“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
Publisher
Editor-In-Chief
Mike Miller
Monthly Columns
What’s Next Transition
Eve Nasby • Kristin Hennessy
Human Resources
Paul Falcone
Franchise Dreams
Doug Dwyer
Successful Transitioning Stories
Dr. Julie Ducharme
Veterans in Business
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’s the leading veterans 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.
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.
If you want to catch up on the current and all past issues please visit: www.homelandmagazine.com/archives
Mike Miller
Editor-In-Chief
mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com www.homelandmagazine.com
Barbara Eldridge
Risky Business
Hadley Wood
Real Talk: Mental Health
Hope Phifer
PTSD: Reclaiming Control
Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD
TLC Caregiving
Kie Copenhaver
Legal Eagle
Kelly Bagla, Esq.
Veterans Chamber Commerce
Joe Molina
Contributing Writers
Wounded Warrior Project
Disabled American Veterans
(In-House) Correspondents
Holly Shaffner
CJ Machado
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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
Be a part of a Hero’s Journey! We provide therapeutic support to veterans and their families through outdoor adventures in the rugged beauty of Alaska.
About Alaska Adventure Project:
Founded in 2017 by U.S. Marine Combat Veteran and Native Alaskan William Boulton. Alaska Adventure Project (AAP) is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting military veterans and their families.
Our Adventure program entails:
• Therapeutic support for veterans and their families suffering with PTSD and TBI.
• Veterans helping veterans through shared experiences.
• Outdoor activities provide atmosphere’s of reflection, discovery, meaning of service, camaraderie,
• New network of resources, a new extended family, connecting veterans with veterans, establish lifelong bonds, and promote healing.
By Cynthia Weiss, Wounded Warrior Project
Eric Trinidad’s decision to join the military was deeply personal. After the loss of his cousin in the 9/11 attacks, he enlisted in the Army, determined to serve.
As a combat engineer, Eric faced constant threats from improvised explosive devices and gunfire. He sustained various injuries during his service, including a head injury in 2005. He also started having vision problems. But it would be years before the severity of his wounds would be discovered, and Eric would gain a renewed sense of purpose, structure, and community – a combination he credits with saving his life.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Eric grew up in a culture where seeking help was often stigmatized. This mindset shaped his journey as he tried to navigate challenges of post-military life.
“Growing up in a Hispanic background, you dealt with stuff yourself,” Eric explained, noting that mental health was not discussed. “If you had to talk to someone, you talked to your pastor, mother, or grandmother. Going to a therapist was unheard of.”
After returning from Iraq, Eric joined the reserves, enrolled in college, and became inspired by another Iraqi veteran he met at the local Vet Center to become a therapist.
Eric began his career as a veteran service officer. But while he helped other veterans, his health took a backseat. His vision worsened. He began experiencing severe headaches, which made it hard to read and focus. He struggled to manage his symptoms and his ever-changing emotions.
“Like other veterans, I tried to suppress everything,” said Eric, who was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But still, he felt something was amiss.
“Coming back from the war, I wanted camaraderie. Being around veterans who understood me was my safe zone,” said Eric, who learned about the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) in 2009.
Although excited to meet people like himself, he was hesitant to engage. When he finally did, he knew he found his community.
“My first event was water skiing, and I was selfconscious. Then I looked over and realized the guy next to me had no legs.”
Over the years, Eric turned to WWP™ for connection and support, attending alumni events and using WWP’s Warriors to Work program to update his resume and find new employment.
When Eric realized he needed help managing the symptoms of his PTSD and, later, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), he once again turned to WWP for support.
By early 2012, though his body was in great shape, Eric’s brain was not. Increasing memory issues, attention challenges, and debilitating migraines plagued Eric. As his vision worsened, the more depressed he became. Suicide crossed his mind.
“I couldn’t remember what I had for breakfast, let alone try to pay bills. There was so much frustration because they didn’t have a label on it yet. I wasn’t even 30 years old, and I saw how fast I was deteriorating,” Eric said.
Finally – more than seven years after he left the military – someone put all the pieces together.
Eric’s symptoms were partly caused by his PTSD and partially by a traumatic brain injury he never knew he had. His vision issues were a result of the brain no longer communicating effectively with his optic nerve.
“The VA was just learning about TBI overlapping with PTSD,” he said. “If I had gotten treated for both of them earlier, I would have likely had a better outcome.”
Over the next few years, Eric focused on what he could control. He continued working and finding solace in the gym, which had always been a safe place to destress and help keep intrusive thoughts at bay.
“Working out was my release. I realized how I felt afterward. When I came home, I was relieved, sore, but it felt good,” Eric shared.“Despite working as a therapist, I still had my own demons to deal with. And working at [Veteran Affairs] at the time made it hard to get treatment because my psychiatrist was my colleague,” he explained.
The gym also served as a matchmaker. Eric met his wife, Ariana there. He took up powerlifting and won several titles. When he wasn’t at the gym, he traveled with his wife and enjoyed connecting with other veterans. Life was good, Eric said.
In May 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric was involved in a car accident, sustaining another TBI and numerous physical injuries. Eric spent five days in intensive care and required several surgeries, but due to COVID restrictions, his wife couldn’t visit.
When he came home, Eric required significant support. Simple things like cooking, bathing, and dressing required assistance. A spinal injury affected the sensation in his legs, making walking difficult and working out nearly impossible. Eric developed vertigo, a speech impediment, and began having seizures. The latest TBI also accelerated his vision loss.
The worst time came after he could no longer drive. “That was a hard pill to swallow. It was the most difficult time of my life. I was 39. My independence went out the window.”
Anger issues led to self-harm and depression to multiple suicide attempts.
“Everything turned upside down, and I didn’t know how to handle it,” Eric said.
Amid his pain, Eric found a second chance, thanks to Ariana’s persistence.
“She said, ’You need to put more effort in.’ She believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Eric meditated and prayed. When cleared for physical activity, he tried golf, but it wasn’t love. He took up cycling and he and Ariana participated in Soldier Ride®, a multi-day WWP adaptive sports event.
Then he signed up for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, something he always wanted to try. Although nervous as he was now legally blind, Eric soon realized his vision wasn’t an issue.
“I did it two to three times a day, five times a week. The more I did it, the better my mood got,” Eric said, adding that he also found camaraderie with his fellow athletes – something he was missing after leaving the Army.
Jiu-jitsu also forced Eric to slow down and focus, which has helped improve his overall quality of life.
“Because I can’t see my opponent, I must calm myself down and rely on my other senses,” explained Eric. “I must think about all the possibilities because I don’t know what they will do. Things are constantly in flux during a match. Is he going left, right? My problem-solving skills are in play on the mat.”
Eric, who has achieved the rank of first-degree blue belt, credits jiu-jitsu with helping him regain physical strength and mental resilience, too. “Jiu-jitsu saved my life.”
After his accident, Ariana contacted WWP for support. She learned that Eric qualified for the Independence Program, which supports warriors with
injuries that significantly impact their independence, such as a moderate to severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions.
One benefit is a personal coordinator who takes Eric to jiu-jitsu lessons. “Before, it was such a huge burden on my wife juggling work and driving me across town to lessons. Wounded Warrior Project has made it possible for me to train every week, which is agreat stress reliever and allows me to be more independent.”
WWP also helped Eric learn new ways to manage his PTSD and TBI symptoms. In late 2020, Eric participated in Warrior Care Network, an accelerated brain health program that helped him understand what happened to his brain and how to better handle challenges.
“I can’t erase my memories or emotions, but if things creep up, instead of lasting for days, it will last hours. I know how to cope and handle it now,” he said.
For the first time in years, Eric is excited about his future. Despite ongoing pain from the car accident, he feels heal thier than ever, both mentally and physically. He hopes to become a jiu-jitsu instructor and open an academy.
“My biggest downfall was not realizing it was okay to ask for help. I kept thinking, I went to war, I’m a therapist, I can handle this. I was wrong,” Eric admitted.“ Now, I’m able to see things outside my daily life with a different perspective. I have an amazing wife, people who care for me, and a great life.”
He wants other veterans to know that “no matter how tough the battle is, there is always a path to healing and triumph.”
By Scott Hermann, CEO of IdentityIQ®
The holiday season is often a time of giving, especially for veterans and their families, who support causes close to their hearts. Sadly, scammers create fake charities to exploit this generosity. Holiday charity scams can feel particularly personal for military families, as fraudsters often prey on individuals’ goodwill toward service members and veterans. Here’s how to spot fake holiday charity scams.
Recognizing the warning signs of charity scams can help you avoid falling victim to fraud. Here are red flags to look out for:
1. High-Pressure Tactics to Donate: Real charities likely won't try to pressure you into donating immediately. If a representative insists you donate on the spot or says the need is “urgent,” it could be a scam. Scammers use this tactic to prevent you from having time to think, research, or seek advice.
2. Unfamiliar Charity Names: Many fraudulent charities use names similar to those of established organizations to trick donors. Before donating, do a quick online search to verify its legitimacy.
3. Lack of Transparency: Reputable charities are clear about their mission, finances, and how donations are spent. Fake charities, on the other hand, tend to be vague. If they avoid discussing details or providing proof of how donations are used, that’s a red flag.
4. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers favor payment methods that are difficult to trace. Be cautious if a charity asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or direct wire transfers as donation methods.
Scammers often create websites or social media pages that look almost identical to those of real charities. Always ensure URLs begin with “https://” and look for a lock icon next to the URL to indicate the site is secure.
Taking a few precautions can help you steer clear of these scams:
• Research the Charity: Refer to reputable resources like the Better Business Bureau or other charity review websites before donating.
• Contact the Organization Directly: Avoid donating through third-party links and contact the organization yourself through a trusted email or phone number.
• Be Cautious of Payment Methods: Stick to secure, traceable payment options that offer protection against fraud, like credit cards.
• Look for Red Flags: A reputable charity won't shy away from answering questions or providing detailed information about their cause.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, take steps to protect yourself. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission. Also, make sure you are protected with identity theft protection and credit monitoring services (www.identityiq.com/how-we-protect-you) to help you detect unusual activity, so you can take quick action to minimize losses.
Military members, veterans, and their families can begin protecting themselves now with IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. These services include identity and credit monitoring, real-time fraud alerts, device privacy and security, and $1 million in identity theft insurance, underwritten by AIG.
In appreciation of your service, IdentityIQ offers a 25% military discount to military members, veterans, and their families. For more information, visit www.identityiq.com/veterans.
Homeland Magazine recently spoke with U.S. Air Force Veteran Sean Gold to talk about prepping, how to start prepping, and how he became an expert.
Homeland: What is prepping?
Gold: Prepping is getting ready for emergencies, disasters, and survival situations. There is still a misconception that ‘prepping’ is reserved for doomsday scenarios, but most preppers prepare for the gamut ranging from house fires and hurricanes to civil unrest and nuclear events.
Homeland: How did you become interested in prepping?
Gold: When I was growing up in North Carolina, we had our fair share of hurricanes. My dad (an Air Force veteran), was prepared enough for the power outages, flooding, and supply chain disruptions that he was able to help out neighbors and the community. That left an impression at a young age.
Homeland: What made you an expert?
I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I have plenty of experience starting in the military. When I joined the Air Force in 2007, I selected the 3E9 Emergency Management AFSC. We did a lot of interesting things including plotting nuclear fallout maps, HAZMAT response, and teaching the transition to the JSGPM M-50 mask.
Using base resources, I got my associate’s degree in Emergency Management. After I left the military, I finished a BS in engineering and an MBA using the GI Bill. Then I started the website, which helps me learn something new every day about prepping.
Homeland: Why should we prepare?
Gold: I tell people that no matter where they are coming from, preparing makes sense. The CDC, FEMA, states, counties - all of these agencies tell you to be prepared. These are the same agencies you might hope to rely on, but they don’t have the resources for everyone. If you aren’t big on listening to government agencies then you need to be self-reliant.
Most people are convinced that they need to prepare. FEMA has an annual survey that shows close to 40% of the US population wants to be prepared, but just hasn’t yet.
Homeland: How do you start prepping?
Gold: Plenty of people get paralyzed by the scope. There is so much that can go wrong, both personally in our lives and on a macro level, that people don’t know where to start. The first step isn’t the beans, bullets, bandagesit’s just a basic emergency plan. Filling out an emergency plan template will help you identify threats, whether they are local, regional, or global. This gets you started with a basic plan and helps set a road map, since you can be more efficient with your budget by focusing on essentials related to the risks you’ve identified.
Homeland: I have seen a few apocalyptic movies, is that a good representation of how preppers can survive catastrophic or challenging world events?
Gold: Movies can be a starting point - some show off survival skills or highlight a menacing prepper in a bunker, but they are ultimately made to entertain us.
Because of the Hollywood element, they usually miss the mundane areas you’ll need to consider: sanitation, the logistics of tracking your supplies, and how to stay entertained.
In real-world events there can be plenty of downtime and isolation while you just stay put. You’ll want to use that time to keep everyone’s anxiety in check with music, board games, and hardcopy books. Don’t underestimate the importance of being able to pass the time.
Homeland: What is a preparedness journey?
Gold: Everyone has a starting point after they develop their basic plan. It could be as simple as putting some extra canned food in the pantry, storing jugs of water, and buying that fire extinguisher they forgot to have on hand. But a lot of people choose to move beyond the basics by learning new skills or acquiring more resources. Doing these takes some continuous effort, whether it’s revisiting your plan twice a year or building your preparedness level every day.
Prepping looks different for each person. As long as you have your priorities straight, there’s no wrong way to approach it.
Homeland: How does your TruePrepper website help people with their journey?
Gold: I’ve tried to streamline the process as much as possible: we have the basic plan template, a “how-to” for conducting a risk assessment, PDF resources, and over a dozen survival kit checklists, all free on the website. We also review gear and supplies to help people stretch their budget and avoid the junk out there.
I feel blessed that my military experience and upbringing helped shape my project into a successful site that helps thousands get a little more prepared every day.
TruePrepper
https://trueprepper.com
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.
National Veteran Resources & Organizations available at:
www.freespira.com/veterans
T’was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone in a one bedroom house, made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see: no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand; on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.
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 lay sleeping; silent, alone, curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home.
Not how I pictured a U.S. soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read, curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon ‘round the world, the children would play and grown ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year, because of the soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye; I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa, don’t cry. This life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more; my life is my God, my country, my corps.”
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep; I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor, so 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.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right, “Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”
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.
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.
Holidays are a magic time of the year. Lights shine everywhere, festive parties dot our calendars, and messages of joy and togetherness repeat from all directions. For too many people, however, this season can be painful. Feelings of isolation, grief, stress, and/or pressure to meet expectations make this less than a joyful time. At Give an Hour, we recognize that for so many in our community - veterans, service members, and their families - the holidays bring unusual struggles and mixed emotions.
For veterans and service members, the holidays may be a time of great complexity. Reminders of past deployments, separation from loved ones, or the struggle to transition into civilian life can bring on feelings of loss, sadness, or anxiety. In contrast to the imagery of perfect families gathering together, many veterans confront the reality of missing those connections. Memories of service buddies or loved ones who are no longer here can weigh heavily, and the festive atmosphere feels like a sharp contrast to their internal struggles.
Give an Hour is committed to being there for those who need extra support during this season. We believe that no one should face their mental health challenges alone. Our mission is to provide accessible, compassionate mental health resources that uplift individuals, families, and communities, especially during difficult times. Our programs, from peer support initiatives to the work our providers do, are designed to remind somebody who may feel alone that they are not ever alone and that they have people who care and will stand by their side through every season.
One Army veteran, Nickie Silverstein, shares her experience:
"With Give an Hour, I found the support that fit me— whether it was one-on-one therapy, connecting with other Veterans through peer support, or attending training that helped me take better care of myself and others. They offer help in a way that feels accessible and tailored to what you need." – Nickie Silverstein, Army Veteran
This holiday season, you have an opportunity to help us stand together in support of those who have served. By contributing to Give an Hour, you're directly supporting
www.247hotels.com
programs like our Military Mile Project & Peer Support Programs. Your contributions support our ability to provide mental health resources and counseling that make a real difference. Whether it's a veteran finding hope through peer support, a family receiving tools to heal from trauma, or a service member taking the first step toward resilience, every dollar you give helps someone move toward a brighter future, whether its $5 or $50.
Equally importantly, your support also creates spaces for veterans, service members, and their families to share experiences and support each other. It's about building a network of care and a circle of trust where no one feels they have to go through their struggles solo. Together, we can make sure that everyone struggling during the holidays has a shoulder to lean on and a path to healing & hope.
The holidays aren't easy, but a little support can make the time one of hope and healing. Join Give an Hour in making a difference. Your generosity has the power to transform this difficult time into an opportunity for growth and connection. Let's ensure that no one is left behind and that the spirit of giving truly extends to those who need it most.
Give today to help us continue this important work. In this manner, we all can make this season a time of light, resilience, and compassion for all.
To donate, visit GiveAnHour.Org/Give
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
monitor phones and computers
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.
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.
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.
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.
Happy Tracking, Everyone!
NORAD Tracks Santa at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. 2018. (Photo By: DOD)
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.
By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE Aging 123
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.
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 of where they had gone or who they may have been given to.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Lt. Cmdr. William Reynolds, USN, (Ret.), PA-C
Military personnel face significant mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and substance use disorders. In 2022, approximately 17.6% of active-duty service members sought treatment for psychological health concerns. Servicepeople, though, often encounter significant stigma when seeking mental health treatment. This stigma, deeply rooted in a military culture that emphasizes resilience and self-reliance, leads many to perceive seeking help as a sign of weakness. It takes tremendous courage to ask for help, but recovery is possible, and veterans and military personnel do not need to live with PTSD symptoms.
The military emphasizes the importance of mental readiness and resilience, recognizing that untreated mental health issues can adversely affect an individual’s performance as well as military unit cohesion. The Department of Defense has implemented policies to encourage mental health care while minimizing career repercussions. The Brandon Act, for example, was enacted in May 2023 and aims to improve access to mental health services, encouraging early intervention and allowing service members to seek help confidentially without fear of negative career impacts.
Residential mental health treatment provides a structured, 24/7 environment for individuals requiring intensive care beyond outpatient services. These programs incorporate therapies addressing trauma and stressors specific to military service and are tailored to the unique needs of those whose lives have been disrupted by various mental and behavioral health concerns. This comprehensive,
personalized approach aims to equip service members with coping strategies and support systems, facilitating their return to duty or transition to civilian life.
It’s also important to look at underlying physical comorbidities. Some programs, like the Sierra Tucson Red, White, and Blue Program, start with a physical examination complete with appropriate lab work which is essential to identifying physical issues that may mask as psychological problems. Hypothyroidism, for example, often presents as depression.
Recognizing the existence of a mental health problem is a crucial first step toward successful treatment and recovery. Denial often serves as a barrier, preventing service personal from recognizing the severity of their condition and ultimately delaying the necessary help. By confronting the reality of their struggles, military members can move beyond denial and open the door to therapeutic support systems. Acceptance also enhances the effectiveness of treatment by increasing an individual’s commitment to the recovery process. When veterans and military personnel acknowledge their problems, they are more likely to participate actively in therapy, adhere to prescribed treatments, and implement coping strategies. Plus, this acknowledgment also plays an important role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health and addiction issues.
For additional resources, active duty and veteran members of the military are encouraged to visit: the National Center for PTSD (www.ptsd.va.gov), Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.mil), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health websites (www.mentalhealth.va.gov).
PTSD is a diagnostic code that the healthcare industry uses, but the word “disorder” in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stigmatizes a very normal, human response to abnormal situations. PTSD has also been with us since the invention of warfare. Fortunately, with advances in mental health care, treating this potentially debilitating condition is highly effective. There is hope for active duty and military veterans to return to living well in recovery.
Lt. Cmdr. William Reynolds, USN, (Ret.), PA-C, is Director of the Military and First Responder Trauma Recovery Program at Arizona-based mental health treatment facility Sierra Tucson.
For more information, visit: www.sierratucson.com/programs/military
By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert
Who could disagree with this old truism: we live in interesting times. Regardless of personal politics, over the last decade, we have seen major changes to the way many institutions operate, and a new willingness to question the status quo. In the same way, we need a shake-up in our approaches to PTSD. As a clinician immersed in the impact of PTSD on the veteran and civilian populations, I find myself both bothered and hopeful. I’m beyond bothered trying to digest the reality that an estimated 22 veterans are lost to suicide every day in this country. Most of these veterans are 50 years of age or older, which suggests to me that most of these individuals have suffered for decades before taking their lives. I am bothered that the professional organizations that issue practice guidelines continue to recommend a very narrow range of therapies for PTSD, namely several cognitive psychotherapies and anti-depressant medications. I am fully in favor of therapies with clear evidence of benefit and understand that only a small number of therapies have a critical mass of published clinical evidence that meet the thresholds established in these guidelines.
However, the ‘status quo’ of the guidelines recommending prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapies seem unresponsive to a great deal of evidence that these therapies are unavailable or intolerable to the majority of our veterans in need.
I just reviewed a study looking at VA medical records which found that, even in that system, just 30% of patients received evidence-based therapy. A review of another study found that only 30% of patients received a recommended ‘dose’ of these therapies. Evidence is also abundant that veterans are less likely than civilians to benefit from the first-line talk therapies.
What is hopeful, though messy, is there seems to be a groundswell of support among veterans, their families, and lawmakers to open the door for alternatives. The messy part is that many approaches have no meaningful evidence or may even be harmful. The recent decision from the FDA not to approve MDMA supported by therapy makes sense to me in that the study design was flawed and did not report on adverse events. I believe that in time, well-tested psychedelic therapies will be approved, but how they will be delivered will have to take into account the balance of benefit and possible harm. These potent substances must be provided in safe, welltested settings.
I saw a recent report on randomized control research on a hyperbaric therapy for PTSD pioneered in Israel that shows great promise. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used effectively in wound treatment for years now. Extension of this therapy within the VA has been supported by Congress in the form of a bill by Representative Greg Murphy to fund and establish pilot programs within the VA.
The hopeful part of me applauds these initiatives and wishes that these will become part of a ‘moonshot’ initiative for PTSD equivalent to what has been in place for cancer treatment. We desperately need effective additions and alternatives to the slim range of therapies available now. Our veterans deserve no less.
Dr. Cuyler is chief clinical officer of Freespira, an FDA-cleared nonmedication 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
By Cohen Veterans Network, in collaboration with Kelly Williams, Clinic Director, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego
Holidays can be tough for military families as deployments and distant assignments create physical separation, making communication challenging. This distance amplifies the emotional strain of missing traditions and togetherness, while logistical hurdles like time zone differences add to their struggles, demanding resilience from both service members and their loved ones. Cohen Veterans Network shares some ideas to keep those connections strong, in collaboration with Kelly Williams, Clinic Director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego.
Writing “Open When” letters can be a thoughtful way to offer support and encouragement from afar. Create a series of notes for your loved one to open at specific times you’ve labeled, such as “Open When You Miss Home” or “Open When You Need a Laugh.”
These personalized messages can offer comfort and serve as gentle reminders of your love and support.
Kelly Williams adds:
“If finances are tight and you can’t ship everything that you wish you could give a loved one, letting them know they are on your mind is just as valuable. One of the best holiday gifts I received one year was from a family member who cut out different items in magazines that she thought all of us would enjoy and turned them into ornaments. She accompanied them with thoughtful notes on why those items made her think of us, and to this day, it is still one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. Other small mementos like magnets, keychains or postcards from your most loved shop can be ways to show someone you care. Here in San Diego, we live in such a beautiful tourist destination that many people would enjoy something reflecting our city.”
2. Host a Virtual Watch Party
Nothing says holiday season like cozying up with a beloved movie. Host a virtual watch party where you can laugh, cry, or comment on the plot twists in real time which can make the experience feel more like home. Some streaming platforms make it possible to enjoy holiday classics together, even miles apart!
Kelly Williams adds:
“We all got so good at using Zoom during the pandemic; why not lean on those skillsets again? Game nights, meals, and paint/sip parties are all easy ways to feel like you are close to someone while miles away.”
3. Lean on Your “Framily”
“Framily” or friends who become like family, can play a crucial role at each duty station. Remember, you’re not alone in this unique military experience, so look outward! Appreciate who you have, not just who you’re missing. Others may also feel lonely or miss family, and you could bring holiday cheer. Is there someone you could invite to your holiday dinner or to join you to check out a local holiday event? Sharing experiences with friends who understand military life can make the season much brighter.
Kelly Williams adds:
“If you are missing your ‘milfam’ just as much (or more) than your other family, stay connected to the military community during the holidays by giving back. Look atlocal nonprofits in your area that are providing meals, gifts, and other events for our veterans to stop in and support or partake.”
Kelly Williams adds:
“Our Cohen Clinics are still open during the holidays for any feelings that are harder to process more than others. You don’t have to do it alone. Locate a clinic near you: cohenveteransnetwork.org/clinics”
4. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Even with the best attempts to stay connected, it’s natural to miss loved ones, traditions, or the way things used to be. Allow yourself time to reflect and, if needed, grieve. Acknowledging these feelings as a healthy part of dealing with distance.
Learn more ways to keep the holiday spirit alive by visiting cohenveteransnetwork.org/holidays
By Tana Landau, Esq. www.msmfamilylaw.com
It’s that time of year again - the holidays are approaching. For some, it is the most magical time of the year, but for others it can be stressful when faced with coparenting issues. If you are divorced or separated and have children, there are ways to make the holidays less stressful and more memorable for everyone despite your situation.
You may find these coparenting tips particularly helpful if your family is transitioning from a one to two household family as the holidays are approaching.
Every family and former partner or spouse have different dynamics. Some people find that they are capable of effectively coparenting as best friends. Other find themselves in a high conflict situation with their former partner. Some parents live close together while other lives across states.
Making sure you have a specific holiday schedule creates certainty for you, your children, and your former partner. It also helps prevent any on-going conflict over who your children will be with for each holiday.
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 consider alternating the holidays in odd and even numbered years, splitting each holiday evenly, or sharing some holidays together. Of course, depending on your dynamics with the other parent and your circumstances you could consider alternating some holidays while splitting or sharing others.
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 of their parents and their extended families.
Encourage holiday traditions in both your home and the other partner’s home. Let the other parent share their own holiday traditions they may have with your children, but also be willing to share your traditions if they are something they would like to continue to do in their home despite no longer sharing the same household.
Don’t speak negatively about the other parent’s traditions. Don’t discourage traditions in the other parent’s home. It is important to alternate or share holidays so your children can develop and experience holiday traditions in both homes.
Tip #3: Don’t Make it a Competition
Do not make the holidays a competition between you and the other parent. You want your children to equally enjoy the holidays with both of you. Trying to outdo the other parent does more harm than good to your children’s well-being. Instead work with the other parent to make the holidays memorable no matter which parent they are with. Remember your children love you both equally.
For example, if you are sharing the Christmas holiday, be willing to share with the other parent what your children have put on their Christmas list. Work together in buying them things. Let them bring those gifts freely back and forth between both homes during the holiday. If they receive something from “Santa” they really loved in your home and they are spending the other half of the day with the other parent, don’t tell them it has to stay at mommy or daddy’s house.
Stay flexible. Be willing to make accommodations. The more you and the other parent are willing to work together, the more likely you will have a successful coparenting relationship and the less difficult holidays will be for you and your children transitioning between two households.
Keep the door to communication open. If you don’t have a holiday visitation schedule in place, then it is important that you plan ahead and communicate with the other parent. If you have plans to travel when it is your holiday with the children, share your travel information with the other parent sooner rather than later. If the other parent shows interest in what holiday traditions you are doing in your home, share them freely with the other parent. If you and the other parent disagree on any issue regarding the holidays, be considerate in your communications with the other parent. It benefits everyone when you can work through something by open, considerate, and respectful communications.
As you head into the holidays, be mindful of fostering the other parent’s relationship with your child even if it is your holiday. Let them Facetime or Skype with the
other parent. Work together when you can. It benefits both you and your children.
Happy Holidays and Happy Coparenting!
For more information sharing custody in your military divorce, check out our website: www.msmfamilylaw.com or email me at tlandau@msmfamilylaw.com 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
- What’s Next: 5 Gifts for your Holiday Season
- Transition a Foundation for Veteran Success
- HR: Stronger Written Communication
- Misconceptions about Franchising
- New Beginnings: Agricultural Training
- Veterans & Franchising are A Perfect Fit
- End of Year Legal Checklist for Business
- Annual Business Review
- Build a Bigger Foundation for Success
- Careers in Law Enforcement
For editorial & monthly columns regarding transition, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for military and veteran business owners and more, visit Veterans In Transition.
www.homelandmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition
By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy
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.
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.
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.
Keep practicing out loud, recording yourself, or with a friend. The more you confidently relay your experiences succinctly, the more prepared you’ll feel.
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.
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
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.
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.
Need help with your transition? Have questions? Link up with Eve on Linked In today. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert
By Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman
Every Veterans Day, the outpouring of gratitude to our nation’s Veterans is a heartwarming symbol of the love this country has for those who served. Americans appreciate the sacrifices of our military members and seek tangible ways to give back. Supporting our newest Veterans taking their first steps back into civilian life is a way to do just that.
Many service members join the military directly out of high school. They enter a highly structured culture with clearly defined expectations and a strong sense of purpose and cohesion. Most embrace these values and soon view themselves through a lens of teamwork, discipline, and service. As their time in service comes to a close, they are suddenly forced to start thinking in terms of what is best for themselves and not the team. The organization of military life is replaced by the flexibility of almost infinite choices. They built a foundation of skills and experiences that should serve them well in life after the military, but most have no idea how to leverage this strong base to find success as Veterans.
Unfortunately, planning for life as a Veteran competes with the demands of military service. Training, maintenance, and deployments don’t stop just because a service member is in their final months in uniform. For most, carving out time to prepare for future employment, or file for medical disability, or even locate housing is relegated to after duty hours, if it is addressed at all.
As a result, too many of our newest Veterans begin the next chapter of their lives woefully unprepared. This shortfall is manifested in employment statistics, loss of medical coverage, and the pernicious number of Veterans that lack shelter. It is highlighted by the fact that the first 12 months after military service are when Veterans aged 18-34 are at the greatest risk for suicide, and we are losing them at more than twice the rate of their civilian peers.
For the vast majority, these negative outcomes are not the result of mental health issues or post-traumatic stress.That is a distorted narrative developed over two decades of a nation at war. It is reinforced in movies, television and social media. It is highly effective for fundraising, pulling on the heartstrings of a society that wants to do whatever it can to support those who served. But it does not capture reality.
For most Veterans that struggle after military service, the negative outcomes we see are the result of a poor transition. The inability to find meaningful employment or stable housing, combined with the loss of purpose and identity, start far too many on a self-destructive spiral. These journeys may end with a mental health problem, but they rarely begin there. We can do better and that starts by focusing on military transition.
The components of military transition matter. It is not enough to attend a few mandatory classes or develop a generic resume. It takes time, effort, and the support of local communities to set our newest Veterans up for lasting success.
We must build in time for those leaving the military to think about their future, plan accordingly, and take full advantage of the range of programs and services available to them. Simply understanding that a disability claim should be filed before the last 90 days of service in order to receive benefits immediately after transition is lost on too many veterans. Learning about this in a class that most attend within 90 days of separating from service does them no good.
We must do a better job sharing information about incoming Veterans with the communities they will soon call home. Understanding the needs of incoming Veterans and their families puts destination communities and support organizations on a proactive footing. It is far better to help a new Veteran receive assistance for housing the day they arrive than to find them weeks later homeless or seeking shelter.
Finally, our work has shown that having a mentor to help guide a Veteran on this journey makes a quantifiable positive difference. Simply connecting with a resource that can provide local knowledge about a community, from schools to the job market to housing, takes a level of stress off a transitioning service member and leads to much better outcomes.
We must no longer accept a view that Veterans are broken, or that expanded mental health care is the cure for all our problems. Change begins by recognizing the awesome potential in our newest Veterans and
empowering them with the time, tools, and support needed to navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Even a small investment in mentoring a new Veteran arriving in your community makes a huge impact.
*****
Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman serves as the Executive Director of the Onward Ops military transition support program. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, his assignments included Deputy Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division and Commanding General, Train, Advise and Assist Command-South, Kandahar, Afghanistan.
By Paul Falcone www.PaulFalconeHR.com
The December issue is always a great opportunity for reflection, thankfulness, and the promise of a great new year. And while it may make sense to focus on leadership by gratitude, selflessness, and making the world a better place, I want this month’s human resources column to be fun, painless, and light. And what better way to do that than by focusing on what you learned in high school English class? I mean it. . . Let’s go easy, reminisce on our earlier days, and put something together that has no pressure other than to make you a bit more aware of how to stand out as a rarity among your peers by demonstrating stronger written communication skills.
First, let’s start with a caveat. As tempting as it is to delegate your business writing responsibilities to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini, be careful. Certain words flag AI written communication patterns, including accordingly, additionally, arguably, consequently, dynamic, ever-evolving, exemplary, hence, leverage, maximize, moreover, nonetheless, seamless, thus, transformative, utmost, and vital. Overused phrases in chatbots include a testament to, in conclusion, in summary, it’s important to note that, and this list is not exhaustive.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use these words or phrases in your writing. But if you happen to be using a chatbot to help you, replace these words and phrases because they’re not necessarily how we talk and communicate to one another. As such, your writing could become suspect, especially if it appears that you’re trying to use “big words” for the sake of impressing someone.
We’re moving pretty quickly these days. Keep your written emails and texts limited to what your phone screen will show without forcing the reader to scroll down. At least get to the point of your communication in one paragraph (i.e., three to five sentences).
Combined with a conclusive subject line, your brevity will serve you well. If more information is needed for clarification, add a sentence at the end of that initial paragraph that reads, “More information below if you’d like additional background.”
For example, your email subject line might read: “Not able to reach client Jones by 3PM today.” The email/text itself might state: “I’ve tried reaching him daily for the past three days. Answering machine is not set up. Does not respond to text messages. Sending certified mail with proof of delivery today to last address on record. Will monitor status via tracking number. Please see more information below if you’d like additional background.”
The purpose of your communication is to let your boss know every step you’ve taken and communicate the current delivery status. This way, if your boss can think of anything else you can do at this point, they’ll advise you based on the steps you’ve outlined (or anything you may have missed). Less tends to be more in email and text communication, and as the saying goes, “No one wants to read a book.” So, keep your writing tight to the degree possible and focus on limiting your message to critical information that can be captured quickly and efficiently.
Believe it or not, many adults can’t even remember what they’ve forgotten about English grammar rules. Here are some shortcuts and highlights to make your writing stand out.
Plurals of abbreviations are tricky. Here's the rule: Omit the apostrophe when writing the plural of an abbreviation that does not contain periods:
• CEOs, CPAs, RFPs (requests for proposal) and CBAs (collective bargaining agreements)
However, include apostrophes when writing the plurals of abbreviations that contain periods:
• M.D.'s, Ph.D.'s
Likewise, omit apostrophes when referring to a decade. For example:
• The 1950s, the 2010s
And if you want contractions of decades, it looks like this: the '50s, the '20s.
Semicolons:
Semicolons confuse a lot of us but can come in handy when joining two shorter, related sentences without using the words and, or, or but. For example, "however" can either lead off a new sentence or continue the ideas of a prior sentence. Notice how the semicolon precedes the word however and the comma that follows it in the second example:
• Martha is the team lead for this exercise. However, she has the least tenure in the group.
That versus Which:
Want to really impress people with your business writing savvy? Simply remember that when you use the work “which,” it’s typically preceded by a comma. That’s not the case with the word that, which doesn’t require a comma:
Want to really impress people with your business writing savvy? Simply remember that when you use the work “which,” it’s typically preceded by a comma. That’s not the case with the word that, which doesn’t require a comma:
• This is the promotion that you've been waiting for all your life.
• This promotion, which you’ve been waiting for all your life, promises incredible opportunities.
And there you have it. . . Tighter form, clearer content, and greater awareness about AI triggers. That’s a fun way to end the year. Sure, high school English class might seem like a lifetime away, but its lessons continue to inspire us, especially when they help you present yourself in the most professional way possible.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1
Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a management trainer, executive coach, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.
www.harpercollinsleadership.com/catalog/paul-falcone/
By Doug Dwyer doug.dwyer@dreammakerbk.com
Franchising presents a unique opportunity for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. The structure, support, and established systems can make it an appealing option for those accustomed to discipline and teamwork. However, several misconceptions about franchising can deter veterans. I’d like to take a moment to debunk some of the most common myths, specifically from a veteran's perspective.
A prevalent myth is that franchising guarantees business success. While franchises often have higher success rates than independent startups due to established brand standards and support systems, they are not a guaranteed ticket to prosperity. Veterans, familiar with rigorous training and strategic planning, understand that success depends on several factors such as location, market conditions, and their management skills. The military's emphasis on preparedness and adaptability can be crucial in navigating these variables.
Some believe that franchises are simple to operate because they come with a set operational model. This misconception can be misleading. Managing a franchise requires effort in areas like staffing, marketing, and customer service. Veterans, who excel in leadership and operational excellence, are well-suited to handle these challenges. The franchisor provides a framework, but veterans must apply their discipline and leadership to execute the business plan effectively.
When people think of franchises, they often picture fast food chains like McDonald's. However, franchising spans numerous industries, including healthcare, education, home services, and even kitchen and bath remodeling. Veterans, with their diverse skill sets and experiences, can explore a wide array of franchise opportunities that align with their interests and strengths. This opens possibilities that allow veterans to find a niche that suits their passions and career goals.
Another common misconception is that franchisees are merely extensions of the franchisor with little independence. Franchisees are independently owned and operated, providing you with significant control over your business operations, from staff management to local community involvement. Veterans, who are used to making decisions in high-stakes environments, can thrive in this model. The structure provided by the franchisor ensures consistency, but the day-to-day operations and local adaptations are in the hands of the franchisee.
Many veterans might believe that franchising requires a substantial financial investment. While some franchises do have high entry costs, many are affordable and offer financing options. There are also specific programs and incentives designed to assist veterans in franchise ownership. Organizations like VetFran (go to VetFran.org to learn more) provide resources and discounts to help veterans transition into franchising, making it accessible to those with varying budget levels. At DreamMaker, we’re proud to offer veterans a 20% discount on their franchise fee.
For veterans considering franchising, understanding these misconceptions is crucial. Franchising offers a structured yet flexible path to entrepreneurship, blending the benefits of proven processes and systems with the autonomy of running a business. With realistic expectations and the right approach, veterans can find a rewarding and prosperous career in franchising.
Doug Dwyer is the President & CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, a company dedicated to helping its remodeling franchisees achieve Strong Margins and a Quality of Life. doug.dwyer@dreammakerbk.com
Veterans emerge from service with strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of teams. Franchisors have long recognized that entrepreneurial veterans are some of the best qualified, motivated and successful prospective franchisees.
Franchises provide training. A franchise business operates on proven systems and defined procedures and has comprehensive training and support built into the franchising process. This means a veteran can enter a completely new field and is more likely to succeed by following the franchisor’s proven business model. franchise businesses offer discounts to veteran
“As a Marine Corps veteran, I know the
of teamwork and dedication. At VetFran, we’re committed to helping fellow veterans turn their skills into successful franchise businesses and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.”
of franchisees in the United States are veterans.
Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners
By Kelly Bagla, Esq. www.BaglaLaw.com
As many people scramble to finish their last-minute holiday shopping and make sure everyone on their gift list is covered, business owners have another list to pay attention to. This list is called the business compliance checklist. Businesses must fulfill their legal obligations to stay in good standing with the state. Failure to do so may result in fines, fees, penalties, and even suspension or dissolution of their companies.
An end of year legal checklist typically includes reviewing and filing annual reports, checking and renewing business licenses, assessing any business changes throughout the year, verifying tax compliance, reviewing corporate governance policies, considering dissolutions or withdrawals for inactive entities, and filing final payroll taxes.
If a business is a registered limited liability company or a corporation, it must report certain changes to the state. Some of the possible modifications the
state will want to know about include business name change, business address change, business registered agent change, or if your corporation requires more shares or two classes of stock. To report significant changes like these listed, business owners must file articles of amendment with the state and pay the associated fee.
If you have a limited liability company or a corporation, your company may be one of the many 32 million companies affected by the Corporate Transparency Act. These companies are required to file a beneficial ownership information report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
This report includes information about the company and the individuals who ultimately own or control the business. Companies formed prior to January 1, 2024, must provide information about the company and its beneficial owners before December 31, 2024.
Companies that are formed in 2024 and beyond must provide information about the company, the beneficial owners, and the company applicant within 90 days of formation.
Nearly every state requires corporations to hold annual meetings with their shareholders and directors and record minutes from those meetings. At the annual meeting of shareholders, the shareholders appoint the directors. At the annual meeting of the directors, the directors appoint the officers. These annual meeting minutes must be included in the corporate records and held every year. These minutes become part of the corporate compliance required by states.
If your company bylaws require that you prepare an annual financial report for shareholders, you should begin preparing the report unless all shareholders waive that requirement. You may also want to change certain terms in the bylaws, as this would be the best time to make any changes.
A startup’s business structure might serve it well initially. However, as a company grows and evolves, its owners might find that a different entity type will prove more advantageous. Now is a good time for business owners to consider making a change because registering a new business structure with an effective date of January 1 can provide a clean break between operating as one business structure this year and the new one in the new year. That can help keep things simple for tax filing purposes.
The end of the year is an ideal time to review the Company’s outstanding contracts for automatic renewals, renegotiating for better terms, confirming compliance, and addressing potential breaches.
If you have employees, you should review your employee handbook, employment agreements, and ensure accurate job descriptions and performance criteria are up to date and in accordance with the company culture.
While the end of each calendar year is a busy time for everyone, especially business owners, taking some time to review your legal checklist will save you both time and money. We are always available to answer questions and assist you in conducting your annual legal review of your business.
If you have questions on how to protect your small business, schedule your consultation with the Queen of Business Law® Kelly Bagla, Esq. today and secure your peace of mind. For more information on how to legally start, grow, and exit your business please visit my website at www.BaglaLaw.com
Bagla, Esq., and her team at Bagla Law Firm, APC, a Business Formation and Asset Protection firm, have over twenty years of experience protecting real estate for rental owners. They customize your asset protection plan to ensure that your rentals are protected in case of a lawsuit.
Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well asto 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.
By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to a close and 2025 fast approaching!
With cooler weather, shorter days and sometimes a slowdown of business due to pre and post-holiday sluggishness, December is often the perfect time to reflect and celebrate the past years’ successes and evaluate the challenges and missed opportunities in your business.
Here are a few Risk Management suggestions to get you started:
Self-Audit Review
• Take an open and honest look at your business and identify the top 3 successes in the last year. What was it that made those happen. Was it marketing? The right employees? A great new contract? Use this information to leverage more success in the next year.
• Now, identify 3 failures or missed opportunities over the year. Why did this happen. What was lacking? Not enough customer service? Competition encroaching into your client base? Need additional capitalization? Make changes to your 2025 plan so the same mistakes are not repeated.
• Identify the key risks in your business. What issues keep you up at night? Issues with employees? Distribution channels or supply chain? Rising operating costs threatening your bottom line? Technology challenges? If you can identify the big risks, you can create a plan to be prepared for them.
Michael Kidd
• Make sure your website is up to date on compliance law. Websites have certain regulations, and some components have to be imbedded for them to be compliant. If you are not sure, you can go to www.hhs.gov/web/index.html to learn more about this.
• Confirm that any pictures or copy is either created by you directly or legitimately licensed to you to be used for your website, social media accounts and any advertising or marketing purposes. There are attorneys standing by to send you costly claim letters - so beware!
• Back up all your 2024 work to an external hard drive, USB or cloud service and label it 2024. I cannot stress this enough. Companies crumble if key data is forever lost.
• Do a workplace walk through (even if your workplace is your own home) and make sure smoke alarms are working and updated; fire extinguishers are accessible; alarm systems are working; security lights and cameras are functioning, and emergency kits are available in case of accidents.
• Make sure staff knows what to do in case of workplace injury and have Claim Forms readily available.
• Review the new 2023 employee compliance and min wage requirements at www.dir.ca.gov
• Update Employee handbooks to include employment agreements and any new company procedures and protocols.
• Sit down with key employees and get their honest feedback on what is working at the company and what changes could be made to improve morale, customer service and workplace efficiency.
• Discuss your concerns about your high risks. Many risks can be covered by a type of insurance product but not all of them. Make sure you understand what you are covered for and what your policy excludes. Ask specific questions – “Am I covered for ____?” and “What happens if ___ happens?”. Most business owners do not read their policies and have little knowledge of the actual coverages or exclusions.
Your Agent/Broker relationship should be honest and transparent.
Wishing everyone a happy Holiday season and positive start to the new year!
If you have any Business Insurance questions, please reach out to me. www.hlinwood-insurance.com
By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com
Many years ago (and I mean many) as I was seeking my next job opportunity a recruiter suggested I make a list of things that I was proud of having done and accomplished. Not just that week or that month but as far back in my history as I could go. The first thing I could remember took me back to kindergarten. Since I was probably the shyest and quietest student in the room I was chosen to monitor the class each time the teacher left. Over the years I have been reminded of that, each time I have conducted a workshop or spoken to an organization of business owners. It was a building block that allowed me to build on.
In his book It Takes a Goal, John Acuff writes about acknowledging your own success with a list of your “Best Moments” on a continuing basis. He says it gives you the foundation that will help you build on your potential for years to come.
Often, we focus too much on our setbacks and mistakes, allowing them to overshadow our achievements. However, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the progress we've made, no matter how big or small. By taking the time to reflect on our successes and visualizing our accomplishments, we reinforce a positive self-image and increase our confidence to take on new challenges.
Building self-esteem isn’t just about acknowledging the wins but also honoring the effort, growth, and resilience that led to them. Each success contributes to a larger picture of who we are and what we're capable of. When we celebrate our strengths and victories, we create a mindset that is open to even greater opportunities in the future.
Take time to write your achievements down. Start when you were very young and think of all your achievements since then. Don't just pick the big things, write down all the things you take for granted. You can also create a log of successes every day and review it when you are faced with a new challenge. By writing it all down every day, you're securing it in your long-term memory and it will become a part of what makes you tick.
And remember to surround yourself with reminders of your success.
Put up pictures, articles, trophies, awards and other pieces that bring your attention to your successes.
Make your environment speak to you about your achievements. Be proud of them! People like to be around those who have a healthy self-esteem and who are achieving their Goals.
"When we celebrate our strengths and victories, we create a mindset that is open to even greater opportunities in the future"
Commit to acknowledging your achievements and your brain will begin to tell you the truth... that you can do ANYTHING!
Barbara Eldridge President/ Founder of Mind Masters created groups for business owners to tap the synergy of energy, commitment and excitement for each other. The beauty of Mind Masters is that participants raise the bar by helping each other implement goals, brainstorm ideas, create solutions, and offer mutual support. Checkout how a Group can enhance your business while also creating personal and professional and financial growth. www.mindmasters.com
By Joseph Molina www.vccsd.org
Creating a family budget plan is an essential step toward achieving financial stability and reaching both short- and long-term financial goals. A well-thought-out budget helps families control their finances, reduce debt, increase savings, and create a sustainable financial future. Here’s an expanded guide on setting up an effective family budget plan, with realistic outcomes that can be accomplished within one year.
Step 1: Assess Your Financial Situation
Before setting up a budget, it’s crucial to understand your current financial situation. Start by gathering all financial information, including income sources, monthly expenses, outstanding debts, and existing savings.
Step 2: Set Financial Goals
Setting specific financial goals will motivate your family to stick to the budget. Consider both short-term goals, like building an emergency fund or saving for a vacation. Define a timeline for each goal to maintain focus and accountability.
Example Goals for the Johnson Family:
• Build an emergency fund of $3,000 within one year.
• Pay off a $2,400 credit card debt in 12 months.
• Save $1,000 for a family vacation within the next 10 months.
Step 3: Categorize and Allocate Expenses
Create a realistic budget by dividing your expenses into categories, such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, childcare, debt repayment, savings, entertainment, etc. Assign a specific amount to each category based on priority and necessity.
Step 4: Track and Adjust Spending
Regularly tracking expenses is essential for sticking to your budget. Consider monthly or bi-weekly check-ins to evaluate your budget’s effectiveness.
Step 5: Review and Adjust Your Budget Monthly
Financial needs and circumstances can change over time, so it's important to review your budget regularly. Be prepare for those unexpected expenses that most likely will show up.
• Involve the Whole Family: Engaging the entire family in the budgeting process fosters teamwork and accountability. Encourage family members to contribute ideas for cost-saving measures or ways to increase income.
• Plan for Seasonal Expenses: Some expenses, like back-to-school shopping or holiday gifts, occur seasonally. Set aside a small amount each month for these anticipated costs to avoid financial strain during those times.
• Build in Small Rewards: Budgeting can feel restrictive, so it’s helpful to incorporate in the budget small rewards, like a monthly family outing. This promotes motivation and prevent budget fatigue.
• Automate Savings and Debt Payments: To ensure consistency, automate contributions to savings accounts and debt payments. This can simplify your budget management and help you reach your financial goals faster.
With commitment and regular adjustments, a family budget can be a powerful tool for improving financial well-being and supporting your family’s dreams.
The National Veterans Show:
• Be our guest on the show – click the link: www.vccsd.org/radioshow.html
• If you have any ideas or a project that you would like to Develop in collaboration with the National Veterans Chamber, send me an email, we are always happy to collaborate veteransccsd@gmail.com
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. Make sure to consult with a real estate financing Loan expert who can provide valuable guidance in navigating these decisions and finding the right solution for you.
https://forms.gle/6ZTt4QCK8EVFvkW18
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.
By Holly Shaffner
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.
“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 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.
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.
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
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.
Wright is a newer addition to the force, coming on board two years ago, with Bunch only having two years left.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
“Being respectful of everyone despite their lot in life goes a long way in this job,” said Wright.
Both men say a huge part of their work is being able to connect and communicate with the myriad of people they meet daily.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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“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.
For more information visit www.joinSDPDnow.com or email us at SDPDrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov
