Homeland Special Transitioning "Liberty Station Confernce"

Homeland Veterans Magazine

TRANSITION

Transitioning From Service to Civilian Life

Operation Vetrepreneur Takes Off in San Diego

Soldier Ride Across America

Honor Flight San Diego Welcomes Home Veterans

Pictures for Heroes

What’s Next ?

Returning to civilian life presents new opportunities — and challenges — for Veterans.

September Special Edition

HOMELAND / September 2018 1

PTSD TREATMENT DECISION AID: THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Wondering which PTSD treatment is right for you?

Use the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid to learn about and compare treatments.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Watch Video Interviews with Providers Compare the Treatments You Like Best Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Get a Personalized Summary

WHO IS IT FOR? PATIENTS: The Decision Aid teaches you about your options and gets you ready to work with your provider to choose the best treatment for you.

PROVIDERS: The Decision Aid educates your patients about evidence-based PTSD treatments.

Review it together in session, or have your patients work through it at home.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. You have options. The choice is yours.

The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid is an online tool to help you learn about effective treatments and think about which one might be best for you.

www.ptsd.va.gov/decisionaid 2

HOMELAND / September 2018

geico.com/san-diego-north | 760-753-7907 | dagrant@geico.com 711 Center Drive | San Marcos Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image Š 1999-2018. Š 2018 GEICO

HOMELAND / September 2018 3

EDITOR’S

LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller Contributing Writers CJ Machado Vicki Garcia - Enlisted Joe Molina - VCCSD Holly Shaffner Honor Flight Shelter to Soldier Eva M. Stimson Boot Campaign Barry Smith Wounded Warrior Project Vesta Anderson James Herrera John Roberts DAV - Steven Wilson Operation Homefront Stephen Thomas Kelly Bagla. Esq. Lori Boddie - VANC Public Relations CJ Machado Thomas McBrien

Greetings and a warm welcome to HOMELAND Magazine!

Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine and website.

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 servicemembers, families, veterans and civilians. HOMELAND is about resources, support and inspiration, our focus is on veterans, transitioning veterans, servicemembers & military families.

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

You can read our current and past issues at www.homelandmagazine.com We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of HOMELAND Magazine.

With warmest thanks, Mike Miller, Editor-in-Chief mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com 4

HOMELAND / September 2018

Marketing/Sales Mike Miller Gina Henderson Entertainment Media Bob Dietrich

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.

Homeland Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92126

858.275-4281 Contact Homeland Magazine at: info@homelandmagazine.com

What’s Next? inside this issue 07 Honor Flight San Diego Welcomes Home Veterans 08 Soldier Ride Across America 12 Pictures for Heroes 18 GI Film Festival San Diego 24 What’s Next? Transitioning 28 Successful Tips: Military Transition 29 Veterans bring distinctive capabilities 30 VANC: The First Monday 34 Operation Vetrepreneur Takes Off in San Diego 33 The Part-Time Entrepreneur 36 Legal Tips: Starting a Business 40 Be The Change You Want To See

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE WWW.HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM

HOMELAND / September 2018 5

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

E ONLIN

ONFLEYR OF

SAN DIEGO’S TALLEST & FASTEST COASTER

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

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

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

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

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

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Join Honor Flight San Diego in Welcoming Home Veterans Honor Flight San Diego will be coming home from their fall 2018 trip on Sunday, September 30 after spending three days in Washington, D.C. with 80 WWII and Korea era veterans. The veterans will visit the memorials built for their service and sacrifice but the trip is so much more than that – it is a way to say Thank You for your service!

The flight arrives at 2:30 p.m. to Terminal 2 baggage claim of the San Diego International Airport and guests should arrive by 1:30 p.m.

There will be over 1,000 people wearing red, white and blue and waving American flags to give these heroes the homecoming they may not have received when they returned from war.

For more information about the homecoming, go to: www. honorflightsandiego.org or follow them on Facebook @HonorFlightSanDiego.

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Soldier Ride Across America:

An Empowering Cycling Revolution Turns 15

By James Herrera – Physical Health & Wellness Director, Wounded Warrior Project

Injured veterans are bringing a wave of change as they roll from New York to California from Sept. 8 to Oct. 7 during Soldier Ride Across America. This coast-to-coast bicycle ride marks both the 15th anniversary of Soldier Ride® and 15 years since the founding of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

The 3,300-mile journey from ground zero in New York City to San Diego, California has never been done before at this scale. Three teams collaborate to cover between 80 to 150 miles daily – pausing in multiple U.S. cities to interact with local communities.

On top of celebrating the many triumphs of Soldier Ride during the last 15 years, warriors, families, and supporters have an amazing collective story to tell.

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“Beyond the physical challenge and the connection to other warriors, the opportunity to engage with the community in an era when there’s limited chance for returning warriors to share their experiences with the average person is unlike any other experience,” said U.S. Army veteran John Fernandez. John lost his left foot and right leg below the knee during a deployment in the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He cycled his first Soldier Ride in 2006, three years after his injury.

The collective effort of a cross-country journey of this magnitude is physically taxing, yet emotionally uplifting.

It’s difficult to contain the feelings of pride and elation at the outpouring of support the warriors receive.

“It’s hard to put into words that feeling you get when both sides of the street are lined with people cheering you on and there are American flags suspended from fire trucks as you ride in,” John said.

“The teamwork comes full circle as we help others, sometimes literally pushing another rider who might be in a hand trike,” John said. “We embody the Wounded Warrior Project logo, and we move from being the guy who’s being carried to becoming the guy who’s carrying another warrior to the finish,” John explained as he visualized what has come to be known as “living the logo.”

Soldier Ride uses adaptive cycling technology to help wounded veterans redefine limitations and achieve milestones. Along the way, they receive the care they need to maximize recovery and live active and healthy lives.

“You can’t forget what you’re a part of,” John said. He described watching an injured veteran, whom he had previously helped through recovery, doing the same for another veteran. “It was a sort of out-ofbody experience – to remember riding with him and now watch him help another veteran and effectively pay it forward,” John said.

Now multiply that feeling for dozens of communities that will welcome WWP bicyclists in the three portions of Soldier Ride Across America. The warriors divide the journey among three teams: East Coast (New York to Tennessee), Central (Tennessee to Texas), and West Coast (Texas to California).

The three stages make the journey manageable and reinforce the teamwork warriors are accustomed to in the military. Each rider trains hard for their portion of the journey – with expertise and logistical support from WWP – and knows others are counting on their efforts to reach the finish line.

Starting a Movement John embodies what Soldier Ride is about, and why the cycling event has been so important to the mission of WWP. He was also a big part of how Soldier Ride came into existence. After John was injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom, he became one of the first warriors seriously hurt in Iraq to receive media coverage.

As a well-known member of his community in Long Island, New York, John became the inspiration for a local fundraiser, which evolved into the first coast-to-coast bicycle ride in 2004.

Continued on next page >

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Before Soldier Ride became one of WWP’s most iconic events, there was a lone rider: Long Island native Chris Carney. He cycled more than 5,000 miles across the nation in 2004 to help raise awareness for injured veterans – after hearing about John Fernandez.

The following year, several combat warriors who returned from Operation Enduring Freedom with visible and invisible injuries joined Chris for another crosscountry ride. Despite many obstacles, the group of warriors refused to give up – using the experience as a catalyst to show the public and themselves that with support and motivation, anything is possible. John was physically active and was busy finishing his master’s degree in 2004, so he joined the growing group in 2006.

His determination and unflinching drive have inspired countless riders since then.

“Other than using prosthetics to move around, I was physically unaffected by my injuries,” John said. “I do everything I used to do prior to getting injured.”

Most people in his community, where he has lived all his life, are familiar with John’s remarkable story. He and his wife Kristi are raising five children who are gaining an understanding of veterans’ injuries and the limitless possibilities of warriors to continue new missions as they return to civilian life.

The Journey Ahead In the time of an all-volunteer military force, most service members go back to households and communities where few people around them have had the honor of serving in the military. Fewer even understand the experiences of today’s men and women in uniform.

“There are not many people who share in my experience, and many times there is no forum for warriors to bring up what it was like to serve,” John pointed out.

“As an amputee, it may be as simple as sharing ‘What legs have you tried?’ or talking about what you’re able to do now with a new device. In the community, sometimes people just want to have the opportunity to say, ‘Thank you,’ and those interactions are so important,” John said.

The significance of encountering and interacting with people who share our experiences makes us human.

The chance to introduce someone from a different background to our experiences, and now have shared experiences, is monumental to our development as a society.

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Soldier Ride helps our communities heal and come together collectively around a common purpose as it continues to inspire warriors in their next mission in life – a healthy recovery and successful transition to life after injury. For many individuals, the journey signifies their emerging new selves, overcoming obstacles and achieving a higher level of mind-body balance than most people have.

“For me and for warriors I’ve met along the way, the opportunity to connect, to accomplish a feat together, and to share our accomplishments with others is a feeling that has no comparison,” John said.

Today’s warriors are taking a stand for each other and finding purpose in the journey ahead. WWP is committed to helping injured veterans achieve their highest ambition. When they’re ready to start their next mission, WWP stands ready to serve.

About the Author James Herrera is the Physical Health and Wellness director for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

He is an exercise physiologist and professional coach who helps drive the organization’s Soldier Ride®, adaptive sports, and health and wellness programs. James holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso, where he also served as instructor in the departments of Exercise Science and Professional and Continuing Education. He is an international presenter and has worked as an adjunct faculty member with the Center for Creative Leadership for over a decade. In 2011, James served as the national team coach for USA Cycling BMX and was selected as the U.S. Olympic Committee’s coach of the year for cycling. He later coached at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

About the Featured Warrior John Fernandez is a U.S. Army veteran who lost his left foot and right leg below the knee during a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He graduated from West Point in 2001 and was a first lieutenant commanding a field artillery platoon in 2003 when his injuries occurred. His military service earned him various awards and decorations including the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for Valor. He and his wife Kristi have five children. He has participated in Soldier Ride since 2006.

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. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), top rated by Charity Navigator, and holding a GuideStar Platinum rating. To get involved and learn how WWP connects, serves, and empowers, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/ about-us.

SIDEBAR: Four Things to Know About Soldier Ride • Soldier Ride Across America kicks off in Manhattan on Sept. 8. Warriors will visit numerous cities on the cross-country journey – including Washington, DC; Somerset, Pennsylvania; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; Little Rock, Arkansas; Lubbock and El Paso, Texas; and Tucson, Arizona – all before ending in San

Diego, California, on Oct. 7.

• Soldier Ride Across America has a 3,300-mile route – with each team riding more than 1,000 miles.

• Soldier Ride Across America consists of three teams of wounded warriors representing the U.S. East Coast, Central, and West Coast regions.

• Soldier Ride Across America commemorates the 15-year anniversary of Chris Carney’s historic coastto-coast trek in support of injured veterans, which spurred the creation of Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride program.

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Pictures for Heroes

Robert Thacker

By Holly Shaffner U.S. Air Force pilot, retired Colonel Robert Thacker who turned 100 years old this year. During his service he earned two Silver Star Medals, three Distinguished Flying Cross Medals and ten Air Medals.

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Zach Coco knows something about heroes.

He gets to interview them, photograph them and preserve their stories every week. Those heroes are the men and women who served in World War II and he has a big reason to do it voluntarily and to keep it going.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that just over 550,000 World War II veterans are still living from over 16 million who served. With World War II veterans dying at almost 400 per day, the urgency to get their stories told could not be more crucial.

He started his project three years ago after his grandfather passed away. Zach’s grandfather was Fireman Second Class Anthony Salvatore Coco and he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. “He was my hero growing up,” says Zach Coco and it was after his grandfather’s passing that he wished he had learned more about his hero’s service to our country.

Zach’s mission is to connect with World War II veterans and get their stories archived before time runs out. The service Zach provides to the veteran and his or her family is totally free to them – he figures it the least he can do for them and to thank them. In preparation to document their story, Zach spends up to five hours planning for their first meeting. He calls them and talks about their World War II story, researches their battle or background and arranges for a day to meet with them.

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This day is special for the World War II veteran as they are looking forward to Zach’s arrival. He travels to their house and sets up his gear, talks to the veteran, views his or her memorabilia and then goes to work. He takes stunning photographs of the veteran, goes home and records the pictures and story on a CD and mails it to the veteran and his or her family.

For every veteran he meets, it takes Zach between eight to ten hours to document and preserve their story. His payment is usually a cup of coffee, cookies and a sandwich and a big hug.

Since 2015 Zach has photographed over seventy WWII veterans, primarily from Southern California. Zach is working on this project outside of his full-time, paid job as a professional photographer and out of his own pocket.

He never asks for the veteran or their family to pay for his time or supplies. It is his honor to do this for this grandfather’s brothers and sisters – and what a tribute it is.

As Zach documents the stories, he adds each veteran to an upcoming book and when he gets to one hundred veterans, the book will go to print for the public to read.

Papa Coco

Stanley Troutman

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Every veteran he has spent time with has been very special and some veteran’s stories rise to the top.

Zach has spent the day with and photographed the oldest living Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ray Chavez who is 106 years old. Ray and fellow U.S. Navy Pearl Harbor Survivor Stu Hedley live in San Diego, California along with U.S. Army veteran, Joe Reilly. Joe was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne during World War II and parachuted into Normandy on D-Day.

Ray Chavez

And then there’s U.S. Air Force pilot, retired Colonel Robert Thacker (Cover) who turned 100 years old this year. During his service he earned two Silver Star Medals, three Distinguished Flying Cross Medals and ten Air Medals.

Joseph Reilly

After spending years in the presence of the Greatest Generation and listening to their wartime stories, Zach has a newfound perspective…“There are no more bad days and the small things really aren’t that bad.”

Stuart Hedley

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So how does Zach meet all these amazing veterans? He is connected to hubs within the Honor Flight Network. He went on his first flight several years ago and was hooked. Since then he has been a guardian for veterans or been part of the media team to document the trip and has been on seventeen trips. The trip consists of a “once in a lifetime” experience for the most senior veterans across the country, typically World War II or Korea era. The Honor Flight goes to Washington, D.C. and veterans visit the memorials built for their service and sacrifice. For some of them it is the first time they have ever visited their memorials and for the majority of them it will be their last trip.

John Moran

Along the way, they meet new friends, share their stories that have been locked away for over seventy years and heal some of their war wounds. For seventy-two hours they are recognized and honored for their service.

They come home to hundreds of cheering friends, family and well-wishers and for just a few moments in their life they truly feel like heroes.

Robert Izumi

And that is Zach’s goal, to make each veteran he meets feel like a hero. After all they are our nation’s heroes and they are our Greatest Generation. Mr. Anthony Salvatore Coco is the inspiration behind this project and he would be proud what his grandson is doing to carry on the legacy of his brothers and sisters.

Right now Zach’s project is local to Southern California and with funding he hopes to grow it nationally. The biggest challenge for Zach is time – time to get to the World War II veterans before their stories are gone.

To learn more about Zach’s project, to help him fund more veterans or his book, or to connect with him for a special World War II veteran in your life, go to: www.PicturesforHeroes.com.

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

WWW.VMECONNECT.ORG

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September 25-30, 2018 TICKETS NOW ON SALE

AIRCRAFT CARRIER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS

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Bringing the stories of America’s military to life.

KILIMANJARO WARRIORS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ULTRASTAR CINEMAS AT HAZARD CENTER

THE WEIGHT OF HONOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ULTRASTAR CINEMAS AT HAZARD CENTER

TRAUMA SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 ULTRASTAR CINEMAS AT HAZARD CENTER

FILM PREMIERES  RED CARPET MOMENTS  FILMMAKER APPEARANCES LOCAL FILM SHOWCASE  AWARDS PARTY  PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Full lineup, venues, and showtimes available at

GIFilmFestivalSD.org

PRESENTED BY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LEAD SPONSORS

KPBS is a public service of San Diego State University.

HOMELAND / September 2018 17

GI Film Festival San Diego Boasts Six Days of Courageous Cinema ‘American’ starring actor and activist George Takei opens 2018 military film festival Since World War II, San Diego has been a major military and defense epicenter in the U.S. With seven military bases between the Navy, Marines, and the Coast Guard, San Diego is home to one of the largest active-duty military populations in the U.S. with more than 100,000 active duty members.

San Diego County also has the third largest veteran population in the U.S. with more than 240,000 veterans. It is evident that the military is a significant and vital part of the San Diego community, but the voices of our active duty personnel, veterans, caregivers, and military-connected youth are often underheard, underappreciated, and underrepresented.

This was an opportunity for a better connection between our local military community and public media. It’s because of this KPBS, San Diego’s public media organization, took action to build on what public media does best: tell great stories. In 2015 KPBS launched the GI Film Festival San Diego in partnership with the DC-based GI Film Festival, becoming one of only a few film festivals in the entire U.S. to exclusively feature stories for, by and about military service members and veterans.

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Now in its fourth year the GI Film Festival San Diego will present 34 films over six days, from Sept. 25-30, 2018, with a lineup that features the untold and underrepresented stories of America’s military through film. The San Diego military film festival, features nine world premieres and five West Coast premieres, as well as several screenings, filmmaker appearances, and panel discussions. GI Film Festival San Diego attendees have opportunities to not only watch films, but to also have conversations to tackle tough topics that are usually unspoken.

“Every year the GI Film Festival San Diego brings together the untold military stories from around the globe,” said Nancy Worlie, associate general manager of content and communications at KPBS. “From full-length documentaries to narrative shorts, all audience members are given a chance to see the underrepresented stories that make up our military history. Attendees will also be able to experience life through the eyes of veteran filmmakers, including stories around the hardship of coming out to your grandparents and the dilemma of fighting for a country that could deport you because of your citizenship.

This year’s film festival is once again filled with diverse stories that are for, about or by military service members that truly exemplify courageous filmmaking.”

Opening Night is Tuesday, Sept. 25 34 films over six days, from Sept. 25-30, 2018

The depth of the GI Film Festival San Diego covers an array of topics, giving attendees a glimpse of what military service members, and their families, have done and sacrificed for the U.S. This year, films feature diverse stories ranging from LGBTQ+ military members, women service members, the themes of resiliency and recovery, and caregiving post-deployment. Selections also highlight multicultural military experiences from the Hispanic, African American, Asian and Jewish point-of-views.

Opening Night is Tuesday, Sept. 25 The six-day San Diego military film festival begins with the ever-popular Opening Night Screening and Reception on Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts in iconic Balboa Park. The evening includes screenings of the narrative short “American,” followed by the documentary short, “The Registry.” Special guest George Takei, who is the lead actor in “American,” is anticipated to attend the Opening Night Screening and Reception. Both films focus on World War II events and emphasize the important roles and services that JapaneseAmerican military members provided throughout the war. In addition to Takei, the directors of each film are expected to attend the Opening Night celebration and will participate in a panel discussion after the screenings.

Screenings then continue through Friday, Sept.

28 at the Museum of Photographic Arts. The festival moves to UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center for the Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30 screenings.

All Access Passes, general admission tickets for the Opening Night Screening and Reception, as well as the rest of the festival screenings can be found at GIFilmFestivalSD.org. Many of the events will be open to the public with discounted opportunities for active duty personnel and veterans.

Additional titles confirmed for the GI Film Festival San Diego this year include: • “I Am That Man” – John Beckett is a soldier without a war. While struggling to adjust to civilian life and the breakdown of his marriage, Beckett considers returning to his life as a Navy SEAL. When his beloved friend and mentor is brutally murdered in a racially motivated attack, Beckett calls on his specialized skills to bring the perpetrators to justice. Has he found a new sense of purpose or will this be his last mission?

Continued on next page >

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• “G.I. José” – A Mexican-American U.S. Army soldier comes back home and faces the dilemma of whether to defend his family, or the laws of the country he vowed to protect.

• “The Hello Girls: The Story of America’s First Female Soldiers” – By the end of World War I, American female telephone operators, known affectionately as the Hello Girls, had connected over 26 million phone calls. They served with distinction, wore Army uniforms, were subject to military law, and swore Army oaths. Several received military awards and decorations. They also served during the occupation of Germany and the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. The last of the Hello Girls returned home in 1920, only to be told they were never soldiers. Led by Merle Egan from Helena, Montana, they fought the U.S. government for 60 years for recognition. In 1977, they won; unfortunately, only 36 were still alive. Told through 100-year old letters, photos, archival footage, and interviews with family and historians, the “Hello Girls” reveals the relatively unknown story of 223 American women who served overseas during WWI as telephone operators.

• “From Baghdad to The Bay” – This film follows the epic journey of Ghazwan Alsharif, an Iraqi refugee and former translator for the U.S. military. Wrongfully accused of being a double agent, tortured by the U.S. military, and ostracized from family and country, we follow Ghazwan as he struggles to rebuild his life in the United States while coming out as an openly gay activist.

“From Baghdad to The Bay” 20

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• “Kilimanjaro Warriors: A Monumental Goal for Recovery” – In February 2014 a group of amputee military veterans set forth on a monumental goal for physical and spiritual recovery. They would train and climb the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro (19341ft) in Tanzania, Africa. Consisting of six amputees and five wing man climbers, the Kilimanjaro Warriors hiked the mountain for eight days overcoming insurmountable obstacles and new challenges with each passing mile, trusting that if you have heart and believe in yourself, anything is possible.

• “Major Capers: The Legend of Team Broadminded” – This film is an honest and unflinching documentary that portrays the extraordinary life story of Major James Capers, Jr. an American hero, who persevered through adversity and after 50 classified missions rose to become one of the most decorated Force Recon Marines in history.

• “Sgt. Stubby – An American Hero” – Army Pvt. Robert Conroy is adopted by a stray, stump-tailed terrier. Conroy names his new friend Stubby and gives him a home, a family, and a chance to embark on the adventure that would define a century. The two quickly find themselves in the trenches of France during WWI and on the path to history. French soldier Gaston Baptiste befriends the duo and accompanies them along their epic journey through harsh conditions and incredible acts of courage. The film celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I and the first official Veterans Day. Rated PG.

The festival is organized by KPBS in partnership with the GI Film Group and Film Consortium San Diego.

Official sponsors of the 2018 GI Film Festival San Diego include:

Kaminskiy Design & Remodeling, The Super Dentists, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, BAE Systems, Lewis University, National City Mile of Cars, San Diego Opera, Altus Schools, Bob Baker Subaru, and Miramar National Cemetery.

Additional support is provided by Scatena Daniels Communications.

The GI Film Festival San Diego is a proud member of the San Diego Veterans Coalition.

Full Lineup, venues and showtimes available at:

GIFilmFestivalSD.org

HOMELAND / September 2018 21

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

NEW N LOCATIO

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

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1131 East Washington Ave. Ste. K Escondido, CA 92025

Southeast WIC

Logan Heights

Vista WIC

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3598 National Ave San Diego, CA 92113

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10737 Camino Ruiz #135 San Diego, CA 92126

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Spring Valley WIC

Fallbrook WIC

3301 North Magnolia Ave Ste. 101 El Cajon, CA 92020

9621 Campo Road #G Spring Valley, CA 91977

1328 South Mission Rd. Fallbrook, CA 92028

WIC eligibility is based on family size and income: # of people in family*

Gross Monthly Income

2 3 4 5 6

$2,504 $3,149 $3,793 $4,437 $5,082

Call us Toll-Free at

1-888-999-6897 Chat with us: www.sdsuwic.org

*Pregnant Woman = 2 People WIC does not include Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for military families. Income guidelines are subject to change.

Please check www.wicworks.ca.gov for up-to-date information.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

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HOMELAND / September 2018

Scan from Smart Phone for more info on WIC

Support and Celebrate Our Military!

Helping Military and Their Families

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

Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, Solana Beach

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

www.holesforheroes.org psullivan@holesforheroes.org

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WHAT’S 24

HOMELAND / September 2018

NEXT? Transitioning from service to civilian life Tips and ideas for a successful military transition

Veterans bring distinctive capabilities to civilian employers...

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Transitioning from service to civilian life Returning to civilian life presents new opportunities — and challenges — for Veterans. Many Veterans look forward to life after the military because they can spend more time with family and friends and no longer have to worry about military structure or deployment.

At the same time, transitioning out of the military may raise a lot of questions.

You may wonder what you are going to do with this new phase of your life, or whether you will be able to find a job.

You may think about going back to school, but not know where to start.

Or you may miss the order and discipline of military life (compared with civilian life) and wonder if you will be able to adjust.

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Transitiong can be disorientating and confusing.

However, there are a series of actionable steps that can be taken to make this transition smoother and more manageable.

Whether you served during a war or in peacetime, your experiences in the service — both positive and negative — have made you a different person than you were before you entered, and may have changed the way you look at things and deal with people.

Stressful or traumatic situations may have resulted in habits or ways of coping that can be misunderstood or problematic in civilian life.

The new year provides an opportunity to step back, reflect on your military career and your preparation for transition, and consider whether you will be aiming for a job change in 2018.

One thing of manythings to remember is that your attitude equals latitude.

With refreshed budgets, new strategic plans and everyone looking to 2018, employers are looking for veterans.

Why? Distinctive Capabilities • Veterans are performanceoriented, have a strong work ethic, and thrive under pressure • Teamwork, leadership and problem solving skills learned in the military are suitable for many civilian roles Valuable skills • Veterans receive advanced training in a variety of technical skills • Military spend in these skills make veterans costeffective employees Hiring vets builds goodwill and honors their service • Recruiting veterans reflects the social responsibility of an employer and builds goodwill with customers, employees, and the community

Continued on next page

• Hiring veterans, who have sacrificed for their communities and the nation, is the right thing to do.

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Here are several tips and ideas for a successful military transition: Network, Network, Network Applying for jobs online may seem like an efficiency way to get jobs, but the reality is it doesn’t work well. For any given job opening, recruiters are bombarded with hundreds, possibly thousands of openings. To rise above the noise, you’ll have to network.

Start with veterans who are now in the corporate world.

Don’t rush to ask for a job. If there’s no job available, the remaining time becomes one big letdown. Instead, take time to know the person. Ask how they approached the transition from a military to civilian career. Only at the end of the conversation is it ok for you to ask whether or not they are aware of any job openings.

Find Proven Models of Success To move forward in life, everyone has to learn from mistakes. The only question is whose: yours or those of the great achievers who lived before you?” Take this to heart.

Start by asking people that have made the transition before you. Understand their points of friction and what enabled success. If you start with a collective base of knowledge and experience, your own ceiling for a higher level of achievement is much greater.

Look For Military-Friendly Employers Several employers appreciate the qualities ex-military personnel bring to a civilian job. Furthermore, you’re likely to find co-workers who formerly served in the military. They can mentor you as you ease into a new working environment. - CONNECT WITH RECRUITERS AND HEADHUNTERS WHO FOCUS ON MILITARY TO CIVILIAN TRANSITIONS.

Play up Your Strengths As An Ex-Militray Candidate Military veterans are known for precise communication, individual accountability, impeccable execution and natural leadership. Don’t forget to showcase this during the interview. All four skills are in high demand, regardless of position. Give yourself credit for strengths that many non-military job candidates lack. Other key skills to play up: poise, ingenuity, and ability to handle stressful situations well.

Translate Your Skills The military’s highly specific job codes and titles (often filled with acronyms) don’t help hiring managers in the civilian sector understand what you can do for them. So, at a minimum, it’s important to translate your resume out of military jargon and into language that shows your

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Working in the R-14 shop of a deployed battalion doesn’t help your interviewer understand what you can do. Turn this into something that can be easily understood and applied to the civilian world, for example: “Created a unified plan of action, ensured coordination between cross-functional teams, and provided feedback to improve the process.”

Termonolgy - Adjust From Military To Corporate Lingo A key to getting the job is fitting in -- not only do you have to demonstrate the right skills, but you also need to adopt the right body language and speech. Here are a few examples: 1. Be wary of military jargon. Rather than say you were the “red raven” expert, explain that you developed contingency plans for rare events.

2. Rather than use military time, use civilian time. That is, instead of confirming an interview for 15-hundred hours, use 3 pm.

3. No need to address your professional contacts as Sir or Ma’am. You can typically address them by their first name.

Transitioning Veterans & Law Enforcement – A Natural Fit

Police officers and military veterans are kindred spirits. Both wear their uniforms with pride. Both don their uniforms to be part of a larger team of professionals protecting those who can’t protect themselves at great personal risk. And both operate within a rigid command structure.

So it’s natural that many military veterans seek employment in police ranks when they rejoin the civilian workforce. That’s what is happening right now in numbers unseen since the closing days of the Vietnam War. The result is a job market flooded with well-qualified police officer candidates who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Going Back to School After Transitioning Many military veterans, after service, opt to go to college or university to complete or advance their education. This can prove an excellent decision in cases where advanced education makes you more competitive in the civilian job market.

Some schools are better for military veterans than others.

With that said, seek out a few schools that have a reputation for being extra helpful to active duty soldiers and veterans.

Military friendly schools will make it no secret that they offer additional benefits, flexibility, and special programs for current military personnel or recent veterans. Another benefit is that you’ll have quite a bit in common with lots of other students.

You were once in the military; your performance and capabilities were tested. Now you should bank on those to get the job you want. You can market yourself on those effectively and focus on how your military skills and abilities can contribute with any company.

High-performing companies in many industries recognize the value of veteran employees

Veterans bring distinctive capabilities to civilian employers…

Teamwork & Leadership Accountability: superior personal and team accountability. Veterans understand how policies and procedures help an organization function Adaptability: experience operating in ambiguous situations, exhibiting flexibility in fluid environments.

Team players: ability to understand the capabilities and motivations of each individual, regardless of background, to maximize team effectiveness Experienced leadership: battle-tested leadership, from the front and by example. Ability to inspire devoted followership and lead groups to accomplish unusually high aspirations

Discipline Self-reliance: demonstrated initiative, ownership, and personal responsibility while leveraging all available assets and team members to ensure success Perseverance: proven resilience getting things done despite difficult conditions, tight deadlines, and limited resources Strong work ethic: belief in the value of hard work and taking initiative

Values-driven: proven experience dedicating themselves to a cause. Veterans take pride in the mission, values and success of the organization

Solving Problems Objective-focused: ability to organize and structure resources to accomplish the mission, regardless of roadblocks Quick learners: proven ability to learn new skills quickly and efficiently High impact decision-makers: strong situational awareness, ability to understand complex interdependencies and make decisions using practical judgment and creativity Diverse perspectives: experience having impact and influencing people across the boundaries of culture, language, ethnicity and personal motivation

Today’s veterans are civic assets. They’re starting businesses, protecting our communities, running for office, and taking on leadership roles in their communities. And like the great generations who’ve gone before them, they’re poised to lift our country to new heights.

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“The men and women who serve our Nation deserve our support — Today, Tomorrow, Always —” www.vancnorthcounty.org

The First Monday Of Each Month For those of us who volunteer our time to help veterans, sometimes it is nice to be able to see and hear the success stories from the people out there meeting with, and solving the problems of our veterans.

On the First Monday of each month, at noon, we get that opportunity. This past month we had the opportunity to hear from our friends at Veteran’s Village of San Diego (VVSD) as they re-counted the number of veterans we were all able to help during the San Diego Stand Down.

During our last Monday meeting, Ray Sibley from VVSD provided an after action report on the San Diego Veteran’s Stand Down. Serving about 900 homeless veterans, the Stand Down has been a crucial part of getting the homeless served by VA Doctors, fed, clothed and provided with a safe place to sleep for the weekend.

Once the connection is made with these homeless veterans, our veteran service organizations can support their needs for housing, job opportunities and other services.

This month, we will hear from the North County Veterans Stand Down. The NCVSD provides a second opportunity in January, for homeless veterans to be served. After these presentations, our veteran service organizations will attend the events and provide support throughout the year to our veterans in need.

We had a chance to meet Doug Brandt, a docent from the Midway Museum who gave our fellow veterans a chance to participate as volunteers at one of the top tourist spots in San Diego and, for that matter, the US. Each month we have four speaking spots so that members of the Veteran Service Community can share their successes, their opportunities or even introduce themselves to the rest of the community of veteran groups doing their best to serve our veteran

community.

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So please, put the first Monday of every month on your calendar. Come visit us at the Veterans Association of North County, grab a slice of pizza, or a cup of coffee and listen to, and participate in a great networking meeting. It is our objective to provide our veteran service community a venue to meet, have events and serve our veterans. We home to see you soon.

If you are a veteran or an active duty military family member, there is a lot of things we can do for you at VANC. If you live in our community, we would love to see you at VANC. You can volunteer, you can donate, or just come and enjoy our events. If you are a member of the veteran service community, join us on the first Monday of each month at noon for an opportunity to network with others serving our veterans. And when you walk in the door, sign in to our guest book.

Welcome to Veterans Association of North County.

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ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

By Vicki Garcia

Operation Vetrepreneur Takes Off in San Diego: Veterans, Spouses & Active Military Entrepreneurial Support Be the Boss Have you thought of starting a business as the answer to the grueling job hunt? Want the freedom, independence, flexibility and unlimited income that business ownership provides? Already have a business and want to see it grow? Then Operation Vetrepreneur program is the answer!

No More Looking for a Job. Do Your Own Thing.

We have it on good authority, from none other than Cal Vet, that as many as 25% of post 9/11 veterans aspire to be self-employed. The skills, discipline, and maturity gained in the service can prepare veterans to succeed in entrepreneurial enterprises. More than 3 million men and women who have defended our nation’s freedoms have made the choice to start their own small businesses after their military service.

Jeff M is a great example. After looking for a job for nearly a year, he decided to purchase a sunglass cart.

He found an empty spot in Old Town and set up shop.

Now he flies to China to purchase sunglasses and nets $35,000 per year. He has plans to grow more sunglass huts around town soon.

Operation Vetrepreneur is an innovative, free program under non-profit National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (http://rebootworkshop.vet/). The Operation Vetrepreneur program is dedicated to supporting vets, particularly veterans with service-connected disabilities, active military, as well as military spouses to start up and maintain a business. Deploying local subject matter experts and successful vetrepreneurs as mentors, Operation Vetrepreneur harnesses community resources to support veterans to become independent, successful entrepreneurial job creators.

A Different Model Proven to Accelerate Success Our experience has shown that veterans thrive in the company of other vets. Operation Vetrepreneur launched its first “think tank” coaching group for post-911 veterans who currently own a business or are actively starting up a small business in 2015. The Operation Vetrepreneur unique group think tank program format is the first of its kind in the nation, 32

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although it has a long history of success in the civilian world. In the civilian world the cost for joining this kind of program is $465. You can get it for free.

Operation Vetrepreneur brings entrepreneurial minded veterans who are underserved and otherwise could not afford to have access to essential services during the critical, early stages of building or growing a new business.

Through think tank brainstorming groups, and one-on-one mentoring participants learn essential skills, discuss challenges, bounce around ideas, learn from subject matter experts, set goals and action steps. Meeting in the early evening weekly over 13 weeks, participants account for their actions to the rest of the group. This is the “secret sauce” that makes the Operation Vetrepreneur program so effective.

The program is open for any veterans who currently run a business or have taken concrete steps toward starting up a small business. An interview is required. We welcome spouses, homeless, and disabled veterans as well.

Operation Vetrepreneur In a Nutshell

FREE Business Growth Support

Topics Covered: Management | Marketing | Money Management Commitment to Attend13 Weekly Evening Brainstorming Group Meetings Required One-on-One Mentoring Available Interviews Start September 10 Last Group in 2018 Launches September 24 For More Info: www. operationvetrepreneur.vet Questions? We want to hear from you! Email: Vicki@ veteransinbiz.com Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 30+ -year- old marketing consulting firm. Apply to join Operation Vetrepreneur’s FREE Think Tank Groups starting in September at www.veteransinbiz.com or visit www.operationvetrepreneur.vet for more information.

Don’t Wait! Apply Now or Miss Out! Go Strait to the Application: www.veteransinbiz.com

HOMELAND / September 2018 33

The Part-Time Entrepreneur

The key in business is identifying a product or service many people look for and are able to purchase multiple times.

Once you have evaluated your skills and have identified the product or service people really want or need, you are ready to start your Part-Time Entrepreneurship venture.

Below are few of the Part-time business ideas that are easy to start and require low investment: 1. Loan Assistance Service: People who are looking to finance their businesses often need help with completing the loan application and compiling documents to be presented to the lender. If your skill is “Administration” and you are organized and understand legal forms, this business opportunity may just be the right fit for you. How do you get paid? Payment for your service (consulting service) is paid by the customer; you can charge a reasonable fee to help client complete documentation.

By Joe Molina www.vccsd.org

“There are many ways to start a business. It is all about choosing a starting point” The Military does an excellent job at transforming a civilian into a soldier. Regardless of the branch of service, every civilian is rapidly transformed into a military person in just a few months. As the individual moves up the ranks, he/she is given a level of responsibility and authority to lead personnel and manage projects.

The Military builds people who know how to work in teams and have the ability to adapt and face new challenges which are the key factors when starting a business. Becoming an entrepreneur may be exciting, scary, challenging and rewarding. One way to enter the business world is by starting a business Part- Time.

Part-Time Entrepreneurship: This is probably the best way to “test-drive” a business idea, see if there is a market that will sustain the business, as well as enough customers and potentials for the growth of the business.

Under this option, people usually keep a job and operate the Part-Time business after working hours or during weekends.

Where could one find these Part-Time business opportunities? In today’s market, we have world of opportunities, some come in a way of selling products or providing a service.

How to choose the business that is right for us: Take a look at your skill-set; identify the skills you have learned to master, that others may be interested in paying you for. Next, try to match your skill-set with something that people have needs for or really want.

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2. Business Coach: Business owners often need help with their existing businesses. They may need help with identifying new markets, testing new products, creating business strategies or simply bounce ideas off and getting a new perspective. If you have a skill set and the knowledge on how business works, have good listeners and have the ability to facilitate groups, this may be a good Part-time option for you. Clients pay directly to you per hour or by project, the average rate of a business coach varies on many factors, but if you are new to the industry it is normal to charge $90 to $120 an hour.

3. Workshop and Mini-events: Many people are looking for information on how to start business, increase sales, manage profit, manage books, etc. If you have in your skillset in the ability to speak in public and good at networking, you may be able to set up workshops and or mini-events in your community. You don’t need to be the Instructor at these workshops or have the knowledge of the topics, what you need to have is just a good list of professionals, subject matter experts that can be your instructors. For the minievents, you just need a good size list of local resources, willing to attend and share their services. In the workshops, you will get paid by selling tickets, and by sponsors to the workshop.

In the case of the mini-events, each resource/vendor will pay a fee ($250 average) to have a table at the event and display their services. Attendees should have free admission to have a higher attendance. The more people attend the event the more you can charge resources/vendors at future events.

In Summary: These are just three of the many Part-time business opportunities available out there that require low investment and will allow you to keep your full time or part time job. Regardless of your choice of Part-Time business, keep in mind that it takes time for the business to develop into a successful venture, be patient and have fun in the process.

HAVE QUESTIONS? Happy to help: Email me at veteransccsd@gmail.com

Presented by

calling all Vets & Military startups! growing business owners!

OperatiOn

Free helP is here!

r u e n e r p e r

building a Foundation For your success. one-on-one coaching | certiFication suPPort | think tank grouPs Veterans make great entrepreneurs. Building a company is tough & requires lots of work. It can be lonely. The vets & active military we work with, from start-up to experienced owners, polish their business smarts the same way they learned skills in the military.

Need A Coach?

We’ll Match You with A Mentor

Think Tank Groups 13-Weeks, 1 Night A Week, Accelerates Business Growth

THE BASICS Management / Marketing / Money Presented by Recognized Local Experts in San Diego

DoN’T GET LEfT ouT!

JoIN uS!

Takes off where to the SBA’s Boots Business left off!

New Think Tank Group forming Now! Apply at www.veteransinbiz.com Questions? Call 619.660.6730 operation Vetrepreneur is a Project of the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit

IN THE TRENCHES . . .

What You Can Expect Certification & Supplier Diversity Concept Review for Startups Perfecting Your Pitch Speaker Training Brainstorming with Experts Publishing Knowhow Personal Branding Mind Mapping Crowdfunding Writing a Business Plan Branding, Graphics & Visuals Internet Marketing Social Media & SEO Legal Issues Budgeting Where & How to Get Money High Velocity Growth Strategies Employees & Contractors

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legal

By Kelly Bagla. Esq.

Legal Tips for Veterans Thinking about Starting a Business Fact:

People with military experience tend to make excellent entrepreneurs.

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. If you are a veteran or active military and you are thinking about taking the plunge into small business ownership, there are plenty of advantages available to you. Here are some tips to get you stated.

CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your passion into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers. There are free useful tools you can use online to help get you started.

WRITE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN Your business plan is the foundation of your business. It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You’ll use it to obtain loans or raise money from private sources. There are thousands of business plans offered online but make sure you get the one that will help you get money for your business.

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FUND YOUR BUSINESS Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to start your business. If you don’t have that amount on hand, you’ll need to either raise or borrow the capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the capital you need through veteran focused loans specific to veteran owned businesses.

CHOOSE A BUSINESS STRUCTURE The legal structure you choose influences everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes, to how much your personal assets are at risk. You should choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protection and benefits. You will need to choose a business structure before you register your business with the state. Consulting with business counselors, attorneys, and accountants can prove helpful.

CHOOSE YOUR BUSINESS NAME It’s not easy to pick the perfect name. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and your passion. You’ll also want to make sure your business name is not already being used by someone else. Do a google search for the name and check the state’s business directory and if the name is available make sure you buy the domain first.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS NAME Once you have settled on a name, you need to protect it. There are two different ways to register your business name. Incorporating your name as a business name protects you at a state level and trademarking your name protects you at a federal level. GET FEDERAL AND STATE TAX IDS You’ll use your employer identification number (EIN) for important steps to start and grow your business, like opening a bank account and paying taxes. It’s like a social security number for your business. APPLY FOR LICENSES AND PERMITS Keep your business running smoothly by staying legally compliant. The licenses and permits you need for your business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.

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

www.baglalaw.com 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.

Contact Kelly at: (760) 784-9109 Kelly@baglalaw.com www.baglalaw.com

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A Trusted Resource Resources Support Community Inspiration Transition

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Homeland is valued & trusted by the Veterans & Military Community.

AND our readers & advertisers see the difference.

Homeland Veterans Magazine

Reaching over 200,000 San Diego Veterans, Active Duty & Military Families Homeland reaches veterans, transitioning military personnel, active military and families though our partnership campaigns, collaborators, members & websites, event magazines, military-veteran radio, colleges & universities, military bases, off-base housing, veteran resource centers, job fairs, social media platforms & more

Homeland Magazine is now available in

“EVERY CITY� NATIONWIDE, and through our veteran partnership distribution channels our magazine & website is accessible to 3.5 million visitors each month and growing.

For more information on editorial or advertising opportunities contact us at :

info@homelandmagazine.com

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HOMELAND / September 2018 39

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE “In order to achieve progressive growth, we must invest our time in our youth,” Darnisha adds. She invests her time and energy taking kids deep sea fishing; those who would not have otherwise been able to afford the cost.

Darnisha Hunter for City Council, utilizing politics for change, for the betterment of our Community.

Darnisha is the epitome of a public servant and has dedicated the last four years to serving as the “voice of our veterans,” Veteran Advocate to San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer’s office.

She lives to inspire as she works to achieve. Her experience as a successful businesswoman, veteran representative and an active community volunteer, makes Darnisha a tremendous asset for the upcoming election of Imperial Beach City Council.

Hunter has resided in Imperial Beach since April 2016. Over 29,000 people reside in Imperial Beach and half of those residents have an income of less than $51,000 per year. “These are hardworking people doing their very best to provide for their families while trying to survive California’s everincreasing cost of living and housing costs. It’s a real struggle for most to stay above water,” Darnisha stated.

Her experience in providing affordable housing through the Housing Our Heroes program will hugely benefit the Imperial Beach Design and Review Board in which she is an active Board member.

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Hunter wants to make certain that the children of today, who are the future of tomorrow, know that they matter and are valued. Darnisha’s resolutions to provide economic growth by implementing apprenticeship programs for our youth and a mentoring program between Fortune 500 companies and struggling start-up businesses are innovative and proven attainable.

These contemporary solutions will help growing businesses and prepare future generations to succeed and prosper.

Her success with implementing programs that achieve their goals is attributed to her collaborative effort between other entities, such as non-profit organizations, businesses, developers and government representatives that hold similar goals and values. Darnisha excels at creating logical solutions that are functional, then putting them into action. She explains, “That having a logical plan is only one part of the process. We must always bring our stakeholders and the community to the table and take action in order to achieve the desired outcome.”

by, CJ Machado, Veteran Advocate and Photo Journalist

Hunter has a true understanding of the demographics that encompass Imperial Beach’s diverse community as well as the needs and challenges her neighborhood faces every day. Being a concerned single mother and grandmother, public safety and providing a clean environment are also at the top of her list for immediate implementation. She supports and volunteers with I Love a Clean San Diego and IB Beautiful.

Her public service also includes: - Vice President of the Imperial Beach Historical Society current - Member of the Imperial Beach Lions Club current - Board Member for the National City Military Advisory Committee current - Co-Chair for the San Diego “Hidden Heroes Cities,” campaign for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation 2017 - Committee Member for the USO Galas 2017/2018 - Planning Committee Member for the USS Raphael Peralta Ship Commissioning 2017 - Board Member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxillary current - Committee Member for “Open Doors Landlord Engagement” to help homeless veterans 2016-2017 - Member of Veteran’s Coalition current Darnisha’s strength is expressed through her philosophy of life… compassion, letting people know that everyone matters, and their value is not based upon what they have or who they know. She cares, she listens, but most of all she’ll fight for you and do whatever is best for our Community.

Darnisha Hunter’s most recent speech presented to the Council of College & Military Educator’s Symposium, given on March 27, 2018:

Hello everyone my name is Darnisha Hunter, Veteran and Military Advocate to Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, 36th Mayor of the City of San Diego.

On behalf of Mayor Faulconer, I welcome you and thank each and every one of you for all you do for our Military and Veteran families.

Today’s theme is: “Navigating Change: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in Military and Veteran Education” We are in a time where as Americans we find ourselves concerned about things in life we would of never thought twice about before. Like quality of life issues here in America. Safety in our schools, parks, theatres and homes. We as adults wonder” how did things get so bad so quickly?” In my opinion it starts with the educational environment and social skills. Remember the theme is Navigating Change and Transforming Challenges into Opportunities.

Your first gift to America was your service for country. Our young men and woman entered our military for many different reasons. What did they learn? Well while they were navigating basic training, a regimented life style, accountability, how to follow the chain of command, consequences for bad behavior or poor decision making. You were challenged daily both as a group and individual.

But in the process of your pain, fear and frustration you turned it into OPPORTUNITY!!!!

Homeland Magazine extends their support and wishes Darnisha all the best with her upcoming campaign for Imperial Beach City Council.

www.darnishahunter.com

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VETERANS

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S W