adrianna
May 2023
Edition VII
THE TIMES AHEAD The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt
COPYRIGHT. 2023 Adrianna Group, LLC No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the publisher's prior written permission. Published by Adrianna Group, LLC Designed by Marcus L. Craig
The future is always right ahead of us. But with the future come perils. At the time of writing this letter, there's the specter of inflation and cost of living increases. Coupling these forces with geo-political turmoil in some areas and changes in labor dynamics, a big part of the solutions comes down to what we do as individuals. And what we do for our families. Understanding ownership in the present and future is pivotal to these solutions. I have seen freelance work and the creator economy rise in my generation, but who knows what dynamics will play in your own. Some elements, such as self-employment, may still exist in your time, but the greater theme is the importance of ownership in what you do and create. One of the things I admired to illustrate this point is when well-known entertainers such as Jay-Z and Sean Combs began to develop and expand brands into the foundation of their net worth. Because it's not good enough to perform music as it is to write it. It's not good enough to create music videos as it is to own the clothing brand and the liquor brand in the same video. This is because ownership is wealth. It's a foundation. It can act as the glue that holds your goals intact. Ownership binds your integrity and overall character together. Because when you don't own your thoughts, actions, and beliefs, who are you as a person? And the proof of whether or not you took ownership of what you want. The ownership of your goals and how you respond to challenges lies in the times ahead. Love, Dad
publisher's note Greetings, As we look to the future, it's clear that change is inevitable. The world around us is constantly evolving, and it's essential that we prepare ourselves to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. In this issue, we've assembled perspectives from fellow veterans to help you frame and prepare for what's ahead. From financial planning to career development to personal growth, there's something for everyone on these pages. We hope the information and ideas presented here inspire you to take action and make the most of your future. Remember, the choices we make today will shape the opportunities we have tomorrow. Thank you for reading, Marcus L. Craig Founder of ADRIANNA
table of contents What May Be Easy For Some - 8 Written by Jeremiah Valentine
Submitting Your Content - 10 Welcome to Ode Omar - 11 Written by Daveon Fitzgerald
Here's Why You Should Record Your Favorite Quotes - 17 Written by Jeremiah Valentine
You're Going to Work the Rest of Your Life - 20 Written by Jeremiah Valentine
Investment Letter - 24 Written by Marcus Craig
The High Stakes of Separation - 26 Written by Marcus Craig
table of contents
A Time in the Gym - 33 Written by Marcus Craig
Jenna Carlton's Travel Bucket List - 41 Introduction written by Marcus Craig
What Indonesia's "Sex Ban" Means for Locals and Tourists - 44 Written by Karina Ramirez
This is Fiscal - 46
Written by Marcus Craig
John Dengel Q and A - 51 Special Thanks - 54
An inclusive community for the future generation of veterans
bit.ly/themillennialveterans Click the link above to explore more.
Jenna carlton / FOUNDEr of the millennial veterans
What May Be Easy For Some
Written by Jeremiah Valentine
We all have these dreams inside of us, and if we manage to chase them, we must sacrifice something. But, unfortunately, dreams don't come for free. And when you achieve your goal, it might not look like you thought it would.
My life has been a struggle at times. And at times, it's been beautiful. But I know the view from the mountaintops of life can only be sweet because I know what the valley feels like. I have been there; I have lived there. One of my teachers told me in high school that in life, the answers are often straightforward; people make easy decisions hard. Decisions to be committed, decisions to love past infatuation, decisions to commit to a dream where you are riding on faith. As a black man in America, I often don't expect kindness from others. I expect judgment. I don't expect open arms; I hope for a side-eye. I don't expect innocent eyes; I expect suspecting ones. I am in a country that has never claimed me until I was a part of the military. Before that, I just felt like another Black man. But as a Veteran, I am welcomed.
It was challenging for me to serve. It wasn't easy for me to commit to six years of sacrifice. But, because of the trials and tribulations, I persisted, trending toward the life I have always wanted. I possess a 4.0 GPA, have a job writing at school, and am also a part of the Honors College. But, I only appreciated the student struggle once I was sitting off the coast of Russia with three hundred sailors freezing my tail off. The work in school is easy; I am only expected to write an essay, read a poem, and learn Spanish and history. It wasn't fixing equipment at 3 am when you had 4 hours of sleep, and you are sharing a living space with 80 men. Sacrifice makes you stronger; trials and tough times are escapable. But if you are always running from a struggle, you won't be able to recognize yourself when you catch your breath. Fear is an emotion that, unfortunately, takes people's ambition. It takes their freedom. It takes their honesty, sanity, and spirit. Fear isn't a fact; it's a feeling. Breaking fear became a habit for me. At some point in my life, it did control me; fear was the scapegoat for lacking ambition. But after a while of complaining about setbacks in life. I started to realize that no one would save me from fear. It became easier over time to make the difficult choice. Unfortunately, most people never get to that point. Most people need to achieve self-actualization, ownership, and accountability. When you start taking ownership of your life and showing up for yourself consistently, life is more manageable and will remain difficult for others.
If you have ideas for content or want to share your content with the ADRIANNA brand, you can contact our Founder through adriannamedia.com
With years in the making, we wanted to showcase several of Ode Omar's artistic works. His music showcases their songwriter, producer, and performer talents, from catchy hooks to eclectic arrangements. Since then, Ode Omar has released a string of successful singles, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to push the boundaries of his sound. His music has been praised for its emotional depth, catchy melodies, and innovative production, with comparisons drawn to some of the more prominent names in music. However, he shows no signs of slowing down. And having a unique sound and a powerful message, he's poised to become one of his generation's most influential veteran hip-hop artists. So keep an eye on Ode Omar - you will want to experience what they have in store.
“Welcome to the Show.” One of my popular singles. It’s a song about my life growing up in Roanoke, Va. It’s my most authentic track giving details about my city that impacted me as a man.
For the artist Ode Omar, his EP, It's Never Over For Me, dropped in January of this year. His first line of merch is available here. With even more news, Ode Omar recently dropped his first music video. You can find it here if you'd like. A podcast episode is also in the works between Ode Omar and our Founder, Marcus Craig.
I just released my single Faithful by Ode Omar Ft PL4L WICK. A track distinguishing me as more than a producer but an Artist. Under a line called Brushwork, new merchandise has been released in preparation for the next full-length project, “Only Brushed The Surface.”
just released this track featuring TyTylerTy. This is a track that is heavily sampled from an 80s sample, and this song embodies the steady grind and confidence you have to have as an artist.
That would be my wife, my inspiration to start rapping and making music. She believed in me and encouraged me to do what I love.
THIS SINGLE ABOUT HER IS CALLED "TEACH ME"
Here's Why You Should Record Your Favorite Quotes Written by Jeremiah Valentine
While in the service, I had a buddy named GM2 Fields. At first, I thought he was a funny, quotable guy. But being a sailor is something you can't repeat because they are timely words but unsavory out of context. He and I would listen to music, hang out and talk nonsense. One day he said to me, "Bro, I have been writing down quotes that you have said, and you are unequivocally the most quotable man on the ship." I was blown away. I am a humble man. It's how I stay grounded. We are still friends to this day. So I started my list of quotes I've lived by. And I want to share some with you.
"When people show you who they are, you must listen." "Go with the devil; you know not the one you don't." "Furthering knowledge is the noblest work of humankind." -Foundation "You have to be a lion to have permission to be a lamb." -Dave Chappelle "I don't go to dinners because people always try to fit their glass of water into the universe. Verses picking their glass of water and realizing inside the glass is the universe." -John Mayer "To get something you never had, you must do something you never did." - Denzel Washington "If you help people achieve their dreams, they will never forget you." -Myself. I need help picking a favorite. I am a writer at my core. Words are my weapons and peacemakers. Using them for inspiration is the basic understanding. My ultimate goal is to use words to challenge, inspire, and cultivate minds and other humanity. You should compile a list of quotes that make you feel something beyond the letters and surfacelevel meaning. The sections listed above have dragged me out of dark holes. I know they can do the same for you and more.
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You're Going to Work for the Rest of Your Life Written by Jeremiah Valentine
In my history class, I sit beside a woman majoring in business. She worked for her family's hotel and restaurant for the last few years and returned to school for her degree. We have been working on different assignments together, and we talked as we left our class, walking in the rain. She was telling me about her family business and how she hated it. I couldn't blame her; evicting people is soul-breaking work. But on the other hand, working in the customer service business is challenging. She said, "You know it's work, and no matter what you do, work will suck; that's just life." And I said, "I completely disagree." I have reasons for believing this, but that isn't the point of this article. I understood why she felt that way. She had only seen her family business.
But I know from writing two books, running 10 miles for the first time, traveling the world, talking to people who enjoy their job, and talking to people who hate their employment; it is all a matter of perspective. Work can be enjoyable. Writing is my job, and I don't have to beg myself to write most days. Yet there is a sad reality in what she said. You are going to work for the rest of your life. So you might as well enjoy it. I know there are different degrees of happiness and satisfaction. Changing your circumstances will require you to do things you haven't done before and meet people you have never encountered otherwise. If you want to travel, then travel. If you want to try a new restaurant every weekend, go for it. If you want to go to concerts all summer, do it. If you want to backpack up the Pacific trail, go forth. You can do all of the different activities with proper planning and sacrifice. Work will always be there. But it would be best if you enjoyed life while you could. Dreams were not placed in us so we could hold them with a death grip. There were placed in us to act on. Work may be enjoyable, but it also might be necessary for us to pursue real dreams. I always think about my 80-year-old version of myself and wonder, what could I have done differently?
"Long Range Planning Does Not Deal With the Future Decisions, But With The Future of Present Decisions." Peter F. Drucker
A. Portfolio is the financial publication extension of the ADRIANNA brand. We started with our investment guide and are moving into other areas, such as notes on the investment climate. Each magazine edition will include these investment notes. We hope you enjoy our A. Portfolio series.
A. PORTFOLIO
Investment letter Written by Marcus L. Craig
2022, and the few years that preceded it, was quite the challenge for many global investors. Nevertheless, significant questions remain regarding the crypto winter among us and the heightened possibility of economic downturns in nearly every region worldwide. Although the items mentioned above are essential to think about, there's never been a more critical time to be fundamental. First, one of the most important is investing in assets and companies you understand. This concept has been decades touted, and it makes even more sense now. Secondly, like actions, profitability speaks for itself; because all the venture capital funding in the world becomes a moot point if a company ultimately cannot achieve profitability. And a company's profitability, profit margin, and pricing power are intertwined. The following are equities A. Portfolio observed as long-term, strategic investments.
Lockheed Martin CME Group American Tower American Water Works Gilead Sciences
Disclaimer The previously stated investment letter does not guarantee your portfolio's performance. Nor are we registered investment advisors. We recommend you use your discretion and discuss your investment goals and associated risks with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). You can check the background of the financial professional you may be working with by using the Broker Check feature on the FINRA website. FINRA (Financial Regulatory Authority) is a selfregulatory agency for financial services firms that are members. The Securities and Exchange Commission is America's top regulatory agency concerning financial products and services.
The High Stakes of Separation
Written by Marcus L. Craig
Those who work in civilian jobs change jobs from time to time. But there's never been I've had where transitioning out of it, or into for that matter, where the transition has had higher stakes. Eleven years ago, I enlisted in the Navy for two primary reasons. The first was the desire to stop working two jobs, while the second was that I needed to grow as a person effectively. The second reason became essential because one of the things I learned at an early age was that if I wanted to become a business owner ultimately, I needed the soft skills not just to start a business but to deal with the challenges that come with entrepreneurship such as learning how to deal with people in a variety of circumstances.
Everything in Preparation
On watch, my colleagues and I continually discussed our plans. But that's a common thing among watchstanders in the military. But a theme arises with all our conversations across duty stations over the years. It's that with plans, you need to prepare thoroughly. Of course, life often will stand opposingly to our goals, but projects require some degree of structure. But there's a balancing act in that. On the one hand, if your plans are flexible, a project could have an easier time failing or not going the way you want it to varying degrees. But, on the other hand, a plan is too loose, and you risk deviating too far from your goals or adding an effort that could be more constructive in the long run. Something that has helped me in the past to plan, and even to this day, is to write my plans or thoughts down in a journal or workbook. Consequently, writing adds a level of permanence to your ideas but also allows you to free your mental energy from other items. In addition, writing creates a foundation where you don't have to spend time attempting to recall things you could have written down.
What did I come back to?
One of the elements of separating from the military that doesn't get talked about enough is where you end up living and working in; whether it be a country, city, state, etc. Because people go to, or back to all different kinds of area. I went to Panama City Beach, Florida, by way of Jacksonville while a Senior Chief I had met while processing out moved back to Ethiopia. But what gives some people pause, myself included, is the state of America, culturally and economically. During and post-COVID did not do the country any favors. The pandemic exposed an underbelly of our society where a lack of empathy and greed reign supreme. I estimated as such but sensed a growing culture that includes a lack of discipline and accountability which has far-reaching consequences politically, culturally, and economically. These elements would be foundational in my motivation to build and cultivate my company and network and return to Spain to be a better present for my daughter.
It all catches up with you.
Like many events in life, student loan debt constantly catches up with people. From '06 to '09, I attended Towson University in Maryland, studying business (with a concentration in finance), then switched to law and American civilization. During that time, I wasn't fully aware of the long-term implications of borrowing large amounts of money for college. Some of those implications include being consistently mindful of my debt-to-income ratio and interest rate risk. Another implication is opportunity cost, given that I wanted to become a business owner someday; the money I borrowed for college could be better used towards a business venture or investment. One notion that needs to be discussed is whether or not the kind of occupation you obtain, based on your degree program, justifies the money being borrowed and spent. In all, this relates to the stakes of separating because a person has to be mindful of how past circumstances influence their ability to affect positive change in the present and future.
All it takes is a little, then more. When a person starts or changes something, they often have to start with a small amount of something, then increase it as things progress. In my circumstance, it was determination. People always say what they say, and when it's time to make moves and things get real, we see how people respond. So an essential element of my inner determination was preparation.
The fact that I laid the groundwork and started the ADRIANNA brand while still enlisted in the Navy provided an immeasurable amount of resolution at the time. However, that preparation set my team and me up for a better situation later, enhancing my motivation. But more than that, it seems God gives us signs that let us know we're on the right or wrong track. Every so often, I've been receiving such signals for the past several months. I will provide the details of those signs in-depth on another day.
Not the same for everyone. What I'm referring to is how a person measures success. It should be quite personal, yet you see a common theme throughout social media that success is only measured by how much status and money. For some, that's the move, but ask yourself, is that all?
There are a handful of checkpoints that mark the success I set after. The first is moving back to Spain to be better present for my daughter. Moving back to Spain is one of the most prominent measures because it requires first that the ADRIANNA brand reach a certain level of economic success, and that economic impact leads to an even more significant emotional impact; being able to live in Spain and expand our family support system. A second measure of success is expanding firmly into other aspects of the media and entertainment space while still operating in the active duty and veteran niche. And a third measure of success would be able to travel and move about the world independently. This third measure is a collateral benefit of the abovementioned measures, but it still sits prominently with me. I have other measures of success, but they are all part of different stages over the long term, and I only wanted to discuss the measures of success right in front of me. We'll see how it all shakes out.
Vet Chats is where we help veterans share their remarkable stories and enrich the veteran community! Please tune in to hear how the new generation of veterans continues their service in various ways. Vet Chats airs on IG live on Sundays at 9pm ET.
Podcast episodes of Vet Chats drop the following Wednesday on all major platforms. Wherever you go, check out our Vet Chats YouTube channel!
A Time in the Gym
Written by Marcus L. Craig
Physical fitness is essential to a healthy and happy life regardless of age. Whether you have never worked out, have had to take a break, or have been living an unhealthy lifestyle, there are always ways to start and stay in shape. The keys come down to motivation and consistency. Positive Effects Of Wellness Wellness is a concept of total body health, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It is a necessary element of general health and happiness. Wellness can positively affect an individual, including increased energy and resilience, improved mental clarity and emotional balance, better immune system functioning, improved sleep, and greater satisfaction with life.
Preventing Negative Health Consequences The importance of minimizing the risk of potential health problems cannot be understated. Taking preventive steps is the key to protecting yourself and your family from the possible consequences of poor health. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding the use of tobacco products are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Staying active helps to maintain a healthy weight and can reduce your risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
A balanced diet helps ensure your body gets the essential vitamins and minerals to function correctly. Additionally, avoiding the use of tobacco products can help reduce your risk for several types of cancer, as well as heart and lung disease. The Benefits of Physical Fitness Physical fitness is essential for several reasons, but some of the most important are: 1. Improved Physical and Mental Health: Regular physical activity can help to improve physical health and increase mental well-being. Exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, improve mood, reduce stress, and help with sleep.
2. Increased Energy Levels: Increasing your energy levels can positively impact your daily life. When your body is well-rested and energized, it can help you to focus better, be more productive, and be in a better mood. In addition, good energy levels enable you to think more clearly and make decisions more confidently.
Regular exercise is one of the most critical activities for boosting energy levels. Physical activity helps to stimulate endorphins, which are hormones that create a feeling of well-being. Additionally, exercise helps to break up the monotony of your day and gives you a mental boost. Healthy eating is also vital for having good energy levels. Eating nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed foods can positively affect your energy levels. In addition, eating a balanced diet that includes proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables can ensure your body receives the fuel it needs throughout the day. Getting enough sleep is another critical factor for having good energy levels. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. If possible, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed at an appropriate and waking up well-rested simultaneously daily can help regulate your body's natural clock.
"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect" -Anaïs Nin
Whether it is a novel, through his SubStack account for his subscribers, or through the content platform, Medium, Jeremiah Valentine has covered a variety topics on a monthly basis.
Explore what else comes next for the rising author.
Increased energy levels can improve your quality of life in various ways. For example, it can help to boost your mood, increase your productivity, and enhance your focus. In addition, taking steps to increase your energy levels, such as exercising, eating well, and getting adequate sleep, can help to improve your overall well-being. 3. Improved Self-Confidence and Body Image: Improved selfconfidence and body image can help individuals feel more secure and positive in their skin. This can lead to improved mental and emotional well-being, as individuals are more likely to have a positive outlook on life. For example, with enhanced self-confidence, individuals may be more likely to take risks, better approach complex tasks, and strive to achieve their goals. Additionally, improved body image can lead to an increased appreciation for one's body and a sense of increased self-worth.
Improved self-confidence and body image can also lead to enhanced relationships with others. As a result, individuals may be more likely to feel comfortable in social situations, strive to make meaningful connections and share their authentic selves with others. Improved self-confidence and body image can ultimately lead to greater happiness and satisfaction. 4. Improved Social Life: Achieving an improved social life has many benefits. Developing more robust relationships with family and friends provides a greater sense of connection, support, and appreciation. It can increase feelings of self-worth and help build resilience in life's challenges. Research has found that socializing with family and friends is associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression and can boost mood. It can also reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve immune system functioning. Additionally, it has been found to positively impact physical health, with people with more extensive social networks experiencing fewer health problems and better recovery following illness or hospitalization. Thus, it is clear that having an improved social life can be a significant benefit to overall well-being.
Getting Into Shape It is never too late to start getting into shape. Here are some tips for getting into shape: 1. Set Realistic Goals: Setting achievable goals is vital to starting and staying in shape. Start small and work your way up, and remember to track your progress to see how far you have come. 2. Find Exercises You Enjoy: Finding an activity you enjoy is also essential. This could be anything from running to swimming to yoga. If you don't like the action, you are less likely to stick to it. 3. Make Time for Exercise: It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. To make exercise part of your daily routine, set aside a specific time each day to exercise. It can be helpful to break up the 150 minutes into smaller, more manageable chunks, such as 30 minutes five days a week. You can also set personal goals like running a specific distance.
As I said previously, exercising with a friend or family member can help to keep you motivated and make exercising more enjoyable. Making time for physical activity is a great way to improve your overall health. By taking a few simple steps daily, you can make exercise a habit you look forward to and benefit from. 4. Stay Motivated: Staying motivated is vital to getting into shape. Find ways to stay motivated, such as setting smaller goals or joining a fitness class. But it can also be about working out with either someone who already has established the habit of working out or someone who has the same dedication to improving their physical well-being. At the end of the day, you need the willpower and the vision to start, but you need the consistency to keep going.
Get ready to be inspired by Jenna Carlton, Founder of The Millennial Veterans, as she shares her travel bucket list of 12 countries. And that's not all, because, in each upcoming magazine edition, we'll have a new veteran sharing their travel bucket list, offering a unique perspective and inspiring others to explore the world. Also, I'd like you to stay tuned for more exciting travel content from the acclaimed travel blogger Karina Ramirez.
Gran Canaria, Spain Mexico City, Mexico Galapagos Islands Koror, Montenegro Florianopolis, Brazil Budapest, Hungary
Juneau, Alaska Ko Samui, Thailand Fes, Morocco Buenos Aires, Argentina Dublin, Ireland Seattle, Washington
Our ADRIANNA brand presents the
Travel Blog From Karina Ramirez
Click on the underlined text to view additional content.
What Indonesia's New "Sex Ban" Means For Locals and Tourists Written by Karina Ramirez
The new Bali “sex ban” makes sex outside of marriage illegal. So what does this mean for tourists and Indonesians? The shock and reactions have led to plenty of misinformation, so let’s review the facts. Firstly, this law was passed by Indonesia’s parliament and will not take effect for three years. Therefore, this law is not immediately applied. However, it can also be challenged in court, so there is a small window for hope.
Under this law, those caught having sex or living with someone they are not married can face up to 1 year in jail. However, only a parent, spouse, or child of the accused can file a complaint. So unless a tourist is living with a local, tourists shouldn’t be worried or be the focus of this story. Who it really affects are locals and the Indonesian LGBTQ+ community. Gay marriage is not recognized. Therefore this law can easily be used against LGBTQ+ couples. According to a World Values Survey in 2020, 90% of Indonesians don’t think homosexuality is justifiable. Therefore, being gay in Indonesia is dangerous. What this law does is give more power to the ultra-conservative. So it’s logical for couples and tourists to be wary of the sex ban.
We are pleased to announce that Marcus Craig, the founder of ADRIANNA, has been invited to join the content creators on the new audio platform, Wisdom. You can easily locate his profile with the "adriannamedia" tag. Marcus will be sharing his valuable insights and conducting informative talks, so make sure to take a look!
This is Fiscal
Written by Marcus L. Craig
The fiscal situation is a term used to describe the current financial state of the United States. It is a broad term and can cover everything from the amount of money a country has in its budget, the rate of taxes, and the level of government spending. It can also encompass the country's debt and its ability to pay it off.
The fiscal situation can be affected by various factors, including economic trends, changes in government policy, and the performance of the country's currency in international markets. It's also impacted by the government's ability to raise revenues and its capacity to borrow money to fund public spending. The fiscal situation of a country or organization can be measured by looking at several indicators, including the national debt, the budget deficit, and the government's current account balance. Therefore, keeping a close eye on these figures is essential as they can indicate the country's or organization's financial health. In addition, it is necessary to note that a country's fiscal and monetary situation can change quickly and drastically. The United States of America is currently facing an eventual massive fiscal crisis. This situation has been caused by a number of factors, including the recent economic downturn sparked by COVID and the inability of the government to manage its budget effectively through generations.
The result has been a massive increase in the national debt within the past 15 years and a looming fiscal crisis that will have severe repercussions for American citizens if the federal government cannot get through another debt ceiling impasse where neither party wants to address the root issues where eventual spending cuts will need to be made (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and defense). The national debt has already exceeded 100 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) this year, which has not been seen since World War II. How It Will Negatively Affect US Citizens In The Future. The fiscal situation of America will have a significant consequence on the job market, resulting in job losses across the country, particularly at the federal level and institutions that do a large portion of their business with the federal government. As a result, millions would have to scramble to find new employment opportunities, with specific industries being hit particularly hard. When you add in the fact that most Americans cannot likely afford to be out of work for more than one or two months, the eventuality would be catastrophic economically, politically, and socially. With businesses struggling, many cannot hire new employees or keep existing ones.
And American families will have to tighten their budgets and consider more frugal spending habits. The lack of spending would lead to a recession since most of the US economy is predicated on consumer spending. The fiscal situation of America has consequences for inflation, deflation, or even stagflation (where an economy has higher inflation but weak economic growth). Inflation can harm the economy through higher costs for goods and services, leading to a higher cost of living. But in the grand scheme of things, as the price of items becomes more and more out of reach for most people, one risk that doesn't get discussed enough is mental health. Of course, no one wants to be the parent that says we can't afford more basic desires. Still, more importantly, it puts parents in positions where more sacrifices would have to happen to prioritize their children's basic needs better. The fiscal situation in America has become increasingly dire in recent years, causing more division among political parties and their constituents. If Congress is unwilling to touch any of the previously mentioned programs, many government programs, such as transportation and education, will have to make more sharp cuts to their budgets. Inevitably, increased poverty will occur as fewer people can stay above the poverty line without federal assistance.
The fiscal crisis could increase Americans' taxes to resolve our budgetary issues over time efficiently. These tax raises can vary from income and sales; to property taxes, making a person's ability to afford their basic needs. The fiscal situation, particularly the interest expense on the national debt of America, is a severe challenge for our country. However, with the right strategy and determination, it can be overcome. Here are a few steps that can help the nation to improve its economic state: The government must reduce spending and find more efficient means of achieving the same outcome. The desired results themselves need to change as well. A strong economy is essential for overcoming the situation. On the one hand, growing the economy enriches its tax base; therefore, the federal government can receive more tax revenue. But, on the other hand, growing our economy can also verify to the world that America is serious about putting forward a combination of meaningful actions that show we take our fiscal situation seriously. But generally, the government can promote economic growth by investing in infrastructure projects and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship at scale.
Moreover, part of achieving the level of economic growth needed is training or retraining the public in relevant skills (think STEM) that would continue to grow the knowledge-based economy America has already had for decades. Entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are essential for those most in need. Still, they can also be expensive for the government and the American taxpayer. To help control costs, the government should reform these programs and ensure they support those who need them most efficiently.
Making decisions can be challenging, especially when we're faced with multiple options. As someone who works as an Operations Specialist on the USS Ross (DDG71), I understand how challenging it can be to choose the right path. Recently, I reached out to my good friend John Dengel for his perspective, as he's going through a similar experience. It's reassuring to know that we're not alone in these moments and can rely on our friends for support. How long have you been enlisted in the Navy? Six years. Being in the service, several Sailors have a Command or handful of Commands they always wanted to be stationed at. Is there one, in particular, you have always wanted to be stationed at? Fortunately, I was assigned to Spain, my top choice regardless to be stationed at. I am thankful that it worked out in my favor. Do you have a time frame as to when you want to separate from the Navy? As a member of the Navy, I have set a personal goal to conclude my service by April of 2026. This determination drives my focus and dedication to fulfilling my duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability.
What are some of the biggest takeaways from being in the service? Through my experience, I have acquired valuable insights on fostering relationships and adeptly handling emotions. On watch, everyone, from time to time, talks about what they intend to do when they get out. What are your future plans, post Navy? As a former Navy serviceman, I am aiming to elevate my career by pursuing a Master's degree in Health Administration. My goal is to utilize the valuable skills I acquired during my military service and apply them to effectively managing our front-line workers. With this higher education, I am confident that I will be equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the healthcare industry. Do you have advice for people about to enlist or just starting out? For those who are new to the military, I highly recommend that you maintain a calm and patient attitude when confronted with obstacles. However, it is equally important to step out of your comfort zone and take measured risks to expand your skillset. Keep in mind that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process and can be used as an opportunity for personal growth. Therefore, stay focused and determined, and do not let setbacks discourage you from achieving your goals.
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SPECIAL THANKS Adrianna Craig-Lopez Jessica Jaral Jenna Carlton John Dengel Daveon Fitzgerald Karina Ramirez Jeremiah Valentine
And stay tuned for the next edition of ADRIANNA, titled, Assets + Liabilities