San Diego Veterans Magazine October 2019 by HOMELAND MAGAZINE

SAN DIEGO

MAGAZINE

Vol. 1 Number 10 • October 2019 www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

What’s Next Transition to Civilian Life

Enlisted To Entrepreneur LEGAL EAGLE

Healing Arts CYBERSECURITY FINDING BALANCE Activity, connections and the Open Roads

GI BILL

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

San Diego Veteran of the Month

Veterans bring distinctive capabilities to civilian employers

TRANSITIONING RESOURCES SUPPORT COMMUNITY

INSPIRATION

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

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Limited-time offer exclusively online at WavesofHonor.com *ONLINE ONLY — Tickets must be obtained in advance through the online registration process. Offer not available at the SeaWorld ticket windows. Excludes SeaWorld waterparks, Sesame Place® and Discovery Cove.® Ticket is non-transferable, non-refundable and not for sale. Not valid with any other discounts, offers and has no upgrade value. ™/© 2019 Sesame Workshop © 2019 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com mikemiller@HomelandMagazine.com

Contributing Writers Holly Shaffner Veteran Advocate - Honor Flight SD

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

Eve Nasby

What’s Next - Transitioning

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Amber Robinson Arts & Healing

Scott Hermann Cybersecurity

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 4

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Collaborative Organizations Veterans Association of North County • Shelter To Soldier • Wounded Warrior Project San Diego • DAV • Father Joe’s Village • VetCTAP • Flying Leathernecks • Give An Hour • UCSD • Courage To Call • Honor Flight San Diego • Veteran Advocates & Guest Writers

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

(858) 275-4281 Contact us at: publisher@SDVetsMagazine.com San Diego Veterans Magazine is published monthly. Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items. All rights reserved.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 San Diego - Veteran of the Month 9 Finding Balance 10 Empower Veterans 12 Cybersecurity - Awareness Month 15 A Different Lens - Anxiety 16 Arts & Healing 20 Transition 22 From Service to Civilian Life 24 Tips Successful Transition 25 Distinctive Capabilities 26 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next - Transition 28 Enlisted to Entrepreneur 32 Military Money - GI Bill 34 Legal Eagle - Regulations 38 Operation Dress Code 40 VA Benefits 43 VA Home Loan WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

VETERAN OF THE MONTH San Diego - October 2019 This month, Mark Kaleimamahu was chosen as Veteran of the Month for his resiliency in the face of hardship after his years served in the Marine Corp. In the face of adversity, Mark kept his faith and found light even in the darkest of times. On any given night, there are more than 1,300 veterans experiencing homelessness in San Diego. Mark is a shining example for all homeless veterans that there is hope for a better future. Father Joe’s Villages is committed to protecting the health and well-being of San Diego’s veterans, so they can enjoy the freedoms they helped to preserve. They provide customized solutions to address each veterans’ unique needs. Veterans like Mark, who has been fighting for freedom his entire life. Not only did he fight for freedom for our country as a Marine, he also struggled for freedom from addiction and homelessness. Turns out, all he needed was a little support from Father Joe’s Villages to regain his independence and self-sufficiency. Mark’s family introduced him to the world of alcohol at a young age. After his mother passed away when he was 12 years old, Mark moved in with his father and six brothers who all drank heavily. At just 15 years old, Mark began drinking as well. When Mark turned 18, he joined the Marines. Mark thrived during his time in the Marine Corp. He was considered the best shot out of the 270 Marines in his class, and was quickly made a Squad Leader. After just 18 months, he became a Sergeant. Even though he enjoyed the stable work and giving back to his country, alcoholism gradually took control of his life. After leaving the military, Mark understood that his substance use disorder was out of control. He checked himself into a sober living facility and after years of hard work struggling with his sobriety, he became completely clean. However, shortly after becoming sober, Mark was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and his life began to spiral once again. He struggled to pay his medical bills and after suffering from a stroke, he lost his home. With no other options, Mark was forced to live on the streets.

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Knowing he would not survive being homeless, including sleeping on the hard ground and enduring the elements of being outdoors, while also battling MS, Mark sought help from Father Joe’s Villages. For nearly 70 years, Father Joe’s Villages has been taking care of the immediate needs of veterans experiencing poverty and homelessness in the community, while also helping them end their homelessness for good. Their programs give veterans the opportunity to benefit from support catered to their specific experiences and to connect with other service men and women. By providing specialized housing services, case management, behavioral and physical healthcare, and education and employment programs, Father Joe’s Villages gives hope to our heroes that they won’t be left behind. In 2018, Mark moved into the Bishop Maher Center, Father Joe’s Villages transitional housing facility for single men, and began receiving care from the organization’s Services for Veterans. Through their comprehensive services and support from case management, Mark gained tools for maintaining his sobriety, securing benefits, learning financial responsibility and managing his illness. “The Vets Programs at Father Joe’s Villages and my Case Manager, Sarah, have been such a powerful force behind me. The attention to the Veterans’ Programs that they have here at Father Joe’s Villages is just amazing.” Best of all, Sarah helped Mark secure a home of his own. Mark remembers the moment of walking into his new home: “When they opened the door I fell to my knees crying. I was so incredibly overwhelmed. The path of faith sometimes gets trying. You sit there wondering ‘How long?’ ‘How much more?’ and then finally walking into my new home… It was indescribable.” Today, Mark stays busy through his work with the Voices of Our City choir and Celebrate Recovery. He is now Associate Pastor at Foundation Church in downtown San Diego. Through his church, Mark goes out and gives blankets and other necessities to people on the streets, some he recognizes from his time being homeless. However, Mark sees that, with the right resources and some hard work, a brighter future is possible.

Meet Mark. Marine veteran Living with multiple sclerosis Unbelievable falsetto Was homeless (found hope)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been one battle after another. But thanks to Father Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Villages, Mark has a roof over his head, his health under control, and a song in his heart. Help people like Mark leave homelessness behind.

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Finding Balance in Physical Activity, Veteran Connections, and Open Roads Army veteran Thomas Connor faces chronic pain every day from combat injuries, but he remains motivated to manage his health and stay active in his community. He trains service dogs and teaches other veterans how to navigate everyday life with help from a service dog. He rides his motorcycle, networks with other veterans, and even bakes at home. When it comes to managing his back pain, wellness classes from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) help keep him in balance.

Thomas’ Army unit was in Iraq from 2003 to 2004 and was on patrol to guard an ammunition station when their vehicle hit land mines. Thomas’ injuries to his back and knees left him with mobility issues, hearing loss in his right ear, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). “I would like other veterans to know they can get with Wounded Warrior Project as soon as they know they’re separating from the military,” Thomas said. “They can help you build a network, find people to relate to, and transition from having a set routine to having time on your hands, which is what makes it hard.” In addition to wellness events, Thomas has participated in motorcycle rides organized by WWP. He volunteered to be a road captain and help other veterans understand how to accommodate for any special needs. Thomas likes the freedom of being on a bike, the wind therapy he gets from going on long rides, and enjoying the outdoors.

“I was told I’m past the point of no return with my back and only a total spinal fusion would address the pain, at the cost of further decreasing my mobility,” Thomas said. He is cautiously optimistic about ways to manage chronic pain and kept an open mind when WWP offered a spine health workshop in San Diego. He and other veterans learned about stretches and alternative therapies that can help them stay active. A chiropractor shared how stress and posture affect health. He also talked to the group about exercises for the entire body that can be done at your desk to improve posture and discomfort from repetitive motions. Even if he doesn’t opt for a particular therapy, Thomas said this workshop gave him a good understanding of how to maintain his spinal health. Spinal health is crucial for Thomas as he continues to pursue his goal of training service dogs. He knows the benefits of having a canine friend through his service dogs, Isabella, a German shepherd, and Schatzy, a Belgian Malinois. He has also spent time advocating to expand access to buildings for veterans and their service dogs.

WWP supports every journey and helps warriors realize they have a positive future to look forward to. Learn more about how WWP programs help warriors manage overall health through physical activity and connecting with other veterans. 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 at: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Patriot’s Pour: A New Way To Empower Veterans By Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership

Pour compels a meaningful impact on their community, and they have already begun implementing creative ways to introduce the campaign to their partners and tenants. The companies will host a fundraiser in October to formally kick off the campaign with a ceremonial concrete pour that marks the first official donation delivered through Patriot’s Pour in San Diego.

The last few months of the year mark the Giving Season; a time for people to give back to their community and support important causes. Since our mission at America’s Warrior Partnership centers on empowering communities to empower veterans, we often think about how we can help individuals and groups find new, more meaningful ways to support the veterans who live in their communities. In particular, we have considered how businesses, which are often cornerstones of thriving communities, can help take the lead on campaigns to support local veterans. This led us to creating a new program called Patriot’s Pour. Businesses that specialize in selling pourable products can participate in Patriot’s Pour by pledging to donate a portion of their sales to support local veteran programs. Because the program is centered on pourable products, the campaign is open to businesses from a wide range of backgrounds, from land development and construction to the food and beverage industries. For example, a restaurant could donate a dollar amount for every drink they pour, or a developer could donate a percentage of their sales for every yard of cement poured at one of their construction sites. In the spirit of true community engagement, Patriot’s Pour is about more than one company making a donation to support local veterans. Participating businesses can also offer their vendors, subcontractors, tenants, brokers and customers the opportunity to donate to the campaign. In short, Patriot’s Pour is a way for businesses to facilitate a collaborative effort that drives support for and awareness of service programs for local veterans, their families and caregivers. Two companies that are among the first to participate in Patriot’s Pour are national development companies Murphy Development Company and Lusardi Construction Company. This past summer, they signed onto the program as a way to help create a more veteran-friendly community around a new building they are constructing at The Campus at San Diego Business Park. For every yard of concrete that they pour at the Building 3 project of this industrial complex, the companies will set aside a donation to directly fund veteran programs in the San Diego area. Murphy Development and Lusardi Construction are going the extra mile to ensure their participation in Patriot’s 10

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The ceremonial concrete pour and kick-off event will lead into our first celebratory Patriot’s Pour Month, which will take place throughout November. More details about Patriot’s Pour and the activities our team will conduct to commemorate the program in November are available at AmericasWarriorPartnership.org. Our team will also share photos from October’s ceremonial concrete pour in San Diego on social media using the hashtag #PourWithAPurpose. We encourage communities across the country to consider how they can bring businesses, nonprofits and individuals together to collaborate on new ways to support programs for local veterans. By working together, we can have a truly positive impact on veterans, their families and caregivers this Giving Season. About the Author Jim Lorraine is President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, a national nonprofit that empowers communities to empower veterans. The organization’s mission starts with connecting community groups with local veterans to understand their unique situations. With this knowledge in mind, America’s Warrior Partnership connects local groups with the appropriate resources to proactively and holistically support veterans at every stage of their lives. Learn more about the organization at www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

CYBERSECURITY Credit Monitoring, Identity Theft Protection, and Data Breach Management

By Scott Hermann, CEO and identity theft protection expert www.identityiq.com/SDVets

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month follows ‘largest criminal case ever’ of military identity theft October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with the goal of focusing on the need to stay more safe and secure online. It’s only fitting the month comes on the cusp of what the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced as the “largest criminal case ever involving identity theft of military-affiliated personnel.” U.S. Attorney John Bash made that statement after announcing the arrest of five men – three Americans, one Australian, and one South Korean – for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from active-duty and veteran military members. The multi-country identity theft ring began in 2014 when one of the men worked as a civilian technician at a U.S. Army installation. He was able to gain access to military members’ and veterans’ personal information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and military ID numbers.

Protect yourself from this growing risk

According to the 24-page indictment against the alleged scammers, the stolen data was used to access Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs benefit sites to transfer money from military members’ bank accounts and veterans’ benefit payments to the thieves’ personal bank accounts set up overseas. They also used a “money mule” to launder money between the VA and their personal bank accounts.

Unfortunately, this large-scale scam is just one example of the many data breaches that are becoming more and more commonplace. So far this year there have been an average of about three data breaches per day, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. These data breaches leave personal and financial information exposed, so it’s important to protect yourself.

The identity theft ring was able to steal millions of dollars with most of the victims disabled and elderly veterans as well as high-ranking officers until the five men were arrested this summer. The men have been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.

One way to celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is to stay on top of your personal information with credit and identity theft monitoring. That way you can receive alerts when there is suspicious activity. You also can receive up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, underwritten by AIG, and expert assistance in restoring your identity in case you become a victim.

The Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs have identified 3,300 victims and counting. The departments are still working to identify and notify victims of the scam.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

A Different Lens Mental Health Monthly By RanDee McLain

Anxiety thru Transition Anxiety is the apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually around an impending event or action. That is a lot of words but what does it mean? Remember back to your first day of school…. did you stay up late with anticipation of what is to come? Was there some level of fear of the unknown? What about a big presentation at work? Did you pace back in forth in your kitchen repeating your speech over and over?

All of these are ways anxiety makes its way in our life. We all experience anxiety on some level in our lives. Though some level of anxiety is normal it is when it negatively impacts your life and disrupts your daily functions that is truly a problem. That level of anxiety can be classified as a type of anxiety disorder ….but we will save that for another day. What we are discussing today is the normal everyday anxiety we face and ways to help mitigate it. As I sit here and write this column I think back to my own anxiety. I have a hectic day job of overseeing a large mental health clinic, do consulting work throughout the country and stay active in my community. I think just writing that gave me some level of anxiety…. but that is my life so how do I manage it and not let it manage me? Similarly, our service members transitioning out of the service often face a lot of anxiety. The fact is many of them this is their first time truly integrating into civilian life. Many of our transitioning service members went into the service at 18 – straight from mom’s house and into Uncle Sam’s house. They have never had to interview for a civilian job, translate skills and compete against people that have been doing this for years. So how do I manage my anxiety and how can our transitioning service members start to manage theirs?

First, have a plan. Sounds simple right? Well, it is not always that easy. You may have known your entire career what was expected of you and what the result would be if you did/did not do the task at hand. It can be very different in the civilian world. Have a plan of what next steps are. They may change but at least you have somewhere to start. In the service, I had structure and felt lost when I came out. I had a plan to go back to school. Though, I did not know what I would do after that or even a major I would pursue I at least had a plan and a purpose. I would get up and go to school every day. That leads us to step two-baby steps. We do not have to map out the rest of our life right now. Sometimes it is a simple first step of just getting to school or work. Transition takes time and it is ok to start with small goals and work your way up to larger tasks. Step three, have a support system. It is important we all have someone or something to turn to in our times of difficulty. Many transitioning services members look for a mentor to help them along through the process. This can be a veteran that has already successfully transitioned out or anyone that is willing to take time and listen and be a support for you while navigating the difficult road called transition. Step four is self-care. Yes, I lean into my clinical side for this, but it is so important. We can not help others or even our selves if we do not properly take care of ourselves. You can do small things to recharge yourself like working out, being outdoors, playing with your dog, or being with family. Self-care is deeply personal to each person- find what is YOUR self-care. Transition for our service members is anxiety provoking but with a plan, baby steps, a great support system and a little self-care ….

1-2-3-4 You Got This!

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Arts & Healing Arts for Military Veterans

By Amber Robinson

Why Art? As more people become aware of Post-Traumatic Stress and the ways it affects the mind, the ideas on how to heal from it have expanded as well. One powerful form of healing that is emerging and evolving in the veteran world is Art. Veterans across the globe are learning how the many forms of art can open up new avenues of self-realization and healing for those struggling with the depression, isolation and anxiety of PTS. There are many different ways to experience the arts as a healing tool. For decades, the psychology world has used Art Therapy as a way to see into the mind and decipher how it processes various things. It uses techniques like drawing, painting, collage, coloring or sculpting to help people express themselves and examine psychological and emotional undertones within. Expressive arts therapists, although different from art therapists, offer a huge array of ways to self-realize, express and especially, heal. This type of therapy is intermodal and uses poetry, dance, and many other expressive arts as a nonverbal way to communicate inner feelings that were not previously available through just talking or thinking. Expressive Art Therapy is based upon the concept of poiesis, a Greek word that is the root of the word poetry. This word refers to the natural process of moving from everyday expectations into the world of imagination and creativity that results in art making. Because art comes from a deeply emotional place, it can help one express submerged issues and emotions thus creating a new pathway to understanding and healing them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with the arts methodically, guided by the knowledge of The Expressive Arts can be nothing short of magical,â&#x20AC;? said Ofra Raz, an Expressive Arts therapist who works with veterans in recovery at Veterans Village San Diego. For almost 10 years she has watched veterans access memories they had not thought of in years. She says as they learned to share the long-buried memories through poetry, story, theatre, movement or visual art they felt relieved, lighter. 16

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“Through Expressive Art Therapy emotions and events from their past find a way of expression through art form, be it a poem, a story, a mini show, movement or visual art”, said Raz. “It allows the experience to find a new form as well as be seen within a new frame, given by art making. In a way the experience itself is given new life and opens a new breadth for the protagonist to move on.” At Vet Centers and Veterans Affairs facilities across the nation, art therapy has been used as a way for veterans to simply connect to their creativity and other veterans. Within some centers, concepts like psychotherapy have even been used. This is yet another creative approach to healing that uses guided drama and role-playing to work through problems. For instance, if an individual fears certain interactions with others, psychodrama can help them “play out” the interaction before it occurs. Or, adversely, scenarios from the past can be revisited, providing individuals a way to act out a different ending, or face an intrusive memory. “Psychodrama allows clients to feel safer by taking on a role. It’s a sort of safe zone where they can face fearful situations before they happen, like rehearsing for a job interview,” said Ron Freedman, Readjustment Counselor with the Chula Vista Vet Center. Not only can veterans access Art Therapy and Expressive Art Therapy within Vet Centers, or at special workshops and events, they can also experiment with art on their own. For V. E. Jumana, a former Navy Hospital Corpsman managing a life with PTS, shared the ways she uses “art as medicine”, as she says, since 2018. “Painting and writing help me escape intrusive thoughts and keep me grounded to the present moment,” said Jumana. “Painting on canvas helps me to process some of the nightmares into images and colors.” So, take a moment to doodle, go buy some paints, a canvas or take in a play, a dance show or attend a poetry reading. Local Vet Centers and VA Health Centers often offer many opportunities to experience and use art in healing. Expressive Arts Therapists are also located all over San Diego. No matter how a veteran chooses to step into the art world, the possibilities for better mental, emotional and even physical health are around every corner, waiting to provide new pathways to hope.

San Diego Veteran Resources & Organizations

Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, but San Diego Veterans Magazine believes no veteran should have to go it alone. At San Diego Veterans Magazine you can find Veteran organizations and private nonprofits with resources for veterans that can help ease the process of attaining earned benefits, coping with the lasting effects of service-connected injuries and finding programs and services that meet your specific needs.

Visit SD Vets today at www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

San Diego Veterans Magazine A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans

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TRANS

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SITION From Service to Civilian Life

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Transitioning from service to civilian life Returning to civilian life presents new opportunities â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and challenges â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for Veterans. Many Veterans look forward to life after the military because they can spend more time with family and friends and no longer have to worry about military structure or deployment. At the same time, transitioning out of the military may raise a lot of questions. You may wonder what you are going to do with this new phase of your life, or whether you will be able to find a job. You may think about going back to school, but not know where to start. Or you may miss the order and discipline of military life (compared with civilian life) and wonder if you will be able to adjust.

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Transitiong can be disorientating and confusing. However, there are a series of actionable steps that can be taken to make this transition smoother and more manageable. Whether you served during a war or in peacetime, your experiences in the service — both positive and negative — have made you a different person than you were before you entered, and may have changed the way you look at things and deal with people. Stressful or traumatic situations may have resulted in habits or ways of coping that can be misunderstood or problematic in civilian life. The new year provides an opportunity to step back, reflect on your military career and your preparation for transition, and consider whether you will be aiming for a job change in 2020. One thing of manythings to remember is that your attitude equals latitude. With refreshed budgets, new strategic plans and everyone looking to 2020, employers are looking for veterans. Why? Distinctive Capabilities • Veterans are performanceoriented, have a strong work ethic, and thrive under pressure • Teamwork, leadership and problem solving skills learned in the military are suitable for many civilian roles Valuable skills • Veterans receive advanced training in a variety of technical skills • Military spend in these skills make veterans costeffective employees Hiring vets builds goodwill and honors their service •Recruiting veterans reflects the social responsibility of an employer and builds goodwill with customers, employees, and the community •Hiring veterans, who have sacrificed for their communities and the nation, is the right thing to do Continued on next page WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Here are several tips and ideas for a successful military transition: Network, Network, Network Applying for jobs online may seem like an efficiency way to get jobs, but the reality is it doesn’t work well. For any given job opening, recruiters are bombarded with hundreds, possibly thousands of openings. To rise above the noise, you’ll have to network.

Termonolgy - Adjust From Military To Corporate Lingo A key to getting the job is fitting in -- not only do you have to demonstrate the right skills, but you also need to adopt the right body language and speech. Here are a few examples:

Start with veterans who are now in the corporate world. Don’t rush to ask for a job. If there’s no job available, the remaining time becomes one big letdown. Instead, take time to know the person. Ask how they approached the transition from a military to civilian career. Only at the end of the conversation is it ok for you to ask whether or not they are aware of any job openings.

1. Be wary of military jargon. Rather than say you were the “red raven” expert, explain that you developed contingency plans for rare events.

Look For Military-Friendly Employers

3. No need to address your professional contacts as Sir or Ma’am. You can typically address them by their first name.

Several employers appreciate the qualities ex-military personnel bring to a civilian job. Furthermore, you’re likely to find co-workers who formerly served in the military. They can mentor you as you ease into a new working environment. - CONNECT WITH RECRUITERS AND HEADHUNTERS WHO FOCUS ON MILITARY TO CIVILIAN TRANSITIONS.

Play up Your Strengths As An Ex-Militray Candidate Military veterans are known for precise communication, individual accountability, impeccable execution and natural leadership. Don’t forget to showcase this during the interview. All four skills are in high demand, regardless of position. Give yourself credit for strengths that many non-military job candidates lack. Other key skills to play up: poise, ingenuity, and ability to handle stressful situations well.

Translate Your Skills The military’s highly specific job codes and titles (often filled with acronyms) don’t help hiring managers in the civilian sector understand what you can do for them. So, at a minimum, it’s important to translate your resume out of military jargon and into language that shows your transferrable skills. Working in the R-14 shop of a deployed battalion doesn’t help your interviewer understand what you can do. Turn this into something that can be easily understood and applied to the civilian world, for example: “Created a unified plan of action, ensured coordination between cross-functional teams, and provided feedback to improve the process.” 24

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2. Rather than use military time, use civilian time. That is, instead of confirming an interview for 15-hundred hours, use 3 pm.

Transitioning Veterans & Law Enforcement – A Natural Fit Police officers and military veterans are kindred spirits. Both wear their uniforms with pride. Both don their uniforms to be part of a larger team of professionals protecting those who can’t protect themselves at great personal risk. And both operate within a rigid command structure. So it’s natural that many military veterans seek employment in police ranks when they rejoin the civilian workforce. That’s what is happening right now in numbers unseen since the closing days of the Vietnam War. The result is a job market flooded with well-qualified police officer candidates who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Going Back to School After Transitioning Many military veterans, after service, opt to go to college or university to complete or advance their education. This can prove an excellent decision in cases where advanced education makes you more competitive in the civilian job market. Some schools are better for military veterans than others. With that said, seek out a few schools that have a reputation for being extra helpful to active duty soldiers and veterans. Military friendly schools will make it no secret that they offer additional benefits, flexibility, and special programs for current military personnel or recent veterans. Another benefit is that you’ll have quite a bit in common with lots of other students.

You were once in the military; your performance and capabilities were tested. Now you should bank on those to get the job you want. You can market yourself on those effectively and focus on how your military skills and abilities can contribute with any company.

High-performing companies in many industries recognize the value of veteran employees

Veterans bring distinctive capabilities to civilian employers… Teamwork & Leadership Accountability: Superior personal and team accountability. Veterans understand how policies and procedures help an organization function

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

Solving Problems

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

Objective-focused: Ability to organize and structure resources to accomplish the mission, regardless of roadblocks

Team players: Ability to understand the capabilities and motivations of each individual, regardless of background, to maximize team effectiveness

Quick learners: Proven ability to learn new skills quickly and efficiently

Experienced leadership: Battle-tested leadership, from the front and by example. Ability to inspire devoted followership and lead groups to accomplish unusually high aspirations

Discipline

High impact decision-makers: strong situational awareness, ability to understand complex interdependencies and make decisions using practical judgment and creativity Diverse perspectives: experience having impact and influencing people across the boundaries of culture, language, ethnicity and personal motivation

Self-reliance: Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and personal responsibility while leveraging all available assets and team members to ensure success Perseverance: Proven resilience getting things done despite difficult conditions, tight deadlines, and limited resources Strong work ethic: belief in the value of hard work and taking initiativeB

Today’s veterans are civic assets. They’re starting businesses, protecting our communities, running for office, and taking on leadership roles in their communities. And like the great generations who’ve gone before them, they’re poised to lift our country to new heights.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life By Eve Nasby

Take Time to Think

“No matter what the circumstances are, there is always time to think.” Colonel Bob Fawcett, USMC, (Ret).

A few years ago, as Melissa was taking Ted to the airport for a routine morning flight, she recognized that he was not feeling well and insisted that they stop by the ER before going on to the airport. Despite his protest that he was “OK”, intuition told her otherwise as did the Doctors when they revealed he was having a heart attack. Ted and Melissa had considered retiring from the Marines but never acted on it. Easily understood from one who, a mere thirty-six hours after graduating high school, was on his way to Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. It was then that Ted began his career as a Private on a journey that would span four decades, touch five continents and encompass two wars. Ted was a dedicated, committed Marine and was in it for life. But when life almost passed him by, the conversation returned and resulted in his retirement from the Marines. We caught up with Colonel Ted Studdard, now a leader for Home Depot and author of “Take Time to Think” and “Depot to Depot”, after hearing him KeyNote at a transition event in San Diego, CA to talk about his advice for transitioning service members.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Choose Wisely When talking about making the right choice in a company he highlights the importance of aligning your personal values with that of the company. Ted notes, “You accepted the values of your military branch and would not have served multiple tours if you didn’t believe in the values. The same applies to Corporate America. You will have good days and bad days, but if your values align with your company’s values, you’re more apt to stay when challenges arise. As I was preparing to retire, I talked with numerous service members who had retired before me. I was surprised by the number of times they changed employers. In several cases, they chose an employer whose values did not align with their own and it led to a break-up when challenges arose. Comparing your values to those of prospective companies can help you refine your job search before you exit the service. If you are aligned with the values of a company, you’ll know you are in the right place. You will have a connection beyond the job and a richer work experience that will help see you through the challenges that we all invariably face.” But what if you did your research? What if you thought the company’s values aligned with yours but later discovered that your direct supervisor’s or team’s values didn’t? Military professionals are trained to stay in the fight. At what point would you say it’s ok to walk away from that company and not feel like you failed? Ted advises, “Sometimes our attitude of ‘never say die’ is a detriment. Sometimes we stick to a job when we should walk away. I’d say that as soon as you recognize a fissure within the values, an ethical breech, you need to move. Additionally, we tend to undersell ourselves as a veteran community. We need to recognize and embrace that have much to offer. We can grow with a company and help them succeed. If you don’t see a place to grow, then again, it may be time to move on.Ted continues with an urgent plea, “But please, make sure you have a place to go!

Have a backup plan to exit to another company so you don’t find yourself needing to take the first available job because you didn’t take time to think or plan. You may find yourself back at square one with a job in a company you don’t believe in.” Networking is Not Bootlicking When people talked about networking to Ted, he admits that it had a negative connotation to him. However, what he found was that networking is the way things happen in corporate America. It’s how you move up. We often disregard building a network of our own and find that it is often difficult to ask for help as this behavior or idea of ‘networking’ is new and different. Or is it? Colonel Studdard would ask you, “How much time did you spend in the Officers Club or the Enlisted club in the evenings?” Chances are that the more time you spent in the military the more social events you went to. Did you not find that you learned more in the club after work just talking and listening to those who were older and more experienced? “That’s Networking 101.”

In fact, it may be disservice to your family not to think about it and at least have an idea of what path you would follow outside your current role. “You don’t have to dwell on it.” Ted coaches, “We are wired to move and act with a sense of urgency, but, in this case, (transitioning) we definitely need to take some time to think before we are faced with this inevitable event.” Just take a few moments to consider, “What would happen ‘if’ I had to exit the service today?” Don’t wait for a heart attack to force that conversation. Have a plan. Want to hear more about Ted’s advice on transitioning and his story or have him speak to your organization about leadership? Check him out at https://tedstuddard.com All the proceeds from the sale of his Book, “Depot to Depot” go to help veterans transitioning, mentoring programs for veterans and active duty professional military education specifically with American Corporate Partners, Vetted, Hire Heroes USA, The Marine Corps University Foundation.

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Exiting the military is stressful. If you’ve not prepared ahead of time, networked, worked on your resume, gone to free interviewing classes you may feel pressured to take the first offer of anyone who will hire you.

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Need help transitioning? LinkIn with Eve Nasby (Given) to connect. Eve Nasby is a hiring expert with almost three decades invested in these topics. Join her on LinkedIn today. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-0050452

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR By Vicki Garcia

What’s Your Endgame?

“Alice asked the grinning Cheshire Cat, who was sitting in a tree, “What road do I take?” The cat asked, “Where do you want to go?” “I don’t know,” Alice answered. “Then,” said the Cat, “it really doesn’t matter, does it?” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Words to live by. If you don’t know where you want to end up, it’s difficult to choose the right path. Smart small business owners know in advance what they want to get out of their business when the time comes to retire. Some cagy founders start and launch a business with the express purpose of selling it at a specific point in the not too far distant future. Do all small business owners have an “Exit Strategy?” No. The UBS (NYSE: UBS) Q1 Investor Watch Report, “Who’s the boss?” reveals 48 percent of business owners don’t have a formal exit strategy at all. Warning! Closing up shop is riddled with legalities and hoops you have to jump through. Let’s look at a few of the most popular strategies. 1. Liquidate. For some small businesses, especially those that are dependent on a single individual, simply closing the doors may be the only option. When the founder is the main asset, there’s nothing else to sell. If you’re in this position, you may want to spend some time retooling your business so that

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

it could be operated by someone else – making it a business someone might want to buy. It can take months to close a business properly. A closing plan will offer the most protection possible to your personal assets, your credit, and your reputation. In fact, you can choose to liquidate slowly over time, taking out large salary draws or dividends over several years before eventually pulling up stakes. If you wish to maximize your current lifestyle rather than aggressively expand your business, a slow wind-down could be your best option. The order in which you notify people of your intention to eventually quit can greatly affect your ability to make the most of the time you have left. You will need to collect outstanding accounts receivable, sell off inventory and notify your creditors. Notify your customers, terminate your lease, give any employees adequate notice, take care of any tax responsibilities and close your business bank accounts. And you thought it simply involved closing the doors. 2. Leave it to the Kids. Keeping it in the family is a dream of many owners. You hope to make it a smooth transition and even retain a role in the business. Of course, this depends on someone in your family who wants to take the wheel. And, how about your customers. They may not take to the transition. This is another case of taking it slowly, plan carefully and keep your ear to the ground. 3. Sell it. This is the most popular option, especially for a profitable business that is attractive to buyers. If you want to sell your business, start preparing several years in advance. Keep excellent records and look marketable. Assets and goodwill can be incorporated when valuing the business for sale, maximizing the return to the owner(s). In the report, UBS points out the majority of business owners don’t have a full understanding of what takes place in the selling of a business. It identifies a knowledge gap for the 75 percent of owners who believe they can sell their business in a year or less.

Businesses are difficult to value, and the selling price may be less than you would like. Several different business valuation methods ranging from asset-based to future earnings approaches are available.

Starting a Business as a Veteran?

Whatever you do, don’t cook the books to look more profitable. You would be well served by working with a reputable professional business broker as well as an experienced attorney. * The takeaway - Plan early with different exit strategies in mind. This will allow you the flexibility you need to get the most out of your business, whether you sell it, pass it on to your family, or move on. *This information is made available 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. It should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state. A City of San Diego grant has paid for Operation Vetrepreneur to help launch and support veteran (Military & Spouse) startups and growing businesses. See our ad in Homeland Magazine and San Diego Veterans Magazine. Working with highly experienced entrepreneurs, and using a unique brainstorming hightouch model, you get mentoring and info while in the company of other like-minded veterans. One evening a week over 4 weeks in November and/or a “Deep Dive” business overview in mind October. The program is valued at over $500 in the civilian world, but you get it for free. Recruiting right now! Sign up at www.veteransinbiz.com or www.meetup.com/Operation-Vetrepreneur-San-Diego/

Vicki Garcia is the CoFounder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 30+ -yearold marketing consulting firm Apply to join Operation Vetrepreneur’s FREE Think Tank Groups at www.veteransinbiz.com, visit www.veteransinbiz.org or for more information go to: www.meetup.com/Operation-Vetrepreneur-San-Diego/

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

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

MILITARY MONEY MINUTE A Monthly Financial

By Lara Ryan, Daniel Chavarria & Michael Biemiller

GI BILL CHANGES –

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BOTTOM LINE UPFRONT If you are able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, do so now! Several changes have already been made and more are coming. BACKGROUND

NEW POLICY

The Post-9/11 GI Bill was designed as a retention tool for military members in the early years of the Post-9/11 era. When it was created, the military was struggling to maintain its end strength. The thennew GI Bill carrot was used was used as an incentive – serve a few more years, and you will be eligible to use enormously valuable benefit.

The following is now the DoD policy:

In 2009, the deal became even sweeter. Servicemembers were able to transfer their Post9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or children in exchange for agreeing to serve more time on active duty.

So, you got to have already served 6 years, but can’t have been in for 16 years or more, and you have to agree and be eligible to serve another 4.

This was unprecedented, as there are virtually no other benefits that are transferrable to the spouse and children (with the exception of some benefits that could transfer posthumously).

NO LONGER ELIGIBLE

In 2019, retention is no longer a problem, and Congress is looking for ways to cut costs, including a significant Reduction in Force. This has an impact on the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and their transferability. When servicemembers became eligible to transfer those benefits, they had to meet certain requirements. However, new eligibility rules passed in JUL 2018 changed from whom and how GI Bill benefits may be transferred. The deadline for implementation of the new rules was previously set for JUL 2019, but there has been an extension to JAN 2020.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

- Have at least 6 years of service as of the date of GI Bill transfer request, - Agree to serve at least 4 additional years, - Be eligible to serve at least 4 additional years, - Have not completed your 16th year of military service (as of 12 JAN2020).

Finally, you have to complete the transfer paperwork within 30 days of the re-up.

The following members were previously allowed to transfer benefits, but are no longer eligible: - Have at least 10 years of service and cannot serve 4 more years because of policy or law, but you agree to serve as long as you are able by law or policy • WHAT CHANGED? Members must now be eligible to extend 4 years in order to transfer their benefits. - Are retirement-eligible from 1AUG2009 – 1AUG2012 (member must sign up for one more year of service starting from the date the GI Bill benefits are transferred). • WHAT CHANGED? Members must now be eligible to extend 4 years in order to transfer their benefits. Starting 12JAN2020, members must not have completed their 16th year of service in order to transfer their benefits.

IMPORTANT: All transfer requests must be submitted and approved while the member is still in the military. Transfers cannot be initiated after retirement or separation.

San Diego Community News

WHO CAN RECEIVE YOUR BENEFIT TRANSFER Remember, the best part of transferring benefits (other than blessing your dependents with a free education), is that the transfer is non-binding. So, you have nothing to lose! You can transfer the benefits and later decide to decrease or rescind. Therefore, it doesn’t matter WHAT amount you transfer, it just matters THAT you make the transfer! You can transfer a minimum of one month to any dependent in your DEERS system. You can adjust the allocation of benefits at any time in your MilConnect account (MilConnect Home • Benefits • Transfer of Education Benefits). We strongly recommend that anyone who is eligible to transfer benefits do so! FYI – Legislation has been proposed to cut the Military Housing Allowance (MHA) that accompanies the GI Bill use. The MHA is generous; it pays at the same rate as the BAH for an E-5 with dependents, which in Southern California can be more than $2,500/month. Because in some cases, the BAH can be higher than the cost of room and board at local universities, there is a proposal to cut the MHA by 50% for future Post-9/11 GI Bill transfers to children. This change will not apply to those who have already transferred benefits. Additionally, members will have 180 days after the bill passes to be grandfathered into the current system. We’ll keep you posted in next month’s issue!

Lara, Dan & Michael work with a team and run a comprehensive financial planning practice that specializes in working with active duty, retired, veteran and military-connected individuals, families, and businesses. They are not fee-based planners and don’t charge for their time, but believe every servicemember needs and deserves a financial plan. Lara.ryan@nm.com (307) 690-9266 Daniel.Chavarria@nm.com (702) 497-3264 Michael.biemiller@nm.com (858) 663-4296

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

SCARY GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS EVERY BUSINESS MUST KNOW No matter what type of business you run, you must comply with federal, state and local statues and regulations administered by legislative bodies and carried out by regulatory agencies. Some regulations impact the way in which businesses report income and pay taxes, others regulate how they dispose of their excess materials or waste. For just about any kind of industry and transaction there are government regulations on business. The sheer volume of government regulations on business can make your head spin, whether or not you are just starting out or are a seasoned small business owner. But despite the high volume of government regulations on business, understanding the general rules is not actually as scary as it sounds. Here are some common kinds of government regulations on business: TAXES For most small business owners, government regulation questions almost always begin with taxes. But there is more to taxes than merely paying them – knowing which business taxes to pay, when to pay them, and how to setup your business to account for future tax payments can spare you a ton of headaches when it comes time to write the government a check. Every company registered within the United States has to pay federal taxes. Most companies will also have to pay state taxes, depending on the state in which the company is registered. But the kind of taxes you’ll pay depends on how you formed your business. In this regard, not all businesses are treated the same. Sole proprietorships pay taxes differently than S-corporations. Despite the differences between each kind of business there are a few general terms you should know: Income Tax – most businesses file an annual income tax return. Businesses must pay income tax as they earn and receive income and then file a tax return at the end of the year. Estimated Tax – estimated tax payments offer an alternative to paying income tax throughout the year as your company earns money. 34

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Employment Tax – companies that have employees are expected to pay taxes related to having staff on their payroll. These include Social Security and Medicare taxes. Excise Taxes – excise taxes are paid when your business makes purchases on specific goods and are often included in the price of the product. EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW There are also many government regulations on businesses that employ workers and independent contractors, in the form of federal and state labor laws. Here are the most common labor laws: Wage and Hours – according to the Department of Labor, the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) prescribes standards for wages and overtime pay. Workplace Safety and Health – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) required that employers provide their employees with work and a workplace free from recognized serious hazards. Equal Opportunity – most employers with at least 15 employees must comply with equal opportunity laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which mandates that certain hiring practices, such as gender, race, religion, age, disability and other elements are not allowed to influence hiring practices. Non-US Citizen Workers – the federal government mandates that employers must verify that their employees have permission to work legally in the United States. Employee Benefit Security – if your company offers pension or welfare benefit plans, you must be subject to a wide range of fiduciary, disclosure and reporting requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Family and Medical Leave – the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to eligible employees for the birth or adoption of a child, or for the serious illness of the employee or a spouse, child or parent.

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Posters – some department of labor states require notice to be shared or posted in the workplace for employees’ view. ADVERTISING A good advertising strategy can do wonders for your business. But before you dive in, you’ll need to make sure that you’re playing by the rules and government regulations. For example, you have to make sure the claims in your ads are not untruthful or purposely deceptive. Using testimonials in your ads comes with additional regulations. Violating these rules can result in fines, which defeats the purpose of your advertising in the first place. EMAIL MARKETING Closely related to advertising is email marketing. If your business engages in email marketing, there are separate regulations you’ll need to comply with under the CANSPAM Act. There are several things that this Act regulates but some of the main components are: • Don’t use false or misleading headers • Don’t use deceptive headlines • Indicate that the message is an advertisement • Induce your business name and address • Show the customer how to opt out of emails and honor the opt-out requests promptly.

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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

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

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Operation Dress Code

San Diego’s Best Kept Secret for Military Women By Holly Shaffner A program this successful shouldn’t be a secret. Perhaps after reading this article you will share it with your networks? Operation Dress Code is a program that assists active duty and veteran women as they transition to new careers. The San Diego location began in 2015 serving 60 women and now in its 5th year that number has grown exponentially. According to RanDee McLain, San Diego Program Director for Operation Dress Code, she hopes to serve 500 women this November! So how does it work? During the month of October, San Diegans donate thousands of pieces of new and gently used business attire, shoes, purses and accessories through the local military-centric nonprofit organization Courage to Call. Courage to Call is a program of Mental Health Systems (MHS) that has been serving the San Diego community for over 40 years. Volunteers then sort the items and help with set up the day before the big “shopping” day. The shopping day is known as “Boutique Day” and this year it is on Saturday, November 2nd at the University of San Diego. The women will have a personalized shopping experience complete with a personal shopper to help pair together outfits, providing advice on how to dress for different scenarios and accessorize their new outfits. When they have found a few new outfits, they check out and take home a newfound confidence for entering that next chapter in their lives. So how does it work? During the month of October, San Diegans donate thousands of pieces of new and gently used business attire, shoes, purses and accessories through the local military-centric nonprofit organization Courage to Call. Courage to Call is a program of Mental Health Systems (MHS) that has been serving the San Diego community for over 40 years. Volunteers then sort the items and help with set up the day before the big “shopping” day. The shopping day is known as “Boutique Day” and this year it is on Saturday, November 2nd at the University of San Diego. The women will have a personalized shopping experience complete with a personal shopper to help pair together outfits, providing advice on how to dress for different scenarios and accessorize their new outfits. When they have found a few new outfits, they check out and take home a newfound confidence for entering that next chapter in their lives. 38

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Kyra Treible, Human Resources Manager for Bryan Allen Events said first impressions are critical. “That first impression is all visual and we look for attention to detail.” When wondering what to wear to an interview, she said “You need to dress for the job you are asking for. Every office has a dress code and my favorite candidates are those who ask what the dress code is before coming to the interview.” The Boutique Day is more than just shopping for clothes…it is also prepares the ladies for other aspects of transition. This year there will be a resume writing seminar and a workshop for how to use LinkedIn when searching for jobs. Additionally, there will be a hair and make-up station, and a professional photographer to take that head shot for a profile picture. Kyra Treible has a few pieces of advice for interviewing and nailing that first impression: 1) Wear clothing that have a good fit – not too tight, not too loose 2) The clothing should be clean and ironed 3) Makeup should be natural and if in doubt, it is better to go with none vice too much 4) Nails should be neatly trimmed and either completely polished or not at all 5) Be careful with any scents – too much perfume or scented lotions can be distracting for the interviewer. Lastly, she said that you want to minimize as many obstacles as you can (like clothing that is too tight or too reveling) so that you feel good about what you are wearing. That feeling will make you more comfortable and in turn will make you more confident. To learn more about Operation Dress Code donation drop off locations, volunteer opportunities, or to register for Boutique Day, go to: www.operationdresscode.com or contact Courage to Call via email at: CouragetoCall@mhsinc.org or (858) 636-3604.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Veterans Chamber of Commerce By Joseph Molina www.vccsd.org

VA BENEFITS & HOME BUYING Properties vs. Homes, a difference? A Property or a Home? A Home is where we create family connections, where we build memories that last forever, a home is where we go when we feel lost, a home is where we feel safe and or just want to “let go” for a minute, a home is where everyone knows who we are, a home is where we feel…... This is why Home-Buying is different.

When you use your VA benefit, you can fund up to 100 percent of the purchase price. Great opportunity specially for first time buyers!!! No down payment with VA means that veterans can buy a home sooner, without having to wait and save a lot of money before applying for a home loan. It also means that there is no Mortgage insurance attached to the purchase, saving veterans a lot of money in the long run.

I am sure we all have questions when it comes to VA home buying. These are some of common questions people ask about VA benefits; What can the VA do for me? What is the process? Where to find a Trusted Agent and a Lender? How much do I qualify for? Who can I trust to help me through the process? …..

You can shop and compare VA loans VA loans are Not funded by the VA (The VA provides the guarantee to the lender) Banks are the direct lenders of these loans, but the VA sets the standards and puts forward restrictions and limitation to the lender to benefit the veteran using the VA benefit.

Veterans have a great resource when it comes to home buying, the VA. There are a lot of benefits included in the VA home purchasing program for veterans, let’s take a look.

You as the buyer have the option of shopping around for rates, but the best and most effective way of comparing is to work with a Trusted Mortgage lender who will do the search for you (Make sure your Lender is Veteran Approved Lender.)

The VA is Flexible Yes, the VA is very flexible! The VA allows veterans to purchase a home through a collection of financing choices, for example, veterans are equipped with the choice to buy a conventional home, manufactured home, condo, etc. Veteran Approved Lenders understand this and can help identify the right property for the veteran. The VA provides the Loan Guarantee The VA offer the guarantee to the lender. This guarantee has encouraged lenders to offer loans to borrowers who are able to use the VA home loan benefit. Closing Costs Closing costs are always there regardless the mortgage product. What the VA does is that it confines and sets caps on what the costs veterans are to pay, this is a great benefit to veterans. No down payment A lot of home loan programs out there require a down payment (average is 20%) when you want to buy a home, but this is not the case when it comes to VA home loan. 40

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

This gives you the ability to compare rates, purchase down rates, and see what a Mortgage lender has to offer. Again, my suggestion is to request the assistance of a Veteran Approved Lender and or a Veteran Approved Realtor they already strong fully developed relationships with multiple mortgage lenders. No prepayment penalty If you decide that you want to sell your home, the VA doesn’t have prepayment penalty, so when you feel ready and want to sell you will enjoy the benefit of paying off your VA home loan with no penalties. WHAT VA LOANS CANNOT DO Purchase properties for the sole purpose of Investment; Purchase properties that do not meet VA criteria; Old prefab homes; Some condos may have restrictions; Not for Business; Not to fix and flip and there are more to list but these are the ones I feel people ask me the most!

WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not always allow the affected to seek help. Lend a hand and provide them with methods of help, listen and be a friend. San Diego Veterans Magazine works with nonprofit veteran organizations that help more than 1 million veterans in life-changing ways each year.

Key-Points • VA offers lower rates and with No down payment • VA provides the guarantee to the lender (So you don’t have to) • Connect with a Veteran Approved Lender and with a Veteran Approved Realtor. These Real estate Industry professionals have themselves committed to a provide higher levels of customer service, understand veterans and military families. Connect with us if you are looking for a trusted Agent, happy to help, just send me an email. veteransccsd@gmail.com Lastly, if you are interested in buying a home the Housing for Heroes program may be a good place to start and with its Network of Agents will be able to provide guidance to veterans interested in VA Home Loan process. Do your research, talk to people, contact us with questions, Home buying is a Large life changing purchase and it comes with lots of details, enjoy the journey!!!

Resources. Support. Inspiration. At SD Vets Magazine you can visit our website for all current and past articles relating to PTSD, symptoms, resources and real stories of inspiration.

Resources & Articles available at:

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

FIGHTING PTSD

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

communities built to support those who serve.

. 24/7 Maintenance . No Security Deposit . Gas & Water Included Roadside Assistance . Average Electrical Use Included . Intrusion Alarms

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

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

Getting A VA Home Loan Because you earned it! For those with eligible military service, the VA Home Loan Benefit—which never expires—provides a tremendous option to refinance or purchase a primary residence. All things being equal, a person using this benefit will generally qualify for more home loan than with other available loans.

Title 10 Orders are eligible after 6 years of participating service. To see the service requirements for your specific era of service, visit www.benefits.va.gov/ homeloans/purchaseco_eligibility.asp. The benefit is open to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard, spouses of un-remarried Veterans who died while in service or from service-connected disability, or the spouse of a Veteran who is MIA or a POW.

Myths:

Qualifying--two steps:

There are many “myths” that prevent people from using the VA loan, but all of the following are true FACTS regarding the VA home loan benefit: it is not just for firsttime buyers; you can use it multiple times; it is possible to have more than one VA loan at the same time; there is no limit on the loan amount--with a small down-payment/ equity it can be used above the VA County Loan Limit; it is possible to use it after a short-sale or foreclosure on a prior VA loan using remaining entitlement; the seller is not required to pay the Veteran’s closing costs; the Veteran may pay for repairs; there are no non-allowable fees, only fees that are limited.

Step one: Determining if you are eligible to use the benefit. To do that, a proficient lender, electronically connected to the VA, will request discharge papers or— if on active-duty, a statement of current service from you--and order a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) directly from the VA on your behalf. The COE tells the lender whether your service qualifies you to use the benefit.

Benefits: Benefits of the loan include: lower interest rates than conventional loans; zero equity required (with full entitlement) up the VA county loan limits (loans above the limit require a small down payment); no mortgage insurance; easier to qualify; shortest time to get a loan after a short-sale, foreclosure or bankruptcy; limitations on closing costs; no pre-payment penalty, and the ability for any qualified buyer (not just a Veteran) to assume the loan at a later date.

Step two is like any other loan: Comparing qualifying income against current debts, the lender calculates the amount of house payment allowed. For a home purchase, the lender uses that payment to calculate the approved purchase price and loan amount and issues a pre-approval letter. That letter tells your real estate agent the price range of homes to show you. Pretty easy. Bottom line: When you are in need of a home loan, do not make assumptions, find a proficient VA lender and…JUST ASK!

If you have military service (you don’t need to have served over-seas or in combat), you are most likely eligible to take advantage of this benefit. You just need to ask a lender who is proficient in handling a VA loan. You want a lender that does several VA loans per year (just being able to do the loan doesn’t make a loan officer ‘proficient’). Eligibility: General eligibility requirements are: currently serving on active duty at least 90 days; Veterans with other-thandishonorable discharge and served 24 months, or 90 days during war time/181 days during peace time. Keep in mind these are “general” guidelines and time requirements vary depending on era of service. Those serving in the National Guard or Reserves and have never been called to active

Author: Andrew Vierra NMLS #230799 Branch Manager Wealth Wise Mortgage a division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS #1850, Equal Housing Opportunity

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 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.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 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.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

San Diego Veterans Magazine / MAY 2019

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 2019

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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / OCTOBER 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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MODELS NOW SELLING

FINAL HOMES NOW SELLING

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.