Homeland Magazine December 2023

Homeland

Vol. 10 • Number 12 • December 2023

MAGAZINE

HOLIDAY ISSUE A Soldier’s Christmas NORAD TRACKS SANTA

Continuing the Fight Warrior Walks the Talk

VETERAN

organizations SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Saying Goodbye to 2023: Make Your List …and Check it Twice!

PTSD MENTAL HEALTH

Understanding

5 GIFTS for YOU

this Holiday Season

NAVY FEDERAL PRESENTS Best Careers After Service List

CAREER RESOURCES

Transition Strategies - Columns WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

1

SLAY Legal Aid Foundation 5 0 1 ( C ) ( 3 )

ABOUT US SLAY Legal Aid Foundation provides assistance for legal fees for representation for family law and certain civil litigation cases.

We exist to provide as many people as possible with quality legal representation that will give them access to justice that they would not have otherwise have had.

SLAY Legal Aid Foundation relies on donations, proceeds from the sales of our founders’ programs, donations from law firms, corporations and celebrities, as well as pro bono work from attorneys.

2

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

N O N P R O F I T

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF VETERANS Our services include veterans issues, such as filing claims for disability compensation and/or pensions, defending inappropriate discharge, discharge characterization or disability rating, applying for dependent and survivor benefits, and a wide range of other issues. We provide Pro Bono legal services for veterans throughout the country.

CONTACT US OR DONATE TODAY SLAYLegalAid.Org SLAYLegalAid.org

We’re Spreading Cheer With $250 Bonus Cash Back¹ When You Spend $2,500 Within 90 Days of Account Opening PLUS, YOU CAN GET A ONE-TIME $98 STATEMENT CREDIT WHEN YOU PAY $49 OR MORE FOR AN ANNUAL WALMART+ MEMBERSHIP.2 With Walmart+, you’ll enjoy:

Free delivery from your store

Savings on fuel

Exclusive early access to promotions & events

Apply today!

Visit www.navyfederal.org/cashrewards navyfederal.org/cashrewards.

Our Members Are the Mission

Navy Federal is federally insured by NCUA. Offer valid for cardholders issued new cashRewards credit card accounts. To be eligible for the $250 cash back, you must make $2,500 or more in net purchases within 90 days of account opening. Rewards are 1

earned on eligible net purchases. “Net purchases” means the sum of your eligible purchase transactions minus returns and refunds.Eligible purchase transactions do not include, and rewards are not earned for, the following transactions: cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, gambling, or fees of any kind, including finance charges, late fees, returned check fees, ATM cash advance fees, and annual fees, if any. Cash-equivalent transactions, such as the purchase, loading, or reloading of gift and prepaid cards (e.g., money orders, GO Prepaid Cards, and other cash-equivalent gift cards), may not be eligible purchase transactions and may not earn rewards. Please allow up to 8 weeks after the 90-day period for the bonus cash back to post to your rewards balance. Account must be open and not in default at the time the bonus cash back posts to your rewards balance. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. Offer valid for accounts applied for from 10/4/23 to 1/1/24. 2One-time statement credit of $98 when you pay $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership.

Excludes monthly Walmart+ membership. Annual Walmart+ membership must be purchased within 1 year from cashRewards credit card account opening date to receive the one-time statement credit. Please allow up to 30 days after the annual Walmart+ membership fee posts to your account for the $98 credit to post. Your annual Walmart+ membership will auto-renew annually following enrollment, and your credit or debit card on file will be charged for an additional term at the fee(s) in effect at the time. You may cancel your annual Walmart+ membership by calling Walmart Customer Care at 800-924-9206 or through your Walmart account. Walmart is a registered trademark of Walmart Apollo, LLC. © 2023 Navy Federal NFCU 14256 (9-23)

ELEVATE YOUR GAME with iBOT

Qualif ied veterans can receive an iBOT® at no charge to them under VA FSS #36F79721D0202.

Contact Mobius Mobility to schedule your demo today. www.mobiusmobility.com

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

3

EDITOR’S LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller

Monthly Columns

www.HomelandMagazine.com Welcome to Homeland Magazine!

Homeland is a veteran-focused magazine throughout the country. It serves to assist all veterans, active military as well as their spouses and families.

It is the leading veteran magazine emphasizing resources & support and focusing on topics and issues facing today’s veteran community. Homeland focuses on resources, support, community, transition, mental health and inspiration for our veterans, & military personnel.

The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with our veterans, service members, military families, and civilians.

The magazine is supported by a distinguishing list of veteran organizations & members, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more.

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

Despite all the challenges, our team has upheld their focus and let not one opportunity go to provide resources and support to our veterans & military personnel.

What’s Next Transition Eve Nasby • Kristin Hennessy Human Resources Paul Falcone Veterans in Business Barbara Eldridge Successful Transitioning Stories Dr. Julie Ducharme Risky Business Hadley Wood Franchise Frontline Rhonda Sanderson Real Talk: Mental Health Hope Phifer PTSD: Reclaiming Control Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD TLC Caregiving Kie Copenhaver Legal Eagle Kelly Bagla, Esq. Family Law Tana Landau, Esq. Midway Magic David Koontz Veterans Chamber Commerce Joe Molina Contributing Writers Wounded Warrior Project Raquel G. Rivas, WWP Disabled American Veterans San Diego Veterans Coalition Veteran Association North County Shelter to Soldier (STS) Eva Stimson (In-House) Correspondents

On behalf of our team, we wanted to take this moment to say THANK YOU to the readers and the military and veteran community for supporting our magazine. With that support we aim to make a difference and continuing to make a profound impact on the quality of life for our veterans, military personnel and their families.

Holly Shaffner CJ Machado

If you want to catch up on the current and all past issues please visit: www.homelandmagazine.com/archives

(858) 275-4281

Mike Miller

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

Editor-In-Chief mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com www.homelandmagazine.com 4

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Homeland Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, #41 San Diego, CA 92126 mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com

DECEMBER 2023 INSIDE THE ISSUE 8 Homeland: The Covers (2023) 10 A Soldiers Christmas 12 NORAD - Tracking Santa 14 Beat the Holiday Blues 16 TLC: Headed Home for the Holidays 19 Stair Lifts for Veterans in Need 21 A Lifetime of Leadership 22 Continuing the Fight 24 Homeless to Hopeful 26 Silent Legacy (Asbestos) 28 Association of Applied Sport Psychology 30 Real Talk: PTSD: Goodbye 2023 32 Navigating PTSD Treatment 34 Best Careers After Service List 36 USD: A Better Way to Your MBA 38 Off-Base Transition Training 40 HR: Fist Time Manager 42 What’s Next: 5 Holiday Gifts 44 Successful Transition: Kelli Mumphrey 46 Business for Vets: Accelerate Success 48 Franchise Frontline: Ryan Cole 50 Risky Business: Is My Product Cover 54 Legal Eagle: Asset Protection 56 Legally Speaking: Holiday Visitation 58 Careers in Law Enforcement 60 From Navy Sailor to SFPD 64 SDPD Ride Along - A Story of Two Marines WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

5

P R O U D LY S E RV I N G T H O S E

WHO SERVE WHO WE ARE Serving since 2003, Operation Gratitude is the largest and most impactful nonprofit in the country for hands-on volunteerism in support of Military, Veterans, and First Responders.

Deployed Troops

First Responders

3,000,000

Military, Veterans and First Responders Impacted

OVER

1 Million VOLUNTEERS

OUR MISSION To forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of Veterans

Recruit Graduates

gratitude and meaningful engagements in communities Nationwide.

WE BELIEVE Actions speak louder than words Saying “thank you for your service” is the start of a conversation that leads to a better understanding of service Hands-on volunteerism, acts of gratitude and meaningful engageWounded Heroes and Caregivers

Military Families

ments are the best ways to bridge the civilian-service divide We focus on empathy, resilience, service, and sacrifice rather than sympathy, challenges, needs, and pity

operationgratitude.com

6

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

THEIR LIVES ARE OUR MISSION

Operation Healing Forces has been serving wounded, ill, injured, and Fallen U.S. Special Operations Forces warriors and their families since 2011 through unique programs designed to provide mental, physical, emotional, and fiscal well-being.

To learn more about our Therapeutic Retreats and Crisis Support programs visit our website at www.operationhealingforces.org

CREATING BONDS THAT CURE -

TOGETHER

Join with us as we pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of America’s Special Operations community through programs that promote connection and healing.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Your donation is tax-deductible and urgently needed to aid a community that has lived at the Tip of the Spear for decades. Please Donate Today!

Financial Support 1-Week In-Kind Home Donations Airline Mile Donations Matching Gift Designations Individual Fundraising

Planned or Legacy Gifts Gifts of Stocks or Securities Sponsorships Volunteer Follow Us on Social Media WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

7

The Covers of 2023

January 2023

February 2023

March 2023

April 2023

May 2023

June 2023

Veterans - Military Personnel - Military Families Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year.

- Homeland Magazine

HAPPY HO 8

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

The Covers of 2023

July 2023

August 2023

September 2023

October 2023

November 2023

December 2023

We’ve Got You Covered!

All Current & Past Issues Available at:

www.homelandmagazine.com/archives

OLIDAYS! WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

9

The Night Before Christmas T’was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone in a one bedroom house, made of plaster and stone.

They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year, because of the soldiers like the one lying here.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see: no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye; I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand; on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa, don’t cry. This life is my choice.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more; my life is my God, my country, my corps.”

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary. I found the home of a soldier, at once I could see clearly.

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep; I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

The soldier lay sleeping; silent, alone, curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.

Not how I pictured a US soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read, curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.”

Soon ‘round the world, the children would play and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.

One look at my watch and I knew he was right, “Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”

10

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

A Soldier’s Christmas

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

11

NORAD Satellites, Fighter Pilots Help Track Santa

By Katie Lange , DOD News

Every December, millions of families around the world track Santa’s Yuletide journey through the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Santa Tracker.

“NORAD Tracks Santa” is a holiday tradition that started from humble origins — and as a fluke — but has now grown into a massive volunteer operation.

About 70 contributors help set up the site, apps and phone lines, while more than 500 uniformed personnel, Defense Department civilians, their families and supporters volunteer time on Christmas Eve to answer children’s questions on Santa’s whereabouts. While COVID-19 has reduced volunteers at traditional call centers, virtual call center capabilities will be able to pick up any slack.

Radar, Satellites and Fighter Jets Since NORAD is the protector of the skies over North America during the rest of the year, it’s specially equipped for this mission.

“Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, NORAD defends North America by tracking airplanes, missiles, space launches and anything else that flies in or around the North American continent,” said Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, NORAD’s commander. “As we have since 1955, this Dec. 24th we are once again ready for our nofail mission of tracking Santa.”

Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the operations officer at North American Aerospace Defense Command’s precursor organization, answered a wrong-number call on Dec. 24, 1955, and began the tradition of NORAD tracking Santa. (Photo By: DOD)

Kids across the U.S. have grown accustomed to following Santa’s journey by tracking his flight path online or by making a good, ol’-fashioned phone call to find out where he is. They’re also able to play games and watch videos of his progress through the mobile “NORAD Tracks Santa” app.

They can do all this thanks to the hard-working folks at NORAD, who start the task of tracking Santa each November when www.NORADSanta.org starts getting inquiries from families.

12

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Volunteers at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., took time to have fun with equipping a stuffed bear with headset and playbook while answering calls and emails from children and parents across the globe tracking Santa’s movements and statistics, Dec. 24, 2013.

(Photo By: Master Sgt. Charles Marsh)

NORAD’s powerful radar system, called the North Warning System, has 47 installations across Alaska and northern Canada. As soon as that radar system picks up on Santa departing from the North Pole, NORAD tracks him via globally-integrated satellites using their infrared sensors. Normally, those sensors allow NORAD to see heat from launched rockets or missiles. As Santa flies around the world, satellites track his position by detecting Rudolph’s nose, which gives off an infrared signature similar to that of a missile.

NORAD also tracks Santa using U.S. Air Force F-15, F-16, F-22 and Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jets. On Christmas Eve, fighter pilots rendezvous with Santa off the coast of Newfoundland to welcome him to North America. They escort him safely through North American airspace until he returns to the North Pole.

Volunteers monitor phones and computers while tracking Santa at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Dec. 24, 2013.

(Photo By: Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Marsh)

The operation has become a well-oiled machine over the years, but it wasn’t always easy. In fact, the whole thing started by accident.

Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the operations officer at North American Aerospace Defense Command’s precursor organization, answered a wrong-number call on Dec. 24, 1955, and began the tradition of NORAD tracking Santa. (Photo By: DOD)

The role of tracking the big guy rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958, and it’s been getting more popular and more technologically-savvy ever since. Aside from calling in to talk, kids can now use social media and a mobile app to follow St. Nick. Virtual assistant Amazon Alexa and vehicle navigation service OnStar are also helping to track him, and the website NORADSanta.org offers a countdown clock, games and videos that are available in several languages.

The tracking of Santa is a holiday tradition around the world. In 2020, www.NORADSanta.org received more than 11 million visitors from 200+ countries and territories; call center volunteers answered more than 20,000 calls; Amazon Alexa was accessed more than 12.3 million times; and OnStar received about 12,400 requests to locate Santa. The @noradsanta Facebook page currently has 1.89 million followers, more than 206,000 follow along at @noradsanta on Twitter, and about 14,400 people follow @NoradTracksSanta_Official on Instagram.

How the Tradition Began Back in 1955, the folks at the previously named Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado were working a typical night shift when Air Force Col. Harry Shoup got a phone call from a child in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The boy had followed the directions in a department store’s newspaper advertisement that told children how to call Santa — except the number had been printed incorrectly and instead called the operations center.

NORAD Tracks Santa at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. 2018.

(Photo By: DOD)

Shoup could have been a Scrooge about the whole thing, but he wasn’t. He entertained the boy’s call as well as the rest of the calls that came through due to the misprinted number. Throughout the night, Shoup and his operators answered calls, kicking off a new tradition.

The call center opens at 6 a.m. EST on Dec. 24. Kids can call 1-877-Hi-NORAD (446-6723) to find out where Santa is or use the above website, mobile app or social media.

But officials warned that Santa only comes if children are asleep, so make sure they get into bed early so he doesn’t miss delivering to their house.

Happy Tracking, Everyone!

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

13

Beat The Holiday

BLUES

By Jessica Rawlings, Program Evaluator, U.S. Army Public Health Command

It’s that time of year again: Festive music fills the air, fireplaces crackle, and holiday cheer abounds. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right?

Not necessarily. Many people can find themselves dealing with the holiday blues and can be sad, lonely or even depressed. There are many reasons that people might find themselves struggling with the holiday blues: Pressure to feel merry, reminders of lost loved ones, and financial hardships are just a few.

Military families can add one more reason to that list: Deployment. Coping with deployments can take a toll on one’s emotional well-being, and this is only increased when a loved one’s deployment spans the holidays.

Here are a few tips to help beat the holiday blues:

1. Take it one day at a time--try to avoid looking at this time of year as the “holiday season,” instead try to break it down day by day, think of it as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Often, it is easier to think “I can get through this day” rather than thinking “I can get through this season.”

2. Get in touch with family members by writing letters, visiting or making phone calls.

3. Try to avoid retail therapy--fight the temptation to spend extra money to make you feel better as this can lead to increased stress or depression when the credit card bills arrive.

4. Give yourself permission to have fun--it is normal to be sociable during the holidays, even if your loved one is not available to attend events with you.

5. Ask for help--you don’t need to be superman or superwoman; you do not need to wing it alone, depend on close family and friends to help you through this time.

14

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

6. Stay busy--avoiding unstructured time may help to minimize difficult feelings. Try to fill your calendar with fun events and give yourself something to look forward to.

It is also important to know when “the blues” are a sign of something more. Depression is common around the holidays and recognizing the symptoms is a key step in getting the help you might need. Symptoms of depression include lack of sleep or over sleeping, over eating or not eating at all, crying for no reason or any reason, and loss of interest in activities. If you are experiencing these symptoms for an extended period of time and are concerned that you may be depressed, contact your primary care provider or Patient Centered Medical Home for help.

There are many ways to beat the holiday blues, but remember it is okay to feel what you are feeling. Forcing yourself to be happy can often make it worse. Try to incorporate some of the tips above if you find yourself feeling down during the holidays, and remember: you are not the only person experiencing the holiday blues.

Happy holidays and best wishes for a wonderful new year.

- Homeland Magazine

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

15

CAREGIVING TLC

By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE www.agingwellpartners.com

Headed Home for the Holidays?

Ensuring Your Aging Loved Ones are Safe & Well Cared For! Bags packed and headed home for the holidays this year? Many will be flying or driving the miles to visit family and friends this holiday season. But how long has it been since you’ve seen your aging loved ones?

If you are visiting an aging loved one for the holidays, there are four main areas you will want to pay special attention to.

Physical Environment Someone’s physical space or environment can tell you a lot about what’s going on in their lives.

How does home look when you get there?

What does it smell like?

Does it appear clean and tidy?

Are there tripping hazards present (throw rugs, electrical cords, etc.)? My mother keeps her home clean and tidy, yet she is a huge fan of throw rugs. She has small dogs and tells me the rugs are more for the dogs than they are for her. Either way, throw rugs are one of the primary causes of falls in the home. How does the exterior of the home? Is the place falling into disrepair?

Our homes are typically one of our biggest investments so keeping the home in good repair – inside and out – benefits not only the person living there but the initial investment put into the home (which has likely skyrocketed in today’s housing market).

Is there adequate lighting if your loved one were to go outside after dark?

Does your loved one still possess the things you are used to seeing when you have visited previously? A family member of my client started noticing that every time they visited, more and more pieces of art were missing. Where once there was a mantle full of hand carved pieces of artwork, the number of pieces were slowly dwindling with no explanation or recollection Retirement of where they had gone or who they may have been What’s Next given to.

16

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Mental/Emotional State Having conversations with your aging loved ones can help to uncover what may be going on for them mentally.

Has your loved one forgotten your spouse’s name or the names of your kids? I had a client tell me that he called his mother on the phone and instead of asking how each grandchild was doing, she asked him “how is your family?”. This occurred as odd to him at the time but once he started putting the pieces together, he finally realized that his mother was in the beginning stages of dementia.

Are they taking all their medication(s) as prescribed?

Having a medication box is a great way to tell if someone is taking their medication as directed.

Are they showered and wearing clean clothes or is the bathroom – particularly the bathtub – being used as extra storage? When a client of mine finally let me into her home, I asked to use the bathroom and found she was using the tub/shower enclosure for storage of miscellaneous household items and clothing. There was no way she had been using the tub or shower. I now understood her lack of personal hygiene and found the right kind of help for her.

Have they given up arts, crafts, or hobbies they used to love to do? It could be a matter of physicality, or it could be more of a mental issue…or a combination. Especially during the pandemic, the focus on mental health and how damaging social isolation can be to one’s mental and physical health cannot be overlooked nor taken lightly.

Physical Abilities While home for the holidays, keep a close eye on how your aging loved one is doing physically.

Are they having increased difficulty sitting down or standing up?

Do they have stairs in the home they are afraid to navigate? My great aunt lived in an older home and at a certain stage of her aging (and moderate dementia),

she stopped going downstairs. The big issue with this was her washer and dryer were downstairs. This meant she was no longer doing her own laundry, which explained why her bed sheets were so dirty.

Are they still using that old step stool to reach items being stored in high places? Perhaps it’s time to find alternate storage options.

Is personal hygiene becoming an issue? This will especially be noticeable if your aging loved one is becoming incontinent of bladder and/or bowel. Skin breakdown, due to prolonged contact with urine or feces, can become a very serious and life-threatening matter if left unnoticed or unattended.

Happy holidays & season’s greetings

Does your loved one have unexplained bruising on their body? Often the person can neither remember how or where they got the bruising, or they have been falling and are afraid to share that information.

Nutritional Status Malnutrition in our aging adult population is on the rise.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, up to half of all adults 65 years and older are at risk for malnutrition. And malnutrition is the “leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among older adults”.

Malnutrition in our aging population has various causes, many of which overlap with the person’s physical abilities and mental capacity.

Is your aging loved one physically and/or mentally able to plan, shop for and cook nutritious meals each day?

Often, a simple look through the refrigerator or glance at what’s in the garbage can alert you to how well your loved one is eating – or not. Pre-packaged and highly processed foods are often eaten by seniors because of their convenience. But the downsides to these prepackaged and “convenient” foods are numerous and often dangerous (high levels of sodium and trans fats, contain high fructose corn syrup and/or high amounts of sugar and additives like aspartame and nitrates/nitrites).

Any foods with the words “low-fat”, “low carb” or “heart healthy” should raise a red flag; it means that fat, carbohydrates, and other real foods have been eliminated and replaced with chemicals and chemically derived additives. www.eatrightpro.org With a bit of observation and some meaningful conversation with your aging loved one, you can help to ensure they are aging safely. Enjoy this joyous holiday season, hug your loved ones often and remember that our senior population is a precious gift we have the privilege of knowing and learning from, if only we take the time.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

17

Nonprofit Leaders Are you ready for 2024?

We can help you prepare PROVEN

EFFECTIVE

EXPERTISE

Boards & Staffing

Planning & Campaigns

Our team can help you offset vacancies, train your staff, and help you form strong and effective boards.

Our experts can assist with planning strategy and the development of profitable fundraising campaigns.

Programs & Development Enhance your programs with proven techniques and develop your organization’s maximum potential.

Contact Us Today

Where

202-831-3090 Capacity Builders is proud to be Veteran and Military Spouse owned and operated

Lori@nonprofitpros.org

W WW.NONPROFITPROS.ORG www.nonprofitpros.org 18

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

This Holiday Season, Home Improvement Company Leaf Home™ Donated In-Home Stair Lifts to Veterans in Need

By Nick Busse, Head of Military and Veteran Recruiting On Giving Tuesday, Leaf Home Safety Solutions, alongside our parent company, Leaf Home, announced the winners of our stair lift sweepstakes. The giveaway is part of our growing efforts to support veterans through product donations, hiring, community events and workplace development.

Veterans residing in one of the 17 markets we operate in were eligible to apply; winners were selected at random.

Leaf Home is a home improvement product and service company in North America with more than 200 locations, providing gutter protection (LeafFilter), home safety solutions, water purification, windows and doors, kitchen and bath, and more.

As a veteran myself, I know how important it is to give back to those who made sacrifices for our nation. For veterans with mobility challenges, the stair lifts include a variety of customizable options, such as power swivel seats and power folding footrests, for both straight and curved staircases. The compact design hugs the wall, providing ample space regardless of whether the chair is in use or folded away.

As part of our 360-approach to supporting veterans, Leaf Home has several additional initiatives in place, including our partnership with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program, which provides job training and development for returning veterans.

Uniquely, we also have an internal hiring unit dedicated to finding and bringing more veterans into the business.

At least 5% of Leaf Home’s workforce identify as veterans. I’m proud to say that since 2022, we’ve seen a 38% increase in veteran hires.

To learn more about our veteran-focused employment initiatives, please visit www.leafhome.com/careers/veterans For more information on the stair lift giveaway, please visit www.leafhomesafetysolutions.com/contest

www.leafhome.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

19

“I’m happier with myself. Having been in therapy, period, has helped me be in a better place now.”

Rogelio “Roger” Rodriguez, Jr US Navy (1987 – 1993) US Air Force (1993 – 2013)

PTSD treatment can turn your life around.

For more information visit: www.ptsd.va.gov/aboutface

20

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

A LIFETIME OF

LEADERSHIP Medal of Honor recipient, DAV life member reflects on actions 54 years ago

By Matt Saintsing

“F

ull of challenges.”

That’s how retired Army Lt. Col. Hal Fritz humbly describes the day of the Vietnamese attack in which he earned the nation’s highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor.

For Fritz, that day—Jan. 11, 1969—is filled with memories of intense enemy crossfire and quick, decisive action to save his fellow soldiers.

Both of his gunners were killed in the assault’s opening seconds, and Fritz was thrown from his vehicle. Despite being injured, he jumped atop the burning wreckage and began directing his soldiers.

“I thought we hit a mine,” recalled Fritz, a DAV life member of Chapter 103 in Crest Hill, Illinois. “When I came back to the top of the vehicle, I realized we were in an ambush.”

That’s when Fritz did what combat leaders do. He made split-second decisions under grueling pressure and concentrated enemy fire, risking his life to save others.

“I was trying to get everybody together and get the wounded taken care of,” he added. “We had a lot of fire coming in from both sides of the road, and they were trying to overrun our position.”

According to his Medal of Honor citation, “With complete disregard for his wounds and safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men.”

But he didn’t just stick to guiding those around him. He got in the fight. Fritz handled a machine gun and, in doing so, continued motivating his soldiers to repel the enemy ambush until the attack broke.

That victory was short-lived, however. A second enemy force advanced within 2 meters of Fritz.

“Capt. Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge

Above: Retired Army Lt. Col. Hal Fritz poses next to his name at the Medal of Honor Memorial in Wisconsin. He traveled to the state to participate in several DAV community events, including Operation Cabin Fever III. Right: Fritz was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on Jan. 11, 1969, near An Lộc, Vietnam.

which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties,” the citation reads.

Following the battle, Fritz refused medical attention until all the other wounded soldiers were treated and evacuated.

He received the Medal of Honor in 1971 from President Richard Nixon, who said, “Words are very inadequate to add to deeds of self-sacrifice, deeds of very great bravery.

“These deeds speak for themselves.”

Fritz retired from the Army in 1993. He continued serving those who serve others as an official with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Nowadays, he spreads his story to youth and other veterans about the importance of mental health.

Fritz also participated in Operation Cabin Fever III, an event put on by DAV Chapter 17 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The day was a chance for the community to rally together to raise money for a local government veterans emergency fund. While Fritz was a highly sought-after speaker for the event, for him, it was a chance to give thanks to those who care for the men and women who served.

“They’re attending this event, not for personal money, but for the personal satisfaction of knowing that they’re supporting the veterans that protect the country,” said Fritz. “And that’s why being at these events is so important.” n WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

21

Continuing the Fight: How Walking The Talk Keeps This Warrior Going

By Kaitlyn McCue, Wounded Warrior Project

Although they were in different platoons, Melvin said they each had their fair share of missions and action.

They were always worried about each other, wondering if someone would come back injured.

For Melvin, that happened in 2005 when he was severely burned and injured in a Humvee explosion. He vividly remembers the explosion and the instincts that kicked in after. He focused solely on ensuring everyone else got out and then kept going to finish the mission.

His own pain and injuries were the furthest thing from his mind.

“We just wrapped my arm up and I continued the mission,” he said. “I remember they kept trying to put me in the last vehicle when we were heading back out, but I just kept saying no, put me in the front. I want to be in the first vehicle.”

Forging a New Path Through Continued Service This sense of service is what Melvin lives by every day.

When the military medically discharged him, Melvin didn’t know what his next mission would be.

But what he did know was he wasn’t done serving.

Melvin Gatewood is no stranger to service or sacrifice. He grew up knowing the importance of both words, with strong influences and family members leading by example for as long as he can remember.

Not only did many of his uncles and cousins serve in the military, but his grandmother also frequently took him to nursing homes to check in and be a friendly face for residents.

“The military was just something that was very embedded into my family,” Melvin said. “But the sense of service was as well.”

He knew early on that he wanted to join the military and ultimately enlisted in the National Guard before graduating from high school.

Melvin eventually deployed to Iraq where he landed alongside his brother and cousin, all serving in the region simultaneously. While the familial support overseas was a gift, he regularly thought about his mother back home in rural Mississippi and how she was doing without her only two children.

22

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

He wanted to find ways to continue on that path.

Melvin registered with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) in 2013. Since then, he’s participated a broad mix of events and programs, including the Carry Forward 5K, Soldier Ride®, Peer Support Group events, WWP Talk, and Project Odyssey®. He found a renewed sense of belonging with fellow warriors, and never turned back.

“It was just like, ‘this is what I needed,’” said Melvin. “I haven’t felt this since I was in the military … they were speaking my language.”

But even after such strong personal involvement in WWP, he found himself still longing to serve others.

Now, Melvin serves as a Peer Support Group leader, and volunteers to share his story through WWP to ensure other warriors know help is available.

These roles empower Melvin to help other veterans persevere through adversity, reach out for help, and take advantage of available resources.

“You continue to fight. The battle was on the battlefield when we were over in Iraq,” he said. “But we brought a battle back with us, and a lot of times we replay those battles when we go to sleep at night. Sometimes they’ll show up with the smell of diesel at the gas pump. It may show up with a loud bang when you don’t know where it came from. But to just still be here, and to tell a brother and a sister that I still have your six.”

Healing Himself, Helping Others He’s continuing his own mental health journey as well. Even through being a resource and a leader for others, Melvin continues to participate in WWP Talk and reach out for help himself.

“Just because I carry it well doesn’t mean that it’s not heavy,” he said.

Now that Melvin is helping lead others in their own healing journeys, he finds it critical to practice what he preaches and ensure he’s always taking care of himself, too.

“Just because you completed a program doesn’t mean that you are finished with your recovery,” Melvin said.

“It’s a road to recovery. It’s an everyday process.”

Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org 904.870.1964 About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

“Recovery requires belonging, and Wounded Warrior Project is making that a reality for veterans.”

— WOUNDED WARRIOR TIM APONTE

FIND CONNECTION AND CAMARADERIE REGISTER TODAY AND JOIN A WWP PEER SUPPORT GROUP FOR: ★ Small, warrior-led support groups ★ Connection with other veterans in your area ★ Support and encouragement from wounded warriors like yourself ★ A safe, judgement-free place to share your experiences with others ★ Virtual and in-person event options ★ Information about free programs and services Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) offers ★ Help in beginning your healing journey A listening ear. A helping hand. A community that champions your success. That’s what you gain when you connect with WWP.

Scan here to register and learn more or visit woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/peer-support © 2023 WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

23

From Homeless to Hopeful: How the Reveille Foundation Transforms the Lives of Veterans Homelessness is a serious and complex issue that affects many veterans in the United States. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, veterans are more likely than civilians to experience homelessness, especially if they have low socioeconomic status, a mental health disorder, and/or a history of substance abuse. In fact, about 45 percent of homeless veterans suffer from any mental illness, and only a quarter of them are seeking treatment.

Many homeless veterans struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and traumatic stress disorders, which can impair their ability to function in daily life and find stable housing. Homelessness and mental health issues can create a vicious cycle that is hard to break without proper support and intervention.

That’s where the Reveille Foundation comes in. The Reveille Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2018 with the mission of helping people on their journey to a better life. The Reveille Foundation works with individuals to understand their needs and goals, and creates a personalized plan for success that brings together the community of resources to execute it. The Reveille Foundation offers a variety of programs and services, such as success coaching, transitional housing, Navajo Nation support, workforce development, and more.

One of the veterans who has benefited from the Reveille Foundation’s services is John Smith (name changed for privacy). John served in the Army for six years and was deployed to Iraq twice. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had difficulty adjusting to civilian life. He lost his job, his family, and his home. He ended up living on the streets, feeling hopeless and alone.

John heard about the Reveille Foundation from a fellow veteran who had attended a Stand Down for Veterans event, where the Reveille Foundation provided case management and follow-up services for almost 2,000 veterans and spouses. John decided to give it a try and contacted the Reveille Foundation.

24

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

He was assigned a success coach who helped him assess his situation and create a plan for success. The success coach connected John with various resources, such as transitional housing, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, job training, and education opportunities. With the help of the Reveille Foundation, John was able to overcome his challenges and achieve his goals. He moved into Reveille’s transitional housing facility where he received support and guidance from other veterans. While there, he enrolled in a vocational program that taught him new skills and prepared him for a career in construction. He also received therapy for his PTSD and learned coping strategies to manage his symptoms. He started to rebuild his relationships with his family and friends. He regained his confidence and self-esteem.

John is now working as a construction manager for a reputable company. He has his own apartment and is saving money for his future. He is happy and grateful for the opportunity that the Reveille Foundation gave him.

He says that the Reveille Foundation changed his life for the better.

John’s story is just one of many examples of how the Reveille Foundation transforms the lives of homeless veterans and other underserved populations. By providing holistic case management, individual plans for success, and community resources, the Reveille Foundation helps people overcome their challenges and achieve their potential.

The Reveille Foundation relies on the generosity and support of donors, volunteers, and partners to continue its mission. You can help by making a donation, following us on social media, or sharing this article with your friends and family. Together, we can answer the call to serve the underserved. To learn more about the Reveille Foundation and its programs, please visit their website at https://reveillefoundation.org

The Call to Serve the Underserved WITH THE RIGHT SERVICES, HOMELESS VETERANS BECOME EMPOWERED PEOPLE. WILL YOU HELP US HOUSE, EDUCATE, COUNSEL, AND HEAL OUR NATION'S MOST AT-RISK VETERANS? The Reveille Foundation relies on donations from individuals like yourself to support our holistic mission to help people find success.

Just as the morning Reveille is a call to service in the military, we are asking you to become a monthly supporter. We are recruiting 0530 sustaining partners who will donate $20 a month. This donation will support the organization and it may also be tax deductible.

OUR PROGRAMS Veterans Service Programs Transitional Housing

Success Coaching

DONATE TODAY

OUR STORY

Helping people on their journey to a better life has been the mission of the Reveille Foundation since 2018. For many who are transitioning into a new community, rebuilding their life, or just want a fresh start can find it extremely difficult. That’s why we created the Reveille Foundation. We work with individuals to understand exactly where they are in all aspects of their life and together, create a plan for success. We then bring the community of resources together to help, provide case management and follow-up regularly with each individual.

OUR VISION

Our Vision creates better, faster pathways to success. We bring hope, aspiration, compassion, guidance and clarity of purpose to individuals no matter where they begin their journey. Through reliable and relatable case management, Reveille works with each person to remove barriers and rise above their unique challenges to realize they themselves hold the power to achieve their fullest potential.

OUR MISSION

The Reveille Foundation supports underserved populations with holistic case management that creates individual plans for success that brings the community of resources together to execute these plans. Housing, training, and employment are critical elements to this success.

Our primary audiences are: Transitioning Military, Veterans & Families Formerly Incarcerated Native Americans

https://reveillefoundation.org/ ReveilleFoundation.org

623.207.7420 WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

25

Navy veterans battling the silent legacy of asbestos exposure

By Cristina Johnson Asbestos exposure remains an ongoing concern for Navy veterans who served on ships built from the 1930s to the early 1980s. Every branch of the U.S. Military used for decades products made with asbestos, but Navy veterans were at an exceptionally high risk of asbestos exposure.

A celebrated building material of the 20th century, asbestos was a staple in shipbuilding due to its exceptional heat resistance and insulating properties.

With WWII’s increasing demand for naval vessels, the need for an all-purpose material emerged, and asbestos fit the bill. It led to Navy veterans working and living close to asbestos-containing items over the years of duty.

Permanent health damages due to asbestos exposure Asbestos releases microscopic particles in the air when disturbed and poses the immediate threat of inhaling or ingesting them. Once in the body, the tiny toxic fibers cause incapacitating conditions in the long term after lodging in the body’s tissues, primarily in the lungs.

Because diseases related to asbestos exposure have decades-long latency periods, Navy veterans exposed to asbestos during duty may only now be experiencing devastating outcomes.

Asbestos diseases are complex and, therefore, often misdiagnosed, as their symptoms are similar to common acute respiratory affections, so veterans should pay extra attention to any change in their health condition.

An exact diagnosis is vital for accessing the best suitable treatment, so asking for a second doctor’s opinion is advisable, and some cases may also require a pulmonary specialist’s evaluation.

26

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Mark H., a former boilerman from the USS Duluth, remembers:“ Everything inside the bilges we scrapped was white and powdery. We didn’t pay attention back then. I had a problem breathing for years and coughed most of the time. And then the doctor told me I had spots on my lungs.”

It’s a common perception that, with aging, diseases inevitably occur, and it’s also the pitfall of many cases when an incapacitating illness could have been detected early. Although asbestos-related conditions have no cure, they are efficiently manageable in their incipient phases. As timely treatment considerably enhances life expectancy, ignoring the symptoms will waste precious time. Thus, scheduling a general wellness check might be the best gift this holiday season.

Dean T., former fireman on the USS Joseph Strauss, remembers: “ We had to cut asbestos insulation off the piping when we secured a small fire. All our clothing was white from the dust that filled the room. I’m sure we were exposed to this dangerous stuff. I have congestion in my chest now and black spots across my lungs. I find it hard to breathe.”

Wintertime aggravates asbestos respiratory diseases like COPD During cold season, respiratory affections tend to exacerbate, so taking measures to prevent virus or other pathogen infections is always a good idea. Those suffering from asbestos-related diseases like asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis may experience sudden flare-ups during this period, further aggravating their already burdening conditions. According to data from the CDC, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increases hospitalization cases each year, and variants of COVID-19

are still a threat. Acting promptly, like in the Navy, and going to the doctor as soon as possible may ensure a safe holiday. Moreover, asbestos is a scientifically proven carcinogen, so veterans who think they might have been exposed should request periodic health check-ups that can detect malignant conditions in their early stages.

Navy veterans faced many challenges during their service, but learning about the link between their diseases and military service can be overwhelming.

Besides the physical challenges, there’s an emotional toll often underestimated and overlooked. It is why many find themselves feeling unsupported and isolated, an emotional burden that can exacerbate their health issues. Situations like these call for reflexes deeply ingrained during their time in the Navy, and veterans should take proactive steps to protect their health.

Honoring the contribution and dedication of our Navy veterans As we’re about to celebrate the winter holidays, it is crucial to acknowledge and support Navy veterans facing the grave consequences of asbestos exposure. Raising awareness is an undeniable part of our responsibility to protect the health and wellfare of those who served the country. By shedding light on the hazards of asbestos exposure and the importance of regular health checkups, we can empower veterans to take matters in hand and manage their well-being. Assisting them along the way is our way of ensuring that those who served at sea receive the care and support they rightly deserve.

& Organizations Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, Homeland Magazine believes no veteran should have to go it alone.

At Homeland Magazine you can find Veteran organizations and private nonprofits with resources for veterans that can help ease the process of attaining earned benefits, coping with the lasting effects of service-connected injuries and finding programs and services that meet your specific needs.

About the author: Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process. For more information, please visit our page. www.asbestos-ships.com

National Veteran Resources & Organizations available at:

www.HomelandMagazine.com

Homeland Magazine

A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

27

Dr. Shannon Baird, Mental Strength Coach for 1st Special Forces Group (1SFG) and PR & Outreach Division Head for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

Q&A: What is your professional background?

I started out thinking I was going to be a researcher.

I earned my Ph.D. at the University of Iowa in sport psychology. Before that, I completed my M.Ed. in developmental kinesiology and B.S. in kinesiology from Bowling Green State University, where I also competed as a DI athlete.I have always been interested in understanding how our identities are shaped by cultures, subcultures and shared lived experiences. I began my career as a lecturer and applied practitioner, working with various sports teams, athletes and performers. I fell in love with this application portion of being a sport psychology consultant. I did a presentation at a conference about aggression and identity and was approached by a recruiter for a job to teach mental skills to soldiers. I immediately responded, “Absolutely!” My mom is retired Air Force, and I grew up overseas on a military installation, so I felt a personal connection to the job. In 2011, I took a job working with the Army. In 2018, I made the jump to special operations, where I am today.

What do you do as a CMPC mental strength coach?

Often, there is a misunderstanding of the continuum of mental health in thinking that mental health is just about the absence of illness or behavioral health issues. Mental health is a spectrum. I work with the population of active duty service members and reservists to enhance their well-being and performance outcomes. My work focuses specifically on the enhancement side of that spectrum. I seek to help people thrive in life, not just survive.

What do you do specifically to help this population thrive in life?

It depends on the individual and whether I’m doing individual or group sessions. So, I start by asking questions like: What is the actual performance that you’re trying to enhance? What is it that you’re looking to get better at?

28

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

For example, if an individual is looking to be more motivated at work, then we’ll talk about what has led to the erosion of some of that motivation. Then, from my knowledge of sport psychology, I look for ways to help this individual enhance motivation. We might work on goal setting or identifying someone’s “big enough why.”

The big enough why is an individual’s reason for doing what they are doing. If the individual doesn’t have a clear idea or perspective of the answer to the question, “Why am I doing this,” it can be difficult to stay motivated through the grind. In this case, I may begin with simple techniques to excavate the values, identities, or beliefs that make the grind “worth it.” We will probably do some psychoeducation on what this individual wants to achieve and why and then contrast that with barriers that may stand in their way. From there, we will explore specific tools they can use daily to help them set the conditions for their own success.

What topics do you generally cover?

The topics we typically cover are vast. Regardless of the topic, I think it all boils down to enhancing selfawareness and self-regulation. We’re trying to influence those two things with all service members–get to know yourself and your internal environment. Then, realize that your thoughts are not who you are. You don’t have to follow every thought you have, and we can make strides to enhance performance and well-being by priming your internal environment to work for you rather than against you.

No one tells you how to operate the brain–there’s no operator’s manual. I educate individuals on how their brain functions, its limitations, and how to navigate those limitations to excel in performance or life in general.

How can a service member get in touch with a CMPC mental strength coach like yourself?

For the population I work with, it’s very easy because I’m located in the gym. They’re able to just pop upstairs and chat with me. For most Special Operations, CMPCs are embedded assets that are easy to access. With the regular Army, there are some specific avenues that service members can look into, which are primarily through the Army Resilience Directorate (ARD). ARD has different performance training centers scattered throughout the U.S. and some military installations abroad.

An individual can look online or on Facebook to find a local ARD and be able to find local resources. Getting in touch with them can be as simple as emailing a local Performance Expert who works at a training center. The Army is also pushing a new Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) initiative. Through H2F, each brigade will be

assigned a cognitive performance specialist (CPS) who will sit at the brigade level to help service members access the services of a mental strength coach.

Earlier, we discussed the importance of having a big “why” to motivate you. What is your why?

My “why” is to change the world, one service member at a time.

About Association for Applied Sport Psychology (www.appliedsportpsych.org) The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) is the premier association working to ensure every performer has the resources to strengthen their inner edge through the advancement and application of excellence in mental performance and mental health.

To do that, AASP cultivates an inclusive field of Certified Mental Performance Consultants® (CMPCs), licensed mental health professionals, educators, and researchers.

Founded in 1985, AASP currently has over 2,800 members worldwide, supporting people at every age and level across the performance spectrum – including sport, exercise, tactical, business, and performing arts populations – and elevating their ability to perform and thrive.

Follow AASP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

29

Real Talk: Mental Health

By Kelly Williams, LMFT The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Saying Goodbye to 2023: Make Your List …and Check it Twice!

that you want to rid yourself of or a trying time that you need to let go of. b. Play through your music list from the year (Spotify, for example, will share your most played music) and dance it out.

3. Write a goodbye letter: a. Goodbye to the “2023 you.” Check out our November “Letter to Self” column as an example. This process can be a humbling and reflective way to say goodbye to an older version of yourself. b. Goodbye to relationships that no longer serve you.

Writing out the way a relationship has caused you stress or harm and why you need to say goodbye can help organize thoughts and give yourself permission to move on from the situation.

2024 We often think of welcoming the new year by setting new goals or expectations to make changes in our lives.

We can welcome changes by saying “goodbye” to some things in our life, as well. It is a common tradition to start spring cleaning in April. However, maybe we could stand to do a different type of cleaning this December.

We have created a list of seven ways to say goodbye to the past year as we welcome our 2024: 1. Set a timer for 20 minutes, and… a. Journal or voice record things that you are holding on to that happened this year. Complete this activity 2-3x to ensure that you have created an exhaustive list that is truly representative of your year. b. Look through old emails and texts that no longer serve you and delete!

i. You don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to the person, but goodbye to your attachments to the interactions with them that caused you pain. c. Goodbye to loved ones lost with one more conversation. I am sending you my dearest condolences for the loved one that died. If you have ever hoped that you could have one more chance to talk to them before they passed, why not give yourself that chance now?

Write a letter to them, with everything you miss saying in person or what you wish you had said more. Cleanse yourself of the weight of the “should-of’s could-of’s” 4. De-clutter: a. Literally say goodbye to and purge all of the objects, clothes, and accessories that you haven’t used all year. b. This is a great season to donate coats that no longer fit. c. Give away gently used toys or gift worthy items so that someone else can give to someone they love.

2. Shake it off:

5. Say goodbye to practices that you have forced yourself to do that you have maintained by habit versus interest:

a. Actually, wipe your body off like you are wiping sand off of your clothes. The symbolic nature of clearing your body can help relieve tension from a bad interaction

a. Instead of going to five different houses on each holiday, pick one place that really makes you feel special or that brings the most joy.

30

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

b. Traditions: Do you know why you are doing the things that you are doing? If not research and learn about their origins, then decide to keep or to say goodbye.

6. Goodbye art projects: a. Scrapbook of the year: add invitations, holiday cards, kid’s school projects, movie and/or concert ticket stubs that you enjoyed. b. Create photo collages of your favorite memories from the year or the times that you showed the greatest strength. i. Digitally or printing c. Plant an annual flower or tree in remembrance of someone that you have lost. Every year that it blooms, it will be a thoughtful reminder of their life. You can include friends and loved ones in the process to say kind words or share stories while you plant it.

7. Transitional object. Saying goodbye to children returning to college, or loved ones moving to other states, or coworkers or friends that you miss after a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)? Create a transitional object that you can trade back and forth and use as a placeholder for one another when you are apart: a. A picture frame with your favorite memory shared with the person or from this holiday to take back with

them to their home, or your favorite book for them to experience. b. Say goodbye and hide a toy or nick knack in their luggage for them to find when they go home, then they can return the favor when you visit the following year, or they return. i. This can be the start of a new tradition for whenever you see one another. c. Say goodbye to an object of significance in your life and mail it to them for safe keeping. They will think of you when they see it, and maybe they will return the favor with something to remind you of them.

Cohen Veterans Network’s Tools for Stress and Worry is also a handy resource as you leave 2023 and enter the new year. This free, self-paced course was specifically created for military family members to help manage stress and worry through a series of brief and flexible educational modules. It provides research-based strategies, tools, and techniques to help manage stress and worry. The course was designed by mental health experts with input from military family members themselves.

For more information, visit cohenveteransnetwork.org/tools-for-stress-and-worry

our

Therapy for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, including National Guard / Reserves.

CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.

LEARN MORE vvsd.net/cohenclinics

CALIFORNIA locations

San Diego 8885 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 301 Oceanside 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd.

Suite 120 Los Angeles 20800 Madrona Avenue, Suite C-100, Torrance, CA

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

31

PTSD: Reclaiming Control By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert

Navigating PTSD Treatment: A Guide to Effective Therapies As the next step in this series, we are starting a tour of available treatments for PTSD. First, we’ll begin with individual psychotherapy, which is often termed talk therapy or counseling. Traditionally done face-to-face in an office setting, therapy is now widely available by telemedicine as well. This new option widens choices for consumers, especially for individuals who do not live in major urban areas. Since distance and travel are not obstacles with ‘tele’, prospective patients may be able to find clinicians with specialty training in treating PTSD. Notably, the Veterans Affairs (VA) has pioneered in offering these options, demonstrating a commitment to (Part 2 of 2) accessible mental health care for veterans.

When exploring PTSD treatment options, it’s important to understand what to do as well as what to look out for.

A first piece of advice, learn about the background and training of a prospective therapist before you begin.

32

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Don’t be shy about seeking information or asking questions. The therapist’s website or a phone call can be sources of information. This is important to determine if the therapist has specialized training in treating PTSD. For veterans using the VA, chances are good their personnel specialize in service-related PTSD, but it’s still important to ask. Many civilian therapists offer ‘generic’ talk therapy without substantial experience or training with trauma or PTSD. Others may push to dive into memories of traumatic events without sufficient preparation or establishment of a trusting relationship.

We’ve learned that feeling pushed into retrieving traumatic memories or reminders and expressing the resulting emotions can be overwhelming and traumatizing. Remember, a well-matched therapist is key to a successful recovery, so take the time to make an informed choice. With time and repetition,

The first approach (generic) may help some live with or adjust to their symptoms but is unlikely to resolve symptoms and distress.

The second approach (cathartic) can make symptoms worse or lead to a quick drop out from therapy.

Unfortunately, a first unsuccessful therapy can be demoralizing and discouraging and make it hard to have faith or confidence that therapy can help. With PTSD, this unfortunate experience can leave individuals believing they must just live with their symptoms or give in to even more of the avoidance behaviors that we’ve previously discussed. It’s vital to remember that these challenges highlight the need for a tailored approach to therapy, one that carefully considers the individual’s unique experiences and needs.

The two therapies that have the most evidence for effectiveness with PTSD are Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

PE helps users address trauma-related memories and triggers by gradually and repeatedly recalling and describing traumatic details, starting with more manageable reminders before the most intense reminders are addressed. With time and repetition,

the traumatic memories are ‘detoxified’ so they no longer overwhelm thinking and feeling. In CPT, patients are guided to evaluate their thought processes and beliefs that have been provoked by trauma and to use critical thinking and perspective to develop better psychological strategies for managing their traumatic experiences. In our next series, we’ll look at the benefits and limitations of these therapies and then introduce other treatment options.

Cuyler is chief clinical officer of Freespira, an FDA-cleared non-medication treatment that helps people with panic and PTSD manage their symptoms by learning how to regulate their breathing. - www.freespira.com

www.freespira.com/veterans info@mobiusmobility.com

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

33

Navy Federal Presents the Best Careers After Service List Best Careers After Service in 2023

By Navy Federal Credit Union

With Hire Heroes USA® and Sperling’s Best Places, we identified the top careers for servicemembers after transitioning to civilian life, including industries with characteristics that are most sought after by Veterans.

Every year, more than 200,000 military members transition out of the service. The degree of change can range from relocation to financial shifts and everything in between. To ease these shifts and support our Veteran community, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 careers after service. In partnership with Hire Heroes USA and Sperling’s Best Places, here’s how things shaped up in 2023.

Working with our partners, we surveyed 1,059 Veterans who are employed full-time or part-time, self-employed, working as independent contractors or actively seeking work. We asked them about the characteristics they most value in a job, which we matched with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The results? The industries with the most overlap rose to the top.

“Over the last few years, the career drivers for Veterans have shifted as they place an increased emphasis on personal satisfaction and happiness at work,” said Clay Stackhouse, a retired Marine Corps colonel and regional outreach manager at Navy Federal Credit Union. We’re also seeing that serving a purpose and work-life balance weigh nearly the same as good compensation when Veterans are asked about what makes an ideal, meaningful job for them. Through this research and partnership with Hire Heroes USA, we’re able to offer transitioning servicemembers and Veterans a highly valuable resource to further help them with career changes once they leavethe military.”

We also asked Veterans about how prepared they felt for the transition to civilian life, particularly around financial guidance. Most felt they received sufficient financial information to support their transition, though acknowledged that some gaps existed. They shared they’d have liked to have more details around investing, retirement savings, credit scores and budgeting.

34

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

“SERVICE IN THE MILITARY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A JOB; IT’S AN ALL ENCOMPASSING MISSION, WITH EACH TEAM MEMBER ALIGNED TO A COMMON PURPOSE. TRANSITION FROM THAT MILITARY CULTURE TO CIVILIAN LIFE IS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE, WHICH IS WHY IT’S INSPIRING TO SEE VETERANS SEEKING OUT AND OBTAINING PURPOSEFUL WORK THAT USES THEIR INDIVIDUAL SKILLS,” SAID ROSS DICKMAN, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT HIRE HEROES USA. Ross also added “our partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s Best Places provides amazing insights into what Veterans value in their post-military careers. We’re dedicated to providing Veterans and military spouses the resources and support they need to find meaningful work after the military.”

Top 10 Careers 1. Business and Financial Operations. Veterans value jobs with easily transferable skills and opportunities for career advancement. Careers in business and financial operations often have a higher likelihood of special programs for Veterans and military personnel.

In fact, 58% of Veterans say military training helped them transition into a career in business and financial operations, and 66% believe they have a path for career advancement. Additionally, 73% noted that they make enough money to comfortably contribute to their savings account(s) each month.

2. Community and Social Service. A career dedicated to service is something Veterans understand well. This is partially why so many transitioning servicemembers seek out jobs in the community and social service industry. More than half (60%) of Veterans say they enjoy their roles because of the opportunity to positively contribute to the greater good. While some of these jobs require licensing and certifications, many Veterans appreciate that they’re less likely to need previous experience in the field to find a fulfilling job.

3. Management. The military is the ultimate team environment, so it’s only natural that Veterans gravitate towards teamwork-focused roles. Nearly two thirds (62%) say a team-oriented environment is a key characteristic of their ideal job, and many find management roles to fulfill that requirement.

Veterans also appreciate the meaningful work (72%), opportunities for advancement (71%), and ability to save money each month (69%) with their salary.

4. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical. Doing important, meaningful work is an integral part of military service. Many Veterans find rewarding careers in healthcare after their transition, such as nurses, nurse practitioners, therapists, physicians and dentists. Nearly three quarters (73%) of Veterans say their healthcare job is meaningful, and 66% say their role involves directly helping people. Additionally, servicemembers value the job security the healthcare industry provides, with 75% noting their time in the military led to a stable career in healthcare. Of note, healthcare roles are more likely to be a choice for female Veterans.

5. Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of Veterans are passionate about their career in this industry, and 40% say the ideal role involves creative or strategic opportunities. Almost two thirds (63%) value the flexible schedule many jobs in the field can provide, too. Examples of the most popular roles for Veterans in these fields include designers, public relations specialists, athletes and coaches, and broadcast, sound and lighting technicians, among others.

6. Architecture and Engineering. Careers in architecture and engineering are sought-after by Veterans because of the opportunities for advancement and comfortable salary. 42% of Veterans also feel the ideal job in this field involves working for a mission-driven organization. Nearly two thirds (62%) of Veterans working in architecture and engineering are able to save money each month, while nearly the same percentage (60%) say they have opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

The leading industries include professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, federal, state and local government, and construction.

7. Computer and Mathematical. With the military’s sizable investments in STEM education, it’s understandable that many Veterans find rewarding careers in mathematics and working with computers.

More than two thirds (67%) said their military training was valued by their employers in this field, further emphasizing the easily transferable skills between the military and jobs in this industry.

8. Office and Administrative Support. For transitioning servicemembers looking to put down permanent roots in one location, office and administrative jobs are a highly sought-after option. Of the top 10 industries, this field is among the likeliest to involve a consistent work location.

Veterans clearly appreciate this, as more than two thirds (67%) say they plan to keep their office and administrative support job until they retire.

9. Educational Instruction and Library Occupations.

Education and library roles are sought out by Veterans because of the opportunities to continue serving their community. Specifically, Veterans appreciate the meaningful work (75%), opportunities to help people (65%) and ability to contribute to the greater good (63%) that careers in this industry provide.

10. Legal. For Veterans who prize job security and the ability to leverage their military experience, roles in the legal industry are a top choice. The overwhelming majority (90%) of Veterans in this field say their military service helped them find a stable career. Veterans also value the meaningful work (79%) and the opportunities to help people (70%) that the legal profession provides. 47% also identify a self-governed work environment as a key element of an ideal job in the legal field.

The survey results show that the ideal job has changed for Veterans over the past 3 to 4 years. Veterans express an increased desire for a flexible work environment and an interest in changing career fields. They also express an increased desire to find personal satisfaction and happiness at work.

Hire Heroes USA www.hireheroesusa.org

Navy Federal www.navyfederal.org

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

35

University of San Diego: A Better Way to Your MBA USD’s MBA is more flexible than ever — and tuition is fully covered for most military-connected students.

For both active duty service members and those transitioning out of the military, an MBA degree can be a powerful next step. The right program can help you take the skills you’ve already developed — discipline, teamwork and problem-solving — and add the business acumen required to make you a confident business leader. While a traditional MBA program can seem out of reach for a variety of reasons, the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business offers a newly revamped Flex MBA program that’s perfect for active duty service members and veterans.

Tuition Fully Covered for Most Military-Connected Students For veterans considering an MBA, one major factor is being able to afford a highly ranked program. To address this, the University of San Diego took steps this year to ensure tuition is fully covered for most militaryconnected students. As a 100% Yellow Ribbon School, USD contributes funds towards tuition that the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill doesn’t cover.

“This additional investment in the Yellow Ribbon Program deepens our commitment to our active-duty

36

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

military, veterans and other military-connected students,” says Charlotte Johnson, JD, vice president for student affairs at USD. “The University of San Diego honors the sacrifice of these students and their families and I am so pleased we are able to support their education in this way.”

Ideal MBA Format for Military Members and Veterans The time commitment to pursue an MBA can seem daunting for active duty or post-military members, especially for those who have families, don’t live near a reputable university, or aren’t able to make school a fulltime commitment. And while fully online MBA programs are available, they often can’t offer the same in-depth experience that an in-person program offers.

The Flex MBA at USD’s Knauss School of Business offers the best of both worlds. It is a part-time program with outstanding faculty that only requires students to come to campus in San Diego one weekend per month. The remaining coursework takes place online. The program begins spring semester and takes just 20-24 months to complete.

Being deployed or required to change duty stations in the middle of a semester is another common fear for active duty service members. USD’s Flex MBA offers practical accommodations for this situation, providing an option to finish classes fully online if the need arises.

Military-Friendly Campus As a military-friendly campus, USD offers the supportive environment and resources that military-connected students need to succeed personally and academically.

Currently, there are over 800 military-connected students studying at USD including active-duty, veterans, spouses, dependents and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) members. (Plus, USD has served as headquarters for the San Diego NROTC program since 1982!)

www.sandiego.edu/flexmba

Along with meeting like-minded peers at USD, veterans can find dedicated resources and military student support at the university’s Military and Veterans Program. The center serves as a welcoming space for students to study, mingle with peers or get some R&R between classes. In addition, those enrolled in the Flex MBA program at the Knauss School of Business are assigned a student professional development manager who will offer industry-specific career guidance and networking insights to find your perfect next step after graduation.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

37

Employment Focused Workshops to Help You Reach Your Goals Author: Tim Winter, Director, Transition Assistance Program, Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Perhaps you’re trudging back and forth to the same office or signing on for a day of work in a job that shows no sign of changing or improving: the long hours, the ongoing meetings, the lack of fulfillment.

The job itself is mind-numbing; your talents forgotten and the potential you had in abundance when you first transitioned out of the military feels like it has been sucked out of you.

If you’re reading this and thinking, yeah, that is me, then the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS) has just the thing for you.

DOL VETS has a new pilot program to help veterans, veterans currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses to take control of their careers.

The Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) pilot program consists of ten two-hour workshops designed to help you to prepare to meet your employment goals.

These no-cost workshops, both in-person and virtual offerings, will fit any schedule and can give you an advantage over your civilian counterparts.

The Workshops Your Next Move: Your Next Move is designed to help anyone unsure of what they want to do next with their career. This workshop explores interest profiling, skills matching and general labor market information.

It is designed to introduce the basic tools needed for career exploration and identification of high-demand occupations.

38

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Marketing Yourself and Other Job Search Tactics: Marketing Yourself and Other Job Search Tactics explains how essential it is to present skills, knowledge and abilities that meet the employer’s needs. This workshop provides proven tactics to help job seekers get noticed and hired.

Understanding Resume Essentials: Understanding Resume Essentials explains the importance of a wellstructured resume that highlights relevant skills and experience to potential employers. This workshop covers the elements of a resume and provides job seekers with techniques to create an effective document that employers will notice.

Creating Your Resume – Writing Workshop: Creating Your Resume – Writing Workshop builds on the Understanding Resume Essentials. During this workshop attendees will have time to craft an initial resume or revise a current one.

Interview Skills (virtual only): Interview Skills aims to provide attendees with the tools and confidence they need to ace a job interview. Learning how to prepare for an interview and practice answering questions will give attendees an advantage in landing a job. During this workshop, interview basics, potential questions and interview techniques are presented.

Federal Hiring (virtual only): Federal Hiring covers the basics of gaining federal employment. Veterans have a distinct advantage when applying for federal positions with veterans’ preference.

During this workshop, the basics of civil service, USAJobs, special hiring authorities and other resources for attendees’ federal job search are discussed.

LinkedIn Profiles (virtual only): This workshop walks attendees through how to create a compelling LinkedIn profile that can be used to build a professional brand and highlight experience.

LinkedIn Job Search (virtual only): This workshop explains how to proactively use LinkedIn for job searches and pulls back the curtain to show how recruiters use LinkedIn to find potential employees, which you can use in your employment opportunities.

Salary Negotiations (virtual only): Salary Negotiations explores the tools and techniques to handle salary negotiations. This workshop is designed to take the mystery out of salary negotiation and walks attendees through how to conduct salary research to position yourself effectively during negotiation.

Employment Rights (virtual only): Employment Rights cover basic employment protections as well as those protections specific to veterans. It provides essential information on the American Disabilities Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Information on reasonable accommodations and selfadvocacy will also be presented.

Thinking about changing careers? It’s time to find your passion and make that your priority.

OBTT will help you reach your employment and career goals. You served, you earned it; find your next victory with OBTT. Explore and register for OBTT in-person or virtual workshops online at: www.dol.gov/obttworkshops

www.dol.gov/obttworkshops WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

39

HUMAN RESOURCES Transition to Business

By Paul Falcone www.PaulFalconeHR.com

The First-Time Manager in the Private Sector After writing for San Diego Veterans and Homeland Magazines for the past three years, it’s time for me to say thank you to all of you, our heroes—active military and veterans alike—as I exit my role of columnist and regular contributor to these outstanding journals. Developing content for this—my last article—was no easy task.

Like my previous articles, I hope this one’s a “keeper”— something you can hold onto for ongoing career guidance and wisdom as you embark on your transition into the private sector. In this case, I thought about what I write most about: management and leadership—since many of you will likely pursue those roles as first-time supervisors, operational executives, and business owners.

It’s different than the top-down, command and control communication philosophy, which is critical to a functioning military environment. It’s much more about influencing, engaging, and motivating others to follow you because they want to—not because they have to. And I write often about the concept of selfless leadership, which emphasizes putting others’ needs ahead of your own and expecting them to respond in kind. Put differently, what you want for yourself, give to another. Likewise, pay things forward by becoming someone’s favorite boss and mentor and helping them build self-confidence in mastering their jobs, roles, and trades. In short, it comes down to what I called the “Big Three Principles of Effective Management: Leadership, Communication, and Teambuilding” in my 2022 book “New Managers.” Let’s explore some of those highlights together.

• Leadership When you ask people to describe the best boss (or commanding officer) they’ve ever had, you’ll typically hear examples like, “He challenged me to do things I didn’t think I was ready for; he seemed to have more faith in me than I had in myself at the time” or “She 40

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

always made me feel welcome and included and like my opinion mattered. And she always had my back and made me feel confident about what I was doing.” The aha moment occurs when you realize that this is a function of that individual’s beingness, not their doingness. In other words, both are important, but who you are trumps what you do at any given time.

And in that, our society has it all wrong. We’re constantly trying to do, do, do when in reality, we simply need to be a certain way to become an outstanding leader. It’s from who you are that you do certain things, not vice versa. As Maya Angelou, the famous American poet, once put it, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

• Communication Your communication style feeds your leadership brand and reputation. Are you a good listener? In other words, do you listen with your eyes and heart in addition to your ears? Do you make people feel like they’re the only person in the room when you’re meeting with them one on one? Do you count to two before you respond to someone so that they can finish their thought without interruption?

Likewise, when you provide constructive feedback, do you do so in a way that’s in the other person’s best interests? As the saying goes, praise in public but censure in private. Recognition is the psychic income that’s free to give and helps people thrive. Nothing builds self confidence like public praise. Give it generously. And when you need to censure privately, help subordinates see the greater good in heeding your advice and incorporating your wisdom.

• Teambuilding The strongest leaders are known for their abilities to grow and develop strong teams. Little is more valuable to a company than someone who excels at “turnaround leadership,” meaning they can be injected into even the most toxic work environments and turn around team performance and build trust. How do you get there? First, by practicing “values-based leadership.”

Take time to explain to your team what your top three, five, or ten core values are. For example, “Always have one another’s backs; Always bring out the best in everyone you come into contact with and help them build their self-confidence level; Model the behaviors you wish to see in others and hold yourself accountable to the highest standards for both your performance and conduct.” Such are the beginnings of very strong interpersonal relationships.

Finally, keep things simple, inject laughter and humor into your workplace culture to the degree possible, and remember that life is for giving, not for getting.

Leadership is the greatest gift the workplace offers because it allows you to touch others’ lives and careers like nothing else. That’s why you work.

And that’s why you lead.

Thank you all for your service, and I hope my column has contributed to your career transition success in some small way.

Happy Holidays and all my best, Paul Paul’s newest book, “Leading Through Crisis,” was released in September.

Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a management trainer, executive coach, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.

www.HarperCollinsLeadership.com

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

41

WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

5 GIFTS For YOU this Holiday Season Transitioning is difficult no matter what season it is. In the spirit of the holidays, it’s easy to focus on giving gifts to others. Embracing the joy of giving to others is part of the spirit, however it’s easy to forget the simple, yet important GIFTS you can give to yourself.

Gift 1: A Great resume We know what you’re thinking. “How can I create a relevant resume when I have no corporate experience?”

Your military experience IS a gift and is extremely relevant! You have transferable skills and your experience can clearly show that you’re a team player, disciplined, and learn quickly. These are skills that aren’t “teachable” and are invaluable to employers.

Starting a resume from scratch can be overwhelming.

Luckily there are plenty of free resources to help, including Hiring Our Heroes, Vets Beyond the Uniform and Resumes4Vets.org.

Gift 2: Interview practice Interview questions can be overwhelming. It’s hard to be relatable and succinct off the cuff. It’s easy to ramble and forget the purpose of the question. Interviewers can quickly lose confidence if they don’t get a clear answer.

Following the STAR method will keep you on track. STAR is an acronym for “Situation, Task, Action, Result.”

Here’s how it works: Open with a brief situation of the environment you’re about to explain. Next, state the task you needed to accomplish. Then, the specific action you took to accomplish this task. Finally, state the result in a way that shows a quantitative or qualitative measurement of your accomplishment.

This may seem contrived, but it’s a great way to keep your answers succinct and relevant so the interviewer follows your story and hears your “result” as the last, memorable part of your answer.

For each likely interview question, have a few STARformatted examples ready that relate back.

42

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Keep practicing out loud, recording yourself, or with a friend. The more you confidently relay your experiences succinctly, the more prepared you’ll feel.

Gift 3: Forming a Network Transition can feel isolating after losing your built-in military network. Small steps create connections; join one group or befriend one person. There are over 45,000 nonprofits in the U.S. that provide services to Veterans. Not sure where to start? Find a local Veteran group on Facebook or LinkedIn. Join it. Message someone. You’ll be surprised how fast that network expands.

Almost any college or educational program has a Student Veterans Organization. Most Employers have something similar called an Employee Resource Group for Veterans to help attract and retain Veteran employees. Just being around others with a similar background will help you feel in your element. Talk to others, hear their experiences, ask questions.

Gift 4: Take a course or free online class The gift of learning new skills is enlightening! When you’re thinking about your next opportunity or career move, it can be demotivating to see required skills that you don’t already have. But, there are many ways to expand your skill set on your own.

Learning something new will help you show how you’re proactively staying current on new trends or technologies.

Maybe you’re not sure what you are interested in, and that’s OK. Try something and see! Vets Beyond the Uniform offers 200 free online courses to veterans at www.Vetsbeyondtheuniform.com Gift 5: Strengths Assessment According to the Veterans’ Employment Challenges study, 69% of veterans indicated finding a job the greatest challenge they face during transition. This stems from thinking that military skills don’t translate to the strengths needed for the job. That’s not the case.

First, the skills you acquired in the service are invaluable. The skills most often cited by veterans include a strong work ethic, discipline, teamwork, leadership, management, mental toughness, and adaptation to challenges. These are often the most important qualities an employer is looking for and can be the most difficult to find in a candidate.

Now, think about your own experience. Think about the positions you held in the military and what you achieved. Write those achievements down.

Let’s say you had a military logistics background.

You have hands-on experience moving troops and thousands of pounds of supplies to different locations.

That’s honorable in and of itself, but also extremely relatable to say, a supply chain role at a corporation.

If you’re struggling to identify what exactly your strengths are, there are many free online tools to help you. The DISC assessment is a free online personality indicator widely used by corporations to improve management, communication and productivity. DiSC is an acronym that stands for the four main personality profiles: (D)ominance, (i)nfluence, (S)teadiness and (C)onscientiousness. Just taking a few minutes on your own to discover your personality profile can help you better assess your strengths and self-awareness.

Happy Holidays!

Sometimes just taking the first step towards gifting yourself with starting something new is the hardest part of the process. We hope these ideas and resources help make that first step a little easier.

Jim Gruny

www.bandofhands.com

Need help with your transition? Have questions?

Link up with Eve on Linked In today. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

www.bandofhands.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

43

Successful Transitioning Stories

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

Kelli Mumphrey My favorite thing about interviewing veterans who have transitioned out of the military is their incredible ability to be innovative as they look to solve problems and by doing this they create businesses that continue to make change. And Kelly Mumphrey is one of those women veterans, solving problems making change, and giving back.

get our housing stipend and update our education.

I would advise anyone in that situation to take advantage of your GI Bill. That brought us some stability while we figured out the next steps. Just enrolling in school part time allowed me to get a job with the FDIC. How did your entrepreneurial idea come to fruition?

I then had my second child and I realized as I was working for the federal government, they didn’t have a designated place to breast feed at work and I needed my job, I was too embarrassed to ask for any accommodations, I would do this in my office. It was loud, the walls were thin, and it was embarrassing. I did what I had to do, and I was still in the reserves on the weekend while still going to school. Everything I was doing, there was no accommodation for me as a mother who was trying to work and breast feed. To add to that we didn’t have a lot of money and so we were trying to go to free things with the kids like the park, and other fun places and that was even more complicated trying to breastfeed. Then I had this thought, we need a solution for moms at work or even out and about, so I realized I needed to create a space for women, and this is how Milkspace came to life.

Kelli Mumphrey was active duty from 2010-2014. When I asked Kelli about what motivated her to join the military she stated. “I had my degree before I joined the Navy.

But I needed something to stabilize me, so I enlisted.”

While in the military I had my first baby, and I was told I would have to deploy and that is when I realized I didn’t want to be away from my 1-year-old. I did not re-enlist and joined the reserves in 2014-2018. But this transition proved to be tougher than we anticipated as my husband who was in the Navy as well, he had a job offer and we moved to this location and then they rescinded his job offer because he didn’t have the degrees they wanted, which was shocking to us since they offered him the job knowing his degrees. We had no jobs, technically homeless sleeping on couches. Then I found out I was pregnant with our second child. In that moment we realized we needed to take action, and we pulled from our military experience the skills to get this situation fixed. We both decided to get back to school so we could 44

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

How did you come up with the capital and means to create this business?

I started out with just a tent and then COVID hit and really slowed down my idea, as there were no events going on, so I was forced to pivot. I also wanted to be a service to the black community and black mothers and COVID was impacting everyone but even more in the black communities so I created on the go breastfeeding kits that even had testing strips so women could test their milk and make sure it was still good. Unfortunately, it didn’t take off like I hoped, but that is the process as an entrepreneur, you pivot and keep pivoting till something sticks. But I kept at it and kept building.

Because as we know, transition means being adaptive and that is what I did to keep my business open and making an impact. Once we came out of COVID in 2021, I was contemplating, should I keep doing this? Then I saw there was a business entrepreneur pitch competition.

With only $60 to if you won, I thought, why not. So, I entered and won! I thought ok, I’ll start pitching more and go after capital. I then participated in another accelerated program Impact Ventors, that helped me fine tune my business and business goals and I learned a lot. It really helped me learn that I needed to do a lot of work on my business, and this program was transformative to my business. I received a grant from their program, and I did a second competition and pitched and won $23,000. This then allowed me to get my first trailer to really launch the mobile MilkSpace.

I still have lots of room to grow and I am on a mission to help women and women in the black community in need. I learned that I must continue to be adaptive, flexible and use what I learned in the military to help me keep going, keep building and also adapt to life’s constant changes.

I would encourage all veterans, do your research, educate yourself, be adaptable, and be willing to know that transition takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight but stick with it, as it will be rewarding.

www.HomelandMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce?

Finding a job in the civilian world may seem easy at first. After all, you have learned skills, practiced leadership and demonstrated initiative that will make you successful wherever you go.

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult.

In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

Veterans In Transition is dedicated to you and to helping you succeed in your transition.

To get in touch with Kelli info@milkspace.com Check out her website on all she is doing https://www.milkspace.co To learn more about our transition programs and professional development at Synergy Learning Institute https://synergylearninginstitute.org/

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transitioning to business, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners and more visit Veterans In Transition at www.tinyurl.com/Veterans-In-Transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

45

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Accelerate Your Success

Here it is, the end of another year. I hope you’ve had a good one and didn’t fall prey to the relentless focus on what is going “wrong” in the economy. But instead created new intentions and possibilities and went past self-imposed limitations. I really want to offer you the push you need to realize more of your potential and that of your business in 2024. One reason I get so excited this time of year is because I always feel a sense of unlimited possibilities as the New Year approaches.

Research has proven over and over that the more you consciously acknowledge your achievements, accomplishments, victories and completions the more of a foundation you have for ongoing success. Too often we go straight from the finish line to the starting line without pausing to acknowledge what actually happened and what we learned from it.

Yes it is a busy time, working to finish the year on top with the goals you set, while enjoying all the holiday celebrations. This is your time to stop and reflect because it is so easy to under appreciate the things that have been accomplished.

If you only remember the mistakes and failures, you will not be ready to take on the risks that will lead to ongoing success. To begin the year with an anticipation of growth and success you need to build your self-esteem based on all the ways you succeeded.

Achievement in any area of life requires commitment and consistency, and perhaps as a business owner, it requires it even more. You have a dreams, but may not have realized what was necessary to live them.

46

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

You may not have realized how much on-going learning it takes. Both work and learning take patience while consistently going beyond your limits.

One of the best sources of encouragement is to record your achievements. Reviewing them as you plan each month helps to maintain a higher level of motivation and an ever-increasing keenness for achievement.

Consider all areas of your life, they add to your belief in your potential and your motivation to achieve even more.

Build yourself-esteem by recalling ALL the ways you have succeeded, and your brain will be filled with images of you making your achievements happen again and again. When you face a new challenge or set your 2024 goals, review your list, it will begin to tell your brain that you are an ACHIEVER – that you can take the next steps. Remember it is not just the big things that help you grow, write down all your successes. These are the foundation elements that help you see what is possible Then surround yourself with reminders of your success. Put up pictures, articles, trophies, awards, and other pieces that bring attention to your success. Make your environment speak to you about the meaning your achievements have given you. Be proud of them!

People like to be around those who have a healthy selfesteem and who are achieving their goals. Commit to acknowledging your achievements and your brain will begin to tell you the truth...that you can do ANYTHING! Your Challenge is to take a step back, create new intentions and commit to work from your strengths rather then your limitations.

Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Results strategies specialist, within industry and business over the past 40 years. Her unique message, since starting Mind Masters 30 years ago for entrepreneurs and small business owners, continually stresses vision, purpose and values as the key elements of business philosophy. Her undying compassion for the entrepreneur’s journey, her tireless capacity to listen, and her sincere enthusiasm for other’s success have insured her growing influence and her own mastery with MIND MASTERS. www.mindmasters.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

A Veteran Owned Business proudly supporting

Veterans, Military Spouses and active duty Military looking for work and employers needing great workers.

We provide business owners with the gift Helping today's heroesrelief achieve of employment-burden and success bywith making it easier employees a better way to to work.

run a small business.

www.bandofhands.com www.bandofhands.com www.bandofhands.com

Do More. Stress Less.

We do all this for you.

If it's related to employment, we handle it for you. Everything for only $12/week per employee!

We also include: Medical benefits and 401K for your employees at no additional cost to you Compliance with employment Laws Unemployment claim handling Workers Comp claim handling

HR Services Employee Benefits & 401K at No Cost to Owner

Payroll & Tax Services

Onboarding & Compliance

Job Boards & Time & Automated Attendance Recruiting

Contact Eve Nasby, Band of Hands president and passionate military supporter to learn more. eve@bandofhands.com eve@bandofhands.com eve@bandofhands.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

47

Franchise Frontline Success Stories & Resources

By Rhonda Sanderson

rhonda@sandersonpr.com

Army Chaplain ‘Leads From Front’ in Setting Example as New Paul Davis Restoration Owner with Bold Growth Plans It’s an impressive balancing act if one can be considered both a servant and a leader for others, but 49-year-old Ryan Cole of North Royalton, OH has managed to do both. When you hear Cole talk, it’s not surprising what he has accomplished and continues to do for others as one of the newest franchise owners within the Paul Davis Restoration network.

Cole is also a member of the United States Armed Forces and continues to serve. He has carried some of the core values learned in the military into how he runs his business. Cole first enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1994 as a Combat Engineer.

After a gap in service, he accepted a commission in October 2022 as a Chaplain for the 112th Motor Transportation Battalion of the Army National Guard, with seven companies spread throughout Ohio. Cole purchased Paul Davis Restoration of Cleveland West, headquartered in Strongsville, this past January.

“I am the president and CEO of our location,” Cole said.

“The primary skill set my military experience brought to the table is to lead from the front. I never ask one of my employees to do something that I would not be willing to do myself. In fact, getting out into the field is sometimes a nice change of pace.”

Cole previously spent more than 20 years in the insurance industry. He and his wife owned three Allstate insurance agencies, as well as an independent agency in the Cleveland suburbs. Now on a new with professional path, Cole is bullish about his future 48

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

with Paul Davis. His five-year plan calls for doubling his franchise’s size with multiple locations. “Paul Davis is fantastic at supporting our plans for growth,” Cole said.

Philanthropy is also at the forefront of the hundreds of Paul Davis locations across North America. It’s no surprise the company is known as one of the most trusted brands in the insurance restoration industry, with its teams recognized as Difference Makers™, honoring daily the company’s mission to “deliver an experience of extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need.”

Cole has firsthand experience – literally – of the difference Paul Davis can make for others when they need it most. In 2016, his family experienced a fire that resulted in the total loss of their home. “That situation shapes the foundation of my understanding of how the things we do make a difference. We restore homes, not just houses. The work we do impacts people on an emotional level. We really are Difference Makers™.”

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterans own almost two million businesses and employ more than five million people. And according to a study conducted by the International Franchise Association (IFA), veterans own one out of every seven franchises despite making up about seven percent of the civilian adult population. Cole is happy and eager to be counted amongst their numbers.

“We have learned that if you master the activities you can control, the results will follow,” he said. “We can’t outwork the numbers and the numbers can’t outwork us, so we are just working hard!”

About Paul Davis Restoration For more than 55 years, Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., has restored residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms, and disasters.

Paul Davis is a one-stop shop for disaster damage and restoration with hundreds of locations in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the company website at www.pauldavis.com To learn more about their franchise opportunity go to www.Pauldavisbusiness.com

BEFORE SERVED HONORABLY.

Workshops for Warriors is a nonprofit school that provides veterans and transitioning service members with hands-on training and nationallyrecognized credentials in CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, and welding.

Our students earn credentials that open doors to jobs anywhere in the U.S. Call us at (619) 550-1620.

AFTER EARNED A CAREER IN JUST 4 MONTHS. ENROLL NOW AT WFW.ORG CAD/CAM Programming CNC Machining Welding DoD SkillBridge Organization WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

49

RISKY BUSINESS

Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips

By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com

Is My Product Covered?

If you are a business owner that supplies a product to your clients, you may have faced supply chain issues, theft or vandalism of your product while being shipped or are concerned about your product liability at some point in your business. Especially around the holiday season!

These are big concerns and need to be addressed. Any disruption of your logistics can pose a significant risk to your business in the form of loss of product, delay of product to your clients and your business reputation.

There are a few things you can do to mitigate this risk right off the bat: • If you are designing the product and it is being manufactured overseas with your label, you will need to have a liability policy that includes manufacturing. The reality is that if there is a product defect, the end-user (your buyers) are not going to file a claim against a company in China (or wherever). They will file a claim against your company, and you will have no recourse if there is a manufacturing defect.

• If your product is being manufactured in the US, you need to ask the manufacturer for a certificate of Liability naming you additional insured for product liability including waiver of subrogation, primary wording and completed operations.

• Your General Liability policy or Business Owners Policy likely does not include items damaged, lost or stollen in transit. This is insurance you will need to purchase from the shipping company, transit company, importer, or cargo company. It is difficult to insure goods that you do not

50

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

have care, custody, andcontrol over during the shipment process. So pay the extra to have them insure your shipments.

• As a risk management advisor, I always tell my clients to have a plan B for their product manufacturing. If something happens to your supplier (they close down for any reason) or if trade sanctions change where it becomes difficult for you to import, you need to have a second and even third back-up supplier ready to go.

• Plan in advance – keep an eye on the current affair of trade from your manufacturer. If you expect high volume sales during a certain period, get the product in early.

• Make sure that your storage facility is covered by your insurance – you can add it easily as a location of your BPP. If you are using a drop-ship method, make sure you ask them about the insurance for your products while they are in their custody.

The bottom line is that you need to double check all your logistics plans and business practices to ensure that you are avoiding the big hazards of product manufacturing and distribution. I know that Santa doesn’t have to worry about all this, but normal businesspeople do!

I want to wish all of you a very happy Christmas, Chanukah, and holiday season however you celebrate it.

Hug your loved ones, spread kindness, and remember you are loved, appreciated and valued!

If you have any questions about business insurance, please reach out to me. www.hlinwood- insurance.com

READY TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER? Talk to our friendly veterans admissions counselor today! admissions@icohs.edu (858)581-9460 www.icohs.edu Become a certified IT professional in 15 weeks with no prior experience necessary!

Why ICOHS College?

Career Outcomes:

• GI Bill & MyCAA Approved

• Technical Support Specialist

• Flexible Schedule

• IT Support Technician

• Online & In-person Hybrid Classes

• Network Administrator

• Small Class Size

• Network Analyst

• Hands-on Training

• Systems Administrator

• Lifelong Job Placement and Career

The median IT job salary in the US was about $88,000 last year.

Counseling

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

51

WE TAKE TRADES!

LARGEST SELECTION OF PRE-OWNED EQUIPMENT IN SAN DIEGO! THE ONLY STORE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY THAT OFFERS A 90-DAY GUARANTEE ENCINITAS

90 DAY RETURN POLICY CLUB FITTING SPECIALISTS CLUB REPAIR SPECIALISTS STATE-OF-THE-ART LAUNCH MONITORS

1441 Encinitas Blvd., #110 • 760-944-1534

DEL MAR (Across from the Fairgrounds) 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd • 858-794-9676

TOP BRANDS AT THE LOWEST PRICES

SAN DIEGO SUPERSTORE

1231 Camino Del Rio South • 619-298-9571

ESCONDIDO

1066 W. Valley Pkwy • 760-741-0441

VISIT US ONLINE WORLDWIDEGOLFSHOPS.COM

52

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

FINANCIAL FREEDOM SATURDAY SEMINAR

TICKETS: www.veteransforfinancialfreedom.org/ff-ss-knowledge/ veteransforfinancial freedom.org/ ff-ss-knowledge/

Saturday, February 24, 2024 San Diego Air & Space Museum

THE #1 NETWORKING EVENT FOR VETERANS LOOKING TO GROW THEIR NET WORTH. We teach the things you don’t learn in school, the pillars of financial freedom: financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real estate investing.

Unlock your earning potential and create a bulletproof financial plan with the direction of our speakers and sponsors and the support of our members.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

53

legal Eagle Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

Essentials of Offshore Asset Protection for Business Owners and Ceos The world of business leadership is a high stakes game, and top executives bear the heavy responsibility of protecting their companies and their shareholder interests. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of corporate success, many CEOs and business owners often overlook a critical aspect: safeguarding their personal wealth.

One commonly held misconception among small to medium sized business owners is that their corporate structure offers full protection for their assets.

However, recent legal decisions, such as those made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, challenge this assumption. Business owners can now be held personally liable for their company’s actions,

54

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

as increasing numbers of plaintiffs have managed topierce the corporate veil and hold shareholders responsible for liability claims arising at the corporate level.

The statistics present a very real and very harsh reality for small to medium sized business owners: • 75% of small business owners are concerned about facing frivolous or unfair lawsuits.

• On average small businesses earning $1,000,000 per year spend $20,000 on lawsuits annually.

• Since 1950, tort costs have surpassed GDP growth.

• 52% of all civil lawsuits target small to medium sized businesses each year.

With this in mind, it is imperative to have an effective asset protection strategy in place to prevent substantial loss of personal assets.

NEW FROM KELLY BAGLA!

To protect personal assets from potential litigation, one effective strategy is to place assets into an offshore trust.

In movies offshore trusts are usually reserved for shady people with ill intentions. In reality, offshore trusts are a legitimate, legal, and safe way to protect assets. In fact, when set up properly, offshore trusts may be one of the safest options for protecting wealth, not just in the CEO’s or business owner’s lifetime but for generations to come. They offer enhanced asset protection and privacy provisions.

Legal Pearls!

PEARLS OF WISDOM for Avoiding Business Litigation

To safeguard against potentially massive financial damage, early precautionary steps are essential. If assets have already been exposed to legal risk, it may be too late to protect the assets. International asset protection trusts established in jurisdictions like the Cook Islands or Nevis, which provide a formidable history of protecting assets due to the robust legal framework, offer an ironclad level of security and peace of mind. These trust structures can reduce exposure and protect personal assets from unforeseen future creditors.

Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion. Knowing what you’re getting into is smart business because the responsibility of protecting your business falls on you.

CONTRACT

Award-winning attorney, Kelly Bagla www.tinyurl.com/Legal-Pearls shows you how to avoid legal pitfalls FROM DAY ONE! Legal Pearls! - The quick and easy guide for avoiding business litigation.

Award-winning Attorney Kelly Bagla distills the legal information every business owner needs to know to avoid costly lawsuits and protect personal assets. Now every entrepreneur can apply the same legal steps and strategies used by top attorneys.

For more information on how to legally start and grow your business please visit my website at 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.

• AVOID COSTLY BUSINESS LITIGATION • PROTECT YOUR HARD-EARNED ASSETS • BE READY WHEN LEGAL ISSUES ARISE

Get your copy at amazon today!

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

55

Legally Speaking Military Focused Family Law Facts

By Tana Landau, Esq.

HOLIDAY VISITATION SCHEDULES: GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION Others find themselves in a high conflict situation with their former partner. Some parents live close together while others live across states. It is imperative to remember that no matter what situation you find yourself in, it is important for your children to develop and experience holiday traditions with both their parents and their extended families. Below are some typical holiday timeshare arrangements that may work for your family depending on your geographic location to the other parent, work schedule, how amicable you are as co-parents, and other circumstances:

- Alternate the holidays in odd and even numbered years: For example, one parent gets

The holidays are approaching and can be a stressful time on their own for some people. If you are going through a separation or divorce, they can be even more stressful. One of the most contentious issues is custody and visitation. This can become exponentially more contentious during the holidays. When most people who are going through a separation or divorce think about custody and visitation, they think about the routine schedule for each week. It is important that you do not fail to consider a specific holiday schedule. Failing to address a holiday schedule during your separation or divorce can lead to unnecessary and costly disputes with your former partner or spouse. Creating a well thought out holiday visitation schedule that maintains a certain level of flexibility can help both you, your children, and your former partner or spouse enjoy the holidays without any added stress. You may not only want to address the major holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, Hanukkah, and New Year’s but additional breaks as well such as President’s Day Week or Spring Break.

What are some holiday schedules that work?

Every family and former partner or spouse have different dynamics. Some people find that they are capable of effectively coparenting as best friends.

56

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Thanksgiving in even numbered years while the other parent gets Christmas. In odd numbered years the schedule would reverse. This schedule is the most commonly applied schedule and may be best if you live far from the other parent or if either parent wishes to travel during the holidays to see family.

- Split each holiday evenly: Both parents get a set number of hours on the holiday. For example, one parent has the child for the morning hours on Christmas while the other parent gets the child for the evening hours. You may find this schedule appealing if you live close to the other parent and you both want to experience your holiday traditions with your child every year.

- Share some holidays together: If you find that

you and the other coparent are very amicable, you may consider sharing some holidays together. For example, you both spend Halloween trick or treating with your child together or you both spend Christmas morning at one of your homes with your child opening presents.

- Alternate, split, and share different holidays: Depending on your dynamics with the other parent and your circumstances, you could consider alternating some holidays while splitting or sharing others.

Whichever schedule you think may be a good fit for your situation, be open and flexible. It is very common that holiday visitation schedules have to be adjusted over time. Circumstances for each parent may change.

Someone may move away or get a new job that affects the schedule. Your child’s age can also affect the schedule. You may agree to a certain holiday visitation schedule based on your child’s age and find as they get older, another schedule is more appropriate. Life may throw you curveballs. An extended relative may become gravely ill, and it’s the last holiday your child has to spend with your relative, so you may want to swap with the other parent and adjust the schedule thereon out accordingly.

Time for a Fresh Start.

Move forward without breaking the bank. Our military expert family law attorneys are ready to push your case to the finish line.

What happens if your regular parenting time falls on a holiday?

If the holiday falls on your parenting time, it is important to understand that the holiday schedule takes precedence over the regular parenting schedule. If your normal parenting time falls on Christmas for example and it is the other parent’s year to have the holiday, you will lose that time. It can be frustrating to the parent whose normal visitation time is being impacted by the holiday time. However, you should be mindful that the other parent will also have their parenting time negatively impacted as well at some point. The most important thing to remember is that you are both fostering the other parent’s relationship with your child by giving them the opportunity to experience the holidays with both of you.

As you head into the holidays, here are my final thoughts on some coparenting tips to get you through them.

Plan ahead and communicate with the other parent if you don’t have a visitation schedule in place.

Be flexible, considerate, and foster the other parent’s relationship.

If it’s your holiday with your child, let them Facetime or Skype with the other parent.

Don’t make gift giving a competition.

Work together when you can. It benefits both you and your children.

Military Divorce and Retirement, 20/20/20 Spouse, Survivor Benefit Plans, Support Orders, and more.

No nonsense. No hidden fees.

Discounts for service members.

Call 858-720-8250 or visit www.frfamilylaw.com to schedule a free consultation.

Flat-fee law packages available.

Happy Holidays and Happy Coparenting….

For more information about misconceptions about divorce, check out our website: www.frfamilylaw.com or call (858) 720-8250 and ask to speak with military family law attorney Tana Landau.

This article is intended only for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal advice.

Legal Experts with Humanity WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

57

Opportunities in Law Enforcement You’ve served your country, now serve your community!

Military and law enforcement have had a longstanding 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.

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

www.rva.gov/police/personnel

www.rva.gov/police/personnel

58

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Be the

CHANGE

Veterans! Join Our Team

SFPD Salary

www.sandiego.edu/business

$103,116 - $147,628 TEXT “JoinSFPD” to (415) 704-3688 www.JoinSFPD.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

59

From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer

By Holly Shaffner

“Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo.”

- Officer Cindy Ovares

Changing careers can be exciting, exhilarating, and filled with trepidation. Meet Officer Cindy Ovares who has made the transition numerous times – from active-duty service member, to student, massage therapist, teacher, and now police officer.

The life experience she gained in those previous longterm jobs set her up to be successful today. She is doing what she’s always wanted to do – have a career that is challenging and rewarding.

Cindy was like many seniors in high school as she contemplated what she would do after graduation.

When the Navy recruiter called the house looking for her brother, the recruiter instead got an eager, independent 17-year-old woman who wanted to find adventure. Just a few months later, she was off to “see the world” and start her first career.

As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Petty Officer Ovares was a jet engine mechanic. It was a male-dominated job, and she wanted to prove that anything a man could do, she could do better. She attended military schools in Florida and Virginia to learn her trade, and was later stationed in Lemoore, California. She was attached to VFA-22, an F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron, that deployed on ships. After serving four years on active duty, she earned Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and chose to leave the Navy to attend college.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and being a fluent Spanish speaker, she was hired to be a high school Spanish teacher. The job was gratifying; but also, under resourced, understaffed, and had little room to grow professionally. She wanted something new and challenging, was drawn to the community where she grew up, so, in her late 30s she applied to be a police officer.

60

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Officer Ovares was accepted to the San Francisco Police Academy and has been an officer for the last three years. She is a foot patrol officer working in the Tenderloin District – a 50-block area that has a storied history, and has been known for homelessness, drugs, and crime.

“Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo,” said Officer Ovares.

As a Latina giving back to her community, she admits that the job comes with highs and lows. Officer Ovares recommends a career in law enforcement for those military members looking to make a smooth transition to a new chapter.

To learn more about the San Francisco Police Department, or to connect with recruiter, go to: www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/careers

For Officer Ovares, the parallels between serving in the military and serving in law enforcement made the transition go smoothly: • Routine – You know what to expect before your shift begins (what time to report, what uniform to wear, the structure of the day).

• Camaraderie – The bond between fellow officers is like the bond between your fellow military brothers and sisters.

• Variety – Every day is different with different assignments and duties, so the job is never boring.

• Benefits – Include a competitive salary, paid vacation days, floating holidays, and sick days, healthcare, retirement, and special pay for certain assignments and being bilingual.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

61

www.c6securityacademy.com 62

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

WE DON’T JUST THANK

VETERANS,

WE HIRE

THEM.

PGHJOBS.NET CITY OF PITTSBURGH - E/O/E WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

63

SDPD Ride Along: A Story of Two Marines

By Amber Robinbson San Diego Veterans Magazine When I asked to go on a ride along with the San Diego Police Department, making a special request for any veterans-turned-cops, I expected a really serious, possibly dangerous, afternoon of shadowing our city’s toughest crime fighters.

What I got was an afternoon of heartfelt service to our San Diego community, honorable humility and a lot of respect.

When I asked whether former Marine Sergeant Major, Mark Wright, and his partner, former Marine Staff Sergeant, Sean Bunch, had rank or titles he said their titles were just San Diego police officers. They are relatively new partners, but act like they’ve known each other for years, which is usually the case when you get Marines together.

Most of our particular day was cruising around beautiful Balboa Park running car tags to see if they were current, from cars not displaying proper plates and placards to those double parked. Bunch says they often catch parole violators or even stolen cars doing just this.

I was struck as I watched both officers go out of their way to look in and around vehicles to find plates or disability placards not displayed correctly so as to avoid issuing superfluous tickets.

“We try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt,” said Wright. “We’re not out to get anybody.”

Wright is a newer addition to the force, coming on board two years ago, with Bunch only having two years left.

Although, both officers confirm that enforcing even the most basic of park rules can yield large payoffs. During a recent patrol Bunch spotted an individual smoking in the park, which is illegal. As he circled back round, the individual turned and rapidly tried to walk away, which activated immediate suspicion. He was detained and came back with a warrant for numerous kidnapping and child molestation charges.

Officer Mark Wright

Officer Sean Bunch

Currently, these brothers-in-arms spend their days patrolling the entirety of Balboa Park.

Although neither men are taking fire or kicking in the enemy’s door on this beat, like during their time in Iraq or Afghanistan, they still work hard to serve their local community. Service which can range from tracking down criminals to answering questions from lost pedestrians, to giving out stickers to kids and never backing down from a chance to turn on those flashing red and blues just to make one of them smile.

64

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

Both men say a lot of what they do is talk with museum owners and those living in the neighborhoods surrounding the park about their concerns. A shared concern by all is the park’s homeless population.

Bunch says their posture towards the homeless is mostly that of assistance, adding there are many resources available for those who would take them.

The city spends a lot of money on resources,” said Bunch. “The biggest problem we run into is whether or not the [homeless] people want them, and a lot of them don’t.”

Thus, the men tend to run into the same issues with the same people pretty often. Although frustrating, they have learned that respect goes a long way when challenged with these repeat offenders. Bunch recalls spotting one such offender in the park, who was in violation of his parole and wanted on warrant. He was unable to get to the offender immediately, but still apprehended him with a verbal request. The parolee waited patiently to be hand-cuffed and arrested, simply out of the respect he held for the law man.

Bunch, for instance, did not come to the force straight from the Marines, but from Hollywood. Surprisingly, he is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, working as a military advisor on various productions, like Lonestar 911, and appearing in some as well, such as one of the most recent Men in Black movies.

“I grew up outside of LA,” said Bunch. “So, I’ve always just kind of been around the business and found a place for myself there with all my military experience.”

Bunch hopes to return to work in Hollywood after he leaves the force, bringing with him a new level of experience and respect.

Both men say a huge part of their work is being able to connect and communicate with the myriad of people they meet daily.

Wright, who retired from the Marines as a Sergeant Major never worked in Hollywood, but he does have plenty of stories about being a proud grandfather, father and new amputee. When I entered the Central Division Station and met him, he said he was just getting back to work after some time off after losing his leg.

Bunch says he feels he and Wright are lucky to come to the force later in life, given it means they have a wider frame of reference for those they meet and serve daily.

“We deal with people who are going through all kinds of things in life,” said Bunch. “And it’s helpful to be able to say, ‘hey I know what you are going through, I’ve been there.”

Wright remained unscathed during his over-20-years in service, overseas deployments and endless combat train ups. It wasn’t until after service that he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident late one foggy night a little over a year ago. Wright says it had been an eventful second watch and he was leaving the station about 2 AM on his motorcycle when it happened.

As the day progressed, I realized that both gentlemen definitely had a long list of tough and unique life experiences to pull from. Both proudly served the United States Marines for years, traveling to war and all over the world, experiences that yield much wisdom as well as many a story.

“It was only about two minutes from work,” said Wright. “I was coming around a curve and entered into what I thought was fog, and as I’m entering, I see a headlight and side mirror in my lane.”

“Being respectful of everyone despite their lot in life goes a long way in this job,” said Wright.

That headlight and mirror became an entire car that was blocking Wright’s entire side of the road.

“I was a heuy crew chief in the Marines and reverted to my training from that, grabbed my shoulders, braced for impact and went flying like a human lawn dart over my handlebars,” said Wright.

Wright landed in the ditch on the side of the road. He says he realized immediately that he had a back and leg issue. He learned that a bystander had called 911, but he requested they call back and state that the injured motorcycle rider was a policeman with the San Diego Police Department and expedite services.

This one request would become pivotal in saving Wright’s life.

Continued on next page >

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

65

“What I didn’t know at that time was that I had severed two arteries in my leg, and I was bleeding out,” said Wright.

What Wright would learn later is his heel had also been torn off on the wrecked car as he sailed past it into the ditch. After much pain and many surgeries, Wright would finally lose his leg from the knee down. says he doesn’t let it get him down, though. He’s proud to continue to serve as one of our city’s finest.

Both he and Bunch take much pride in their time as Marines and as San Diego Police Officers. Each officer comes from strong military stock, with Wright’s grandfather being a World War II veteran and Prisoner of War and Bunch’s father a decorated veteran of Vietnam.

All in all, this Army vet’s afternoon with two Marines was an impressive one. Both seasoned public servants, these honorable men have discovered you must give respect to get it, that violence is often not the answer and the most important thing to keep in mind along the way, is a good, human dose of empathy.

SDPD Ride Along

SDPD

NOW HIRING For more information visit www.joinSDPDnow.com or email us at SDPDrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

Officer Sean Bunch - Amber Robinson (Homeland Magazine) - Officer Mark Wright 66

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

www.joinSDPDnow.com SDPDrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

67

www.dallaspolice.net

https://www.cacorrectionsofficer.us/jumpstart/5-20-23

68

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

www.joincdcr.com

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023

69

Resources Support Transition HEALTH INSPIRATION

Homeland Magazine A Veterans Magazine by Veterans for Veterans

Voted 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 BEST resource, support media for veterans, military personnel & their families

www.HomelandMagazine.com 70

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / December 2023