Homeland Veterans Magazine August 2018

Homeland Veterans Magazine

Vol. 5 Number 8 • August 2018

One Team. Two Heroes Service Dog Saves Veteran

JUSTICE FOR VETS

Bonded In Service

The Brotherhood Careers In Law Enforcement Transitioning To Civilian Life

Project “Go, Go Grow” Music As a Healing Method

“Dog Days Of Summer” Tribute To Service Dogs

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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 / August 2018

VETERANS

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HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM Resources Support Inspiration

Homeland Veterans Magazine Voted 2017 Best Resource, Support Media for veterans, military families and transitioning military personnel.

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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 John Roberts DAV - Steven Wilson USO - Sharon Smith Andrew McClure Operation Homefront Stephen Thomas Chris Martin Kelly Bagla. Esq. Bob Bechill 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. Homeland Magazine focuses on real stories from real heroes; the service member, the veteran, the wounded and the families that keep it together.

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.

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.

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

Marketing/Sales Mike Miller Gina Henderson Entertainment Media Bob Dietrich Calvin Goetz

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 Contact Homeland Magazine at: info@homelandmagazine.com

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inside this issue 8 Music As a Healing Method 12 The Dog Days Of Summer 14 Veteran Partnered with Service Dog 16 One Team. Two Heroes 18 Two for One Play Dates 21 The Brotherhood 22 Service Dog Saves Veteran 26 Bonded In Service 30 Project “Go, Go Grow” 32 Integration Symposium 34 Justice For Vets 37 Veterans In Media

38 Honoree Ronne Froman- BlueBlue 40 Welcome To VANC 42 25 Business Ideas for Pet Lovers 44 USPCA National Field Trials 46 Legal Tips For Starting A Business 48 The Power Of Fear 49 Business Email Compromise 51 Careers In Law Enforcement

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IMAGINE KATY ROBERT PLANT FOO FIGHTERS DRAGONS PERRY & THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS

KATIE TOUPIN | DIEGO'S UMBRELLA | CHARLIE OVERBEY | THE NATIONAL PARKS | BOULEVARDS | SHANE HALL HUNTER & THE DIRTY JACKS | VISTA KICKS | STEALING OCEANS | TALL HEIGHTS | CREATURE CANYON CVBZ | CHELSEA CUTLER | ELISE TROUW | RAELEE NIKOLE | OBLIVION HER MAJESTY | FITNESS | L.A. EDWARDS BAY LEDGES | COURTSHIP. | MAMAFESTA | SULLY

CRAIG FERGUSON | ILIZA SHLESINGER | NICK OFFERMAN CRAIG ROBINSON | CHRIS HARDWICK | WHITNEY CUMMINGS | KEVIN NEALON PETE HOLMES | NIKKI GLASER | PAULY SHORE | APARNA NANCHERLA | ORNY ADAMS

KAABOO SALUTES THOSE WHO SERVE OR HAVE SERVED. VALIDATE YOUR STATUS AT: KAABOODELMAR.COM DEL MAR (SAN DIEGO), CA

SEPTEMBER 14-16,2018

PAS S E S O N S A L E 6

HOMELAND / August 2018

www.homelandmagazine.com

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.

www.homelandmagazine.com

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Music As a Healing Method:

By Rolando Kahn

In the last several decades, music has been used to assist in the healing process of veterans suffering from PTSD. One such method involves a group of veterans in New Jersey gathering at an outpatient clinic and listening to Dr. Mary Rorro, also known as “The Violin Doc” play her viola (her nickname is a misnomer).

“You can push me out the window, I’ll just get back up. You can run over me with your eighteen wheeler truck, and I won’t give up!”

The performance is immediately followed by an open conversation about how individuals are coping with their PTSD symptoms.

The P!nk (KAABOO Del Mar Headliner, 2017) lyrics blare in my headphones as I huff and puff away on the treadmill. It’s my second gym session after a two-month hiatus, and my body is begging me to give up. “Eighteen Wheeler” however, is giving me the energy boost I need to get through these last 10 minutes of running. I’m literally on the verge of collapse, but the music is telling me to keep going; that I can do this.

The goal with this project is to encourage vets to talk about their experiences and get more in touch with residual emotions from their military past.

Whether you’re using it to motivate yourself during a workout, while jamming out to your favorite artist at a music festival like KAABOO, or to tend to your wounds after a breakup, music has a great deal of power when it comes to manipulating our emotions to make us feel a certain way. Sometimes we use it to get pumped up, other times we blast it to help drown out the negativity and distract ourselves. No matter the reason for jamming out, music is a strong player in helping us handle feelings that come with daily life.

Music gives us an escape. A way to break away from the daily grind, forget our worries in the moment or take us to a happier place… even if it is just for the moment.

Finding that happy place gives people a sense of healing.

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“I do it to show appreciation for their services, and in addition, for the therapeutic effects,” Dr. Rorro says. “The music can be comforting and fill some with melancholy. But that’s good because you want to have them process that as well.”

Dr. Rorro is just one example of how live music performance can positively impact an audience and enhance moods and mentality.

Larger scale music performances can and do have similar effects.

The Power in Pressing Play Concerts are a chance for everyone to get together with their friends and loved ones and let loose. It’s like a mini vacation/escape from the day-to-day, boosts energy, and leaves us with a feeling of wonder and satisfaction.

KAABOO Del Mar, located in San Diego, is a live music experience that gives the large military community in the area a convenient option to sneak away and enjoy live music.

KAABOO Del Mar brings an exciting, healthy energy, and allows us to soak up the good vibes and rejuvenate ourselves so we can keep moving forward.

Music has the ability to inspire, console and motivate us in so many aspects of life. It’s the cheerleader when we are accomplishing goals, and is the hand on our back when we need some encouragement and support. In the concert setting, it’s perfect for letting go of your daily stresses, if just for a few hours, in order to regain internal balance.

No matter what form it takes, it’s clear music enables us to tap into a deeper connection with ourselves, and allows us to face inner conflicts with less fear.

All we have to do is listen.

KAABOO proudly supports our armed forces servicemen and women. As a token of our appreciation, we offer HANG LOOSE passes at discounted rate.

Activate your military discount at kaaboodelmar.com/get-yours.

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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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 SAVE THE DATE 

September 25-30, 2018  

JOIN US FOR

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Friday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m. aboard the USS Midway Museum Featuring Marvel Studios’

BLACK PANTHER BE A BACK-TO-SCHOOL HERO The festival will be conducting a back-to-school supply drive for military-connected youth and schools. Be a hero to military youth by equipping them for academic success. *Each attendee that brings items to donate (valued at $10+) will receive a free popcorn.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AT PRESENTED BY

GIFilmFestivalSD.org

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LEAD SPONSORS

KPBS is a public service of San Diego State University.

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— Special Military discounts— As a thank you for your service, we’re proud to offer special military pricing!

25% Discount Spay/Neuter Benefits on adoption fees with proof of active duty

SAN DIEGO CAMPUS 5500 Gaines Street San Diego, CA 92110 619.299.7012

Active duty military who meet the eligibility requirements can schedule spay/neuter surgeries for cats and any breed of dog under 100 pounds.

OCEANSIDE CAMPUS 2905 San Luis Rey Road (Dogs) 572 Airport Road (Cats & small animals) Oceanside, CA 92058 619.299.7012

For more information about our military support, visit sdhumane.org/military-support or follow us on

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ESCONDIDO CAMPUS 3450 E. Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027 619.299.7012

Why is this time of year, approximately forty days from early July to early September, referred to as the ‘Dog Days’ of summer?

Many people believe the phrase “dog days of summer” stems from the fact that dogs tend to be a bit on the lazy side during the hottest days of summer. Of course, who can blame them? With that much fur, dogs that exercise during the hot days of summer can overheat easily.

We have all heard the myths about Dog Days, most of which focus around our canine friends, which is why the old folks say this time of year is called Dog Days.

The term Dog Days was coined in ancient Rome, and was named after the star Sirius, the Dog Star, which is the brightest star besides the sun. It was thought that due to the rising and setting of Sirius at around the same time of the sun each day this time of year, that Sirius added its heat to the sun’s heat, thereby making the days hotter. Hence the term Dogs Days.

Our modern day usage of the term has little to do with Sirius or his alleged wrath. We use the term Dog Days to refer to anything that is slow, lazy or Miracles happen languishing. every day at

PPTRC

Some of the myths are: Hunting dogs will not hunt, dogs go mad and foam at the mouth for no apparent reason, snakes go blind at strike at anything that comes near them, (dogs in particular), no use in going fishing because the fish will not bite, wounds and sores will not heal, if it rains on the first day of Dog Days, it will rain every day for the next 40 days, or the opposite-if it does not rain on the first day of Dog Days then it will not rain for 40 days, and the list of myths goes on.

The above-mentioned myths are just that, myths.

Handed down from generation to generation, but the real origination of this time of year being dubbed Dog Days, is based on a partial myth also.

I think the best way to appease the wrath of Sirius is to gather up my canine friends and go stagnate on the couch in front of the air-conditioning or hit the beach and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

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Distinguished Marine Corps Veteran Partnered with Psychiatric Service Dog Through Shelter to Soldier with Support from UNITE By Eva M. Stimson Sgt. Angel Alvarez joined the United States Marine Corps in July of 1999. He received a distinguished Combat Aviation Ribbon and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing “V” Device for valor, along with a Presidential Unit Commendation ribbon.

Upon departure from a highly distinguished military career, the VA diagnosed Angel with mental symptoms relating to PTS/TBI and physical shoulder injury.

It was his good fortune that led him to the free services provided by San Diego-based non-profit organization, Shelter to Soldier, that partnered him with corporate sponsor UNITE Professional Salon System to provide him with a psychiatric service dog companion named “Jax”.

“Saving Lives, Two at a Time” 14

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Angel served three tours to Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

He was in direct combat during each deployment, against enemy combatants. Sgt. Alvarez was in the initial first deployment incursion into Iraq, while serving as Team Leader and Squad Leader with “F” Company, Second Battalion 1st Marine, 1st Marine Division Fleet Marine Force (FMF). During his second deployment to Iraq, while serving with Weapons Company 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, he hit multiple IED’s in a short period of time.

In 2006, while in a high-speed pursuit of a High Value Target in the Iraqi/Syrian Border territory, Sgt. Alvarez, his Platoon Commander, Light Armored Vehicle Crew and Infantry Scout/Assault team hit an unexpected dry riverbed and the light armored vehicle flipped over and rolled several times. During the accident, Sgt. Alvarez’ right shoulder was dislocated and he received a brain concussion, losing consciousness for an extended period of time. In July of 2007, Sgt. Alvarez was honorably discharged from duty with medical conditions for PTS. While on an out-of-state retreat to alleviate his PTS symptoms, he met Shelter to Soldier graduate, Ben Kilhefner and his service dog, “Tank”. He witnessed firsthand what a significant difference a service dog made in Ben’s quality of life, and after a lengthy discussion, Angel decided to enlist the help of Shelter to Soldier. According to Sgt. Alvarez, “I’m utterly grateful to Graham Bloem for the opportunity and to the training staff at Shelter To Soldier for their patience and dedication in paring and training Jax and I into a Service Dog Team.

I knew the minute I met Jax that he was the one for me---our bond moment was immediate! I’m much more at ease in crowded areas when he’s with me, and he definitely brings my stress level down. He makes me a happier person as my life-long service companion.”

Every day on average, twenty (20) U.S. veterans and one (1) active duty service member commit suicide (Department of Veteran Affairs) and every day, 3200 dogs are euthanized in the U.S. Studies estimate that one in every five military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from PTSD. The services Shelter to Soldier provides for free to veterans and their commitment to adopt dogs, fulfills the mission of this organization by “Saving Lives, Two at a Time”.

Andrew Dale, CEO and Founder of UNITE Professional Salon System notes, “We’ve been a long-time advocate of the Shelter to Soldier program through our on-going donation program from our ‘Doggy Poo’ dog shampoo product line and we’ve raised additional funds from our global salon owners to sponsor Jax as a companion dog for Angel. We’re thrilled that Angel and Jax graduated this year and additionally pleased to announce that we’ve raised substantial funds through the sale of “Doggy Poo’ shampoo via our vast network of international salon locations. Year to date, our financial contribution from our product line exceeds $20,000, and we look forward to a long-term relationship with Shelter to Soldier. We appreciate everything Shelter to Soldier does on a daily basis for our veterans----those guys (our veterans) deserve our support and whatever we can do to help makes our contribution worthwhile.” Visit www.unitehair.com for additional information and to purchase “Doggy Poo” in support of Shelter to Soldier.

Shelter to Soldier will be hosting their annual fundraising gala, “Be the Light” on Saturday, August 25th at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and silent and live auction items are currently being accepted. Contact Kyrié Bloem, Shelter to Soldier Co-Founder and Director of Operations for additional information at kyrie@ sheltertosoldier.org.

Angel and Jax A life-long service companion.

Shelter to Soldier is a gold participant of GuideStar and accredited by the Patriot’s Initiative. www. sheltertosoldier.org. They recently relocated their headquarters to the Pacific Pet Resort and Dog Training Center located at 2909 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside, CA, to better serve the increasing number of veterans in need of their services. To learn more about veteran-support services provided by STS, call (855) 287-8659 for a confidential interview regarding eligibility.

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One Team. Two Heroes

®

By Canine Companions for Independence

Although Charlie had every reason to feel sorry for himself, he’s moved on. “You take the word impossible.

Break it into two: I’m possible,” Charlie points out. “I asked myself, ‘How hard am I going to work?’” He not only got back in shape, but he became the first combat-wounded veteran to reach the top of Mt. Everest.

Still, Charlie needs help with everyday tasks. That’s where Service Dog Devon comes in. Charlie received Devon free of charge from Canine Companions for Independence®. Devon is trained in 40 commands to help Charlie be more independent. “I have a lower spine injury that makes my left leg go numb so my balance isn’t always what it needs to be,” Charlie explains. “When I’m using my cane and carrying something, having Devon with me to pick up something that I’ve dropped, open a door or hit a light switch is a big day-to-day thing for me when I’m out in public.

He makes everything I do in my life so much better.”

It takes a distinct form of courage to take on a job called “explosive ordnance disposal technician,” especially while serving in the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Charlie Linville is that kind of brave.

Even while recounting how he was injured, Charlie is matter-of-fact. “I stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device). When I came to and figured out what happened, my leg and hand were severely damaged and I had some brain injuries,” says Charlie.

“When I was injured, I had been in the best shape of my life. Then I ended up in a hospital bed for over a year. My family had to do everything for me. I was depressed and in a bad place. For 18 months after my injury I had my right leg. I had several surgeries to try to save it, but I was in so much pain I decided to have it amputated and live a happy life.”

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At home, Charlie does not always use his prosthetic leg.

“Devon has learned to bring me my prosthesis when I’m sitting on the couch or lying in bed. He also takes care of the simple task of bending over to get something when I’m in a lot of pain,” explains Charlie.

Although not trained to do so, Devon has also helped alleviate Linville’s episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “On days when I have mental issues or physical pain, his eyes make everything feel better.

He’s always happy and has unconditional love, which is especially important when you’re experiencing PTSD. Some days I would have chosen not to participate in life and just stay in the house. But Devon is there to put his head in my lap as if to say, ‘Let’s go.’”

Charlie is one of hundreds of military veterans who have received assistance dogs from Canine Companions.

“Canine Companions assistance dogs are amazing gifts,” says Charlie. “They change people’s lives.”

Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence is a national nonprofit that places expertly-trained assistance dogs like Devon with adults, children and veterans with disabilities entirely free of charge to recipients.

The organization has placed nearly 6,000 assistance dogs with people with disabilities, including veterans like Charlie. The organization relies on volunteer puppy raisers to help train basic obedience and crucial socialization to Canine Companions puppies—one of many volunteer opportunities.

Apply for a free service dog, donate or learn how you can help Give a Dog a Job® at cci.org.

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Two for One Play Dates

By Billiekai Boughton The unconditional love of a dog is inimitable, just ask any pet owner. For veterans, the bond generated with a dog is deep, and often powerful enough to help veterans begin to heal from traumatic experiences.

Our furry companions offer so much more than a warm welcome home, they also offer much needed comfort and companionship necessary to ease trauma and loneliness. Our beloved 4-legged pals even get us out for a bit of much needed exercise!

Aixa Escobar, Marines, Oceanside, CA Dynasty, 13 years old, Lab/Pit Bull mix “My #1 Ride or Die! Dynasty is truly a girl’s best friend!

She’s extremely loveable and playful but fierce if she needs to be! She knows when mom needs some love and is the best cuddler!”

On the second Saturday of each month the San Diego Women Veterans Network hosts “Women Warrior Walks” at a little lake in San Diego. It’s an opportunity for women veterans to get together and support one another, as well as get out for some fresh air with Rover.

It’s a two for one play date in the warm Southern California sunshine! Chollas Lake is an easy, flat walk that is mostly shaded. Little Spot or Big Bella will love the trail and meeting plenty of other healing companions along the route, just keep in mind that Sadie needs to be on leash to keep her safe. As bonus feature, if you forget Bailey’s clean up bags, there are some provided at the trail entrance.

Amber Robinson, Army, San Diego Chilly Chill, puppy, Border collie/Rottweiler “She’s been helping me with ALL kinds of crazy stuff, like my complex PTSD, Addison’s disease, fibro pain levels...isolation, patience...the list goes on and on.

I was scared to get her, but I just went for it and it’s been the most beautiful gift I could give myself and her.”

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Billiekai Boughton, Army, San Diego, CA Dipper, 8 years old, Border Collie/Grey Hound mix “Sometimes ‘come here’ can be taken a little too literally…as evidenced in this photo. Good thing we’d already had dinner! Hahahaha!!!!”

“He leaps like a kangaroo, runs like a race horse, and hasn’t met a ball that he can’t catch.

Gentle, not too slobbery, Dipper kisses are the best cure for any long day.”

Billiekai is an Army Veteran, Poet, Columnist, Speaker, and Chair of the San Diego Women Veterans Network. “Courage never gets threadbare.” – Billiekai Boughton

Elise Parker, Army, San Diego Penny and Chase are both 3 years old, Penny is a Pit-bull/ boxer, Chase is a Pit-bull mix.

Women’s Woven Voices Workshop

“Penny will steal your heart with her one crystal, baby blue eye (two different colored eyes) and Chase has light, golden brown eyes. I love my babies so much, they are my rocks. When I am experiencing a stressful day or high anxiety, they are there for me always. Which I do experience often with my full schedule of work and school, I love coming home and being greeted by them with their warm love.”

In partnership with San Diego Women Veterans Network and the Veteran’s Museum

with Brecia Kralovic-Logan

Two Saturdays: September 15th & 22nd 1:00-3:00pm Veterans Museum Balboa Park 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 Join a community of women from around the globe to foster a culture of self-knowledge and sharing that builds courage and power through a collaborative art project.

WWW.Meetup.com/San-Diego-VeteranWomens-Networking-Meetup

In this workshop you will reflect on your life journey, weave a story cloth, and share in a positive and supportive group. This free workshop includes all materials: • Writing prompts for self-reflection and sharing If you are considering getting a pup, here are few organizations you can consider: Canine Companions for Independence, Freedom Dogs, Next Step Service Dogs, Shelter to Soldier, Tender Loving Canines, Paws’itive Teams, and there are many others across the country.

Additionally, check your local shelter before you go to a breeder for Rover. You could save a life as well as a little cash. For example, the San Diego Humane Society offers a military support program with a 25% discount, has a spay and neuter program, and a volunteer list you can sign up for to spend time with the animals if you want a little combo fur/service therapy.

• Loom kit and yarn • Instructions on how to use an easy weaving method to create your personalized story cloth • A respectful space to share your story Your story cloth will become a part of a global tapestry that will be exhibited internationally to bring awareness to women’s power and solutions for issues including domestic violence and sexual abuse. Visit www.womenswovenvoices.com for more information about the project.

To register: https://www.meetup.com/SanDiego-Veteran-Womens-Networking-Meetup/ events/qllwwpyxmbtb/

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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 September 2018 For more information, go to

WWW.

honorflightsandiego.org

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what it means to be willing to lay down your life for your brother. That is brotherhood and there is no greater rapport.

That same brotherhood and rapport is translated every day with military working dogs and their handlers. The same things happen – respect and loyalty for each other, being together 24/7/365, looking out for each other and be willing to do anything for the other. That was Ruben’s inspiration.

“The Brotherhood”

By Holly Shaffner

Ruben Chato Hinojosa Jr. is widely known for his artistic talents. This month for the Dog Days of Summer, we showcase a piece of work that embodies him. Ruben is an artist, sculptor, actor, writer, American Indian from the Lipan Apache Tribe and a military veteran. He has a lot of passions and one of his favorite passions is to give back to his community.

“The Brotherhood” was the name of his painting and it depicted service dogs and honored the bond they have with their handler. The painting was one-of-a kind (as all of Ruben’s works of art) and was hand painted on acrylic on a wood panel. It was appraised at $2,200 and garnered more than that in the auction - but the symbolism and passion behind it was priceless.

To learn more about Ruben and his talents, go to: www.chato.com and look for our October issue when we highlight a full story about him.

In 2016 a friend asked him to paint a picture for a fundraiser. The fundraiser was called, “An Evening with Vets, Food and Wine” and proceeds benefitted the California Veterans Legal Task Force. The CVLTF is a nonprofit organization which assists in establishing and sustaining veteran’s treatment courts. Veteran’s treatment courts provide state courts the power to defer jail sentences for qualifying veterans convicted of a crime. This fundraiser supported military veterans so he wanted to paint a piece about the military.

In the U.S. Navy, Ruben was a Naval Special Warfare Special Boat Units Operator (SBU/SWCC/SBT). He served with his brothers in peacetime and wartime with the Navy SEALs and developed his own brotherhood. Brotherhood is sometimes described as a fraternity or an alliance, but when you are in the military serving side by side with your brothers and making life and death decisions, it is so much more than a fraternity.

In the military, you train with your brothers, deploy on dangerous missions together, spend 24 hours a day for weeks and months together and really get to know each other’s families. There is nothing else like it and until you experience it, you don’t understand

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Service Dog and Chance Encounter Saves U.S. Marine Veteran with Invisible Wounds

by Barry Smith Boot Campaign You never know when something that drops into your lap might be a lifesaving gift from above. For U.S. Marine Corps veteran Michael Menegay, a four-legged friend saved his life so that he could reclaim it.

Originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, Menegay completed his fouryear military service meritoriously as a corporal in 2008, having served on two deployments overseas as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In one year alone, he participated in more than 600 combat missions, including nearly 300 involving post-blast and weapons caché explosions.

He left the Marines with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and, as a parting remembrance for the hundreds of concussive blasts he sustained, invisible wounds.

For the past decade, Menegay has battled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a rare traumatic brain injury (TBI) that interferes with his motor function, causing his hands to shake uncontrollably at times.

The variety of pain medications he has been prescribed over the years have been to no avail.

“There was an incident several years back when I was emotionally wrecked with my life and I put a loaded gun to my head and wanted to end my life,” reflects Menegay.

“But this creature from God jumped into my lap, knocking the gun away.”

Lola, a black Labrador retriever, has been Menegay’s service animal and constant companion since 2009 when he rescued her at the age of five weeks from a puppy mill. Five years later, she was the one rescuing him.

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“Even as I say this I tear up with emotion because I see now how life is truly beautiful,” confides Menegay. “That year I could have been one of the 22 veterans that commit suicide every day, but it wasn’t the path God planned for me. I now see my purpose in life is to shed light on the invisible wounds that many veterans face each and every day.”

Michael would not have adopted Lola except for the suggestion of his step-mother who thought a companion pet would help him and the fact that he thought Lola would be great for duck hunting. Lola turned out to be gun shy, but, thanks to the suggestion of his then therapist, over the next two years Michael and Lola trained together every other weekend so that she could become the service dog that she is today.

“Now Lola performs tasks like helping me stand up on my feet if I lose my balance, she will retrieve objects that have fallen out of my reach, and she often puts her body between other people if they get too close to me,” Menegay explains. “She really watches my six and comforts me when I have nightmares or an emotional reaction such as anger, anxiety or sadness. We are inseparable.”

Continued on next page >

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While Lola saved his life, Menegay is the one responsible for steadily taking back control of it. He has made measurable strides in managing his invisible wounds thanks to the assistance of Boot Campaign.

The national military non-profit based in Texas specializes in working with veterans struggling with TBI and PTSD through its health and wellness program that partners with top-tier treatment and training providers across the country.

“I was six months clean, but then I hit a road bump in my life and started back on the wrong path, so I moved to San Antonio to get back onto my feet,” admits the San Antonio resident. “I went into a local bar to have a drink and that’s where I met my best friend and mentor Bobby Henline. I didn’t know it at that time, but now I believe he saved my life. Bobby has a way of helping veterans that no other person can do.”

Menegay started his program with 32 days at the Centerstone rehabilitation center in Bradenton, Fla, where they helped ween him off his medications.

Next, he completed a 30-day stint in Virginia Beach, Va., at Virginia High Performance, where his customized regimen focused on strength training, nutrition and relaxation techniques. He then headed back to Texas for nine weeks of specialized brain treatments and cognitive processing therapy UT Dallas and UT Southwestern. He is continuing to progress through an outpatient plan.

Henline, a Boot Campaign Veteran Ambassador and professional comedian, became Menegay’s connection to the organization and Morgan Luttrell, the Navy veteran who founded the health and wellness program.

Menegay credits his opportunity with Boot Campaign to a chance meeting with combat wounded U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Robert “Bobby” Henline during a game of darts in 2016.

“Bobby’s hilarious, but he wasn’t cracking jokes when I met him,” adds Menegay. “He was very laid back, just having a good time, playing darts, and that’s when I challenged him to a game and shared my story with him that night. Throughout the next couple of months, we started hanging out together and he pretty much took me under his wing. He introduced me to Morgan Luttrell at a Boot Campaign event, and Morgan set me up with their health and wellness program and got me right back to the path I needed to go on.”

Since going through the Boot Campaign program, Menegay is now on a personal mission to give back.

Last year Menegay, Lola, Henline and Henline’s service dog Daisy ran a series of 5K and 10K races in 13 states over 42 days for the “Run Like You’re On Fire” tour in support of veterans with invisible wounds, Boot Campaign and Retrieving Freedom, an Iowa-based non-profit dedicated to training service dogs.

The unique team of four are garnering attention and will appear in an upcoming motion picture titled MBF: Man’s Best Friend. Slated for release in theaters Spring 2019, the film explores the parallels between the treatment of wounded military veterans and “last chance” shelter dogs.

The team’s film debut led to opportunities with Animal Planet and the Outdoor Channel. MFB star Tim Abell, a former Army Airborne Ranger and host of Outdoor Channel show Grateful Nation, will see them again when they appear on an episode that will air later this year. They also will appear on an upcoming episode of Animal Planet show Amanda to the Rescue.

Sergeant (Ret.) Robert “Bobby” Henline 24

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“I highly recommend to any veteran who is going through a tough time in their lives, to go out and get a dog at a lastchance shelter” When not helping to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face postservice, Menegay enjoys kayak fishing, spending time at his family’s cabin in Interlochen, Mich., and woodworking. He hopes to turn this latter activity into his own business shortly, one that will feature the wooden American flags he crafts from scratch. One thing is for sure, he will not be doing anything without his four-legged companion Lola.

“They will make your life better in every way. You can save a life and in return he/ she will save yours.”

- U.S. Marine Corps veteran Michael Menegay

Learn more about Boot Campaign and its Health and Wellness Program at www.BootCampaign.org.

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BONDED IN SERVICE Christy admits that there are many things to consider when introducing a service dog into your life and she has taken the time to share her insight in hopes of helping other veterans.

CJ: What challenges did you face reintegrating into society?

CHRISTY: Awful! I felt so isolated and so worthless when I came home. I spent so much time rehabbing on active duty and then again for years at the VA. I felt like a professional patient and a real drain on society. My physical limitations and struggles really started to take a toll on my mental health as well. I went from being a college athlete and above par soldier to needing help with virtually everything in the beginning.

CJ: When did you decide to get a service dog and why?

CHRISTY: The doctors recommended it while I was still on active duty, but the waiting lists are typically rather long, so I didn’t get her until I came home, about a year I think. The doctors said they had seizure alert dogs out there and that she could also help with PTSD and mobility issues as well. She’s done that and more.

By CJ Machado, photo journalist and veteran advocate “I felt so isolated and worthless when I came home,” expressed Christy Gardner when asked about her military service and the challenges she faced reintegrating into society as an amputee. Gardner served as a military police officer in the United States Army and retired as a Sergeant in December 28, 2007.

Christy had a spinal cord injury while serving overseas that changed her life unexpectedly. “My physical limitations and struggles really started to take a toll on my mental health as well.” After years of rehabilitation, the doctors recommended a service dog to help with daily tasks and PTSD. Christy can confidently accomplish daily tasks, participate and compete in sports such as hockey and she has a better outlook on life, because of her service dog, Moxie.

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CJ: What is your Service Dog’s name? Breed? and personality?

CHRISTY: I have a Golden Retriever named Moxie…

She’s amazing. She’s so smart and so perfect for me.

She loves junk food, sports and the beach. I’m pretty sure the ocean and the hockey rink are her favorite places.

CJ: What were your expectations with your four-legged friend?

CHRISTY: I expected her to help with seizure alert and response issues, so I could live more independently and safely.

CJ: How does Moxie help?

CHRISTY: She can actually sense and alert me to seizures and is trained to get my neighbors or fetch the phone if I need help. She can also push handicapped access buttons, hit light switches, and fetch items like the car keys and my wheelchair if it’s out of reach.

CJ: Tell us about the bond between you and your dog?

CHRISTY: We recertified as a working team last year and this was the last question on the test. They said there was no question on this one; that you can see it in the way we read each other and react to one another. She’s been with me every second of every day for years. I know what every expression she makes means just by her face or body language.

I also think veterans should check with their primary care doctor about referrals to Recreation Therapy. It’s a department at all VA’s with folks that know about all of the local veteran’s resources. They’re a great resource when transitioning too, so you know what’s in your area and also have things to do that keep you occupied or to get you involved with a new squad/team.

CJ: What advice would you have for other veterans who are considering a service dog?

CHRISTY: They’re a lot of work, but so very worth it. She’s given me a lot of my independence back and has also brought a lot of joy to my life. She can help in so many physical ways that she’s specifically trained for, but she also helps with my mental health and PTSD. CJ: What are the do’s and don’ts of having a service dog?

CHRISTY: Ugh! This one I could go on forever… Every time I go anywhere I need to make sure I have all of my stuff, but also Moxie’s. When I fly, I need to pick kibble and treats and a toy. If there’s extreme weather, she might also need her cooling vest or mat or even her shoes for hot pavement, ice, snow, or salty sidewalks that could cause chemical burns on her paws. There’s so many don’ts that irk me too. Like real service dogs don’t typically pull on a leash or belong in a carrier. How are they doing their job in a carrier/cage? I see so many in the airport claiming it’s a service dog in a little carrier, just so they don’t have to pay the airline fees. Even if a dog is a real, accredited service dog, they can be kicked out of a facility if they’re barking, aggressive, or incontinent. It drives me nuts when people claim their canine is a service dog when it’s untrained and lunging at my dog. There’s even a law in several states against misrepresenting a pet as a service dog. The fine in Maine is $500 for that. Under the ADA, a service dog is trained specifically to mitigate a person’s disability and they’re supposed to do at least three tasks to mitigate that disability. I also wish people knew the differences between service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support animals (ESA’s).

CJ: Any final words of encouragement for those considering a service dog? or having problems coping with societal reintegration?

CHRISTY: regardless of their interests or disabilities, I recommend folks find support groups. It can easily be a Facebook group for service dog handlers in your area or a group for amputees, or local veterans like Team Red, White and Blue (RWB). Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) helped connect Homeland Magazine and Christy to share her inspirational story to veterans of service who may be considering getting a service dog. DAV has been building better lives for all of our nation’s disabled veterans and their families since the Great War. Many thanks to the DAV for their commitment to our disabled veterans in improving their quality of life.

Thank you Christy for sharing your challenges and great insight. Homeland Magazine wishes you and Moxie many years of enjoyment “on ice” and in the ocean.

HOMELAND / August 2018 27

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HOMELAND / August 2018 29

Your next mission, if you decide to accept it, is project “Go, Go, Grow” By: John Roberts, WWP National Service Director Anyone who’s served in the military knows how rough a road that can be. Along with the honor and pride, there are potholes and plenty of danger along the way. Making plans to transition back to civilian life can be tricky as well, and if you don’t already have a next mission after active duty, we can help you.

For those that are out of the service, getting back into the rhythm of civilian life can be a challenge. Physical or mental injuries can make that challenge so much harder.

We recognize that every journey to recovery is unique.

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) helps veterans who served on or after 9/11 transition back to civilian life. We make sure you know you are not alone.

We believe that every veteran should have the chance to live life on their terms. We can support you, your caregiver, and your family every step along the way by helping you set and achieve your goals, big or small.

Where to begin Everyone’s transition starts from a different place.

By registering as a wounded warrior or family member with us, you’ll find help through our free programs, services, and events that connect you with other veterans, your family, and your community. All of our programs are free of charge for registered warriors.

Once you’re a warrior with WWP, you’ll be offered a slew of opportunities to attend events close to where you live. Our programs and services are available across the nation and on a virtual basis, providing a supportive community from the comfort of home.

Going to activities with other veterans, families, and caregivers is a great way to break the ice and spend quality time with people who’ve been through similar good times and tough times on the road to recovery.

It’s a way to start living life again! We can help you get out of the house, reconnect with family and old friends, and do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do.

The types of activities WWP offers are as varied as our warriors.

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You can never take the warrior spirit out of the warrior Depending on how adventurous you want to get, our outdoor events include a range of activities: walking, running, biking, swimming, exercising, and all sorts of sports, like golf, skiing, paintball, zip lines, paddleboarding, indoor rock climbing — you get the drift. The events are designed to accommodate you, based on all sorts of physical needs and comfort levels.

Army veteran Heather Elliott recently challenged herself at a WWP stand-up paddleboarding class. She has a traumatic brain injury, vertigo, various back and knee injuries, on top of post-traumatic stress. But she conquered balancing on a moving board on the ocean.

When she returned to shore, her fellow warriors commented on how proud they were of her and how she glowed with enjoyment and confidence.

Drop and give me 10… make that 15 Having trouble sticking to an exercise routine? Need motivation? Who doesn’t? WWP can help you find the right kind of physical fitness program that fits your needs. Your peers will be there to support you and help you push yourself more each time they see you, no matter what class or physical activity you’ve signed up for.

Or, get all zen about it Maybe you aren’t a gym person. No judgement here!

You can start off with something as simple as a yoga class or a brisk hike. National Guard veteran Denise McCarson went to a WWP yoga class in a butterflyfilled rainforest setting. She told us afterward that she was able to unwind as she stretched and basked in the beauty that surrounded her. She said the group setting was relaxed and even the butterflies helped the folks there communicate and connect with each other.

Get to know each other, again If it’s just you and your significant other, we offer nightout opportunities at restaurants, theatres, and other such romantic settings where you can rekindle your relationship and wind down.

Now we’re cooking — and crafting Lots of warriors, family, and caregivers like to paint, cook, or get crafty. WWP offers classes like glassblowing, loads of cooking classes with a variety of cuisine themes, painting, gardening, and much more. You’ll have a great time, meet people, and learn something new.

It’s all here waiting for you WWP has been connecting, serving, and empowering wounded warriors for 15 years. We direct every dollar, hour, and action toward helping injured veterans achieve their highest ambition. When you’re ready to get started, we’re ready to serve.

For you and the family If family time is more your speed, WWP has got you covered there as well. Our family-oriented activities help reinforce bonds with those closest to you.

Bowling, arcade games, holiday gatherings — what kid or grown-up-kid in each of us wouldn’t like that?

If you’d like to learn stuff and have fun at the same time, grab the family and head to a WWP gathering at a museum or science center. You’ll see amazing sights, share a laugh or two, and maybe discover a few things about yourself along the way.

Let’s venture outside Nature is all around us and yet so much goes unexplored. Many of our activities for warriors, family, and caregivers will get you out of the house and into the great outdoors. Don’t forget to pack the sun block and bug spray.

Army and Army Reserve veteran Eliot Winokur recently toured the subtropical paradise of Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead, Florida with other veterans and his wife. Not only did he meet many fellow warriors and their families, but the WWP event also brought back pleasant memories of his service in Puerto Rico.

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.

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Connect, Educate, Advocate and Collaborate at the 2018 Warrior Community Integration Symposium

By Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership

Here is a preview of what veteran-centered professionals can expect to learn at this year’s event.

Connecting With National and Local Service Providers With an extensive exhibit hall featuring representatives from nonprofits, businesses, community leaders and government agencies, the symposium presents veterancentered professionals with the opportunity to connect with organizations that provide the services they are not able to provide in-house.

This year’s event in particular will feature an emphasis on introducing attendees to organizations that provide recreationbased wellness programs for veterans and their families.

For two years in a row, our Community Integration Survey Report has found that recreation is the most sought-after resource by veterans. With this finding in mind, we have invited the Four Star Alliance to attend this year’s symposium.

When it comes to serving veterans, our philosophy at America’s Warrior Partnership is built on four pillars: connect, educate, advocate and collaborate. Everything begins with connecting service providers to local veterans.

From there, service providers can educate veterans on the resources, programs and opportunities available to them.

At the same time, veterans can educate service providers on their unique needs. With this understanding, service providers can advocate on behalf of the veteran locally and nationally to raise awareness of the key issues that are impacting them. When communities are aware of the issues they need to address, organizations and civic leaders can collaborate to find solutions that holistically and proactively meet the needs of veterans, their families and caregivers.

This is a straight-forward process, but it is important to remember that no single veteran, service provider or nonprofit organization can succeed on their own.

This is why we gather hundreds of veteran-centered professionals together for our annual Warrior Community Integration Symposium. This event is an opportunity for service providers to connect with new partners and resources, educate each other on best practices, advocate for solutions to resolve key issues, and collaborate to turn those solutions into actionable plans.

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The Four Star Alliance is a nationwide membership program made up of dozens of organizations the provide adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation and wellness services specifically tailored for veterans. These service providers work together to connect veterans with the appropriate recreation-based program for their needs, and symposium attendees will have the chance to network with these organizations to ensure the veterans they serve locally have greater access to these unique wellness programs.

Educating on the Latest Research Studies This year’s symposium will feature multiple presentations and breakout sessions covering the latest research into the state of veteran service and support programs. One such study will be Operation Deep Dive, a four-year project currently being conducted by the University of Alabama, America’s Warrior Partnership and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. This study is investigating the risk factors and indicators of suicide and self-harm among military veterans. It is also the first project of its kind to examine how community environments and less-than-honorable discharges can impact veterans’ mental well-being.

Attendees will learn about the study and how they can stay updated on the researchers’ findings, which will be publicly shared in the coming years to guide the development of more effective support programs for veterans. In addition, attendees will learn about research from Clemson University on the impact of recreation-based wellness programs. Researchers from the university are studying how recreation and leisure can impact the mental outlooks of veterans who experienced a combat deployment. Initial studies have found that veterans participating in such programs experienced significant, positive changes in mental well-being long after completing the programs. With this perspective, attendees can determine if these services would benefit the veterans they support in their communities.

This particular topic will be a focus of Sebastian’s keynote presentation. He will discuss how a loss of the close bonds formed with fellow service members may be a key factor that causes some veterans to experience post-traumatic stress as they re-acclimate to modern society. To solve this challenge, he will encourage attendees to help veterans regain a sense of closeness within their communities by advocating for more programs and resources at the local level that will help them rebuild those close relationships that they lost after leaving the service.

Collaborating for the Future The most important element of the Warrior Community Integration Symposium is that attendees walk away from the event with an actionable insight. Whether that is knowledge about a new type of program that can help local veterans, or a newly formed partnership with a fellow service provider who can help fill the gaps in needed resources within the community, the goal of this event is to empower community figures and organizations to empower their local veterans.

This year’s event will take place in Atlanta from September 5 – 7, and registration information is available at www.AmericasWarriorPartnership. org/2018-Symposium.

Advocating for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life There will be several world-renowned speakers sharing how veteran-centered professionals can rethink their approach to supporting military families. One of the highlights will be Sebastian Junger, an award-winning journalist who is serving as the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Sebastian has covered the U.S. military for more than 20 years and is the director of acclaimed documentaries Restrepo and Korengal. He is also the best-selling author of books such as Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, which tells the stories of veterans and the unique challenges they face transitioning to civilian life.

About the Author Jim Lorraine is President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, a national nonprofit that helps veteran service organizations connect with veterans, military members and families in need. Learn more about the organization at www.AmericasWarriorPartnerhip.org.

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JUSTICE FOR VETS

by Chris Deutsch

In 2007, a judge in Buffalo, New York named Robert Russell began seeing an increase in the number of veterans appearing before him clearly struggling with substance use disorders, mental health disorders and trauma. Judge Russell became concerned that not enough was being done to connect veterans in crisis with the appropriate treatment and services.

One day, Judge Russell called the case of a Vietnam veteran who, to that point, had not been progressing in his treatment or with the help being offered by the court, and who struggled to communicate with the court team. In a moment of exasperation, Judge Russell asked a member of his court team and a county employee, both Vietnam veterans, to go out in the hall and talk to him. The three met for over an hour, and when Judge Russell recalled the case, the man walked up to the bench, stood at parade rest, and held his head high. Judge Russell asked him if he was ready to accept the treatment that was being offered. He looked Judge Russell in the eye and said yes.

This moment was the spark that triggered a transformation in the way the justice system responds to veterans. Judge Russell and his team recognized that the camaraderie that exists between men and women who served in the military can be motivational and therapeutic. Surrounding veterans with other veterans is crucial to breaking through the warrior mentality that can make accepting help difficult. At the same time, he understood the importance of linking veterans with 34

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the specific resources they earned through their service and which are uniquely suited for their individual needs.

In January 2008, Judge Russell launched the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court. This veterans-only docket is an alternative to incarceration for veterans whose involvement in the justice system is rooted in a substance use or mental health disorder, often both.

While maintaining the traditional partnerships and practices of highly successful drug courts – judge, prosecutor, defense, probation, law enforcement, case manager – the veterans treatment court interdisciplinary team includes representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs – including the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefit Administration – as well as State Department/ Commission of Veterans Affairs, Vet Centers, community mental health and substance use treatment providers, veterans service organizations, and volunteer veteran mentors.

Veterans in the program receive structure, supervision, mentoring and treatment surrounded by other veterans and being connected to veteran specific local, state and federal resources.

Almost immediately after launching the program, the Buffalo team became inundated with requests from other jurisdictions seeing the same increases of justice-involved veterans.

It is important to note that veterans are incarcerated at significantly lower rates than non-veterans, and the number of veterans in jails and prisons decreased between 2004 and 2012. But many veterans are still at risk for involvement in the justice system. In March 2014, The Washington Post released a report finding that more than half of the 2.6 million American veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with physical or mental health problems stemming from their service and feel disconnected from civilian life. The RAND center estimates that about 1 in 5 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or significant mental health needs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates 1in 15 veterans had a substance use disorder in 2014 (SAMHSA, 2015).

Left untreated, these issues put veterans at significant risk for involvement with the justice system.

Historically, there has been no comprehensive effort to ensure the justice system responds sufficiently to the unique clinical needs some veterans face.

Veterans treatment courts provide an alternative to incarceration that strikes a balance between accountability and the need to treat underlying conditions that affect behavior. In this way, Veterans treatment courts promote public health while protecting public safety, they prove that there can still be accountability while also receiving the benefits, treatment, and mentoring necessary to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.

In 2010, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals launched Justice For Vets, a division focused exclusively on the training and expansion of veterans treatment courts. To date, Justice For Vets has trained over 200 operational veterans treatment courts and over a thousand volunteer veteran mentors.

Today, ten years after Judge Russell’s inspired action, veterans treatment courts are considered the most innovative and successful intervention for justiceinvolved veterans diagnosed with substance use and/or mental health disorders.

There are now over 350 operational veterans treatment court programs serving approximately 15,000 justiceinvolved veterans a year.

While this progress has been remarkable, we recognize there is much more work to be done to ensure veterans treatment court is available to every veterans in need.

To learn more about veterans treatment courts, and to help support their expansion, visit www.JusticeForVets.org.

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Research Opportunities

VETERANS: WE NEED YOU

Stanley Troutman

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 36

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Veterans in Media and Entertainment gives military, veterans unique opportunities in Hollywood, creative industries Veterans in Media and Entertainment was founded in 2012 as a nonprofit organization and professional association that unites U.S. military veterans working in, or aspiring to work in, media and entertainment.

Members come from creative and corporate leadership positions to production trades and artisans, and at all career levels. With more than 3,000 members across the nation, our footprint is currently concentrated in film, television, digital media, theater, music, and gaming. VME is headquartered in Los Angeles with new chapters in New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta/Savannah, and Washington, DC. “Our mission is to serve as the premiere alumni organization for veterans in media and entertainment,” said Karen Kraft, chief executive officer of VME. “We are doing this every day by connecting qualified veterans to jobs, internships and mentorships and our senior members serve as role models, mentors, and advisors to veterans new to the industry.”

Using an all-volunteer staff, VME fields more than 50 requests per month for placements in jobs, mentorships, internships, castings, crew calls, and general community outreach opportunities. Over the last 12 months, VME placed 52 veterans into jobs in the entertainment industry, 24 in paid internships, and 74 were cast in television, film and commercials.

Over the past six years VME has successfully placed qualified student veterans into meaningful internships as they pursue degrees in writing, production, business, finance, marketing, and accounting.

In 2017, VME received a grant from Got Your Six to expand the internship program to include internships at: Lionsgate, Endemol Shine North America, UTA, HBO, DreamWorks, SONY, CBS, Paramount Pictures, A&E Networks, House of Blues, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Rock Nation, Insomniac, NBC Universal, 21st Century Fox, National Geographic, 44 Blue, Valhalla Entertainment, The Ebersol Lanigan Company, Viacom, and Warner Bros.

“To date, we have placed over 25 veterans in internships and 5 in full-time jobs,” said Kraft. “These success stories are something that we are incredibly proud of.”

In addition to thee internship program, VME facilitates mentorships with industry leaders, hosts guest speaker series, roundtables, advanced movie screenings, a women’s program and they work to affect policy within the industry to support military talent as more and more seek jobs in media and entertainment.

VME is always looking for partnership opportunities, new members and volunteer support. We are currently supported by Got Your Six, United Way, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, California Arts Council, Avid, and by individual donations. To join, or learn more about VME, visit vmeconnect.org or email info@vmeconnect.org.

VME hosts regular events for military and veterans who are pursuing careers in the media and entertainment industries. On July 22, guest speaker Marcia Nasatir spoke about her experience becoming the first woman Vice-President of Production for a major motion picture studio, United Artists. She shared her life as a single mother in New York City, and stories about working on films such as Rocky, Carrie, Apocalypse Now, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. She also talked about her time working for Johnny Carson’s production company, and producing the movies Hamburger Hill and The Big Chill which garnered three Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Glenn Close) and Best Screenplay.

Photo by: Rebecca Murga

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St. Paul’s LUV Gala Honoree Ronne Froman-Blue

By Jackie Gutierrez

Ronne Froman-Blue retired as one of the highestranking officers, a two-star admiral, from the United States Navy. She will be honored at St. Paul’s Senior Service’s LUV Gala, coming up, Saturday, Aug. 11.

“At the time I joined the Navy, there were no women admirals, no women on ships, no women flying planes – I have seen a lot of change,” she shared.

Throughout her military career, Froman was part of making change happen. She was the first female commanding officer of Charleston Naval Station, the then third-largest naval station in the world.

Recognized for her ability to turn chaos into order, Froman was given the handle “The Fixer” from fellow sailors in the aviation world. She went on to become the first woman to serve as commander of the United States Navy Region Southwest, also referred to as “Navy Mayor of San Diego.”

“Before I got to San Diego, all the different parts of the base reported to different parts of the Navy,” Froman disclosed. “My job was to take all of these parts and create one region. It was an interesting challenge. We did it. That model was taken nationwide. It is the model that is still being used today.”

Froman finished out her naval career with a final tour in Washington D.C. as a rear admiral in charge of all the Navy stations in the world.

During active duty, Froman was honored with the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

“Year 30, I stopped having fun,” she smirked.

“I’d hit a glass ceiling, and so I filed my divorce papers and luckily got a move back to San Diego. It has been a wonderful town to have a second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth career in.”

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She’s not kidding. After a 31-year career in the military, she led several highly recognized San Diego organizations, from the San Diego Unified School District as the chief of business operations to stepping in as the CEO of the San Diego Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, during troubling times. She was instrumental in the rebirth of the American Red Cross, which is now thriving.

Later, she joined then Mayor Jerry Sanders at City Hall, helping him to overcome the City’s extreme financial challenges.

Not very good at being retired, Froman became the CEO of Monarch School Project, a K-12 school for homeless in downtown San Diego and went on to start two non-profits. As a veteran herself, when she recognized the need in the community to help veterans transition from military life to the civilian world, she felt called to act.

“I had trouble transitioning,” she confided. “People laugh at me when I say that, but I did. In the service, you are told what to do, how to dress, where to be, how to act – you understand that whole structure.

Then you are thrown into the civilian world, and a lot of people struggle.”

As the CEO of REBOOT, a veterans transitioning program, Froman helps fellow veterans.

“REBOOT is a three-week training program. It has been very successful and I am very proud of it,” Froman beams.

Still, Froman felt REBOOT wasn’t reaching everyone that needed help. She asked what the community needed as far as transition assistance during a community planning project.

“Out of that bloomed Zero8Hundred, an organization that helps those who are still in the military for about a year while they are getting ready to transition,” she smiled. “REBOOT is for people that have already gotten out of the military and hit the skids, and we pick them back up. It is a totally different kind of help; same kind of clients but a different kind of help. I am very proud of that.”

Froman’s hope is that every person coming out of the military has direct access to a program that will help them find their way and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Froman shared her passion for helping veterans during a conversation over lunch with fellow Rotarian, Cheryl Wilson, CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Services. She challenged Wilson to find ways to help.

“I’m really impressed that Cheryl had taken on the challenge I had given her, to do more for veterans,” Froman confessed. “I’m really impressed with what St. Paul’s has done.”

When Wilson asked Froman to be the LUV Gala honoree, Froman humbly accepted. The proceeds of the gala benefit Alzheimer’s care. Two years ago, Froman’s mom passed away with Alzheimer’s.

“It is very hard to watch your loved one; she wasn’t there for a long time, and we didn’t realize why. It was a while before she was diagnosed. We didn’t have Mom for probably 20 years when I look back,” Froman revealed.

Froman’s father, a WWII veteran, cared for her mother until he died. Her sister took over as caregiver until the family realized what their mother needed was more than they could give her – they needed a team of caregivers. Froman and her sister lovingly found a wonderful senior care community in Cleveland.

“It was a caring community much like St. Paul’s provides,” Froman smiled. “It was a hard decision to make, but we knew it was the right one. Mom fit right in and loved the company and socialization she got while she was there.”

This year’s 34th annual LUV Gala is Aug. 11 from 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front. To register or find out more, visit https://www.stpaulseniors. org/event/luv-gala-2018/.

HOMELAND / August 2018 39

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

Welcome to VANC, How can we help?

If you have ever visited the Veterans Association of North County, in Oceanside, this may have been the first thing you would have heard from our volunteers at the front desk.

If you have not been to “VANC” perhaps it is because you are not aware of the depth of offerings and resources that VANC has to offer. So what is VANC? VANC is a non-profit resource center for our military families, and our veterans. It is a place for military and non-military to build relationships, and provide solutions, not only for our military members, but solutions to the community as well.

Employers are well served to hire our transitioning military members especially since they have had the opportunity to interact with them through our relationship with the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.

Our military family members have the opportunity to meet with seasoned experts who teach our Military Transition Services program. This unique program provides employment assessments and specific training in speaking skills, networking techniques as well as the traditional resume preparations.

Our instructors are professionals in these areas and yet the program is free to all military members regardless of age or rank and their families. We even can connect our military families looking to start their own businesses with a mentor program combining experienced entrepreneurs from the community through the Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

We have case management councillors to help navigate the labyrinth of regulations when requesting services from the VA. Our team partners with 211/Courage to Call to ensure that information is shared with every participant in the veteran support organization. So housing, medical, and legal resources can be brought to bear in support of our veteran community.

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We are constantly adding classes and programs to prepare workers in a number of industries. We have offered and continue to offer classes in cyber security, fiber optics, and culinary skills. You can drop in to a yoga class or meet with the local membership of a variety of military and non-military groups meeting in our meeting rooms.

We provide opportunities to celebrate our military through social events, with our Ball room that can seat around 250 with tables and over 300 without tables.

Veterans Day, Memorial Day, VANC is the place to be.

In March of 2018, in cooperation with Hospice of the North Coast, VANC hosted the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event, partnering members of the veteran services community with the veterans we owed a welcome home for over 50 years! Well over 350 attended the event, enjoyed the food prepared in our amazing kitchen and listened to the band while sipping some great local beer from a veteran owned brewery!

On Monday, August 20th, one of our most exciting fundraising events will take place. We will host An “Evening with Master Chef Dino Luciano” winner of the MasterChef American Cooking Show. Dino and his team will be preparing dinner and making a presentation to our guests here at VANC. Master Chef Luciano will also be training 10 field cooks from our local military during his visit. If you would like to participate in this event you can go to: https://ti.to/vanc/an-evening-with-masterchefdino-luciano So in short, 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.

SEPT 18 | 4 WEEKS TUES & THURS| 6-9PM

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regis t er t o day !

VANC.ME | 760-722-1277

"The men and women who serve our nation deserve our support today, tomorrow and always."

EMAIL LORI@VANC.ME FOR MORE INFO

LET’S START A MOVEMENT TOGETHER ALLMAVEN.COM

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

IN THEIR EFFORTS OF SUPPORTING OUR DEDICATED ACTIVE DUTY SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN, VETS, RETIRED & THEIR FAMILIES.

WE’RE ALL MAVEN. A Full Service Creative Agency changing the world through digital media one cause at a time. If you have a business or nonprofit you’d like to see doing its best, let’s connect. Ask about our Nonprofit & Military Programs.

HOMELAND / August 2018 41

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

By Vicki Garcia

25 Business Ideas for Pet Lovers Yes, you really are seeing more dogs everywhere. According to United States Pet Population and Ownership Trends Report 2017, dog ownership is up 29% in the last 10 years.

Families increasingly have more than one dog or cat. It’s the wild west when it comes to petcentric businesses. Last year pet owners spent more on their furry friends than they did on alcohol, handing over at least $450 each. This means opportunity for small business!

Here Are A Few Unusual Ideas for Your Own Pet-Centric Business 1. Organic Treat Maker More and more, pet owners are concerning themselves with the ingredients of their pet food and treats. By baking and selling organic treats for pets, you can gain the attention of pet owners who are concerned about things like health and the environment.

2. Yard Cleaner Anyone with a dog knows the difficulty of cleaning up after them — particularly when it comes to the yard.

That means that a lot of customers are willing to pay for someone to come to their yard and provide pooper scooper services.

3. Animal Blogger If you love sharing photos of your pets or tips with other pet owners, you could consider starting a blog about your pet adventures or expertise, and then monetize it with advertisers.

4. Animal Toy Maker Most pet owners purchase some kind of toys for their animals to play with. If you like sewing or fabricating small toy type items, you could sell them as dog or cat toys.

5. Bed/Housing Designer Some pet owners even purchase large beds, pillows, playhouses or other furniture for their animals to use.

Woodworkers or builders create fancy dog houses and sell them to pet owners or stores. Don’t forget to include little staircases to get Tippy up on the bed.

6. Custom Collar Designer You can add designs, colors or even personalized details to pet collars or leashes and sell them at stores, events or on-line.

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7. Pet Travel Service Provider When people travel or move with their pets, it can be a stressful experience. If you have a method of transportation or even just some tips to share with pet owners, you can offer a service that helps pet owners transport their pets.

8. Cat Café Operator Cat cafés, or coffee shops that let customers hang out with cats while enjoying their beverages, have gained popularity over the past few years. If you love cats and cafes, this might be a fun business idea for you.

9. Unique Pet Store Owner Not everyone wants to shop in the big box stores.

All over the country small pet boutiques that feature unusual outfits, collars, toys, and treats are popping up.

The exceptional Muttropolis in La Jolla, California is a great example. https://www.muttropolis.com/ 10. Bird Abatement “Falconry based bird abatement” is the use of trained falcons and hawks to intimidate and scare off nuisance birds which cause loss of revenue for crop growers, health hazards in landfills, and safety concerns in airfields.

Stellar’s sea eagles, Bald and golden eagles to the smallest of the raptors such as the American Kestrel and Sharp Shinned Hawk, are beautiful and exciting to work with.

Aquatica ® Seaworld’s Waterpark ™ hires a falcon handler to scare away the seagulls.

11. Pet Bakery Owner Whether you make your own dog treats or just want to source them from other bakers, opening a bakery that specializes in pet food and treats can be a lucrative business.

12. YouTube Training Expert If you don’t want to share your knowledge or expertise about pet training or behavior with clients in person, you could start a YouTube channel to inform pet owners about different methods. Monetize it with advertising.

13. Make or Sell Breath Mints for Dogs If you’ve ever been close to a dog’s face, then you know all about dog breath. That’s why some pet owners purchase pet safe breath mints or other treats that are made to improve their pets’ breath and oral health.

14. Custom Pet Portrait Artist For pet lovers with artistic talent, you can offer your services as a custom portrait artist. Customers can send you photos of their pets or tell you about their breed, then you can draw or paint their animal for a fee.

15. Pet Photographer Make a deal with a mom and pop pet shop to set up a little photo studio, charge and share the profits.

16. Dog Whisperer Pet owners who are dealing with a particularly difficult dog may be interested in the services of a dog whisperer. If you specialize in dog behavior, you may be able to help some of those dogs and dog owners get to the root of those issues.

17. Rent-a-Chicken Some of us want chickens, but our husband says “absolutely not.” The answer: Rent-a-Chicken, Rent the Coop and Rent the Chicken are just a few operations to help city dwellers join the urban farming revolution!

These companies will hand-deliver two egg-laying hens, a coop, food and water dishes, and 100 pounds of chicken feed for a four-month rental period. Funny, huh?

18. Pet Jewelry Designer High end bejeweled and beaded necklaces for snooty fur babies are all the rage in certain circles. If you’re into beading, let your talent go to the dogs (and kitties too).

19. Pet Clothing Designer People go nuts for funny, weird or holiday-themed outfits for their pets. Use your creative talents to design and sew clothing items for dogs, cats, and other animals. Halloween and Christmas are boom times.

20. At-Home Boarding Service Provider Some pet owners might feel more comfortable leaving their pets in a real home when they travel. There have even been some websites and other services that have opened up in the last few years that connect pet owners with people who will care for them in their homes.

21. Doggie Boot Camp One-third to one-half of all pets are overweight. If you enjoy being active, start a dog running or workout program. Why isn’t there a dog gym anywhere? For dog owners who want their pets to get a bit more exercise, you can take them for runs regularly. Add a coaching routine for pet parents who need support to slim down Fido.

22. Doggie Day Care Operator Aside from just needing someone to watch their animals while they’re traveling, some pet owners just want somewhere for their pets to go on a more regular basis. You can open a doggie day care to serve that need.

23. Homemade Pet Food Creator Make your own brand of dog or cat food and sell it to local pet stores, restaurants or even on your own website.

People are more health conscious and want the same for kitty.

24. Dog Sports Competition Organizer Many dog breeds are naturally inclined to run, jump and do various other sporting activities. So, if you enjoy physical activity and event organizing, you can set up various competitions and sporting activities for dogs in your area. The wienie dog races are highly popular in many towns. Hysterical. Watch https://youtu.be/GhWtedXHYxI or https://youtu.be/ fpF2tZsj6lM or https://youtu.be/TFh8AIA5DX0.

Ok, I’ll stop 25. Helping to Say Goodbye An astonishing 700 funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries in the nation cater primarily to pets, according to a 2012 estimate from Businessweek. Pet parents gave their pet the best care in life, and they want to do the same in death. They want a safe place for visitation without shame. They know it’s not ‘just a dog.’” There is actually an association called Pet Loss Professional Alliance https://iccfa.com/membership/plpa/ Whatever you choose to do, do it with passion and excitement. Owning a business is not only to make money, it’s to give you freedom and independence.

If you make it about pets, it’s sure to be fun as well.

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 info. for free help in starting and running your business.

HOMELAND / August 2018 43

The Police Dogs that you see in Airports, Train Stations, Police Cruisers, and so on are probably dogs that have been trained and certified by the USPCA. We have a wide diversity of breeds to include the German Shepherd Dog, Belgian Malinois, Retrievers, Labradors, Border Collies, Bloodhounds, and so on.

The United States is broken down into various ‘Regions’ that participate and hold field trials each year. Those teams meeting top scores are invited to attend the National Police Dog Field Trials where the National Champion is selected.

Our next National Field Trials will be in Huntsville, Alabama September 17-21, 2018.

It will be here that the Top Patrol Dog will be crowned.

Visit our website for further

We also host many training across the information andseminars fill out a job USA with our National Trainers. These trainers interest today! represent the very finestcard in Police Dog Training with most having decades of experience in training and evaluating dogs. cspd.coloradosprings.gov

The United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Melissa Hendley and K9 Justice with Holly Springs, N.C. PD

The United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) is the Nation’s Oldest and Largest Police K-9 Organization.

Since 1971, we have been training and certifying police dogs in General Patrol Dog use, Tracking, Protection, Narcotic Detection, Explosive Detection, Arson, Fish and Game and Search and Rescue.

These national certifications have been upheld by The following Police departments more than 48 U.S. Supreme and Federal District are actively hiring & proudly Court rulings as a ‘Bona-Fide’ test for Police use. support our veterans, active military and the families thatProtecting We are the Police Dog Teams keep together.

America.

We represent the very finest in Police Dog Training and Certification and strive for constant improvement.

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Many of our trainers have military backgrounds that further compliment their value towards police dog training.

We also assist as subject matter experts for various research Universities and Organizations that are looking into K-9’s to help detect cancer, diabetes, even stolen historical artifacts being smuggled from the mid-east.

“We would love for you to learn more about Police K-9’s by visiting one of your local Police Dog events, public demonstrations or even request a ride-along with your local Police Dog Handler by calling your local Police Department.”

We also have various levels of member ranging from the Police Dog Teams, Search and Rescue, and General Supporters.

We welcome all or your donation into our 501:C-3 Non-Profit Organization and I look forward to one day meeting you at one of our events.

For more information visit our website at www.

USPCAK9.com or contact Dr. David “Lou” Ferland, Executive Director at USPCAExecutiveDirector@ gmail.com or by phone at 603-765-0571.

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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

HOMELAND / August 2018 45

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

HOMELAND / August 2018 47

By Joe Molina www.vccsd.org

Below is a partial list of the most common types of fears: Fear of heights, fear of change, fear of public speaking, fear of success, fear of meeting new people, fear of flying, fear of insects, fear of dogs, needles, etc.

Can Fear be avoided?

As we mentioned earlier, fear is as common as any other emotion, we should place our focus on: 1) identifying our type of fear, and 2) the degree of our fear.

The Power of FEAR To conquer fear, we must first understand what it is, how it works, and where it comes from and then learn how to use it, avoid it or overcome it.

According to Merriam Webster fear could be defined as: “An unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger (1) : an instance of this emotion (2) : a state marked by this emotion”.

Is it normal to feel Fear?

Yes, fear is as normal as any other emotion, feeling or sensation. Sometimes we may feel sad or happy, other times we may feel hesitant, and other times we may feel fear. But it is how we respond to the feeling, and how much we allow the emotion to influence our responses, our behavior and our actions that determines the impact or influence fear has on us. We also must gauge the “Degree of Impact” of the fear we are feeling at the moment. This will help us determine the impact the feeling of fear will have on our behavior.

What happens when we feel fear?

So, let’s think about this. What happens the precise moment when we start to feel that emotion that we know of as fear?

We know this is difficult since, in most instances, we don’t know fear is coming. However, if we were to slow down the process or to think back as to what happened in that first moment, what can we learn from that experience? There is a great benefit from learning what takes place at the precise moment of “Fear Zero” (Fear Zero, is the moment just before fear is felt).

What are some of the most common types of fear?

Have you ever thought of why we feel fear of some things but not others? This could mean that we may have created a preconceived notion, expectation or mindset about what something is or the effect it will have on us. Mind-projection, happens when we encounter a moment and the mind projects emotions, feelings or thoughts from a previous experience that defines the current moment. Mindprojection has a tremendous influence on when or at which types of moments we may feel fear.

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Not every fear has to be overcome, dealt with or eliminated, some fear may work to our advantage. The important factor here is to recognize we feel it, then we can move to step 2 and beyond.

Can we use fear to our advantage?

Of course, a low-level fear may be an asset for us. For example, feeling a little fear of an upcoming presentation, may help us prepare better. Feeling a little fear of being late to an appointment, may help us leave earlier. Of course these are just some examples, but when the feeling of fear obstructs our activities, it is then that fear has moved from low-level (positive) into an obstacle level (negative) Is there anything we can do to control fear?

Here are some steps to deal with, minimize or eliminate fear: 1. Think back to a time in the past when you have felt fear 2. Capture the exact moment by picturing it in your mind 3. What was your first thought (at the moment of Fear Zero) ?

4. Was the emotion of fear appearing after the thought or before?

5. Recreate the scenario in your mind and see what it was that triggered the emotion of fear.

6. As you are recreating the scenario, imagine what it would be like if you had not felt fear at all and then imagine what you would have done. This may take some time to master. * We are talking about situations that give us the feeling of fear, phobias are different and not covered in this article.

In Summary: Fear is a normal, everyday emotion/feeling that can be overcome, dealt with and/or eliminated. Fear can be positive or negative, constructive or destructive, depending on its degree or impact on our behavior.

Excessive amounts of fear and/or continuous fear emotions may be best approached with the help of a professional. The first steps to overcoming fear are: 1. Be aware of it 2. Know the trigger 3. Be intentional about making choices that are not based on fear. www.homelandmagazine.com

FINANCIAL

By Chris Martin

BECs have happened to both large and small businesses often costing large sums of money. If you do business overseas, you could be especially targeted because once they have the money there is not much you can do about it. You have slim to no chance of recovering the money and law enforcement agencies have no authority overseas. The majority of these transfers are to China and Hong Kong. Money is not the only payment they are looking for; they could want your data and may request that you send them sensitive corporate information.

Here are some tips to watch out for (although not all inclusive) :

What is a Business Email Compromise?

When you research fraud schemes on the internet, one form that is increasing is known as a Business Email Compromise, or BEC. So what is a BEC? Essentially it is an attack where a cyber attacker impersonates someone high up in the company and attempts to get an employee to transfer money to them often via wire transfers sent overseas. These attackers will often spoof the owner or executive’s emails and then send to employees with some story that requires money to be sent immediately. These attacks are also known as CEO fraud.

They will often get into the computer and monitor activity in order to know who to send the email, typically someone in finance or accounts payable and will often wait until they know the executive or owner is away. The emails will often be one number or letter off from the actual email of the owner or executive which could be hard to recognize if you are not paying attention. For example, an email for example.com will be changed to examp1e.com. Or they could use @company_name.com instead of @company-name.com.

They have even been known to impersonate a vendor of the company or the vendor’s computers have been compromised and they will send out a bogus invoice along with a story about having to change their bank accounts and giving you a new place to send the money.

They could take a legitimate invoice and alter the beneficiary information slightly.

The emails will often have some story about their wallet being stolen at the airport or that some other issue has come up and sending payment needs to take priority (this is so you won’t take the time to verify it) or they will claim there is some government regulation out there in which you have to pay a fee to get it correct or some government agency will be taking away your license or saying you violated some regulation. www.homelandmagazine.com

- Have a dual control system in your company where some sort of verification is needed prior to sending out wire info.

- Have internal controls set up so that money is not sent out on emails alone.

- When you have suspicious emails or contacts, contact your IT department or if your company does not have one, have a meeting to discuss the suspicious emails and/or potential computer intrusions.

- Keep your computer security software up to date.

- Pay attention to the language in the emails. The fraudsters will often use poor grammar or misspell words.

- Pay attention when the emailer is telling you to keep it strictly confidential or are asking for expedited payment.

- Be careful about putting your individual emails on your business websites. If an attacker sees who the CEO and Treasurer are, and you have your emails listed, you have just helped them out. Consider a generic email for your website such as contact@business.com instead of individual emails.

- Teach your employees how to spot phishing. Regular training should be held to know how to recognize scams.

Chris Martin, Army veteran, spent 32 years working for IRS as a Revenue Officer, Collection Manager and Fraud Specialist before retiring. She currently works for an national bank as a senior fraud investigator.

HOMELAND / August 2018 49

Become A Part of Our Story!

Learn more at TrooperStories.com

There’s a story behind every badge, and a person behind every story. There are For upcoming test dates as many reasons and motivations for and locations visit joining the Washington State Patrol as PublicSafetyTesting.com there are troopers themselves.

JOBS FOR VETS

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

HomelandMagazine.com JOBS FOR VETS LAW ENFORCEMENT 50

HOMELAND / August 2018

www.homelandmagazine.com

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 -

www.homelandmagazine.com

HOMELAND / August 2018 51

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THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH

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Facebook: Colorado Springs Police THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER twitter@cspd.pio www.homelandmagazine.com

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communities built to support those who serve.

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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

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Our palliative care experts focus on relief from symptoms,

The Center for Compassionate Care provides

pain, and stress in any phase of a diagnosis.

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Our team of medical experts provide comprehensive

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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.

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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.

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people helping animals animals helping people Helen Woodward Animal Center is so much more than an adoption facility.

Through our humane education and therapy programs, international awareness campaigns, and local fundraising events we are creating a humane world for both animals and people.

To learn more about how Helen Woodward Animal Center is helping the military, see us featured in the article on page and visit animalcenter.org To donate to these valuable programs, call Renee Resko, 858-756-4117 ext. 347 or email reneer@animalcenter.org.

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