Homeland Magazine July 2023

make julY yOUR Month of INDEPENDENCE

STATEGIES & EXPECTIONS

Successful Transition

CAREERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

WHAT’S NEXT VETERANS Resources & Support

SAY HER NAME!

FIGHTING PTSD

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

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

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www.HomelandMagazine.com

Welcome to Homeland Magazine!

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

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

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

The magazine is supported by a distinguishing list of veteran organizations & members, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.

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

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

Publisher

Editor-In-Chief

Mike Miller

Monthly Columns

What’s Next Transition

Eve Nasby • Kristin Hennessy

Human Resources

Paul Falcone

Veterans in Business

Barbara Eldridge

Successful Transitioning Stories

Dr. Julie Ducharme

Risky Business

Hadley Wood

Franchise Frontline

Rhonda Sanderson

Real Talk: Mental Health

Hope Phifer

TLC Caregiving

Kie Copenhaver

Art & Healing

Amber Robinson

Legal Eagle

Kelly Bagla, Esq.

Family Law

Tana Landau, Esq.

Midway Magic

David Koontz

Veterans Chamber Commerce

Joe Molina

Contributing Writers

Wounded Warrior Project

Raquel G. Rivas, WWP

Disabled American Veterans

San Diego Veterans Coalition

Veteran Association North County Shelter to Soldier (STS)

Eva Stimson

(In-House) Correspondents

Holly Shaffner

CJ Machado

PACT Act opens up additional benefits for Vietnam veteran

DAV benefits advocate helps Vietnam veterans’ disability claim thanks to the PACT Act

By Kevin C. Miller

Growing up in Denver, Alfred

“Al” Lewis Jr. had never considered joining the military even though he lived near an air force base. But after falling in with the wrong crowd and being expelled from high school, Lewis knew he needed a fresh start. Despite the country being at war in Vietnam in 1960, the 17-year-old enlisted in the Marine Corps.

He trained in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense and deployed to Phu Bai Combat Base just south of Huế, Vietnam, in 1966. During his deployment, his primary duty was to stand guard at the air base and work in supply.

“I remember watching our planes spray a substance around the base to clear out the jungle,” Lewis explained. “We would end up walking through the substance while on duty at various points of the deployment and thought nothing of it at the time. It wasn’t until years later that we learned that it was Agent Orange and the impact it had on our health.”

During one of Lewis’ guard shifts, a mortar and rocket attack knocked him over and blew out his hearing, requiring him to be medevaced to Japan for evaluation and recovery.

The hearing loss affected him greatly, but otherwise he was healthy enough to continue serving. Lewis deployed for his second tour to Vietnam in 1970 and eventually retired as a master sergeant in 1981.

Left: Staff Sgt. Alfred C. Lewis Jr. in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 1970. Right: Lewis, who retired as a master sergeant, alongside his wife, Jennifer, with their two oldest children, Tisha Tillman and Stephen Lewis.

Upon retirement, Lewis filed a Department of Veterans Affairs disability claim independently and received compensation for hearing loss in one ear and injuries to his knee and back. He also returned to school, got bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, and started a career as an auditor for the Naval Audit Service and Air Force Audit Agency.

In 2012, Lewis retired from his career as an auditor. Less than a year later, he had a heart attack and received treatment at the Loma Linda VA Medical Center. During his recovery, a friend from church who happened to be an Air Force veteran told Lewis he should contact DAV to review his disability claim.

Lewis reached out to a DAV benefits advocate in Los Angeles who worked with him to establish that his heart condition was service-connected due to Agent Orange exposure. The VA awarded Lewis a disability for his heart but denied his claim for hypertension since it was not a presumptive condition at the time of filing.

“I was so thankful to DAV for representing me and advising me on the benefits I qualified for,” said Lewis. “I thought I could file my disability claim by myself, but I was unaware of all the conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. I wish I had DAV representation when I first filed my claim.”

After getting his disability compensation upgraded, Lewis decided to become a lifetime member of DAV and stayed in touch with the local benefits advocate to see if they could get his hypertension serviceconnected. In fall 2022, Adam Barnes, the national service office supervisor in Los Angeles, talked to Lewis about the new presumptive conditions related to toxic exposures that qualified for benefits under the Honoring our PACT Act.

Barnes informed Lewis that, thanks largely to DAV’s legislative advocacy, hypertension was now a presumptive condition. Barnes helped him file a new claim, and in early 2023, Lewis got word that he would finally get the benefits he earned for that condition.

“Lewis had fought for many years to get all the benefits he deserved,” said Barnes. “It was great to inform him of the changes to the law and get him the rating that accurately reflects all the conditions that have impacted his life and overall health.”

“Lewis’ story is a great example of how professional representation makes a difference in veterans’ lives,” said DAV National Service Director Jim Marszalek. “Our benefits advocates are experts in providing the latest information on veterans benefits, including the most recent updates from the PACT Act, and they know how to get positive results.”

I thought I could file my disability claim by myself, but I was unaware of all the conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. I wish I had DAV representation when I first filed my claim.

—Alfred “Al”

Lewis

Jr.

Adam Barnes, a Marine veteran and DAV benefits advocate, stepped in to help Lewis when he needed it most.

Army Ranger Gives Thumbs Up After Surviving Building Collapse

How Army Ranger John Rego’s Physical and Mental Healing Journey Came Full Circle

By Raquel Rivas, Wounded Warrior Project

John Rego joined the Army after high school. His first day of boot camp was September 7, 2001. Four days later, a massive attack on the U.S. took place and changed the course of this nation’s history, and the lives of many recruits.

John had decided he wanted to be an Army Ranger before September 11, but after, his purpose was more resolute. “There was no way I was going to be anything besides a Ranger,” said John.

The Maryland native’s father and stepfather were working at the Pentagon as contractors on September 11, and both survived. John’s personal ties gave him a determination that would carry him through basic training, airborne school, and specialized Army Ranger training.

John graduated with honors, and he remembers telling himself, “I will never allow myself to fail because I want those guys to be at my left and right when I have to go to combat. It [gave me] a sense of honor to be included with these guys who had been through this training.”

John was in the same unit that was previously involved in the Battle of Mogadishu in the movie Black Hawk Down, and he was mindful that those who served with him were there because they wanted to be there. “The Ranger motto is Sua Sponte, meaning of their own accord,” John said.

If he had not been critically injured in Iraq, John says he would have been a Ranger of his own accord for the rest of his career. He had a solid commitment to the tough things Rangers do.

“Even when we were cold and wet and miserable and hadn’t slept for three days, we would just look at each other and laugh. We just kept going. Even the worst parts were the greatest parts.”

Tried and True Grit

John and his unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 and then to Iraq in 2003. They fought in Iraq in the Battle of Haditha Dam, which involved six straight days of fighting around the clock, taking in almost constant mortar fire.

After a tank unit arrived to relieve them and the dam had been secured, John and his unit were sent to make sure no enemy vehicles could approach the secured dam. They were west of Haditha when they found a weapons cache that had been supplying the enemy during the battle. Their mission was to clear that building.

As the unit went through the building, a section that had taken artillery fire collapsed, bringing the whole structure down on top of John. His unit rushed to dig him out and save his life.

“It was an all-concrete structure with steel beams,” John recalled. “It buried me alive. Luckily, I was the only one inside the building. The other guys were off to the side. When it came down, they were able to get out with only minor injuries. I was the only one who was pretty much crushed and buried.”

His battle buddies spent time digging through the rubble until they found him. They resuscitated him twice, and they got him on his way to a field hospital, then to Kuwait, then to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

A Long Recovery

At Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, John was intubated and could only move his left hand.

Still, he was able to point at letters to ask whether anyone else had been injured. He gave doctors and nurses a thumbs up and asked whether he had lost any limbs. “I thought there was no way I could have made it out and not lost something.” John said. Fortunately, he did not need any amputations, despite severe injuries and multiple broken bones.

John’s right arm was broken in several places, he battled a bacterial infection, and endured more than 30 surgeries, losing two-thirds of his triceps muscles. He had broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and a hip replacement. He had traumatic brain injury (TBI) and also a fractured skull. He had abdominal injuries including a ruptured stomach, intestines, and bladder.

He would spend the next year at Walter Reed Medical Center, which was closer to his home and to his parents, who visited daily. He managed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in addition to the challenges of his physical recovery.

For John, the hardest thing was learning to reimagine life without his identity as an Army Ranger. John was thankful to be alive but felt that he had lost his purpose. He wanted to be a Ranger again.

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“I had that mentality of ‘there’s no other option in life besides being a Ranger,’” John said. “I went from being the most in shape, toughest guy, to the most difficult realization that I am never going to be the guy I once was. That beat me up emotionally.”

Connecting with Veterans Who ‘Know the Feeling’

“I had destructive habits. I was drinking too much and isolating from others. A lot of it was that I felt sorry for myself, and I was mad that I wasn’t with my guys who I felt needed me. But a lot changed when Wounded Warrior Project reached out to me.”

John participated in Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP)’s Physical Health and Wellness programs, where he discovered that working on his physical wellness led to mental wellness.

Through WWP, John met other veterans with similar experiences. “They had the same feelings I had about being separated from the military and what we felt we were meant to do,” John said.

“And we just worked out together. It was so cool that I was just working out with other veterans.”

Soon, John realized that, with the support of his new network of veterans, he was capable of overcoming much more. “I lost close to 60 pounds in two months. I stopped drinking, and at that time, I was on medications for anxiety, anti-inflammatories for arthritis, and pain medication. All of a sudden, I realized I didn’t need any of them.”

John was able to envision new goals for himself. At first, it was physical goals, which were impressive considering everything his body had been through.

“I stopped having horrible, debilitating arthritis in my arm, which I thought was going to be with me for the rest of my life,” John said. “I started sleeping better. I started having better relationships and feeling happier. And I thought, ‘this is unbelievable.’ I fell in love with the sense of camaraderie that I had in the military. I was getting that again from Wounded Warrior Project.”

An Injured Warrior Becomes the Best Man He Can Be

In Spring 2023, WWP invited John on a resiliency trip to Germany for the 70th anniversary of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The trip also marked 20 years since John’s combat injuries and medevac through Landstuhl.

John continued in WWP physical wellness programs, had an opportunity to do Soldier Ride in D.C., and also joined WWP peer support mentoring, helping other warriors make the same connections that had benefitted him.

“It’s great to have a bunch of people with whom you can let your guard down and have an oppor-tunity to be vulnerable,” John said. “With peer support, you can open up a little bit more. I don’t talk with my wife about some of the things that I talk about with other peers. They just know the feeling.”

An Injured Warrior Becomes the Best Man He Can Be

In Spring 2023, WWP invited John on a resiliency trip to Germany for the 70th anniversary of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The trip also marked 20 years since John’s combat injuries and medevac through Landstuhl. “This trip gave me the opportunity to get closure from how I originally left Iraq, which wasn’t on my own terms, and get a chance to thank the staff who work to save the lives of our injured servicemen and women,” John said.

While there, he shared his story with active-duty service members and connected with a surgeon who knows the staff who operated on John and who had other connections to his Ranger unit.

“Being there gave me a true appreciation for everything good that’s going on in my life now and allowed me to tie those good things back to individuals who went above and beyond to save me and help me have a good life,” John said.

“Having Wounded Warrior Project reach out to me and give me the opportunity to get closure on the process, from having been injured on the battlefield all the way to my recovery at home, and tying it together gives me a feeling of overall well-being.”

Today, John is a general manager of a business, a father of three young children, and a mentor to other veterans. He continues to participate in WWP programs and introduce other warriors to the physical and mental healing he found.

Learn more about how veterans are living full lives and helping others combat the stigma associated with PTSD:

https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/ptsd About Wounded Warrior Project

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

https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org

“It took me a while to realize that I’m never going to be the guy I was in the military,” John said. “But I can use what I have to work with to become the best man I can be.

Independence Day

Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as “the Fourth of July”.

It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States.

On July 4th, 1776 the United States laid down its claim to be a free and independent nation by adopting the Declaration of Independence. Today, Independence Day is celebrated and honored in many forms such as fireworks, BBQs and parades. It is an opportunity for Americans to express patriotism and love of country including reflecting on the sacrifices from those in the military.

Independence Day History

On June 11th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to formally sever ties with Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, who considered an esteemed writer, was selected to draft the document. After 86 revisions and on July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress signed the final version.

The first readings of the document included ringing of bells and band music. The following Fourth of July Congress was adjourned in Philadelphia and everybody celebrated with bells, bonfires and fireworks. Soon these customs spread to other areas within the 13 colonies and new customs began to develop such as picnics, speeches, games, military displays and of course fireworks. These traditions continued for almost a century before Congress finally established Independence Day as a holiday.

Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration states, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness….”

Independence Day Facts

• The original copy of the Declaration is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and July 4 has been designated a national holiday to commemorate the day the United States

• Independence Day 2015 is the 239th Independence Day.

• 56 People signed the Declaration of Independence.

• John Hancock was the first signer and famously had the largest signature.

• In July 1776 there were an estimated 2.5 million people living in the Colonial United States.

• Currently there are approximately 316 million Americans.

• The Declaration of Independence was revised 86 times.

• The first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8, 1776.

• Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the Fourth of July, 1826.

Things to do on the Fourth of July

• Barbecue with friends and family

• Watch a fireworks show

• Go to a blockbuster movie release

• Have a block party

• Light some fireworks (safely & legally of course)

• Attend a baseball game

• Find water – Boating, beaching and water skiing

• Rent a 4th of July themed movie

• Find a National Park hosting a July 4th event

Patriotic Things to do on the Fourth of July

• Fly the American Flag

• Wear Red, White and Blue

• Volunteer to help our veterans

• Take a trip to a special fort, park or monument near you.

• Go to a Fourth of July celebration

• Attend a Revolutionary War reenactment

• Send Letters, Care Packages, and Other Ways to Support the Military

Make July your Month of Independence

In the United States we have just finished celebrating the 4th of July. It’s a special time to Americans. Not only are there picnics and parades, there is an understanding that over 200 years ago people got fed up with the way things were and pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to making the changes they saw necessary for long-term success as a nation.

July is also halfway through the calendar year, six months away from the hopeful exuberance of New Year’s resolutions. This makes it a perfect opportunity to make July a month to declare your personal independence from the things that are standing in the way of your resolutions and goals. Revisit those grand dreams and declare your independence from the tyranny holding you back – pledging with the same revolutionary fervor as the patriots did to make the changes necessary for your success.

Declare your independence from failure.

How are you doing on the goals you made at the first of the year? Have you fallen so far behind that you have shoved them back into a corner, pointedly ignoring them because you feel that you have failed?

This is the tyranny of failure. It stalks along beside you, assuring you that each and every time you try something new it will not work out and you will not be successful. Often it has helpers – your friends, coworkers, possibly even those closest to you. Regardless, the largest ally of failure is the voice inside of you.

Before you listen to all these voices, ask yourself these three questions:

• Have you given this goal your best effort?

• If you have – what are the reasons you could not be successful? Is it a lack of resources, knowledge or skill?

• How can you learn from where you are and make a plan to acquire what is missing – the resources, knowledge or skills – to allow you to be successful?

The great Roman general Marcus Aurelius asked the question a different way: “Does what’s happened keep you from acting with justice, generosity, self-control, sanity, prudence, honesty, humility, straightforwardness?”

In other words, does what you perceive as failure change your basic nature as a human being? If not, don’t waste time being held back by the failure. Instead use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Take that learning and growth into the future and continue on to achieve your goals.

Declare your independence from fear.

Television personality Mike Rowe tells a story when he stood before the camera to begin his first night as a host on the shopping channel QVC. He had a product he knew nothing about, he had no experience in live television, and he knew that QVC was not interested in on-air personalities who could not sell products.

In his story, Mike points out a key in declaring your independence from the tyranny of fear: Don’t hide your fear. Acknowledge that you are scared to yourself and to those around you. In Mike’s case, he started out his segment letting the entire television audience know that it was his first time, he didn’t know anything about what the product did, and then he asked them to get involved and help him out.

The audience responded by filling the phone lines to talk about their experience with the products, encouraged by Mike’s willingness to be truthful and authentic with them. Most importantly, they were willing to purchase the products being pitched.

What Mike Rowe did was eliminate the best weapon of fear, which is the uncertainty that comes with doing something that you have not done before. By openly acknowledging the fear he made it clear that he was committed to success and was able to tap into those who were waiting for an opportunity to make that success possible.

Declare your independence from going it alone. The story that Mike Rowe tells also shows the futility of trying to go it alone. Many people set goals – whether they are related to education, fitness or career – then attempt to achieve those goals in the absence of any type of support system.

The self-made man is a myth. Throughout history, leaders who have been successful have had carefully developed support systems around them.

Whether they are formal advisors, technical assistants, or just sounding boards who can help in the development of ideas, a support system is invaluable in helping you reach a goal.

Make yourself accountable to those who care about you. It does not have to be a formal accountability framework; something as simple as online social media can be very powerful. When I first started a fitness program, I posted each day’s run to my Facebook account. This was not so much that I wanted to be sure that my friend saw me run, rather, it was my motivation when I did not want to go run.

Adjust where necessary, learn from the attempts of the first half of the year, banish your fear, and re-engage with your support system.

You have the second half of the year to make your goals a reality, and the experiences of the first half of the year to get you there.

Make this July your personal “Independence Month” – a month to recommit to the goals that you want to achieve this year.

This week, American flags will be displayed across the nation in celebration of the Independence Day holiday. Following a few guidelines can ensure we are displaying Old Glory properly.

In 1923, the U.S. National Flag Code was created and distributed nationwide. The code became Public Law in 1942 and became the U.S. Flag Code we know today. The U.S. Flag Code lays out the ways to display and respect the flag of the United States.

For example:

• The flag should not be on display outdoors during bad weather.

• The flag should not be used for advertising purposes, or embroidered on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes.

• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery.

• It should never be displayed upside down unless trying to convey a sign of distress or great danger.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it; this includes water, merchandise and even the floor.

• When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

Do’s and Don’ts for Displaying Old Glory

BY SUSAN H. LAWSON

Other Do’s and Don’ts:

• Clean and damage-free flags should always be used. Dirty, ripped, wrinkled or frayed flags should not be used. Also, when flags are damaged, they should be destroyed in a dignified manner.

• The U.S. flag should flow freely in the wind or in a lobby with a passing breeze as people walk past. Stretching a flag is a lot like walking around with your arms held out straight. It is not to be held captive by metal arm spreaders as if to say, “Look at me!”

• Staffs and finials should always be upright and not leaning.

• Clamping a U.S. flag to a vehicle’s antenna is acceptable, or the flagstaff clamped to the right fender, as long as the flag displays in the proper direction.

• Service flags are displayed in order of service precedence, not the host service where they are displayed. The order of precedence is Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

• When displaying the U.S. flag with other flags, the U.S. flag comes first and is centered in the middle of a flag display. In addition, the U.S. flag must be placed higher than the other flags, unless other national flags are present. In that case the U.S. flag would be the same height.

• Buntings are a good way to display the national colors and decorate for Independence Day without discrediting the U.S. flag.

What’s So American About Apple Pie?

The grill glows hot, the beer is on ice, and the fireworks are ready to burst. Fourth of July is a holiday celebrated through food. There’s potato salad, popsicles, watermelon slices — and, of course, apple pie. But this all-American dessert isn’t as homegrown as you’d think. “When we say, ‘As American as apple pie,’ we think of baseball and hot dogs without ever considering not one ingredient in apple pie originates from what we call the United States,” says Libby O’Connell, author of The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites.

Pie for thought:

The recipe

The British used animal fat, wheat, and water to create airtight pastry shells with the un¬appetizing name of “coffyns.” These savories were usually stuffed with beef or venison. In America, the shells became flakier (like the strudels made by German immigrants) and the meat fillings were replaced with apples, a way to use up imperfect fruit.

Apples

The sweet, juicy fruit we use in pie isn’t native to North America, which specializes in crab apples. It originated in Kazakhstan. The Romans then crossed it with astringent apples used for making ¬cider. (True tidbit: Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman really did plant orchards around the United States.) Love apples? Here are some other healthy ways to eat apples you didn’t know about.

Wheat

First cultivated more than 9,000 years ago, ancient wheat has been found in Iraq, Iran, and throughout the Middle East. The “king of grains” spread through Europe and then to the New World, where it failed miserably, which is why colonists relied on a Native American staple for baking: corn. In the late 1800s, Russian immigrants brought a wheat variety known as Turkey Red, which was better suited to our climate.

Lard and Butter

Wild boars (the ancestors of lard-producing pigs) are native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. It was actually Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, who brought pigs and cattle, the source of all things dairy.

Sugar and Spices

Columbus also played deliveryman for sugar, which originated about 4,000 years ago in Indonesia, India, China, and what is now Papua New Guinea.

Cinnamon comes from an evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka. (The prophet Moses and Rome’s emperor Nero are believed to have eaten it.) The variety most commonly found on super¬market shelves today is cassia cinnamon, which originated in southern China. Cloves and nutmeg, indigenous to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, were considered so precious that Ferdinand Magellan brought 50 tons of them back to Spain after he sailed around the world in 1522. Watch out for these foods that are surprisingly high in sugar.

Becoming an American “Original”

Once all the ingredients were in place, putting them together was as easy as—Well, it wasn’t so easy after all. Although the earliest apple pie recipes date to the 1300s, it took nearly 500 years for the dessert to hit it big in the United States. “During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate troops scavenged for apples and commandeered the hearths—and flour bins—of white farmers and black tenants to bake pies,” writes John T. Edge in Apple Pie: An American Story.

“Wartime adversity fixed the taste of apple pie on the palate of generations to come.” By 1902, an editorial in the New York Times proclaimed that pie had become “the American synonym for prosperity.” In the 1920s, the phrase as American as apple pie started to appear in print, and by World War II, soldiers declared that they were fighting “for mom and apple pie.” Apple pie—wholesome and comforting—had woven itself into the way we see our country.

Given apple pie’s strong associations with America, there’s perhaps some small irony that it is not necessarily a homegrown American product, but something baked overseas and brought to these shores. But if immigrants comprise a key component of the United States’ lifeblood, then there is perhaps no better symbol of America than the delicious dessert.

Say Her Name!

By Cj Machado Photojournalist and veteran advocate

On May 5, 2023, the President of the United States of America declared Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day

On May 6, 2023, Indian Motorcycles of San Diego kicked off the Medicine Wheel Ride - “Ride for Resilience” to bring awareness to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic.

Many motorcycle clubs and organizations joined the cause including American Legion Riders, and the mother chapter of Rez Riders located in Pauma Valley, Southern California - an Indian motorcycle club for all nations. The 100-mile scenic ride passed through the hillside of many local San Diego County Indian reservations encompassing Barona, Rincon, Pala and Pauma.

The Medicine Wheel Ride (MWR) gave Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) family members a voice to acknowledge those lost but never forgotten. During a ceremony to honor women, MWR volunteers repeated the names of those missing or murdered to remind the community of the family’s painful journey for closure and justice.

A report from the Urban Indian Health Institute (https://www.uihi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ Missing-and-Murdered-Indigenous-Women-and-GirlsReport.pdf) noted that there were more than 5,700 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls in 2016. The report states that only 116 of the cases were logged in the Department of Justice’s database—tragically many cases are unsolved.

In Washington, more than four times as many Indigenous women go missing than white women, according to research conducted by the Urban Indian Health Institute in Seattle, and many such cases receive little or no media attention.

As of March 31, 2022, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bill that creates a first-in-the-nation statewide alert system for missing Indigenous people. The law creates a system similar to Amber Alerts and so-called silver alerts, which are used respectively for missing children and vulnerable adults in many states.

All Photo’s courtesy Olivier Touron

The law attempts to address a crisis of missing Indigenous people — particularly women — in Washington and across the United States.

The Medicine Wheel Ride are a group of Indigenous Women motorcyclists and allies who create awareness through organizing events and fundraising efforts for issues affecting Indigenous Women and Relatives as well as issues within their own communities.

“We support groups and advocates who search for missing persons and provide support services to women and their families,” expressed Shelly Denny, Founder of the Medicine Wheel Ride.

This August, the Ride for Resilience will continue their plea with the MMIW Ride to Sturgis in hopes of receiving nationwide attention and finally help put an end to such violence.

To support the cause or join the ride please, visit: www.MedicineWheelRide.org

www.facebook.com/medicinewheelride Or www.mmiwusa.org

#medicinewheelride #nomorestolensisters #MMIW #womenaresacred

PTSD: Reclaiming Control

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

PTSD Symptoms: Intrusive Memories

The impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be felt in every area of life, clawing away at your independence over time. The more knowledge you have on PTSD, the better equipped you will be to overcome it.

These associations cause ‘triggers’. Triggers are new sensations that are related to the original trauma and unleash a surge of panic, dread, and anxiety. As if this isn’t enough, those memories can emerge in the form of nightmares. In these nightmares, the images and feelings can appear almost as ‘instant replays’ of the original event, or sometimes manifest in subtle, but frightening ways.

There are four major ‘clusters’ of PTSD symptoms to be aware of: intrusive thoughts and memories, avoidance, changes in mood and thought patterns, and hyperarousal/hypervigilance. Over the next four months, we will dive into each cluster in more detail, beginning with intrusive thoughts and memories.

Reminders or re-experiencing of traumatic events is central to PTSD, and where we will begin. This pattern of re-experiencing the trauma is a ‘driver’ of many of the other life-affecting symptoms.

It is common that a person with PTSD will speak on trauma being ‘seared into my memory’. The memory is intense and painful, leaving a wound that does not heal, continuing to open up as though the event is happening again in real time. Contrary to what people say, no, time will not make the memory go away. Time has frozen, and the memory returns as vividly as the first time it was experienced.

This process of re-experiencing the events takes certain forms. The brain forms associations, and sensations through our five senses; visual, tactile, auditory, or smell that becomes ingrained with the original memory.

We see this subtlety in dreams with my client who experienced years of harsh verbal abuse from her step-parent. She often woke up from a deep sleep when this step-parent yelled at her during the night. Years later, she was having nightmares almost daily, and her step-parent was vividly ‘realistic’ in each. In sleep, our muscles are deactivated so we can not act out our dreams in real life, even though our deeply rooted reactions remain the same to danger: fight, flight, or freeze. Freezing in the form of sleep paralysis was her reaction during her nightmares, and when awake she would freeze and hold her breath when she heard the trigger of loud voices. To unfreeze her nervous system we practiced normalizing her breathing to counter her reflexive breath-holding.

A veteran who was robbed at gunpoint in a grocery parking lot late at night experiences intrusive memories in another way. His experience brought back memories of stressful active duty events. He could no longer shop by himself as reminders of the event kept him from shopping even in the daytime. The trauma caused him to keep expecting a gunman to jump from between parked cars, his trigger, and he became progressively more fearful of all parking lots. He would park on the far fringe of lots so he was not ‘hemmed in’ or trapped. Avoidance, irritability, and hyper-alertness came to dominate his life. In the columns to come, we’ll follow his experience with these symptoms.

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

WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not always allow the affected to seek help. Lend a hand and provide them with methods of help, listen and be a friend.

Homeland Magazine works with nonprofit veteran organizations that help more than one million veterans in life-changing ways each year.

Resources. Support.

Inspiration.

At Homeland Magazine you can visit our website for all current and past articles relating to PTSD, symptoms, resources and real stories of inspiration.

Resources & Articles available at:

E S O U R C E S homelandmagazine.com/category/fighting-ptsd

FIGHTING PTSD

Real Talk: Mental Health

By Hope Phifer Cohen Veterans Network www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Strategies to Support Mental Health During PCS Season

It is that time of year again - Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season. For military families, this means packing up and moving to a new duty station. As a military service member or family, moving from one location to another is a familiar process. However, PCS moves can be particularly challenging. The process can be complicated and stressful.

At times, unexpected issues such as delayed shipments, lost or damaged items, and even housing concerns can arise. These issues can cause additional tension and financial burden on the service member and their family. Overall, PCS season can be an emotional time for military families. The process of packing up and moving to a new location can take a toll on everyone involved, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can add to the anxiety. While much attention is given to the logistics of the move itself, it is important to also focus on the mental health effects of PCS season.

For service members and their families, PCS season can trigger feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. The disruption of routines, the loss of friendships and support systems, and the adjustment to new environments can all contribute to mental health challenges. It is important to recognize these feelings and seek help if needed.

Additionally, there are several strategies that can help military families cope with the mental health effects of PCS season. Staying connected with friends and family, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support from mental health professionals are all important steps. It is also helpful to plan and create a support network in the new location.

To have less stress this PCS season, Cohen Veterans Network asked its staff members from across the nation for their PCS learnings and tips.

The following is some of the advice offered to maintain mental wellness:

• Ereke, Army veteran, empathizes “It’s important families give their kids and teens lots of time and space to express their feelings, to ask their questions, and to voice their reservations without invalidating their concerns.”

• Jenn, military spouse, suggested having “an empty house party after the movers have come and gone but before you clean. Invite friends to bring snacks, games, and conversation. It’s a low-key time to say goodbyes when everyone can sit back and relax.”

• Michael, a veteran, suggests “take some time to adjust. Get out and explore the area as much as possible, which will help you feel right at home.”

• MaryBeth, a 26 year veteran wife, explains what she calls “PCS Pretty.” “Every day during the PCS we worked hard to capture the “prettiest” moment. It was a great source of tension relief and brought joy and levity to difficult situations.”

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time mover, it is important to be prepared for the challenges that come with a PCS. Most importantly, make sure you are taking care of yourself and your family. Get enough sleep, eat well, and take breaks when you need them.

With a little planning and preparation, your PCS can be a smooth and successful transition to your new duty station. At the end of the day, taking care of your mental health during PCS season is just as important as taking care of the physical aspects of the move. By being proactive and seeking help when needed, military families can make the transition to a new location as smooth as possible.

It is important to recognize the impact of PCS season on mental health and take steps to prioritize self-care during this time. This may include seeking support from mental health professionals like those available at Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics, practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness and exercise, and staying connected with loved ones. By acknowledging the challenges of PCS season and implementing strategies to support mental health, individuals and families can navigate this transition more effectively.

For more information, visit https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/pcs

Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families, including National Guard and Reserves.

All sexual orientations and genders welcome.

APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home

Homeland Magazine had the chance to speak with the filmmakers of Apache Blues: Welcome Home, a new documentary that follows up with veterans of the Vietnam War. The film premieres at the Dances with Films Festival on July 2nd in Los Angeles and tickets are available on the festival’s website.

danceswithfilms.com/apache-blues-welcome-home

Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet, the indie filmmakers behind the project, did not know what their 33,000 mile journey around the U.S. would become. What they found through their interviews was just how powerful and healing a conversation could be.

Homeland: APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home is described as a “poignant and soulful story about the healing power of conversation.” Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the film and why you chose to focus on the Vietnam War veterans’ experiences?

Dave and Dustin: This started with Dave’s longtime friendship with Kregg Jorgenson, one of the veterans in our film. At one point, Dave offered to film an oral history of Kregg’s stories from the Vietnam War in order to preserve them for his family. It was just two friends sitting down at Dave’s kitchen table but when it was done, Kregg mentioned how good it felt to tell the stories, and maybe other guys from his unit would like to do it as well. We felt that these were stories that we had never really been allowed to hear in school or pop culture without a political lens being forced over them, so the idea for this documentary was born. Let’s get the story straight from the soldiers who were there. But as we were conducting the interviews, once the cameras were turned off you could just see these men visually relax. Like a weight had been lifted. That’s when we knew what our real story was, the healing power these conversations were having. We focused on this unit, because we feel that telling such a tight and personal story, it conveys an experience that all veterans will be able to connect with. No matter what conflict they served in.

Homeland: The journey for APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home spanned over 30,000 miles across the continental US. Can you share some of the most memorable moments or encounters you had during your travels?

Dave: I really loved stopping for gas or lunch in all of the small towns. We met some of the friendliest people and had the greatest conversations. News and social media loves to hammer the talking point that we are a

divided nation. Having talked with people from all walks of life, of all political persuasions, from all around the country, that is not nearly as true as we are led to believe. Maybe we should talk and listen more rather than just trying to win arguments and “own” each other.

Dustin: There really is nothing like locking yourself in a car for a trip around the earth to test the boundaries of your friendship. I cannot believe Dave still talks to me, or that I continue to get into the car with him.

Dave: Also, Passing Lane etiquette is definitely something that needs to be refreshed across the country.

Dave Merlino, Dustin Sweet and Director of Photography for Apache Blues: Welcome Home, Charles Schaefer, with Apache Troop 1/9 reenactors at the Tigerland training ground in Louisiana. Melino and Sweet have brought several of their veterans to this event over the years and the veterans absolutely love what they do to keep the history alive.

Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet on set of their previous film, Freedom Fighter.

Homeland: The film explores the healing power of conversation. What challenges did you face in capturing and conveying these intimate and transformative conversations on screen?

Dave and Dustin: With the exception of Kregg Jorgenson, who is Dave’s former co-worker, we had never met any of these men before asking them to share their darkest memories. So we made sure to spend a lot of time just sitting, talking and getting comfortable before setting up the cameras. We had to be careful though because there were definitely some good stories that came out before the cameras were on.

Homeland: In addition to your film, you also host the Know Their Story podcast. How has this platform influenced your understanding of veterans’ stories and the impact of sharing those stories with a broader audience?

Dave: Even though Dustin and I are not veterans, we have never failed to connect with a guest. Even though we may not have done the exact same things in life, there are always shared experiences. Maybe that’s working for a micromanaging boss, nonsensical workplace rules, losing someone in your life unexpectedly... you’d be surprised what you may have in common with someone if you take the time to talk with them.

Dustin: The podcast has really brought something one of our guests, Father Mike Olsen, said into focus. As communities across the planet we would be well advised to find a way to better welcome veterans back into our communities. Every veteran we have talked to is a team player who mindfully thinks of others and is genuinely interested in the betterment of their community. Well trained at being self-sufficient, trained to solve problems themselves. They may want to reach out, but their training acts as a block to that. It is incumbent on us to reach out to them.

Homeland: Are there any specific messages or themes in APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home that you hope will resonate with audiences?

Dave: That you don’t have to do something grand to make the world a better place. Something as simple as, “Hey, when you’re ready to talk, I would love to hear your story” can have a big impact on a person’s life.

Dustin: Speaking about your experiences, harrowing or not, will help you to process the emotions surrounding your experience. A lot of people will say “I didn’t have it that bad” or “I don’t want my loved ones to hear about the horrors I witnessed” which are two sides of the same coin, and neither are wrong ways of thinking. We process

our internal conflict much easier by retelling the story of what happened to us. Especially to someone who can just listen to it without judging us or trying to solve our problems.

Homeland: What were some of the most significant lessons you learned throughout the process of making APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home, both as filmmakers and as individuals?

Dave: While conducting the interviews, it was important to leave a few seconds of silence after they were done answering a question before I moved on to the next question in order to make life easier on the editor.

Oftentimes, in that silence when I was sure the question was done and I was silently counting a few seconds in my head, the veterans would start talking again and go way deeper than we previously gone. It taught me to stay in the moment and not to be looking forward to the next part of the conversation. Too much can be missed when we do that.

Dustin: Setting up and tearing down a shoot every day taught me a lot about what is necessary, and what is nice to have, on a project; and being away from my family really brought out how much I love them.

Dustin Sweet, CSM (R) Tony Cortez and Dave Merlino

Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet interviewing Randall Wallace, director of We Were Soldiers.

Arts & Healing Arts

for Military Veterans

By Amber Robinson

Music, the Universal Healer

The power of music. It is said to be one of the most powerful, if not most powerful, healing art. Music has a special ability to soothe us, elate us, motivate us to move or move us to tears. It evokes emotion in the most stirring of ways, taking us back to moments in time complete with the smells and feelings. Music can also be a place to hide, a place to find refuge when days seem dark.

As a Soldier deployed to Afghanistan I found that sort of comfort in music. Every night of each of my three deployments I would hit the gym, retreat into my headphones and let music carry me away from the war. During my second tour I discovered artists like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and XXY. I’d stay on the treadmill and stationary bike for miles upon miles, letting the music and the rhythm of my body carry me away. My next tour I was still hooked on the same bands, just their new albums. These musicians became my daily saviors.

This inspired me to reach out to fellow veterans locally to see what album, band or song has kept them going during war, training or just hard times in general. Whether certain music gave them a laugh, good memories or helps them to heal and grow now, it’s obvious music and military service have a close relationship.

San Diego Army veteran and artist, Brian Meyer, says he used to listen to the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin during his service, but has a particular memory of a Zeppelin knock-off group.

“I remember when the ground war started in Desert Storm and we just got finished changing frequencies and call signs for our Log Base. They played over the radio station “Dread Zepplin”, a reggae cover band playing “Stairway to Heaven”, but the lyrics were to Gilligan’s Island.,” said Meyer.

“Just the thought of all our tanks driving into Iraq listening to “Stairway”, and how the lyrics were just completely wrong, but still fitting, had to have made a few listening, chuckle.”

“[The] Stone Temple Pilots [album], ‘Core’, settles me,” said Navy veteran Eric Trigg.

“One of my go-to songs is “Beautiful” by Carol King,” said Naval officer, Theresa Louise Carpenter. “Every time I hear it, I get inspired. It’s lyrics remind us that your attitude is a choice, one that we must take control of and decide to choose to be positive, no matter what crap life throws at us.”

I then asked musician Floyd Smith, founder of local 501(C)3 nonprofit, Music Therapy for Veterans, what he thought it was about music that could makes it so powerful in coping and healing.

Although Smith is not a veteran, his father was a three-time combat veteran who served during World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War. He exhibited classic PTSD symptoms for most of Smith’s life. But, as a kid, Smith recalls him bringing home a different 45 (record) each Friday and getting lost in the music.

“It was the only time he ever seemed peaceful,” said Smith. “He was doing music therapy on himself and he didn’t even realize it. Music was the only thing that brought him back.”

Smith, part of the five-time Grammy-winning group 5th Dimension formed his nonprofit after a performance at a VA facility in 2011. He recalls everyone looking so sad and the facility being devoid of a very important healing element. Music.

From that moment he decided to find a way he could bring veterans the magic of music therapy. His nonprofit raises funds to link veterans up with professional music therapists. It is a San Diego-based nonprofit but Smith hopes to expand his services nationally.

When I asked Floyd what he thinks it is about music that helps those of us affected by PTSD heal, he had a profound answer.

“Music has the power to literally take us back to who we were before the bad things happened,” he said. “It has the power to grab that part of your brain from when you were alright.”

If you are a veteran interested in Smith’s music therapy program, you can sign up for free at their website at www.musictherapyforveterans.org.

“Music is the only thing that consumes the entire brain at one time,” said Smith. “It inspires our need for movement, evokes emotions, memory and releases endorphins.”

“Music has the power to literally take us back to who we were before the bad things happened”

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Find Yourself

Make time to step back from your service and work on understanding who you are beyond the uniform. Your loved ones may only know the ‘you’ in uniform. Wearing the cloth of this great nation may have defined you for a season, but there is a new you emerging. It’s time to press on and lean into your future outside of the military. Check out resources like Reboot www.nvtsi.org to help you on this first step of your journey.

Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses

Resume writing can be daunting, discouraging and downright depressing! How do you possibly translate your expertise as a sniper, tank driver or crewman into something compelling for the civilian hiring manager to understand? There are many free services out there that will help you write a professional resume that will do its job in getting you the interview. Take advantage of their expertise and willingness to give you a hand up in your journey. Check out our friends at www.vetctap.org for help, ideas and direction.

Webster’s Definition:

1: the quality or state of being free: such as. a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. b: liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence.

Leaving the military has an element of freedom. You are free from having someone tell you where to move, when to move, what to do, what to wear and more. You now have freedom to attend your kids school play, to be at their birthday and graduation celebrations and to live wherever you want whenever you want.

You also have the freedom to choose your job, location, salary and more. This freedom, however, can be paralyzing and ironically imprisoning. You may find it difficult, stressful and burdensome to break out into the great unknown of civilian work life.

Here are a few tips for success in maximizing your new found F.R.E.E.D.0.M.

*Do not pay to have someone write your resume for you. There are plenty of highly skilled professionals who will help you for free.

Economize

This will be very stressful on you and your family members. You may feel like a failure. You may get frustrated when you get no response from the companies that you have submitted your resume to. The bills pour in and you may feel trapped. Create a budget and stick to it. There is hope. Programs like www.stepsocal.org can help you stay afloat before and during your transition.

Engage

There are hundreds of professional coaches who enjoy sharing their gifts and talents with veterans for free. There are hundreds of HR Professionals who would love to do an ‘informational interview’ with you. Your network is ready for you to reach out and connect. When I speak at large events, I ask the audience to raise their hand

if they got their current job via their network or a job board. Most raise their hand to say they received their job via their network. Your network works if you work it. Establish a strong LinkedIn profile. Join relevant work groups. Go have fun and make friends. You just never know who you will meet who will have the ‘one’ connection to your dream job.

Discipline your search

Finding a full-time job is your full-time job. Invest 40 hours a week to network, connect, ask for advice, get coached and apply for roles. Stay organized. When an employer calls you regarding the job you applied for, have a spreadsheet on which you tracked all of the applications you submitted, at the ready to you know exactly which role they are referring to.

Observe habits of the successful

Dale Carnegie said one of the secrets to his success was to surround himself with people smarter than himself. Read books like his, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” or Steven Covey’s, “7 Habits of Highly Successful People”. Ask business professionals that you respect to recommend books that have influenced them. Then read them.

Make things happen

They say in life there are only three types of people. Those that make things happen, those that watch what happens and those that wonder what happened. Sites like this can help you make things happen.

www.military.com/veteran-jobs

This site is not the only resource out there, but what a boost to the ego to see the words, “Veterans Wanted” listed next to each opportunity. Use the search bar to seek the job titles and location and start applying. Connect with the hiring managers on LinkedIn. Simply use the search bar to find the name of the company and add the words, “Talent Acquisition”, or “Human Resources” and you will find the person that will be looking at your resume first. Ask them for advice and or an informational interview. Network!

Transition is about forging new relationships and a new way of life outside of the military. Redefine your purpose, find your new family, and enjoy your freedom.

Questions, looking for resources or answers?

Reach out to Eve at: eve@bandofhands.com

www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

Transition to Business HUMAN RESOURCES

By Paul Falcone

Preparing for a Panel Interview

you may see a number of empty stares with interviewers looking toward one another to see who wants to ask a question, who wants to answer one of your questions, and the like. That’s okay: panel interviews can be challenging for the interviewers as well. When you sense an awkwardness or a feeling of “walking-on-eggshells” from those on the panel, smile a lot, nod your head, and make your body language as welcoming as possible to lessen that feeling of awkwardness that the interviewers may be experiencing.

Likewise, be prepared for organizations that are particularly well in sync when it comes to team interviews. In those cases, you’ll experience a feeling coming from the interviewers of orderliness, calm, selfassuredness, and candor. Organizations that know how to conduct team interviews effectively often identify “roles” that each interviewer can take, such as:

1 The Opener: the individual who welcomes you, asks you about yourself, how you learned of the opportunity, and why you may be excited about it.

2. The Technician: the interviewer responsible for checking your “tech chops,” especially if you’ll be working in an environment where specific software or technical skills are required.

Nothing says opportunity like the 4th of July holiday, and transitioning successfully into the business world is chock full of opportunity to demonstrate your skills, personality, and potential “fit factor” within each corporate setting where you interview. That being said, it’s not uncommon for companies to include a panel interview of your would-be peers or of your potential internal clients and stakeholders so that everyone has a chance to weigh in on the finalist hired. If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry—you simply want to be prepared by having a general idea of what to expect and knowing how to put your best foot forward.

First, I would make a humble argument that corporate America isn’t particularly good at panel interviews. In many organizations, there is little coordination beforehand of who will ask what questions, who will be responsible for certain focus areas, who will be the one to “sell the organization,” and the like. Therefore,

3. The Career Evaluator: one person may be responsible for asking you about your career ambitions, militaryto-private sector transition strategy, and why accepting this job now would make sense for you in terms of your overall career progression and personal goals.

4. The Compensation Specialist: one individual may ask you what your compensation goals are, what elements are involved (base salary versus commission versus bonus), and the like.

5. The Inviter: one interviewer may at some point turn over the interview to you and ask what questions you have at that point about the organization, industry, or role you’d be filling.

6. The Transitioner: one person may be responsible for concluding the interview, following up with any pending items, and escorting you back to human resources or to your next one-on-one interview.

What’s important is that you think through your role relative to each of these individuals’ queries. For example, when the “Opener” asks you a little bit about yourself, are you prepared to provide your “elevator pitch” that captures your entire work history in sixty seconds or less? Likewise, are you confident in your ability to explain yourself in layman’s terms so that nonmilitary managers and recruiters will understand it? For the “Career Evaluator,” are you prepared to discuss what criteria you’re using in selecting your first position out of the military by industry, company, and role? For example, “My ideal position would be working in the private sector for an auto parts manufacturing company with global reach. I love cars, studied mechanical engineering, worked on engines and HVAC solutions in the military, and I want to be part of an organization with global reach.”

Finally, do you have two or three questions in your pocket for the “Inviter” when you’re asked if you have any questions for the team? For example, “I understand the primary responsibilities of the position. Can you share with me some of the secondary duties that might be involved—maybe things that only happen quarterly or twice a year?” Likewise, “What two or three criteria are you looking for in selecting a finalist for this role?” or “If you could add or subtract anything from the background of the person who held this position in the past, what would it be?” Much like you’d prepare for a one-on-one interview, the team interview covers various career, personal style, and “corporate fit” areas that address your overall candidacy for the position. Have fun with it, don’t be thrown off or intimidated by the larger group, and use the team interview as an opportunity to shine by letting the interviewers know all that you have to offer.

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

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

Successful Transitioning Stories Michael Sipe

Michael Sipe is a 20-year retired Naval Aviator and airline pilot with a degree in Systems Engineering from The US Naval Academy. Michael is a Former Naval Aviator who trained Navy Pilots to land on aircraft carriers during the day and night, and an instructor for advanced weapons schools. Michael was also the Director Headquarters US Pacific Military. He’s also a former Airline Pilot Certified as an airline transportation pilot and holds several business certifications from UC Irvine.

What was it like when you transitioned out of the Navy?

I got out the Navy and interviewed with an airline the week before 9/11 happened. When 9/11 happened, we realized quite quickly the airline industry would be turned upside down, and shortly after 9/11 happened we were furloughed, and I was out of job. Suddenly, what I thought was a clear transition path was suddenly gone and I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me.

I did eventually get picked up by an airline and flew for about 2 ½ years. And I quickly realized I couldn’t raise a family off of $17,000 a year as a pilot. So basically, I then moved into being an investment advisor with a firm. And in 2000 many people were getting called back into active duty and I was one of those people who was called back into active duty. So, I had a second career in the Navy. Then I had to transition out of the Navy again for the second time and I ended up working for defense contractors as I knew I could do that, and I wasn’t planning to go back to the airline industry as that industry was still a mess.

How did you end up in entrepreneurship?

I was working on a very large project with the government, and it was tough working with all the different agencies. When I finally got all these agencies to work together, as happy as I was on this project, I realized one day walking to my car that I didn’t really want to do this anymore and I wanted to focus more on what I was good at, which was working with people. And that is when I realized I was not really working the job I wanted and that I needed to change my trajectory and

move into my current company which is coaching people in helping to restore relationships. I help overextended entrepreneurs save their marriage & family while improving life satisfaction.

What barriers did you face when starting your own company?

The biggest barriers I faced came from a military background, we want to be prepared for and know all the details. And I was ready to go, I had a plan and then covid happened and that really affected my business start up and I had to pivot like many others to make it work. But from all this an important lesson I learned is your network is your most important asset. Don’t be afraid to ask for help by getting a mentor, or reaching out to people who can support you.

What are some tips for Veterans who are transitioning out?

The tip I wish I had known years ago comes with decision making and what I learned is there are three lenses to look through when making a choice. The first one is the logic analytical reasoning mind. Then there are the emotional aspects, what is the emotion around that decision making. The third one is intuition, which comes in two forms, the gut instinct, and the non-local. But all three of these together are very important to making decisions when transitioning out. And I tell a lot of Veterans that they all have this, they just need to learn how to use it when they are looking to transition.

Final Word

Don’t underestimate the value of your relationships outside of work.

To learn more about what Michael is doing go to: www.sipecoaching.com

www.strategicadvisorboard.com

#1 Best-Seller Out of Dad’s Box: How to Break Free From Parental Control and Transform your Life at Any Age

www.amazon.com/dp/B08GGHKHKD

Also, Joe De Sena, the creator of Spartan Races has donated 300 Spartan race tickets to our organization, so if you donate $100.00 or more, you will receive a ticket.

You can make that donation @ https://synergylearninginstitute.org/donations/

To learn more about how Synergy Learning Institute helps transitioning veterans visit https://synergylearninginstitute.org

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

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

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

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

Franchise Frontline

Success Stories & Resources

By Rhonda Sanderson rhonda@sandersonpr.com

Air Force Veteran Stays Fit Physically and Financially Through Franchising

After retiring from two decades as a USAF Master Sergeant, John Rose felt something was missing not just in himself, but in his community of Alamo Ranch. This past May he opened a D1 Training in close proximity to Lackland Air Force Base to help local athletes, prospective military recruits, and anyone looking to work on their fitness. Only 6 weeks after opening its founding membership, D1 Training of Alamo Ranch has over 100 members signed up. They are on pace to be in the top 5 most successful openings of all time for the franchise brand.

“I bought into this franchise system for my daughters,” Rose said. “They were training at another facility far from our home, and the logistics of getting out there regularly didn’t make sense. But I knew that I wanted my kids to have exposure to the character building and training program that D1 offers, so I took the leap and invested.”

Rose was originally drawn to the D1 brand because it had a culture similar to the military: core values, character words, and a supportive team built into the essence of the company. Having served for over twenty years as a Digital Network Exploitation Analyst, he was well-versed in the Air Force’s values and understood how certain drills, standards, and systems reinforced them.

In turning to business ownership, Rose is carrying over the values he saw embodied by the Air Force to the structure he is using to lead his team. While his career as a cyber analyst may seem unrelated to running a fitness business at first glance, Rose developed countless soft skills as a leader which have already set up his business for success. Over the course of his military career, Rose learned to master stress and focus his energy to improvise and find a solution no matter the situation. He learned to prioritize action items, resolve conflict, train, and motivate others, and most importantly, how to lead a team.

“As a cyber analyst it is important to analyze all the information before taking action and that attention to detail has made the franchise business-model quite intuitive for me. Working with D1 Training as a franchise partner has lifted the weight of creating a business model off my shoulders. It lets me focus on cultivating a strong team with aligned values, taking care of the pressing issues facing my facility, and bringing a successful training facility to my community.”

In the midst of opening his first D1 Training, Rose is continuing to work as a Program Manager for a tech startup. While his 9 to 5 follows suit with the professional career he began in the Air Force, Rose finds fitness franchising to be the perfect way to keep up with warrior mentality, resilience, and physical work ethic he learned to love during his time in service.

About D1 Training

Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training began franchising in 2017. It has over 60 locations currently open, with an additional 120+ in development, across 26 states. The brand was recently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, was named a Top 30 Gym in America by Men’s Health Magazine, and also made an appearance on The Inc. 5000 which ranks the fastest growing private companies in the nation.

D1 Training has been endorsed by the NFL Players Association as an approved training facility and is a preferred partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

D1 Training is actively seeking qualified, communityminded franchisees with a passion for the fitness industry to continue its growth through single and multi-unit franchise deals. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.d1franchise.com

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

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

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

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

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

What Can Accountability Do for You?

If you’re self-employed, as I am, you probably don’t have anyone to report to on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. Sure, we’re self-starters, we’re proactive. We get stuff done—and in some cases, at least some of the time—we get a lot done.

And we like not having to answer to others and want that freedom and independence. We wouldn’t be in business otherwise.

But I think if we’re honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we don’t always do as much as we could. Sometimes we coast. Sometimes we do what we like to do instead of the most important things to do.

As a recent new Mind Masters member commented “I have been inconsistent and find myself jumping from one thought to another or one task to another…” Does that sound familiar?

There was research done on the top characteristics of CEOs that found 81% shared very strong motivational skills of self-management and personal accountability. As small business owners , wearing all the hats, that picture doesn’t often fit us.

We set goals and plans, but what’s the point of making commitments, or setting a goal if you have no intention of honoring, keeping or achieving them? If you’ve got a great goal, idea or opportunity but no personal accountability to see it through to the end, you really don’t have much!

Accountability serves and protects your character, credibility and commitments. It ensures that what you want to accomplish gets accomplished. Accountability can also become more self-motivating. It is all about integrity, it’s about being as honest with yourself and others as you can be.

Accountability means living by choice, rather than living by accident. It’s an opportunity to carve out the future, rather than sit back and see what happens. Without accountability there are few opportunities for breakthroughs.

When you are accountable to your promises, you are your word; thus, your relationship to others (and the whole world) shifts. Practice noticing how often you break your word and make excuses for it and how having a lack of accountability doesn’t serve you.

It’s already July: there are six months left in this magical year. How well do you rate your ability to motivate yourself and stay accountable for goals big and small? 500 successful CEOs score well, you can do the same.

Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Results strategies specialist, within industry and business over the past 40 years. Her unique message, since starting Mind Masters 30 years ago for entrepreneurs and small business owners, continually stresses vision, purpose and values as the key elements of business philosophy. www.mindmasters.com

“Accountability serves and protects your character, credibility and commitments.”

Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips

By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com

Being Independent

July 4th, 2023 marks the 247th year of our country’s independence from British control. It is only with the great strength, intelligence, tenacity and commitment of our Service Members and Veterans that has kept this country an independent nation for all these years. Independence comes with risk, something all who have served this nation understand.

Business Owners understand this risk also. It is so wonderful to be free to do as you wish, run your business as you like, market and brand your company as you see fit. But no one is giving you a paycheck and protecting you if you fail to bring in clients and revenue. Risk and reward go hand in hand.

Many Business Owners may decide to bring on Independent Contractors or 1099 Subcontractors to help them with their everyday business operations. Everything from Marketing, Bookkeeping, IT Services, Virtual Assistants and more can now be a very easy, affordable and accessible way to effectively run the business without the cost of full-time employees on the payroll. Before you consider doing this you will need to make sure that the 1099/Independent Contractor is a true Independent Contractor. Just because you decide that is what you want to classify them as, does not mean that the State will classify them as so. There can be huge consequences to incorrect classification of employees including back taxes, fines, back work comp payments and more. Ignorance is not an excuse and as a Business Owner, compliance with the laws and regulations of your state is mandatory to reduce risk to your business.

• Information Sheet: What’s New? Employment (DE 231) Rev. 14 (1-22) (ca.gov)

https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/pdf_pub_ctr/de231.pdf

• A great tool can be found at Employment Determination Guide (DE 38) (ca.gov)

https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/pdf_pub_ctr/de38.pdf This is an effective checklist to review that can help you determine whether an employee is a W2 employee or a true 1099 Independent Subcontractor.

Once you have determined that you do in fact have 1099 Independent Subcontractors, you will need to have tight, and SIGNED Agreements with each of them that includes a Hold Harmless clause. You should have a Business Attorney in your pocket to assist you with this as a solid Agreement can not only prevent frivolous claims against you but can show that you have done your due diligence in conducting proper business protocol. Kelly Bagla, is an attorney I highly recommend for this. www.baglalaw.com

You should also require the 1099 Subcontractor to carry their own insurance (1M limits minimum), issue a Certificate of Insurance to you, name you as Additional Insured (to their policy) with Primary Non- Contributory and Waiver of Subrogation endorsements in your favor. This has become very standard and should not be a big ‘ask’ to them. Part of your due diligence as a Business Owner will be to update and check these annually and keep accurate records of the certificates.

Independent Contractors can make your business flourish and can save Business Owners a lot of headache and money. And being an Independent Contractor is a wonderful gift and opportunity that our great country allows us. We all have a personal responsibility to respect and abide by the laws surrounding this and take all necessary actions to ensure compliance so we can keep our freedoms intact.

I wish you all a celebratory July 4th (but please be careful with fireworks!!!)!

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

American Corporate Partners (ACP) A Mentorship that Matters

By Amy Meehan

Mission

American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national nonprofit organization focused on helping returning veterans, veterans who have transitioned out of the military and active-duty spouses find their next careers through one-onone mentoring, networking and online career advice.

According to the Department of Labor, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service every year. ACP believes the biggest issue facing those transitioning service members is not unemployment – it’s underemployment. ACP focuses on helping veterans and active-duty spouses find meaningful employment opportunities and develop long-term careers and professional goals. To date, ACP has helped more than 20,000 veterans and active duty spouses through its mentoring program.

Post-9/11 veterans, active-duty spouses and eligible military spouses are referred to as Protégés, and the professionals that participate through their organization’s partnership with ACP are known as Mentors.

Program Guidelines

ACP focuses primarily on three groups: Post 9/11 veterans, women veterans and active duty spouses. An ACP mentorship is a yearlong commitment, which encourages Mentors and Protégés to connect for monthly discussions. ACP staff support the program with customized resources, training and suggestions, and helps the pair build a successful mentorship. It begins through a pairing process where ACP’s staff carefully selects a Mentor for each Protégé based on career compatibility, experience level, location and personal interests. Every Mentor and Protégé has a phone call with an ACP staff member to communicate and consider preferences. Most mentoring pairs are long-distance and communicate primarily through phone, videoconference and email exchanges.

Post-9/11 Veteran Mentoring Program

ACP’s Veteran Protégés are post-9/11 service members and veterans at various stages of the transition process:

• Service members who are still serving on active duty and planning for an upcoming transition or retirement

• Recently separated veterans in the midst of a transition

• Veterans who separated years ago and are currently employed, but are looking to advance in a current civilian career

• Student veterans who are seeking advice from successful business leaders in the private sector

ACP Veteran Protégé Alum and JP Morgan Chase Software Engineer, Yang Zhou, said “ACP definitely helped me get the job I have now. I was lost and confused on how to start and didn’t have any prior experience in IT.

My Mentor really encouraged me and gave me detailed steps on how to get started and approach people with similar backgrounds.

His personal experiences in the corporate world made a difference and I also appreciated my ACP contact who stayed on top of our partnership, always sending me resources and touching base with me.”

Whether a veteran is actively searching for a new career or newly employed and looking for advice about how to be successful in their new role and advance, ACP’s customized program is designed to assist a veteran or active duty spouse on their path toward rewarding, meaningful employment.

Typical mentorship topics include:

• Résumé review and interview preparation

• Career exploration

• Work-life balance

• Networking

• Small business development

• Leadership and professional communication

With eight months to go before his official retirement, Army Sergeant Major (E-9) Bryan B applied to ACP in August of 2020. Soon after, he was paired with ACP Mentor James Wise, PMP from Amentum. After getting to know one another, Jim and Bryan rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

They explored careers in project management, discussed best PMP study practices, conducted countless mock interviews, overhauled Bryan’s resumé, and so much more. Their hard work paid off when Bryan accepted his “dream position” at Airbus Defence and Space and Bryan and Jim continue to meet and conquer workplace challenges as they arise.

ACP has more than 20,000 success stories like the ones Yang and Bryan experienced in their mentorships. You can see the impact be visiting www.acp-usa.org

facebook.com/AmericanCorporatePartners

linkedin.com/company/american-corporate-partners

Instagram.com/acp_usa

legal Eagle

Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

Bulletproof Your Business

Business Disaster Recovery Plan

A disaster recovery plan is a formal document created by an organization that contains detailed instructions on how to respond to unplanned incidents such as natural disasters, power outages, cyber attacks, and any other disruptive events. The plan contains strategies to minimize the effects of a disaster so an organization can continue to operate or quickly resume key operations. Disruptions can lead to lost revenue, brand damage, and dissatisfied customers, and the longer the recovery time, the greater the adverse business impact. Therefore, a good disaster recovery plan should enable rapid recovery from disruptions, regardless of the source of the disruption.

Save, Save, Save

There are around 582 million entrepreneurs in the world today. A study recently conducted found that 62% of Americans dream of entrepreneurship, but how many of them really know what it takes? Anyone can run a business in good times. But in times of economic crisis, the responsibility to get your business through the tough times rests solely with you.

Here are some of the most popular economic downturns and the effect they have played on people’s livelihoods:

• Great Depression of 1929-1933: The stock market crash caused prices and production to fall and left millions unemployed.

• Great Recession of 2007-2009: A subprime mortgage crisis led to the collapse of the housing market and the failure of some of the nation’s largest financial institutions.

• COVID 19 Recession of 2020: A global pandemic forced businesses to close and put millions out of work.

Because you don’t know what will happen, you must prepare your business for all the “what ifs” that could affect your business. Here are some business bulletproof strategies you can implement today:

Many financial experts recommend you save enough money to cover your operating expenses for at least 3 to 6 months depending on the business you operate. As some of you are still feeling the effects of COVID 19 and the negative impact it had on our businesses, we have learned that in times of crisis you should really save for one to two years of operating expenses. In times of crisis, you can use your savings to prevent layoffs, pay vendors, maintain equipment, and meet your other operating necessities.

Continue Marketing

It is no secret that rough economic times can cause uncertainty and make businesses feel uneasy about spending on advertising. During unprecedented times, you will probably look for ways to save money, but one thing you do not want to stop doing is marketing your business. Marketing will allow you to maintain brand awareness and stay top of mind with consumers. If you disappear from the market during a recession, it can be challenging to regain that brand recognition and consumer trust once the economy recovers. Moreover, continuing to market your products and services during a recession can give you a competitive advantage. Many businesses cut back on advertising during tough times. You can stand out and gain market share by continuing to market your products and services.

Customer Service

Customer service is always important but in a down economy it’s even more essential. The service you provide distinguished you from your competitors. When you are recognized for delivering exceptional customer service experiences, people will associate that with your brand and choose you over others. Show your customers that you care about them beyond the point of sale and make a genuine effort to respond to their inquiries, address their concerns, and resolve their complaints.

The more you focus on customer service, the more your service will improve for both your customers and your business. It may not seem significant when things are good, but every customer counts in times of crisis. The level of service you provide is the determining factor that will either draw customer support or drive it away.

As a business owner, you wear multiple hats, juggle several obligations, and play various roles. You get to celebrate your business wins, but you are also responsible for preventing the losses.

Entrepreneurship is the dream of many, but it also comes with responsibility, and you cannot anticipate everything. No one foresaw that the stock market would crash in 1929, or a global pandemic would hit in 2020. But part of setting your business up for success is to make it bulletproof ensuring it can survive through any economic climate.

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

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

Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state

Legally Speaking

Military Focused Family Law Facts

By Tana Landau, Esq.

Common Misconceptions About Divorce in California

Going through a divorce can be an incredibly stressful situation for anyone. Many marriages fail for a number of different reasons, and the divorce process can be made more difficult when you or your spouse have misconceptions about how the process works or the outcomes you can expect. Several of the most common misconceptions people have regarding divorce in California are addressed below.

Misconception #1: It will only take 6 months for the divorce to be final.

Six months is the minimum amount of time required to pass before a couple can obtain a divorce. The time runs from the date the other spouse is served with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, not the date the action is commenced by filing the Petition. The other party must be served for the Court to have jurisdiction.

However, the time it takes to actually get divorced often exceeds the six-month period. This is particularly true if there are issues that require litigation in Court. The more contentious a case, the longer it will take to obtain a final divorce judgment. If both parties are amicable and capable of negotiating an agreement, it is possible to obtain a divorce within six months, although this is not common.

Misconception #2: Adultery by one party will affect the outcome of the divorce.

California is a no-fault based divorce state. There are two grounds to file for divorce in California: irreconcilable differences or permanent legal incapacity. Infidelity is irrelevant in California courts as to the ground for divorce.

However, there is one circumstance where adultery by one party may be relevant to divorce. If the cheating spouse used community funds to pay for gifts or trips, then the money they spent could be deducted from their share of the community property during the division/distribution process.

Misconception #3: A divorce can only go forward if the other spouse agrees.

Your spouse cannot prevent a divorce from going forward by rejecting or denying it. They cannot force you to remain married. You can move forward with a divorce whether they agree or not. If your spouse chooses not to file a response, you can proceed by “default” to obtain a judgement without their active participation.

Misconception #4: The mother will always get primary custody in California, or the mother is favored for custody decisions.

California encourages both parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives and prefers joint custody when possible. In California, child custody is determined based on what is in the children’s best interest. California laws do not inherently favor either spouse unless one is unfit or poses a risk to the child. The Courts consider a number of factors in determining what is in the best interest of the child which can include the relationship of the child with each parent, the living accommodations of each parent, any occurrence of domestic violence or substance abuse by either parent, any special needs of the child, and where the child attends school, among other factors. While the parent who has been the primary caregiver, whether it has been the mother or the father, is a factor considered as to the best interest of the children, it is not the deciding factor alone.

Misconception #5: The wife will always get spousal support in a divorce and the husband never can.

Spousal support is not awarded in every divorce. Generally, spousal support is awarded where there is a significant disparity in the parties’ current incomes or earning capacity. In determining if spousal support is necessary and reasonable, the Court will look at a number of factors including, but not limited to, how long the parties were married, the incomes of both parties and ability to pay, the earning capacity of both parties (education and work history), the age and health of both parties, and the ability of each party to maintain the marital standard of living (financial needs of the parties). Either spouse can potentially receive an award of spousal support. The analysis goes both ways and is not limited to only a wife/ woman receiving an award of spousal support. If the husband is the lower income earning spouse or has the lower earning capacity, it is possible for the husband to obtain a spousal support award.

There are a lot of other myths and misconceptions about divorce in California, and many people will make assumptions based upon erroneous information that they have found on the internet or been told by other people. The best way to ensure you don’t get misled is to hire an experienced family law attorney.

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

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

Opportunities in Law Enforcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAREERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

As a military service member or veteran making the transition to a new career path, law enforcement can feel like a natural fit.

SDPD Ride Along: A Story of Two Marines

By Amber Robinbson San Diego Veterans Magazine

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Officer Sean Bunch

Officer Mark Wright

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.

Continued on next page >

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

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

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

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

SDPD Ride Along

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

From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer

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 Cindy

Ovares

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

Why Veterans are Perfect for Cybersecurity

By: Stephen Patrick, Marketing Coordinator

Veterans are mission-driven, protectors, and ready for action at a moment’s notice. They are respectful, dutiful, and have integrity. An estimated 55% of people transitioning to civilian life want to do something different than they did on active duty. This is according to LinkedIn’s recent Veteran Opportunity Report.

Are you on duty or a veteran seeking a meaningful new career after serving your country? If so, explore a fast-growing field for an urgent demand for many of the skills you have developed in the military — cyber security. This growing field requires many of the strengths often gained through military service and presents an opportunity to continue to serve your country in a new context: combating the widespread and ever-growing threat of cybercrime. Cybersecurity is a high-stakes field with a critical mission—protecting civilians and businesses from cyber-attacks. There are over 700,000 openings in America (www.statista.com) and 3.5 million worldwide. Cybersecurity is one of the highest-paying industries as tech has taken over our lives.

“Veterans bring a special breed of leadership and experience to the workforce, an unflappable presence during times of crisis and uncertainty,” said Dan Verton, Director of Content Marketing at Cybereason.

Ethical hackers actively work to ensure the security of their information systems, ensuring no outsider can gain access. In any information security job environment, your knowledge and a mindset of perseverance can put you ahead of the curve.

Whether it is a data breach, ransomware, or another form of systems attack when fighting cyber threats, every moment counts and could make the difference between success and failure.

Your training prepared you to be always ready to confront and neutralize a threat! Fighting any adversary means being able to think as they do. In combat, this means anticipating the strategy and next steps of the enemy. In cybersecurity jobs, it means doing the same against thousands of hostile organizations.

As a veteran, you know the success of a mission is always more important than one person. In the cybersecurity industry, teamwork is essential. This applies to the prevention of cybercrime and the need for ethical hackers.

Your military mindset, mentorship, and focus on outcomes, not excuses, will help other civilian employees to do better as you lead by example. Veterans are used to adapting to new orders, circumstances of living, and colleagues regularly. Cybersecurity is also a field that requires an adaptable work style. The University of Maryland reports that hackers attack every 39 seconds, and no matter where you end up working, your organization could become the next target. That means the long-term project you planned to work on that day may take a back seat, but then you will pick up right where you left off once the immediate threat is resolved.

If you think cybersecurity might be the right next move for you, your next step is to explore learning options and gain the foundational skills needed for the technical side of the job. Government agencies are intensifying their efforts to recruit military talent to fight the war on cybercrime.

The University of Louisville’s Cybersecurity Workforce Certificate Program offers several learning options to upskill the workforce in cybersecurity. The program partners with other universities across the country. This is not an academic program but a workforce development program. The certificate includes cryptography, database, artificial intelligence, analytics, blockchain and internet of things (IoT). Learn more:

https://louisville.edu/education/nsacybersecurity

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