San Diego Veterans Magazine October 2022

EDITOR’S

www.San agazine.com

Greetings and a warm welcome to San Diego Veterans Magazine!

Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. The Magazine focuses on San Diego resources, support, community, and inspiration for our veterans and the military families that keep it together.

Our magazine is driven by passion, vision, reflection and the future. The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with our veterans, service members, military families, and civilians.

The magazine is supported by a distinguishing list of San Diego veteran organizations, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more.

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

San Diego Veterans Magazine is a veterans magazine for veterans by veterans.

We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of San Diego Veterans Magazine.

Mike Miller Editor-In-Chief

mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com

mikemiller@HomelandMagazine.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.

Breaking

Stigma:

Military Women’s

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Creating AMOR

Caregiving TLC:

HONOR

future

VETERANS!

National

Honor

USS Midway Continues to Shine on Navy’s 247th Birthday

This October, the United States Navy celebrates its 247th birthday.

America’s naval service was officially established as the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, 1775, when the fledgling Continental Congress approved a resolution to outfit “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruise eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike

stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.”

Congress that day also authorized a second vessel be procured “for the same purposes.” Guarding American commerce and raiding British commerce and supply were the primary duties of the new Continental Navy.

The Navy’s first two ships were the brigs Andrew Doria and Cabot. While neither ship saw the end of the Revolutionary War, they were beginning of what would become, by the closing days of World War II, the most powerful naval force in the world.

Another Navy milestone in the month of October, but this time 168 years later, was the laying of the keel of the USS Midway at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia. Commencing in 1943, the carrier was built in only 17 months, launched in March 1945 and commissioned just six months later.

Constructed with the most modern design innovations possible, the carrier, named for the Battle of Midway, was the largest warship in the world when she joined the fleet a week after the official end of World War II. Weighing more than 45,000 tons and more than three football fields long, she was the first naval warship that was too large to fit through the Panama Canal. Midway was also the first U.S. aircraft carrier to be built with an armored steel flight deck.

Over next five decades, Midway and the more than 200,000 sailors and officers who walked her decks, were Over next five decades, Midway and the more than 200,000 sailors and officers who walked her decks, were at the forefront of the U.S. Navy’s presence around the world serving as a weapon of war, a nuclear deterrent and a humanitarian godsend.

Shortly after being commissioned, Midway became an important testbed for future naval undertakings. During Operation Frostbite in 1946, Midway was the first carrier to steam into the subarctic waters off the coast of northeast Canada to evaluate flight operations in extreme cold conditions.

The following year, Midway was the first naval vessel to launch a ballistic missile at sea as part of Operation Sandy paving the way for the development of today’s guided-missile warships.

In August 1958, Midway received emergency orders to the Taiwan Strait to deter aggression by communist-led Chinese forces who were threating two small islands off the coast of Taiwan. Midway’s presence curtailed a crisis that was bordering on nuclear war.

USS Cabot in 1775

Operation Frostbite in 1946

Over the course of multiple deployments Midway made during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, aircraft from Midway flew tens of thousands of combat missions over Southeast Asia. F-4 Phantoms from the carrier were credited with shooting down the first enemy MiGs of the war in 1965 and the last enemy MiGs in 1973.

Two years after the war, Midway was back off the coast of Vietnam playing a key role in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of South Vietnamese citizens who were under siege when the North Vietnamese army invaded Saigon. Over a 30-hour period in April 1975, more than 3,000 refugees were flown to Midway on the first leg of their journey to freedom and new lives in the United States.

The carrier’s final chapter took place in 1991 when she served as the flagship for all naval aviation forces operating from the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Aircraft from Midway launched the first carrier-based air strikes in Iraq and flew more than 3,300 combat missions during the 43-day campaign without a single casualty.

Decommissioned in 1992, Midway sat silently in the ghost fleet at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Bremerton, Wash. for nearly 12 years while a small group of visionaries toiled to create an aircraft carrier museum in San Diego. In 2004, the breath of life once again filled the decks of Midway as she was towed south to her new home in San Diego Bay. Since opening to the public 18 years ago, more than 17 million guests from the United States and around the world have visited America’s Living Symbol of Freedom.

The theme for this year’s Navy birthday is “On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years.” This premise reflects the naval service’s centuries-long ability to be ready to respond to and effectively deter any threat around the globe. For nearly 50 years, Midway and her crew proudly “stood the watch” in all the world’s oceans as the Navy’s tip of the spear – keeping the peace, saving lives, defending democracy and protecting the American way of 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.

www.vanc.me

Breaking the Stigma: Debunking Myths About Suicide

By Paris Moulden, Wounded Warrior Project

Suicide is seldom a topic people feel comfortable talking about, but it’s important to be able to discuss the subject openly in order to combat stigma and help remove obstacles to getting help.

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is committed to helping warriors find the help and care they need to live successful and fulfilling lives. WWP’s 2021 Annual Warrior Survey showed some disturbing trends when it comes to mental health and suicidal ideation. According to the survey, nearly 1 in 4 warriors served by WWP have had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months. Of warriors who reported having suicidal thoughts, 70% reported having them in the previous two weeks.

Those same warriors also reported the following:

• 21.2% used drugs in the past year for reasons other than medical purposes.

• 39.1% presented moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.

• 76.2% presented post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

• 80.8% reported experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

These are just some of the reasons it is so important to make sure veterans know they are not alone, and care is available.

1. What are some of the risk factors and warning signs that someone is at risk for attempting suicide?

• Risks and warning signs of suicide can be very different for each individual, but some common signs are isolation from friends, family, and activities they used to enjoy.

• Giving away prized possessions.

• Changes in overall demeanor/behavior compared to how they typically are.

• Feelings of being a burden or that they have no purpose.

• Learning that someone has experienced big changes in their life; could be positive (getting promoted, married, having a baby) or negative (losing a job, divorce, death of loved one).

• Other possible warning signs can include having attempted suicide before, a mental health condition, long-term-pain or terminal illness, financial problems, substance use disorder, talking about suicide or making final preparations. For more warning signs, go to https://www.nimh.nih. gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide.

“There are factors that can make an individual more at risk, such as mental health issues, experiencing physical health problems, or recently receiving information that puts their life in a negative light,” Patel said. “But honestly, anybody can be at risk for suicide because there are not always warning signs.”

2. Veterans have higher suicide rates than the general population. What are some of the specific reasons behind this and what can we do to combat it? Some issues that particularly affect veterans:

• Isolation

• Nightmares (sleep problems)

• Flashbacks

• Severe pain

• Financial struggles

• Loss of purpose or feeling as though they are a burden.

• Not asking for help due to stigma. Some of the best ways to combat these issues include:

• Therapy, such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and brief interventions strategies.

• Getting them connected to support groups or something that gives them more meaning.

• Validating feelings and offering support.

“When we think about transitioning [from military to civilian world], it can affect a person’s mood and judgment,” Patel said. “Factors that can affect our mood or judgement could include, looking for a job, not getting or holding a job, or connecting with your family or the people around you. Maybe moving to a new place and being out of a structured environment, and now you have to find where your place is and how that structure looks for you. That can all be overwhelming when it all happens at one time.”

3. Many people, including veterans, worry about seeking mental health care or revealing thoughts of suicide because it could be seen as a weakness. Why is that thinking a myth?

Mental health still has a stigma associated with it. WWP offers many innovative opportunities for warriors to work on their mental health. Asking for help can actually promote feelings of control in an individual’s life and allow them to make healthier choices for themselves moving forward.

WWP Talk program director Sonal Patel, Ph.D., and members of the WWP Talk team helped answer some common questions about suicide to debunk myths.

“It’s important to recognize that an individual can seek help and live a healthy lifestyle, but I believe the stigma around mental health and treatment is still a big factor, especially in the military community,” Patel said. “At Wounded Warrior Project, we are providing services that help our warriors and family support members open up to the idea of seeking help and, in doing so, decreasing that stigma.”

4. Many people feel uncomfortable asking someone if they are thinking about suicide or worried that talking about it will make someone more likely to do it. Why is it important we have this dialogue?

Having this dialogue can be uncomfortable, but it can open up the doors for assistance to work through those difficult times. Having this conversation can also give someone relief and the understanding that they are not alone. More importantly, asking this question could save a life.

“We have to be mindful when an individual is in deep psychological pain, we have to put whatever feelings we have aside and reach out,” Patel said. “We have to listen, provide support, and make sure that we can help in any way possible to get them the support they need.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 (press 1), or texting 838255

Learn more about how WWP helps warriors, family members and caregivers through mental health support programs at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/CombatStigma

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Debunking Myths of Suicide

Myth: Someone who takes their own life is “cowardly,” “selfish,” or “weak.”

Fact: Someone who completes suicide is in psychological pain and is likely thinking suicide is their only solution. In their mind, they have lost all hope for answers that will help them see beyond the current situation. This myth solidifies that there is still stigma around mental health and suicide, and that suicide is not understood by most. Despite someone’s personal views of suicide, it is important that we all recognize the possible warning signs, ask someone if they are thinking of suicide, and get them connected to resources that can help save their life.

Myth: If someone is talking about taking their life, they are just trying to get attention and won’t actually do it.

Fact: If someone is talking about suicide, they are likely asking for support and they have some hope that they can still live. Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and the individual may also be exhibiting behaviors other than talking about suicide. Someone who is actively thinking about suicide may be at a higher risk in carrying out his/her plan. Any time someone is talking about taking their life, it should be taken seriously.

Myth: Suicide or suicidal ideation is caused by mental illness.

Fact: While individuals who struggle with mental illness can experience thoughts or attempts at suicide, it does not necessarily mean that their mental illness caused their suicidal thoughts. Individuals can experience suicidal thoughts by having big life changes (both positive and negative), being isolated and having no support, feeling trapped or stuck, experiencing relationship problems, etc.

Myth: If someone really wants to die, they’ll find a way, and there’s nothing you can do to stop them.

Fact: This can be true in some instances, but most suicides are not sudden or impulsive and there are often many warning signs. If someone has expressed thoughts of suicide or has warning signs, then there is still hope that they can get support and save their life. If there are warning signs, it is important to listen to the individual, ask if they are thinking about suicide, and encourage them to seek support.

Sources: WWP Talk Director Sonal Patel and WWP Talk managers Erika Myers, Nelson Lorenzo, Nicole Saunders, and Reginald Adeogun.

Warrior Care Network® has helped countless veterans take back their lives.

“

THERE WAS A DARK MOMENT WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT TAKING MY OWN LIFE. THE DAY THE PHONE RANG — IT WAS WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT, AND THEY WANTED TO CHECK ON ME TO SEE IF I WAS OKAY.”

In 2004, on only his third day in Afghanistan, Chris suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during Humvee rollover training. But, like many TBIs at the time, it went undiagnosed, and he was sent back to work. A few days later, Chris’ unit lost six soldiers.

After returning home, Chris’ post-traumatic stress disorder sent him into a downward spiral and he contemplated taking his own life.

He believes that Wounded Warrior Project® Warrior Care Network and the more than 170 hours of intensive mental health treatments he received saved his life.

“I am a ten times different person today because of how the program is structured. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t gone.”

You don’t have to go it alone — find the treatments, connection, and support you need to heal at:

www.WarriorCareNetwork.org

— WOUNDED WARRIOR CHRIS HOFF

San Diego Military Women’s Luncheon

By Holly Shaffner

What started as a few military women wanting to get together for lunch in 1989 has evolved into an annual tradition that is now 32 years old! The tradition is actually older than some of the women who attend.

For the first few years, the duties of planning the luncheon revolved around each of the branches taking a turn – USMC, USN, USCG, USA, USAF. The matriarch of the program was WWII Navy Cryptologist Evelyn Coy who served on the planning committee for 28 years and eventually took over as the committee treasurer. Evelyn’s legacy still lives on as the ladies talk about her spunk and spirit as they know she is controlling the planning meetings from heaven.

Today the luncheon is planned by a committee who selects the venue, meal, speaker and the duties are divided to these women who served during the Korea War to the Iraq War. As diverse as the ages are, so are the personalities; but they all have one thing in common…to ensure the luncheon continues.

The cost of tickets has gone up over the years due to increases in venue and food costs. Several members of the committee try to offset some of the costs each year by enlisting community partners to help. For several years, the Foundation for Women Warriors has donated dessert and that helps to support the event. Each year there is a little profit, and the committee chooses what woman veteran cause the proceeds will be donated to.

The luncheon is marketed as the “Kick-off to Veterans Season” and typically 150 women attend from WWII era to today’s active duty. Even the college-aged ROTC all-female color guard has a good time getting to meet those who have come before them.

Saturday, October 29th

In 2021, the luncheon sold out, so planners had to move to a larger venue. This year the luncheon is on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Anchors Catering and Conference Center outside Naval Base San Diego. Check-in is at 10:30 a.m. with lunch and program at 11:30 a.m.

The cost is $40 per person and must be purchased in advance by going to: https://32ndMWL.eventbrite.com.

If you cannot make the luncheon and want to sponsor an active duty or veteran woman to attend, there are options for that too. For more information about the luncheon, please email: sdmilitarywomensluncheon@gmail.com

Shared hardship

By Rob Lewis and Mary Dever

W hen Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1918, she took the oath to defend a nation that wouldn’t even allow her to vote. Even with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which finally granted Johnson and all other American women the right to a voice at the ballot box, gaining respect, support and appreciation for their contributions in uniform has been slow.

Since the founding of our nation, women have served and sacrificed—first to establish and then to defend our republic. While this service has evolved from roles as nurses, telephone operators and typists to Army Rangers, special forces operators and fighter pilots, recognition and inclusion— including care for those women who have borne the wounds of battle or otherwise suffered disability as a result of their service—has been a persistent issue.

Delphine Metcalf-Foster, an Army veteran of the Persian Gulf War who went on to become DAV’s first woman national commander in 2017, said that being female in a male-dominated military culture strengthened her character and sharpened her fortitude.

“It wasn’t easy,” she said in her acceptance speech. “But I’d like to believe I came through with the same fighting spirit that my male counterparts had.”

In the years following the first Gulf War, Tammy Duckworth’s generation of women warriors continued to make advancements. She was commissioned in the Army Reserve in 1992 and went on to serve in the Illinois National Guard, where she ultimately became a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. During the Iraq War in 2004, her helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade—the crash resulting in the loss of both of her legs and partial use of one arm.

Such hardship didn’t stop Duckworth from seeing out her military career, and following her retirement as a lieutenant

Over the past century, women veterans have seen their options expand, but have services and respect kept pace?

colonel, she went on to first serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and then to become the first double amputee to serve in the U.S. Senate.

“I’ve never tried to be a trailblazer. I’ve just tried to do my job,” said Duckworth, who was named DAV’s Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year in 2008.

Duckworth said that as women have continued to prove themselves on the battlefield and beyond, their respect and responsibilities have only increased.

“We’ve had multiple female four-star [generals] and flag officers, and I think that’s really fantastic,” she said. “You’re seeing even more and more women lead veterans organizations—especially women who have combat time under their belt.

“I think this is all good. I think greater diversity at every level is good for veterans organizations and good for our military.”

While the population of women in the military has grown and their roles have expanded to include serving in combat operations and experiencing the same war-related injuries suffered by their male peers, women have had to fight for equal access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care services and benefits. Moreover, too many women veterans report they feel as if they don’t belong or that they are not welcome when seeking the care and specialized services they need. More than 60% of women veterans using VA services

have a service-connected condition and are eligible for a lifetime of benefits and care, yet many women who served don’t believe they are eligible for these benefits because of their gender.

“I believe the major challenges facing women veterans today are that we are still not being seen as equal to our male counterparts. We are just as much a veteran as men are, but with some unique issues,” said DAV National Service Officer Naomi Mathis, a disabled Air Force veteran who served in Iraq. “I recently was asked, again, if my husband was my sponsor for my TRICARE health benefit. It’s imperative that we are seen to fight right alongside, shoulder to shoulder, with our male counterparts so people can see that we can bring a different perspective as a woman.”

Recent legislative victories supported by DAV, including the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which included 22 provisions from the Deborah Sampson Act, have started leveling the health care playing field in terms of improving access to care and benefits, increasing VA staff cultural competency, and ending sexual assault and harassment within the VA.

Among many other things, this legislation requires the creation of an Office of Women’s Health within the VA, establishment of a VA policy to end sexual assault and harassment, expansion of treatment and counseling for

Above: Army nurses arrive in Scotland, 1944. (National Archives). Right: Linda Bryant enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in May 1977, 17 months before the WAC was disbanded. Bryant was one of the first women to integrate into previously all-male units. (Photo by Spc. David M. Ryder/U.S. Army)

sexual trauma, improvements to the Women Veterans Call Center, child care and legal support services for certain veterans, studies on infertility services, and prioritized retrofitting of VA medical facilities to accommodate women veteran patients.

“The passage of this comprehensive bill at the end of the 116th Congress reflects the commitment to ensuring we’re continuing to refine and improve care and support services for women veterans,” said National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “It represents years of hard work and advocacy by DAV

members and truly recognizes the service and sacrifice of our nation’s women veterans.”

There is still work to do, but as long as women veterans continue to face challenges wrought by inequality, DAV will be there beside them in the battle for change.

“DAV draws no line at male or female when it comes to the word ‘veteran,’” Mathis said. “We have led the charge, and remain in the forefront, of making sure the country knows that, man or woman, veterans put their lives on the line for our country.” n

www.DAV.org

Left: In 1990, Lt. Cmdr. Darlene Iskra became the first woman assigned to command a U.S. Navy ship—the USS Opportune. (Photo by JO1 Mike O’Shaughnessy/U.S. Navy). Below: From left, Army Capt. Kristen Griest, Army Reserve Maj. Lisa Jaster and Army 1st Lt. Shaye Haver were the first women to gain the coveted Ranger tab. (Paul Abell/AP Images for U.S. Army Reserve)

“I’ve never tried to be a trailblazer

I’ve just tried to do my job.”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, DAV Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year, 2008

Your life is in your hands. Choose to make the most of it by having a no-cost mammogram* performed by qualified medical professionals.

Call 1-800-4-CANCER to schedule your mammogram today.

If you are a woman aged 40-49, speak with your healthcare provider about getting a mammogram. If you are a woman over 50 years of age, get a mammogram every 2 years. *Eligibility criteria may apply.

Empowering Women Veterans in Their Transition to Civilian Workforce Operation Dress Code Returns to San Diego for the 7th year

Women are signing up to serve our country in more significant numbers than ever, representing the fastestgrowing population in both military service and the veteran community. But while they are consistently and impressively breaking down barriers, women warriors still experience unique challenges during military service and into their civilian lives.

To specifically help women warriors navigate the unique challenges of transitioning to the civilian workforce, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), Turn Behavioral Health - Courage to Call, and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) will hold an event at the University of San Diego on Nov. 5 called Operation Dress Code.

For the past six years, this grassroots, multipronged initiative has helped more than 2,000 women in San Diego with their transition from the military to civilian employment. The seventh annual event plans to serve over 400 women this year.

Attendees can look forward to multiple different experiences as part of the event.

Boutique Day

A room at the University of San Diego will transform into a pop-up clothing boutique treating women servicemembers and veterans to a day of personalized shopping and curated career building. This free, one-day event will provide event attendees with the necessary attire to start the next chapter of their professional lives. To complete the look, hair and makeup experts will be on hand to prepare the women for free, professional headshots.

Building Confidence and Careers

Operation Dress Code extends beyond professional attire. It’s a safe space where women warriors can connect with and help each other, while also learning about various career development topics.

Specialists from WWP’s Warriors to Work® program will facilitate workshops about resume writing, career counseling, networking, and more. This support is critical because WWP’s Annual Warrior Survey concludes women warriors experience a higher unemployment rate and lower average salaries than their male counterparts.

In addition, the University of San Diego’s Veterans Legal Clinic will be onsite, providing women veterans with free legal advice and benefits support. Attendees can also learn about their earned federal and state veterans benefits through CalVet.

Female veterans or active-duty servicewomen who would like to attend Operation Dress Code can register at www.operationdresscode.org to reserve a time for their personalized shopping experience and learn more about the event.

Support Needed from the Community

The organizers of Operation Dress Code are asking the community to help stock the boutique by donating new or gently used professional clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and handbags. Donations can be dropped off at any of the event’s pink Operation Dress Code bins stationed at businesses and offices throughout San Diego from Oct. 6 – Oct. 21.

For more information on donation locations, registration, volunteer opportunities, and event details, please visit www.operationdresscode.org

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.

OCTOBER 2020

The day the retirement ship came to “all stop”

By Holly Shaffner

All the cancer survivors I have ever talked to know exactly when and where they were when they heard the news. For me, it was June 14, 2010 at 4:45 p.m. in a general surgeon’s office.

The background on getting to that day was surreal. After 23 years of military service, I was six weeks away from retiring. My friends and family had plane tickets and hotel reservations to my retirement ceremony and parties, I had been admitted to San Diego State University for that fall, and I was ready for the next chapter. I was having my retirement physical when the mammogram technician noticed something on my scans that she wanted the radiologist to see. She brought him into the room, he looked at the images and said, “There’s an area that we need to look at with an ultrasound.”

I burst out in tears and told him, “But I’m too young to have breast cancer.” He never said the Big C word, but I knew. I was 41 years old and as it turns out I was not too young. Three days after the biopsy, my suspicions were confirmed when I heard those three life-changing words. That was the day my retirement plans came to a stop and the next chapters in my life were rewritten.

I left the doctor’s office in tears, went to the silence of my car, and called my sister. I told her that this was not a death sentence because I had too much to live for. I vowed to fight so that I could see my niece and nephew grow up, go to college, get married, and have children. They were three and six years old at the time.

The next nine months were filled with surgeries, 16 rounds of chemo, flushing the medicines from my body, genetic testing, and 30 rounds of radiation therapy. I know it sounds like a lot. I got through the journey doing it the only way I knew how…just figuring it out day to day.

I still remember the day when my oncologist told me that the pathology report revealed my cancer was aggressive. She said, “This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint” and told me that I needed chemotherapy. Just like many women, the girl in me asked her if I was going to lose my hair. She was honest and said, “yes.” As it turns out, losing my hair was not so bad – it was temporary, and hopefully that treatment killed all the potential free flowing bad cells so that I live a long life.

Kathy Bruyere volunteering at Miramar National Cemetery Photo by: Nelvin C. Cepeda San Diego Union-Tribune

Never ever did I think I would hear the three words that would forever change my life… “You have cancer.”

After my second round of chemo, my hair started falling out. In true Holly style, I had it all planned out. I had my stylist cut it to a pixie cut so I was “ready”. Well, nothing prepares you when it starts to fall out in clumps in the shower, when it is in your pillow every morning, your shower drain, and all over your counters. I realized then that there was one thing I could control and so I got out my electric razor and shaved as much as I could. Then I got soap, lathered my hands, and got to work shaving my head with a new razor. I figured it was just like shaving your legs, right?

Going through the cancer journey was THE hardest thing I have ever done; but it taught me so many things. I learned that even on your toughest days how important it was to stay positive. From that call to my sister until my “free and clean” scan, I never thought I wouldn’t beat it. I learned that cancer does not discriminate. Cancer doesn’t care if you are old, young, rich, poor, white, black, brown, gay, or straight – it will find you. And I learned how important it was to allow people to help you and to ask for help. I will be forever grateful to my family, friends, and co-workers for being my support network. It was because of them that I could take the time I needed to heal my body.

The most important thing I learned through all of this was the importance of early detection. There is no doubt that I am here today because of that mammogram tech who saw something abnormal on my scan. As it turned out, the tumor was so deep on my chest wall that the ONLY way to find it was through a mammogram.

So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage you to have those mammogram conversations with the special women in your life –your mother, wife, sister, aunt, and best friend. Ask them when they are due for their mammogram and encourage them to go. If they say they are not going because they are afraid, then offer to go with them –it is THAT important.

Since arriving to San Diego, I have become a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and was a peer mentor for newly diagnosed women, national trainer of the mentors, walked in numerous Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, and helped to raise hundreds of dollars for breast cancer research.

For all those years, I looked up to my fellow pink ribbon warriors who made it to 5, 10, 20, 30 years as a survivor. Well, this year I hit a milestone. I am a 10-year cancer survivor and I look forward to the next 50 years! For information about cancer resources, go to: www.cancer.org

Breast Cancer: What You Need To Know

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before she has any symptoms. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Most women who are 50 to 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, or think you may have a higher risk of breast cancer, ask your doctor when to have a screening mammogram.

Some things may increase your risk

The main factors that influence your breast cancer risk are being a woman and getting older. Other risk factors include—

• Changes in breast cancer-related genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2).

• Having your first menstrual period before age 12.

• Never giving birth, or being older when your first child is born.

• Starting menopause after age 55.

• Taking hormones to replace missing estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five years.

• Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

• A personal history of breast cancer, dense breasts, or some other breast problems.

• A family history of breast cancer (parent, sibling, or child).

• Getting radiation therapy to the breast or chest.

• Being overweight, especially after menopause.

For More Information

www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/ • (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

• TTY: (888) 232-6348

Haven’t had a mammogram?

With no-cost mammograms* available at professional, medical facilities, there’s no reason to wait. The sooner you have a mammogram, the greater your chances are of finding cancer in its early stages and making a full recovery. It’s your life. Go live it.

From No Mission to Creating AMOR Umbrella

By Niurka Castaneda & Nefertiti San Miguel

Found myself to be a total hot mess with a thick Cuban accent when I transitioned from the military into the civilian world, forced to learn a new way of living unfamiliar to me, had to snap out of depression and come up with a sustainable plan. After considering my choices, decided to use my education benefits and go back to school. That was a critical moment because it gave me the opportunity to explore the world of business at a deep level and I found a way to apply my many years of experience in the field of logistics.

While attending a supply chain program, at the Miami Dade College, I turned a simple class project into a life-changing enterprise, not only for me, but for many of my peers, because I created AMOR Umbrella, a heart-centered organization dedicated to help women veterans and military families to start new businesses to improve their own economy and the quality of the communities where they live.

When I had to navigate my exit from the army, and decided to establish my own business, I experienced first-hand how the whole thing can get so confusing, challenging, frustrating and wicked expensive! That’s what prompted me to write a business guide, bringing solutions to the people facing similar situations. That same business guide, quickly, evolved into a college course. As you can see, it all comes down to informed decisions, action taking and dedication.

Now, my new mission is to inspire others to be creative and launch their own entrepreneurial ideas. The thrilling part is to facilitate the same resources and strategies that worked for me, so, more of us can become successful in the next chapter of our lives, away from the military. It lights me up bridging the gap between these 2 often divided worlds - military and civilian.

I have found it critical to take full inventory of personal talents and transferable skills along with life experiences and passions. Then, you need to craft a plan on howto provide something of value that might be missing in the market. We all have different gifts; the key is to find out how to put those gifts to service. Don’t be afraid to create your own space in the market and be a pioneer. The world needs more creative minds.

I invite you to become an explorer, explore your own ideas, explore new environments, and explore new possibilities. And make it a point to have fun along the way! Foster your inner child, and play what’s called Imagined Reality, which is a neuroscience mental hack. How would it feel to make those dreams go from fantasy into real experiences?

Changes are the only constant in life, don’t be afraid of them, turn them into something big and flamboyant, be flexible and adjust course as many times as needed.

I encourage you to actively look for ways to grow, whether it is by reading a book, listening to a podcast, or taking a cooking class. The important thing is to engage into something different so you can expand your way of thinking, and expand your current vision of the world. I want for more of us to get past that PTSD we are so famous for and start living our own version of the

niurka@amorumbrella.com

CAREGIVING TLC

By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE www.agingwellpartners.com

The only constant is change

The only thing that remains constant in this life is change. Change is inevitable. Change can be scary. Change can be exciting. Change can cause stress. Change can result in sadness and grief or happiness and pure joy. As human beings, we often brace against and resist change; yet it comes at us continuously.

According to Veteran’s Affairs, approximately 250,000 service members transition back to civilian life each year, after serving in the military. These service members face an enormous change when they transition from military into civilian life; a change that can be extremely difficult, confusing, and a challenge to maneuver.The Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) (www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap) can be pivotal in a soldier’s life during their separation or retirement from the armed forces.

TAP provides resources, information, online education and classes, and tools for those service members transitioning back to civilian life. These services are also extended to a military member’s loved ones to educate them about some of the issues and challenges that may arise. Service members are encouraged to take advantage of all the TAP program has to offer a year before their separation, or two years from retiring, from the military. The VA also extends specific transition assistance for those who have served in the reserves, understanding that these individuals have lived as both a civilian and service member, addressing the unique challenges this type of service presents.

Throughout life, all of us experience numerous changes – some are welcome while many feel like a challenge, a burden or just plain difficult. As we age, we face many changes: changes in our physical appearance and abilities, changes in our mental and emotional state of mind, and changes in our family, friends, and community dynamics. With all these life transitions and changes, we can become overwhelmed and not know which way to turn. This is where a bit of planning ahead can go a long way. Whether we are planning to age in place in our homes or investigate transitioning to an independent/assisted living community, planning today for the steps that will need to be taken can help ease our anxiety and fear of the unknown in the future.

As our aging military veterans start considering “what’s next”, a conversation about the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit may be appropriate. This lesser-known benefit can assist a veteran and his/her spouse with some of the financial aspects of aging and remaining as independent as possible, whether in the home or in an assisted living community.

Just as the TAP program helps military members transition back into civilian life once their military service has ended, engaging in some planning for aging well can help all of us as we transition from one life stage to another.

Plan well to age well.

FREE Consultation

FREE Consultation

Call us to get started (619) 7879-1839

Call us to get started (619) 789-1839

www.agingwellpartners.com

PTSD

“I’m happier with myself. Having been in therapy, period, has helped me be in a better place now.”

Real Talk: Mental Health

By D. Christine Winicki, MHA Outreach Coordinator, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Transitions

When John Lennon sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,” he could have been referring to military servicemembers and their families.

Slowly, we added others and went on walks together and gathered for meals.

• Joining a support group. A local church started a group, and these lovely people shared my struggle.

Then came the next transition…homecoming. When my husband came home, tired, and thin, we had to start all over. It took time and 11:00 p.m. arguments about things I don’t remember, but we stuck with it…only to move again.

Military service is a life that changes quickly, often from one transition to another: entering service, deployment, permanent change of station orders, and the BIG one…leaving service, whether it is after four years, 14 years or 30 years.

As a bride of four days, my husband and I arrived in Twentynine Palms, California and moved into our lovely cinder block house at the bottom of a rocky, dusty mountain. The next day, he arrived home from work and announced that “a Middle East country invaded another one.” He was not sure which countries were involved. Two weeks later, our state of newlywed bliss was shattered as I wept and watched him board a bus at 0300, bound for a flight that would take him halfway around the world from me, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was so painful and so frightening. Once I finally stopped crying for a moment, I asked over and over again, “How would I cope?”

At first, I did not cope. I was depressed and dysfunctional, barely making it to work. My skin erupted in acne, and I lost weight. After a few weeks, I realized that I needed to pivot and build a life. But how could I start? Friends, family, and the community offered some answers:

• Volunteering my service. I spent time at the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society. I learned much needed budgeting skills and planned to reduce the debt incurred before I married.

• Meeting other spouses. I made some banana bread and knocked on my neighbor’s door. This bold move allowed me to meet a lifetime friend.

In a few months after coming back, we received orders to South Carolina, all the way on the other side of the country. Here, I found it took nothing short of hard work, perseverance, faith and love…and a wonderful therapist. My husband and I learned the delicate dance of developing our own confidence and independence while at the same time leaning on each other, even as we were far from family and familiar surroundings. The words of the therapist still ring in my ears today, “remember why you love him and why you married him.” With these wise words, we planned our next adventure, and prioritized having fun at the same time with whirlwind visits to the majesty of the Grand Canyon, the surreal sights of Carlsbad Caverns, the cool vibes of Austin, Texas, and iconic food and jazz of New Orleans.

Here is my best advice for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves:

• Use tried and true checklists to keep track of the details. Military One Source provides an excellent set of tools: www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/ moving/pcs-and-military-moves

• Make moving fun. Build adventure into your move and plan to experience the beauty of our world, nation, and nature. Try to take at least a few days to spend time enjoying the trip to a new duty station.

• Be patient and creative. We learned to love picnics on top of moving boxes and the thrill of finding the best taco shop in our new hometown.

The final transition is truly the most difficult – end of active service (EAS) or retirement. By this time, four children’s voices echoed in our halls and financial stressors of home ownership loomed large.

My spouse was the poster child of a “hot mess express” as he juggled the huge job as executive officer for a 1,400-person battalion and tried to find a job outside of the military. Waves of self-doubt, discouragement, anxiety, and fear washed over our home daily. Yes, he found a terrific job that fit his skills perfectly, but the process was extremely rough.

A U.S. Navy spouse wisely shared with me that she recommends attending couples counseling to help the service member manage the fear and for the spouse to learn patience and coping tools. This support helps both to understand the irrational words and uncharacteristic behavior. If the service member is not able to accept counseling, then she encourages spouses to attend counseling to learn self-care techniques and how to coach the service member through this loss of identity and help them to refocus on new opportunities.

I saw another post on Instagram that advises post military members to be bold and to choose the path that brings passion and fulfillment – try something completely new. It is critical for spouses and other supporters to constantly encourage and remind the transitioning member that they are worthy and equal to civilian peers. For example, another peer, who served for 26 years as a Naval Aviator and followed a post-military career path in sports, education, and coaching.

A short stint as an “Ice Technician” driving the Zamboni for a professional hockey team connected him to the San Diego sports industry.

Today, he is the military Community Outreach Manager for the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club.

Transitions are a part of life. Believe it or not, once you develop coping mechanisms like those discussed, you may even start to enjoy them and find something really important: that couples can function as an effective team. Don’t be afraid to try. Start early and develop the habits of finding the “helping people” in your area, sharing your talents in volunteer service and plugging into wellness and emotional support providers. While it takes flexibility and patience, the Beatles remind us, “no matter how you toss the dice, it had to be…so happy together!”

Therapy for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, including National Guard / Reserves. LEARN MORE vvsd.net/cohenclinics

CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.

8885 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 301

San Diego Oceanside

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A Different Lens

Mental Health Monthly

By RanDee McLain, LCSW

Rollercoaster of emotions with military transition

In the US we have military service members moving and PCS’ing every day. I have been the service member that deployed and left my family behind. I have also been the one left behind. I will always say for me personally it was harder as a spouse. In the service there was a lot of unknows, but I knew what the mission was and what was expected of me.

As the spouse left behind, we have to maintain the home, children, work, school and all other daily life activities in addition to the stress of having a loved one away and potential in dangerous situations. Both roles can be challenging, and it is important that we take care of ourselves and understand that it is normal to feel a wide range of emotions during this time.

In true transparency this is something I am struggling with myself. Even as someone who has worked in the military and veteran community for most of my adult life it never gets easier. My other/better half is about to leave for overseas unaccompanied orders. I know all the things people say to do during this time. I have a in-depth understanding of the deployment cycle and the emotions that come with it. I have been here before…… but what is that saying, do as I say not as I do?

It is much easier to coach other families to take care of themselves and normalize the emotions than it is to face them myself.

I would like to share what I have learned from both sides and what steps I am taking now to assist in my own transition.

I have my career and life here …do I go? Do I stay and continue the career path I am currently on? Unlike a deployment, there is no guarantee we will end up here after this move. Again, there are so many unknows that is when the stress and anxiety start to creep in.

Many military couples start to see their service member seem somewhat detached or removed before a big deployment or move. Their focus can shift to what’s

next and preparing for that. This is really a time to communicate and share how you are feeling and how it is impacting you.

A few take aways I have for any type of extended military separation.

Communicate: Communicate with your partner on a regular basis (as able). Sometimes, that is not reality and you are unable to talk for periods of time but do your best to talk, email, text, video chat….whatever means works for you and your family.

Be intentional. I personally do not like talking on the phone. I do it all day for work and it is not my preferred form of communication after hours. I must be very intentional in carving out time and making it a priority to talk/be on the phone during this time to support healthy communication.

Realize you can only control so much and be flexible to changes that may come. As they say….Semper Gumby.

Lastly, as I mention so often. Take care of yourself. Be intentional in self-care and reach out to supports as needed.

WHO WE ARE

Serving since 2003, Operation Gratitude is the largest and most impactful nonprofit in the country for hands-on volunteerism in support of Military, Veterans, and First Responders.

Military, Veterans and First Responders Impacted VOLUNTEERS

OUR MISSION

To forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude and meaningful engagements in communities Nationwide.

WE BELIEVE

Actions speak louder than words

Saying “thank you for your service” is the start of a conversation that leads to a better understanding of service

Hands-on volunteerism, acts of gratitude and meaningful engagements are the best ways to bridge the civilian-service divide

We focus on empathy, resilience, service, and sacrifice rather than sympathy, challenges, needs, and pity

operationgratitude.com

Serving Veterans and their Families!

The San Diego Veterans Coalition was organized in 2009 and using the Collective Impact Model, SDVC is a premier San Diego County-wide monthly convener of over 160 unique member and participating organizations, businesses, and agencies. 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.

The purpose of the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) is to serve the needs of San Diego regional Veterans, their families and significant others. We intend to improve collaboration and coordination among community service providers so that delivery of services is more comprehensive and Veteran Family-centric.

The vision of the SDVC is to honor the nation’s commitment to veterans, their families and significant others by leading collaboration among all potential partners, making the San Diego region a national model for a comprehensive, integrated system of community services.

The SDVC is a catalyst that inspires collaboration and cooperation among service partners to deliver premier support for Veterans in the San Diego region.

At the SDVC we have found that collaboration is the key to addressing the needs of San Diego Veterans, their families and significant others. We have four Action Groups:

• Physical and Emotional Health Action Group (PEH)

• Family Life Action Group (FLAG)

• Veterans: Empowered, Successful, and Thriving Action Group (VEST)

• Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship Action Group (E3)

Through these Action Groups we are identifying gaps and creating measurable outcomes to resolve them. These groups are made up of our members and together we are working to strengthen our community.

www.sdvetscoalition.org

www.sdvetscoalition.org

Transition and Reintegration in San Diego

By Maurice Wilson, MCPO USN (Ret) National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. aka REBOOT/San Diego Veterans Coalition

California is home to over 1.8 million former service members, making it the largest veteran population of any state in the United States, and San Diego County is the second most populous. Each year, approximately 7,000 military veterans will settle in San Diego County as they transition out of the military, joining the 250,000 veterans who currently reside in SD county.

San Diego County has the largest concentration of military personnel in the world with 120,000 active-duty personnel, and almost 250,000 veterans, according to the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers. The majority of our active-duty service members are split roughly evenly between the Navy and the Marine Corps, serving among our eight military bases in the County. The military is directly and indirectly responsible for 340,000 jobs in the County, which makes up almost 10 percent of the total local civilian labor force. Our region’s history is closely linked to the military; however, this connection extends beyond active-duty service, resulting in military personnel and veterans collectively accounting for approximately 35 percent of the entire San Diego County population. The regional economy and community are linked to both the military’s presence and our ever-growing veteran population.

Through government agencies and public and private veteran support organizations, our region’s veterans have a vast range of assistance programs available to them. Many of these services directly address primary barriers to veteran employment, through technical skill development and job placement, and by addressing broader issues of psychological and cultural reintegration into both the work world and private civilian life. Several local organizations assist in housing and resource navigation, education, behavioral health services and specialized counseling.

Nearly eight in 10 service members leave the military without a job, expecting to quickly find meaningful employment that provides adequate remuneration once they leave the military. Nearly a quarter of veterans in San Diego County with jobs are earning at or below the poverty level. Over three-quarters of those veterans without a job are not receiving assistance in finding a job.

There are numerous veteran support groups in SD County and surrounding areas that provide various services to veterans based on their needs. This support includes housing, clothing, financial assistance, mental health counseling, job training and job search assistance. However, these services are not integrated for the veteran customer, and it is difficult to find the help they need when they need it.

Although history shows the reintegration process is often standardized, each veteran and their loved ones face unique challenges and circumstances. They need highly adaptable, customized support in vital reintegration areas, i.e., navigation of VA services, education, employment, physical and emotional wellness, financial literacy, and housing.

In 2018, the US Department of Veterans Affairs issued a report titled - The Military to Civilian Transition: A Review of Historical, Current, and Future TrendsMore than 8,500 veterans, active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members, and military dependents identified their most significant transition challenges:

• Navigating VA programs, benefits, and services - 60%

• Finding a job - 55%

• Adjusting to civilian culture - 41%

• Addressing financial challenges - 40%

• Applying military-learned skills to civilian life - 39%

Meanwhile, other reintegration challenges persist. Homelessness, drug addiction, divorce, incarceration are symptoms of a disjointed support system for transitioning veterans. For a transitioning veteran in a new community, finding support has been a historical problem. Today there are roughly 45,000 nonprofits and numerous federal, state and local government agencies offering support. Navigating through this huge network is both confusing and frustrating.

In its White Paper After the Sea of Goodwill: A Collective Approach to Veteran Reintegration5, published in October 2014, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman’s Office of Reintegration stated:

“Now is the time to create a national structure — characterized by functional cooperation, cross-sector collaboration, and an integrated network — to establish a no-wrong-door capacity that allows our country to reintegrate effectively veterans and their families as a matter of course.”

With this challenge in mind, the on Wednesday 27 September, the County of San Diego Supervisors voted to implement a home-grown reintegration

model called the “Center for Military Veterans Reintegration (CMVR).”Designed to be operated and staffed by the local community, CMVR’s serve as both a physical location and an electronic portal (EcoCenter) with easy access for veterans and their families in the San Diego area. The CMVR’s purpose is to spur public-private partnerships among veteran service organizations while filling the gaps in the reintegration processes to streamline the journey home for veterans and ease the burdens on their families and loved ones.

Developed as a model for H.R. 2326 (now the Mulder Transition Improvement Act of 2021 – named after Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Bill” Mulder), off-base, Community-led Transition Centers, introduced by Congressman Mark Levin [D-CA-49], Chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, which calls for a pilot off-base community-led transition center to ease the transition from military to civilian life. The mission of the CMVR is to create a positive reintegration experience for future, and returning veterans by providing “no wrong door” access to all community resources for a successful transition into civilian life. According to San Diego Veterans Coalition’s (SDVC) President and Navy veteran Ron Stark, “reintegrating veterans into the civilian

system of integrated services ranging from: Engagement, Transition, Workforce Re-Skilling/ Integration, and Community Care Coordination.”

The CMVR will be led by the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) in collaboration with the County of San Diego Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA), coordinating activity between members of a Veterans Community Action Team (VCAT) comprised of SDVC members. The (VCAT) is a cohesive group of nonprofit organizations offering their integrated services in one location. A similar project is taking place in Downey, CA.

It is hoped that the CMVR model will enable collaboratives like the SDVC/OMVA achieve greater efficiencies, better deployment of best practices, to include streamlined access to wrap-around supportive services, following the “no wrong door” approach mentioned above.

For more information about San Diego Centers for Military and Veterans Reintegration, visit the San Diego Veterans Coalition website at www.sdvetscoalition.org or contact me at maurice@sdvetscoalition.org or 619-859-1221

Landing Tech Jobs:

Transitioning Veterans and the Growing Digital Economy

For many Veterans, leaving the service is as life-altering as entering it – and just as disorienting. It’s a seismic shift that leaves them floundering despite their militaryearned competencies. One of the biggest anxiety- and stress-inducing issues? Employment.

Determining a career path is a huge stumbling block for a lot of Veterans, especially those recently mustered out. Many want to try something new, but don’t know where to start. Others struggle with how to best leverage their military skills.

Our suggestion? Look into tech.

“In today’s digital landscape, the range of job opportunities is virtually endless.”

How Veterans fit into today’s digital landscape

By CCS Global Tech

The tech industry is booming – and this isn’t changing any time soon. In fact, studies show that tech is on the rise, which puts technology professionals in high demand across all industries. Coders, data analysts, network administrators, Azure specialists, and more: companies need them, actively look for them, and pay them well.

Veterans are particularly well-positioned to step into tech sector roles. With excellent soft skills in areas such as leadership, communication, focus, and confidence, Veterans are effective team members and problemsolvers who know how to overcome obstacles and can see a project through to the end.

Those Veterans with security clearances and other credentials are uniquely qualified for roles with bigname employers like Microsoft, Google, the DoD, etc., that require high levels of security authorization for employment.

The key is recognizing these skills and qualifications for the job-landing gems they are and capitalizing on them.

What career opportunities are in the tech sector for Vets?

In today’s digital landscape, the range of job opportunities is virtually endless. From writing to code to analyzing data to managing hybrid networks, tech roles are as diverse as the people who fill them. All offer stability, room for growth, and competitive incomes.

Roles that Veterans are particularly well-suited for include:

• Business Analyst

• Project Manager

• IT Security Specialist

• Network Engineers/Administrator

• Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

• Security Engineer

• Software Engineer

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Cybersecurity Program Manager

• Data Security Technologist

• Cloud Security Engineer

• System Administrator

• Scrum Master

• Service Now Specialist

• Program Manager

• Help Desk

Start your career journey off right!

Like any mission, successfully achieving a new career hinges on clarity and structure. There are numerous organizations designed to help Veterans transition successfully into the civilian workforce.

The National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI), www.nvtsi.org founded and led by Maurice Wilson, MCPO, USN. (ret), is one of the most well-known. Its REBOOT program picks up where the military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) leaves off.

A two-week intensive program, REBOOT works with Veterans to relearn, rebuild, and rebrand themselves as civilians. It provides networking opportunities and other career-defining exercises that help Veterans get clear on their future and what they need to do to make their dreams a reality.

Successfully navigating the experience requirement maze

Whether you held a technology position in the military or not, a major hurdle to stepping into the civilian tech sector is bridging the gap between your military experience and the civilian workforce’s reliance on documentation.

Civilian employers look for and make hiring decisions based on diplomas, certifications, licenses, etc. Many qualified and capable Veterans lose out on jobs simply because they don’t have papers verifying their expertise.

Recognizing this gap and including it in your career planning helps mitigate frustration, stress, and confusion.

Again, there are numerous organizations out there who can help you earn the necessary credentials for the tech role(s) you’re interested in. Many of them are schools/education facilities, and you can also learn directly from working tech professionals.

CCS Learning Academy (CCSLA)

www.ccslearningacademy.com is the training division of CCS Global Tech, a full-service tech provider. Designed by tech professions to support upcoming and current technology professionals, CCSLA offers industry-leading courses and credentials in many current technologies and applications, including DoD required certifications.

Their experienced team has been helping Veterans design and execute successful career paths for 20+ years. From newly-transitioned Vets to those looking to change or boost their established career, CCSLA offers insider perspective and know-how not found in conventional learning institutions.

Getting your foot in the tech sector door

Once you’ve got clarity and the right documentation, there’s still the stomach-knotting process of actually finding a job. Do you wade through LinkedIn’s job board? Hire a headhunter?

CCS Global Tech (www.ccsglobaltech.com) offers another option: their Veteran Job Placement Services.

Based in California, the international tech company specializes in business intelligence, data analytics, Azure management services, and cybersecurity training and job placement.

Their Veteran Job Placement Services are designed to leverage the highly-skilled ex-military workforce by placing qualified Veterans on established projects; they work with clients such as Microsoft and Amazon, and they need qualified people to fill open roles. With projects in both the public and private sectors, CCS Global Tech can help Veterans leverage their military skills and get their civilian career off to a strong start.

Conclusion

Your military experience should enhance your future, and the tech sector offers a multitude of opportunities for translating your service into a satisfying career. NVTSI, CCS Learning Academy, and CCS Global Tech are efficient, effective conduits for Vets ready to tap into the tech industry.

www.ccsglobaltech.com

WHAT’S

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Be the Star - Interview like a Boss!

Harrier pilot and 7-year veteran of coordinating the Miramar Air Show for the Marines had the world at his fingertips.

“First, NEVER pay for advice, counsel, or job training. There are groups that will ask for thousands of dollars to help place you and network. I tried it. It was a miserable failure, but I was desperate at the time as I was leaving the military and still didn’t have a job.”

“Second, learn to interview like a boss!”

When you finally get the interview, you have one chance to nail it.

So, how do you interview like a BOSS?

In addition to his military success, he excelled at networking. His boss at Mirimar pushed him to join LinkedIn five years prior to getting out. It started a snowball effect - he quickly had hundreds of contacts and became heavily involved in community relations. It seemed that everyone in San Diego knew Phil Kendro! He was a connector!

He admits “I thought I could succeed in anything, and it got a bit to my head.”

The Counts are In! Drumrollllll….

As the time to transition out got closer, his list of contacts grew exponentially. However, his job offer count didn’t reflect it. He got only ONE job offer, and it wasn’t one on his dream list.

Phil recalls, “It was a true rollercoaster ride with the highest peaks and lowest troughs. I can say that YES, I did generally stay positive as I was surrounded by an amazing network of friends and supporters, but there were many dark days in my household, mostly within myself. After 20+ years of so many mission successes, how could I fail my family in such a fashion?”

His post-military career may have started off without his dream job, but that didn’t stop him. He networked and got that dream job.

We caught back up with him to ask his advice for those in similar situations.

What are two pieces of advice you’d give your fellow transitioning brothers and sisters?

Use the S.T.A.R. Method! This means, when asked a question, frame it like this: Here’s the SITUATION, here’s the TASK I was given, here’s the ACTION I took, and here’s the RESULT of my achievement.

Trained for combat but not trained for an interview, those veterans who are not well practiced in interviewing, fail. The S.T.A.R method to help keep you focused in an interview. This is a tried and true format that helps keep you succinct and focused in your answers.

Often people start to ramble and talk too much if they are nervous or not prepared. Don’t be the interviewee from ‘Talkers Anonymous.’ You won’t get the job.

Just as making a great shot depends on sight picture and trigger control, a great interview depends upon staying focused and purposeful in your execution of your answer.

Let’s put Phil’s interviewing skills to the test!

Phil, “Tell me about a time when you were faced with a challenge and how you overcame it.”

S stands for “Situation”

. “I was an Iraq Invasion Company Commander and a Harrier pilot at time when the Harrier aircraft had severe maintenance issues.”

In one sentence, Phil is setting the stage for his answer before he moves into what he was assigned to do. After setting the stage, he pauses to move into the Task section.

Phil Kendro, AV-8

T stands for “Task”.

“While stationed in Iraq I was given the position of Company Commander for the 2003 Invasion to takeover and rebuild air bases, provide refueling for aviation assets anywhere. I had zero previous experience.”

A stands for Action

“In a very short period of time we rebuilt 3 different airfields, including one the size of Miramar Air Station. We also provided security, food, living quarters, and an airfield to thousands of pilots and aircrew. Our team included military police, engineers, fueling experts, logisticians, motor transport personnel, administrative staff, fire/rescue, expeditionary airfield personnel and an explosive ordnance disposal team.”

This is clear, succinct, and well-framed, leaving no room for confusion.

And now for the moment that the interviewer has been waiting for…

R stands for Results

“With no previous knowledge of the job I was to perform, I rebuilt multiple airfields in a high-risk environment with no casualties, and returned everyone home safely. Our team achieved accolades from all who worked with us. From the lessons that were learned I helped develop the standard operating procedures for future missions. I went from having no knowledge of the unit to which I was assigned to a subject matter expert in rebuilding, maintaining, and multiple airfields throughout southern and central Iraq.”

Great job Phil!

Jim Gruny

Hear this loud and clear - Employers are results driven!

Past performance predicts future behavior. The results you created while you were in the military matter to your potential employer as they are expecting you to do the same for them. How did you increase productivity? How did your leadership result in achieving an outstanding safety record? How did you save time and money for your division? Answer with a clear, well-framed story of how you created RESULTS and offers will be knocking at your door.

Need help with your transition? Have questions? Link up with Eve on Linked In today.

www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

www.bandofhands.com

Transition to Business HUMAN RESOURCES

By Paul Falcone

The Current “State of the State” on Hiring

For those of you looking to transition from the military to the private sector, it’s generally considered an incredibly healthy job market for candidates and a really tough market for employers. You’ve no doubt heard all about the Great Resignation, and candidates are in a healthy place and have reason to be optimistic when the marketplace trends are considered.

• Current and Immediate Needs

There are currently roughly 10.6 million unfilled jobs and 6.3 million unemployed. So even if every unemployed person got a job, there would still be a shortfall of four million openings that need to be filled. That math works to your advantage as a transitioning member of the military service into the private sector.

The Covid pandemic is the main culprit behind today’s imbalance between job openings and available talent. After two-and-a-half years of “treading water” careerwise, many workers wanted to make up for lost time, triggering a scattergram of talent nationwide in pursuit of greater responsibilities, higher titles, and more money. Combine that with workers who opted to no longer work in their current professions because of the sudden realization that life is too short, and you can see why things began to fall apart very quickly once the worst part of Covid began to subside.

• Demographics is Destiny

But there’s a lot more at play than initially meets the eye. Covid may indeed be the trigger to many of the gargantuan changes in the employment marketplace, but broader demographic trends are even more significant.The “Gray Resignation” speaks to people in their late 50s who decided to retire or start their own business before the general retirement age of 65 or 67. Here’s what the demographics look like.

Baby Boomers were born between 1946 (the year after World War II ended) and 1964, when the birth control pill was introduced. Over those 18 years, 77 million babies were born, i.e., 10,000 newborns per day. In 2011, something very critical happened that got barely any press: that first cohort of babies born in 1946 began to retire. Our reality now is that 10,000 workers per day are retiring and exiting the workforce between 2011 and 2029. In other words, we’re only a little over halfway through this massive demographic shift and workplace exit.

When the birth control pill was introduced in 1964, the “Baby Boom” generation was replaced by the “Baby Bust” (i.e., Generation X). Gen X only had 44 million babies, relative to the Baby Boom’s 77 million babies. Starting later this decade, we’re going to feel the massive loss of talent that will plague us for years to come.

• What This Means for You

Don’t let this Covid or general demographics guidance fool you: It will still be challenging to build careers and generate job offers because, no matter how tight the labor market, employers are still the ones with the job offers to give. That being said, you can tune into the tremendous labor shortfalls that exist out there as employers face this current “sansdemic” (meaning “without people”) and strategically place yourself in situations where there’s a greater chance of being discovered.

First, work with private sector recruiters who specialize in military and veteran placements. (The employer pays their fee, not the candidate.) Start with Bradley-Morris (www.bradley-morris.com) or Orion International (www.OrionInternational.com) and look for others. Second, beef up your LinkedIn profile and list your LinkedIn address at the top of your resume. LinkedIn is the first place that employers look, so you might as well get in front of the issue and master your online presentation.

Third, big job boards like Indeed, CareerBuilder, Zip Recruiter, Simply Hired, Monster, and others are having challenges identifying the volume of talent for today’s many employment openings. Companies are therefore turning to new boutique websites for their recruitment outreach efforts, which likewise serve their diversity and inclusion needs. Try accessing some of the following: VeteranJobs.net, DiversityJobs. com, LatinoJobs.org, OverFiftyJobs.com, BlackCareers. org, AsianHires.com, NativeJobs.org, LGBTjobsite.com, and WeHireWomen.com.

Finally, make good use of the resources already in place to support veterans: Feds Hire Vets (www.fedshirevets.gov ), Veterans Opportunity Network (www.Benefits.VA.gov/VOW), and Veterans Employment and Training Service (www.DOL.gov/VETS) are all available to help you.

Another key? Look to see which jobs are most recession-proof and have the highest projection of year-over-year growth for the coming decade. Yes, even that exists! Research the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh. Find the “Occupational Group” that most closely matches your area of interest, select an “Occupation,” and then click on the “Job Outlook 20212031” tab for that particular occupation. There’s even a ”Get Data” spreadsheet that shows “Employment Percentage Change” for each position over the next ten years. In short, you’ve got all the tools you need, plus the right labor market, plus employers’ goodwill to help you in your upcoming or current transition. It will still require a lot of hard work on your part, no doubt, but will be well worth the effort to find not just “a job” but “the right job” and career path.

You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1

Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a leadership consultant, trainer, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.

THE PAUL FALCONE

LEADERSHIP SERIES

WORKPLACE ETHICS EFFECTIVE HIRING NEW MANAGERS LEADERSHIP OFFENSE LEADERSHIP DEFENSE

Successful Transitioning Stories

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

Finding Your Passion

Originally from northern Minnesota, Travis Johnson is a retired Naval Officer, married with two children, and on move #50. His humble beginnings include 36 moves before graduating high school at 17, 12 schools, 6 states, 5 foster homes, surviving 2 murder attempts, and mother with type 1 bipolar disorder.

Travis hosts the top-rated Nonprofit Architect Podcast, hosted the 2021 Veteran Podcast Awards, and is the only professional podcaster with an accredited course available at the university level. Travis holds a Bachelor’s in Science and received a 4.0 for his Master’s in Human Relations.

I enlisted in the Navy in July 2000. I served 11 years maintaining ejection seats, cabin pressurization systems, environmental control systems, and egress systems. I was commissioned in Dec. 2011 and went to flight school. I earned my wings as a Naval Flight Officer in June 2013. I finished my service with nearly 1500 flight hours and saw 12 countries and all 50 states. Ultimately retiring in February 2022 after declining O-4.

How did you prepare for retirement?

I started preparing for retirement a full three years before my planned retirement date. I made sure to have my finances in order; we paid off 100% of our consumer debt. We only have the house payment remaining.

I began with the question, “What does my ideal day look like?” I knew I didn’t want to continue with military service and I was not interested in simply starting my next job. I wanted to do something that gave me flexibility, a solid income, and freedom of location. I didn’t want to be tied to a building that I needed to report to daily.

How did your podcast come about while you were on active duty?

I began as a podcast guest but when I got stationed in Bahrain without my family, I knew I needed something positive that would keep me out of trouble. My friend convinced me to start a podcast. Since I had been helping nonprofits, I began the Nonprofit Architect Podcast dedicated to helping nonprofits design, build, and grow. We quickly shot up to #4 in the US, Top 10 in eight countries, featured in Podcast Magazine in the Top 25 Veteran hosted podcasts, and by Feedspot in the Top 25 Nonprofit Podcasts.

Where did you get the skills to write a book?

I don’t know about the skills to write a book. I did purchase a podcast guide in December of 2020. I was so irritated by the guide I purchased because I felt like I got ripped off. My friends allowed me to whine about it for two days before holding me accountable for my nonsense. They said, “If you want to be an entrepreneur, shouldn’t you write something better and stop whining?” They were right, whining doesn’t get you anywhere.

I set out to write the Ultimate Podcast Guide https://nonprofitarchitect.org/ultimate-podcast-guide/ I wanted to make it readable and actionable. I didn’t stop at the what, I included the how and why for everything listed. I wanted to ensure anyone reading it could implement anything and everything included in my guide and not feel like they needed to spend more to get the answers they needed.

My customers helped me write my book. For every copy that sold I solicited feedback and a review. Every question I was asked turned into a revision of the book. The Ultimate Podcast guide was a huge success and was turned into the Ultimate Podcast Course https://envisageconnect.com/course/ultimate-podcast/

What tips do you have for any veterans wanting to chase a very different passion when out of the military?

Ask yourself, “What skills do I need to be successful? What education do I need? How do I create a network of people that will add value to my life and I can add value to theirs?” The answers to these questions will help guide your next career move. If you start early enough, you can complete most of these things before you retire or leave the military. Make sure your debts are paid off and you have 6-12 months of expenses in the bank. This gives you the freedom and peace of mind to explore what the civilian world has to offer without being under too much pressure.

The structure of the military that served me well for 22 years was removed and I struggled to find my footing until I developed and implemented my own structure. The biggest thing that has helped me has been the company I’ve kept. My inner circle holds me accountable, pushed me to be better, and checks in on me. Every conversation I have with them keeps me motivated, energized, and on track to achieving my dreams and goals.

Keeping mentally fit has been my top priority over the past several decades. I did this by getting quality sleep, surrounding myself and my family with abundant, low-stress people, and taking care of my responsibilities.

Many veterans suffer from PTSD and I’ve had my share of mental health struggles. You must decide to get the help you need, take responsibility for where you are in life, and own your future going forward. The bottom line, if you show up, have a great attitude, and are willing to work, you’ll be successful in whatever you choose to do next.

Connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nonprofitarchitect/ and check out my show the Nonprofit Architect Podcast. https://nonprofitarchitect.org/

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce?

Finding a job in the civilian world 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.

Veterans In Transition is dedicated to you and helping you succeed in your transition.

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transitioning to civilian life, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for military and veteran business owners visit www.tinyurl.com/SDVM-Transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

The Right Stuff

What is it inside of people that makes them willing to risk everything they have to be in business? Is it to join the league of greats like Ford, Carnegie, Hearst, Jobs, Gates or just to have the freedom of being in a business of their own?

Perhaps it is the spirit passed down by parents or grandparents who ran the butcher shops, bakeries and small service businesses from the beginning of time. Some say it is a burning desire that hits like a flash of lightening or an idea that begs to be developed.

At the height of it all, entrepreneurship screams freedom – freedom to direct one’s own life, freedom to earn as much as one can, freedom to set one’s own hours, freedom to be in control.

In the thick of it, entrepreneurship demands risk, it demands new skills, it demands financial liquidity and demands the effective use of time and life. Over the past 30 years, my experience facilitating hundreds of business owners in Mind Masters groups, highlights the struggle they have, wearing all of the “hats” of running a business and still maintaining some balance.

Many things happen when you go into business for yourself. You face tremendous obstacles, significant opportunities for growth and the personal fulfillment of achievement. There are essential factors that come together to make it happen.

You might remember the day you first entered high school; where are your classes, how do you get to your home room? Then you entered your first biology class and realized you found your life direction. Or maybe it was English class, or mathematics, something that pointed you in a direction. As you mastered the science, the language, the equations, you started to feel the sense of having a path to follow that carried you into a career.

Sometimes the sense of direction wasn’t all that obvious, it might have taken a few years in the

military to recognize where you wanted to direct your career. And just like serving in the military, personal achievement in any area of life requires commitment and consistency, and perhaps, as a business owner, it requires it even more.

You must maintain the right mindset and the ACTION that goes with it, to produce the success you want. Your dream may not have included the amount of work necessary to live it. You may not have realized how much on-going learning is required to run a business and sell successfully. Both work and learning take patience while consistently going beyond your limits. The rewards of personal, professional and financial growth far out-weigh the struggles to get there, take time to enjoy the path you have chosen

The Challenge: It is the last quarter, take time to work on yourself and your business, the road ahead will be easier.

Many things happen when you go into business for yourself. You face tremendous obstacles, significant opportunities for growth and the personal fulfillment of achievement.

Entrepreneurship demands risk!

Maintain the right mindset and the ACTION that goes with it, to produce the success you want.

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

Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

3LAWS EVERY ENTREPRENEUR SHOULD KNOW

Most entrepreneurs do not have a team of lawyers to help advise on all business related issues until its too late. Just as entrepreneurs need to know the basics of accounting and marketing, they also need to understand the basics of business law to avoid the potential failure that follows costly litigation.

As a lawyer and an entrepreneur, I have experienced the struggles of business on both sides. Most entrepreneurs do not have legal experience so they end up making big decisions that could lead to big legal ramifications. You do not need to go to law school to be a successful entrepreneur, but you do need to learn the essentials, so you make the right decisions.

Here are three laws every entrepreneur should know:

VICARIOUS LIABILITY

Most business owners understand they are responsible when their employees cause harm to themselves or others while on company property, but the truth is that you can be liable for harm caused by an employee anywhere at any time if that employee caused harm within the course and scope of the employee’s job duties. As an example, if you ask an employee to drop something off at the post office on the way home, and the employee causes an accident en route, even if the employee was driving their own vehicle, you could be liable for damages. This is a common situation, but it is one that could have major consequences for your business.

To avoid finding yourself on the wrong end of a vicarious liability summons, define your employee’s job descriptions clearly and purchase a commercial general liability insurance policy that covers employees at work and in personal vehicles (also known as non-owned auto coverage).

OVERTIME RULES

Most people know that putting in more than 40 hours per week equates to working overtime, but it is important to remember that certain salaried employees are entitled to overtime pay. Some employers attempt to avoid overtime entirely by classifying employees as independent contractors. Not only is this illegal, you are opening yourself up for violations of wage and hour laws. Make sure you classify your employees properly.

If you have non-exempt employees working overtime, including off the clock work, pay them for that time and make sure your payroll administrators are up to date on current wage and hour laws. Although it might feel expensive now, doing so will save avoidable litigation costs down the line.

PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND TRADEMARKS

You might have the perfect product, logo, website photo, and company name, but if any of those constitute someone else’s intellectual property, you will have to pay for using them without permission. Intellectual property law covers patents, which protect inventions; copyrights, which protect artistic creations; and trademarks, which protect brands. Violations for infringing intellectual property rights range from crippling monetary penalties to injunctions, both of which can be fatal to your business.

Before you sell that product, or choose that logo, and use that photo on your website, you should conduct a thorough search to make absolutely sure that you are not infringing upon someone else’s intellectual property. You can and should pay for a license to use a logo or photo or purchase them outright, which would give you the legal rights to use those items without infringing on intellectual property rights.

To run a successful business, you do not need to go to law school, but you do need to be prepared for common legal situations. Extended expensive litigation can drag down even the most promising businesses, therefore, educate yourself on relevant laws to avoid business losses.

As a fellow entrepreneur, I have authored four books that educate and support business owners in starting, running, and growing a business. I’m particularly excited to announce the launch of my new book called Legal Pearls, Pearls of Wisdom for Avoiding Business Litigation, releasing in November 2022. 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 yourself and your family 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 as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice.This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Go Legal Yourself

Know Your Business Legal Lifecycle

2nd Edition NOW AVAILABLE!

Award-winning attorney, Kelly Bagla shows you how to avoid legal pitfalls FROM DAY ONE!

The last thing an entrepreneur wants is to spend valuable time and resources on legal issues, which is why they often drop to the bottom of the pile. But this can be a COSTLY MISTAKE—and Go Legal Yourself is here to make sure it’s one you avoid.

• Gather the right documentation

• Protect your brand

• Avoid expensive legal pitfalls

• Plan and manage growth competatively Rest assured that no nasty legal surprises will stand between you and your success. Get your copy at amazon today!

www.GoLegalYourself.com

Legally Speaking

Military Focused Family Law Facts

By Tana Landau, Esq.

California DivorcesFrequently Asked Questions Answered

Getting a divorce can be an emotionally taxing event, and it can be a daunting process as you navigate the legal system. No matter what period of your life you may find yourself in going through a divorce, most people have the same questions. These are some of the most common questions I see from clients.

What are the Grounds For Getting a Divorce?

California is a “no-fault” divorce state. In a no-fault divorce state, the spouse initiating divorce proceedings does not have to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. Either party can seek a dissolution of marriage on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences.” It is not necessary to prove adultery, abandonment, abuse, or any other wrongdoing. If you are unhappy in your marriage, you may file for divorce even if your spouse wishes to stay married. The marriage can be dissolved even if one party objects to getting divorced.

How Soon Can I Return to the Status of a Single Person?

The soonest your status can be terminated is six months from the date of personal service of the Petition. However, it is likely you will have to seek this relief from the court by either filing a motion or a stipulation if you want your status terminated as soon as possible. This is because most divorces take more than six months to finalize.

How Long Will a Divorce Take?

It depends on your unique situation. Is your case simple or complex? Do you have a lot of assets to divide? Is there real property and businesses involved? Is custody and visitation at issue? Are there child or spousal support issues?

As mentioned above, divorce in San Diego has a mandatory waiting period of at least 6 months. The quickest a divorce can be finalized is 6 months from the time the petition for divorce was finalized if all parties agree on all issues and a marital settlement agreement is completed sooner than later.

However, in a contested divorce or a divorce where spouses do not agree on the settlement in a timely manner, it can take a year or more to be finalized. If you go through mediation or collaboration, it could take less time than going through litigation.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

This is probably the most common divorce question. Again, every case is different. When you first file your initial paperwork to start the divorce process, you’ll need to pay a filing fee unless you apply and qualify for a waiver. The current filing fee for a dissolution petition in California is $435, but that amount is subject to change.

Beyond the filing fee, the cost of divorce will depend on a number of factors. An uncontested divorce is much less expensive than a divorce involving complex assets or a divorce in which children are involved. If you need to hire an attorney (which is advisable) to handle your divorce, the costs will also depend on what your attorney charges per hour and how long it will take to resolve the disputes in your matter. Another key factor is the number of issues that are disputed. Highly contested issues such as custody and visitation, support, or the value of assets can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The main cost drivers are conflicts that must be litigated and issues that require outside experts such as appraisers, business evaluators, or forensic accountants. The more issues you can resolve out of court, the more you can keep costs down. The bottom line is that the actual cost of divorce varies widely.

Who Can File for Divorce in California?

If you want to get a divorce in California, you must meet the state’s residency requirements. You or your spouse must be a California resident for at least six months before filing for divorce and reside for at least three months in the county where the petition is filed. A military spouse can file for divorce where the service member is stationed, or in the state where he or she is a resident.

How is Property Divided in California?

California is a community property state. Community property is all earnings, assets, and debts acquired during the marriage. In a community property state, the spouses are entitled to an equal division of everything acquired during marriage that is not either party’s separate property. Separate property is exempt, such as assets owned prior to the marriage or an inheritance received during the marriage. Some community assets cannot be divided in half (such as a house or a business), in which case one spouse is compensated in other ways to equalize the division of assets.

Defining what is community property and separate property cannot only be complex but greatly contested. In many contested divorces, the categorization of community property or separate property is at issue. In these cases, an expert is often necessary to establish the character of the property.

For more information about choosing an attorney in your military divorce, check out our website: www.frfamilylaw.com or call (858) 720-8250 and ask to speak with military family law attorney Tana Landau

This article is intended only for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal advice.

Separate PropertyCommunity Property

THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE

By: Joseph Molina

National Veterans Chamber of Commerce

veteransccsd@gmail.com

There is no doubt that real estate is one of the most popular and profitable investments that have a great deal of potential for success when done correctly. You don’t need any luck to win money in real estate; there is no magic formula. It’s all about studying a potential investment before making any decisions. Aside from that, you should also understand the short-term and long-term benefits of real estate if you want to succeed.

You Can Generate Passive Income

You can generate nearly tax-free passive income by investing in real estate. Even when you are sleeping, your rental properties will make money for you. Instead of spending all of your time working, you can purchase several rental properties that generate enough income to cover your expenses.

You Can Help Provide a Home for Others

One overlooked benefit of real estate investing, specifically residential real estate, is the pride in helping provide a home for others. Everyone needs a roof over their head, but not everyone has the upfront resources to purchase a home, which makes renting the only other option for them. We often hear about landlords shirking their responsibilities and making living conditions downright nightmarish for their tenants. By investing in residential real estate, not only are you helping house a family, but you’re ensuring that the family is housed in safe, healthy, clean, and fair conditions.

Appreciation Planning in Real Estate

Whether you are already in real estate investment or are just starting, you understand that real estate is not a short-term investment plan. On the contrary, the benefits of investing in real estate include the appreciation of capital assets (a.k.a. land) over time. In other words, your property’s value will be worth way more 30 years from now, hence why investors are in it for the long run.

Long-Term Financial Security

Owning a rental property can afford investors a sense of security because of the property’s appreciation in value over time. This means that your property’s value is most likely going to increase because land and buildings are appreciating assets.

Invest When and Where You Want Investing in real estate is a numbers game. It’s easier to

pick and choose when you have an investing strategy to follow and an end game in mind. While you shouldn’t fall victim to ‘analysis paralysis,’ there’s also no reason to jump at the first deal that comes along. Instead, wait for an opportunity that makes sense, then seize the day by sealing the deal.

Equity Sharing Options

The equity sharing model is an increasingly popular way for investors to reap the rewards of investing even if their time or funds are limited. In such arrangements, new investors can team up with time-strapped investors who like funding smart deals. It may benefit any investor to participate in equity sharing. The ability to find excellent deals is incredibly valuable for those attempting to break into REI. There will always be dealfunders available for those who find deals.

A situation in which two or more investors work together to afford, finance, and purchase an asset may be called equity sharing. Everyone involved in sharing equity has an interest in the property. Family members sometimes use equity sharing to help transition mortgaged homes to the next generation.

Family members sometimes use equity sharing to help transition mortgaged homes to the next generation. Equity sharing may be used to:

• Divide costs of property and improvements

• Divide all profits/losses

• Get people in on the same deal with minimal hassle

• Allow one investor to live in the home (with the goal of paying off the mortgage)

• Develop short or long-term plans for the asset

Nominate a Hero: The National Veterans Chamber Radio Show

• Would you like to Nominate a Hero? Let us know, and we will announce it on the show.

• Would you like to share your story? Then, be our guest on the show - www.vccsd.org/radioshow.html

• If you have any ideas or a project that you would like to develop in collaboration with the National Veterans Chamber, please send your ideas to: veteransccsd@gmail.com

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.

www.rva.gov/police/personnel

The two professions have many fundamental similarities; from the uniforms they wear with pride, to the firm command structure they serve under, to great personal risk they endure while protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

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

As a military service member or veteran making the transition to a new career path, law enforcement can feel like a natural fit.