San Diego Veterans Magazine July 2019 by HOMELAND MAGAZINE

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

SAN DIEGO

Vol. 1 Number 7 • JULY 2019 Issue

MAGAZINE

The Month of Independence San Diego

Veteran of the Month

UCSD - Healthy Eating Beauty & the Beat How Music Unites Us

CYBERATTACKS Our Personal Security

Catalina Island Veterans Finding Friends

San Diego Veterans Organizations A Call For Community

Enlisted To Entrepreneur

LEGAL EAGLE

A Different Lens - TBI

Resources • Support • Transition • Community SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 1

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

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

ARMED SERVICES YMCA SAN DIEGO

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VETERAN OF THE MONTH San Diego - JULY 2019 By Holly Shaffner

Armstrong Pierre-Charles, USMC In the debut of a new piece, San Diego Veterans Magazine will spotlight one standout San Diego County military veteran each month. In the inaugural selection, we selected Armstrong PierreCharles, United States Marine Corps veteran and recent San Diego State University graduate. From Haitian immigrant to USMC Corporal to graduate school student â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hard work and grit makes him successful. This business student graduated from San Diego State University in May and is headed to the IESEG School of Management in Paris, France to work on his postgraduate degree. He now has the formal education for business, but it has always been in his blood. From his humble beginnings in Haiti, Armstrong learned the value of a dollar at an early age. His dad was a businessman and sold rice, oil, charcoal and whatever he could to support his family. The Creole culture is very family-centric and Armstrong has been blessed to have strong family support from his aunts, uncles and cousins. When Armstrong was just nine years old, the island was in a state of chaos. He can remember his classmates being abducted and held for ransom. The Haitian families would sell their homes in an attempt to raise enough money to get their children back and many returned with missing arms and legs. No matter how much the family loved their culture and their extended relatives, Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father knew they had to leave Haiti to seek a better and safer life. Eight family members applied for Visas to America and one day when Armstrong got home from school his father told him that the next day they were leaving. Armstrong packed his belongings into a backpack and flew with his family to Miami to start a new life.

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This new life was not easy. Going to school and having a significant language barrier was hard. Living in Miami was hard. Armstrong, his dad and uncle lived in a one room house similar to what San Diegans call a granny flat. He slept on the floor and on a couch and for the next eight years Armstrong would gain the foundational skills to succeed in the rest of his life. His business experience started in Miami. Money was tight for the family and Armstrong knew that it cost $1 to take the bus to school each way and $2 for food each day. So he found ways to help his father and earn $4 a day to pay his own way. He started by purchasing inexpensive sodas, freezing them and selling them to construction workers. As he earned more money, he bought more sodas and made more profit. He then moved on to sell pens at school and just like his father he wanted to sell items that people needed. While in high school Armstrong excelled in athletics and academics despite his living situation and chores at home to help his father. He was involved in clubs, played basketball and football, was the captain of his high school wrestling team and graduated with a 3.40 GPA and Diploma of Distinction.

One day a USMC recruiter was at his high school and just like many men and women, he wanted to travel the world and earn benefits to go to college. At that time, he didn’t know of any other branch of service so when he turned eighteen, he took an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America” and was off to boot camp at Parris Island. After his USMC training, Armstrong was transferred to Camp Pendleton. As soon as he reported to his unit, he began taking classes at Palomar College. His supervisors recognized his strong work ethic and encouraged him to become a firearms instructor which he eagerly took on. For the next two years, Armstrong took 12-18 semester units while working full-time and was able to maintain a 3.50 GPA. It was this kind of dedication and tenacity that made Armstrong an ideal candidate for the USMC’s Leadership Scholar Program. This program is reserved for the cream of the crop of the Marine Corps to gain admission into the finest universities including Ivy League colleges, private universities and local universities such as SDSU.

Gaining admission to SDSU was a huge accomplishment for this first generation college student given his childhood in Haiti, rising from Miami to the Marine Corps, and now to college. Armstrong was admitted into the business major and focused on the finance emphasis. He graduated in May and as he walked across the stage, he had 18 members of his Haitian family who flew in to cheer him on. His family was incredibly proud of his accomplishment and Armstrong credits his success to the most influential person in his life - his father. He is driven to excel in life and academics so he could show his little sister and five godchildren what they can accomplish too. Armstrong never strays far from his humble beginnings and is ever cognizant of where he came from and where he wants to go. He says that his success is not for him; but for his family, his community and beyond. After Armstrong returns to America with his MBA, he desires to work for a financial firm in San Diego and then wants to start a nonprofit in order to give back to his Haitian community. At 24 years old, Armstrong has the life experience of people twice his age. And for this Marine, his future is bright and the possibilities are endless!

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller mikemiller@sdvetsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Holly Shaffner Honor Flight San Diego

RanDee McLain, LCSW A Different Lens

Vicki Garcia

Enlisted to Entrepreneur

CJ Machado

SD Vets & Homeland Photojournalist

Kelly Bagla, Esq. Legal Eagle

Joe Molina Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Maurice Wilson

Military to Civilian Transition

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.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. When I tell people that we launched a magazine for our San Diego community veterans, the response is “It’s about time”! And I couldn’t agree more! 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 6

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Collaborative Organizations Lori Boody - VANC Eva M. Stimson - Shelter To Soldier DAV • WWP Father Joe’s Village Flying Leathernecks • Give An Hour • UCSD • Courage To Call Operation Homefront • UCSD San Diego Veteran Advocates & Guest Writers 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.

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

858.275-4281 Contact us at: publisher@SDVetsMagazine.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 San Diego - Veteran of the Month 9 Independence Day - History 10 Your Month of Independence 12 Beauty and the Beat - KAABOO 16 Finding Friends with WWP 18 Shelter to Soldier - Petco Invests 20 Freedom - VANC 22 A Different Lens - TBI 27 Helping Hands - DAV 28 Cyberattacks - Personal Security 30 Legal Eagle - Partnerships 32 UCSD - Healthy Eating Research 38 Enlisted to Entrepreneur 40 Reintegration - Transitioning 42 Advantages of Real Estate 54 Commissaries - Save Money 55 Military Spouses - Making Friends 56 Laughing Tank

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 7

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

Independence Day Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as “the Fourth of July”. It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. On July 4th, 1776 the United States laid down its claim to be a free and independent nation by adopting the Declaration of Independence. Today, Independence Day is celebrated and honored in many forms such as fireworks, BBQs and parades. It is an opportunity for Americans to express patriotism and love of country including reflecting on the sacrifices from those in the military.

Independence Day History On June 11th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to formally sever ties with Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, who considered an esteemed writer, was selected to draft the document. After 86 revisions and on July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress signed the final version. The first readings of the document included ringing of bells and band music. The following Fourth of July Congress was adjourned in Philadelphia and everybody celebrated with bells, bonfires and fireworks. Soon these customs spread to other areas within the 13 colonies and new customs began to develop such as picnics, speeches, games, military displays and of course fireworks. These traditions continued for almost a century before Congress finally established Independence Day as a holiday. Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration states, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness….”

Independence Day Facts • The original copy of the Declaration is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and July 4 has been designated a national holiday to commemorate the day the United States • Independence Day 2015 is the 239th Independence Day. • 56 People signed the Declaration of Independence. • John Hancock was the first signer and famously had the largest signature. • In July 1776 there were an estimated 2.5 million people living in the Colonial United States. • Currently there are approximately 316 million Americans. • The Declaration of Independence was revised 86 times. • The first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8, 1776. • Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the Fourth of July, 1826.

Things to do on the Fourth of July • Barbecue with friends and family • Watch a fireworks show • Go to a blockbuster movie release • Have a block party • Light some fireworks (safely & legally of course) • Attend a baseball game • Find water – Boating, beaching and water skiing • Rent a 4th of July themed movie • Find a National Park hosting a July 4th event

Patriotic Things to do on the Fourth of July • Fly the American Flag • Wear Red, White and Blue • Volunteer to help our veterans • Take a trip to a special fort, park or monument near you. • Go to a Fourth of July celebration • Attend a Revolutionary War reenactment • Send Letters, Care Packages, and Other Ways to Support the Military SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 9

Make July Your Month Of Independence By Kevin Dunn

• Have you given this goal your best effort? • If you have – what are the reasons you could not be successful? Is it a lack of resources, knowledge or skill? • How can you learn from where you are and make a plan to acquire what is missing – the resources, knowledge or skills – to allow you to be successful? The great Roman general Marcus Aurelius asked the question a different way: “Does what’s happened keep you from acting with justice, generosity, self-control, sanity, prudence, honesty, humility, straightforwardness?” In other words, does what you perceive as failure change your basic nature as a human being? If not, don’t waste time being held back by the failure. Instead use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Take that learning and growth into the future and continue on to achieve your goals. Declare your independence from fear. Television personality Mike Rowe tells a story when he stood before the camera to begin his first night as a host on the shopping channel QVC. He had a product he knew nothing about, he had no experience in live television, and he knew that QVC was not interested in on-air personalities who could not sell products. In his story, Mike points out a key in declaring your independence from the tyranny of fear: Don’t hide your fear. Acknowledge that you are scared to

In the United Stated we have just finished celebrating the 4th of July. It’s a special time to Americans. Not only are there picnics and parades, there is an understanding that over 200 years ago people got fed up with the way things were and pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to making the changes they saw necessary for long-term success as a nation. July is also halfway through the calendar year, six months away from the hopeful exuberance of New Year’s resolutions. This makes it a perfect opportunity to make July a month to declare your personal independence from the things that are standing in the way of your resolutions and goals. Revisit those grand dreams and declare your independence from the tyranny holding you back – pledging with the same revolutionary fervor as the patriots did to make the changes necessary for your success. Declare your independence from failure. How are you doing on the goals you made at the first of the year? Have you fallen so far behind that you haveshoved them back into a corner, pointedly ignoring them because you feel that you have failed? 10

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The self-made man is a myth. Throughout history, leaders who have been successful have had carefully developed support systems around them. Whether they are formal advisors, technical assistants, or just sounding boards who can help in the development of ideas, a support system is invaluable in helping you reach a goal. Make yourself accountable to those who care about you. It does not have to be a formal accountability framework; something as simple as online social media can be very powerful. When I first started a fitness program, I posted each day’s run to my Facebook account. This was not so much that I wanted to be sure that my friend saw me run, rather, it was my motivation when I did not want to go run. Declare your independence.

Make this July your personal “Independence Month” – a month to recommit to the goals that you want to achieve this year. Adjust where necessary, learn from the attempts of the first half of the year, banish your fear, and re-engage with your support system. yourself and to those around you. In Mike’s case, he started out his segment letting the entire television audience know that it was his first time, he didn’t know anything about what the product did, and then he asked them to get involved and help him out.

You have the second half of the year to make your goals a reality, and the experiences of the first half of the year to get you there.

The audience responded by filling the phone lines to talk about their experience with the products, encouraged by Mike’s willingness to be truthful and authentic with them. Most importantly, they were willing to purchase the products being pitched. What Mike Rowe did was eliminate the best weapon of fear, which is the uncertainty that comes with doing something that you have not done before. By openly acknowledging the fear he made it clear that he was committed to success, and was able to tap into those who were waiting for an opportunity to make that success possible. Declare your independence from going it alone. The story that Mike Rowe tells also shows the futility of trying to go it alone. Many people set goals – whether they are related to education, fitness or career – then attempt to achieve those goals in the absence of any type of support system.

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Beauty and the Beat: How Music Unites Us By Rolando Kahn KAABOO

“Everybody JUMP!” Australian singer Betty Who’s command to the audience echoes through the Summit Music Hall as the beat drops. Hands go up and the crowd immediately begins bouncing up and down as Betty twirls around the stage. I can feel the energy filling the space around me as everyone loses themselves in the sound of “Somebody Loves You”. It’s so moving, and somehow, I manage to hold it together. My friends and I spin, sway and groove our way through the crowd, allowing the music to take us wherever it wants, our smiles widening with every strum of the guitar and each beat of the drum. By the end of the show we’re all exhausted, our voices are gone, but our hearts are soaring with love and good vibes.

No matter what mood we’re in, music has the uncanny ability to amplify how we feel. Whether we want to dance it out, need an extra push to get through the last five minutes of a workout, or if we’re trying to expel a wave of emotion, music makes it easier to let it all out.

One of the best examples of music bringing people together is through festivals. Typically lasting two to three days, these events transform strangers into lifelong friends, and sometimes even lifelong partners. The opportunity to bond with others is increased in this fun and electric environment. Although music festivals are a fun-filled experience, sometimes we simply don’t want to sacrifice comfort for the sake of our favorite band. We may have undying love for the lead singer, but at the same time, we might not be willing to brave the port-a-potty. For those who desire a quality festival experience without the potential pitfalls like the port-a-potty scenario, KAABOO Del Mar is the perfect choice. Located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in gorgeous San Diego, California, KAABOO Del Mar brings together bucket list musical acts, top-notch comedians, culinary masters and exquisite artwork, topped off with some true SoCal class. Because of the diverse (and clean) elements contained within this three-day adventure, there’s a way for everyone to “KAABOO” comfortably. Whether we’re at KAABOO Del Mar, attending another type of festival, or just blasting music in the privacy of our home, music has a deep and valuable impact on us as individuals and as groups of people. It enables us to feel emotion on a deeper level, motivates us in almost any kind of challenge and unites us when we experience it live. Music is so much more than getting the chance to move around to your favorite song. It’s a chance to self-reflect, giving us the opportunity to connect with likeminded people and join a community we might not have otherwise been able to discover.

The beats and lyrics come together to inspire, comfort and even push us past our limit when we think we can’t keep going. The remarkable power music has and the energy it spreads is contagious. On top of its ability to help us internally, music is at its mightiest when bringing us together. As with the Betty Who show and other concerts, there isn’t much else that creates exponentially good energy and a fun environment for people to enjoy than live music. It’s a chance to see your favorite musician and meet other people who enjoy the same tunes - not to mention you get to dance your legs off! No matter what genre of music we all come together to hear, making bonds with people we might not have met outside of the show is part of the fun! Great music is the bonus that comes with making new friends and opening new (figurative) doors. It’s all about human connection and enjoying each other’s energy. 12

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“USAA and KAABOO proudly support our armed forces servicemen and women. As a token of our appreciation, we offer passes at a special discounted rate to all military personnel. Starting July 15, USAA is also offering a special 72 hour pre-sale on single day passes to military members before they are available to the public. Head to kaaboodelmar.com/homeland to grab your passes.”

Joe Kalla

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NEW

MAY 2019

SeaWorld® Salutes the Men, Women and Families of Our Armed Forces. Visit the ITT Ticket Office or WavesofHonor.com for Your Exclusive Offers 14

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY What’s Happening?

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com • Community Events • Press Releases • Entertainment • Post Your Events The best source for breaking and local news, press releases, community events, media, entertainment and more… SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 15

Finding Friends with Wounded Warrior Project Marine Corps veteran Brian Fleming, Jr., works full time and is a busy father, but he makes time for the company of other warriors. “The best thing about participating in Wounded Warrior Project events is that they provide the opportunity for us to get out,” Brian said. “Getting out prevents isolation, pulls us together, and helps us share stories.” Spending time together on beautiful Catalina Island made for a shared adventure for a group of veterans with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). “You don’t get such an opportunity all the time,” Brian said. “There’s nothing like going off to an island. It was uplifting, and even freeing in a sense. You’re not just out of the house – you’re really out.”

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Brian copes with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and shrapnel wounds from combat injuries. His family is a big source of support, and now he adds his veteran family as a source of strength. “We’ve created new friendships through Wounded Warrior Project events,” Brian said. “Some of us were already hanging out together outside of organized events, and when we see each other at veterans’ events, we reminisce about activities we’ve done together and catch up on anything we missed. We find common ground among us and welcome new veterans into the group.”

The environment on the Catalina Island excursion presented opportunities to bond together, from the ferry ride to the island, to snorkeling and sightseeing.

Starting a Business as a Veteran?

“The island provided a close-knit environment that was conducive to holding the group together. Even after a primary event is done and the group goes in separate ways, you always keep running into each other and gravitating back together.” “Catalina Island was a special setting that really encouraged interaction,” Brian added. “This event created a social atmosphere and a bond between the warriors.” The very first thing that kept Brian coming back to WWP events was the warm people who welcomed him. On the Catalina Island adventure, “The level of engagement that Wounded Warrior Project staff had with every individual was remarkable,” Brian recalled. “They looked after everyone and made sure we all felt welcomed.” Now, Brian serves as a Peer Support mentor to fellow warriors. He received training from WWP to help facilitate Peer Support groups and is one of two leaders in the Orange County area. The group meets once per month. “We also meet one-on-one when anyone needs someone to talk to,” Brian said. “I’ve been there, and I’m there for them to sit and have a cup of coffee when they need it.” Peer Support groups help remind warriors they are not alone and that there are people who know what they go through and can help. This can supplement connection events like the Catalina Island adventure. Socializing with other veterans helps warriors connect with the support network they need to overcome the challenges they face. In a WWP survey (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/survey) of the wounded warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (52.6 percent) expressed they talk with fellow veterans to address mental health concerns. To learn more about how WWP connects warriors to build strength through community, visit https://wwp.news/GetConnected. 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: http://newsroom. woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

The transition from military service to civilian life can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to your career. That’s why a growing number of veterans choose to forge their own path and become entrepreneurs after leaving the Armed Forces. While starting a business comes with numerous challenges, former service members do have one distinct advantage: the veteran community. “The strength and power of veteran entrepreneurs comes from other veteran entrepreneurs” Unlike most highly competitive entrepreneurial environments, veteran entrepreneurs share information much more easily. If you or someone you know is a veteran looking to start a business, please feel free to contact Vicki Garcia. Vicki is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 33+ -yearold marketing consulting firm. If you want support for starting up a business, email her at vicki@ veteransinbiz.com. For advice, tips and programs you can read Vicki’s monthly column at SD Vets Magazine or visit www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com and click on the banner:

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 17

Petco Foundation Invests in Shelter to Soldier’s LifeChanging Work Supporting Service Dogs and US Veterans Petco Foundation grant of $30,000 to Shelter to Soldier expands efforts to rescue dogs from shelters and train them to become service dogs for veterans Jaimie McAfee is a Marine Corps veteran originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He served honorably from January 2006 through May 2010. Jaimie began his journey at Marine Corp Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego for recruit training. Upon graduating boot camp, he furthered training at Camp Pendleton, School of Infantry. After completing his basic training, he was transferred to his first duty station at the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego, CA. Jaimie served and deployed with HMM-163 from 2008-2010; he was then attached to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Most recently, Moose (who was partnered with Jaimie) is a pit mix sponsored by the Petco Foundation and adopted by Shelter to Soldier from the San Diego Department of Animal Services Bonita Shelter, graduated with Jaimie at the program’s headquarters on Friday, May 3, 2019. This pair is the first of five upcoming graduations with Petco Foundationsponsored service dogs through Shelter to Soldier’s service dog training program. The grant was made possible through the Petco Foundation’s annual Helping Heroes fundraising campaign. Each October during the campaign, Petco customers are invited to donate online and in Petco stores across the country to support the life-changing work of service, therapy and working animals.

During his military service, the ship Jaimie was aboard was involved in an at-sea collision, resulting in Mr. McAfee suffering a traumatic brain injury. Upon returning from his deployment, he completed his four-year term and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. According to Jaimie, “Looking back on my service, I have nothing but good memories, and a tremendous respect for the brave men and women who supported me.” But Mr. McAfee’s head injury would later be connected to a diagnosis that made it difficult to manage his daily tasks and life in general. That’s when he found relief with the Shelter to Soldier non-profit service organization in San Diego. Jaimie applied and was accepted into the Shelter to Soldier service dog program. His success story is directly attributed to a very generous grant from the Petco Foundation, who sponsored his service dog named “Moose”. Shelter to Soldier was awarded a $30,000 grant investment from the Petco Foundation to support its rescue dog and veteran program that trains service dogs for veterans suffering invisible wounds related to combat experiences. The announcement of the Petco Foundation investment supports training three additional Petco Foundation-sponsored rescue dogs that will be partnered with post-9/11 combat veterans in need this year.

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Peggy Hilliar-Petco Foundation, USMC Veteran Jamie McAfee

Shelter to Soldier is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or other psychological injuries. According to Shelter to Soldier Co Founder and Director of Operations Kyrié Bloem, “Through the Petco Foundation’s life-saving Helping Heroes grant award of $30,000 bestowed upon our organization in October 2018, we adopted three new dogs for our service dog training program.

Cheeto is a 1-year-old Doberman/Rottweiler/Shepherd mix that was adopted from the San Diego Department of Animal Services Carlsbad Shelter. Cheeto is strong and stable, calm and incredibly happy working for his handler. Tumble is a 6-month-old German Shepherd mix Shelter to Soldier adopted from Labs and More Rescue. He is sweet and spunky, full of energy and very quickly channels his enthusiasm toward training with treats and ball time. Lima is a 1-year-old Black Labrador mix that was adopted from the El Cajon Animal Shelter. She is kind and gentle, with a very calm and sweet disposition, but still very much enjoys having a job.

Newest to our program are Cheeto, Tumble and Lima, all lives saved and touched forever directly by the support of this grant. We are tremendously grateful to the Petco Foundation for their continued support. The Petco Foundation has helped inspire hope in all three of these dogs as well as their future veteran-handlers.”

All three dogs are advancing well through the training program and will be matched with a veteran once their initial training is complete. After being matched, they will proceed through 4-6 months of handler training with their veteran prior to graduating as a veteran/service dog pair. About Shelter to Soldier Shelter to Soldier Co Founder, Graham Bloem is the recipient of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award, 10News Leadership Award, CBS8 News Change It Up Award, Honeywell Life Safety Award, and the 2016 Waggy Award. Additionally, Shelter to Soldier is a gold participant of GuideStar and accredited by the Patriot’s Initiative. www.sheltertosoldier.org. To learn more about veteran-support services provided by STS, call (855) 287-8659 for a confidential interview regarding eligibility. About the Petco Foundation At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we’ve invested more than $250 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than six million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

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

Freedom comes at a great price As we approach July 4th, 2019, the 243rd Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, I consider the challenges our forefathers had with deciding to become a sovereign Country. The power of England and the many attachments of history between the colonies and the King made this a debate across this new land. While many people argued for status quo and reconciliation after the brutal attacks of the Boston Massacre and the injustices of the Stamp Act and other taxes on the colonies. The battle of Lexington and Concord would be the shot heard round the world. Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet titled: “Common Sense”, considers the attacks by British soldiers on Boston: It is the good fortune of many to live distant from the scene of present sorrow; the evil is not sufficiently brought to their doors to make them feel the precariousness with which all American property is possessed. But let our imaginations transport us a few moments to Boston; that seat of wretchedness will teach us wisdom, and instruct us for ever to renounce a power in whom we can have no trust. The inhabitants of that unfortunate city who but a few months ago were in ease and affluence, have now no other alternative than to stay and starve, or turn out to beg. Endangered by the fire of their friends if they continue within the city and plundered by the soldiery if they leave it, in their present situation they are prisoners without the hope of redemption, and in a general attack for their relief they would be exposed to the fury of both armies. Men of passive tempers look somewhat lightly over the offences of Great Britain, and, still hoping for the best, are apt to call out, “Come, come, we shall be friends again for all this.”

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But examine the passions and feelings of mankind: bring the doctrine of reconciliation to the touchstone of nature, and then tell me whether you can hereafter love, honour, and faithfully serve the power that hath carried fire and sword into your land? If you cannot do all these, then are you only deceiving yourselves, and by your delay bringing ruin upon posterity. Your future connection with Britain, whom you can neither love nor honour, will be forced and unnatural, and being formed only on the plan of present convenience, will in a little time fall into a relapse more wretched than the first. But if you say, you can still pass the violations over, then I ask, hath your house been burnt? Hath your property been destroyed before your face? Are your wife and children destitute of a bed to lie on, or bread to live on? Have you lost a parent or a child by their hands, and yourself the ruined and wretched survivor? If you have not, then are you not a judge of those who have. But if you have, and can still shake hands with the murderers, then are you unworthy the name of husband, father, friend or lover, and whatever may be your rank or title in life, you have the heart of a coward, and the spirit of a sycophant. -Thomas Paine “Common Sense” This Independence Day is our annual reminder that our freedom comes at a great price and that the patriots that freed these colonies from the British Crown were the first veterans of a brand new nation. If you are a member of the veteran service community, join us on the first Monday of each month at noon for an opportunity to network with others serving our veterans. And when you walk in the door, sign in to our guest book.

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A Different Lens Mental Health Monthly By RanDee McLain, LCSW

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) I was looking forward to this night for weeks. I was going to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants with one of my favorite people. As we drove down to the restaurant, I told him how thankful I was to have this time away from work and just to enjoy his company. As we began walking into the restaurant, I stopped and said I love this restaurant but have never been to this location….it was so beautiful. He chuckled a little and said RanDee we used to live across the street you have been here many times! What how could I forget that? As we sat at the table I noticed him looking at the menu closely…..I joked …do you need glasses? He said…you know we did Lasik at the same time? …haha. Well, no that slipped my mind too.

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My memory isn’t the same as it used to be. I occasionally lose my words. I get migraines much more now than before. All of these are reminders that my TBI is a part of me and will always be. I just find ways to manage. What is TBI? TBI may happen from a blow or jolt to the head or from an object penetrating the brain. When the brain is injured, the person can experience a change in consciousness that can range from becoming disoriented and confused to slipping into a coma.

The person may also have a loss of memory for the time immediately before or after the event that caused the injury. Not all injuries to the head result in a TBI. TBI injuries result in a range of symptoms from mild to severe. The rate of PTSD after brain injury is much higher in veterans than civilians due to their multiple and prolonged exposure to combat. It is estimated that up to 35% of returning veterans with mild brain injury also have PTSD. Range of TBI Symptoms: Symptoms can appear immediately or weeks to months following the injury. Depending upon the severity of the wound, TBI injuries fall into different categories: Most people with mild injuries recover fully, but it can take time. In general, recovery is slower in older persons. People with a previous brain injury may find that it takes longer to recover from their current injury. Some symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI): Is a brief loss of consciousness or disorientation ranging from a few seconds to 30 minutes, or no loss of consciousness. Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (STBI): Possible loss of consciousness for over 30 minutes, or amnesia. • Confusion • Lightheadedness/ Dizziness • Blurred vision or tired eyes • Ringing in the ears • Bad taste in the mouth • Fatigue or lethargy • Change in sleep patterns • Behavioral or mood changes • Trouble with memory, concentration or attention • Headaches that gets worse or do not go away • Repeated vomiting or nausea • Convulsions or seizures • Inability to awaken from sleep • Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes • Slurred speech • Weakness or numbness in the extremities • Loss of coordination • Increased confusion • Restlessness or agitation • Sensitivity to light • Poor Balance • Poor judgment • Impulsive Behavior • Slowed performance • Difficulty putting thoughts into words • Depression/Anxiety • Angry outbursts/ Irritability

What Brain Injury Survivors Need YOU to Know • Please listen to me with patience. • Try not to interrupt. • Allow me to find my words and follow my thoughts. It will help me rebuild my language skills. • Please have patience with my memory. Know that not remembering does not mean that I don’t care. • Please don’t be condescending or talk to me like I am a child. • If I seem “rigid,” needing to do tasks the same way all the time; it is because I am retraining my brain. • If I seem “stuck,” my brain may be stuck in the processing of information. Coaching me, suggesting other options or asking what you can do to help may help me figure it out. Taking over and doing it for me will not be constructive and it will make me feel inadequate. • I work best on my own, one step at a time and at my own pace. • If I repeat actions, like checking to see if the doors are locked or the stove is turned off, it may seem like I have OCD — obsessive-compulsive disorder — but I may not. It may be that I am having trouble registering what I am doing in my brain. Repetitions enhance memory. (It can also be a cue that I need to stop and rest.)

TBI effects day to day living, but with advances in research we are finding more and more ways to live a healthy full life. SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 23

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

Make it easy to keep family and friends informed during a health journey. CaringBridge offers free websites to connect with the people who matter most. Share updates, receive emotional support, coordinate tasks, and even fundraise for medical expenses, all in one place.

Learn more and start a site today. Visit CaringBridge.org/military-service/

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It takes just 3 minutes to set up your personal, private and ad-free site. Start a site today and feel the power of your community. SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 25

LEAVE NO NEIGHBOR BEHIND. For nearly 70 years, Father Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Villages has been taking care of the immediate needs of homeless Veterans, while also helping end their homelessness for good. Call 1-619-HOMELESS or visit NEIGHBOR.ORG to learn more.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

Helping hands VolunteerforVeterans.org connects disabled Marine veteran with help to ‘grow’ farming business By Janice M. Hagar

hen Rick Hayes was deployed as a Marine Corps infantryman, he was troubled by what he saw in combat in Iraq, but also by the impoverished conditions there and in the African country of Djibouti. In particular, he saw the devastating impact of people being cut off from access to food and clean water, and it inspired him to connect with his local food community when he eventually left the military. Now a disabled veteran healing from the wounds of post-tramatic stress disorder, Hayes has become involved with the Veteran to Farmer Training Program at Turner Farm near Cincinnati. Due to spring weather conditions, he found himself in need of help preparing his veteran training garden—and he got the boost he needed thanks to a group of volunteers he connected with through DAV’s VolunteerforVeterans.org initiative. More than 30 volunteers from Cincinnati-based Total Quality Logistics gave a few hours of their time to help Hayes prepare his acre of land for the season.

“The work we did in just three hours would have probably taken me two weeks to do on my own,” said Hayes. “The help today was tremendous, and it helps set me up for a successful growing season.” Meggie Strawser, corporate giving coordinator at Total Quality Logistics, had been searching for ways to help local veterans through Volunteer for Veterans. “We are happy to be out here in the garden today,” said Strawser. “We are so thankful for our military and our veterans, and we’re so excited to help Rick get this work done.” Through Volunteer for Veterans, users like Stawser can identify volunteer opportunities they may never have found elsewhere that are unique and specific to their local communities. “This is a fantastic example of how Volunteer for Veterans works,” said National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst. “It allows volunteers to use whatever skills, talents or abilities they have to fulfill unmet needs.” By continuing to promote and grow Volunteer for Veterans, DAV chapters can use this platform to bring in new volunteers, find assistance for local events and activities, or help connect veterans in need with volunteers who want to help. Visit VolunteerforVeterans.org to sign up. n SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 27

“If your personal information is stolen, the thief can go to the car dealership and open up an auto loan in your name,” he said. “If you aren’t monitoring your credit information you won’t know about that loan. You won’t be paying on that loan – because you don’t know about it – and your credit will be negatively affected. “If you are actively monitoring your credit and identity information, you will be alerted to the new auto loan and be able to report it as fraud.”

Recent cyberattacks targeting military members may lead to theft of personal information Cyberattacks are on the rise. These attacks not only compromise our national security but our personal and financial security as well. Cyberspies from Russia to China to Iran have recently targeted individual active duty and veteran military members, using false personas on social media networks as well as other tactics to obtain sensitive information. Military branches and the Pentagon also have experienced data breaches in the last few years. These events have put military members and veterans especially at risk, said Scott Hermann, IDIQ℠ co-owner and CEO and one of the nation’s leading experts in credit monitoring, identity theft protection, and data breaches. Hermann said military members and recently retired veterans are doubly vulnerable because of the low number of transactions on their accounts, making them attractive to identity thieves. “Thieves tend to target people who don’t make a lot of transactions,” he said. “If you are in the military or just came out of the military, often you haven’t been making a lot of credit or financial transactions. Identity thieves see this as an easy target who typically won’t be monitoring his or her accounts.” Hermann said actively monitoring credit and identity information is important so you can receive alerts for suspicious activity and act quickly before identity thieves can strike.

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Along with attempting to take out loans with stolen personal and financial information, identity thieves can attempt to open new credit cards, clone ATM or debit cards, change a billing address, obtain a new driver’s license or other

forms of ID, and use that false identity when questioned by police.

“It’s important for everyone to have credit monitoring, but especially for someone in the military or a military veteran,” he said. “When an identity theft occurs, it may have a significant negative impact on credit. “Credit monitoring is the most important thing you can do. If you aren’t monitoring, you aren’t paying attention to your personal information.” Hermann said education also is an important part of identity theft protection. He said, along with regularly updating passwords, be aware that methods a thief uses don’t always include hacking. Phishing scams and other tactics are used to gather personal information over the phone, text, and emails. For more information and education on credit monitoring and protection against identity theft, visit identityiq.com. Based in Southern California, IDIQ is recognized as one of the fastest-growing industry leaders in credit and identity theft monitoring and data breach management. IDIQ operates the flagship IdentityIQ℠ brand for active delivery of credit and identity monitoring and protection. IDIQ and its IdentityIQ brand are a proud supporter of active duty and veteran military members and their families. ©2019 IDIQ provider of IdentityIQ

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legal Eagle Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

IMPORTANCE OF A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT As a business attorney, I frequently encounter disputes between business partners, which can be easily avoided. Even the best of friends or close family friends should create and sign a business partnership agreement to avoid miscommunications and legal problems that can arise even when there’s no disagreement. A partnership agreement is a contract between partners that contains terms like the business’s purpose, partner contributions and voting rights. The purpose of a partnership agreement is to protect the partner’s investment in the partnership, clearly define the rights and obligations of the partners, and determine the rules of engagement should a disagreement arise among the partners. A well written partnership agreement should reduce the risk of disputes between the partners. OWNERSHIP A partnership agreement spells out exactly who owns what percentage of the business. A majority partner might take on more of the responsibility in exchange for more of the profits. A majority partner might ask for the opposite scenario, taking less day to day responsibilities in exchange for putting up a bigger investment and taking a larger share of the profits. If the business is sold, a partnership agreement decides who gets what. CONTROL When two partners who each own 50 percent of a company disagree, this can lead to problems that include one partner making decisions without consent of the other. Even when one partner is a majority owner, both partners can make decisions without approval of the other unless a partnership agreement limits that decisionmaking authority. An effective partnership agreement places limits on decisions either party can make or awards control of the business to one of the business to one of the partners. For example, the agreement might contain a clause that neither partner can spend more than a certain amount of money, add or change products or services, relocate the business, sell to a new partner, hire or fire key staff or close the business without the written approval of the other.

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LIABILITY Some partnerships are general partnerships with the partners sharing responsibilities and liabilities. Other agreements are limited partnerships with one or more partners acting as an investor with limited or no activity in the business and little or no liability. A partnership can protect partners who want to share in the profits without becoming actively involved in the operations and opening themselves up to legal problems, such as lawsuits or tax liens. DISSOLUTIONS When on partner wants to end a partnership, it can cause significant hardship on the other. A partnership agreement should lay out how the business can be dissolved or a partnership transferred. Partners often go into business together because they trust one another and enjoy working together. Some put a clause into their contracts that one partner may not sell his or her share to a third party without offering the original remaining partner an opportunity to buy out the other. In other cases, partners might need approval before they can sell to a particular party. Several partnership agreements protect partners in the event of the death of one partner. In many general partnerships, the partnership usually ends with the death of one of the partners. The remaining partners may draw up a new agreement. Some partnership agreements address the rights of heirs, with some agreements allowing the remaining partners to buy the shares of the deceased partner’s interest, rather than allowing a spouse or child to become a partner. Partnership agreements can lay out who owns assets, such as the business name, customer list or other assets if the business is dissolved. You have already put in the hard work to get your business up and running, don’t let a simple and most often costly legal mistake cause you to lose it all. For more information on how to legally protect your business please pick up a copy of my bestselling book: ‘Go Legal Yourself’ on Amazon or visit my website at www.golegalyourself.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.

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A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans Visit SD Vets Today at SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com San Diego Veterans Magazine Your best source for San Diego military, veteran breaking and local news, press releases, community events, media, entertainment and more… SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 31

Finding Help for Binge Eating, Overeating and Weight Loss Kerri Boutelle, Ph.D. Director, Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research, UC San Diego Professor, Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Public Health, and Psychiatry kboutelle@ucsd.edu As a clinical psychologist, I see many patients with overweight or obesity who also struggle with overeating or uncontrolled eating. Many of these patients blame themselves for being unable to successfully lose weight. However, with the emergence of a relatively new diagnosis, Binge Eating Disorder, there is emerging research suggesting that this disorder is more biologically based. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States and is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control). Other symptoms include eating rapidly, eating until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts when not physically hungry, and feelings of guilt, shame or disgust which may lead to eating alone. Anyone can be affected by BED, but rates of binge eating are higher in Veterans than in the general population, as over 65% of female and 45% of male Veterans report one or more current symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED). Additionally, binge eating and overeating are associated with overweight and obesity, and weight loss programs are often not as successful for these individuals. It is important that individuals with BED and those who overeat get help, as these disorders are associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, a lower quality of life, and poorer physical health. It can be challenging to find treatment for overeating or binge eating. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of BED, and focuses on intervening with thoughts surrounding eating, shape, and weight, and encouraging healthy eating. Research on CBT for BED suggests that participants decrease their binge eating and around half (40-60%) stop binge eating. Despite decreases in binge eating, individuals in CBT often experience little weight loss. To date, no treatments that address both BED and obesity are available in the VA or military healthcare systems.

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Today’s environment is considered ‘obesogenic’ and is full of opportunities to eat beyond nutritional needs. However, some individuals do not overeat past nutritional needs and do not gain weight. Based on the behavioral susceptibility theory, there are two important aspects of appetite that can affect overeating and binge eating; responsivity to food cues and lack of feelings of satiety (fullness). Certain individuals may be genetically predisposed to not feel when they are full. These individuals may also be genetically predisposed to be highly responsive to food cues in the environment and are more likely to overeat or binge eat when food is available. In general, research suggests that individuals with BED and those who are overweight or obese have differential physiological, neural and cravings in response to food cues compared to lean individuals. Along with my colleagues, I developed the Regulation of Cues (ROC) program, which directly targets these two underlying mechanisms that lead to binge eating and overeating in the current food environment. ROC targets binge eating and overeating by improving responsivity to satiety (fullness) cues and decreasing responsivity to external food cues. Past ROC participants have reported that this program helps them feel more in control of their eating through teaching them that they can stop eating when full and that they do not need to eat everything on their plate. It has also helped people lose weight.

Considering the importance of binge eating, overeating and obesity in the military, we (UC San Diego and the VA San Diego Healthcare System) have been funded by the DOD to conduct a study comparing CBT to ROC in Veterans who have binge eating and overweight/ obesity. If successful, the ROC program could reduce BED and obesity in Veterans and individual service members, reduce overall healthcare costs for the military and VA, and in the future, could be integrated in the VA Healthcare System and to active duty providers. If you are interested in the study, please complete the online screening at https://my.ctri.ucsd.edu/surveys/?s=PYWMMHHM3Y

CHEAR is committed to providing treatments for weight management and binge eating/overeating through funded research trials and a clinical program that integrates novel treatment components being developed through our research program. At this time, CHEAR has a number of no-cost research treatment programs, including those for Veterans, and civilian adults, adolescents, and children. CHEAR also has an intensive clinical program targeting binge eating and overeating for those who require a higher level of intervention.

Please visit http://chear.ucsd.edu/, email chear@ucsd.edu, or call toll free at 1-855-UCSD-4-W8 (1-855-827-3498) for more information.

This no-cost study is being conducted by the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) at UC San Diego.

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CHARGE

Controlling Hunger and ReGulating Eating for Veterans Do you lose control when you eat? Do you binge eat? Do you want to lose weight? If yes, you may qualify for a UCSD research study designed to help adults regain control over eating and lose weight.

Eligibility Criteria: - A Veteran between 18-65 years old - Overweight (BMI between 25-45) Treatment is 5 months and the total duration of the study is 11 months.

NO charge to participate. Compensation is provided. For more information, please call 855-UCSD- 4-W8 or email: CHEAR@ucsd.edu Our website: chear.ucsd.edu

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

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www.nationalpti.org SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 37

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR By Vicki Garcia

Show Me the Money All the advice that’s appeared in this column is worthless if you don’t manage your money well. Nobody goes into business wanting to hassle with the money side of the company. Entrepreneurs want to do what they’re good at, not crunch numbers. But when you start and run a business you must quickly come up to speed on many things. Sales, marketing, product improvement and distribution, IT, and much more. Now I’m telling you that managing your money is one of your most important roles. Get used to it. Money Management 101 You’re in the business of making money, no matter your mission. Money management is the process of handling your business’s finances through budgeting, setting goals, tracking expenses and income, and investing. More than anything, you want to avoid the horror of negative cash flow! Negative cash flow means your business has more outgoing than incoming money. This is common with startups. It’s not sustainable over the long haul of course, so here are some tips to avoid it. 11 Tips for Staying on Top of Your Money

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(1) Do Not Mingle Your Personal Funds and Your Business Funds. It’s critical to have a separate business bank account. Business bank statements are useful for tracking profitability, reconciling your books, and monitoring spending. Besides, the IRS isn’t going to like it if they ever knock on your door (and they will sooner or later). (2) Watch Your Receivables. Piling up receivables is the Achilles’ heel of small busy businesses. It’s tempting to offer customers credit terms, especially when you’re new and hungry, or have close personal relationships with clients.

Sharks can sense when you’re too generous, and they will often push it to the limit. Many small companies end up with thousands of dollars uncollected, which gets harder and harder to get paid. And, while we’re at it, bill for your work or products quickly. It sounds stupid, but some business owners are so overwhelmed, they put off their own billing! “Bill fast. Pay slow” is an old business adage. You can encourage payments by sending out invoices immediately, setting a due date, and notifying customers when they are late. If your business needs money earlier than the due date, you can offer an early payment discount. (3) Accept Payment by Credit Cards Waiting for a check to arrive is annoying and anxiety producing. If you “require” payment in advance, or invoice a customer monthly, the ability to automatically receive payment by credit card can eliminate a common small business headache. Yes, you will pay a small percentage for the convenience, but you will make up for it in getting paid quickly. If you sell on the fly, consider getting a “square” to use with your phone. See a comparison of mobile swipers at https://tinyurl.com/y5o3u27z (4) Pay Your Vendors and Bills on Time. Want to earn a good reputation? Treat your vendors like you like to be treated. When you need a little flexibility, a vendor who trusts you will come through. Do you like to make collection calls? Neither do they. Credit card and loan payment late fees can add up. Frequently paying small late fees on vendor and other bills adds up, too. And then there are tax deadlines…Arg-g-g-g! (5) Use a Business Accounting Software That Suits Your Business There are a bunch of apps that help you to track your money. Some even help you track hours if you need to show your client billable hours. PC Magazine has a wonderful comparison chart at https://tinyurl.com/ y6myb9eq. The one thing that is critically important is to set your software up correctly when you start. You would be well served to hire a consultant and pay a few dollars to do this. You might also consider taking a class, since few of us are born with this skill. (6) Go Lean. Try to avoid borrowing money if you can. Loans make for debt service, an extra expense putting pressure on your cash flow. Buy furniture and major equipment secondhand and go green to save money. Consider joining a coworking space with the idea to combine the independence of freelancing with the structure and community of a shared office space. Coworking spaces typically provide you with meeting space as well, pay as you go equipment and training events.

(7) Consider Trades. If you sell something desirable, and cash flow is an issue for you, consider trading your products or services for what you want. Usually trades work best for construction when demand is low, B2B services, or even ad media. You might find opportunities to do trades just by being open to the idea and suggesting it. (I just had my bathroom remodeled by a contactor client in trade for my marketing service.) (8) Do it Yourself. There are numerous online resources to help you produce marketing materials such as Lucid Press FREE marketing templates of all kinds, including brochures, banners and fliers. https://tinyurl.com/ yynz3462. Canva is another popular do it yourself graphic design platform at https://www.canva.com/, and Vista Print can keep your printing costs under control https://www.vistaprint.com. Search for sites that can help you make your own videos, such as Powtoon https://www.powtoon.com. There are too many such sites to list here. (9) Explore Fiver.com. Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelance services. Founded in 2010, the company is based in Tel Aviv, and provides a platform for freelancers to offer services to customers worldwide. As of 2012, over three million services were listed on Fiverr.com You can find almost anything you’re looking for deeply discounted, sometimes for only $5, which is the genesis of the name. The most popular services are logo design, voice overs, animation, and blog posts, but there is much, much more. (10) Create a Budget and Stick to it. With a good small business accounting software creating and sticking to a budget is much easier. Budgets make you think about reality and help you set expense and revenue projections. When you know how much you can spend, you can more easily manage your spending money. Once you’ve been in business for a while, this becomes second nature. (11) Keep a Cash Reserve. It’s not a good idea to spend all your money and leave nothing in the bank. A little fall back fund will make you more confident in negotiations, and avoid you looking hungry (which is self-defeating). Much of small business is a confidence game where the winner is usually a good bluffer. Cash in reserve helps. Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 33+ -year- old marketing consulting firm. Apply NOW to join Operation Vetrepreneur’s FREE Brainstorming Groups for veteran entrepreneurs at www. veteransinbiz.com and visit https://www.nvtsi.org/ov/ for more info. We welcome your feedback on https://www.facebook. com/groups/OperationVetrepreneur/ or https://twitter.com/VeteransinBiz SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 39

re·in·te·gra·tion The action or process of integrating someone back into society. “soldiers are beginning the process of reintegration into civil society” By Maurice Wilson, MCPO, USN (ret) President/Executive Director, National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. aka REBOOT

How Should We Measure the Success of Reintegration?

It’s not that America doesn’t care, because we do. Reintegration is a hairy problem. President Trump received $200 Billion for FY2019 and has requested $220.2 billion for the FY2020 Veterans Administration budget.

That’s what our team at the National Veterans Reintegration Services, Inc. (aka REBOOT) has focused on for the past nine years. At REBOOT, we are a mixture of veterans and business executives. For us, success begins with Metrics, knowing what we’re shooting for. Take veteran employment, especially for post 9/11 veterans who suffer the highest unemployment.

Other government agencies also dedicate portions of their budgets to support veterans. In addition, there are over 45,000 nonprofit Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), staffed mostly by volunteers – veterans, military spouses and other caring folks – all trumpeting different problems and proposed solutions.

Although job placement is critical to reduce unemployment, what is equally if not more important is job retention, for both employee and employer. Problems caused by PTSD, TBI and a host of war-related maladies notwithstanding, veteran job retention is far worse than for their non-veteran counterparts.

Why Do Problems Persist in Reintegration?

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

And the period of unemployment following release from active duty is lengthening. Why? Fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan doesn’t help a young person acclimate to a civilian job, especially if she or he joined the military straight from high school or college. Because these veterans do not qualify for Social Security Unemployment Insurance, DoD’s Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service members (UCX Program) has exceeded $1 billion annually. Should We Focus on Cheaper Prevention Costs? At REBOOT’s Centers for Military and Veteran Reintegration, we not only help transitioning military and veterans with resume writing and interviewing skills but, as funding allows, invite them to attend our free 3-week REBOOT Workshop™. Our mantra is

RELEARN, REBUILD, REBRAND. We devote one week to each, with the curriculum based on the science of helping people change their psycho-social behaviors. For the past nine years, our placement rate of graduates (into gainful employment or post-secondary education) has been 97%, and our second-year retention rate is 93%. Who Are the Players in the Social Enterprise? It’s all of us in America. While it sounds almost trite to say that it takes a village, it does take a village, or a community of caregivers and willing partners. It took us a few years at REBOOT to realize that we are part of a larger Social Enterprise that caters to the needs of each single veteran. In addition to our dedicated volunteers and staff at REBOOT, we have a symbiotic relationship with our sister nonprofits, providing what we each do best. And partnering with us are funding institutions – individual donors, institutional philanthropies, academia and other research organizations, VA and other government agencies, and most of all, prospective employers – together we constitute a Veteran’s Ecosystem. It’s based on a pull system wherein prospective employers who are interested in hiring our country’s veterans are able to capitalize on our increasing pool of Veterans Ready for Hire.

NVTSI provides returning military personnel with the tools and retraining they need to return to civilian life as productive, acclimated, and effective individuals capable of attaining success and thriving in their new lives. War veterans return from a life of vigilance safeguarding our everyday existence, and are unable to find the life they left behind. Their culture: the military culture is out of place and at odds with the job market. Society is foreign, their families are strangers, they do not know what they want to do with their new lives – they are out of sync with what used to be home. For many, societal reintegration is out of reach without help. The government does a great job introducing separating military personnel to the job search and veteran’s benefits, but the community has to help returning service people reintegrate, making the leap to a new independent mindset, reversing the boot camp experience that has given them the skills and mentality they need to survive in a combat-driven environment. To learn more about the REBOOT Workshop™ visit us at www.rebootworkshop.vet

We have all heard or read about returning veterans from Iraq or Afghanistan and the psychological and physical problems they face from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury to substance dependency and alienation from their families.

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Advаntаgеѕ Of Rеаl Estate Fоr Active Duty & Vеtеrаnѕ Joseph Molina Veterans Chamber of Commerce www.vccsd.org Nеw соmеrѕ intо thе rеаl еѕtаtе mаrkеt аrе taking advantage of the Investment opportunities in Real Estate. Veterans have a special advantage when it comes to real estate purchases. Veterans are able to purchase Homes with “0” down and backed by the VA. This makes it attractive for those interested in purchasing a home for their family or purchasing a home to use as an income opportunity (following VA guidelines) a great opportunity to help fellow veterans who need a place to rent. Veterans who decide to follow the investment/purchase option must demonstrate the ability to sustain the property for a period of 6 months demonstrating positive cash flow, but before we start looking for a propery, veterans should first: • Identify a veteran friendly realtor who understands the intricasies of the VA Loans and will be able to help make the right decision and avoid overextending on the loan. • Identify a lender who knows the VA process and is aware of the qualifications for a property under the VA guidelines. • For a list of qualified Realtors and Lenders contact the Veterans Chamber of Commerce a good effort is placed in embedding professional who have a good understanding and a passion for working with veteras. While thе VA lоаn is Mostly аvаilаblе as a рrimаrу residence, it саn be uѕеd repeatedly аnd for multiuits. Many militаrу mеmbеrѕ tаkе advantage оf this exceptional lоаn bу uѕing it to рurсhаѕе a residence at a duty station аnd then retaining thе рrореrtу аѕ a rеntаl аѕ they mоvе tо thеir nеxt assignment. But, in some cases thеу may be able to use the VA lоаn аgаin while at their new station or residence. Sоmе Advantages Of Rеаl Estate 1. Veterans саn ѕаvе mоnеу whеn it comes to mаintаining аnd operating properties аѕ well: Veterans have ассеѕѕ tо less expensive property аnd саѕuаltу inѕurаnсе from USAA whilе their RE роrtfоliо remains ѕmаll, generally lеѕѕ thаn 4 properties. 2. Local Home Improvement Stores: Veterans couldake advantage саn rесеivе valuable diѕсоuntѕ оn materials for maintenance аnd rераirs frоm hоmе imрrоvеmеnt ѕtоrеѕ like Home Dероt аnd Lоwеѕ. 3. Access to purchase рrореrtiеѕ fоr futurе purposes: Buying рrореrtiеѕ with the еxресtаtiоnѕ оf аn long term аррrесiаtiоn vаluе, low cost purchase from a less populated region.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

Just know that you may hаvе to retain the property fоr a period оf time. Invеѕtmеnts in rеаl estate iѕ based on the purchase with the potential for positive cash flоw. 4. Purchase a hоmе аt a competitive intеrеѕt rаte: Oftеn withоut rеԛuiring a dоwn рауmеnt or mоrtgаgе inѕurаnсе. This is definatelly a great savings for veteras. 5. Obtаin a lоwеr intеrеѕt rаtе with thе Intеrеѕt Rate Rеduсtiоn: In some cases you may be able to purchase lower intersts and lower your monthly payment. 6. Vеtеrаnѕ with a permanent аnd/or tоtаl ѕеrviсесоnnесtеd disability: Veterans with connected disability may get hеlр рurсhаѕing аn аdарtеd home with аn Adарtеd Hоuѕing Grant. Thе grant саn аlѕо gо tоwаrd mоdifуing аn existing hоmе. 7. Real Estate as passive income: Entering the Real Estate market could be a good way to create wealth and passive income for you and your family. There are plenty of opportunities out there such as; 0 down home loans, Multi-unit to be used for renting to other veterans, Fix and Flip opportunities, Wholeselling opportunities, etc. The trick here is to identify which “Nitch” or area of the market you would be interested. Always make sure to seek assistance from a Veteran Mentor who understands the market. He/She may be able to help you lower the level of risk. 8. Things to Avoid: Sellers who Presure you on the sale; Spending more than 50% of your assests; Properties with no equity; properties that require repeirs (VA may not approve the loan) SUMMARY: Grоwing wеаlth through invеѕtmеntѕ in rental real еѕtаtе in is аn incredible opportunity fоr vеtеrаnѕ. It is fundаmеntаl to keep in mind thаt invеѕting in rеаl еѕtаtе must аlwауѕ bе dееmеd оvеr a long term. Evеn thоugh thе рrоѕресt for a fаѕt turn over mау рrеѕеnt itself, thе key advantage to ѕоund real estate invеѕtmеntѕ is the аbilitу tо use it properly, invest only what you can afford to loose, alwys be causious, and always seek advice from people who are in the Industry and are happy to support veterans.

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communities built to support those who serve.

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Call 866-779-5434 or visit www.lincolnmilitary.com

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

MODERN STYLE MADE SIMPLE Lake Ridge in Weston

A THANK YOU FOR YOUR MILITARY SERVICE: $1,500 Design Studio Credit and Reduced Earnest Money Deposit

We’d be honored to welcome you home to one of our contemporary neighborhoods throughout San Diego—with the help of a reduced earnest money deposit. Then personalize your new space with an additional $1,500 credit to the Pardee Homes Design Studio. Modern is our style. Now make it yours. Find your new home base with four neighborhoods at Playa Del Sol and Weston. Priced from the high $300Ks to the high $700Ks. Call our New Home Specialist at 858-283-5963 or visit PardeeHomes.com/SanDiego MO D ERN A

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Receive a $1,500 design studio credit and/or closing cost credit, plus make only a $1,000 earnest money deposit, when you purchase an eligible home at one of Pardee Homes’ participating new home communities, while supplies last. Please visit the community New Home Gallery to learn which homes are eligible for the incentives. Actual amounts and value of incentives may vary. Certain loan programs may not qualify for the full incentive value. Incentives may not be applied to the purchase price of the home. The offer to pay closing costs may be subject to a cap and does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Certain features and design studio selections may not be available on all homes. Any unused portion of the incentives will be forfeited. Incentives applied upon close of escrow. May not be exchanged, redeemed in cash, or combined with other offers. Subject to availability and change without notice. Additional conditions or restrictions may apply. See New Home Advisor for details. Federal and state taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Void where prohibited. The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. Any photographs used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Photographs of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Some amenities may not yet be constructed. Builder reserves the right to change the size, design, configuration and location of amenities not yet constructed and does not warrant the suitability thereof for any use or for any person. No warranty or guarantee is made regarding any particular area public school/school district or that any particular public school/school district will service any given community. Schools/school districts may change over time. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. CA Contractor’s License No. 251810. CA DRE License No. 02027320. © 2019 Pardee Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group. All rights reserved.

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

San Diego Veterans Magazine / MAY 2019

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The Mission Development of an 18 bed Transitional Housing Facility for homeless Veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress. Provide a low stress environment that will enhance our Veterans skill sets for an independent future. Provide non-medical care and support but most of all, understanding and compassion for those in need. Help our homeless Veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress & read our story at:

www.jimmyshouse.org The James & Walter Cribben Center for Veterans Affairs Creating Transitional Housing for Veterans with PTSD

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

TOUR OF HONOR Do you know a WWII or Korea War veteran who has never flown on Honor Flight ?

Please complete the Veteran Application at: www. honorflightsandiego.org

The Next Trip To Washington, D.C. is Oct 4-6 For more information, email us at: information@honorflightsandiego.org

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 49

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SAN DIEGO SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com Resources Support Transition Community

San Diego Veterans Magazine A Veterans Magazine by Veterans for Veterans

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

HONOR OUR VETERANS! Invest in the future of Miramar National Cemetery Hundreds of veterans, active duty military, families, businesses, and the public have invested in the future of Miramar National Cemetery. Thanks to their generous contributions The Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation sponsors: • The Avenue of Flags • Veterans Tribute Tower & Carillon • Annual Veterans Memorial Services • Annual Veterans Day Observances • Coordinates Veterans Memorial Monuments

Honor our past, present, and future military veterans! Send your donation, today, to the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation All contributions are fully tax deductible.

Help the Foundation Support Miramar National Cemetery. Please go to www.miramarcemetery.org and click on “Contribute” for information about how you can donate to the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation.

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PTSD TREATMENT

WORKS

Why wait?

www.ptsd.va.gov

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

Caring for our veterans

Veterans facing the challenges associated with a life-threatening illness can rely on The Elizabeth Hospice for the medical, emotional and spiritual support they need and deserve. Our skilled, compassionate caregivers are trained to address PTSD, depression, anxiety, survivorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guilt, and soul injury. Complementary therapies, including physical therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy and pet visits, are used in combination with medical support to help alleviate pain. We celebrate and thank our patients for their service at bedside pinning ceremonies officiated by a veteran or active duty service member. Since 1978, The Elizabeth Hospice has touched the lives of more than 100,000 people in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County. To learn more about our hospice care, palliative care and grief support services for veterans, call 800.797.2050 or visit www.elizabethhospice.org.

The Elizabeth Hospice is proud to be a We Honor Veterans Level 5 Partner, the highest level of distinction.

SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019 53

Use Military Base Activities to Save on Weekly Expenses Today, as you drive around your local military base, give your base, post, air station, fort or camp a new look to discover lots of areas to save throughout the week. Military Base Weekly Savings – The Commissary.

The Commissary is a great place to look for savings on grocery items. To make a big impact quickly on groceries, find the 20 most expensive weekly items on your grocery list. Then, compare prices of those 20 most expensive items to similar items in the Commissary. If you found savings, great. Then look for the next 20 most expensive items on your list to compare to Commissary prices. If you find a price that is not less expensive in the Commissary, then ask the Commissary manager if they will match the price. Using a shopping list in the Commissary is essential so you stay on budget and don’t grab those impulse purchases (I skip the entire aisle with the German chocolate – my personal and everlasting weakness).

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Military Base Weekly Savings – The Gym.

Military base gyms are nothing short of awesome. Classes, lots of options for weights, and incredible options for cardio machines. One of the drawbacks for military gyms can be the crowds, especially around traditional physical fitness times in the morning. Instead, look for gyms in out of the way locations, on base gyms tend to be less crowded on weekend, classes in off hours, and on post races – these are all great ways to save. When off post gyms can cost upwards of $100/ month, the on post gym is an incredible option to save.

Military Base Weekly Savings – The Library.

For decades, the on base library has been my place to save. On base library hours have been reduced, but their book selections remain strong in the areas of business, history, children, and military history. On weekends, several bases offer story times for young children, and tutoring for older children can be available. Finally, almost all bases in the United States and overseas have access to audio books, videos, and eBooks.

Military Base Weekly Savings – Lending Closets and Discount Stores. Everyone knows about Goodwill,

Military Base Weekly Savings – Outdoor Recreation. Children’s parties, vacations, and summer

Military Base Weekly Savings – Your Neighbors.

The base Outdoor Recreation office is a great first stop to checkout outdoor rentals, RV rentals, tickets, ski lift tickets, summer festival tickets, and other outdoor event savings. Military bases are a great way to save on critical weekly expenses. The Commissary, the library, base gyms, and other activities are all incredible ways to save on a weekly basis.

but most military bases have their own lending closets and discount stores (thrift shop). These are great places to go to for costumes, kid clothes, winter boots, or for jackets when you move to a base on a cold weather location. These locations may not have all the items that you need, but they probably have some of the items. Any savings are still big savings.

We all need help sometimes for jobs around the house. Sewing a costume, snow shoveling, babysitters, tutors for the kids, or mowing the lawn. Instead of looking up someone on the Internet, ask if a neighbor could help. Older children are a great source for babysitters and for basic lawn care. Sometimes, the best savings for jobs are literally right outside the door.

By Sierra Tervo, USAA member

activities can put a big dent in a weekly budget.

In addition to the on base savings, it minimizes gas expenses, saves time, and helps build a sense of community. Stay on base and save!

3 Things Military Spouses Learn About Making New Friends Fast

Growing up a military brat, I know the challenge of moving to a new place and making new friends, only to receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders sooner than you expected, forcing you to uproot and start all over again. Today, as a military spouse, it isn’t much easier. In fact, it can be tougher because it’s difficult to find the people you want to befriend. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

Seek out other military spouses.

Some say it’s easier for military people to make friends with other military people, and I believe that to be true. We know what it’s like to relocate often so we don’t usually waste any time getting to know someone. When we do find a person with whom we connect, we form deep friendships almost overnight. These relationships grow stronger over time and sometimes across thousands of miles.

Tip: To meet people in a new place, start with other

spouses in the squadron, unit, battalion or command where your significant other has been assigned. Attend their events. Also join the enlisted or officers spouses club, and get involved in their community service opportunities and social activities.

Watch your network grow.

The longer you are with the military, the easier it can be to find friends because your network is constantly growing. Even if you’re not fortunate enough to PCS to an assignment where a friend is already located (or will be locating soon), one of your friends probably knows someone and will happily introduce you through Facebook® or email. This person can then introduce you to his or her circle of friends, too.

Reach out and show up.

Making friends is not a spectator sport. You have to be willing to show up, introduce yourself and be open. If you have young children, join play groups. When your kids start school, spend some time volunteering at the school and get to know other parents and teachers. You may get lucky and your child will make friends with another child who has a parent you actually enjoy, too! Children also open doors by getting involved in activities of their own, which in turn allows you to come into contact with more people. No children? Take a college course or some other kind of class, attend church, start a new job, volunteer or join a gym. All of these places put you in contact with other people who probably share some common interests with you.

Tip: There’s a Facebook page for most military

installations — a virtual place to connect with others who are also new to the area.

HOMELAND / July2019 2017 55 39 SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY

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SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2019

The Laughing Tank

Brought to you by SEAHAG, FUBAR and BOONDIGGLER

Supporting our veterans one laugh at a time!

Laughing Tank

Before walking out the door you check your gigline.

You can have an entire conversation in acronyms and all parties know exactly what was said.

“You might be a veteran if…” Your buddy calls a “Blue Falcon” and you both laugh

On the 4th of July you take your anti-anxiety meds and turn on loud music…just like you do for your pets

You eat wha tever you want be cause you no longe r have weighins and won’t ha ve to spend hou rs in the sauna and won’t have to take laxativ es and enemas so you make we ight.

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www.homelandmagazine.com

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