Homeland Veterans Magazine Jan 2018

Vol. 5 Number 1 • January 2018

Homeland Veterans Magazine

Transitioning from service to civilian life 2018 SMART Planning and High-Tech Tools

Voices of Women Veterans

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR Three Paths To Employment

Network. Network. Network Careers In Law Enforcement

HOMELAND / January 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 / January 2018

You Work Hard.

We’ll Work Hard to Save You Money.

GEICO has been proudly saving Military customers money on their car insurance since 1936, and we want to do the same for you. We understand the special needs and sacrifices made by Military members and their families, which is why we offer numerous discounts, flexible payment options, overseas coverage and more.

We stand ready to serve you. Get a free quote today.

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 © 1999-2017. © 2017 GEICO

HOMELAND / January 2018 3

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 Gina 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

4

HOMELAND / January 2018

What’s Next? inside this issue 07 Voices Of Women Veterans 08 New Chapter For Military Spouse 15 Century Club & ASYMCA 16 FREE Homes To Veterans 19 Pucks & Paws 20 2018 SMART Planning and High-Tech Tools 24 Transitioning From Service To Civilian Life 30 The Three Paths Of Employment 32 Do You Have A Future In Cannabis 34 Network. Network. Network.

37 Careers In Law Enforcement

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE WWW.HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM

HOMELAND / January 2018 5

6

HOMELAND / January 2018

From the NATIONAL COMMANDER

COMMENTARY

DELPHINE METCALF-FOSTER

Raising the voices of women veterans

F

or too long, too many women veterans have felt unheard, unwelcome and unappreciated for their service and sacrifices. To mitigate this injustice, we must all continue working together to help inspire and accelerate a much-needed, monumental culture shift in the veterans community that recognizes the contributions and changing role of women in the military.

That’s why, in late August, women veterans from across the nation gathered in Houston for the 2017 National Women Veterans Summit.

Unfortunately, as many women veterans set out to attend the event, flights were rerouted or canceled by incoming Hurricane Harvey, which wreaked havoc on the area just as the summit was set to get underway.

The VA Center for Women Veterans, supported by groups like DAV, still provided an opportunity for women veterans to share their experiences and discuss some of the most critical agenda items to help ensure we receive the care and recognition we have earned through our service to our nation. In abbreviated fashion, some of the most influential women veterans and advocates took action on VA health care and benefits, employment and homelessness, and needed culture changes to help make the VA a more inclusive and comprehensive system for women.

The tireless work of these advocates in the midst of the tragedy unfolding around them was a true testament to their focus, passion and dedication to

the cause. I’m grateful to see we have such stalwart advocates fighting on behalf of women veterans—both within the VA and among our community of veterans service organizations.

Nearly 30 years ago, I walked into a chapter meeting expecting to learn more about our organization. Instead, I was escorted to a meeting of the members’ wives. While I would never discount the role of the Auxiliary, I had come to be among my fellow veterans. If I had let myself become discouraged by that initial encounter, I never would have risen through the ranks to become the first female to be elected as DAV’s national commander in the organization’s nearcentury history. I never would have had the chance to affect policies and programs as a member of the VA’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. And I never would have had the chance to show other women veterans how grit, determination and fortitude can help to break through new—even historic—barriers.

DAV needs strong leaders to help guide us into the future, and I know there are many capable women and men out there who have what it takes to blaze the trails.

On behalf of DAV, thank you all for your dedicated service to this country. To all my fellow women veterans, I hope you will consider lending your insight and experience as we work to ensure all veterans are empowered to lead highquality, fulfilled lives.

For more details on the 2017 National Women Veterans Summit, go to Page 10.

HOMELAND / January 2018 7

2018 Marks New Chapter For Army Vet, Military Spouse and Military Mother Who Continues To Give Back

By Barry Smith Boot Campaign

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Sarah Lucas is used to wearing many hats in a life of service to her country and family.

But the year 2018 is expected to mark a new and welcomed chapter in the life of this veteran who continues to aid her military brethren as the spouse of an active duty U.S. Marine, mother of a U.S. Coast Guardsman, a case liaison supporting hundreds of military families and a Veteran Ambassador for Boot Campaign. That new chapter could be described with just two letters - R and V. “The Lucas family will undergo many changes this year and we are mostly looking forward to the new adventures we, as retirees, will get to have as full-time ‘RVers,’” explains Lucas, whose retirement and volunteer plans will no doubt involve greater use of recreational vehicles.

“The biggest milestone for (husband) Steve and I will be his retirement from the Marine Corps after 30 years as an EOD Tech. We will travel this wonderful country of ours, and we also look forward to seeing our children’s adventures as they begin to forge their way in the world and leave our side.

A native of Tucson, Ariz., Lucas is greatly anticipating more R&R after serving 18 months in the Army Reserves and 16 years of active duty as a combat medic, hospital medic, instructor and flight medic on a UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter before medically retiring in 2009.

She currently resides in Chesapeake, Va., with her husband, Steve, a Lieutenant Colonel and EOD officer in the U.S. Marines, who has been active for 29-plus years and is stationed at Naval Support Activity-Norfolk as part of the Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM) until his official retirement in 2018.

“I believe being a military spouse is just as difficult as being a service member,” surmises Lucas. “As a service member, you know what you signed up for, what you volunteered for and what is needed to get the job done or accomplishing the mission.

The service member knows the risks and accepts them.

As a military spouse, you do not have the luxury of knowing what is happening.

You know the risks but are unable to have any control over the situation. “All you can do as a spouse is to keep moving forward,” adds the mother of three sons and a daughter.

“What you do know is that you need to keep taking care of things back at home while the service member is away. A spouse wishes, hopes, prays and tries to stay as positive as possible until the family is back together again.”

While her husband’s military retirement is coming up shortly, she found her own transition from active military to civilian life in 2009 to be especially challenging.

It turned out that going back to school and volunteering with a variety of non-profit organizations helped her to define her new professional goals.

8

HOMELAND / January 2018

“I believe being a military spouse is just as difficult as being a service member”

www.BootCampaign.org

“One of my biggest challenges since leaving the military was trying to keep the connection with the Army,” she recalls.

“I lost my identity as a service member and didn’t know what I would do next. I had sacrificed so much time away from family, and now I felt left out. The hardest of all was trying to figure out what type of job I would like to do moving forward.”

To find her civilian niche, Lucas returned to school, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in global studies from George Mason University in 2013.

During that graduation year, her husband sustained a non-combat related injury while deployed and Lucas spent approximately 27 days by his side during his recovery at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington D.C. Her experience of being on both sides of the healthcare system convinced her to dedicate her time and effort in becoming an advocate for veterans and their families.

Lucas now works as an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) case liaison at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story in Norfolk, Virginia.

By definition, EFMP is a U.S. Department of Defense enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services worldwide to American military families with special needs.

Active duty service members enroll in EFMP when they have a family member with a physical, developmental, or emotional or mental disorder requiring specialized services so their needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process. “ “After retiring and volunteering for many months, I decided to apply for one job only, EFMP case liaison, because I wanted to support families,” says Lucas.

“On a daily basis, I contact families to see what needs or services they have at that time that I may be able to assist with.

I currently manage over 500 cases of Navy families who have individuals with special needs. I provide services and resources depending on the diagnosis.” While Lucas is now just as busy as ever, she still finds time to volunteer with Boot Campaign as a Veteran Ambassador.

She was introduced to the Texas-based military non-profit by combat-wounded Marine Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones, a fellow EOD technician with her husband Steve, who was involved with the EOD Warrior Foundation.

Jones and his wife Meg, Boot Campaign’s current programs director, invited the Lucas family to volunteer in a fundraiser by participating in the charity’s PUSH campaign in Washington D.C.

Continued on next page www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / January 2018 9

“Our entire family got involved counting push-ups and even doing push-ups along with my 82-year-old mother,” reflects Lucas. “That’s where we met other staff members from Boot Campaign and we instantly loved their enthusiasm and the message of helping veterans who are in need of assistance.”

She received her own assistance from Boot Campaign by recently going through Boot Campaign’s revolutionary ReBOOT treatment program that features a complete diagnostic workup on the vet’s body and brain, conducted by some of the world’s leading medical experts and institutes. She’s now proud to represent Boot Campaign in any capacity she can, especially because of how it was formed and what she believes it stands for.

“Boot Campaign had a very modest beginning,” explains Lucas. “It was civilians, with no connection of any kind to the military, who decided to take it upon themselves to support the troops a million miles away. That small token was the foundation of what Boot Campaign has embodied, civilians bringing awareness to veterans issues, promoting patriotism and supporting the veterans through programs.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better organization to be a part of as a Veteran Ambassador,” she confides, “to be able to continue to bring that message into my community through speaking engagements, supporting events and wearing my Boot Campaign boots any place I go.”

She came back to America in 2006 and was stationed at the 6th Ranger Training Battalion’s Troop Medical Clinic on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where she finished her active duty.

Now she expects to have much more time to travel to new locations around the U.S., as well as enjoy her other pursuits, such as playing softball, riding motorcycles, woodworking, hunting, fishing and her new guilty pleasure - hunting for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website - known as geoaching.

The year 2018 not only marks the year of her husband’s retirement, but also represents a milestone for the couple – Sarah and Steve will officially become empty nesters.

Their youngest son Quentin (19) will be attending basic training at Cape May, N.J., hoping to follow in footsteps of his 23-year-old brother, Kyle, by joining the Coast Guard.

Micah (22) will be moving out into his own apartment and transfer to Old Dominion University to finish his degree, and daughter Bryanna (20) will make the move to a new job in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. All told, the Lucas family will be quickly spread across the states of Virginia, Tennessee, New Jersey and Alaska in 2018.

“As the kids grow and start moving on with their own lives, the uncertainty is always there of what will happen with them,” confides Lucas.

Thanks to the military, Lucas has already had plenty of places to go, globetrotting to more destinations around the planet during her 16-year career in the armed forces than many people experience in a lifetime.

After spending one year in her hometown of Tucson as part of a U.S. Army Reserve Center, she moved for six more months to a reserve unit in Milwaukee, Wis., before receiving orders for active duty at the Troop Medical Clinic in Yongsan, Korea.

After a year overseas, she was reassigned in 1994 to Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, where she served three years before being transferred to Landstuhl, Germany, with the 236th Medical Company (Air Ambulance).

In 2000, she was transferred back to the U.S. to serve two years at the 64th Forward Support Battalion’s Aid Station at Fort Carson, Colo., and then she served three years as a non-commissioned officer of the 23rd Quartermaster Brigade at Fort Lee, Va.

“But being able to recall the lessons Steve and I taught them, we know they will have the tools to move forward in life.”

In 2005, Lucas deployed as part of Operation Iragi Freedom to Eskan Village, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and later to Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar for 6 months, where she traveled to Oman, Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia on assignment.

Learn more about Boot Campaign at www.BootCampaign.org.

10

HOMELAND / January 2018

For those committed to New Year’s Resolutions, endeavoring to assist veterans in need and providing children with the tools essential to moving forward in life are certainly most worthy resolutions indeed.

#LACEUPAMERICA

GET YOUR BOOTS ON. At Boot Campaign, we proudly serve our country by providing life-improving programs for veterans and military families nationwide to bridge the divide between military life and civilian life.

We unite as Americans. As sisters, as brothers, as neighbors and friends.

And we take care of our own. We are strongest when we stand together united.

So stand with us, America. When they come back, we give back.

READY TO LACE UP, AMERICA? Learn more at bootcampaign.org |

@bootcampaign

HOMELAND / January 2018 11

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.

12

HOMELAND / January 2018

HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM “As Good As It Gets”

Resources Support Inspiration

HOMELAND / January 2018 13

ARMED SERVICES YMCA SAN DIEGO

STRENGTHENING OUR

MILITARY FAMILY FAMILY STRENGTHENING

MOM & CHILDREN PROGRAMS - NOW OFFERED AT MCAS MIRAMAR HOMECOMINGS KIDS CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD DISTRIBUTION MILITARY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (MVP)

SPECIAL EVENTS

MAGICAL HOLIDAY PARTY - DEC HOLIDAY TOY PROGRAM - DEC ASY GOLF CLASSIC - MARCH 858-751-5755 INFOSD@ASYMCA.ORG

YOUTH ENRICHMENT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FALL, WINTER & SUMMER CAMPS

SUPPORTING WELLNESS IN HOME COUNSELING URGENT NEEDS SUPPORT

WOUNDED, INJURED & ILL SUPPORT WARRIOR CARE INITIATIVE RECREATION THERAPY

JOIN US! WWW.ASYSD.ORG

Facebook.com/ASYSanDiego // Twitter.com/ASYSanDiego

14

HOMELAND / January 2018

CENTURY CLUB OF SAN DIEGO / FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN SUPPORT 153 MILITARY FAMILIES AT ASYMCA Last week, members of The Century Club of San Diego rolled up their sleeves to support 153 military families at Armed Services YMCA San Diego’s Neighborhood Exchange (NEX).

Hosted monthly by ASY San Diego, NEX provides an opportunity for military families who meet Federal Income Requirements to gather in the park near the organization’s headquarters to stock their cupboards with groceries.

As the host organization of San Diego’s PGA TOUR Tournament (Farmers Insurance Open), The Century Club also provided families with complimentary tickets to attend the Tournament, which takes place January 25-28 at Torrey Pines.

“We recognize the incredible sacrifice that these families make daily, and we are honored to have the opportunity to help lift even one burden off their shoulders by volunteering and creating an opportunity for them to enjoy a day with their family at our event,” said Century Club CEO, Peter Ripa.

ASY San Diego is one of 10 San Diego charities selected for participation in The Century Club’s Champions for Youth program. The program aims to positively impact select San Diego charities that support atrisk and underserved youth and their families by providing funding, awareness and tools and resources to help further the organizations’ missions.

The Farmers Insurance Open offers complimentary tickets to active duty, reservist and retired military and their dependents.

To learn more about Champions for Youth and the Farmers Insurance Open military ticket program, visit farmersinsuranceopen.com/ community/

HOMELAND / January 2018 15

Sears Teams with Operation Homefront to Award Mortgage-Free Homes to Two Veterans This Past Holiday Season Operation Homefront, serving America’s military families® since 2002, awarded two newly built mortgage-free homes, each donated by Sears, to two veterans this past holiday season. The homes were provided through the national nonprofit’s Homes on the Homefront program.

Each gift was made possible through Sears’ Heroes at Home program, through which Sears members and customers have generously donated to Operation Homefront when checking out at Sears stores and when visiting sears.com/ heroesathome.

The first home was awarded after Thanksgiving.

Steve Surface on Nov. 28 was awarded a 1,629-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-story, single-family home built by Wade Jurney Homes in Spring Hill, Fla. “This new home means so much to us,” said Surface. “It will provide support and stability for my wife and daughter.

My daughter will be able to have friends, especially in the neighborhood. It’s really hard to grasp the concept of a mortgage-free home, but this will be a part of my recovery, and we will be part of a great community.”

Born in North Carolina at Pope Air Force Base, Surface is the son of a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran. When Surface graduated from high school, he decided to follow his family’s legacy of military service and enlisted in the Marines. He served for almost nine years in the Marine Corps.

In 1993, he deployed to Somalia. Surface returned safely and decided he was not yet finished serving his country.

He decided to reenlist but, this time, with the Indiana Army National Guard. He would serve for three more years before enlisting in the Army Reserve in 2004.

In 2006, Surface would again become an active-duty service member. He rose to the rank of sergeant first class in the Army and served as a platoon sergeant for an infantry unit. From 2010 to 2011, he served in Afghanistan.

He would earn a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his courageous and selfless acts in combat. In 2016, he retired with an honorable discharge.

Steve Surface, a veteran of the Marine Corps, Army, and Indiana Army National Guard, with his wife, Stacy Ann, and daughter, Carly Ann

16

HOMELAND / January 2018

Operation Homefront and Sears handed over the keys to the other home days before Christmas.

Air Force Senior Airman Kristen Lovelace on Dec. 19 received the keys to her newly built, mortgage-free home. Lovelace was awarded an 1,805-square-foot, two-story, four-bedroom, single-family home built by Wade Jurney Homes in Villa Rica, Ga. “It’s amazing,” said Lovelace. “Thank you, Operation Homefront and Sears. We are so happy, and we now have a foundation for our future. It’s hard to describe the amount of gratitude we feel. This gift is truly meaningful and will impact our lives in such a positive way.”

Born and raised in Lynchburg, Va., Lovelace was the first woman in her family to enlist in the military. She joined the Air Force in 2008 at 19 and is a thirdgeneration veteran. Lovelace followed in the footsteps of her father, who served in the Navy and is a Vietnam veteran, and her grandfather, who served in the Marines in World War II. Lovelace served for five years in the Air Force as a bioenvironmental engineer.

Air Force veteran Kristen Lovelace and her husband, Nathan

In 2011, she served a deployment to Qatar before being medically retired in 2013.

providing them with more than $60 million in deeded value.

Founded in 2002,

During her term of service, she earned several medals and awards, including an Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Award.

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.

After the military, Lovelace and her husband, Nathan, moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Marietta, Ga. Kristen learned about Operation Homefront’s Homes on the Homefront program through a support network she is active in called Georgia Military Women. When the home in Villa Rica became available, she quickly applied.

Lovelace’s plans are to establish her own business. Nathan will finish his degree in mechanical engineering in 2018 and is excited to begin working in the field. The couple look forward to growing their family with the stability and security that the new home will provide.

Operation Homefront created the Homes on the Homefront program with the assistance of corporate partners to award mortgage-free homes to our nation’s veterans and military families. Since 2012, Operation Homefront has placed nearly 600 military families nationwide,

Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year.

Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families.

For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.

HOMELAND / January 2018 17

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.

18

HOMELAND / January 2018

Ron Burns Studio www.ronburns.com

www.sheltertosoldier.org

San Diego Gulls Announce 2018 “Pucks & Paws” Calendar to Benefit Shelter to Soldier

By Eva M. Stimson

The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League. The local team, San Diego Gulls, is launching their 2018 annual calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier, featuring 12 Gulls players with Shelter to Soldier service dogs on each calendar month of the year.

Calendars may be purchased in section 10 on the concourse at a San Diego Gulls game beginning on January 19, or via their mobile action app ‘DASH Auctions’ (available for iOS and Android users) as a ‘Buy it Now’ item. (All calendars purchased on DASH will require an additional shipping and handling fee of $15. The calendar will be mailed to the billing address provided in the payment information section).

Shelter to Soldier Co-Founder and President Graham Bloem comments, “We are extremely honored and grateful that the San Diego Gulls have selected us as the charity-recipient of their calendar program for 2018. Our non-profit organization has earmarked these funds to help serve the deserving U.S. military veteran men and women who are waiting to be paired with a psychiatric service dog through our program. Our veteran waiting list continues to grow and we could not fulfill each request without the help and support of our partners, such as the San Diego Gulls.

The “Pucks & Paws Calendar” is available for sale in person at a San Diego Gulls game and through the San Diego Gulls mobile app; all proceeds will be donated to Shelter to Soldier, a San Diego-based non-profit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Disorder (TBI) and/or other afflictions associated with traumatic combat experiences.

Unsigned copies of the calendar are available for $15 and a limited number of autographed copies are available for $30 each. In addition, the San Diego Gulls are launching an invitation to a “Pucks & Paws” event at a San Diego Dog Park on March 11, 2018, with a donation of $50 that includes an autographed copy of the calendar.

Each sponsored service dog serves the critical role of psychological support to his/her veteran handler.” Additional “Pucks & Paws” event information will be provided to those who qualify by Friday, March 2, 1018.

To learn more about veteran-support services provided

by STS, call (855) 287-8659 for a confidential interview regarding eligibility. Shelter to Soldier Co-Founder, Graham Bloem, is the proud recipient of the 10News Leadership Award, The Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Real Heroes Award, Honeywell Life Safety Award and the 2016 Waggy Award. Additionally, Shelter to Soldier is a gold participant of GuideStar and accredited by the Patriot’s Initiative. www.sheltertosoldier.org.

HOMELAND / January 2018 19

Tour of Honor

“now for THe aTTenTion of all Hands...�

Honor Flight San Diego provides, at no-cost to the veteran, an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC to visit the memorials built for their service and sacrifice. Priority is given to the most senior veterans, currently WWIIera, and any veterans who have terminal illnesses.

The next trip to Washington, DC is in May 2018.

For more information, go to

www.honorflightsandiego.org

20

HOMELAND / January 2018

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

HOMELAND / January 2018 21

By Dan Schnock, Wounded Warrior Project National Alumni Director

2018 Keep Your 2018 Resolutions All Year with SMART Planning and High-Tech Tools

Wounded Warrior Project Empowers Injured Veterans to Achieve Recovery Goals

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions and intentions for the whole year is difficult for everyone. It’s an uphill climb, and especially so for recovering veterans. But with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), some simple planning, and the aid of modern technology, you’ve got a fighting chance to succeed.

It has been reported that nearly 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of February, so if one of your resolutions is to “keep my resolutions going all year,” we’ve got some techie tools and tips to help you maintain your self-discipline.

Most resolutions fade away before the first flowers of spring because most people don’t break their large, well-intentioned goals into smaller, more achievable accomplishments.

Be clear about what you want to accomplish.

For long-term success of your recovery goals, use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goal process.

22

HOMELAND / January 2018

Specific Think of your recovery goal(s) in performance terms. For example, if you want to exercise more, your target might be “to reduce the time it takes me to walk around the block every morning for the next two months.” If you want to lose weight and improve your dietary habits, your goal might be “to lose five pounds by January 31 by eating a balanced diet and cutting out red meats.”

Measurable Make your goals measurable so you’ll know when it has been accomplished. For example, the daily walk time goal mentioned above is easily measured. Later we’ll tell you about some tech tools that make timing and measuring your activities much easier.

Achievable Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Set your goals high and push yourself, but be real about it, and don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Think of “achievable” in terms of baby steps. Meeting your smaller milestones will encourage you to see it through until your goal is accomplished.

Relevant Set your goals based on what’s important to you and motivates you to succeed. Goals are personal. They should not be your neighbor’s goals or those of your brother-in-law who is training for the 2020 Summer Olympics (unless, of course, that’s also what you want to do).

Time-Bound Set a specific timeframe for completing your goal. Applying a set time period to your goal is a motivator to accomplish it before time runs out. For example, the goal “to lose five pounds by January 31 by eating a balanced diet and cutting out red meats” is time-bound specific.

• Beeminder — You’ll be able to see your progress along your resolution path and receive motivational help staying on task.

• Habit Streak (Google Play) — Each day, you’ll enter info on what you accomplished the previous day toward achieving your resolution goal. That information is accumulated over time to show the formation of habit streaks, which can become part of your everyday lifestyle.

Phone a friend: You may find that you need to lean on others for support during your quest to meet your more difficult recovery goals, or even your simple everyday goals.

• Facetime and Skype — These phone apps can connect you to “the motivators.” You know who they are.

They’re your friends and family members who want to see you succeed because they care. Connect with your support folks when you need emotional support, direction, or a gentle push in the right direction. You’ll be surprised by what a few words of encouragement can do.

Just have fun — read and play more:

Check out the following tools that can make keeping and tracking your resolutions fun (even goals for mental and/or physical recovery) and help you stay on-task. * *(Wounded Warrior Project does not endorse any of the following Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google or other company’s products. We just think they are pretty cool.)

See your progress documented on project plans, timelines, and charts: • Project Timeline — This template is visually impressive and easy to manage since it uses PowerPoint-based tools and navigation.

• Novamind Mind Maps — This product allows you to organize all of your ideas and plans for accomplishing your resolution.

• Evernote — You can use this product to document your ideas and organize your resolution plans.

OneNote — This program lets you type, write, or draw on your device with the same ease as pen to paper. You can also search and clip web photos.

Got-to-stay-active gadgets and apps: • Fitbit — It’s a watch-like device that can help guide and coach you along your journey to resolution success.

• MSN Health & Fitness App — This resolution-fulfilling app contains tools and information for all of your health needs, including workout videos, medical and nutritional references, as well as diet, weight, and exercise tracking tools.

• Kindle app — If your resolution is to read more books, you can do no better than this app.

WWP serves warriors by connecting them with one another and their communities and focusing on mental and physical health and wellness, financial wellness, independence, government relations, and community relations and partnerships. Programs and resources are free of charge to those WWP serves thanks to generous donors.

You can reach your New Year’s resolution goals by using SMART planning, tech tools, and getting support from your friends and family. If you find you’ve bitten off more than you can chew with your resolutions, there is an easy fix.

Remember, you are in control of the whole plan, so don’t be afraid to back it down when life throws you a curve, or pump it up when free-time opportunities arise.

Good luck, stay on track, and have a Happy New Year!

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.

(Photos courtesy WWP)

www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / January 2018 23

WHAT’S

24

HOMELAND / January 2018

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

Veterans bring distinctive capabilities to civilian employers...

HOMELAND / January 2018 25

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.

26

HOMELAND / January 2018

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 •Hiring veterans, who have sacrificed for their communities and the nation, is the right thing to do Continued on next page

HOMELAND / January 2018 27

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 transferrable skills.

28

HOMELAND / January 2018

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

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

Adaptability: experience operating in ambiguous situations, exhibiting flexibility in fluid environments.

Solving Problems

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

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

Discipline

High impact decision-makers: strong situational awareness, ability to understand complex interdependencies and make decisions using practical judgment and creativity

Self-reliance: demonstrated initiative, ownership, and personal responsibility while leveraging all available assets and team members to ensure success

Diverse perspectives: experience having impact and influencing people across the boundaries of culture, language, ethnicity and personal motivation

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

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.

HOMELAND / January 2018 29

The Three Paths of Employment

As we prepare to leave the military there are many questions on our mind; what type of employment am I going to have?

What do I really want to do?

Where do I want to work?

30

HOMELAND / January 2018

Most veterans prepare themselves for transitioning into the civilian world by acquiring new skills and/or learn new trades. Some attend college, some obtain certifications and others become experts in particular trade.

We may sometimes start with a job-Path then we move into a profession-path and then into the lifestyle-path. We should be flexible and be ready to adapt if changing a path is needed.

There is no doubt, most veterans are well prepared by the time they are ready to leave the military and are armed with a good set of skills. So why do so many veterans encounter challenges in the job market?

Now, the question is: How do we know whether we are going after a job-path, a profession-path or a lifestylepath?

First, we must understand the three “Paths of Employment”

One activity that I highly recommend to those who want to identify which path to follow is the “Personal SWOT Analysis” and it can be done in four easy steps:

1. The Job Path

Step 1 - Write five skills you are good at

2. The Careeror Profession Path

Step 2 - Write five skills that really drive you (That you love to do)

3. The Lifestyle Path 1. A Job Path is something that we do, maybe a job that we learned sometime back and are familiar with. This job path is more about what we know how to do, something that we are good at, or something we are willing to do to get a paycheck.

Step 3 - Match the skills you are good at with those you love to do Step 4 - Conduct simple research to identify, based on the match, which jobs are available that will be a good fit based on the matching criteria. This activity is extremely effective on helping identify our internal drives.

2. The Profession Path is the employment path where we are able to identify with the field and or industry and we enjoy working in such industry. This would be a profession that reflects more of who we are (rather than just what we do) and where we see ourselves in a particular “role” , for example a lawyer, a police officer or a doctor, a nurse, etc., these are examples of professions where we may identify with the role, and not just on the task itself. This Profession path is more about how much we identify with the profession.

I will also recommend you watch Carin she is a fellow veteran in Linked In Carin Sendra and she has a great insight and tips that could help you save time and avoid many headaches.

3. The Lifestyle Path is where the individual’s everyday life is in-line with his/her believes and values and it has become an extension of the individual.

Also, you will find that many of the positions listed on job boards will match either, the Job Path, the “Profession Path or the Lifestyle Path.

The individual lives-style and the activities of the job are match what we do in and out of the job.

Keep in mind that the more you know about what you want to do the easier it will be to find suitable opportunities.

One major characteristic of life style jobs is that the individuals enter the industry because it reflects personal believes and values. Some examples of lifestyle jobs could be working in a non-profit where those values reflect who we are.

Another example could be a sports trainer, an individual who enjoys exercising and believes that training is a way of life. This Life-style path is more about our believes and values.

It is important that we identify which path of employment fits our personality better.

It is also best if we identify and select the right path before entering the “job market”.

www.homelandmagazine.com

Carin R. Sendra, M.A.M USAF Veteran | Board of Directors at VETfilms.org | Change Catalyst | Problem Solver | PhD Candidate www.linkedin.com/in/carin-r-sendra

The Three Paths of Employment

As we prepare to leave the military there are many questions on our mind; what type of employment am I going to have? What do I really want to do? Where do I want to work?

Joe Molina,

Executive Director, Veterans Chamber of Commerce veteransccsd@gmail.com www.vccsd.org

HOMELAND / January 2018 31

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

By Vicki Garcia

Do You Have a Future in

Cannabis?

Cannabis is legal in California in January and you can join in the windfall. Millions of people will get rich. Will you be one of them?

I’m old enough to recall when an ounce or less of weed could get you thrown in jail for a long time. Especially if you were in Texas. Now there’s going to be an explosion of wealth to be made in the new Cannabis gold rush.

There are many ways to be an entrepreneur and build a business around the opportunity. The marijuana market is like any other — and presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to put their ideas into action to try and turn a profit. And there’s no shortage of ways you can go about it.

From opening a retail shop (not a dispensary – See the Black in Ocean Beach at theblackoceanbeach.com ) to creating cannabis-derived oils or edibles. There are a huge number of ways to make money, and you’re at the front end to catch the wave.

Numerous startups are out there, competing to push their brand in the new business sector. Some names are becoming well-known, like Leafly, WikiLeaf, and WeedMaps.

Research says Marijuana is currently the largest cash crop in the United States. Enjoying a growth rate of 77% over the last few years and an estimated 700% growth rate by 2018, it’s bigger than corn, bigger than cotton, and bigger than wheat.

Here are a few ideas: You could start producing bongs and pipes. Don’t laugh. I met a guy in North Carolina who is producing beautiful bongs out of colorful, silicone plastic. He was selling them out of his car, and now I wish I’d bought one, just so I could show it to you.

How about investing? If you have the money, there are people in the marijuana industry who would like to use it. (See Snoop Dog, a lover of weed and a savvy investor in same) You can even buy pot stocks. You can purchase a share of Invest.trueleaf.com for as little as $275.

Do your homework.

This boom is in its infancy. The chances of explosive growth over the next decade is staggering. There are even conventions developing to connect entrepreneurs with investors.

Consider looking at www.thecannabisindustry.org, where all your questions can be answered.

Though investing in marijuana is risky, getting your money in early is a way to potentially make stacks of money down the road.

32

HOMELAND / January 2018

OPPORTUNITIES You could get into the delivery business. Not everyone is going to like going to a dispensary. There are new needs in dispensary security. Development of a company providing security guards might be profitable. This remains a cash business, and security is critical.

Finding a way to become a strain reviewer would be difficult, but just like in any other industry, critics are needed. That would involve getting high frequently and a sensitivity to taste and effectiveness. There are probably several websites in the offing to give users tips. You could create one of those.

Love to cook? Turn your passion into a money-making machine by creating edibles. The variations in edibles are immense — a trip a retail shop or medical dispensary will leave most people in disbelief at how many options there are.

Tourism. If you think about it, since marijuana isn’t legal in many states, tourism is going to be a major segment of the industry. Tour companies bring in revenues taking tourists out to dispensaries and maybe even include a little education. Think visiting growing locations to touring dispensary locations. Like wineries, your revenues come from both the retailers and visitors. As the pot industry finds its footing, the tourism sector will grow up with it.

Know how to write code? Software to help run marijuana businesses is needed including accounting programs and product management systems. Check out companies like WeedMaps and Leafly that assist cannabis users to find the product they’re looking for and creating an online community.

Become a resource for CBD oil. Not so interested in helping people to get high? Consider the benefits of CBD oil. CBD oil, in case you don’t know, doesn’t have the properties that make you high.

Instead, people are using it for pain relief, addressing inflammation, lowering anxiety, helping sleep issues, and in the case of veterans to address PTSD. As a former social worker, the anxiety-reducing properties of CBD oil and the benefit to PTSD sufferers really excites me. I started by googling it, and found lots of sites like HERB.com.

If you’re interested in a side hustle, consider a company called Prime My Body, one of the largest Hemp Oil companies in America, if not the world.

It allows you to create a small business right from your computer.

Go to my site http://vickirod. primemybody.com/home/ for more info, or email me at vicki@ veteranentrepreneurstoday. org and I’ll walk you through it, and even send you a sample bottle until they run out.

CANNABIS OPPORTUNITIES

As always, stay legal.

Don’t imbibe and drive.

Be responsible.

Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Veteran Entrepreneurs Today (V.E.T.) & President of Marketing Impressions.

Email her at vicki@veteranentrepreneurstoday.org and register for free coaching at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/veteransinbiz

www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / January 2018 33

Get Out There And

NETWORK

By Vicki Garcia

Network. Network. Network

8 Networking Tips

With the advent of the internet you’d think the “oldfashioned” effectiveness of business networking has been left in the dust. Not true! Face-to-face contact is, and always will be, the number one way to grow your business.

1. Networking is not for making a sale on the spot. If you’re all about selling, people will avoid you.

I’m currently coaching a veteran entrepreneur who is highly skilled in what he does. But, he’s uncomfortable meeting new people.

He has to get over this if he is to succeed. Shyness is a luxury an entrepreneur cannot afford.

Visibility Builds Trust Often the most competent competitor doesn’t win. Because there is one on every corner, they are perceived as the best.

They have visibility. Visibility builds trust. Hide behind your computer, and you will be the competitor who loses.

Business groups will urge you to show up consistently. This is because they know that half the battle is being seen, becoming a familiar face and reintroducing your business over and over again. Networking gets easier the more you do it.

You never know what you’ll find or who you will meet.

Attracting new business, forging alliances, opening up opportunities...all are waiting for you if you will just get out there.

34

HOMELAND / January 2018

2. Don’t sit with your friends. Sit with a table of strangers and converse with all of them.

3. Once you find a promising organization, volunteer to help at the check in table where you will meet everyone who arrives.

4. Look for first timers. Walk up to them, stick out your hand and say “Hi, I’m (your name). What do you do?

5. Get to know the organization’s decision makers and power brokers. Be helpful to them.

6. Find out who determines the speakers. Your trustworthiness will grow rapidly if you speak.

7. Don’t waste your money on display tables. Instead, network with the people around the display tables.

8. Besides looking for customers, also look for people you might team with, or who could be good referral sources.

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.

JOIN US

Veterans Chamber of Commerce www.vccsd.org

We are the Voice and Action of our Veteran Community.

Access a Network of Veterans, Service Providers and Resources to Help your business Grow!

We support programs that Improve the quality of life of our Families and our

For more information please visit our website www.vccsd.org or send us an email veteransccsd@gmail.com

Communities.

We encourage and Support New and Existing Entrepreneurs

HOMELAND / January 2018 35

Military, Firefighters, Teachers, Medical Field, Law Enforcment, Veterans

The Thank Heroes Home Rebate Program!

We are Honored to Serve Those Who Serve

Get 100% of your closing costs covered and up to a 20% return on commissions... cash!

Contact us today at 619-937-3659 or visit us at SDThankYouHeroes.com to find out how our program can help you!

CalBRE#01990368

36

HOMELAND / January 2018

Military service can be a perfect entrance into a law enforcement career.

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.

Opportunities in Law Enforcement

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

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

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 -

HOMELAND / January 2018 37

JOBS FOR VETS

Careers In Law Enforcement Visit Today For Law Enforcement Profiles & Job Openings

HomelandMagazine.com JOBS FOR VETS LAW ENFORCEMENT 38

HOMELAND / January 2018

Honesty - Professionalism - Commitment to Community The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

Become a part of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the most rewarding job you will ever have.

We are accepting Preliminary Applications for a Detention Deputy Trainee Academy starting 2017/2018.

Applicants may apply online at www.keysso.net or contact Charles Slebodnick at cslebodnick@keysso.net or 305-292-7044. EEO/AAP

Learn more at TrooperStories.com

Become A Part of Our Story!

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.

HOMELAND / January 2018 39

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 40

HOMELAND / January 2018

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 / January 2018 41

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

42

HOMELAND / January 2018

• 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.

(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

HOMELAND / January 2018 43

44

HOMELAND / January 2018

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

HOMELAND / January 2018 45

HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM “As Good As It Gets”

Resources Support Inspiration

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

* New customers only

46

HOMELAND / January 2018

HOMELAND / January 2018 47

leading. Human. Kind.

Pioneers in the hospice movement since 1978, The Elizabeth Hospice expertly guides families through life’s most difficult transition, providing support and counsel for every age, at every step.

our programs of Distinction Palliative Care

Counseling and Grief Support

Our palliative care experts focus on relief from symptoms,

The Center for Compassionate Care provides

pain, and stress in any phase of a diagnosis.

comprehensive counseling and grief support for all ages and is available to the entire community.

Veterans Program We are a proud partner in the national

Children’s Services

We Honor Veterans program, by the National Hospice

Our team of medical experts provide comprehensive

and Palliative Care Organization, supported by the VA,

programs and services to support children and

and received highest ranking as a Level 4 Partner.

infants impacted by illness, grief, and loss.

Join our Vet to Vet Volunteer Program Veteran volunteers are paired with hospice patients who also have military experience. Veteran volunteers can help recognize and thank a fellow veteran through veteran pinning ceremonies.

800.797.2050 | www.elizabethhospice.org

Serving San Diego anD inlanD empire aS a nonprofit HealtHcare leaDer Since 1978 The Elizabeth Hospice I.R.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit status number is 95-3275679.

48

HOMELAND / January 2018

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

N

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

Scan from Smart Phone for more info on WIC

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

HOMELAND / January 2018 49

50

HOMELAND / January 2018

www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / January 2018 51

52

HOMELAND / January 2018