Homeland
Resources Support Inspiration
Veterans Magazine
Vol.4 Number 10 • October 2017
“IT’S A DAMN GOOD DAY”
Navy Vet Rocking Civilian Life Saving Warrior Lives Peer Support Unmasked
GI Film Festival Homeland Interview
Careers In Law Enforcement Enlisted To Entrepreneur
Linked In:
Build Your Network
Military Spouses Keeping Your Job
HOMELAND / October 2017 1
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EDITOR’S
LETTER
Greetings and a warm welcome to HOMELAND Magazine!
Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller Contributing Writers CJ Machado Vicki Garcia Wounded Warrior Project Vesta Anderson John Roberts R4 Alliance Jenni Riley DAV M. Todd Hunter Steven Wilson Shelter to Soldier Eva M. Stimson Boot Campaign Barry Smith USO Sharon Smith Andrew McClure REBOOT Workshop Sara Wacker USAA Chad Storlie Operation Homefront Stephen Thomas Women Veterans Alliance Melissa Washington Public Relations CJ Machado Thomas McBrien
Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. Homeland Magazine focuses on real stories from real heroes; the service member, the veteran, the wounded and the families that keep it together.
Marketing/Sales Mike Miller Barbara Henderson
Our magazine is driven by passion, vision, reflection and the future. The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with service members, families, veterans and civilians. Homeland is about standing your ground, resilience, adaptation, inspiration and solidarity.
Entertainment Media Bob Dietrich Calvin Goetz
We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.
Homeland Magazine is published monthly. Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items. All rights reserved.
We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of HOMELAND Magazine.
Homeland Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92126
With warmest thanks, Mike Miller, Publisher
858.275-4281
HOMELAND is inspirational, “feel good” reading; our focus is on veterans, military and civilians alike. I believe HOMELAND is where the heart is, and our publication covers a wide variety of topics, and issues about real life and real stories.
Contact Homeland Magazine at: info@homelandmagazine.com
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inside this issue 06 Saving Warrior Lives: Peer Support Unmasked 08 R4 Alliance & Vets4Warriors 10 GI Film Festival: Homeland Interview 16 Navy Vet Rocking Civilian Life 22 Enlisted To Entrepreneur 24 Linked In: Build Your Network 26 Military Spouses: Keeping Your Job 28 Careers In Law Enforcement
SAVE THE DATE NEXT ISSUE NOV 1, 2017 PREMIER EDITION HOMELAND VETERANS DAY ISSUE
HOMELAND / October 2017 5
Saving Warrior Lives: Peer Support Unmasked By John Roberts
Claude shattered and compressed his vertebrae and compromised 80 percent of his spinal canal after a sudden helicopter crash in Iraq. After enduring four surgeries and eight months of grueling rehab, Claude proved doctors wrong by walking again. He even received approval to fly again, deploying to Iraq for the second time. And although Claude’s 25-year service to country eventually concluded, Claude continues his service by supporting fellow injured veterans as a warrior mentor with WWP.
Veterans often feel alone until they realize others have similar thoughts, feelings, problems, and experiences. The Peer Support program provides a first step in helping these warriors connect with one another as it fuses supportive rehabilitation with the military adage “Leave No Man Behind.” This warrior-to-warrior support is a special type of therapy that reintroduces injured veterans to the unique bonds experienced during military service. The goal of peer support is to improve warriors’ resiliency and psychological well-being. As they progress in their recovery, many become mentors to other warriors who are at the beginning stages of transition and recovery. The journey continues until every injured veteran who was once the warrior being carried off the battlefield is empowered to become the warrior who carries others, thus embodying the WWP logo. At WWP, this is known as “living the logo.” For warriors, the logo is an undeniable symbol that reminds them of their resilience – and their passion for continued service. Warrior mentors know what it is to endure the road to recovery. This unique equality in their relationships with other warriors allows them to serve as a role model, motivator, supporter, and friend, while also maintaining close vigilance of each warrior’s needs and potential triggers.
“Wounded Warrior Project’s Peer Support program is saving lives every day,” - U.S. Army veteran Claude Boushey
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The result? Warriors saving other warriors’ lives. WWP doubled down on the Peer Support program’s success by increasing its focus on group support to better connect and serve wounded veterans and service members. These groups are then facilitated by warrior leaders who WWP selected for demonstrating leadership strengths and their abilities as a peer mentor. Peer Support Group leaders are volunteers who must be willing to commit eight to 10 hours a month to the support group they lead – after attending a mandatory, extensive, multi-day training seminar to help them support their WWP peers on the path to healing.
“In a Peer Support Group, warriors can relate, regardless of which branch of the military they are from, where they served, or what their injuries are” - Carlos De León, U.S. Army wounded warrior and Peer Support Group While deployed to Iraq, Carlos sustained both a traumatic brain injury and physical injuries from a mortar blast. One of the hardest parts of his recovery was finding a new purpose. When Carlos’ Army career ended, he became one of the first WWP warrior mentors. “We all share a common ground, and we can use it as a starting point to better our lives,” Carlos said. Hearing stories of resilience from warriors like Claude and Carlos and having an environment for warriors to feel safe in sharing their own stories are the cornerstones of peer support. “In order to tell your story, you need to hear other stories,” Claude said. “You have to be a good listener before you can tell your journey. But the more you can tell about your journey, the better you’re going to feel, because you’re getting it out.” As warriors absorb the lessons learned through conversations and activities, Peer Support Groups are indispensable to warriors who are actively repositioning their thought processes while they make connections and develop the confidence to find the healing power of sharing their own stories. “We’re always looking at ways to improve how we serve our warriors,” said John Roberts, WWP national service director. “We are confident that this group support model will ultimately strengthen our veteran communities, aid more people, and have a deeper impact in their recoveries.” On any given week, hundreds of wounded warriors from more than 40 Peer Support groups across the country meet
and participate in activities ranging from group support meetings to community service projects. “A complete recovery looks different for everyone, and finding an approach that works specifically for each warrior is crucial,” John said. “In a group setting, injured veterans can hear many unique stories of resilience, making it more likely each warrior will connect with at least one other person in the room.” Each warrior collective gives something when they share their journeys to recovery, and everyone gets a little something back, too – including the leaders. “I facilitate these groups, and I get just as much out of it as the participants do,” said Daniel Dumas. “The face-to-face interaction can really pick you up. The familiarity is there. Whether you are comfortable or not, you know you are safe in that environment with the warriors, because everyone in the group has a little bit of what you’ve got. About Wounded Warrior Project We Connect, Serve, and Empower The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. WWP is an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), is top rated by Charity Navigator, and holds a GuideStar Platinum rating. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org
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R4 Alliance & Vets4Warriors On July 17, the R4 Alliance Coordinated Care Network of integrative wellness and recreation services partnered with Vets4Warriors the leading peer support network for service members, veterans, families and caregivers. Increasing accessibility and coordination to these unique and impactful services for #veterans and their families is a priority of our organization and we are proud to continue our mission to serve the military community.
“I have been battling suicidal depression (PTSD) for 16 years now. If you have not been here you do not know how I feel. I take great comfort knowing that the Vets4Warriors staff is there. Some days, that is all that I have. To know that I can simply, pick up the phone and talk to a soldier, a comrade. I want to make a little plaque for you to place on your wall. To contain my Purple Heart Medal with a statement of gratitude for your staffs service to us. An inscription of thanks to your staff for the work they do in helping soldiers like me get through the day. All I am asking is for the New Jersey address you operate from or any mailing address where I can send this. As a non-com it was always paramount to recognize the service of my soldiers. I want to specifically thank the soldier, Priscilla, who has spent several hours talking to me and checking up on me. It hurts me to think that I and other soldiers dump our shit on you guys, I hope you can leave it in the “office”. Remind them to go home, be with their families, be happy, and take heart and comfort in the fact that they have done such a great service for and to our veterans.” Davis Family Sincerely, SGT. Richard Robinson, US Army
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Vets4Warriors
you answer and solve your problems with appropriate resources. We are an experienced, proven, live and confidential peer support network available 24/7 to any veteran, service member, family member or caregiver nationwide. We provide them with immediate assistance on any issue before they are in crisis. We provide a one-of-a-kind resource, delivered by employees who are veterans, military family members and caregivers. Vets4Warriors fills a critical gap between crisis hotlines and the many charities offering direct assistance to veterans in need. As a live, confidential 24/7 peer support network, we can address the immediate needs of veterans, service members, their families and their caregivers whenever they may arise and connect them to the best resources offered by our partners and communities across the country.
Who We Are Vets4Warriors provides a 24/7 peer support network that any individual in the military community can contact for confidential conversations and trusted solutions to physical, mental or social challenges, before those challenges turn into crises. Vets4Warriors isn’t a crises or suicide hotline. We are a peer support network staffed by members of the veteran and military communities. Our philosophy is that there are no challenges we can’t help our veterans, military members, their families or their caregivers find the solution for. We provide a multi-touch and multi-channel service. Clients engage for more than one contact, and there is more than one way to reach us. What We Do We provide sustained support to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers through confidential phone, text and online conversation. We are not a single-use resource. Many of the people we help continue to engage with us in an ongoing dialogue that spans months as they work through the challenges that led them to contact us in the first place.
Your support helps us reach every veteran and the military community to ensure the full range of available resources is accessible to and understood by those who need them. Mission To provide a 24/7 peer support network that any veteran, service member, family member or caregiver can contact for confidential conversations and trusted solutions to physical, mental, or financial challenges, before those challenges turn into crises. Discover the Power of Connection Vets4Warriors is the leading peer support network for a service member, veteran, family member or caregiver who needs to talk to someone who has been through similar situations and can help them get answers to their questions.
Who We Serve Vets4Warriors serves veterans of all generations and the entire military community, from those who just put on the uniform, to the caregiver of a veteran who long since stopped wearing a uniform. We provide personal connections and peer support to the community to which we all belong. Why Contact Vets4Warriors When you need an unbiased resource, we are only a call, chat or text away. Vets4Warriors began as a resource for the military by the military community; but located outside of the chain-of-command. Today, our nonprofit peer support network supports anyone from the military and veteran community and has the experience to confidentially help
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PRESENTS
The 2 Sides Project, Wednesday, Oct. 18: Vietnamese and American sons and daughters come together after losing their fathers in the Vietnam War.
October 18-22, 2017 BRINGING THE STORIES OF AMERICA’S MILITARY TO LIFE.
American Veteran, Saturday, Oct. 21: Army Sergeant Nick Mendes was paralyzed while serving in Afghanistan. This film is an intimate portrait of his sometimes harrowing, sometimes romantic and often surprisingly funny life.
WED 10/18 OPENING NIGHT SCREENING & RECEPTION MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS
THU 10/19 MOVIE SCREENINGS REGAL CARLSBAD 12
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
FRI 10/20
SAT 10/21
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
MOVIE SCREENINGS AMC MISSION VALLEY 20
USS MIDWAY MUSEUM
DETAILS AT:
AWARDS CELEBRATION KPBS
SUN 10/22 MOVIE SCREENINGS AMC MISSION VALLEY 20
After Fire, Saturday, Oct. 21: With intimate access to the lives of three women veterans, “After Fire” highlights the challenges of service and tells a universal story of strength in the aftermath of trauma.
GIFilmFestivalSD.org
GIFilmFestivalSanDiego |
@GIFilmFestSD | #GIFilmFestSD
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANIZED BY KPBS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GI FILM GROUP AND FILM CONSORTIUM SAN DIEGO.
KPBS is a public service of San Diego State University.
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GI Film Festival San Diego Organizers Bring Authentic Stories of America’s Military to Life Through Cinema The 2017 GI Film Festival San Diego is back and ready to roll Wednesday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 22 at select venues throughout San Diego County, including the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park, Regal Carlsbad 12, USS Midway Museum and AMC Mission Valley 20. The festival features more than 30 films, including eight West Coast premieres, with themes ranging from women in the military, resiliency and recovery, transition from active duty to civilian life, and the LGBTQ+ community. Selections also highlight military experiences from within the Hispanic, African American, and Asian cultures. Wars covered in the films span from World War II to the present day conflicts. All major film genres are featured, including dramas, documentaries, and personal narratives in both short and feature length formats. Organized by KPBS in partnership with the GI Film Group and Film Consortium San Diego, the much-anticipated five-day film festival is only one of a few military-themed festivals in the United States. The festival’s planning team is made up of film aficionados, former military members and veterans, professional filmmakers, and passionate civilians. A robust advisory committee made up of local military-connected organizations volunteer their time to support the popular film festival each year. Homeland Magazine conducted an interview with Nancy Worlie, associate general manager of content and communications at KPBS, and Jodi Cilley, founder and president of Film Consortium San Diego, to dive deeper into the details for the 2017 GI Film Festival San Diego. Interview continued on next page
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Nancy Worlie, associate general manager of content and communications at KPBS, and Jodi Cilley, founder and president of Film Consortium San Diego, dive deeper into the details for the 2017 GI Film Festival San Diego.
(Homeland Magazine): What inspired KPBS to bring the GI Film Festival to San Diego?
(Homeland) Magazine): What motivated the decision to collaborate with Film Consortium San Diego?
(Nancy Worlie): Three years ago, the team at KPBS discussed our need and interest to deepen our connection with the local military community.
(Nancy Worlie): As part of our plan to bring the film festival to San Diego, we really liked the idea of including a local component to the line-up.
It’s a no brainer given San Diego’s rich military history and the sheer amount of people who live here that are either active duty, veterans or connected to the military in some way.
Jodi Cilley and Film Consortium San Diego know the local film industry well and are the perfect partner to handle that aspect. We love that we’re inspiring local military filmmakers as well as telling local San Diego military stories.
We asked ourselves, ‘What can we do to strengthen this connection?’ One thing’s for sure, KPBS knows good content whether it’s radio, television, podcasts or digital – we like to tell the stories of our community and the world around us.
Nancy Worlie
Photo credit courtesy of KPBS.
So we came up with the idea of hosting a military-themed film festival, and quickly discovered the GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C.
We researched and saw the great work the founders of the film festival, Brandon Millet and Laura Law-Millet, were doing. We quickly asked if we could partner up to become their West Coast festival, and the rest is history! With San Diego being home to seven major military bases, we were surprised there wasn’t a military film festival here already and we’re thrilled to present this event to our community. The GI Film Group have been amazing partners, but the GI Film Festival San Diego is a little different from D.C. Not only do we select films shown at the D.C. festival that we feel are important and applicable to our San Diego audience, but also have the benefit of adding wonderful public broadcasting documentaries to the line-up. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s recent “The Vietnam War” documentary is a perfect example, and PBS content throughout the year allows us to engage with audiences via stand-alone screenings before and after the film festival. 12
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(Homeland Magazine): Film Consortium San Diego organizes more than three major film-related events throughout the year, including San Diego Film Week. What do you find unique about the GI Film Festival San Diego and your partnership with KPBS that’s unlike other local film festivals? (Jodi Cilley): The GI Film Festival San Diego is something that’s close to my heart. This festival is really directed toward a segment of the population that I feel has incredible value to add to the world of films both in front of and behind the camera. Working with KPBS has allowed us to really promote and inspire veterans to make films and tell their stories.
Jodi Cilley
Photo courtesy of Film Consortium San Diego
It also encourages non-veteran filmmakers to hire veterans for their films as well as make films about veterans. Anything that increases the amount of veterans working in
the film industry and the number of stories we are able to tell about veterans or the military is a win-win situation if you ask me. (Homeland Magazine) The Local Film Showcase will screen 13 titles featuring San Diego area filmmakers, locations, and people featured in the films. What’s the importance of showcasing stories for, by, and about military service members and veterans?
(Jodi Cilley): San Diego has a vast military population. It’s one of the largest in the U.S. Showcasing military stories right here in San Diego is important because it shows the local military and veteran communities that their stories are important, relevant and inspiring to audiences. Additionally, it educates those who attend the festival about the experiences of veterans and active duty military in a way that many of us who have never served could not understand. Not all the films in the Local Film Showcase are about the military experience. The films that are made by or starring veterans also show the diversity and range that these filmmakers are capable of, and that it’s not just relegated to telling military stories. They can tell all kinds of stories well! (Homeland Magazine): What can festival attendees expect at this year’s GI Film Festival San Diego? (Nancy Worlie): I am proud of the GI Film Festival San Diego because it’s not just watching a typical Hollywood military action movie. We add conversation with filmmakers, subjects and experts about the topics in the films so the audience can be engaged and ask questions. It’s a powerful experience to watch a film about the Vietnam War and then afterward realize the gentleman sitting next to you is a Vietnam veteran and shares his take on the war. Those honest and raw moments are what make this festival special.
(Homeland Magazine): What advice do you have for active duty or veterans who wish to pursue a career in filmmaking or TV production? (Jodi Cilley): We encourage all active duty service members and veterans to come to the festival, it won’t disappoint! See what films are out there and get inspired to make a film of your own. You’ll also get a chance to meet and network with other veterans and filmmakers who are in this industry, which can lead to other opportunities as well. Military service members and veterans already have the mindset and work ethic to be a successful filmmaker: organization, punctuality, perseverance and much more. Although we started this effort only three years ago, I love hearing stories from local veterans and filmmakers who met through the festival, and have gone on to create projects together. There are dozens of collaborations made through our festival every year.
All festival events and screenings are open to the public with special discounted opportunities for active duty personnel and veterans. The complete schedule, ticket information, and locations are available at GIFilmFestivalSD.org.
The breadth and depth of the GI Film Festival San Diego will make you laugh, cry, be surprised and learn something new. But each night is really different. On Wednesday, Oct. 18 “The 2 Sides Project” will open the festival at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. This documentary is a moving film about closure for the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans who lost their lives during that conflict. Family Movie Night on Friday, Oct. 20 will be a blast aboard the USS Midway Museum where families will enjoy refreshments and a film under the stars! We’re also excited to bring the festival to North County San Diego on Thursday, Oct. 19 with a “World War II Remembered” film block featuring a collection of short documentaries that honor the stories and sacrifice of the greatest generation. We’re especially excited to present a free preview screening of a major Hollywood studio film during our festival. For me the Local Film Showcase is one of my favorites because I love how passionate our local vets and filmmakers are about their projects. It’s inspiring and makes me excited about the years to come!
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Research Opportunities
VETERANS: WE NEED YOU VA San Diego Healthcare System and Veterans Medical Research Foundation are looking for participants for human subject research studies on Veterans health issues. Findings will help provide better treatments for Veterans and the general population. • We are one of the largest VA research programs in the nation • We employ the most advanced research technologies • We employ some of the best, talented and world renowned researchers in the country • We conduct approximately 400 human subject studies annually
Sign up for a research study TODAY!
Some studies provide medical care and/or reimbursement for participation.
Check out our current list of research opportunities.
Visit: www.sandiego.va.gov/studies.asp and www.vmrf.org/studies.html 14
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It’s a “Damn Good Day” for 16-Year U.S. Navy Vet and Former EOD Technician Who’s Now Rocking Civilian Life By Barry Smith Boot Campaign
When you are an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician with the U.S. Navy you are trained to perform some of the most dangerous work on the planet, in any environment, to keep your comrades and civilians out of harm’s way.
The website Navy.com says EOD techs are “much more than the world’s ultimate bomb squad.” They are a group of brave warriors trained to investigate and neutralize improvised explosive devices or any type of ordnance, including chemical, biological and even nuclear weapons. So, when disarming explosives is your everyday job, it helps to have a good, healthy distraction you can turn to in your down time that will help you kick back and relax. For U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class (Ret.) Brian Grilli of Lansing, Ill., who served multiple Iraq and Afghanistan deployments as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, that distraction he turned to was the guitar. “I took my guitar with me on deployments and played every now and then,” recalls Grilli, who spent 16 and a half years in the Navy, including four years before Sept. 11, 2001, and 12-plus years after. “Music’s always been an outlet for me for everything. Music in general, for a lot of people, can be an escape. Even listening to music is therapeutic. “I have always had the music bug because it was a big part of our family,” he reflects. “My dad was a classically trained piano player and opera singer, my mother was a singer, and two of my brothers play musical instruments. I’ve played the guitar since I was 8 years old, and seriously since I was 12, but I’m more or less self-taught.” Grilli spent his entire military career stationed at the Joint Expeditionary Base–Little Creek in Norfolk, Va., where he began his service at 19 years of age as a deep-sea diver and one of 100 sailors attached to the salvage ship USS Grasp. He completed his four-year contract and left the military to start a career in music. “When I got out of the Navy the first time, I formed a band and we did pretty well,” he says. “But things didn’t pan out and then 9/11 happened.” Like many Americans, Grilli distinctly remembers what he was doing when he first learned about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center’s landmark twin towers. “I was changing my son,” he recalls, “and I came down stairs because my mom, who was staying with us at the time, told me to watch the television. I started watching, and about a year later went back into the Navy.” After rejoining his fellow sailors for a short while, he felt he was ready for new challenges and ways to serve, so he decided to change his career path and went into EOD training.
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“I think what attracted me to it was to try and make a difference, to keep our guys safe, and try to thwart any of our adversary’s plans,” he confides. “I guess I had a sense of duty, to our fellow boots on the ground, keeping them out of harm’s way, and making sure the other people we were embedded with were also trained, so they could be safe.” Grilli went on to serve eight years as an EOD, before suffering multiple injuries on his last deployment overseas. At that point, he knew his military career was at an end and it was time to put his weapons down and pick up the guitar for good, exchanging combat trips to the Middle East for trips around the music world. “After I got hurt and I was not healing up, I was basically to the point where I couldn’t do my job anymore,” says Grilli, who medically retired in 2014. “At that time, I decided I was going to go back to music, and started writing my first album. I was actually recording it while I was waiting to retire.” In 2013 Grilli released his first album, “Damn Good Day,” which made the independent music world and national music scene take notice. The title track was his first single, and it rose up the charts fast to the No. 1 spot on Indieworld, helping him gain the notoriety that led to an appearance in the September 2014 issue of Guitar Player magazine. Now an accomplished musician and songwriter, the Chesapeake, Va., resident, husband and father of four
has captured the attention of many prominent musicians. He has written songs for Sons of Anarchy and the awardwinning independent documentary “Until It Hurts.” He also has shared the stage with the likes of country music stars Blackberry Smoke, Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line, Eli Young Band, Thomas Rhett, Fyler Farr and Stoney LaRue, as well as rockers Cheap Trick, Styx, .38 Special and Lucero. His efforts have enabled him to become a proud voting member of the Country Music Association and Americana Music Association, and earned him a music contract with Spectra Records. His first album with the South Carolinabased company – “Introducing… Brian Grilli” – is scheduled to debut in 2018 featuring what Grilli describes as his “most mature and personal songs to date.” Grilli further explains that the recording will not include any songs about his experiences in the Navy.. “It’s completely away from the military,” he discloses. “The first album I didn’t have a voice, I was kind of just looking for a sound. This new album is more me, and more the direction that I’m going for and comfortable with, a little more southern rock and country.” Even though his music career is taking off, Grilli has found time to finish his bachelor’s degree in criminology from St. Leo University, and is working on another degree in exercise science from Old Dominion University. Continued on next page
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It’s a “Damn Good Day” In addition, Brian gives back to the military community as a Veteran Ambassador for Boot Campaign, and is an avid supporter of Combat Wounded Coalition, Wounded EOD Warrior and Navy SEAL Foundation. He also has made time to undergo important rehabilitation by participating in Boot Campaign’s ground-breaking veteran assistance program, ReBOOT, getting his body and mind back in shape with the help of program partners Virginia High Performance of Virginia Beach, Va. “ReBOOT is probably one of the most comprehensive and beneficial programs I have ever witnessed or been a part of,” Grilli assesses. “It really tries to take into consideration many facets of wellness, and getting someone who has a TBI or PTSD or limiting injuries and making that person way better than when they came in. I have seen some amazing results, not just from myself, but other people in the program I was working with side by side.” While he says ReBOOT has been a tremendous help and confidence booster, Grilli acknowledges his transition from military to civilian life has been an extremely tough challenge, even though his music career has taken a steep climb. “I was one of those alpha-male types, and once you get out and are slowed down it can be a blow to your ego,” Grilli admits. “You question if you’re the man you used to be. A lot of times you have a hard time with it and you just have to take life as it comes.
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“At this point life is good,” I’m really happy. Seriously, it’s great. I’m enjoying life. It took me a while to appreciate exactly what I have, and dealing with that adjustment and settling down and being comfortable with my new role in life.”
“At this point though, life is good,” he continues. “I’m really happy. Seriously, it’s great. I’m enjoying life. It took me a while to appreciate exactly what I have, and dealing with that adjustment and settling down and being comfortable with my new role in life.
“I attribute that to my wife, Kristen, for her keeping me real,” he concludes. “She’s made me see things differently, in a good way, and helped me get stuff on track. And that’s what I think veterans need is that support system, from family, friends and organizations like Boot Campaign.” Learn more about Boot Campaign and its ReBOOT program at www.BootCampaign.org
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Shelter to Soldier Monthly Giving Campaign Help us “Save Lives, Two at a Time” by starting your monthly contribution today.
You can give your gift at www.sheltertosoldier.org by clicking on the DONATE NOW link and checking the monthly recurring donation option on your donation form. Every day, 3200 dogs are euthanized nationwide, and every day 20 veterans and one active duty military personnel lose their lives to suicide – that’s one life lost every 69 minutes.
Donations large and small make a difference by allowing us to adopt, care for, house, train and place these highly trained companions with veterans in need.
Shelter to Soldier adopts dogs from local shelters and rescue organizations and trains them over the course of 12-18 months to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.
Your contribution will help us provide safe housing, medical care, vaccines, supplements, food, bedding, grooming, and training equipment for the service dogs in training while they reside in our training program as well as service dog and graduation materials to each veteran/service dog team when they graduate as a pair.
For as little as $10 a month, you can make a direct impact on these two populations that need our help. 20
HOMELAND / October 2017
Ron Burns Studio www.ronburns.com
www.sheltertosoldier.org
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ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR By Vicki Garcia
POWER THE
OF PREDICTABILITY
Predictability has been in the news lately. Unpredictability may be useful to certain people, but it can be deadly for a business from many points of view. The idea of predictability as it relates to you and your business has been around for a long time. Predictability is defined as “consistent repetition of a state, course of action, behavior, or the like, making it possible to know in advance what to expect.” In this definition, there are a couple of very important concepts: consistency and the possibility of knowing what to expect being most important. Predictability has much to do with avoiding risk. Predictability is the grease that makes business work. 22
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Customers must know that you will predictably deliver. You must do all you can to predict the market, meaning forecasting customer needs and spending habits. Howard H. Stevenson Mihnea C. Moldoveanu, wrote 22 years ago for the Harvard Business Review, “What is happening to predictability in an intensely competitive, rapidly changing global economy? It is being destroyed. The practices that leaders are adopting to make their organizations more competitive are ignoring the human need for predictability.” So much for big business.
What About You as A Small Business? Customers are fickle. Loyalty is dead. Good marketing and consistently high-quality help customers know what to expect from a company. If customers come to trust a company, they are likely to turn to it often to solve their problems and to learn about new products and services.
“What is happening to predictability in an intensely competitive, rapidly changing global economy? It is being destroyed. The practices that leaders are adopting to make their organizations more competitive are ignoring the human need for predictability.”
A similar logic applies to suppliers. Managers might be tempted to spend a lot of time searching for the cheapest supplier, but what will the company get out of such arrangements? Unpredictable service, most likely. Cultivating relationships with a stable set of suppliers helps each side know what to expect from the other. Moreover, solid relations with suppliers also make life more predictable for the company’s employees, who can then focus on delivering the best products and services to their customers. (Harvard Business Review again!) Building a reputation for predictability can go beyond simply delivering on your promises. It can also mean a reputation for honesty. My dad, who owned a surveying firm for 50 years, once sent back a gift of a case of Chivas Regal when he was named the city engineer for a small community. His reputation for honesty could not be purchased by a box of expensive whiskey, and he made his point. Call it old school, but because I’ve made it my model, in 30 years of business, most of my deals have been sealed with a handshake. In the small business world, there is much angst over review sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google My Business. Step back and understand that what is happening there are customers attempting to lower risk and make a more predictable choice. Your job is to enhance your predictability on those sites. A modern, well designed and intelligently written website as well as testimonials signal to prospects that you will predictably deliver on your promises. Conversely, crappy website = crappy service. Another case of “perception is reality.” I strongly recommend you Google “Reputation Management,” once a public relations term, has now become a term of art in determining your digital status. I recently learned the meaning of “astroturfing” on Wikipedia.com. Look it up.
Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Veteran Entrepreneurs Today & President of Marketing Impressions. Look for trusted advisors, or apply to be a B2B vendor for veteran entrepreneurs at www.veteranentrepreneurstoday.org
www.homelandmagazine.com
HOMELAND / October 2017 23
Build Your Network By Melissa Washington
This is last article of the 3 part series on using LinkedIn. The first article was focused on creating a LinkedIn profile and importance of building an online professional brand. Last article was focused on building your network.
If you know the person, contact them. If you know someone in common ask that person to refer you.
Looking for your next career opportunity can be frustrating. This article will share how you can use the LinkedIn Job Search function.
Use this opportunity to either speak or email with the person who posted the job. Find out more about the job, company, and the best way to submit your resume for the position. This should help bring you to the top of the list and avoid the “black hole”.
To start searching for jobs that are posted on LinkedIn by employers, click on the “Jobs” tab (suitcase icon) in the top navigation bar.
This is gold if you are looking for work, because it allows you to leverage the people you know to help you find your next career opportunity.
Then type in the keyword, job title or company in the search bar to the left and then type in city, state or postal code in the search bar to the right. Next click on “search”, which will take you to a page of job listings based on your search criteria.
Early this year LinkedIn launched a new feature to allow those looking for work to “Signal” to recruiters to let them know that you are open to opportunities. This feature can be found on the job search page where you can turn your “Signal” on.
Before you click on job postings, make sure to hit the “Create Search Alert” button on the right side of screen. This will allow you to set up job alerts for each of your searches (keywords, company, location, etc.).
Make sure to download the LinkedIn App which is available in your app store. The app also has a job search feature, which can be very handy when you are on the go.
Have more than one search set up. I would recommend receiving alerts daily and to be notified by email and mobile. Now that you have set up your search alerts, start viewing jobs that are posted. LinkedIn has several filters that you can use to narrow your search: Date Posted, Company, Experience Level, Location and several more. Never apply for a job blindly. What I mean by that, is never send your resume out there and hope it sticks. ALWAYS find out if you either know the person who posted the job, know someone works at that company or if someone is a second degree connection. 24
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LinkedIn has a page to view information on salaries based on job title and location. This can be found at: www. linkedin.com/salary LinkedIn offers eligible military and veteran members 1 year of free access to LinkedIn Premium Subscriptions including their Learning Platform. Go to veterans.linkedin.com About Melissa Washington, Navy Veteran, Marine Corps Wife, LinkedIn Maven, Founder of Women Veterans Alliance and author of “ Get Back to Work: Smart & Savvy Real-World Strategies to Make Your Next Career Move”. She has been on LinkedIn since 2004 and worked there for four years doing Global Corporate Meeting Planning.
YOU PROTECTED US.
IT’S TIME WE RETURN THE FAVOR. After all you’ve done to protect our country, you deserve the best. So we’re giving the brave men and women of the military* the opportunity for big savings on top of all current incentives.* Like up to $1000 on select models. If you’re an Active or Reserve U.S. Military, U.S. Retired Military who completed at least 20 years of Active or Reserve duty, or a U.S. Veteran discharged from active service within the past year, Nissan’s Military Program is open to you and your spouse or partner. To get started, just print your Military Program Certificate, gather your proof of eligibility, and head to your local Nissan store today.*
Visit NissanUSA.com/military *Eligibility requirements apply: Eligible individuals include U.S. Active and Reserve Military, U.S. Military Veterans within 12 months of separation from Active or Reserve duty, U.S. Military Retirees that have completed at least 20 years of Active or Reserve duty required. Military cash certificate available towards the lease or purchase of a qualifying new Nissan vehicle from dealer stock. Excludes Nissan Versa Sedan S Trim, Maxima, Murano, Murano Cross Cabriolet, 370Z, Quest, Pathfinder, Armada, Titan, GT-R and NV. Military cash certificate amount varies by qualifying model. Offer valid from 3/1/16 through 3/1/2017. Limit up to 2 vehicle leases or purchases per calendar year per qualified participant for personal use only. Offer not valid for fleet or business use. Down payment may be required. Available on lease or purchase. Must take delivery from new dealer stock. Subject to residency restrictions. Other restriction s apply. See dealer for details. Offer is subject to change at any time. Always wear your seat belt and please don’t drink and drive. Nissan, the Nissan Brand Symbol, Innovation That Excites, and Nissan model names are Nissan trademarks. ©2016 Nissan North America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Visit www.ChooseNissan.com.
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By Briana Hartzell
Military Spouses Share Their Secret to Keeping Their Job Despite a Move
It seems the process to keep your job during and after a move is a secret. After talking with spouses who successfully maintained employment despite moving, it was apparent many were reluctant to publicize and call attention to the company they are employed. What they were not reluctant to share were their tips to encourage your company to continue your employment after a move. Be irreplaceable: Become the reason your company makes a special case. Be the top seller in your territory, maintain excellent and above average evaluations, be the person who volunteers and helps others without being asked. Military Spouse, Lyndsey shared some of her success story with me, “I celebrated my 10th year with my amazing company this year! I started with them directly out of college and after 3 years in the trenches, I networked, interviewed and transferred to my dream job! 26
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After a couple years; I met my DREAM man but was nervous about my move because it might mean the end of the career that I had worked so hard for. My company created a position for me to continue my work in another state. We moved again and I flew back and forth every other week from California to Philadelphia for 6 months (pregnant mind you!) helping in learning and development until they could CREATE yet another territory for me to work from home in sales. Trust me. I don’t want you to think that I’m hanging on based on luck alone, I have actually won our sales excellence award every year that I have been eligible and just heard yesterday that I did it again for the 2014 sales year (yay) .... But, I still feel VERY lucky to have had to opportunity to stay on with this great company, with these GREAT People that understand that an employee performs better when they are happy at
home first and foremost. By the way, they are transferring me AGAIN for our next move in March!”
You will be amazed when given a concrete plan, your company may be more willing to work with you.
How could her company not accommodate her moves when she is the top seller? This is proof that being the best opens additional opportunities.
Be grateful: Military spouse, Marci says, “The loyalty my company has shown by retaining me as an employee even though I’ve moved several times has always pushed me to want to work hard and do that much better for the company as an employee.
Be flexible: They want you to expand your job description or roll, cover a new territory, work on a different time zone? Not a problem. Prove to them you are willing and able to make the changes necessary to maintain employment. This will remind your company what a team player and asset you are. Be bold: Do not be afraid to ask to remain an employee. More and more of the work force are telecommuting. Build a proposal outlining your plan to work remotely from you new location, set goals, set expectations and tell them how successful you will be.
I feel a sense of mutual respect from my company which is very difficult to come by in a large employer. I know I’m fortunate to be able to have a career and be a military wife and mother but the truth is some of the most outstanding, smart, creative and hardworking women I’ve ever met are Navy (military) wives and more employers should open their eyes and hire them.” Be a true advocate for the brand and company you work for. Loyal employees beget loyal employers.
HOMELAND / October 2017 27
Military, Firefighters, Teachers, Medical Field, Law Enforcment, Veterans
The Thank Heroes Home Rebate Program! We are Honored to Serve Those Who Serve
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Contact us today at 619-937-3659 or visit us at SDThankYouHeroes.com to find out how our program can help you!
CAREERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
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Military service can be a perfect entrance into a law enforcement career.
We thank you for your service, to all the men and women in law enforcement around the world for your courage, your commitment & your sacrifice. - Homeland Magazine -
Military and law enforcement personnel have had a long-standing relationship with overlaps in training exercises, equipment, and, most important, personnel. It is not uncommon for a service member to make the jump from the military to law enforcement, as both professions look for the same characteristics; leadership, fidelity, chain of command, and teamwork are all common themes in both professions. Quite understandably, many American military veterans often gravitate to a career in law enforcement when the time comes to rejoin the civilian workforce. The two professions have many fundamental similarities; from the uniforms they wear with pride, to the firm command structure they serve under, to great personal risk they endure while protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
The following agencies are actively hiring & proudly support our veterans, active military and the families that keep together.
Opportunities in Law Enforcement
You’ve served your country, now serve your community! www.homelandmagazine.com
HOMELAND / October 2017 29
Become A Part of Our Story!
Learn more at TrooperStories.com
There’s a story behind every badge, and a person behind every story. There are For upcoming test dates as many reasons and motivations for and locations visit joining the Washington State Patrol as PublicSafetyTesting.com there are troopers themselves.
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SAN DIEGO POLICE JOIN OUR TEAM
READY FOR YOUR NEXT MISSION? NOW HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: POLICE OFFICERS, POLICE RECRUITS, POLICE LATERALS and 911 POLICE DISPATCHERS
www.JOINSDPDNOW.com (619) 531.COPS www.homelandmagazine.com
HOMELAND / October 2017 31
We strive to maintain the trust and confidence of our citizens while working to improve your quality of life.
Answer The Call!
Accepting Applications November 13th through December 28th, 2017
Seeking qualified Men and Women with:
If serving and protecting the community is your passion, Answer the Call.
• A Strong Moral Compass • A Desire to Serve the Community • Dedication to Upholding the Law 32
HOMELAND / October 2017
www.JoinOPD.com • Phone: 402-444-3507 Facebook: JoinOPD • Twitter: JoinOPD
JOIN
PGH POLICE
LEAD. SERVE. PROTECT. The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is looking for individuals to lead, serve, and protect. We value our service members and offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Tuition Reimbursement Veterans Preference Points Career advancement through our specialized units Join us in one of America's most livable cities
Visit joinpghpolice.com for more information
HOMELAND / October 2017 33
Join A Great Team! We find that our Veterans are the Very Best!
• Exciting Career opportunities in the cool pines of Northern Arizona. • We are currently hiring for Detention Officers, and Nurses. • Military preference given. For employment questions call Sheriff’s Office Human Resources
(928) 226-5069 or (800) 338-7888 www.coconino.az.gov/sheriff.aspx
• At Coconino County Sheriff’s Office our Service to the Community is accomplished by hiring the Best! • [Check out our agency and find a home where you can apply the skills you’ve learned in the military.] • Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing responsive and effective Service to Community.
JOBS FOR VETS
Careers In Law Enforcement Visit Today For Law Enforcement Profiles & Job Openings
HomelandMagazine.com JOBS FOR VETS LAW ENFORCEMENT 34
HOMELAND / October 2017
(719) 444-7437 cspd.coloradosprings.gov Recruiting@ci.colospgs.co.us Facebook: Colorado Springs Police twitter@cspd.pio
Visit our website for further information and fill out a job interest card today! cspd.coloradosprings.gov
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Santa Monica Police Department THE BENCHMARK OF EXCELLENCE.
Benefits:
Join Us.
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TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP TOWARD A REWARDING CAREER In addition to Patrol, our core service, the Department offers a wide range of special assignments: • Crime Impact Team • Criminal Investigations Section • Crisis Negotiations Team • Downtown Bicycle Unit • Field Training Officer Unit • Gang Unit • Homeless Liaison Unit • K-9 Unit • Mounted Patrol Unit • Neighborhood Resource Officer Unit • Personnel and Training Unit • School Resource Officer Unit • Special Weapons and Tactics Team • Traffic/Motor Unit • Vice/Narcotics Unit
santamonicapd.org/join
HOMELAND / October 2017 37
The Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program is Here for You and Your Family You can participate in WIC if you:
WIC offers families:
• Are pregnant • Are breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age • Just had a baby in the past 6 months • Have children under 5 years of age including those cared for by a single father, grandparent, foster parent, step-parent or guardian
• Checks to purchase foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, baby food, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, and beans. (Checks are worth between $50-$113 a month per participating family member.) • Breastfeeding Support and breast pumps • Nutrition Information and Online Classes
Many Locations Off Base in San Diego to Serve You
Chula Vista WIC
North Park WIC
Clairemont WIC
Escondido WIC
542 Broadway, #Q Chula Vista, CA 91910
3078 El Cajon Blvd. #100 San Diego, CA 92104
5222 Balboa Ave. #22 San Diego, CA 92117
1131 East Washington Ave. Ste. K Escondido, CA 92025
Southeast WIC
Logan Heights
Vista WIC
Mira Mesa WIC
3177 Oceanview Blvd San Diego, CA 92113
1809 National Avenue San Diego, CA 92113
1000 Vale Terrace Vista, CA 92084
10737 Camino Ruiz #135 San Diego, CA 92126
NEW LOCATIO
El Cajon WIC
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3301 North Magnolia Ave Ste. 101 El Cajon, CA 92020
Spring Valley WIC
Fallbrook WIC
9621 Campo Road #G Spring Valley, CA 91977
1328 South Mission Rd. Fallbrook, CA 92028
Financial Eligibility is Based on Family Size and Income: # of people in family*
Gross Monthly Income
2
$2,504
3
$3,149
4
$3,793
5
$4,437
6
$5,082
Call us Toll-Free at
1-888-999-6897 www.sdsuwic.com
*Pregnant Woman = 2 People Not all pay is included i.e., BAH or OCONUS COLA Income guidelines are subject to change This institution is an equal opportunity provider
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HOMELAND / October 2017
Scan from Smart Phone for more info on WIC
S K E N D E E W
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UP $ Save TO 20 on Single-Day Admission OR Fun Card —
Pay for a Day, Get Fall 2017 Free + All of 2018 Visit Your Local Military Ticket Office for Specially Priced Tickets All prices and discounts are subject to change and subject to a ticket outlet surcharge. Offer not valid with any other offers, promotions, discounts or Membership purchase. Other restrictions apply. Single-Day offer valid 9/28/17–12/31/18. Fun Card available for sale 09/28/17– 5/31/18 and valid for use from date of purchase until 12/31/18. Blockout dates apply. © 2017 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Our Affordable Units Fit All Budgets San Diego’s Total Self Storage Solution 3 Months 1/2 OFF on a 6 month lease. 10% Discount for Military, Senior, and Students. Associated Storage Miramar 858-693-1717 Associated Storage Kearny 858-495-1717
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