Wounded Warrior Project - Homeland Magazine May 20919 by HOMELAND MAGAZINE

Homeland

Vol. 6 Number 5 • May 2019 www.HomelandMagazine.com

Veterans Magazine

Memorial Day: A Time For Heroes

Carry Forward 5K Honors Veterans’ Service

PICTURES FOR HEROES Honor, Courage, Commitment

Female Veterans Find Self-Care

Woman Warrior Lifts Others, Writes Her Own Living Transformation Daily

Enlisted To Entrepreneur LEGAL EAGLE

No Heroes Left Behind

MEMORIAL DAY ISSUE Resources • Support • Transition • Inspiration

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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

Sign-Up For A Future Trip For more information, email us at: information@honorflightsandiego.org

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

Greetings and a warm welcome to HOMELAND Magazine! Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. Homeland Magazine focuses on real stories from real heroes; the service member, the veteran, the wounded and the families that keep it together. Our magazine is driven by passion, vision, reflection and the future. The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with service members, families, veterans and civilians. Homeland is about standing your ground, resilience, adaptation, inspiration and solidarity. HOMELAND is inspirational, “feel good” reading; our focus is on veterans, military and civilians alike. I believe HOMELAND is where the heart is, and our publication covers a wide variety of topics, and issues about real life and real stories. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people. We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of HOMELAND Magazine.

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller Contributing Writers CJ Machado Vicki Garcia - Enlisted Holly Shaffner - Honor Flight Joe Molina - VCCSD Lori Boody - VANC Shelter to Soldier Eva M. Stimson Boot Campaign Barry Smith Leigh Ann Ranslem Wounded Warrior Project Jennifer Silva Gary Corless DAV - Dan Clare American Warrior Jim Lorraine Operation Homefront Kelly Bagla. Esq. Billieka Boughton Shya Ellis-Flint Lara Ryan Daniel Chavarria National Women’s History Karen R. Price Fathers Joe’s Village Hart Dubois Public Relations CJ Machado Mike Miller Marketing/Sales Homeland Magazine is published monthly. Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items. All rights reserved.

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858.275-4281

Mike Miller, Publisher www.HomelandMagazine.com

Contact Homeland Magazine at:

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info@homelandmagazine.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 3 Honor, Courage, Commitment 6 Memorial Day: A Time For Heroes 10 Remember The Difference 12 Carry Forward Honors Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service 16 Woman Warrior Lifts Others 21 Female Veterans Find Self Care 22 Pictures For Heroes 26 No Heroes Left Behind 28 ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR 30 Veterans Bring Leadership Skills 36 Legal Eagle 37 Money Matters

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE www.HomelandMagazine.com

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Memorial Day: A Time for Heroes A teenager learns the importance of war veterans in this inspiring story. By Nancy Sullivan Geng, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota

I leaned against an oak at the side of the road, wishing I were invisible, keeping my distance from my parents on their lawn chairs and my younger siblings scampering about. I hoped none of my friends saw me there. God forbid they caught me waving one of the small American flags Mom bought at Ben Franklin for a dime. At 16, I was too old and definitely too cool for our small town’s Memorial Day parade. I ought to be at the lake, I brooded. But, no, the all-day festivities were mandatory in my family. A high school band marched by, the girl in sequins missing her baton as it tumbled from the sky. Firemen blasted sirens in their polished red trucks. The uniforms on the troop of World War II veterans looked too snug on more than one member. “Here comes Mama,” my father shouted. Five black convertibles lumbered down the boulevard. The mayor was in the first, handing out programs. I didn’t need to look at one. I knew my uncle Bud’s name was printed on it, as it had been every year since he was killed in Italy. Our family’s war hero. And I knew that perched on the backseat of one of the cars, waving and smiling, was Mama, my grandmother. She had a corsage on her lapel and a sign in gold embossed letters on the car door: “Gold Star Mother.” I hid behind the tree so I wouldn’t have to meet her gaze. It wasn’t because I didn’t love her or appreciate her. She’d taught me how to sew, to call a strike in baseball. She made great cinnamon rolls, which we always ate after the parade. What embarrassed me was all the attention she got for a son who had died 20 years earlier. With four other children and a dozen grandchildren, why linger over this one long-ago loss? 6

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I peeked out from behind the oak just in time to see Mama wave and blow my family a kiss as the motorcade moved on. The purple ribbon on her hat fluttered in the breeze. The rest of our Memorial Day ritual was equally scripted. No use trying to get out of it. I followed my family back to Mama’s house, where there was the usual baseball game in the backyard and the same old reminiscing about Uncle Bud in the kitchen. Helping myself to a cinnamon roll, I retreated to the living room and plopped down on an armchair. There I found myself staring at the Army photo of Bud on the bookcase. The uncle I’d never known. I must have looked at him a thousand times—so proud in his crested cap and knotted tie. His uniform was decorated with military emblems that I could never decode.

“Remember how hard Bud worked after we lost the farm? At haying season he worked all day, sunrise to sunset, baling for other farmers. Then he brought me all his wages. He’d say, ‘Mama, someday I’m going to buy you a brand-new farm. I promise.’ There wasn’t a better boy in the world!” Sometimes I wondered about that boy dying alone in a muddy ditch in a foreign country he’d only read about. I thought of the scared kid who jumped out of a foxhole in front of an advancing enemy, only to be downed by a sniper. I couldn’t reconcile the image of the boy and his dog with that of the stalwart soldier. Mama stood beside me for a while, looking at the photo. From outside came the sharp snap of an American flag flapping in the breeze and the voices of my cousins cheering my brother at bat. “Mama,” I asked, “what’s a hero?” Without a word she turned and walked down the hall to the back bedroom. I followed. She opened a bureau drawer and took out a small metal box, then sank down onto the bed. “These are Bud’s things,” she said. “They sent them to us after he died.” She opened the lid and handed me a telegram dated October 13, 1944. “The Secretary of State regrets to inform you that your son, Lloyd Heitzman, was killed in Italy.”

Funny, he was starting to look younger to me as I got older. Who were you, Uncle Bud? I nearly asked aloud. I picked up the photo and turned it over. Yellowing tape held a prayer card that read: “Lloyd ‘Bud’ Heitzman, 19251944. A Great Hero.” Nineteen years old when he died, not much older than I was. But a great hero? How could you be a hero at 19? The floorboards creaked behind me. I turned to see Mama coming in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. I almost hid the photo because I didn’t want to listen to the same stories I’d heard year after year: “Your uncle Bud had this little rat-terrier named Jiggs. Good old Jiggs. How he loved that mutt! He wouldn’t go anywhere without Jiggs. He used to put him in the rumble seat of his Chevy coupe and drive all over town.

Your son! I imagined Mama reading that sentence for the first time. I didn’t know what I would have done if I’d gotten a telegram like that. “Here’s Bud’s wallet,” she continued. Even after all those years, it was caked with dried mud. Inside was Bud’s driver’s license with the date of his sixteenth birthday. I compared it with the driver’s license I had just received. A photo of Bud holding a little spotted dog fell out of the wallet. Jiggs. Bud looked so pleased with his mutt. Continued on next page >

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There were other photos in the wallet: a laughing Bud standing arm in arm with two buddies, photos of my mom and aunt and uncle, another of Mama waving. This was the home Uncle Bud took with him, I thought. I could see him in a foxhole, taking out these snapshots to remind himself of how much he was loved and missed. “Who’s this?” I asked, pointing to a shot of a pretty darkhaired girl. “Marie. Bud dated her in high school. He wanted to marry her when he came home.” A girlfriend? Marriage? How heartbreaking to have a life, plans and hopes for the future, so brutally snuffed out. Sitting on the bed, Mema and I sifted through the treasures in the box: a gold watch that had never been wound again. A sympathy letter from President Roosevelt, and one from Bud’s commander. A medal shaped like a heart, trimmed with a purple ribbon, and at the very bottom, the deed to Mama’s house. “Why’s this here?” I asked. “Because Bud bought this house for me.” She explained how after his death, the U.S. government gave her 10 thousand dollars, and with it she built the house she was still living in.“He kept his promise all right,” Mama said in a quiet voice I’d never heard before. For a long while the two of us sat there on the bed. Then we put the wallet, the medal, the letters, the watch, the

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photos and the deed back into the metal box. I finally understood why it was so important for Mama—and me—to remember Uncle Bud on this day. If he’d lived longer he might have built that house for Mama or married his high-school girlfriend. There might have been children and grandchildren to remember him by. As it was, there was only that box, the name in the program and the reminiscing around the kitchen table. “I guess he was a hero because he gave everything for what he believed,” I said carefully. “Yes, child,” Mama replied, wiping a tear with the back of her hand. “Don’t ever forget that.” I haven’t. Even today with Mama gone, my husband and I take our lawn chairs to the tree-shaded boulevard on Memorial Day and give our daughters small American flags that I buy for a quarter at Ben Franklin. I want them to remember that life isn’t just about getting what you want. Sometimes it involves giving up the things you love for what you love even more. That many men and women did the same for their country—that’s what I think when I see the parade pass by now. And if I close my eyes and imagine, I can still see Mama in her regal purple hat, honoring her son, a true American hero.

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REMEMBER THE DIFFERENCE Memorial Day: Celebrated the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is the holiday set aside to pay tribute to those who died serving in the military.

Veterans Day: This federal holiday falls on November 11 and is designated as a day to honor all who have served in the military.

“Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union Veterans -- the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) -- established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.”

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.

The passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 by Congress made it an official holiday.

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“In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans,” the site says. “With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.”

For nearly 150 years, Americans have gathered in late spring to honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service to their country. What began with dozens of informal commemorations of those killed in the Civil War has grown to become one of the nation’s most solemn and hallowed holidays. Memorial Day has become the traditional kick off of summer but the holiday has a much more significant purpose. Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the military. Among its traditions are ceremonies to honor those who lost their lives in service, with many people visiting cemeteries to place American flags on grave sites. A national moment of remembrance takes place across the country at 3 p.m. local time. The purpose of Memorial Day is sometimes confused with Veterans Day. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day commemorated on Nov. 11 each year - honors all those who have served in the U.S. military during times of war and peace. Armed Forces Day, which falls on May 20 each year, recognizes those who are currently serving in the military.

History of Memorial Day Memorial Day traces its roots to the tradition of Decoration Day, a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. The first declaration of Decoration Day occurred on May 30, 1868, when Major Gen. John Logan declared the day would be a time to recognize those who lost their lives in the Civil War. The first large Decoration Day was held at Arlington National Cemetery that year. The ceremonies included mourning draping around the Arlington mansion of former Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant presided over the ceremonies, which included speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the Granddaughters of the American Revolution placing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves. The Arlington tradition was built on longstanding ceremonies held throughout the South. Once of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss. on April 15, 1866, when a group of women decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers who died at the battle of Shiloh. Upon seeing the undecorated graves of Union soldiers who died in the battle, the women placed flowers at those headstones as well. Several cities currently claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Macon and Columbus, Georgia, Richmond, Virginia, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, Waterloo, New York and Carbondale, Illinois. Memorial Day continued to be celebrated at local events until after World War I, which it was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays. In 2000, Congress passed “The National Remembrance Act,” which encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

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Carry Forward 5K Honors Veterans’ Service By Gary Corless – Chief Development Officer, Wounded Warrior Project Americans are known as people who come together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who are wounded in service, and those who continue to serve. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) ensures the bravest among us are honored, empowered, and engaged with their communities and the grateful Americans they served. WWP’s Carry Forward® 5K was born out of respect for legacies of sacrifice, honor, and service. Carry Forward is a powerful, one-of-a-kind event where veterans’ supporters can take action and put WWP’s mission in motion.

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What makes Carry Forward unique is how you choose to support veterans: you can carry a flag to show your patriotism; carry a weight to represent the responsibilities veterans bear while serving our country; or carry another person to symbolize one warrior carrying another in their time of need. No matter what you choose, every step empowers wounded warriors as they take on their next mission. In 2018, more than 5,200 people registered and thousands more supported the launch of Carry Forward in three host cities and nationwide through the Carry Forward Virtual 5K.

Why Carry Forward? Kenny Angelini is both a warrior and a teammate at WWP. He served in the Army until 2007, was injured, and found new ways to serve – first in law enforcement and now at WWP, helping other veterans navigate benefits, VA health care, and education awards. When Kenny put on a participant’s bib to walk Carry Forward Nashville last year with his service dog, Ranger, he was walking in memory of someone close to him. “I lost a dear friend on April 12, 2005,” Kenny said. “His name was Manuel Lopez III – we went through boot camp together, and we spent time together while serving in the Army.” Manuel’s Humvee was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while he was on street patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. He was 20 years old. In addition to his parents and friends, he left behind his wife and infant daughter. Kenny’s service dog, Ranger, is named in honor of an Army Ranger who was killed in combat. Kenny said he’s thankful to the organization that trained the dog and to the Gold Star mom who carried on her son’s legacy with the dog’s name. “Ranger actually helped me get through the 5K,” Kenny said. “I had not done a 5K or any distance walk or run since about 2005.”

Kenny embraced the spirit of community strength at Carry Forward.

“It became a team thing, sort of a collective milestone. It wasn’t a race, but a journey together. No one was left behind; everyone helped each other get to the finish line. It was amazing to see people who haven’t done this type of activity in a while come together and help each other. I want to see Carry Forward grow and turn into something even bigger.” When an injured soldier came home, mom “ went to war” When Mary Tallouzi’s son Daniel came back from Iraq with a catastrophic brain injury, Mary says she “went to war.” She was by his side day and night advocating for his care for the next two and a half years. He was moved from hospital to hospital to rehab facilities – always with his mother by his side. She quit her job while forgoing income and medical benefits to be with her son. After he passed in 2009, Mary became an advocate and spokesperson for injured veterans. “Most people think about a spouse and children as survivors,” Mary said. “But a soldier likely had parents, too, as survivors.” Mary and fellow caregiver and spokesperson Jennifer Mackinday started a virtual squad for moms all over the U.S. who are survivors or caregivers of an injured veteran. The group is called Wounded Warrior Moms Across America. Its members communicate via text and social media to encourage each other to train for Carry Forward. This is a great example of a powerful and virtual Carry Forward event. “For many people, it’s hard enough to commit to fitness, especially if you’re busy caring for a loved one,” Jennifer said. “In a team, we strive to reach our fitness goals and exchange notes about our challenges as caregivers.” Jennifer quit her career to take care of her injured brother, James Smith, who was hurt in an IED blast in Mosul, Iraq. James has regained some independence. His nephew – Jennifer’s son Grant – is also a veteran. Continued on next page >

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“Mothers care for us when we’re hurting, and they ask for nothing in return,” Jennifer reflects. “It has really helped me to connect with other caregivers through Wounded Warrior Project. Other moms need to know that they don’t have to do it alone.” Carry Forward helps fuel programs that give warriors and caregivers access to independence programs, mental health services, physical health and wellness education, and other support. Warriors never pay a penny for these programs – because they paid their dues on the battlefield. The free services WWP offers are only possible due to the selfless and generous support of people who want to give back to veterans who have given so much. Carry Forward not only helps support warriors and their families, it also brings the community together for a common cause. It bridges the gap between veterans and their community and creates more awareness of warriors’ needs. See ways to get involved and help injured veterans at https://wwp.news/GiveBack.

Carry Forward 5K participants choose to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who are wounded in service, and those who continue to serve. Mitch Green, an army veteran from Malden, MO, honors his family’s legacy of sacrifice, honor, and service carrying a ruck sack with photos of grandfathers, uncles, cousins and friends who served.

Mary Tallouzi, from Albuquerque, NM, organized a virtual Carry Forward 5K squad for moms all over the U.S. who are survivors or caregivers of an injured veteran. The group is called Wounded Warrior Moms Across America. Its members communicate via Marie text and social media to encourage each other to train for Carry Forward. Anyone can form a virtual Dale, his wife Elaina squad and participate from anywhere in the globe. 14

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2019 Carry Forward® 5K, delivered by CSX® DATES & LOCATIONS: 8/24 San Diego 9/21 Nashville 10/5 San Antonio 11/9 Jacksonville, FL Virtual Carry Forward 5K – you can participate from anywhere through Dec. 15. In addition to four host cities, virtual runs or walks are held to honor wounded warriors and their sacrifices while changing their lives for the better. REGISTER: http://WWPCarryForward.org

Carry Forward 5K helps fuel programs that give warriors and caregivers access to independence programs, mental health services, physical health and wellness education, and other support. Warriors never pay a penny for WWP programs – because they paid their dues on the battlefield.

About the Author Gary Corless is chief development officer for Wounded Warrior Project. He leads Warrior Support, which includes resource development, communications, and marketing. Gary also oversees the promotion and protection of the organization’s mission, vision, and purpose. Before joining WWP, Gary was president and chief executive officer of PSS World Medical, concurrently serving on the company’s board of directors. From 2002 to 2010, his extensive career with PSS World Medical included serving as chief operating officer, executive vice president, and president of the Physician Business. Gary studied finance at Florida State University. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife, Ruby, and their four children.

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Woman Warrior Lifts Others, Writes Her Own Living Transformation Daily By Jennifer Silva Chief Program Officer, Wounded Warrior Project

Marine veteran Taniki Richard is empowering others through her own transformation. Taniki and her husband Brandon, an active duty Marine, are battle buddies on a mission to help other veterans. Taniki and Brandon both served in Iraq and, in 2015, founded JT Inspire to bring hope to people coping with military sexual trauma and combat stress. Far from slowing down during retirement, Taniki keeps busy with family, a radio show, a Roku TV™ media series, public speaking, school mentoring, training young adults, and veteran advocacy through Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). As she works to lift others every day, she remembers when she needed lifting up. There was a time, while stationed in North Carolina after returning from Iraq, when Taniki felt so hopeless that she purposefully crashed her car into a light pole. “I didn’t want to die,” Taniki recalls. “I really wanted to live. That’s why I was so sad.

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I wanted help, but no one seemed to want to help me. I made a decision after I crashed to get help, and I think that’s the first time I was ever a true leader.” Despite getting some help to learn to manage posttraumatic stress and sexual trauma, Taniki still felt alone and isolated – until she attended a WWP event that changed her life. When she arrived, a WWP staff member looked at her in a way that showed love and acceptance. That look was all it took for Taniki to open up. “I cried, because I knew that love,” says Taniki. “You didn’t have to say much; you just knew. You could express yourself and people just understood.” While at WWP’s Project Odyssey®, a multi-day mental health workshop, she explained to the group that she missed being a sergeant in the Marine Corps, and others in the group shared similar feelings. “No one judged me,” says Taniki. “They validated me. It was empowering, and it was a real turning point for me.” Since that time, Taniki has been empowered to help inspire people to live better lives.

“I want to make sure my fellow veterans have everything they need to play out the next part of their lives and not just live, but live well,” Taniki says. “If I can help people heal and find peace, then the end of my service is not the end. I’m just serving in a new way now.” Serving in a New Way The sound booth at WREJ Rejoice 101.3 FM (990 AM) in Richmond, Virginia, provided a new way for Taniki to repurpose her passion for serving others. “I want people to know they can deal with trauma and still pursue their dreams,” she says. “Through a radio show, I was able to give other people opportunities to heal and advance just like I received when I started my recovery journey.” The radio show (pursUance: Straight Out The Box!) became a powerful tool to connect veterans to each other and help them realize avenues to translate their military skills into life skills and entrepreneurship. “Professionals from all walks of life came together,” Taniki says. “Many of us realized that we’ve had some hard times, but we’ve also had great success.”

“It’s not just about doing these three things,” Taniki says. “There is a better way to live, and you have to change what you’re doing, reach into yourself, and introspectively assess the toll that trauma has taken on you.” The upcoming “Principles For Change” will describe Taniki’s personal journey and inspire others to overcome trauma. The book represents the latest reinvention of Taniki. “Trauma has a way of coming back, so you practice transformation every day,” Taniki reflects. “I want to live what I’m writing by practicing its principles in my own life.” Woman-to-Woman Peer Support WWP creates opportunities for veterans to gather in a safe and open environment. Female-only peer support groups are popping up in cities where WWP serves large numbers of female veterans. “We are responding to the needs and want to help female veterans feel as welcomed as possible,” says Krystle Matthews, Army veteran and WWP peer support group leader in Houston. In addition to her volunteer work with WWP, Krystle works for the Texas Veterans Commission, is a doctoral candidate at University of Houston, is a wife and caregiver to another veteran, and is a mother. “Many of the women in all-inclusive peer support groups had experienced military sexual trauma,” Krystle observes. “In a female-only group, women feel comfortable and are able to share without feeling judged. Wounded Warrior Project has created an environment where warriors can come when they are ready.”

During this time of growth and connections, Taniki completed her education through earning a bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Regent University. Still, the school of life proved to be a higher calling for this tireless warrior. A Work in Progress Taniki began meditating. She also challenged herself to socialize more. People often asked her how she was able to transform herself and do so much great work. She wanted to provide a way for others to have something at their fingertips that gave them some answers. A book began to write itself in her mind. Her way of overcoming trauma, listening to herself, and trusting herself became a clear path she could put down on paper to help others through their own difficult journeys. “I know it can be overwhelming, and I know you need to build a support system.” Taniki approaches this project with eyes wide open, having lived the hard work of unloading trauma.

Continued on next page >

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Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans manage PTSD.

WOUNDED WARRIOR TANIKI RICHARD

SUPPORT WOUNDED VETERANS AT Dale, his wife Marie Elaina

iamlivingproofwwp.org

Individual Attention Through Classes and Wellness Coaching WWP offers empowering physical activities such as boxing workouts (pictured), yoga, and nutrition classes. A transformative wellness program engages warriors in a three-day health clinic immediately followed by three months of one-on-one wellness coaching. “The combination of clinic and coaching helps motivate you to get back to the lifestyle you might have had in the military,” says Air Force veteran Janneil Knox, who lives in Seattle with her four children and works as a special education teacher. “It helps you get back on track.” Janneil attended a WWP health clinic where she met fellow warrior Melissa, who has become her fitness battle buddy. “We live in Olympia and Seattle, Washington, so we do a lot of stuff together,” Janneil says. “It’s good to meet other warriors who have some of my same issues.” WWP’s wellness coaching program is open to any warrior who wants to improve her quality of life, fitness level, mood, body composition, or general well-being. View this video for details: https://wwp.news/ CoachingVideo.

About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), top rated by Charity Navigator, and holding a GuideStar Platinum rating. To get involved and learn how WWP connects, serves, and empowers, visit http://newsroom. woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us. About the Author As Chief Program Officer, Jennifer oversees strategy and innovation as it relates to current and future WWP programs. She leads the organization in creating cutting-edge programs that assist warriors as they transition to civilian life. Jennifer is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army as a logistics officer. Before coming to WWP, Jennifer worked in the financial field, owned her own business, and was a secondary school educator.

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Female Veterans Find Self-Care The California salt water and warm outdoors were just what the doctor ordered for a group of female veterans from different parts of the country who met in Mission Bay at a health clinic hosted by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). The WWP wellness event brought veterans together in a welcoming environment that fostered learning and healing. “The best part was meeting, connecting, and creating a community with women who have similar goals,” said Navy veteran Leah Bond, from Colorado Springs. “I really enjoyed learning how to use the TRX equipment and the fun outdoor workout on the bay.”

In a WWP survey (https://www.woundedwarriorproject. org/survey) of the wounded warriors it serves, 32.6 percent of survey respondents expressed physical activity is one of the things that helps them cope with stress and emotional concerns. Learn more about WWP’s in-person and online wellness coaching for warriors and caregivers at https://wwp.news/WWP. See more examples: https://wwp.news/CoachingVideo. 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.

Participants learned about effective exercise, the basics of nutrition, healthy cooking, resistance training, creating a workout, and setting goals for themselves. “I also learned that adding fish to my diet can be beneficial to my nutrition goals, and how to calculate my daily nutritional needs,” Leah said. WWP organizes events for female warriors and caregivers to provide a comfortable environment for women to connect with each other and share experiences. Often, women realize that in taking more time to care for their health, they are also caring for their loved ones. WWP wellness coaches give each veteran a scale, TRX (suspension equipment) instruction, elastic bands, and other equipment to help them continue exercising at home. No gym membership is required. The most important ingredients each warrior contributes are a commitment to attending a weekend health clinic, and a resolve to stick with a 12-week coaching program afterward. Warriors receive a 30-minute phone call from their personal coach every other week as part of this free program. “The next steps on my wellness journey are to reach my 30-day goal of losing seven pounds, add fish to my diet twice per week, and take 11,000 steps every day Monday through Friday,” Leah said. “I plan to use the wellness coaching to help me reach my goals.”

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) hosted a health clinic for female veterans at Mission Bay. WWP wellness coaches give each veteran a scale, TRX (suspension equipment) instruction, elastic bands, and other equipment to help them continue exercising at home. After the clinic, warriors receive a 30-minute phone call from a personal coach every other week.

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Pictures for Heroes

Robert Thacker

By Holly Shaffner U.S. Air Force pilot, retired Colonel Robert Thacker who turned 100 years old this year. During his service he earned two Silver Star Medals, three Distinguished Flying Cross Medals and ten Air Medals.

Zach Coco knows something about heroes. He gets to interview them, photograph them and preserve their stories every week. Those heroes are the men and women who served in World War II and he has a big reason to do it voluntarily and to keep it going.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that just over 550,000 World War II veterans are still living from over 16 million who served. With World War II veterans dying at almost 400 per day, the urgency to get their stories told could not be more crucial.

He started his project three years ago after his grandfather passed away. Zach’s grandfather was Fireman Second Class Anthony Salvatore Coco and he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. “He was my hero growing up,” says Zach Coco and it was after his grandfather’s passing that he wished he had learned more about his hero’s service to our country.

Zach’s mission is to connect with World War II veterans and get their stories archived before time runs out. The service Zach provides to the veteran and his or her family is totally free to them – he figures it the least he can do for them and to thank them. In preparation to document their story, Zach spends up to five hours planning for their first meeting. He calls them and talks about their World War II story, researches their battle or background and arranges for a day to meet with them.

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This day is special for the World War II veteran as they are looking forward to Zach’s arrival. He travels to their house and sets up his gear, talks to the veteran, views his or her memorabilia and then goes to work. He takes stunning photographs of the veteran, goes home and records the pictures and story on a CD and mails it to the veteran and his or her family. For every veteran he meets, it takes Zach between eight to ten hours to document and preserve their story. His payment is usually a cup of coffee, cookies and a sandwich and a big hug. Since 2015 Zach has photographed over seventy WWII veterans, primarily from Southern California. Zach is working on this project outside of his full-time, paid job as a professional photographer and out of his own pocket. He never asks for the veteran or their family to pay for his time or supplies. It is his honor to do this for this grandfather’s brothers and sisters – and what a tribute it is. As Zach documents the stories, he adds each veteran to an upcoming book and when he gets to one hundred veterans, the book will go to print for the public to read.

Papa Coco

Stanley Troutman

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Every veteran he has spent time with has been very special and some veteran’s stories rise to the top. Zach has spent the day with and photographed the oldest living Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ray Chavez who is 106 years old. Ray and fellow U.S. Navy Pearl Harbor Survivor Stu Hedley live in San Diego, California along with U.S. Army veteran, Joe Reilly. Joe was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne during World War II and parachuted into Normandy on D-Day.

Ray Chavez

And then there’s U.S. Air Force pilot, retired Colonel Robert Thacker (Cover) who turned 100 years old this year. During his service he earned two Silver Star Medals, three Distinguished Flying Cross Medals and ten Air Medals.

Joseph Reilly

After spending years in the presence of the Greatest Generation and listening to their wartime stories, Zach has a newfound perspective…“There are no more bad days and the small things really aren’t that bad.”

Stuart Hedley

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So how does Zach meet all these amazing veterans? He is connected to hubs within the Honor Flight Network. He went on his first flight several years ago and was hooked. Since then he has been a guardian for veterans or been part of the media team to document the trip and has been on seventeen trips. The trip consists of a “once in a lifetime” experience for the most senior veterans across the country, typically World War II or Korea era. The Honor Flight goes to Washington, D.C. and veterans visit the memorials built for their service and sacrifice. For some of them it is the first time they have ever visited their memorials and for the majority of them it will be their last trip.

John Moran

Along the way, they meet new friends, share their stories that have been locked away for over seventy years and heal some of their war wounds. For seventy-two hours they are recognized and honored for their service. They come home to hundreds of cheering friends, family and well-wishers and for just a few moments in their life they truly feel like heroes. Robert Izumi

And that is Zach’s goal, to make each veteran he meets feel like a hero. After all they are our nation’s heroes and they are our Greatest Generation. Mr. Anthony Salvatore Coco is the inspiration behind this project and he would be proud what his grandson is doing to carry on the legacy of his brothers and sisters. Right now Zach’s project is local to Southern California and with funding he hopes to grow it nationally. The biggest challenge for Zach is time – time to get to the World War II veterans before their stories are gone. To learn more about Zach’s project, to help him fund more veterans or his book, or to connect with him for a special World War II veteran in your life, go to: www.PicturesforHeroes.com.

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No Hero Left Behind By Hart DuBois Father Joe’s Villages committed to protecting the health and well-being of San Diego’s Veterans, so they can enjoy the freedoms they helped to preserve. To address the distinct issues facing homeless Veterans, Father Joe’s Villages provides specialized housing services, case management, behavioral and physical healthcare, and education and employment programs tailored to the Veteran experience. One of the many inspirational stories of service members helped by the non-profit is Sebastian, a 66-year-old Marine Corp Veteran who lived on the streets for 15 years before he received the help he needed from Father Joe’s Villages. Thanks to their Rapid Rehousing program, Sebastian received help finding an apartment he could afford, assistance paying his rent, and support from a Case Manager to settle into his new home and neighborhood. But the story doesn’t end there. Sebastian saved every penny he could and after receiving back pay from the VA, Sebastian was able to purchase his own townhome in El Cajon.

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Today, Sebastian finally has peace after years of fear and desperation living on the streets. He now gives back to the homeless community he used to be a part of, serving hot meals to neighbors in need. On June 28, 2019, the non-profit is hosting the No Hero Left Behind luncheon to raise critical funds for programs that support Veterans like Sebastian, as well as others in the San Diego homeless Veteran community. Attendees of The No Hero Left Behind luncheon will hear from Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Through Ms. Eisenhower’s work with People to People International, an organization established by her grandfather, she is dedicated to the idea of solving big issues through the pillars of education, exchange, and understanding. You are invited to celebrate the many contributions of our community’s Veterans by attending the No Hero Left Behind luncheon. Individual tickets are $75.00 and active Military and Veterans tickets are $50.00. Tickets are available at neighbor.org/events

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.

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ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR By Vicki Garcia

16 MARKETING MAXIMS - “MARKETING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART” Of everything you do to make your business successful, MARKETING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. You should be constantly looking for new ways to attract buyers and clients to you. Consequently, everyone is looking for the new silver bullet. News Flash: There are no silver bullets! There is just the hard work of testing and tracking. Here Are A Few Essential Marketing Maxims to Hang on Your Wall. 1. You should spend 25% of your time working on marketing. You have two things to work with: Your time and your money. You’re a marketer now. 2. All marketing is experimental. Get used to it. As soon as you find the perfect formula something will change, and it won’t work as well anymore.

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3. Because you’re seeking to influence people, a deep understanding of the people you want to reach is critical. Who is your target market? The more you focus, the more accurate you become. You can’t meet the needs of any market if you’re not an expert in it. 4. Research, research, research. Investigate your competitors, the marketplace and trends to name a few things. www.trends.google.com/trends will give you insight into trends. You can look up your competitor’s panties and discover the products or services they provide, how they market them to customers, the prices they charge, how they distribute and deliver, the devices they employ to enhance customer loyalty, their brand and design values, and best of all, the keywords they are using. www.spyfu. com is just one of the sites you can use for free.

5. Plan your marketing tactics out for the next quarter. Planning too far in advance will not take advantage of your ability to be nimble. A marketing plan for the next year is good, but you need to nail down exactly what you will be doing in the next quarter. This will save money and stress, believe me.

11. Don’t drink the social media/digital Kool-Aid. With notable exceptions, it’s a happy fantasy that you can sit behind your computer and grow your business. Everything you want to achieve cannot be done entirely on line. 12. Nothing will benefit you as much as networking. Who you are matters. Make deals, shake hands, and meet influencers. People need to see you faceto-face to get to know who you are. Get out there!

6. Advertising (especially Facebook) can quickly drain your pocketbook and bring very limited results. If you’re smart about it, you can get away without spending anything until you are big enough to have funds to buy advertising. Once you do any advertising, realize that one ad won’t get you anywhere. You must advertise consistently over time. 7. Marketing is NOT sales. Sales are the result of marketing. Marketing is the pitcher. You’re the seller/ catcher. A class in selling is always a good thing. If you’re averse to selling, read my popular little simple booklet Selling for People Who Don’t Like Selling at https://midd.me/Oloh 8. Growth costs money. There is no magic formula to estimate your marketing budget. You can’t get by spending nothing. Pick a figure you’re able to meet comfortably and spend it consistently. There’s no big bang, one-time, sure thing. 9. Believe NOTHING that comes to you as an email pitch or a cold call. There are zillions of marketing siren songs from buying email lists to automated marketing services to lead generators. These sales pitches are hard to resist. Don’t be a Muppet in Sharkland. INVESTIGATE! Be Cynical! 10. Track everything you do to reach your prospects. “Test & Track” is the formula. How much did it cost compared to the buyers you received? You can break this down to cost per buyer.

13. People buy from people, not companies. Relationships count. Buyers should be encouraged to think they know you. Yes, this is a perception you can cultivate, and it works. For examples start with the local advertisers who show up on the TV screen so often you think you know them. 14. People buy from people they know or think they know. It’s up to you to manage prospect perception. Your reputation is everything. Marketing is about creating trust. If you don’t protect your reputation, treat customers fairly, and always strive to do the right thing, the word will get out and trust in you will be destroyed. It is almost impossible to recover from this. (See Boeing) 15. Understand the marketing basics. They still apply. Find them at Part 4 in my Simplebooklet titled Startup | Take Off at https://midd.me/7Sse . 16. To be a good marketer it helps to be a good writer. I strongly recommend getting the FREE book How to Write Copy That Sells by world-class writing guru Ray Edwards. Open this link https:// rayedwards.com/ Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 33+ -yearold marketing consulting firm. Apply NOW to join her Operation Vetrepreneur’s FREE Brainstorming Groups for veteran entrepreneurs at www.veteransinbiz.com and visit https://www.nvtsi.org/ov/ for more info. If you want support for starting up a business, email her at vicki@veteransinbiz.com.

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THE LEADERSHIP SKILLS VETERANS BRING TO ORGANIZATIONS Joseph Molina Veterans Chamber of Commerce www.vccsd.org

Over the years, veterans have learned nontechnical skills like; leadership, decision-making, being dependable and attention to details, which they can offer to civilian employers. It is indeed difficult to find any military role that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t translate in the civilian workplace. This article focuses on some of the skills these veterans can bring to the table and how they can be effectively put to good use in a civilian workplace.

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1. Discipline: Veterans, in general, are used to a mission-critical mindset. Something veterans have learned over years of being trained with the responsibility to solve problems and follow through until the job is done. Aside from being known to be focused on specific tasks, veterans also have a great attention to detail. Most civilian employers appreciate the level of discipline veterans bring to the civilian workplace.

2. Loyalty:

6. Working under pressure:

One of the key traits required for a successful service in the military is loyalty. People who have served in the military have loyalty ingrained in them, which is sure to be an asset to any company. Veterans understand the critical importance loyalty has in everyday life. Loyalty is that bond that keeps veterans united.

Veterans are used to stressful conditions and have learned to work through these difficult situations. Are able to effectively function under pressure and have the ability to quickly adapt when necessary to meet the demands required by a situation. Working under pressure is also an excellent skill employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; value. Having the ability to remain calm under stressful situations allows for veterans to be excellent leaders as others depend on them to solve difficult tasks on helping improve employee productivity and increase morale in the workplace.

3. Accountability: Employers often state that it has become more difficult to find employees willing and ready to embrace accountability in the workplace. Veterans understand accountability extremely well. Veterans have a mindset that embraces and fulfills each task with complete sense of accountability. 4. Organizational skills: Veterans have the training and have a full and complete understanding of what organizational skills are and the way to implement them. These skills are key to completing the mission and achieving every task. Employers look for employees who understand and are able to use this important skill. Veterans know how policies and procedures enable a business to succeed. Veterans are no strangers to systemic planning, which is of utmost importance to any form of business. 5. Teamwork: Working in groups is no new thing for veterans. They know how to employ the strength of individuals and rely on their teammates. Veterans work well in teams and learn to rely on each other, support each other. Veterans bring a team mentality to the workplace, with great understanding on how to establish bonds of collaboration and support to the team and to each member within the team. Veterans who enter the workforce are already many steps ahead by having a team mentality that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses look for.

7. Leadership based on trust: Military Leaders know that money is not the main motivating factor for people. Veterans understand that maintaining a team who has strong loyalty to the group, clear focus and is able to understand and clearly communicate the stated objective is key to the successful working environment. Veterans who lead make sure each team member feels valued, respected and able to trust the team, these are key elements to forming strong bonds between each team member. A civilian organization will greatly benefit by employing a veteran as a business manager because most employees are often far better motivated by a leader who they fully trust than by someone who just offer rewards and/or punishments. IN SUMMARY: Veterans bring a can-do attitude and a mind-set of leadership, loyalty, collaboration and a sense of comradery to the workplace. Employers who value these principles will most definitely benefit from having a veteran in their organization.

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building a Foundation For your success. one-on-one coaching | certiFication suPPort | think tank grouPs Veterans make great entrepreneurs. Building a company is tough & requires lots of work. It can be lonely. The vets & active military we work with, from start-up to experienced owners, polish their business smarts the same way they learned skills in the military.

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HOMELAND / MAY 2019

IN THE TRENCHES . . . What You Can Expect Certification & Supplier Diversity Concept Review for Startups Perfecting Your Pitch Speaker Training Brainstorming with Experts Publishing Knowhow Personal Branding Mind Mapping Crowdfunding Writing a Business Plan Branding, Graphics & Visuals Internet Marketing Social Media & SEO Legal Issues Budgeting Where & How to Get Money High Velocity Growth Strategies Employees & Contractors

Starting a Business as a Veteran? 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.

NOTHING COMPARES at this price to Go Legal Yourself ® Startup Essentials Package. This specialized, customizable package of legal contracts and documents includes everything a startup company needs to protect its assets from the beginning. You won't find these contracts online anywhere but here.

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

LEGAL ISSUES FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR When it comes to starting a business, you might be a pro, but what about when it comes to working through all the legal issues you must consider as an entrepreneur when launching your startup? Most entrepreneurs get caught up in the midst of starting their business and quickly forget the legal aspects that need to be considered.

but it isn’t that obvious to everyone. As a rule of thumb, anyone who interacts with your business, not your clients, should sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure they will not share your ideas with others who should not know. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY While your business is still small, it is hard to imagine that you could potentially face the issue of people infringing on your intellectual property assets, but it can happen easier than you think. It is worth the investment to both time and money to get your trademarks, copywrites, patents and trade secrets legally registered. VESTING Finding the right co-founder for your business is quite the task. Who do you trust? Who will make a good fit and lead your business in the right direction? It is important that you have a similar work ethic and timelines for investment. Instead of getting all the shares as once, one option to consider is vesting the shares over time. Your equity can be vested over time so that if your co-founder does not end up working out, there is a fair solution and you haven’t just lost half your company.

To ensure that you avoid the negative repercussions of an avoidable mistake, there are a few common legal issues you should be aware of: BUSINESS STRUCTURE There are several different business structures: Partnerships, S Corporations, C Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Sole Proprietorships. All business structures hold very different meanings and offer a variety of different benefits. You should consider if your business is going to remain privately funded, if you plan on taking on investors, and what type of growth you expect your company to have in the future. Making the right decision at the start could save you a lot of money in legal fees. NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS It seems like common sense, you should not talk to anyone about your confidential business information, 34

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COMPLIANCE There are corporate compliance laws in place that affect companies in various industries. The laws that apply specifically to your business will vary based on the type of business entity you are, the state you do business in, and several other determining factors. Do some research and consult with an attorney to ensure you know what documents should be generated and maintained by your business to remain compliant. 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.

MILITARY MONEY MINUTE A Monthly Financial By Lara Ryan & Daniel Chavarria

SDP – THE HIDDEN GEM

What would you say to a financial advisor if they told you they could guarantee you a 10% annual rate of return on your money, compounded quarterly? You’d probably check their credentials and then maybe report them to FINRA or at least walk out the door. Well, we’re telling you there is such a deal. So, how do I get in on this you may ask? All you have to do is deploy to a combat zone! Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) administers the Savings Deposit Program (SDP). SDP offers a guaranteed annual return of 10%, compounded quarterly, on up to $10,000 contributed to the program. This far exceeds the return on any traditional savings account out there. In fact, it’s a good return compared to most any other investment. Sure, you may be able to beat that rate of return by putting your money in the stock market when the market is having a good year, but how can you predict a good year? Even Warren Buffett doesn’t have a lock on that gouge. The truth is, you can’t time the market, and you most certainly won’t find a stock, bond, fund, or ETF in the marketplace that will guarantee you a 10% annual rate of return. HOW IT WORKS You can participate in SDP if you are serving in a designated combat zone, qualified hazardous duty area or certain contingency operations outside the United States for more than 30 consecutive days or for at least one day for each of three consecutive months. Contact your Admin department or the finance office at your deployment location. They will let you know if you or your unit are eligible, will provide assistance with the necessary paperwork and will explain when you can begin making deposits. A total of $10,000 may be deposited during each deployment and will earn up to 10% interest annually. You cannot close your account until you have left the combat zone, although your money will continue to draw interest for 90 days once you’ve returned home or to your permanent duty station. Interest earned in your Savings Deposit Program is taxable, even though your income while deployed is not taxable. Uncle Sam always gets his cut.

Deposits may be made in cash, by check or through allotment. Once started, allotments may be increased or decreased as your financial situation changes. Your allotment will stop upon your departure from the combat zone. Once you make your initial deposit, interest accrues on the account at an annual rate of 10% while compounding quarterly. Let’s take an example. You leave for a known nine month deployment to the fun zone and you want to immediately deposit that $10,000 you have lying around. Interest earned on $10,000 deposited into the SDP for nine months would total $768.91. The last day to make a deposit into the fund is the date of departure from the assignment, and interest will accrue at the 10 percent rate up to 90 days after return from deployment. That said, wait 3 months after you get back and interest earned would total $1038.13! That’s not a bad gig for just letting your money sit around. Not like you have anything to spend it on over there anyway… Well, those Persian rugs are pretty nice! Lara Ryan and Daniel Chavarria 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

HOMELAND / MAY 2019 35

THE POSSE VETERANS PROGRAM

Go to a TOP college with the support of other veterans and FULL TUITION GUARANTEED. Posse is selecting veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to attend:

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

VASSAR COLLEGE

POSSE IS LOOKING FOR VETERANS WHO: • Have not previously received a bachelor’s degree • Have served at least 90 consecutive days of active duty since September 11, 2001, and have received or will receive an honorable discharge by July 1, 2019 • Can commit to a one-month pre-collegiate training program in New York City in the summer of 2019 • Are leaders in their places of work, communities and/or families

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POSSE VETERANS PROGRAM? Visit our website at www.possefoundation.org/veterans or email the Posse Veterans Team at veterans@possefoundation.org. GET TO KNOW A POSSE VETERAN SCHOLAR...

WHAT IS THE POSSE VETERANS PROGRAM?

GRANT KILLIAN

COLLEGE DEGREE: Each cohort—a Posse—of 10 veterans attends college together to pursue bachelor’s degrees.

University of Virginia Navy Gallatin, TN

FUNDING: Vassar College, The University of Virginia, The University of Chicago, and Wesleyan University guarantee four years of full tuition funding after GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits have been applied. SUPPORT: Comprehensive training from Posse prepares veterans for the college experience and support continues on campus through graduation. CAREER: Posse offers internship opportunities, career coaching and connections to a large professional network to prepare Posse Scholars for leadership positions in the workforce.

HOMELAND / MAY 2019

Grant joined the Navy after graduating from high school in 2015. He developed into a strong and effective leader while training at the Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School. At UVA, Grant hopes to study physics and international relations while actively engaging with the university and surrounding communities. Grant says, “the Posse Foundation is investing in groups of driven individuals with incredible leadership potential to have an impact on conversations, campuses, communities, and the world."

HOMELAND / MAY 2019 37

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HOMELAND / MAY 2019

veterans

HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM Resources Support Inspiration

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Voted 2017 & 2018 BEST resource, support media for veterans, military families & military personnel.

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Wounded Warrior Project helped me reclaim my life.

WOUNDED WARRIOR SEAN KARPF

HELP MAKE AN IMPACT AT

iamlivingproofwwp.org

HOMELAND / MAY 2019