employers must feel when you drop one military acronym after another in your resume or interview? Determine what employers are looking for and adjust your language appropriately. g. Know your competition. You will be competing with other vets and “civilians.” Figure out how you can compete. One way is to go back to step A and figure out what you bring to the table that others don’t. What makes you unique? What value do you add? h. Know where to go to for help and know its okay to ask for help. Frankly the resources that exist for exiting military personnel are astounding. Talk to your “civilian counterparts.” They only have half of the resources that you have. Use them. Your #1 resource is/are people.

I’m going to use the n-word here: networking. Build and grow your personal and professional networks. Don’t know how to do that? Ask. i. Know how to build and protect your online brand.

Like it or not, we live in an online world. Most employers will Google you to see who you are. Insure your various online profiles assist you and don’t hurt you. Right now, the premier networking site is LinkedIn. Know how to use it.

www.homelandmagazine.com

j. Know how to build your own resume. Free help abounds on how to construct a solid resume. Use it. I have interviewed people who have used professional resume writers to write their resumes. Hell, they do a great job, but it’s pretty embarrassing to sit down with an interviewer without knowing what’s on your own resume. Honestly, resumes are not that hard to write.

Learn how to write one. k. Know and practice interviewing. Despite what your buddy may say, interviews are not something you just “wing.” You want to prepare and practice. Having good stories about your accomplishments can really help.

Hard to answer a “tell me about a time” or “give me and example of when you” questions without having thought about it first. l. Know the value of Karma. Pay it forward as you are going through your own job hunt and after you get a job. Help others. You may need to do a withdrawal from the Karma Bank at some time in the future. m. Know that “civilians” don’t like being called civilians.

You don’t like to be stereotyped, do you? Don’t stereotype them. Many military personnel regard their civilian counterparts with disdain. Don’t fall into that trap. They may be your boss one day.

That’s my current Know List. I would be happy to know, pun intended, what your thoughts are.

Author note: The author served in the United States Navy on active duty and as a reservist for 27 years.

Post Navy, he enjoyed careers as a consultant, executive recruiter, senior client services specialist, and then spent 17 years in higher education culminating with serving students at the University of the Pacific.

His retirement in 2015 lasted a grand total of four months until he decided to return to work as a facilitator for the Department of Labor facilitating employment workshops for separating military personnel and their spouses.

You can find Bob on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/bobbechill

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Beliefs and Values

HOW WE BUY

By Joe Molina www.vccsd.org Having a consistent, continuous and loyal group of customers is key to the success of our business. Let’s first establish some general understandings on how customers select their next purchase, and how to improve the chances that the next purchase is from you.

• Customers are for the most part, not curious; customers are not going to take the time to investigate who you are, customers are more likely to return to a business where they have made purchases before and know what experience to expect to receive.

External forces such as pricing, convenience, look etc., are important factors but less important than internal driving forces, the latter are mostly based on Beliefs and Values, which are strongly held by the customer and not easily modified or changed.

Let’s use the example of the Steak House Restaurant owner who sells the best steaks in the region, the owner wants to increase the number of customers in his restaurant and feels that vegetarians are a potential un-tapped market. The owner sends discount coupons to his targeted vegetarian customers just to find out that no one visits the steak house restaurant from this customer base. Confused, the owner asks “why the marketing didn’t work”. The answer is simple; No vegetarian will eat meat, it’s that simple. The real question is, why? These customers have Strong Internal Drive Factors; therefore, the answer is also very simple; a vegetarian is driven by Beliefs and Values not by price or opportunity (which are External Drive Factors) of who they are.

• Customers buy from those businesses who they trust: Customers must feel that they can trust you, that they can trust your product, your process. Ask yourself, how can I make my customers trust me?

• The Big Question: Based on what we have learned the question is not who my best customer is, but which customers identify with my Beliefs and Values as a business owner and how well customers identify with my product.

• Customers want to know and really understand “What you do and Why you do it”: This is critical to the success of the business. People buy products based on Beliefs and Values.

• Simple research to identify your best possible customer (BPC), below are the steps: - Select 5 to 10 businesses that offer a product like yours - Visit the location/site of those business and count total number of people entering the store/site - Now count the number of people who purchased a product like yours - Divide the total number of customers by the number of customers who purchased the product like yours - Ask each of the latter customers why they purchase the product and if you ask correctly, this question should give you the answer that shows their Beliefs and Values (the real reason why they made the purchase) - Purchases are rarely made by intellect but by emotional connection on how the purchase makes us feel. There is no worst purchase then one made on impulse, which creates regret and purchase of that product will be avoided next time.

• Once you have identified your primary customer it is critical that you try to understand why these customers currently buy the product or products.

Beliefs and Values

Internal Drive Force LONG TERM

• In Summary:

Intellect or Criteria Based Purchases

External Drive Force SHORT TERM

• Beliefs and Values, are the real driving force: We find that there are two factors that most business owners don’t use often or don’t understand – The two factors are Internal Buying Driving Forces and External Driving Forces.

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Most customers follow their Internal Drive Factor (IDF) which is based on the Beliefs and Values to make a purchase.

There may be a small minority only that will spend money, make a purchase just because the situational moment calls, but these customers are more likely to either, regret the purchase (Which increases returns, which in turn increases overhead) or they are one time customers which will require the business to continuously search, market and promote to new customers (Increasing the cost of promotion).

Business owners look and want to attract “Happy Customers” customers that feel great making the purchase and will most likely return to make more purchases. www.homelandmagazine.com

Making the transition back to civilian life is not a job change, it is a life change!

Our 3 Week REBOOT Workshop Will Help You

ReLearn – ReBuild – ReBrand

REBOOT WorkshopTM is a three-week intensive military to civilian transition workshop that provides extensive training focused on three areas: Personal Transition, Lifestyle Transition & Career Transition.

"Before the program I was more concerned with everything that was going on around me. Now, I control what is actually happening around me by changing my mindset and actually using positive thinking in my everyday life."

- REBOOT Graduate Class 65

REBOOT TM addresses the personal and social aspects of transition to civilian life by using research-based, outcome driven methods drawn from best practices in career planning and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Our workshop training is supplemented with extended follow-up that enhances career opportunities, promotes social networking, and leverages peer support.

REBOOTTM is a scholarship based workshop available to military active duty and veterans of all wars.

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HOMELAND / July 2018 39

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

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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 -

www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / July 2018 41

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

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Take the LAPD Written Test annual salary range: $59,717 - $91,956 Every Monday - 7:00 p.m.

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SAN DIEGO POLICE JOIN OUR TEAM

READY FOR YOUR NEXT MISSION? NOW HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: POLICE OFFICERS, POLICE RECRUITS, POLICE LATERALS and 911 POLICE DISPATCHERS

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HOMELAND / July 2018 45

THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

HIRES HEROS

PGHJOBS.NET CITY OF PITTSBURGH - E/O/E

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HOMELAND / July 2018

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Sworn to Serve Live to Protect Be FLPD FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Military Preference Given The task ahead of you is never as great as the Power behind you

ANNUAL SALARY NON-CERTIFIED $55,536 - $85,675 CERTIFIED $58,344 - $85,675 Contact us to learn how you can become part of the Premier law enforcement agency in South Florida

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WWW.FLPDJobs.com recruiter@fortlauderdale.gov Recruiting@ci.colospgs.co.us 954-828-FLPD (3573)

Facebook: Colorado Springs Police THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER twitter@cspd.pio www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / July 2018 47

Become A Part of Our Story!

Learn more at TrooperStories.com

There’s a story behind every badge, and a person behind every story. There are For upcoming test dates as many reasons and motivations for and locations visit joining the Washington State Patrol as PublicSafetyTesting.com there are troopers themselves.

JOBS FOR VETS

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

HomelandMagazine.com JOBS FOR VETS LAW ENFORCEMENT 48

HOMELAND / July 2018

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HOMELAND / July 2018 49

FINANCIAL Is it true love or a scam?

By Chris Martin

Romance scams can devastate individuals both emotionally and financially. Typically older women are targeted but this scam can basically apply to anyone that is emotionally vulnerable.

They often find their victims via dating sites or social media sites.

They will use what the victim has on their profile pages to find out more about the victim and will then create a story that goes along with that profile. They will even create a phony profile of their own and unsuspecting victims will contact them. Too often, these phony profiles use pictures they find on the internet, often using pictures of people in the military because who doesn’t love a man/ woman in uniform.

Once they establish a relationship with their victim, they will start making promises, including marriage proposals.

They will often say they are in the military, contractors in the Middle East, working some oil platform in the middle of the ocean, or in some remote construction field. They are never in a place where you can reach them or visit them. They will profess their love for you on every email or phone call and eventually, they will ask for money.

They will have some kind of emergency such as they were in an accident or they or a relative was arrested, they need to make payroll for their employees, or they or a relative has some medical emergency.

They will tell you that the money you send them is only a loan and they will pay you back, but there is always a reason why they can’t get the money back to you.

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Never give them your banking information to repay the money as they will use your bank account to pass money through which could be a form of money laundering.

Once they get that first money, they always need more money for some reason and will sound desperate and more demanding. They will have an explanation for every question including what story to tell the bank employees when you send them the wire. Eventually, the victim will run out of money or stop sending it altogether, usually after some intervention from family members and the perpetrator will have deleted his profile and phone numbers.

Don’t be a Victim. Protect yourself.

• Be careful what you put on your online profile.

• Be alert to spelling and grammar mistakes, inconsistent stories or someone whose camera is never working if you want to Skype with them.

• Use online searches to see if the photos or stories are being used elsewhere and check to see if your own photos are being used for someone else’s profile.

• Beware of those individuals that ask you to immediately leave the dating site and go “offline”.

• Beware of individuals that want to keep everything a secret.

• Never send money to anyone you don’t know personally. An online relationship does not count.

• Never give your bank account information to anyone.

• Never let them use your bank account to pass money through to someone else. www.homelandmagazine.com

legal

Can I get sued because I have a website?

By Kelly Bagla. Esq.

Creating a website, whether for commercial or private use, is an exciting way to expand your marketing reach, generate new business sales, or just being visible. But with an online presence you are also exposing yourself to risk from users of your website; users who might be concerned about how you are using and protecting their private data, how you are dealing with conflicts that might arise from the use of your website, or who might just want to know the risk associated with using your website.

So, can you get sued for having a website? The answer is YES. Anyone can sue you for anything and it is your responsibility to stay a head of the lawsuits.

So how do you do that? By having the three must have notices posted on your website:

Privacy Policy A privacy policy is a disclosure document, which informs users how their personal information will be collected, used and stored by you. A privacy policy is required for websites that collect personal information from users, such as names, email addresses, mailing address, and payment information. It should also state what information is collected from the user, how it will be used, and what information will be shared with third parties. A property drafted privacy policy provides the best possible protection against potential claims that may arise from users of your website.

Legal Disclaimer A legal disclaimer is an essential statement, which is placed on your website in an effort to limit your liability for the outcome of the use of your site. You are basically telling users that use of the site is at their own risk and that you are not responsible for their damage should any arise from the use of your website.

By placing all three notices on your website, you are one step ahead of any lawsuit that users may file against you. Be smart and protect yourself from potential risks.

For more information on how to legally protect your business please pick up a copy of my book: ‘Go Legal Yourself’ on Amazon or visit my website at www.baglalaw.com

1. Terms of Use 2. Privacy Policy 3. Legal Disclaimer Terms of Use A terms of use notice acts as a legally binding contract between you and your users. This notice sets the rules and guidelines that users must agree to and follow in order to use and access your website. The terms of use should address the permitted use, the copyright laws affecting your content, and governing law. It must also include certain details in order to abide by the Electronic Commerce Regulations, such as full company details. Posting terms of use is also a way to protect your business by limiting the liability if a user were to take you to court. www.homelandmagazine.com

Contact Kelly at: (760) 784-9109 Kelly@baglalaw.com www.baglalaw.com Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

HOMELAND / July 2018 51

communities built to support those who serve.

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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

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pain, and stress in any phase of a diagnosis.

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Veterans Program We are a proud partner in the national

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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.

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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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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 58

HOMELAND / July 2018