VETERANS
Publisher
Editor-In-Chief
Mike Miller
Monthly Columns
What’s Next Transition
Eve Nasby • Kristin Hennessy
Human Resources
Paul Falcone
Franchise Dreams
Doug Dwyer
Successful Transitioning Stories
Dr. Julie Ducharme
Veterans in Business
www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com
Welcome to San Diego Veterans Magazine!
SDVM is a veteran-focused magazine throughout ALL San Diego & Southern California. It serves to assist all veterans, active military as well as their spouses and families.
It is the leading veteran magazine emphasizing resources & support and focusing on topics and issues facing today’s veteran community. SDVM focuses on resources, support, community, transition, mental health, inspiration and more...
The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with our veterans, service members, military families, and civilians.
The magazine is supported by the city of San Diego and a distinguishing list of veteran organizations & members, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.
Despite all the challenges, our team has upheld their focus and let not one opportunity go to provide resources and support to our veterans & military personnel.
On behalf of our team, we wanted to take this moment to say THANK YOU to the readers and our military-veteran community for supporting our magazine. With that support we aim to make a difference and continuing to make a profound impact on the quality of life for our veterans, military personnel and their families.
If you want to catch up on the current and past issues, please visit: www.sandiegoveteransmagazine.com/archives
Mike Miller
Editor-In-Chief
mikemiller@sdvetsmagazine.com
www.sandiegoveteransmagazine.com
Barbara Eldridge
Risky Business
Hadley Wood
Real Talk: Mental Health
Hope Phifer
PTSD: Reclaiming Control
Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD
TLC Caregiving
Kie Copenhaver
Legal Eagle
Kelly Bagla, Esq.
Veterans Chamber Commerce
Joe Molina
Midway Magic
David Koontz
Veterans Chamber Commerce
Joe Molina
Contributing Writers
Wounded Warrior Project
Disabled American Veterans
(In-House) Correspondents
Holly Shaffner
CJ Machado
San Diego Veterans Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, #41 San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 275-4281
mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com
San Diego Veterans 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
Supporting Miramar National Cemetery (MNC) by giving a final tribute to the Veterans of our Armed Forces who gave their all.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 30-foot Veterans Tribute Tower and Carillon is dedicated to soldiers of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division who fought in the Battle of Outpost Harry during the Korean War. It plays patriotic music on the hour and “Taps” at sunset.
300+
Acre cemetery opened in 2010
3,000+
Veterans & their families interred
270
Burials conducted monthly at MNC
50 American Flags on the Avenue of Flags
For more information about the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation
Scan the QR code or visit our website at www.miramarcemetery.org
To say informed about our events, visit our Facebook page @miramarcemetery
Veterans Day Parade Honors D-Day Veterans
Under a brilliant sunny sky, our nation’s military veterans were honored when the San Diego Veterans Day Parade once again marched down Harbor Drive with more than 10,000 spectators lining the parade route.
San Diego County boasts one of the largest veteran populations in the United States with more than 200,000 former and retired military members living and working in the county. The annual Veterans Day event, under the leadership of the USS Midway Museum, featured nearly 90 enthusiastic participants including a variety of bands, floats, ceremonial vehicles and marching units from veterans organizations, military commands, local businesses, and community service and civic groups.
Baum, who is 101-years old, served as one of the parade’s grand marshals representing the more than 160,000 Allied Forces that landed on the beaches of Normandy during Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious assault in history. "Their duty has not gone unseen and we still have a nation that’s appreciating their service,” said Donald Thomas, a 20-year veteran who was one of the spectators at the parade. “I love it that we’re showing we’re grateful for what the service has done. I thank them for coming out and supporting each other.”
“It’s imperative that we continue to salute all of our military veterans,” said Craig Fisher, the USS Midway Museum’s partnership director and a member of the parade’s planning committee. “All Americans owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the sacrifices made by our servicemembers, many paying the ultimate cost, in defending democracy around the world and the freedoms we have all enjoyed for nearly 250 years.”
As in the past, the 2024 parade paid tribute to all veterans who have worn the uniform of the nation. This parade, however, also placed a special emphasis on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion at Normandy, France during World War II and the veterans who fought and died that day.
“I’m representing — I am honored to do so — the people who served in Normandy and those that passed away and are buried in a very sacred ground in France,” said Clayton Baum, who served with the 1st Army during the invasion of France on June 6, 1944. “This is not about me. This is about them.”
Joseph “Bob” Wilson was the second grand marshal in the parade representing D-Day veterans. Wilson enlisted inthe U.S. Navy in 1942 and was assigned to Landing Ship Tank (LST) duty.
He served aboard LST-383, which was the first LST to cross the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. He later saw action in critical battles during the North Africa campaign, the invasion of Sicily, and D-Day landings in France.
“On June the 6th we left the harbor (in England) heading for Omaha beach,” said Wilson, who just celebrated his 105th birthday. “All you could see were ships as far as you could see, and overhead, there were hundreds of airplanes all flying towards Europe. Bombs were dropping on shore, mines were going offshore. This was a real war.”
Like Baum, Wilson was honored to represent all D-Day veterans as one of the parade’s grand marshals, and he was delighted by the thousands of people who lined Harbor Drive to thank him and other veterans for their service.
“It was a wonderful day,” said Wilson, who also served during the Korean War. “I was overwhelmed
Navy Region Southwest Band
with the number of people at the parade. I am so honored to show the appreciation of those who served in Normandy.”
For Reggie Carson, a Navy veteran, supporting veterans is critical.
“It’s good to come together with my fellow shipmates,” said Carson, a former Navy helicopter aircrewman. “We have to remember those who are not here and thank those who are still serving.”
The San Diego Veterans Day Parade began in 1987 and continues to be the largest parade on the West Coast that salutes military veterans. It’s important, especially in a Navy and Marine Corps town like San Diego, that the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans are remembered and honored.
“I’m proud of my country,” said Baum, who was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and saw combat action in northern France, the Rhineland and central Europe. “I have four battle stars and I’m just proud to be an American.”
Verizon.
www.midway.org/contact/volunteer-opportunities
www.midway.org
The San Diego Veterans Day Parade is proudly sponsored by
Paws for Purple Hearts
USS Midway Museum Float
Soaring into History: Discovering Da Vinci’s First Flight
Step into the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and uncover the untold story of his quest for human flight.
Adventure begins with curiosity, and no one embodied curiosity like Leonardo da Vinci.
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is proud to host the world premiere of Da Vinci’s First Flight, an extraordinary exhibition opening on February 1st. This immersive journey explores Da Vinci’s pioneering exploration of human flight and reveals the mysterious tale of Zoroastro of Peretola, an apprentice who may have risked everything to bring his master’s visionary designs to life.
Through a captivating blend of history, innovation, and interactivity, this exhibition brings Leonardo da Vinci’s genius to the forefront, celebrating his bold ideas and the enduring power of imagination.
Leonardo da Vinci: Visionary of the Renaissance
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is celebrated worldwide as the quintessential Renaissance man. His genius extended far beyond his iconic paintings, such as The Last Supper and Mona Lisa. Leonardo was a relentless thinker, blending art, science, and engineering in ways that revolutionized human understanding of the world.
Among his most ambitious pursuits was the study of flight. Inspired by the mechanics of birds and insects, Da Vinci sketched intricate designs for flying machines in his Codex Atlanticus. He explored concepts that wouldn’t be scientifically validated for centuries, including lift, thrust, and aerodynamics.
The answer may lie in the story of Zoroastro of Peretola, a young apprentice who joined Leonardo in 1503. Historical records from this period are sparse, but cryptic notes in Leonardo’s writings hint at secret experiments conducted atop a tower in Florence. “Board up the top room…if you stay on the roof alongside the tower, they can’t see you,” he wrote, suggesting a covert attempt at flight.
The story of Zoroastro took a dramatic turn after these experiments. He vanished from historical accounts, leaving behind a mystery that has puzzled scholars for centuries. Did he achieve flight? Or did something go tragically wrong?
In 2018, new evidence surfaced that reignited this age-old question. Gabriele Niccolai, head artisan of the Niccolai Group and owner of the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, uncovered previously unknown documents and local testimonies. These discoveries have brought us closer than ever to understanding Da Vinci’s daring quest for flight.
Explore Da Vinci’s Genius in a New Light
Visitors to Da Vinci’s First Flight will step into Leonardo’s world and encounter over 30 full-scale replicas of his ingenious designs. Meticulously crafted by awardwinning artisans, these replicas bring to life the depth of Leonardo’s imagination and the technical brilliance of his time.
But this isn’t just a walk through history. The exhibition is designed to be interactive, offering hands-on experiences that make learning about Da Vinci’s innovations both engaging and unforgettable. From flight simulations to experiments in aerodynamics, there’s something to inspire every curious mind.
Exhibition Highlights
• Life-Sized Hang Glider
A stunning 36-foot replica showcasing the elegance of Da Vinci’s design.
• The World’s First Drones
Discover Da Vinci’s foresight through mechanical prototypes that resemble modern drones.
• Interactive Flight Experiments
Test Da Vinci’s principles of flight, exploring concepts like gliding, parachuting, and early instrumentation.
• The Spherical Glider and Clockwork Dragonfly
Uncover lesser-known designs that showcase Leonardo’s ability to merge artistry with engineering.
• Immersive Glider Simulation
Soar virtually over the Tuscan hills in a re-creation of Da Vinci’s glider.
Adventure for All Ages
The San Diego Air & Space Museum has long been a destination for adventurers, dreamers, and history enthusiasts. Da Vinci’s First Flight continues this legacy by offering a family-friendly experience that blends education with entertainment.
Kids can explore hands-on activities, try flight experiments, and marvel at life-sized replicas. Adults will appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the models and the rich storytelling behind Leonardo’s inventions. Whether you’re a lifelong learner or a casual museum-goer, this exhibition offers something unique and inspiring.
For aviation enthusiasts, the exhibition provides a fascinating look at how Leonardo’s ideas influenced modern flight. His designs, while never realized in his lifetime, paved the way for centuries of innovation.
A World Premiere in San Diego
Opening in February 2025, Da Vinci’s First Flight is making its debut at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, located in the heart of Balboa Park. This marks a historic moment for the museum and its visitors, as it becomes the first institution to unveil this groundbreaking exhibition.
The museum invites guests to not only explore Leonardo’s genius but also reflect on the broader theme of human ingenuity. Leonardo’s work reminds us that the power of imagination knows no bounds. His relentless curiosity and daring ideas continue to inspire dreamers and innovators today.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and the story of Zoroastro. Da Vinci’s First Flight is more than an exhibition—it’s an adventure into the history of human flight and a celebration of creativity, courage, and determination.
sandiegoairandspace.org
https://tinyurl.com/VeteransCasting
ACTION
Soldier Send-Off
New Jersey National Guard soldiers attend a farewell ceremony in Trenton, N.J., 2024
More than 1,500 soldiers assigned to the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed to support U.S. Central Command’s Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, which advises, assists and enables partner forces until they can independently defeat ISIS in designated areas of Iraq and Syria.
Photo Credit - New Jersey Army National Guard Spc. Michael Schwenk
Blending In
Marine participates in land navigation training at the Central Training Area Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, 2024
Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty
Medic Challenge
Army Medical Center of Excellence Best Medic Challenge at Joint Base San Antonio, 2024
Photo Credit: Army Spc. Mark Luther
Salute to Service
Marines assigned to the Marine Barracks Washington participate in the Salute to Service at halftime during the Washington Commander’s game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, 2024
Twilight Watch
Navy Petty Officer standing lookout watch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, 2024
Photo Credit: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Logan Nystrand
Photo Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Braydon Rogers
A Marine Corps amphibious combat vehicle enters the USS Somerset during Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Southern California, 2024
Move the Missile
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missile on a lift truck during a Rapid Aircraft Generation Exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, 2024
Photo Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro
Low Light Op
Photo Credit: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Evan Diaz
Hazardous Hue
Sailors prepare a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet for flight operations aboard the USS Carl Vinson, 2024
Photo Credit: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Isaiah B. Goessl
Airmen scan for hazards within the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, 2024
Photo Credit: Air Force 1st Lt. Trevor Wood
Welcome Back
A Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific Marine Mammal Program scientist signals a sea lion to
during an exhibition as part of Fleet Week San Diego, 2024
Navy Lt. embraces her son on the pier during a homecoming for the USS Somerset at Naval Base San Diego, 2024
Photo Credit: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Evan Diaz
Sea Lion Salute
salute
Photo Credit: Todd Hack, Navy
Mounted Marine
Marine Corps Cpl. prepares for the opening ceremony of the San Diego Rodeo, 2024
Photo Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mhecaela J. Watts
Hugging a Hero
Navy Chief Petty Officer embraces his son at Naval Base San Diego, 2024
Photo Credit: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Evan Diaz
RESOLUTION SOLUTIONS 2025 SOLUTIONS
The holidays are over, but the New Year’s resolutions have just begun, and San Diego Veterans Magazine is here to help you keep yours.
If you’ve chosen to change your life this year, you’re not alone. Nearly half the United States – a stunning 150 million people – did the same.
Many of these aren’t plastic or paper decisions either but life-affirming, soul-quenching, I’m-the-captain-ofmy-destiny-and-I’m-finally-going-do-this variety.
High on most lists, losing weight or getting fit with many deciding the time to act is now.
If this sounds familiar, good for you! Recognition that change is necessary is the first step. Desire makes all things possible. Work well begun is half done.
You’re off and running, maybe literally.
Now the bad news.
Statistically speaking, most of you are doomed. Nearly 90 percent who make New Year’s resolutions fail. That’s a crazy high bust rate. Who would ever bet those odds?
You would and you do.
Let me explain.
At the start of every year -- without fail -- people flock to gyms. They’re recognizable by their new sneakers, stylish water bottles and eager looks. You can practically see their new gym bodies in the bubble dreams above their heads.
Memberships are bought. Trainers hired. Classes enrolled.
And so begins the brief lifecycle of the Resolution Set, a specimen of gym member whose chief function is giving money away for no apparent reason.
All gym vets know their ways well.
They start January like shooting stars, their resolution glow bright and vibe positive and contagious. February finds them making strides.
Cracks start showing in March as they realize that working out can be, well, work, and that maybe the miraculous transformations they envisioned might’ve been a skosh unrealistic.
Then the wheels fly completely off.
This typically happens by May, exactly when the neophytes should be prepping for the big beach season reveal.
They were so close to getting somewhere and then puff. Gone. Another statistic.
But you can break this cycle of boom and bust, and here are some tips to do just that.
1. Set realistic goals. Losing a pound or two a month – and keeping it off -- is a reasonable. Anything more is, hmm, gravy.
2. Start slow. Take it easy as you learn what your body can do. Hurting yourself or being too sore to workout defeats the purpose.
3. Then, ramp it up. You’re at the gym to work, so work. Push weights around, stretch, walk, peddle or paddle. Sweat a little so you can live a lot.
4. Just go. Just as possession is nine-tenths of the law, so too is getting to the gym is nine-tenths of the battle. Get there and you’ll figure out the rest.
5. No excuses. If you have five free minutes a day, you have time to workout. How? Do all the pushups and sit ups you can in one-minute increments. Follow that up with running as far you can for another minute – it will take you two minutes to walk back. Done.
6. Find what works for you. Yoga, pilates, kettle ball, boxing, surfing, mixed martial arts, weights, running, kendo, fencing, cross-fit, judo, swimming, biking, walking, whatever. There are a lot of choices. Find one or three that work for you.
7. Remember the big picture. Attaining your fitness goals takes effort and means pushing through adversity.
8. Find your motivation. Whether you’re doing this for yourself, your family or some other reason, keep that reason in mind when you feel like quitting.
9. Have fun. It’s hard to succeed at anything unless you enjoy it and make it part of your life.
10. Forgive yourself. No one is 100 percent all the time. The best baseball hitters fail 70 percent of the time. The greatest quarterbacks throw interceptions. The most powerful tycoons make bad deals. When you backslide, pick yourself up and keep going.
“Nearly 90 percent who make New Year’s resolutions fail.”
2025: Managing Expectations for the New Year
By Bill Reynolds Sierra Tucson
The New Year is here, a time when veterans and military personnel can take proactive steps to set meaningful, realistic resolutions that promote personal growth and well-being while also focusing on attainable goals. Recognizing that significant changes don’t happen overnight prevents feelings of disappointment and failure. By effectively managing expectations, you can set yourself up for a more fulfilling and less stressful 2025.
Take inventory of your previous year
Reflecting on the past is a valuable exercise when planning for the new year ahead. Reviewing the previous year allows you to identify what strategies were effective and which were not, which helps in understanding successes and failures, enabling you to make informed decisions moving forward.
Reflect on how your military service has influenced your personal development and community contributions. Reflecting on these positive aspects can provide insights into your legacy and areas for future growth.
By implementing these strategies of self-inventory and introspection, you can effectively reflect on the past year and prepare for the future, leveraging your experiences and resilience as a veteran or active-duty serviceperson.
Consider setting SMART goals for the year ahead
The military emphasizes clear, mission-oriented objectives. Applying SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – at the beginning of a new year provides a familiar structured approach to personal and professional development for military personnel, veterans and civilians alike.
Setting specific and measurable goals is crucial for tracking progress and achieving desired outcomes as goal setting enables you to track progress, fostering motivation and a sense of accomplishment as you achieve your defined milestones. By setting achievable and relevant goals, you can align your objectives with personal values and current circumstances, ensuring that your aspirations are both attainable and meaningful.
Time-bound goals encourage goal setters to establish deadlines, effectively promoting time management and reducing procrastination, enhancing your ability to achieve the goals in place.
Avoid “all-or-nothing” thinking
Rigid, all-or-nothing thinking often results in discouragement and abandonment of goals after only minor setbacks. All-or-nothing thinking is associated with increased anxiety and depression. By adopting a more flexible mindset, you can alleviate these negative emotions, leading to improved mental health. By allowing room for error, you can set more realistic, adaptable resolutions, leading to sustained personal growth and well-being.
The year ahead is unpredictable, and strict adherence to specific goals without flexibility can cause stress when unforeseen circumstances arise. Flexible thinking enables you to adjust your plans, maintaining progress even when challenges occur.
For additional support in managing expectations in 2025, connect with fellow veterans, service members, and community groups. Utilize programs and services offered by organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs and military support groups such as Sierra Tucson’s Red, White, and Blue Program. These resources can assist by providing a safe environment with a strong support system unique to military members. Sharing experiences and support can provide a sense of camaraderie, aiding in the pursuit of your resolutions.
By implementing these strategies, veterans and military personal can set meaningful and attainable New Year’s resolutions while also fostering personal growth and well-being in the year ahead.
Lt. Cmdr. William Reynolds, USN, (Ret.), PA-C, is Director of the Military and First Responder Trauma Recovery Program at Arizona-based mental health treatment facility Sierra Tucson. For more information, visit: www.sierratucson.com/programs/military/
Arts & Healing
Arts for Military Veterans
By Amber Robinson
IMAGINE
Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Have you ever thought about the power of imagination and what makes it so important to us all?
Stop to think about the things you’ve used your imagination for in your life. They are probably some of the proudest moments. They were most likely times you created something new and exciting, problems solved something big at work or stepped into a new home or work space you had envisioned first.
It’s your creativity and imagination that writes those awesome college papers your teachers love, the ones where you are not only showing you understand the content you are learning, but also visualizing where you could use it or talking about where you have used it. For me, as a 44-year old college student, I’m usually writing about the latter.
We use our imaginations daily when we think about how we’d like our day to go, how we are going to time out our day. It’s used constantly by us, but not usually given the credit it deserves. I mean, what do you think happens when scientists imagine possibilities outside of the box, what happens when inventors do that? The world advances!
According to an article in the Harvard Business Review (https://tinyurl.com/imaginationHBR) we need imagination more now than ever. As we deal with an ongoing pandemic with rapid mutations happening constantly, it’s hard not to get down. But when the days get dark, we need our imaginations to create light in the midst of them, to create a safer, brighter future.
The Harvard article states, “renewal and adaptive strategies [will] give way to classical planning-based strategies and then to visionary and shaping strategies, which require imagination.”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
- Albert Einstein
In the same ways our world’s great “imaginers’ will help us move from crisis phase to a new way of thriving post-pandemic, you can create a brighter future for yourself.
In an article by Forbes magazine writer Lidija Globokar (tinyurl.com/Globokar-forbes) shares the way athletes have always used visualization as an example of how it can be used to reach any life goal. Famous athletes like Muhammed Ali, Kobe Bryant and Arnold Schwarzenegger all used visualization and imagination to achieve the things they are now famous for.
But the article says it has also been used successfully in police training and with new medical surgeons. Those who went through visualization training prior to their first times under job stress not only executed better on the job, but did so with reduced anxiety.
So, in 2025, I challenge us all to be mindful of our imaginations. I posit we give our imagination the credit it deserves and become conscious of its use.
With that said, what will you visualize for yourself this year? In what ways will your imagination lead the way to a life that thrives?
A Year to Bloom: Embracing Growth and Connection in 2025
By Luna Dais
As we step into the new year of 2025, we are reminded of the profound wisdom from Sri Daya Mata:
"Make every petal of your life a perfumed expression of God’s presence."
This sentiment encourages us to infuse each moment with purpose, love, and divine connection.
Nurturing the Whole Self
Wellness encompasses more than just physical health; it involves honoring every aspect of our being. This year let's commit to:
Body: Engage in joyful movements—be it morning stretches, dancing, or evening walks under the stars.
Mind: Dedicate time to journaling, expressing emotions, and embracing moments of stillness for clarity and peace.
Spirit: Connect with your inner self through deep breaths and mindful reflection, acknowledging the divine.
Nourishing with Love
Our dietary choices are gifts to our bodies. Let's focus on:
Selecting whole, natural foods—crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, and hearty grains. Staying hydrated with water, perhaps enhanced with lemon or mint for a refreshing touch. Exploring new, healthful ingredients like sea moss for vitality or turmeric for its healing properties.
Building Meaningful Habits
Significant transformations arise from small, consistent actions. This year aim to:
Engage in daily activities that bring joy. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how minor.
Practice self-compassion, understanding that imperfection is part of the journey.
Prioritizing Rest
Just as flowers rest to bloom anew, we too require rejuvenation. Consider:
Establishing a comforting bedtime routine— perhaps with soft music or a warm beverage. Taking short breaks during the day to stretch, breathe, or enjoy a moment in the sun.
Fostering Community
Human connection is vital. This year, let's: Lean on family, friends, and community for support. Share experiences, dreams, and laughter with those around us.
Participate in gatherings that reinforce our shared humanity and collective beauty.
Your Year to Flourish
We believe in your potential and the light within you. Let's make 2025 a year of embracing dreams, health, and inner beauty. You are loved, cherished, and ready to make each moment a reflection of grace, joy, and divine presence.
Let's embark on this journey together, blooming into our fullest selves this year.
“Healing Wind” Music Inspiration: "Into the Unknown"
By Luna Dais
To accompany your journey, we recommend listening to "Into the Unknown," a soulful track from the album Mother.
(Grassroots Goddess)
By Luna Dais.
This song invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, resonating deeply with themes of courage and exploration.
You can listen to "Into the Unknown”, dive into Luna Dais’ Music journey. YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@daisysgrove; Music Video Link: https://youtu.be/Pz0KoEnRkvM
Transforming Healing with Frequency Medicine
"Your light. Your frequency. Your future. It is time to activate the quantum potential within you.”
Step into a new paradigm of wellness and self-discovery at the Quantum Activation Center, where ancient wisdom meets the cutting-edge technology of Tesla Biophotonic Light Activation. Nestled in the heart of San Diego, California, this sanctuary of holistic health invites you to experience the Quantum Active8 Circle ($20), held every Tuesday & Friday (Solo sessions available too).
Imagine a place where healing is not just about addressing symptoms but about unlocking the full potential of your body, mind, and spirit. At the core of this transformative experience is the Tesla Biophotonic Light Bed—a revolutionary technology designed to harmonize your energetic field, elevate your frequency, and rejuvenate your cells. Each session is an opportunity to connect deeply with your higher self, surrounded by a community of likeminded individuals on a shared journey toward holistic well-being.
Adding to the excitement, the Quantum Activation Center proudly announces that Dr. Christopher McLaine, a renowned holistic practitioner, will be presenting at the Conscious Life Expo (Booth #90) in Los Angeles from February 7–10, 2025. Don’t miss his powerful lecture, “Piercing the Veil”, on Saturday, February 8th, 10:00–10:45 AM in Room Century C. (www.QuantumActivationCenter.com)
Dr. McLaine will explore the transformative potential of Quantum Technology in Frequency Medicine Healing, sharing insights into how brain-based protocols, lifestyle medicine, and quantum activation technologies are reshaping the future of health.
Whether you are a seasoned explorer of conscious living or new to the world of quantum wellness, the Quantum Active8 Circle offers a gateway to profound healing and self-empowerment. Join us and become part of a collective movement that is redefining what it means to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Quantum Activation Center is a proud provider of a rare opportunity to experience a 6 carousel merkaba style arrangement of a modern evolution of technology created by Nikola Tesla in the 1890's. This one of only two places on the entire planet here you can get this treatment.
Real Talk: Mental Health
By Suji Yamauchi, Clinician
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics
Practicing the Attitude of Gratitude in the Midst of Loneliness
Loneliness may appear like a plague, but with a shift in perspective, it is a safe landing for gratitude and solitude.
The reality of loneliness and solitude during active duty taught me to embrace gratitude. Since my time as a woman veteran, and with the support of other women veterans, I have had time to reflect and fine-tune my attitude of gratitude.
At my first duty assignment, I was welcomed by Texas's crisp, clean air. Most of my fellow trainees were new to the military, and we shared our training experience. I had not experienced deep loneliness here. After spending about a year there, I was ready to launch into my real job and implement the skills. With little hesitation, I signed up for South Korea as my duty assignment, and it was easy to push aside my sense of loneliness. I completed my training and ended my short stay in Texas. I did a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move to South Korea. Returning to where I was born, I felt that I found my purpose.
My duty assignment to South Korea was a wish come true. I was working with the U.S. military and the South Korean counterparts. I used my Korean language skills and implemented my cultural perspective. With awareness of the uniqueness of my position, I remained open to learning and gaining knowledge. However, to much surprise, I was confronted with loneliness, which, at the time, was painfully isolating. My uniqueness led me to feel different from others. I attempted to connect and relate to my peers, yet I experienced limited common ground. Although I blended in on-base wearing my uniform and off-base wearing civilian clothes, I did not share the same experiences with many I encountered.
In South Korea, the nuances of gender expectations were bluntly exhibited, although with subtleness, that women had designated roles and expectations. Despite the pain of admitting it, I was stamped as too foreign among the Koreans and too Korean by U.S. military co-workers. The apparent labels prescribed started me on a journey of redefining my purpose. As Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why."
My “why” was thwarted, and I PCS'd back home to California. When I returned, the loneliness and the “why” lingered incessantly over the years. I shied away from veteran events until I got to work with women veterans during the COVID-19 quarantine; I slowly shifted my perspective toward gratitude and began to see the things I was thankful for. Other women veterans echoed my experiences, and their treasured stories clarified my purpose. Their stories encouraged me to redefine my purpose as they shared how they gained wisdom, embraced solitude, and secured selfacceptance by spending time away from home and experiencing loneliness.
One of my favorite quotes is, "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough!" (Oprah Winfrey).
As a woman veteran, I seek opportunities to connect and relate to others. Spending time getting to know other women veterans, I can quickly identify conversations of gratitude. On that common ground, I'm trekking along those who share similar and unique paths as mine
When experiencing loneliness, make self-care a priority and embrace the love within through the below helpful self-love tips from Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post 9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families.
CVN focuses on improvingmental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions.
• Avoid negative thought spirals. When stressed or overwhelmed, we can go on a downward path of negative thoughts. Stop the spiral by asking yourself if the thought is a fact, something you can control, and is it serving you.
• Practice daily gratitude. Write down three different things you are thankful for each day. This can help remind us there is positivity in our lives and lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed by negativity.
• Prioritize friendships and connection. Spending time with those you love improves your overall health and helps to combat loneliness. Schedule a time to meet up with a friend at least once a month.
• Speak kindly to yourself. Remember, if you wouldn't treat a loved one or a friend unkindly, why are you treating yourself that way? Be your own best friend and speak encouraging words to yourself.
• Know you are not alone. Remember, everyone has their own internal struggles, even though you may not see them. There are many people who may also be feeling the way you do or not fully content with their situations, but don't show it.
For more information about the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at VVSD and Cohen Veterans Network, visit www.cohenveteransnetwork.org
How Transcendental Meditation Gave Me My Life Back
My name is Jonny Mize. I'm a service-connected U.S. Army Combat veteran. I served overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2006-2007. During my combat deployment in Afghanistan I served as a welder up-armoring vehicles for Seals, Rangers, and other special forces.
My life for the most part has been very challenging and traumatic. It has been filled with a great deal of abuse in many different ways including physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually. That distress began in early childhood and then eventually carried over into my military career as an adult. I've suffered most of my life living with anxiety, depression, physical pains, anger, low self-worth, alcoholism, sex addiction, loneliness, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt. It got particularly bad after I returned home from deployment.
Luckily, when I returned home, I was introduced to Transcendental Meditation (TM). After experiencing how easy and effective it was at removing my stress and anxiety while bringing me back to a place of balance and peace I realized I needed to become a certified TM teacher and share this technique with my fellow warrior community. Through my own personal experiences of struggle and transformation, I am now able to relate to other warriors in a unique way. I deeply understand and know how much they could potentially benefit from having access to TM. TM not only helps alleviate the intense pressures they experience both during and after military service, but it
also restores hope and reminds them of their purpose, and what they were trained to do, and that’s to be of service to the community. Today, I'm honored and grateful to be serving the warrior community once again with the Resilient Warrior Program; up-armoring the mental and emotional health of the San Diego military veteran and first responder community.
So what is TM?
TM is an easy-to-learn, enjoyable-to-practice mental technique for deep relaxation and stress-reduction that has been successfully offered in VA medical centers, hospitals, military academies, substance abuse centers, and other settings. The TM technique is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day. To date, more than ten million people of all ages, nationalities, and religions have learned the technique. Through the non-profit David Lynch Foundation I have been able to work as part of a nationwide program to bring TM to VA hospitals nationwide; National Defense University in Washington, DC; UCLA Veterans Family Wellness Center; EOD Warrior Foundation and numerous military bases, including Ft. Bragg, Ft. Gordon, Ft. Belvoir, and Ft. Hamilton. The David Lynch Foundation also supports research on TM and veterans including a $2.4 million DoD-funded study that was completed in 2019 right here at the San Diego VA. The Journal of the American Medical Association published an article on the current state of VA treatments for Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) noting that TM is as effective as the VA’s first line recommended treatments for PTS based on the findings of the San Diego VA study.
Investing in Our Warriors
and Our Communities
TM reconnected me with a part of myself I had forgotten. It ignited my soul, and from that renewed connection, I found the strength to inspire those closest to me— my family, friends, and loved ones. Through TM, I’ve discovered a deep sense of purpose in giving back to fellow warriors who are struggling the same way I once did after returning home from the combat zone.
My vision is to transform how veterans and the military look at health. It’s not just about physical training. It’s about balancing the whole warrior and optimizing every part of ourselves. For me and many other warriors, the easiest and most effective way to achieve that is through consciousness.
I’m beyond grateful to be doing what I love—serving fellow warriors and contributing to this organization during such a pivotal time in history.
The TM National Veterans Lifeline Campaign is now taking place across the country. Our goal is to make TM readily available to any veteran who is wanting it. When warriors transcend and experience the profound rest and inner peace that TM provides, it doesn’t just create small ripples—it creates tidal waves of positive change within individuals, families, and entire communities.
Prioritizing and investing in the consciousness of our warriors means directly investing in the upliftment and protection of a safe, healthy, and thriving nation. I encourage any warrior that is ready to leave behind the old paradigm and embrace a healthier way forward to learn TM as soon as possible. You don’t have to suffer—there is a better way.
PTSD: Reclaiming Control
By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert
A Look Behind, a Look Ahead
I am privileged to have the opportunity to discuss Veteran’s health in San Diego Veterans Magazine and humbled by the opportunity to work with Veterans and their health professionals through our Freespira team. As we get to know our Veteran clients, we are aware of the sacrifices these men and women have made in service to our country and of the burdens they have brought home. We rejoice in the progress so many make in treatment but are sorrowful for those who have not benefitted enough. I’ve spent much of my time with these monthly articles summarizing the variety of treatment methods available for PTSD, with a focus on the reality that there is no ‘one size fits all’ remedy. It is very clear that the most highly studied and recommended talk therapies are hard to tolerate or not accessible enough for too many Veterans. It is unlikely that any ‘miracle’ drug is on the horizon from traditional pharma.
There is incredible ‘buzz’ around psychedelics lately, and it’s likely that improved research in the coming years will better establish benefits and risks, increasing the chances that the FDA may approve these under strict controls. The VA may begin to gear up for developing specialty sites, and there will be great pressure from Veterans and Congress to make treatment available.
However, there are not enough regular clinicians available in the VA to meet the demand for our existing therapies, much less the pool of professionals trained
to guide patients through the extensive ‘talk therapy’ that will certainly be part of the treatment plan. A concern I have is that, in frustration about availability, too many Veterans may look to unapproved sources for psychedelics and put themselves at risk for bad outcomes.
The search for new and innovative treatments for PTSD will continue; there’s too great a need for effective treatments for too many Veterans suffering who don’t benefit from our current mainstream methods or can’t access care (particularly outside of big cities). There is a delicate balance between the need for scientifically sound validation of new treatments and overly restrictive policies that hinder emerging treatments that are safe but don’t yet have multiple randomized clinical trials completed.
A trend I expect to continue in the coming year is a focus on an individualized ‘package’ of care that emphasizes Veterans’ choices and preferences. None of our available treatments appear to be sufficient as a standalone therapy. For some Veterans, a combination of retraining their breathing patterns, talk therapy, yoga, and a service animal may be the optimal mix. For others, traumafocused substance abuse approaches may be on the front burner, supplemented by medication-assisted treatment or an anti-depressant.
We need more research in this area to better predict the right combination for an individual instead of throwing options against the wall to see what sticks. I predict that developments in artificial intelligence may help us comb through masses of data to optimize the combination of approaches best suited for an individual. Work on sleep quality and our own work on addressing panic symptoms in PTSD may also provide more targeted approaches to alleviating the damage that PTSD does to individual lives.
Dr. Cuyler is chief clinical officer of Freespira, an FDA-cleared nonmedication treatment that helps people with panic and PTSD manage their symptoms by learning how to regulate their breathing.
www.freespira.com
www.freespira.com/veterans
January 2025 Issue
TRANSITION
- USPTO: A Sailor’s Path to Civil Service
- Transition a Foundation for Veteran Success
- What's Next: Remember Who You Are
- HR: Health & Wellness at Work
- Implications for Veterans (What Must Be Done)
- Founder of VetFran, Don Dwyer
- New Beginnings: Agricultural Training
- Veterans & Franchising are a Perfect Fit
- Home-Based Business
- Accelerate Your Success
- Before Starting a Business
- Careers in Law Enforcement
VETERANS IN TRANSITION
For editorial & monthly columns regarding transition, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for military and veteran business owners and more, visit Veterans In Transition. sandiegoveteransmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition
All aboard for innovation: A Sailor’s path to civil service
By Elizabeth Caraway United States Patent and Trademark Office www.uspto.gov/jobs/veteran-hiring-program
Angelica McKinney admits it “might sound cliché,” but she was excited to join the military to see the world. Born and raised in South America, she moved from Cali, Colombia, to Houston, Texas, with her family as a teenager. She was living in Houston when she decided to enlist in the United States Navy, a decision she says led to her “gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world and the people in it.”
A “new chapter”
As much as she enjoyed her military experiences, McKinney separated to spend more time with her husband and to focus on finishing her bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Maryland University College. She and her husband worked on her military transition plan for almost a year. “We were just so excited for that ‘new chapter’ of civilian life,” she explains. She is thankful they spent so much time preparing and offers the following tips to transitioning service members.
Six lessons learned for transitioning service members
1. Take time for reflection. Transitioning from military to civilian life is a big change, and McKinney encourages veterans to consider all aspects of life, from where you’ll live and whether you’ll buy or rent to what jobs you and your spouse will pursue. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you should never just ‘wing it’ when it comes to income and transitioning out of the military. Having as few ‘what-ifs’ as possible is the goal!” she says.
2. Be adaptable. Even with reflection and planning, the process can result in curveballs. When their family’s initial employment and move plan didn’t work out, McKinney says they pivoted. “Talk through all of the things and make decisions as a team.”
3. Don’t wait to get your veteran benefits. Take advantage of the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, which allows you to file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military.
McKinney served in the Navy for six years, first in auxiliary security forces, then as an operations specialist. Based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, she deployed to Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Palau, Guam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“[In the military,] I met people from all over our country and worldwide. Traveling abroad allowed me to experience different cultures firsthand,” she says of her service. “I believe that’s the reason I am more open-minded, tolerant, and accepting of different ways of life.”
4. Start considering jobs/careers early. “Begin now so you can see if you have gaps in either education, certifications, or experience. Figure out the steps to get from A to B and ensure that gaps are closed,” she advises.
5. Consider part-time military service. If you’re leaving active duty, consider continuing service in the National Guard or Reserves.
6. Seek out veteran support groups and organizations. “I missed the camaraderie of the military community; I missed knowing that I had a community to lean on no matter what,” she says. She soon found that sense of belonging in her new role.
From watch shifts to watching innovation
McKinney was first attracted to the patent examiner position at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) due to its benefits—a special salary rate, non-competitive career ladder, flexible schedule, telework options, comprehensive health benefits, and a retirement plan.
She quickly discovered, though, that she found the work exciting and fulfilling. As America’s Innovation Agency, the USPTO is the federal agency responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks, protecting intellectual property and promoting invention and creativity.
“At the USPTO, you see products before they get to market, some of which will later become successful, some not,” she explains. “You constantly see people making attempts to improve existing technology, such as hearing aids, to make things better for people. I am happy to directly contribute to the advancement of innovation.”
McKinney was also able to leverage skills she developed in the Navy in her current role. The need for clarity in military reports is similar, she says, to the need for plain language when writing an office action to notify a patent applicant of their patentability determination. Conducting briefs and debriefs as an operations specialist built her confidence in providing persuasive analysis of technical content and patent regulations to fellow examiners and applicants.
A culture of inclusion
McKinney appreciates the inclusive culture she’s found at the USPTO, participating in multiple voluntary employee organizations like the USPTO Military Association, Caribbean Intellectual Property Association, and Latinos in Trademarks. She is also a board member of the Department of Commerce’s Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
“The USPTO promotes a culture of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. Working in an agency with those values allows me to feel accepted and valued,” she says.
The USPTO values the skills of military veterans. Learn more about the USPTO Veteran Hiring Program or reach out to HireVets@uspto.gov.
Transitions are the Foundation for Veteran Success
By Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman
Every Veterans Day, the outpouring of gratitude to our nation’s Veterans is a heartwarming symbol of the love this country has for those who served. Americans appreciate the sacrifices of our military members and seek tangible ways to give back. Supporting our newest Veterans taking their first steps back into civilian life is a way to do just that.
Transition is Difficult
Many service members join the military directly out of high school. They enter a highly structured culture with clearly defined expectations and a strong sense of purpose and cohesion. Most embrace these values and soon view themselves through a lens of teamwork, discipline, and service. As their time in service comes to a close, they are suddenly forced to start thinking in terms of what is best for themselves and not the team. The organization of military life is replaced by the flexibility of almost infinite choices. They built a foundation of skills and experiences that should serve them well in life after the military, but most have no idea how to leverage this strong base to find success as Veterans.
Unfortunately, planning for life as a Veteran competes with the demands of military service. Training, maintenance, and deployments don’t stop just because a service member is in their final months in uniform. For most, carving out time to prepare for future employment, or file for medical disability, or even locate housing is relegated to after duty hours, if it is addressed at all.
As a result, too many of our newest Veterans begin the next chapter of their lives woefully unprepared. This shortfall is manifested in employment statistics, loss of medical coverage, and the pernicious number of Veterans that lack shelter. It is highlighted by the fact that the first 12 months after military service are when Veterans aged 18-34 are at the greatest risk for suicide, and we are losing them at more than twice the rate of their civilian peers.
For the vast majority, these negative outcomes are not the result of mental health issues or post-traumatic stress.That is a distorted narrative developed over two decades of a nation at war. It is reinforced in movies, television and social media. It is highly effective for fundraising, pulling on the heartstrings of a society that wants to do whatever it can to support those who served. But it does not capture reality.
For most Veterans that struggle after military service, the negative outcomes we see are the result of a poor transition. The inability to find meaningful employment or stable housing, combined with the loss of purpose and identity, start far too many on a self-destructive spiral. These journeys may end with a mental health problem, but they rarely begin there. We can do better and that starts by focusing on military transition.
What Makes a Successful Transition
The components of military transition matter. It is not enough to attend a few mandatory classes or develop a generic resume. It takes time, effort, and the support of local communities to set our newest Veterans up for lasting success.
We must build in time for those leaving the military to think about their future, plan accordingly, and take full advantage of the range of programs and services available to them. Simply understanding that a disability claim should be filed before the last 90 days of service in order to receive benefits immediately after transition is lost on too many veterans. Learning about this in a class that most attend within 90 days of separating from service does them no good.
We must do a better job sharing information about incoming Veterans with the communities they will soon call home. Understanding the needs of incoming Veterans and their families puts destination communities and support organizations on a proactive footing. It is far better to help a new Veteran receive assistance for housing the day they arrive than to find them weeks later homeless or seeking shelter.
Finally, our work has shown that having a mentor to help guide a Veteran on this journey makes a quantifiable positive difference. Simply connecting with a resource that can provide local knowledge about a community, from schools to the job market to housing, takes a level of stress off a transitioning service member and leads to much better outcomes.
What Can I Do?
We must no longer accept a view that Veterans are broken, or that expanded mental health care is the cure for all our problems. Change begins by recognizing the awesome potential in our newest Veterans and
empowering them with the time, tools, and support needed to navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Even a small investment in mentoring a new Veteran arriving in your community makes a huge impact.
*****
Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman serves as the Executive Director of the Onward Ops military transition support program. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, his assignments included Deputy Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division and Commanding General, Train, Advise and Assist Command-South, Kandahar, Afghanistan.
WHAT’S NEXT
Transition to Civilian Life
By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy
What to Remember in your Transition to Civilian
Life
Memory is a funny thing. We tend to remember things we’d like to forget, and we forget those things we thought we’d always remember.
As you transition out, it’s important to remember the accomplishments, experiences and friendships that will help you in this next chapter. When you’re focused on the “what-if’s” of transition, it moves your focus to the future instead of the past. By remembering all you have done in the past, you can be prepared for a new future that is satisfying and rewarding.
RE
mbrace the fear of change.
FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. When you have the natural fears of transition, where is that fear rooted? Not making enough money? Not speaking the right ‘civilian’ language? Not being groomed enough for civilian employment?
Fear not. Write out a list of the raw fears that you are facing in transition. Find a mentor who is experienced in helping those in transition and discuss these. You will be surprised how much ‘False Evidence” you have in your mind that appears real.
Make a plan.
Use this acronym to “REMEMBER” your experiences in a way that sets you up for success in transition.
emember who you are and why you decided to serve.
Your training, your ability to complete a task, to be on time and be a part of a team are all things that will add value to any organization. Remember why you decided to serve. Maybe it was to be a part of something better than yourself, or perhaps to escape from a fear of what you thought you’d be stuck with. Maybe you wanted a way to get an education or see the world.
Whatever the case, you were decisive and did it. You experienced change and can embrace challenges. You became part of something bigger than yourself. Remember that.
Start planning 12-18 months out. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Do your research. Do some soul searching. Where do you want to be location-wise? How important is the salary number? Do you have a certain work culture in mind? Write these down clearly and specifically. Then you have a guide to help narrow your choices to those that fit what you really want.
E
ngage
your network.
After you write out your plan, tell others about it. Want to work for Subaru in Lafayette, Indiana? Jump on LinkedIn and find the head of HR. Ask for an informational interview. See who else knows people who work at Subaru and engage them for ideas of what it’s like to work there and the best way to land a job.
Move.
The paralysis of analysis can be…paralyzing. With so many companies, jobs and choices make it easy to freeze up with indecision. But you have a plan! So, start moving towards what that says. If a choice doesn’t align with your plan, forget it! Keep moving while making decisions that align with what you said you want. That will get you to the job/career you want and love.
B
e accountable.
Transition is not successful if you go it alone. Be accountable to your mentor. If you are struggling with interviews or networking, be honest with yourself and with your mentors and friends.
People love to help but it is often difficult to ask for help. Just ASK. Do what you say you’ll do. Do what they suggest you do.
Elevate your mind.
Look up. Literally. You’ll probably get rejected at some point in the process. Everyone does. Maybe you don’t hear back from a company after a great interview. Don’t assume rejection, but be okay if it is. Keep your head up. Elevate your mind. Follow up if you don’t hear back about a job you want. Remember, you’ve made it through boot camp and far worse. How’d you get through that? Your network, resources, friends, books, and faith will keep you elevated if you allow them to! It’s not trite to say that when one door closes, another one opens. Elevate your mind to really believe that.
Reframe your thoughts.
It’s common to think you don’t have the skills and experience necessary for civilian jobs. That’s not the case. If you think it is, you haven’t reframed your experiences and accomplishments in a relatable way to civilian employers.
Your mentor and network can help you reword your skills and accomplishments in the military into a story that’s incredibly valuable to employers.
Reframe how you see yourself. Ok, so the dress code and language is different in the civilian work world. No problem. Start small. Get used to removing “Yes Ma’am” or “Yes Sir” from your daily lingo. Avoid using acronyms that only the military understands. Start practicing interviews with your peers. Get feedback, and keep reframing until you get comfortable.
Remember, you have what it takes! Remember these tips and put them into practice to help navigate your best path in transition.
www.bandofhands.com
eve@bandofhands.com
www.bandofhands.com
Transition to Business HUMAN RESOURCES
By Paul Falcone www.PaulFalconeHR.com
Health and Wellness at Work. . . A Critical Way to Get 2025 Off on the Right Foot
San Diego Veterans Magazine’s January issue wisely kicks off the new year by focusing on health and wellness. We live in exceptionally stressful times, whether you’re looking at visceral political differences, catastrophic weather patterns, domestic gun violence, global unrest and warfare, or the introduction of generative artificial intelligence and its potential impact on our lives and careers. Further, Gen Y Millennials (the 45-and under crowd) and Gen Z “Zoomers” (the 25-and-under crowd) continue to test out as the loneliest, most isolated, and depressed generational cohorts on the planet—even more so than retirees in retirement homes. Being the first truly digital generation has many benefits, but the social isolation that comes with digital communication is certainly not one of them. The COVID pandemic certainly didn’t help and only exacerbated the problem.
If you’ve ever flown on a commercial airline flight, you’ll be familiar with the pre-flight instructions that in the case of decompression, put your oxygen mask on first before attempting to help others—even your own children. That’s because if you run out of oxygen first, you won’t be able to help anyone else, and you’ll both be at risk. That wisdom applies to the workplace as well. Workers have difficulty checking their frustrations at the front door before they walk into the office or shop floor, and frustrations and incivility may show themselves when people are tense or anxious.
Fears—real, fabricated, or grossly exaggerated—cause angst about the speed and impact of eliminated jobs due to the incorporation of artificial intelligence.
• Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health First
Encouraging health and wellness in the workplace is essential for fostering a productive, happy, and balanced employment experience. Following are some practical guidelines to help you succeed in self-care in the private sector in 2025: Remember that exercise is to the heart what sleep is to the brain. Be sure you’re getting enough sleep in a healthy rhythm to maintain brain health.
Practice “Desk Wellness” by getting up from your desk and stretching or walking to combat prolonged sitting. Too much sitting is “scary unhealthy,” and setting your mobile phone timer to go off at 20- or 30-minute intervals is an incredibly healthy habit to develop, especially if you have a more traditional “desk job.”
Practice work-life-family boundaries, like logging off at designated times and avoiding after-hour emails unless absolutely urgent. Work-from-home policies don’t help in this regard, as employees often have a difficult time applying workplace boundaries when it’s so easy to log in and answer emails.
You are what you eat (and drink): Stack up on nutrientdense snacks (like fruit, nuts, or protein bars) instead of sugary treats. Keep a water bottle nearby to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. And practice healthy ergonomics: make sure your desk, chair, and office tools are set up properly to ensure a healthy posture.
• Support Your Peers with their Physical and Mental Healthcare Needs
If your company has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), remind anyone in need of an EAP’s confidential and free services that mental health resources, addiction or depression specialists, or assistance from attorneys or financial planners are available for free initially and may be eligible for insurance coverage if extended care is needed. Companies pay for EAP services so they can provide a confidential source of support for their workers whose personal challenges might negatively impact their job performance.
(So, it makes sense for the company and for you, as an employee, to take advantage of an EAP’s services.)
If your company offers wellness initiatives like fitness reimbursements, meditation sessions, or stress management workshops, remind your peers to take full advantage of them. Companies cut programs t hat get little employee participation and enhance popular programs
that employees actively engage in, so be sure to enlist the participation of your peers for any programs that you have a particular interest in.
Be proactive with preventative health by reminding your peers to stay on top of annual physicals, vaccinations, and dental visits, and to take sick days when they need them. Reporting to work sick doesn’t do anyone any good, especially with the COVID virus and other illnesses still rampant.
Most importantly, serve as a role model and lead by example. Be the calm in the storm. Help your peers keep a healthy perspective on the changes, disruption, and volatility coming their (and your) way. When employees see you prioritizing wellness—like taking breaks, leaving work on time, or promoting positivity—they’re more likely to follow suit.
Just remember that health and wellness start with you: you’re the first domino. Keep a healthy perspective, remember that we’re all in this together, and be that positive influence on others that helps you stand out among your peers. Remain agile and flexible, teach others what you choose to learn, and pay forward the gift you’ve been given in coming from wisdom about the changing nature of work, employee health and wellness, and self-care.
You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1
Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a management trainer, executive coach, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.
www.harpercollinsleadership.com/catalog/paul-falcone/
Commentary on Bill Gates’ Predictions: The Implications for Veterans and What Must Be Done
By Maurice D. Wilson, President and Executive Director, NVTSI aka REBOOT
Bill Gates’ recent prediction that only three job sectors—energy, biology, and AI system programming—will remain resilient in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements paints a stark picture of the future workforce. As someone deeply invested in the well-being and success of transitioning service members and veterans, I find his insights both alarming and galvanizing. From my perspective, this rapid transformation in the job market poses a critical challenge for our veterans, one that must be addressed immediately if we are to prevent a worsening crisis.
The Current State of Veteran Employment
The state of veteran employment is already precarious. High turnover, widespread underemployment, and the unsettling number of veterans leaving the military without a job create an unstable foundation for this community. Without intervention, these issues will only be exacerbated by the sweeping changes Gates predicts, potentially leading to:
• Unprecedented Unemployment Rates: Veterans who lack the necessary skills for AI-era jobs could struggle to find meaningful employment, compounding existing difficulties.
• Increased Homelessness: Joblessness, combined with financial instability, often leads to housing insecurity.
• Higher Suicide Rates: The psychological toll of unemployment and financial strain can amplify the risk of mental health crises among veterans. These outcomes are unacceptable and demand urgent action.
Preparing Veterans for the Jobs of Tomorrow
At NVTSI, we have long foreseen these challenges and are working to prepare our veterans for the AI-driven future. Our proposed San Diego Veteran Workforce Development Advisory Council represents a critical step toward addressing these issues. By bringing together stakeholders—veteran service organizations, employers, educational institutions, and policymakers—we aim to develop actionable strategies to ensure our veterans are ready for the workforce of the future.
This council will focus on:
Identifying Emerging Opportunities: Aligning veterans’ skills with fields that Gates predicts will remain viable, such as renewable energy, biotech, and AI system programming.
Providing Tailored Training: Developing programs that equip veterans with the technical and digital literacy skills needed to excel in high-demand industries.
Supporting Holistic Transition: Addressing the full spectrum of challenges veterans face, including mental health, housing stability, and financial literacy.
Leveraging Veterans’ Unique Strengths
While the technological landscape may seem daunting, veterans bring unique strengths to the table: discipline, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills. These qualities are invaluable in any workplace, especially in fields that demand innovative thinking and resilience. However, they must be paired with the right technical training to ensure competitiveness in the job market.
Programs like our REBOOT Workshop have already proven effective in preparing veterans for civilian life by teaching career readiness and mental resilience. Yet, the rapid pace of AI advancement necessitates a broader, more focused approach.
What Veterans Can Do Now
For veterans and transitioning service members, the path forward begins with:
Embracing Lifelong Learning: Acquiring new skills in future-proof fields, particularly in energy, biotech, and AI, as Gates emphasized.
Utilizing Support Networks: Engaging with organizations like NVTSI and leveraging resources tailored to veteran career development.
Participating in Workforce Councils: Joining efforts like the San Diego Veteran Workforce Development Advisory Council to stay connected to emerging opportunities and resources.
A Call to Action
The consequences of inaction are too grave to ignore. Without deliberate intervention, the shifting job market could leave countless veterans unprepared, unemployed, and vulnerable. As veterans, we have already served with honor and resilience. Now, we must bring that same determination to the task of navigating and thriving in a new economic reality.
Through strategic collaboration, targeted training programs, and a commitment to innovation, we can ensure that veterans are not left behind. The San Diego Veteran Workforce Development Advisory Council will be a key part of this solution, uniting the resources and expertise needed to empower our community.
The future of work is changing. Together, we must ensure that the veterans who have served our nation are ready to lead in this new era. With urgency, resolve, and vision, we can make this transition not just a challenge but an opportunity for growth and success.
About the Author
Maurice D. Wilson is the President and Executive Director of the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI), where he leads initiatives to empower veterans through career readiness and workforce development. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Call of Duty Endowment and WorkingNation.com and is the First Vice President of the San Diego Veterans Coalition. A former Navy Master Chief, Wilson is committed to ensuring that transitioning service members and veterans are equipped to thrive in civilian life.
Finding a job in the civilian workplace may seem easy at first. After all, you have learned skills, practiced leadership and demonstrated initiative that will make you successful wherever you go.
The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned. We can help.
In our Veterans In Transition archives you will find helpful and informative articles about what’s next in transition, veterans in business, career, advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, veteran franchises, legal tips & resources for veteran businesses and much more...
For assistance in your journey please visit:
www.pitbullsnPearls.com
Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs FRANCHISE DREAMs
By Doug Dwyer doug.dwyer@dreammakerbk.com
Tribute to My Father and Founder of VetFran, Don Dwyer
I wanted to honor my father Don Dwyer, who passed away 30 years ago on December 4th,1994. Not only was Don my earthly father, but he also served in the United States Army and founded an organization called VetFran to support veterans returning from the Gulf War transitioning to the civilian economy.
As I reflect back on my father, he really set an example for my brothers and sisters and me, of work ethic, setting goals, having a positive mental attitude, and to be willing to learn from everyone. In so doing you can develop greater skill levels. He also modeled treating everybody with respect.
I appreciate that my dad loved me in many different ways, even though he could be very tough and demanding. My father (like I’m sure with yours) was not a perfect man. But with that said my father taught us to count our blessings and to make the best of what we have, because life is not going to be perfect.
In the photos you’ll see my father and I together, the signing of VetFran into existence, and a song he wrote about family just a few years before he passed away. I know it’s meaningful to my personal family, but also to the business family we have shared it with over the years.
I share this tribute out of love, admiration, and appreciation for my earthly father. Yet, I am reminded in Ephesians 6:2 - the Lord shares with us to honor your father and mother. This is one way to do that, and the other way is to honor them by living a life of love and excellence that is grounded in God’s truth.
I also want to honor my heavenly father. In Leviticus 19:3 it states, “Each of you must respect your mother and father” and by doing so, you are pleasing God. I thank my heavenly Father for blessing me with my earthly father Don Dwyer!
We celebrate my father’s life, legacy, and support of veterans. God Bless!
Doug Dwyer is the President & CSO of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, a company dedicated to helping its remodeling franchisees achieve Strong Margins and a Quality of Life. doug.dwyer@dreammakerbk.com
The signing of VetFran into existence on 8/14/91
William B. Cherkasky (President), Donald J. Dwyer (Founder-Chairman), Thomas E. Lorentzen (Acting Associate Administrator)
landbasedlearning.org
PERFECT FIT
WHY VETERANS & FRANCHISING ARE A
Veterans emerge from service with strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of teams. Franchisors have long recognized that entrepreneurial veterans are some of the best qualified, motivated and successful prospective franchisees.
Franchises provide training. A franchise business operates on proven systems and defined procedures and has comprehensive training and support built into the franchising process. This means a veteran can enter a completely new field and is more likely to succeed by following the franchisor’s proven business model.
“As a Marine Corps veteran, I know the value of teamwork and dedication. At VetFran, we’re committed to helping fellow veterans turn their skills into successful franchise businesses and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.”
of franchisees in the United States are veterans. 14%
franchise businesses offer discounts to veteran prospects.
Sean Falk
President Careertopia
Former Captain, USMC
VetFran Chair
RISKY BUSINESS
Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips
By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com
Home-Based Business Risks
It is hard to believe that we are now in 2025! A new year is always a good time to start something new and many people might be thinking of starting a homebased business.
It is a great way to make extra money, have more time with family or launch a passion project. Whether it’s just a side-gig or a full-time business, there is risk involved. Here are a few things to remember when it comes to covering your assets and protecting your interests with a home-based business:
• Your homeowners insurance or renters insurance DOES NOT cover your business operations, equipment, inventory or business exposures. Homeowners insurance was never set up to cover business exposures so there are many exclusions in the insurance policies that will limit your coverage.
• If you are marketing your business and services on social media and mistakenly use another person’s picture, trademark or intellectual property, you could be sued and a business policy could provide protection from this. Homeowners will not.
Michael Kidd
• If you are distributing another person’s product or selling their services, you want to make sure you have a solid agreement with that person/company that includes having them add you as Additional Insured to their policy along with Release of Liability/Hold Harmless language. This is very important because even if you have a basic General Liability policy, you may not have
product liability or professional liability coverages and if you are named in a lawsuit, you will want their coverage to provide defense to you.
• If you are shipping product from your home, especially high value product, make sure to insure the shipments separately. This is generally not included in a basic insurance policy and it could get very costly if many units never arrive to the customers or arrive broken and damaged.
• If you are storing inventory at your home, you will want to make sure this is included in your business insurance package. If it gets damaged or stolen, you want to make sure it is covered.
• If you hire others to help you with the business, even family members, make sure to abide by the workers compensation laws of your state. States are cracking down on this and the fines and penalties can be huge. Make sure to check your state guidelines and reach out to an HR professional consultant to help you navigate this.
• If you have others driving their own vehicles to assist you in your business operations, you will want to have hired/non-owned vehicle coverage. If they were to get into an accident while they were driving for business reasons, you and your company could be brought into the lawsuit and this coverage could protect you. This can often be added to a business insurance package (BOP) for minimal cost.
• If you decide to be a part of a non-profit advisory or Board, make sure they have a Directors and Officers policy in place to cover the Board. This is extremely important, especially if you have many assets to protect.
If you do decide to jump into 2025 with a mission to start a new home-based business, just remember to think about the risks and make sure to talk with your insurance broker. I hope it is a success and brings fulfillment and prosperity to you!
Cheers to the New Year!
If you have any Business Insurance questions, please reach out to me. www.hlinwood-insurance.com
BUSINESS FOR VETERANS
By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com
Accelerate Your Success!
Are you ready to start the New Year with new goals? New things require new strategies, new tactics and new plans. We use Goal Setting for various broad areas of our life … why not set a goal to master prospecting, to be a champion Prospector, an expert on the subject, or the World’s Best?
and keep the conversation going. Don't let fear of rejection hold you back from reaching out and building your network.
5. Practice Active Listening: Listening closely to the needs and desires of your prospects allows you to tailor your approach and build trust. When you actively listen, you can uncover valuable insights that will guide your pitch and sales process.
1. Embrace Spaced Repetition: Just like a child learning new words, spaced repetition is vital for mastering prospecting. Regularly reviewing your contact lists, touching base with leads, and repeating your sales pitches or referral requests helps cement these actions in your routine.
2. Use CRM and Database Systems: A well-maintained CRM system will help you track and categorize your leads, reminding you when to follow up and ensuring you never lose track of a valuable connection. Treat your database as a goldmine—manage it well, and it will yield results.
3. Master Your Referral Pitch: Having a well-practiced referral pitch is essential. The more you use it, the more natural and persuasive it becomes. Practice asking for specific leads that align with your ideal client profile to ensure you are targeting the right prospects.
4. Make the Phone Your Ally: Many solopreneurs dread picking up the phone, but this is a vital tool for prospecting. Reach out to your Centers of Influence (COIs) and clients to ask for referrals, express gratitude,
6. Refine Your Sales Process:
Every stage of the sales cycle is an opportunity to fine-tune your approach. Whether it's how you initiate contact or the way you close deals, tweaking your strategy based on feedback and results is crucial for improvement.
7. High-Priority, High-Payoff Activities: Focus on the activities that directly drive business growth. Practice these key skills relentlessly to ensure you're always improving, whether it's asking the right
questions, refining your communication, or following up effectively.
By putting in the time and effort to practice prospecting consistently, you're not just gaining more leads—you’re building a robust system that will continue to bring you opportunities and success. Consider evaluating your prospecting toolbox regularly to ensure you're staying sharp and adapting to changes in the market or your business.
Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Results strategies specialist, within industry and business over the past 40 years. Her unique message, since starting Mind Masters 30 years ago for entrepreneurs and small business owners, continually stresses vision, purpose and values as the key elements of business philosophy. Her undying compassion for the entrepreneur’s journey, her tireless capacity to listen, and her sincere enthusiasm for other’s success have insured her growing influence and her own mastery with MIND MASTERS.
www.mindmasters.com
legal Eagle
Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners
By Kelly Bagla, Esq.
BEFORE STARTING A BUSINESS
Thinking about starting a business? If you are –Brilliant! Congratulations on taking control of your life and being part of the 31.7 million small businesses in the USA. Before jumping in with both feet, it’s important to research your industry, find competitors, understand risk and map out your finances before starting your business.
Starting a business can be stressful, but having the independence of being able to provide for your family is beyond security. Starting a business does come with work, often feeling like there are a thousand things to work on all at the same time. There’s no avoiding this reality for new small business owners, but with planning, it’s possible to manage expectations and take actions with a sense of purpose toward building your business.
Many people who have started businesses usually take these steps:
• DO YOUR RESEARCH.
You should understand the industry you’ll be involved in so you can dominate it. No matter how unique you might think your business idea is, you should be aware of what your competitors are doing. What’s worked for them and what’s not so you can avoid their mistakes.
• DETERMINE YOUR AUDIENCE.
Spend time considering who your target demographic will be. This audience will be the driving force in each decision you make. Understanding who needs your product or service can help fine tune your offerings and ensure your marketing and sales strategies are reaching the right people. Part of this decision us understanding if you are a business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business (B2B) enterprise. Within those parameters are multiple categories, including but certainly not limited to age, gender, income and profession. You cannot earn a profit without your customers, so understand who they are and make them your priority.
• HAVE A STRONG MISSION.
Standing out is no easy task and no one magic formula guarantees results. However, knowing your business’s purpose is central to guiding these decisions. By spending time on what’s important to you, what your business’s strengths will be, what differences you want to bring to your target market, and what purpose will those differences serve, you can create a strong mission statement that will reflect your business beliefs. Staying true to yourself will show your audience that your business will be consistent, and your customers can rely on you for the same professional quality of goods and service. It’s only appropriate to mention that one of my favorite quotes is “Why Blend In When You Were Born To Stand Out.”
• MAP YOUR FINANCES.
Starting a business requires money that you likely won’t have right away. This is why you need to seek out ways to acquire capital. Most entrepreneurs start a business with a very limited amount of capital. However, there are plenty of options available to an inspiring business owner. The first and most common place to seek capital is from friends and family. If that is not enough, expand the search to angel investors and then venture capitalists. Should these options not provide the amount needed, then apply for business loans through banks and small business associations (SBA).
• UNDERSTAND THE RISK.
Of course, there will always be a level of risk involved with launching a new business venture, but calculating, understanding, and planning for risk is an important step to take before you start working on your business. This means assessing your industry’s risks before moving forward with a business plan. Risks can come in many forms, as mentioned, industry risks, financial risks, loss of customer interest, and most importantly, being sued and loosing everything. Planning and preparing as much as you can for business related risks could save your business from going under and save you thousands in hard earned money.
Business plans come in many forms, for example, business plans to raise money, business plans to expand operations, and business plans to start a business. The latter one is the type of business plan you want to start with. Keep in mind a business plan is a live document that will change when your business needs change or expand. It can be tedious drafting a business plan but its essential to keep your business on track. Start the business plan by first outlining the steps you need to take for a successful launch and continued growth. Include the following: your mission statement, a description of your business, a list of your products or services, an analysis of the current market and opportunity, a list of decision makers in the company, along with their bios, and finally your financial plan outlining how and when the money will be used.
Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion. Knowing what you’re getting into is smart business because the responsibility of protecting your family and yourself falls on you.
For more information on how to legally start and grow your business please visit my website at www.BaglaLaw.com
Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well asto 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.
bit.ly/angelcitysports
info@angelcitysports.org
MOWW San Diego Chapter
A strong America dedicated to preserving and advancing American Ideals and Founding Principles.
The Military Order of the World Wars serves our nation and local communities by providing and supporting activities that promote and encourage responsible citizenship, patriotism, youth leadership, military and public service, veteran support, and strong national security.
The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), founded in 1919, is a non-political, patriotic Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
We are a group of patriotic commissioned officers from all uniformed services, our spouses, and descendants. We believe in America and live our motto, “It is nobler to serve than to be served.”. Our tag line is “Serving Youth, Community, and Nation”. We love and continue to serve our nation and all of its peoples. We do this through our outreach programs including Patriotic Education, Veteran Affairs, Scouting, JROTC/ROTC, Public Safety/Law and Order, Homeland Security, and National Security.
“It is nobler to serve than to be served.”
TODAY AT
https://ams.moww.org/fundraising/donation
We have been serving the San Diego area since 1926. Our chapter has sponsored many events that have become constant in community life in San Diego. The San Diego chapter has also been quite active on the MOWW national stage. We are quite proud that the first female MOWW Commander-in-Chief, Capt. Debbie Kash, USAF (Ret), is a member of our chapter. We have also provided MOWW with two other Commanders-in-Chief.
Outreach events and activities
• Annual free Youth Leadership Conferences for high school students. Student teams and Staff interactively explore, learn, and practice leadership, patriotism, American government, American history, and free enterprise.
• Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance. Recognizing our youth, community, and nation through honoring our country, flag, active military and veterans, their families, and community patriotism.
• Wreaths Across America. Honoring our deceased veterans through co-sponsoring an annual patriotic ceremony.
• Recognizing youth leadership and sponsoring JROTC, ROTC, and Scouting events.
• Partnering with many community veteran groups.
For more information please visit our website at: https://moww.org/
Facebook: The Military Order of the World WarsMOWW-San Diego Chapter
Please feel free to contact us:
Debbie Kash debbie.kash@gmail.com Kathleen Winchester kathleen.a.winchester@gmail.com
THE SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION IS A COALITION OF OVER 150 UNIQUE NON-PROFITS, BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES ALL UNITED BY THE GOAL OF SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY IN THE ARMED FORCES, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR CARETAKERS.
SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION
The San Diego Veterans Coalition was organized in 2009 and incorporated as a non-profit on May 24, 2011. Using the Collective Impact Model, SDVC is a premier San Diego County-wide monthly convener of over 150 unique member and participating organizations, businesses, and agencies, as well as convening many of that body in our four action groups, and other activities and events. The Collective Impact Model is based on leveraging relationships with other veteran and family serving organizations so that we may provide veterans and their families with a complete array of services and other opportunities.
Many of the organizations that belong to SDVC specialize in one field (education, housing, employment, healthcare). Knowing what services each other provides, we can offer comprehensive support to our local Veteran community. We are proud to work alongside a wide variety of non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as governmental agencies and individuals. The SDVC is a catalyst that inspires collaboration and cooperation among service partners to deliver premier support for Veterans in the San Diego region and beyond.
SDVC is proud to have partnered with ONWARD OPS, which has partnered with the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and local communities to support service members through the process from military to civilian life by matching them with one-on-one sponsors in their specific community.
ONWARD OPS Sponsors all complete a VA-Certified Sponsor Training Course and the Community Integration Coordinators are all validated as best-in-class, trusted, and capable partners in their local region. Our national network, working with the department of defense, the department of veterans affairs, and the department of labor, brings a team together in one common mission: to securely provide the information and relationships needed to help every transitioning service member successfully make the journey out of the military and into civilian life.
Welcome to the Veterans Association of North County
HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEED US
Here you will find several resources, programs, services and opportunities for Veterans, Service Members and their families. Our goal is to be your one stop shop for all things, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Programs and services vary, and include additional information for each. We have two Veteran Services Representatives (VSR) here at VANC, read all about them below in Addtional Services at: (www.vanc.me/services-programs)
OUR MISSION
VANC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created and operated by Veterans as a one-stop resource center for all active-duty military, Veterans, and their families. We centralize services from diverse agencies to assist with jobs, education, finances, health, and wellness.
OUR VISION
We seek to honor and support those who have served our country, bridging the past, present, and future. VANC is a vibrant gathering place in North San Diego County, where all Veterans, active-duty military, and their loved ones can reach out for help and community. VANC engages and informs local Veterans organizations, service providers, and individuals, helping them work together. VANC seeks to be a model for other organizations that serve the military community.
JOIN US FOR AMAZING UPCOMING EVENTS
There’s always engaging things happening at VANC and with our partners. Check our calendar here for regularly scheduled events, meetings and opportunities here at VANC (www.vanc.me/events#calendar)
WE LOVE OUR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS AND THEY’RE HERE FOR YOU TOO. VANC is open to all military, veterans and friends of the military. If you would like to become a Veterans Association member, Contact Lori at lori@vanc.me to learn more.
Veterans Chamber of Commerce
By Joseph Molina www.vccsd.org
Writing an Effective Personal or Professional Plan for 2025
Setting and achieving meaningful goals can transform your personal, professional and/or business life. An effective goals plan doesn’t just list aspirations; it provides a roadmap with numerical timelines and measurable outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a personal or professional plan that will keep you focused in 2025.
Step 1: Reflect on 2024
Before planning, analyze what worked and what didn’t in the past year. Ask yourself:
• What were my biggest accomplishments in 2024?
• Which areas of my life (e.g., career, health, relationships) need the most attention?
Step 2: Define SMART Goals
Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “Get in shape,” set a SMART goal like, “Lose 10 pounds by June 2025 by exercising three times per week”.
Step 3: Break Down Your Goals into Milestones
Large goals can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, actionable steps with deadlines. For example, if your goal is to launch a business in 2025, milestones could include:
• January: Research and finalize the business idea.
• February-March: Create a business plan.
• April: Register the business and set up operations.
Step 4: Assign Deadlines and Prioritize
Timelines keep you accountable.
Assign deadlines to each milestone and rank your goals in order of importance (1 - 5) Ask:
• What tasks must be completed first?
• Are there resources or people I need to reach out to for help?
• How will I adapt if unforeseen challenges arise?
Step 5: Measure Success
Define how you’ll track progress and measure outcomes. For instance:
• If your goal is career advancement, track job applications, skill certifications, or networking events attended and interviews completed.
• If it’s a personal goal like improving relationships, track quality time spent or specific improvements in communication.
Step 6: Stay Flexible and Review Regularly Life is unpredictable. Regularly assess your plan and adjust as needed. Schedule monthly check-ins to review progress and recalibrate if necessary.
Goals Plan Template
Goal Name:
[Focus on Just ONE GOAL - Write a clear, SMART goal.]
Identify your Why?
[Describe how achieving this goal aligns with your values or long-term aspirations.]
Milestones and Deadlines:
1.Milestone 1: [Write the task and completion date.]
2.Milestone 2: [Write the task and completion date.]
3.Milestone 3: [Write the task and completion date.]
Resources Needed:
[List tools, resources, or support systems needed to achieve this goal.]
Potential Challenges and Solutions:
[Identify possible obstacles and how to address them.]
Success Metrics:
[Explain how you’ll measure progress and success.]
Questions to Ask Yourself
1.What inspires me to pursue this goal?
2.How will I celebrate small wins along the way?
3.What mindset or habits do I need to cultivate to succeed?
By following these steps and using the template, you can craft a clear, actionable plan for 2025.
If you encounter any issues and would like our help, just send us an email at: veteransccsd@gmail.com
The National Veterans Chamber will be more than happy to meet with you and provide some guidance. Check us out at: www.vccsd.org (Our Chamber of Commerce Membership is FREE for all Military/Veterans and their extended families)
https://forms.gle/6ZTt4QCK8EVFvkW18
OPPORTUNITIES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
You’ve served your country, now serve your community!
Military and law enforcement have had a longstanding relationship with overlaps in training exercises, equipment, and, most important, personnel.
It is not uncommon for a service member to make the jump from the military to law enforcement as both professions look for the same characteristics; leadership, fidelity, chain of command, and teamwork are all common themes in both professions.
Quite understandably, many American military veterans often gravitate to a career in law enforcement when the time comes to rejoin the civilian workforce.
The two professions have many fundamental similarities; from the uniforms they wear with pride, to the firm command structure they serve under, to great personal risk they endure while protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
VETERANS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
The following agencies are actively hiring & proudly support our veterans, active military and the families that keep together.
From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer
By Holly Shaffner
Changing careers can be exciting, exhilarating, and filled with trepidation. Meet Officer Cindy Ovares who has made the transition numerous times – from active-duty service member, to student, massage therapist, teacher, and now police officer.
The life experience she gained in those previous longterm jobs set her up to be successful today. She is doing what she’s always wanted to do – have a career that is challenging and rewarding.
Cindy was like many seniors in high school as she contemplated what she would do after graduation. When the Navy recruiter called the house looking for her brother, the recruiter instead got an eager, independent 17-year-old woman who wanted to find adventure. Just a few months later, she was off to “see the world” and start her first career.
As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Petty Officer Ovares was a jet engine mechanic. It was a male-dominated job, and she wanted to prove that anything a man could do, she could do better. She attended military schools in Florida and Virginia to learn her trade, and was later stationed in Lemoore, California. She was attached to VFA-22, an F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron, that deployed on ships. After serving four years on active duty, she earned Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and chose to leave the Navy to attend college.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and being a fluent Spanish speaker, she was hired to be a high school Spanish teacher. The job was gratifying; but also, under resourced, understaffed, and had little room to grow professionally. She wanted something new and challenging, was drawn to the community where she grew up, so, in her late 30s she applied to be a police officer.
“Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo.”
- Officer Cindy Ovares
Officer Ovares was accepted to the San Francisco Police Academy and has been an officer for the last three years. She is a foot patrol officer working in the Tenderloin District – a 50-block area that has a storied history, and has been known for homelessness, drugs, and crime.
“Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo,” said Officer Ovares.
For Officer Ovares, the parallels between serving in the military and serving in law enforcement made the transition go smoothly:
• Routine – You know what to expect before your shift begins (what time to report, what uniform to wear, the structure of the day).
• Camaraderie – The bond between fellow officers is like the bond between your fellow military brothers and sisters.
• Variety – Every day is different with different assignments and duties, so the job is never boring.
• Benefits – Include a competitive salary, paid vacation days, floating holidays, and sick days, healthcare, retirement, and special pay for certain assignments and being bilingual.
As a Latina giving back to her community, she admits that the job comes with highs and lows. Officer Ovares recommends a career in law enforcement for those military members looking to make a smooth transition to a new chapter.
To learn more about the San Francisco Police Department, or to connect with recruiter, go to: www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/careers
SDPD Ride Along: A Story of Two Marines
By Amber Robinbson San Diego Veterans Magazine
When I asked to go on a ride along with the San Diego Police Department, making a special request for any veterans-turned-cops, I expected a really serious, possibly dangerous, afternoon of shadowing our city’s toughest crime fighters.
What I got was an afternoon of heartfelt service to our San Diego community, honorable humility and a lot of respect.
When I asked whether former Marine Sergeant Major, Mark Wright, and his partner, former Marine Staff Sergeant, Sean Bunch, had rank or titles he said their titles were just San Diego police officers. They are relatively new partners, but act like they’ve known each other for years, which is usually the case when you get Marines together.
Wright is a newer addition to the force, coming on board two years ago, with Bunch only having two years left.
Currently, these brothers-in-arms spend their days patrolling the entirety of Balboa Park.
Although neither men are taking fire or kicking in the enemy’s door on this beat, like during their time in Iraq or Afghanistan, they still work hard to serve their local community. Service which can range from tracking down criminals to answering questions from lost pedestrians, to giving out stickers to kids and never backing down from a chance to turn on those flashing red and blues just to make one of them smile.
Most of our particular day was cruising around beautiful Balboa Park running car tags to see if they were current, from cars not displaying proper plates and placards to those double parked. Bunch says they often catch parole violators or even stolen cars doing just this. I was struck as I watched both officers go out of their way to look in and around vehicles to find plates or disability placards not displayed correctly so as to avoid issuing superfluous tickets.
“We try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt,” said Wright. “We’re not out to get anybody.”
Although, both officers confirm that enforcing even the most basic of park rules can yield large payoffs. During a recent patrol Bunch spotted an individual smoking in the park, which is illegal. As he circled back round, the individual turned and rapidly tried to walk away, which activated immediate suspicion. He was detained and came back with a warrant for numerous kidnapping and child molestation charges.
Both men say a lot of what they do is talk with museum owners and those living in the neighborhoods surrounding the park about their concerns. A shared concern by all is the park’s homeless population.
Bunch says their posture towards the homeless is mostly that of assistance, adding there are many resources available for those who would take them.
Officer Sean Bunch
Officer Mark Wright
The city spends a lot of money on resources,” said Bunch. “The biggest problem we run into is whether or not the [homeless] people want them, and a lot of them don’t.”
Thus, the men tend to run into the same issues with the same people pretty often. Although frustrating, they have learned that respect goes a long way when challenged with these repeat offenders. Bunch recalls spotting one such offender in the park, who was in violation of his parole and wanted on warrant. He was unable to get to the offender immediately, but still apprehended him with a verbal request. The parolee waited patiently to be hand-cuffed and arrested, simply out of the respect he held for the law man.
“Being respectful of everyone despite their lot in life goes a long way in this job,” said Wright.
Both men say a huge part of their work is being able to connect and communicate with the myriad of people they meet daily.
Bunch says he feels he and Wright are lucky to come to the force later in life, given it means they have a wider frame of reference for those they meet and serve daily. “We deal with people who are going through all kinds of things in life,” said Bunch. “And it’s helpful to be able to say, ‘hey I know what you are going through, I’ve been there.”
As the day progressed, I realized that both gentlemen definitely had a long list of tough and unique life experiences to pull from. Both proudly served the United States Marines for years, traveling to war and all over the world, experiences that yield much wisdom as well as many a story.
Bunch, for instance, did not come to the force straight from the Marines, but from Hollywood. Surprisingly, he is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, working as a military advisor on various productions, like Lonestar 911, and appearing in some as well, such as one of the most recent Men in Black movies.
“I grew up outside of LA,” said Bunch. “So, I’ve always just kind of been around the business and found a place for myself there with all my military experience.”
Bunch hopes to return to work in Hollywood after he leaves the force, bringing with him a new level of experience and respect.
Wright, who retired from the Marines as a Sergeant Major never worked in Hollywood, but he does have plenty of stories about being a proud grandfather, father and new amputee. When I entered the Central Division Station and met him, he said he was just getting back to work after some time off after losing his leg.
Wright remained unscathed during his over-20-years in service, overseas deployments and endless combat train ups. It wasn’t until after service that he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident late one foggy night a little over a year ago. Wright says it had been an eventful second watch and he was leaving the station about 2 AM on his motorcycle when it happened.
“It was only about two minutes from work,” said Wright. “I was coming around a curve and entered into what I thought was fog, and as I’m entering, I see a headlight and side mirror in my lane.”
That headlight and mirror became an entire car that was blocking Wright’s entire side of the road.
“I was a heuy crew chief in the Marines and reverted to my training from that, grabbed my shoulders, braced for impact and went flying like a human lawn dart over my handlebars,” said Wright.
Wright landed in the ditch on the side of the road. He says he realized immediately that he had a back and leg issue. He learned that a bystander had called 911, but he requested they call back and state that the injured motorcycle rider was a policeman with the San Diego Police Department and expedite services. This one request would become pivotal in saving Wright’s life.
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“What I didn’t know at that time was that I had severed two arteries in my leg, and I was bleeding out,” said Wright.
What Wright would learn later is his heel had also been torn off on the wrecked car as he sailed past it into the ditch. After much pain and many surgeries, Wright would finally lose his leg from the knee down. says he doesn’t let it get him down, though. He’s proud to continue to serve as one of our city’s finest.
Both he and Bunch take much pride in their time as Marines and as San Diego Police Officers. Each officer comes from strong military stock, with Wright’s grandfather being a World War II veteran and Prisoner of War and Bunch’s father a decorated veteran of Vietnam.
All in all, this Army vet’s afternoon with two Marines was an impressive one. Both seasoned public servants, these honorable men have discovered you must give respect to get it, that violence is often not the answer and the most important thing to keep in mind along the way, is a good, human dose of empathy.
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Officer Sean Bunch - Amber Robinson (SDVM) - Officer Mark Wright
