2023 MF MARCH

ARMY RESERVE OFFICER STEP IN THE ARENA TEACHES OTHERS TO

Mind over misery

I am typing this after completing the Marine Corps Marathon Organization’s 17.75K race in Virginia. Unlike other miles I logged over the last two years since I started running, this one had something different: gratitude.

Despite steep hills, ongoing rain and slick mud that made navigating the course tricky, I enjoyed every minute of it. I can only attribute this newfound perspective to a book I’ve been reading called “Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory.” In it, author Deena Kastor teaches the art of mental training and the impact our perspective has on events in our life.

Rather than feel dread with an approaching hill, I focused on the feeling of getting to the top of it; instead of cringing when the rain began pouring, I viewed the cold water as relief. All of the things I typically saw as negative, I looked at with a positive lens.

For this month’s issue, we spoke to a soldier who knows all about pushing herself — and others — through mental and physical barriers. Lt. Col. Lisa Jaster is celebrated as one of the

first women to complete Army Ranger School. She also practices jiu-jitsu, is a Team Red, White & Blue member, trains leaders in her civilian job, and, most recently, added published author to her resume. You can read more about the purpose of her book on page 10.

In March, we also introduce you to others from our community who found unlikely triumphs in their lives. For example, Rep. Rich McCormick, a veteran, shares on page 16 how he turned advocacy into a run for office — and won. And former Navy SEAL Damian Jackson shows us on page 20 that when one door closes, you should kick it down.

How will you surprise yourself this year? What’s the self-inflicted — or societal — hurdle standing between you and your version of success? Let’s make 2023 the year we get out of our own way.

Keep pushing,

Lindsey Shedlock

Emily Solberg

Kailyn Rhinehart

Ashley Losoya

Chris Adams

Taneika Duhaney

Crystal Kupper

Amy Pottinger

Bianca Strzalkowski

Ashley Losoya

Chris Adams

Crystal Kupper

Kari Williams

MIL FAM

matters

OPERATION PURPLE CAMP

Applications are now being accepted for Operation Purple Camp, a National Military Family Association-hosted week of camp for military kids of all uniformed services. Since 2004, more than 66,000 children have been served in person. Apply at https://www.militaryfamily.org/ programs/operation-purple/operation-purple-camp/

GOING VIRAL

We asked Facebook followers who have been stationed OCONUS if they would recommend an overseas assignment to others.

We are on our second overseas assignment (Italy), and there are adjustments going both ways. I definitely recommend trying for an overseas assignment! There are many challenges, but it’s always worth it for us! One of the hard adjustments was to the food! It’s harder to access clean, fresh food in the U.S., and our digestive systems did not tham [SIC] us for moving back. Biggest thing we missed was living near a city, and having so many amazing places to visit in such a small radius.

- Julie Coda Barnes

EVENT LOCATIONS NAMED

Always try for overseas and stay overseas as long as you can!

- Cyndi Inkpen

Living overseas was great! Being immersed in a different culture, the travel, food, etc. Most definitely recommend it. The biggest adjustment coming back to the states was driving, remembering the steering wheel was on the left side of the vehicle. lol Had to make that adjustment while in Japan and then had to readjust after returning to the states.

- MilSpouse Conversations

MilSpouseFest announced its 2023 schedule of events, which includes several changes as part of a “fresh look.” Military spouse and comedian Ashley Gutermuth was also named as the keynote for all in-person events, plus the virtual Pacific event. Scan the QR code to learn more.

NEW PROGRAM

ALERT

Earlier this year, the Department of Defense launched the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, providing military spouses with paid fellowships at civilian employers across various industries and locations.

It will run for three years, and applications will be accepted throughout the length of the program, with new opportunities available each month, according to a release. Details can be found at https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/article/militaryspouse-career-accelerator-pilot.

OVERHEARD

“The call today from President Biden prompted a wave of memories of the men and women I served with in Vietnam – from the members of 5th Special Forces Group and other U.S. military units to the doctors and nurses who cared for our wounded,” retired Army Col. Paris Davis said in a statement released Feb. 13, 2023. “As I anticipate receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, I am so very grateful for my family and friends within the military and elsewhere who kept alive the story of A-team, A-321 at Camp Bong Son. I think often of those fateful 19 hours on June 18, 1965, and what our team did to make sure we left no man behind on that battlefield.”

Davis made the remarks after receiving a phone call from the White House informing him that he would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport

BY LINDSEY SHEDLOCK, NAVY SPOUSE

Naval Construction Battalion Center, or NCBC for short, is in Gulfport, Mississippi, just roughly 1 mile off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. To put it in perspective, the more well-known city of Biloxi is about 20 minutes from base. NCBC attracts tourists from all over because of its events and casinos.

BEACHES

The Gulf Islands are Mississippi’s best kept secret. There are six islands that can be visited mainly by private boat or charter.

Cat Island: magnificent for fishing.

Horn Island: a local summertime beach party spot that is great for camping.

Ship Island: the only island that has a public ferry ride, making this island the most popular. It also has beautiful beaches for swimming, and a historical military base from just after the War of 1812, called Fort Massachusetts, that can be toured for free.

Petit Bois: a National Wilderness Area that is perfect for birdwatching.

Deer Island: closest island to the coast at only 250 yards away, making it the only one that can be reached by kayak or small boat.

Round Island: smallest island but the best for seashell hunting.

CULTURE

NCBC, which is a home base for Atlantic Fleet Seabees, is roughly one hour away from the historical New Orleans, Louisiana. However, the well-known rich New Orleans culture extends far beyond The Big Easy.

When people hear Mardi Gras, they often associate it with New Orleans. Little do those outside the area realize, it is a huge deal along the entire Mississippi Coast as well—schools even close for a Mardi Gras break.

The number of parades and parties is unmatched. The king cakes are flowing freely throughout the beginning months of the year. Gulfport bleeds the colors purple, gold and green for two whole months during this carnival on the coast.

FOOD

It only takes about two hours to traverse the entire Mississippi Gulf coast, putting it near Louisiana and Alabama. Since everything is in proximity, Gulfport is now referred to as ‘the coast.’

The main food groups you’ll find along the coast — and what it’s known for — are po’boys, crawfish, jambalaya and gumbo. There are also great pizza places and Mexican food, but nothing compares to the fresh seafood Cajun dishes. Many restaurants along Beach Boulevard (our 62-mile beach front road), offer outdoor seating with an ocean view that competes with any vacation destination. You can enjoy a waterfront cocktail and amazing fresh seafood just five minutes outside of base.

CASINOS, CARS AND CRAWFISH

Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport was named one of the top 10 casinos in the U.S. by Yahoo!. Located at 3300 West Beach Blvd., the casino touts 2,588 reel and video slots, according to its press kit, and 49 tables, an Insiders Players Club, two tropical pools, a spa and a showroom with live local acts.

Car enthusiasts also flock to the coast for annual events like Jeepin’ the Coast, a five-day event that happens the first week in June, and Scrapin’ the Coast, a three-day gathering featuring cars, trucks and bikes. Then there is the biggest event, Cruisin’ the Coast, a weeklong celebration of classic, antique and hot rod vehicles that’s always paired with nostalgic music and events.

Another main attraction is the annual Crawfish Festival in April. This event features three nights of country music concerts, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, food and more. It’s held on the front grounds of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

And even though Mississippi does not have its own state teams, there is a semi-pro baseball team called The Shuckers and hockey team called The Seawolves. Check Navy MWR Gulfport for details on discounts to local and regional activities.

Visit https://cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/Resources/ Things-to-Do/ for more recreation news.

ARMY RESERVE OFFICER STEP IN THE ARENA TEACHES

A soldier who made history after being one of the first women to graduate Ranger School is encouraging others to step into the arena.

A reference to the popular speech by President Theodore Roosevelt, the words to “The Man in the Arena” hang behind the desk of Lt. Col. Lisa Jaster’s home office in New Braunfels, Texas. She recently released a new book, “Delete the Adjective: A Soldier’s Adventures in Ranger School,” that relives her experiences from one of the Army’s toughest training courses, as written in her field notebook.

Throughout her career, Jaster has navigated through male-dominated industries, making room for herself while paving the way for other women to be successful. The book, she says, encourages others to embrace their same full potential, using “everything in your power to reach that goal.”

OTHERS TO

BY BIANCA M. STRZALKOWSKI

“Whatever your goal is, be all in. For me going to Ranger School, the hardest thing I had to do was shave my head,” Jaster said. “Once I shaved my head, it was … I can’t go home with nothing but a shaved head and nothing but a story. I have to push through, I have to graduate, I have to get my tab.”

The mother of two previously served seven years on active duty, before taking a five-year break after she and her husband, a Marine reservist, faced issues getting assigned in the same geographic location.

“I actually never thought I would ever leave active duty, but I married a Marine and we couldn’t get co-located and the [career] opportunities [for him] were really limited,” she said. “He decided he was going to try and follow me for a while, but as any military spouse knows that you can get jobs when you’re a military spouse moving every three years, but careers are difficult unless you’re in

the education or health care industries — and he wasn’t in either.”

Jaster initially planned to transition to the reserves right away, but she started working with Shell Oil Company — a career she held for 12 years — and questioned if it was the right time to continue with the military because she was still nursing one of her children.

“ … there is very little work-life balance when you’re chasing any career, much less multiples — which is really what you do as a reservist. That citizen soldier concept is a very challenging balance,” Jaster said.

In 2012, she joined the Army Reserve, with encouragement from a female West Point grad. But, Jaster noted, she started to see a culture shift from the military she served in as a young officer to the present day, with a new focus on the individual needs of the service member.

“It’s been 20 years since I was a lieutenant so part of it is people have changed, and with that five-year break in service, the military changed a bunch … ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ being repealed was a big change; the environment became much more sensitive to individuals than it was when I was first active duty,” she said.

Jaster also witnessed a difference in active duty to the reserves, including “a strong sense of pride” that she attributes to reserve service being “a calling” because “nobody is going to pay their mortgage off being a reservist.”

In 2015, the engineer officer made history by being one of the first women to complete Army Ranger School. She said the most-surprising aspect of the experience was how little her peers cared about her being a female.

“ … That’s actually how ‘Delete the Adjective’ came about. … about the 500th pushup, flutter kick, air squat, the guy next to me didn’t care who was standing next to him as long as I wasn’t making him do more flutter kicks,” she said. “As long as I could hold my own weight, perform based on merit, he was happy.”

Today, in her civilian career, Jaster works as partner and senior consultant at Talent War Group — a leadership development and executive search firm focused on helping clients optimize the people side of their businesses. She said leaders need to be adaptable and flexible if they want to attract and retain the best talent, whether that is in the military or corporate America.

“I think people choose their careers on three major things: job satisfaction, pay and benefits, and work environment – including location. … As leaders … we have to look at which one of those matter to us as a company, what are we bringing employees

in for – and I will tell you, I have seen more people quit bosses than actual jobs,” Jaster said. “The first tenets I mentioned, job satisfaction, needs to be a driving force. It can’t just be a mission statement on a website about a company being family oriented — are you family oriented? Do you have a maternity and paternity policy, or are you asking an employee to take sick leave when they give birth?

“If we want to attract really good talent and retain them, we need to manage the quality of work environment more than anything else. … How can we create a work environment that allows the employee to perform at their best level?”

Her new book, “Delete the Adjective,” was released at the end of January. Though it was initially written for women like herself, she said its intent has evolved to include people “who don’t know women like me. It’s the people who are so busy putting middle-aged women in a bucket.”

That bucket includes women, like Jaster, who balance multiple careers and motherhood while maintaining an active lifestyle of ultra-trail runs, jiu-jitsu and CrossFit competitions.

“Delete the Adjective: A Soldier’s Adventures in Ranger School” is available for purchase with all major book retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Jaster, center, became the third woman to graduate from the Army’s elite Ranger School, in 2015. She joins just two other women, Capt. Kristen Griest, left, and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, right, in gaining the coveted Ranger tab. Photo by Paul Abell / AP Images for U.S. Army Reserve

“Your adjectives are not your destiny. Don’t be limited by labels – pave your own way.”

HITTING WALLETS

Economic conditions of military households

BY EMILY SOLBERG, ARMY RESERVIST AND MARINE SPOUSE

From skyrocketing food costs to housing shortages, supply chain issues to limited access to pediatric medicines, military families continue to face the effects of uncertain economic conditions. Even with housing- and subsistence-allowance increases in 2023, many say they are still struggling to stay afloat.

Prior to her family’s PCS to Hawaii last year, Marine spouse Serah Starcher meticulously researched and budgeted for groceries, gas and other spending. She knew everyday items on the island would be more expensive, but once they arrived, she quickly realized that what she had allocated was nowhere near enough for their family of five.

“I have had to adjust the budget to increase the allowance for groceries twice now,” she said. “I had to do this recently, as I realized we were having to use credit cards to complete necessary purchases. In essence, we were living beyond our means in order to provide our family with nourishment and everyday necessities.”

Shannon Womack, whose husband is an Army sergeant stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, said they are also feeling the pain.

“Our weekly grocery costs have gone from $100-$150 to $250-$300,” she said. “Our utilities have tripled — honestly just the thought of needing anything other than essentials is a worry.”

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) rates increased an historic 11% for 2023, but the amount a service member receives is not connected to their dependent status, duty station or paygrade.

To save, Womack has implemented strict meal planning, only buys the groceries needed for weekly meals and no longer purchases premade snacks for her two toddlers.

“We have also gone from eating eggs for breakfast every day, to eggs being a Sunday morning breakfast only,” she said.

Womack said her family also frequently passes on entertainment or events that require fees to participate. Their most recent splurge was $20 for “toddler time” at the trampoline park.

Salaries and supply chains

Due to supply chain shortages, parents have also struggled to find medicine, including over-the-counter fever-reducers like Infants’ Tylenol and medication Womack’s daughter takes to control her epilepsy.

The empty shelves, according to a December

BY THE NUMBERS

Food security among active-duty forces

A Department of Defense analysis of the Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members found that:

76% 24% of total active-duty service members were food secure of active-duty service members experienced food insecurity in the year preceding the survey

Of those 24%:

14% reported low food security

10% reported very low food security

SOURCE: https://media.defense.gov/2022/Jul/14/2003035423/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-FOOD-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE-STRATEGY-AND-ROADMAP.PDF

2022 Associated Press report, are primarily due to the failure of pharmaceutical companies to anticipate the early surge of respiratory illnesses this winter, and increased demand has made antibiotics, antivirals, and pediatric cold and flu medications hard to find. The shortage, Axios reports, has also extended to other needed prescription medications.

“The pharmacies are having trouble finding a medical necessity, even in generic form, and then we have the added issue of having it delivered in a reasonable time frame,” Womack said.

And while the military saw a 4.6% base-pay increase in 2023, some service members say salaries still aren’t competitive, especially in high-cost areas.

“I think the military is trying, obviously we don’t expect our base pay to be a crazy high amount,” said an Army staff sergeant stationed at Fort Meyer, Virginia, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But I think it’s complete BS that a lot of us with families are broke due to the prices of living and groceries, and yet we have the same BAS rates that don’t really go up and match the economy.”

A lot of soldiers, according to the Army staff sergeant, have “side hustles or side jobs” to have the freedom to do things they enjoy.

The soldier said he is hopeful he can leave his duty station soon.

“Unfortunately, the military doesn’t give you the benefits you should get in areas like this,” the staff sergeant said. “Here in D.C., it is just plain tough.”

Jamie Hanan, an Air Force spouse whose husband is stationed nearby at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., said that due to astronomical gas prices earlier this year, she considered quitting her job, which required a long commute.

Her family’s grocery budget also has soared, but with three teenagers, Hanan’s primary concern is college costs — her oldest daughter will graduate from high school this year and doesn’t qualify for financial aid. Even with two scholarships, the family is looking at paying almost $30,000 a year out of pocket.

BAH rates

Although BAH rates increased in many locations, some families say that doesn’t offset historic housing prices and higher interest rates. When asked if the military is doing enough to help with rising costs, Womack said, “Simply put, no.”

“We live in a very expensive area. We traded our $1,900/month, two-bedroom apartment for a $1,400 mortgage, just for some relief,” she said. “The BAH in Colorado Springs does not cover the actual cost for housing and utilities. And that’s not even bringing into account the higher renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, higher car insurance, plus all the other expenses necessary.”

Ellisa Austin, whose husband is a Marine first lieutenant stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is already worried about finding an affordable housing option for her family of six when they PCS in the next four to six months.

“BAH rates are barely matching prices out in town, causing huge backups in military housing, and forcing families to find rentals or under-par housing that is affordable,” she said.

This forces families who already live on base into a difficult position, according to Melissa Daly, another Marine wife living on Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.

The Dalys live in a neighborhood with older “legacy” housing and were offered a $300 concession check upon moving in to account for the difference between the value of their house and her husband’s BAH.

Then, last year, all neighborhood residents were informed that concession checks would be eliminated due to high occupancy rates in base housing and increased demand.

“We are frustrated that we now live in subpar housing for the same amount of rent that other, newer housing areas have,” Daly said. “BAH has also been increased for this area, but that money will go to the housing company as well. They will be collecting $558 more from our family each month than last year. Yet our house will not see any improvements in the near future.”

Daly said she now feels “stressed and discouraged.”

“Military families should not be forced into additional moves because the housing company is choosing a dynamic rent increase based on occupancy and not the quality of houses offered,” she said.

What can families do?

Daly’s outlook for the future isn’t hopeful, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t putting up a fight.

“I’m not feeling any movement at all from the housing company,” she said. “But I won’t stop advocating. Next up is our congressional reps.”

Branch affiliated support organizations offering financial assistance programs

Air Force Aid Society

www.afas.org

Army Emergency Relief

www.armyemergencyrelief.org

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

www.cgmahq.org

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

www.nmcrs.org

In lieu of congressional action, there are other ways families can try to alleviate some of the financial strain — even if it’s literal pennies. Daly said her family uses a gas app that offers cash back on fuel purchases, and they have also applied for funding through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), to lower the cost of their internet.

Starcher said she compares prices across grocery stores to get the best deals, and takes advantage of sales whenever possible. Hanan has made more of an effort to plan outings to maximize gas efficiency, rarely eats out, shops at thrift stores, and is conscious of keeping the thermostat down to lower utility bills.

“The only real advice I can give is to pay what you have to pay, and survive after that,” Womack said. “Building a savings is near impossible in today’s economy, so stop stressing over it. When you feel like you’re drowning and all alone, just know that all of us are right beside you, also drowning. If you can keep the roof over your head, and can feed the family, everything else will work out.”

Whiteman AFB provides preschool opportunities for its littlest wingmen

BY KAILYN RHINEHART, AIR FORCE SPOUSE

The cost of child care in the U.S. is one of the largest expenses in a family’s household budget, according to ChildCare Aware of America, with annual prices exceeding that of college tuition in many regions.

A recent grant eases that financial burden for military families at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, through a program designed for 3and 4-year-olds.

In September 2020, DODEA awarded the Knob Noster School District with the Great Expectations and Results Urgency Plan (GEAR UP 4 Little Wingman) Grant. Known as Little Wingmen Preschool, the program’s goal is to give as many area students as possible the opportunity to experience a quality preschool experience, according to its website. Curriculum from the University of Missouri includes emerging language and literacy.

Three classrooms offer circle time, table learning, play and exploration in themebased centers, recess and snack, with a focus on hands-on learning. However, the program’s director says it experienced some challenges at the onset.

“We opened when COVID was wreaking havoc on our public education system. Schools struggled to come to terms with what

worked best for them,” Tori Hunter, program director and lead teacher, said. “COVID led to the slower delivery of equipment for our playground. We went without equipment for a while. But the teachers came up with ways to make it fun for our students. It was difficult, but we made it through.”

She adds that now the little wingmen are prospering.

“In our first year, we served up to 96 students. At the present time, that has grown to 130 [students] and looks to grow in the future. This means over 100 children are getting preschool who might not have before, at no cost to their parents. We are very proud of that,” Hunter said, stating she hopes to expand to even more locations in the future.

The program highlights opportunities for its little learners to grow and learn naturally, and Hunter was quick to point out that the goal is not to make it the new kindergarten.

“Our mission is to help prepare our students for life, not the next grade,” she said. “We want them to construct their own knowledge, so we structure our days full with ways for kids to learn naturally.”

Little Wingmen Preschool also focuses on social-emotional growth first and lays the foundation for the academics that will come when it is developmentally appropriate, Hunter said.

“We provide lots of opportunities for a language-rich environment to help develop vocabulary, curiosity, and schema. We also have a sensory motor lab to help foster core strength, balance, and motor control in our littles.”

Hunter shared how crucial these “soft skills” are for their future. With these opportunities, she believes the program will set students up for success later.

Last spring, the Student to Student (S2S) program won national recognition for a second time. Because of this, the little wingmen hosted Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona.

The First Lady visited a classroom of 3-year-olds, taking part in the daily table time activities. The visitors then attended a panel discussion of S2S members from Knob Noster School District.

“The Knob Noster story is well told in Washington. We have received several GEAR-UP grants since 2017. Our administration is proactive in getting our successes out there,” Hunter said.

In addition to being five days a week, another benefit of the program is location. The Little Wingmen Preschool is located inside Whiteman Elementary, on base.

“Many of our students go to school right here at Whiteman. So they have the benefit of learning the building and seeing the faces of those that will be a part of their education for years to come,” Hunter said. “Even those that will go to kindergarten in town are taken on a field trip to see their school in the spring … We do all we can to foster that excitement.”

The program benefits military members in the community, too. Not just those living on the base.

“We are also able — through a special program — to offer preschool on base to children with one or more parents on active duty, living outside of the Knob Noster School District boundaries. This allows parents to get to work on time, have their children close to them and receive free preschool,” Hunter said.

One-in-five congressional or gubernatorial candidates in the November 2022 election had some degree of military experience. And a Pew Research Center survey revealed that 53% of registered voters say they like political leaders who have served in the military.

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Georgia) is one of those veterans, and he won Georgia’s 6th District decisively. With more than 20 years of service, McCormick flew helicopters and taught as a Marine Officer Instructor during his time in the Marine Corps. In the Navy, he served as the department head for the emergency medicine department in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

But it was his post-military career as an emergency room physician that prompted his run for Congress.

“I went down to the Capitol to find solutions to surprise billing and felt like my own party was working against me,” McCormick said. “I got very animated about it and felt like we needed to fight back — and it got my foot in the door.”

Still, McCormick had to overcome a crowded primary with tough competition.

“It felt like everybody endorsed against us,” he said.

The stakes were high, but he knew he didn’t want to give up.

“You can either trust somebody else to do the right thing, or you can get involved yourself, and it really felt like the stars aligned for that to happen,” he said.

CONSIDERING A RUN FOR OFFICE?

These organizations can help you prepare for a political campaign.

Homefront Rising: Encourages and trains military spouses to get involved in the political process through advocacy and public service. https://www.runmilspouserun.com

Veterans Campaign: A virtual, nonpartisan organization with a mission to encourage, mentor and prepare veterans for a “second service” in civic leadership. https://veteranscampaign.org

The LBJ Women’s Campaign School: Offers six-month programs to train women to run for office or manage campaigns regardless of party affiliation. The program is primarily completed online. https://lbjwcs.lbj.utexas.edu

Today, McCormick is on Capitol Hill working to implement changes he wants to see –among them creating a reasonable budget to tackle the country’s debt – and he’s noticed the same fire in his fellow veterans with political aspirations.

“It’s neat to witness, and I think it comes somewhat out of frustration,” he said.

As more members of the military community see a need for their voices to be amplified, many are asking, “Why not me?” Military spouses included.

Dawn Gile is the new senator for Maryland’s 33rd District, a role she didn’t always aspire to but says she felt compelled to pursue.

“As a military family, a lot of the decisions made by the government are issues that affect us the most,” Gile, a democrat, said. “Supporting women in the workforce, paid family leave, access to affordable quality child care … Yes, those types of issues affect all families, but they affect military spouses doubly.”

Gile is no stranger to public service or leadership. In addition to being an accomplished

attorney, she served as president of Military Spouse JD Network, an organization dedicated to expanding employment opportunities for military spouses and providing pro bono legal services for military families.

With her husband retired from the Army after 24 years of service, Gile felt confident that it was the right time to run for office.

“Prior to that, he was frequently deployed, and I was barely keeping my head above water,” Gile said.

Both of these newly-minted lawmakers are urging their fellow veterans and military spouses to consider political participation if they have the desire. They spoke of the teamwork mentality engrained in military culture that translates to a life in public service.

“I got to where I am in large part because of the shoulders of other military spouses,” Gile said.

And the same rings true among the veteran population, according to McCormick.

“Military people understand that empowering people is what this is all about,” he said.

Dawn Gile with her family.

Authors pen faith-based memoirs for new and seasoned spouses

BY TANEIKA DUHANEY, VETERAN

Two seasoned military spouses are leaning into their faith –and writing skills – to support the military community.

“Many times, you’ll pick up a Christian book that has good intentions, and some of the teaching can be profound, but contextually, it’s designed for a woman in suburbia with a white picket fence, a dog, two-and-a-half children and a beautiful SUV with no financial troubles,” said Megan Brown, an author and military spouse. “Those books don’t always speak to what our life looks like and definitely not what our life feels like.”

But Brown’s book, “Know What You Signed Up For: How to Follow Jesus, Love People, and Live on Mission as a Military Spouse” is one of two new faith-based books intended to help others navigate the kitchen sink of military life.

The other resource, “Never Alone: Ruth, the Modern Military Spouse, and the God Who Goes With Us,” is penned by Coast Guard spouse Jessica Manfre. Both are mothers, Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year recipients and have each been married for more than 15 years.

“Never Alone” uses the biblical story of Ruth to explore the experiences of military spouses and how faith in God can provide comfort and support during trying times.

Building on the parallels of Ruth, “Know What You Signed Up For” addresses challenges military spouses might face, provides faith-based insights and encourages strengthening one’s relationship with God. Brown said her book is “a field guide for military spouses that are looking for the Christian perspective on the military experience.”

Brown – founder and executive director of MilSpo Co, Christian author, and a military missionary – met Manfre, a licensed social worker and co-founder of the nonprofit Inspire Up Foundation in 2019.

“We are unique in the way that we approach things,” Brown said. “We share raw stories from our own experiences, pulling in our knowledge and talking about how faith plays into that.”

Faith, theory and practice, bolster Manfre’s message to military spouses who might feel alone.

“As a licensed clinician, spirituality is at the forefront of any intake that we do,” Manfre said. “It’s a cornerstone medically, and we scientifically recognize the importance of faith, so what better way to speak to our military community than by crafting these tools?

“I’ve seen what loneliness can do and how it can impact the mind and body rather harshly. All of us have been there at one time or another. We’re seasoned spouses, and we feel like it’s our responsibility to make things just a little bit easier for the new generation [of military spouses]”.

To create these tools, Brown mentored Manfre along her authorship journey.

“I always thought about writing a book about my own experiences, but how do you harness all of that and put it together in a book?” Manfre said.

With Brown’s guidance, the process was relatively straightforward.

“I look at mentorship and guiding others as a lifestyle,” Brown said.

Leveraging almost a decade’s worth of writing, publishing industry experience and relationships, Brown elevated Manfre’s idea for “Never Alone” through a traditional publishing route.

Brown’s first book, “Summoned: Answering a Call to the Impossible,’’ also released through Moody Publishers in 2021. She said when she approached Moody Publishers with the concept of military community books, the project was well received.

Military spouses are constantly facing the hardships of the active-duty lifestyle, moving from place to place, uprooting and looking for steadiness in a landscape of change. Often, they search for answers to hard questions, Brown said, and Moody Publishers Military is dedicated to equipping military spouses who are committed to this work by creating resources that build their courage, refocus their faith and inspire them to push forward into whatever God calls them to next.

Though self-publishing would have been quicker, both authors understood that the writing and publishing process for this line of books “is all about low, slow, consistent work and dedication,” according to Brown.

“Most people give up, but if you truly believe in your message, it is an army crawl to the finish line,” Brown said.

Both books are available for purchase at all major book retailers, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit www.moody publishers.com/moody-publishersmilitary for more information.

Jessica Manfre

Megan Brown

PAYS OFF ON GRIDIRON FORMER SEAL’S PERSISTENCE

BY CHRIS ADAMS

Former Navy SEAL Damian Jackson had a mission, but not of the Middle East-theater variety.

He’d already been there, done that.

This one was much closer to home in Lincoln, Nebraska – where one week in 2017 he waited outside Memorial Stadium for the opportunity to speak with then-Cornhusker head football coach Mike Riley.

Jackson lingered for a couple of days, hoping to see the former Oregon State coach, who would be a kind of disaster incarnate at Nebraska. The goal-oriented former SEAL had previously journeyed to Lincoln for a tryout that didn’t turn out in his favor.

“They said, ‘You know, if you don’t hear a phone call within like two weeks, you didn’t make the team.’ And I didn’t hear a phone call within those two weeks,” said the bearded Jackson, who resembles a younger version of the iconic record producer Rick Rubin in appearance and voice.

But Jackson was persistent and waited for a chance to prove he could be a part of Big Red on Saturday afternoons.

Self-centered to SEAL

Jackson freely admitted he wasn’t a good student while attending Shadow Ridge High School in his hometown of Las Vegas. A self-centered adolescent, he didn’t play football, which requires a team-first attitude more than other sports. Instead, he participated in baseball and soccer, team sports that allow for more individuality.

College wasn’t an option immediately available to Jackson upon graduation, so he took the same route as his older brother – the military –and enlisted in the Navy. After boot camp, he went through the SEAL BUD/S 24-week training course.

But he didn’t set out to be a Navy SEAL. Rather, his personality made the choice. Jackson had the physical tools and the right stuff mentally. He completed the grueling weeding-out process, eventually becoming a breacher — the one who enters a structure to clear it of threats.

“Everything in life is just kind of like, if you want something, go try to do it and just keep exhausting every avenue until you can’t do it … and then move on to the next thing,” Jackson said. “So, I don’t have like some philosophy or any magic words to tell anybody. It’s just like, you know, I want to do it. Let’s go try to do it.”

While in high school, he participated in a student-exchange program and lived in France. He didn’t really have an interest in the country and wasn’t taking French classes. But it had a challenge and out-of-comfortzone elements.

“I feel like I’m a little bit different. Think a little bit different than most people,” Jackson said. “I was a foreign exchange student in France. And there’s no rhyme or reason why. I just decided I wanted to do it. So my mom told me, ‘Just get a job,’ and I ended up getting half the money for it. And I went. Not because I was like so enthused by going to France or learning French … [I] just kind of went and did it.”

Risk versus reward

His reasons for becoming a SEAL came from the same place. Supposedly, the brain is wired for habitual experiences, not what’s next. But Jackson’s psyche defies this theory.

“Let’s just keep – keep exploring, keep going,” he said. “So, once I got into the SEALs, it was like, ‘Keep doing that, and then all right, what’s the next door? What’s the next opportunity? All right, we get into college. All right, what’s the next opportunity? NFL, let’s do that. See if it goes. And if it doesn’t, figure something out.’”

But that life philosophy comes with risks. Jackson had a lucrative gig in the Navy and ditching it to make a gridiron goal become reality could easily have gone sideways.

“I had a good-paying job when I was in the SEALs,” Jackson said. “One of the highest-paying jobs in the military. And then just leaving everything behind to go to college and try something is definitely a huge risk.”

But that mindset served him well in the pursuit of his college football objective. So, Jackson continued waiting for Riley outside the stadium.

“It took me a couple of days just waiting out there for him,” Jackson said. “… and then I found the coach, kind of scared him a little bit. And then the next day after all that, somebody called me, brought me in. He’s like, ‘Don’t ever do that again. Don’t go behind our backs … You got like a two-week

trial, and if we don’t like you, you’re off the team.’”

Jackson showed up every day and practiced. He never heard a word from the coaching staff, so he assumed he had made the team. And he did. The risk paid off.

“So at Nebraska, I was kind of like just the backup. If somebody gets tired, I’ll go in and fill in for a couple of plays and keep doing that all game,” he said.

Jackson learned the sport, improving steadily and becoming a reliable player.

Jovan Dewitt, a former special teams coach at Nebraska and the University of North Carolina, coached Jackson while he was a Cornhusker.

“Being on a major college football team takes people out of their comfort zone,” Dewitt said in a Navy-produced mini-documentary about Jackson. “Anybody that’s willing to step into that arena, they’re built a little bit differently. Whether times are good or whether times are bad, whether we’re up or we’re down, he’s the same guy giving the same effort all the time.”

The former Cornhusker exhausted his eligibility at Nebraska but had one year left of collegiate eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He decided to transfer.

“I really wanted just to get film to see if I go to another school, it’s either you’re decent at football, or you suck,” he said.

Jackson lives an existential existence, identifying the problem or goal and seeking a solution, then accepting the outcome, whether it’s favorable or unfavorable. His final year would be the outcome.

“I needed to figure out if I was good enough to play or if I just was really bad,” he said. “So that’s the reason why I transferred … to get film and just to test myself. Getting a lot of plays, getting a lot of reps, see how I do when I’m tired, see if I really love football.”

‘ To coach him was easy’

Jackson selected the University at Buffalo, a Division I Football Championship Subdivision program, as the final proving ground. He entered the school as a 30-year-old graduate student. Improvement was evident.

Jackson played in all 12 regular-season games for the Bulls, registering 22 tackles, three sacks and three pass breakups.

Cedric Douglas, the defensive line coach at

Buffalo, said Jackson is excellent at football, but more significantly, is the toughest, hardest working player he has ever encountered.

“He may go down as one of the best I coached,” said Douglas, barely older than Jackson. “To coach him was easy.”

What Douglas found challenging was Jackson’s thirst for precise details. Douglas said he has a teaching background, which is a coaching strength. But with Jackson, he had to deliver information with careful clarity. Douglas couldn’t praise Jackson enough. He was unlike any player he had ever coached.

“He was a true pro to coach … humble guy,” Doulas said. “On kickoff, I swore he would go down laughing, smiling … He liked the collision.”

All the reps gained from the Buffalo experience answered some questions for Jackson, preparing him for his next step.

“I think in the end, it was a really good decision … You find out a little bit more about yourself,” he said. “I do like playing football a lot, and I think I’m decent. And, you know, it wasn’t a total s- - - show over there. I didn’t just miss every tackle and just get embarrassed.”

Jackson’s next step is to get noticed by an NFL team. He has a pro day scheduled in March, but he knows the journey could end there. Jackson has a few ideas about what could be next if the pro day doesn’t go the way he’d like it to. But he is adaptable.

One fallback plan was to join the football strength and conditioning staff at Nebraska. But that group was fired last season.

Douglas said Jackson had mentioned dog breeding during the Thanksgiving break last fall, and Jackson talked about joining the military again, or private contracting if worse comes to worst.

“There’s also opportunities for NASCAR pit crew from Nebraska,” he said. “A lot of people have connections. So that sounds pretty good too … go try out for that. As like a jackman or something like that.”

But whatever Jackson’s future holds, he’s all in until the end. Goals don’t become too tired for him. His advice is, if there’s something you’d like to do, then do it.

“Yeah, I mean, if you just feel like something’s cool, and you want to do it in life, and that would be a good job, you’ll be happy doing that job, just go for it.”

NON-ADDICTIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT WELLNESS CENTER PROVIDES TREATMENT FOR VETERANS

BY TANEIKA DUHANEY, NAVY VETERAN

Crystal Bethea hasn’t experienced post-traumatic stress, but she knows how it affects veterans and their families.

“I understand [from] my twin brother dealing with post-traumatic stress what goes on behind the scenes,” said Bethea, an Army veteran.

After her brother separated from the Army, he struggled to find employment, and his PTSD, compounded by depression and drug use, made adjusting to civilian life a challenge.

“[It] took him over 10 years to get himself together,” she said.

That’s why Bethea, who owns C3 Wellness Spa in central Florida, is a proponent of holistic treatments. With a paternal lineage of veterans and an equally expansive lineage of healers on her mother’s side of the family, Bethea wanted to merge her goal of helping veterans.

“I wanted to find a different way to treat and heal that was more holistic without going to school to [be a] nurse,” Bethea said.

Her experiences were compounded by reports of the ongoing opioid crisis and the number of veterans who had become addicted because of traditional pain treatments. A 2019 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey found that 595,000 veterans misused opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone.

The social and economic impacts of physical ailments are unquantifiable, and many veterans are “just tired-tired of the number of pills they were taking and the side effects.

Depression and anxiety seems to riddle the veteran community,” Bethea said.

Making a change

Bethea and Marcus Bethea, her husband and business partner, opened the first of two C3 Wellness Spas in Kissimmee, Florida, to effect change. Since 2019, they have provided a range of non-addictive pain treatments for more than 450 veterans.

Veterans experiencing chronic or lower back pain, among other ailments, are referred by their primary care physicians to the spa, where practitioners offer everything from acupuncture and massage to intravenous infusion and physical therapy. Appointments are readily available, most times within 24 hours.

This convenience is especially beneficial for clients like Army veteran LaToya Pritchard. Pritchard initially contacted C3 Wellness Spa after a friend’s recommendation. Seven years of boots and chutes – jumping out of airplanes – caused Pritchard to experience pain throughout her body. She believes the treatments she receives at the spa are “more timely and accurate” than at the VA.

“[I] feel like they work and have more options. [The Spa] has helped me over time versus

going to the regular VA,” Pritchard said. “They’ve been consistent with helping my back, feet, and so on.”

VA approved

According to Dr. Donna D. Ferguson, chief of Behavioral Sciences Education and Training Division, U.S. Army, veterans often suffer in silence from debilitating conditions. The most cited reasons include living too far from a treatment facility, not knowing the signs of their conditions, and being unaware of supportive treatments due to perceived stigmas.

The recently updated VA Directive 1137 aims to address these barriers by allowing providers such as Bethea to offer nonaddictive pain management treatments, otherwise referred to as complementary and integrative health approaches (CIH), to veterans. Eligible treatments include acupuncture, biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, massage therapy, and meditation.

Bethea said she wants “to help treat our veteran community holistically and let them know there is another way, to incorporate these [treatments] along with Western medicine to get the relief that they [desire].”

Bethea said veterans might be concerned that receiving CIH treatments for physical pain, anxiety, PTSD or other conditions may reduce or eliminate their disability benefits.

“I think a lot of them have a fear that when they start feeling better, they’re not going to be receiving their retirement or disability at the same rate, and that’s not the case,” Bethea said.

C3 Wellness Spa accepts private insurance to ensure continuity of care, which allows veterans to receive care more frequently without “having to pay out of pocket or feeling confined to only going through the VA to see us, “ Bethea said.

Understanding veterans and the issues they experience is a priority for Bethea and her staff.

“We do what we can to educate our vets as much as possible,” she said. “We have a group of people that are dedicated to making sure that they’re taken care of. They risked their lives for this country.

“We can’t let them fall by the wayside [because] their families depend on them, and they need to understand that they’re valued and cared for when they come back.”

SESAME STREET RELEASES NEW RESOURCES FOR MILITARY KIDS

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER, AIR FORCE SPOUSE

Characters at Sesame Street have something to say to military families: self-care isn’t just for civilians. Military Families spoke with Tara Wright, senior manager of content design at Sesame Workshop — the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, about new resources for military families.

How did the five new Sesame Street videos aimed toward military families come about?

Every year, we reach out to military families and see what they’re going through. And what we heard this last time was that COVID was such a challenge for them — that they experienced increased isolation, that deployments were longer and people were stuck where they were. We heard that emotional wellbeing was really at the top of the list of things they needed support with. So our team created five videos, available in English and Spanish, aimed at both kids and parents or caregivers, laying out practical strategies we can do alongside our kiddos.

What ages are these videos meant for?

They’re great for 2 to 5 years old and can be for a little older on tougher issues. The Muppets are talking to the parents, too, so it’s sort of peer-to-peer.

What do you love about these videos?

I think they’re so sweet and practical! Creating them has been especially meaningful to me as a Marine Corps Reserve wife and mom of three boys under five. There’s one video I really love called “Keeping It Simple.” My husband’s away right now, and I can really relate to Elmo’s mom — you can see her have this moment of, “Oh my gosh, I can’t do one more thing!” So she makes a choice to order a pizza, which is so relatable. We can’t have pizza every night, but we can change our routine every now and then if it means spending more time with our kids or having more energy for other things that are also important.

What sets these new resources apart from others in the self-care sphere?

They’re approachable. It’s not some lofty ideal saying “Just take care of yourself!” It’s giving you something to do.

What is your hope for these new resources?

That they are widely shared. That military families see them. That caregivers who may be solo parenting or going through a time of transition, or maybe even loss, remember first that they’re not alone. That they can do simple actions that breathe life back into themselves. Taking these small steps can really make a difference, and I want these videos to give someone in a tough spot a little bit of encouragement.

PALATE-PLEASING RECIPES

BY AMY POTTINGER, AIR FORCE RESERVE SPOUSE

TRI-TIP TACOS

Serves 4

For the beef:

3 pounds tri-tip beef

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons black pepper

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

For the guacamole:

3 avocados

1/2 - 3/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

2-3 garlic cloves

2 radishes

My theme was “Cheat Eats.” I could have gone the traditional route and given the judges something filled with gooey cheeses or lots of butter and decadent sweets, but I took a different direction.

I introduced foods that felt like “Cheat Eats” but were actually pretty good for you – like tacos and pastas. Although the flavor of my food was praised, my competitor went traditional and beat me in that round. Luckily for you, since I do not have my husband’s metabolism, I have mastered flavorful food that isn’t going to tip the scale.

1. Mix the spices together and generously cover the tri-tip. We like to do this the night before we smoke it, but make sure you give it at least a few hours so it can dry brine and lock in flavor.

2. If you smoke your tri-tip, make sure you have a dual-read thermometer (one with a meat probe and a smoker probe). Smoke the tri-tip between 175-200 degrees. The goal is to get the internal temperature to 130-135 degrees for the ideal medium rare cook. This took about three hours. Allow the meat to rest, then slice and serve.

3. If you grill your tri-tip, it will take about 30-50 minutes, and the internal temperature should still read 130-135 for a medium rare cook.

1/4 – 1/2 cup diced pickled jalapenos

2-3 limes; juice and zest

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Finely cube the avocados, emptying them into a lidded bowl.

2. Add the other ingredients and smoosh together with a fork until well incorporated.

3. Save the avocado pits and put them in your guacamole to keep it from browning quickly.

4. Store in the refrigerator in a lidded container until ready to serve.

For the chimichurri:

2 cloves of garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup cilantro

1/2 cup parsley

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the herbs are in little flecks.

Other ingredients:

Tortillas: I like to use corn tortillas, but you can use either. If your grocery store has “raw” tortillas that you can cook on the stove top (look in the refrigerated section, normally by cinnamon rolls and biscuits) those have the best flavors.

Roasted Red Peppers: I char mine on my gas stovetop. If you do not have a gas stove you, can broil them or purchase them from the store.

Cotija

Radishes

Cilantro

Jalapenos

To assemble, add the tri-tip, guacamole, chimichurri and roasted red peppers. Squeeze more lime and add cotija and radishes.

When I was on Food Network Star, what seems like a million years — or multiple duty assignments — ago, we had a challenge to go head-to-head with another contestant with a new show concept.

CREAMY CHICKEN PESTO PASTA

Serves 6 to 8

For the pesto:

2 cups basil leaves, packed

3 tablespoons pistachios

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup Parmesan

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Combine all ingredients except for the basil into a food processor and blend until all ingredients are like a gritty paste. Add the basil and pulse until it resembles a pesto like consistency.

For the cashew cream:

8 ounces salted cashews

1 roasted garlic clove

1 – 1 1/2 cups filtered water (depending on how thick you want it to be)

Salt to taste

Other ingredients:

1 package of noodles (I like penne, rotini or other short noodles)

Protein of choice (I use grilled chicken)

Garnishes: more parmesan, red pepper flakes, more basil

After you have made the cashew sauce, the pesto and cooked your noodles, combine the three in a large pan or skillet and toss until the noodles are coated. Add the protein of your choice and enjoy.

BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey

1 cup bulgogi sauce (if you cannot find bulgogi you can also use 1 thumb of micro planed ginger or ginger paste)

4 garlic cloves

Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Julienned radishes (I purchased a container of radishes and used most of it)

Julienned carrots (I purchased one bag of shredded carrots and used half)

1 seedless cucumber, julienned (sometimes called Parisian, English or Japanese cucumber)

Butter or Bib lettuce

Sesame seeds

Limes

Jalapenos

Rice or shirataki noodles (lightly seasoned with rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and soy sauce)

1. Cook your beef or turkey in a skillet along with the minced garlic and ginger paste. When the meat is cooked, drain any fat or other liquids that may be in the pan. Add the bulgogi sauce and simmer on low until the sauce has thickened a bit.

2. If you opted for rice or vermicelli noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. If you used the long/thin shirataki noodles, rinse them according to the package instructions.

3. Season noodles with some rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and soy sauce for a bit of flavor. This also helps them from sticking to each other. Assemble.

Veteran colors outside the lines with new venture

BY KARI WILLIAMS

“They say crayons are nontoxic, but do you really want to shove wax in your body?”

That was the thought process when Marine Corps veteran Frank Manteau co-founded Crayons Ready to Eat – turning a military joke (or insult, depending on who’s asked) into a chocolate reality.

“If Marines are actually eating these things [crayons] and other branches are cracking the jokes on it, let’s make something that not only can be a joke novelty, that can be a phenomenal gift, but it tastes good, it’s delicious, as well as it’s functional,” said Manteau, who served from 1995 to 2002. “Nobody’s done chocolate that you can write with until we did it.”

Around 2016, Manteau began seeing memes and cartoons online calling Marines crayon eaters. Then he saw a video of a Marine Corps officer “eating actual crayons” at a Marine Corps ball.

“I was like, ‘OK, maybe there’s something to this nonsense. Maybe we’re now called crayon eaters,’” Manteau said. “There has been an acronym that’s gone around that ‘Marine’ stands for ‘muscles are required, intelligence not essential.’ So all right, we’re crayon eaters now.”

But it wasn’t until about a year later, while completing a woodworking project for his childrens’ high school color guard team, that he got the idea for edible crayons. While

building a “giant frame” – requested to be bright, colorful and large enough to jump in and out of – he determined crayons would be the best medium for color.

“I’m in about day four coloring this thing, and I switched colors. I put a crayon in my mouth, started coloring another one, and I literally started gnawing on the crayon,” Manteau said. “And I’m like, ‘Well, wait a minute. Maybe there’s something to the crayon eater nonsense.”

So he started researching and contacted Cassandra Gordon, a former coworker with pastry chef schooling. At the time, Gordon had never created chocolate that doubled as a writing instrument.

“I think it was like a week later, I sent [Frank] a video of this horrible-looking crayon … It does color but it’s really faded,” she said.

Though she said a non-disclosure agreement prevents her from discussing how she created the product, the fact that she did still blows her mind.

“I can’t believe I even came across it on my first try … It’s something kind of simple, and no one else had thought of it yet,” Gordon said.

Gordon and Manteau fine-tuned their product in relative secret – with the exception of family – for about a year.

The moment they mentioned their product to the military community, Manteau said the response was “unbelievable.”

“They liked the idea, the fact that a joke is brought to reality,” Manteau said.

Since launching in 2018 and selling locally in San Diego, California, Crayons Ready to Eat has outsourced manufacturing and now ships nationally. Manteau credits Clubhouse, a social audio app that allows communication in chat rooms among thousands of people, with its growth.

He connected with fellow veterans, service members and people in the business industry, leading to establishing an LLC in February 2021.

Crayons Ready to Eat also secured a contract with the military-focused clothing line Grunt Style. Manteau and Grunt Style founder Tim Jensen connected through a Warrior Rising business shower in San Antonio, where Jensen committed to a 10,000unit order to put products in its retail stores, according to Manteau.

The commitment left the Marine veteran speechless.

“To actually have a company like that see the potential in us and want to be able to place that big of an order with us right off the bat was unbelievable,” Manteau said.

And on March 1, Manteau and Gordon launched MilTreats Inc. – which will house Crayons Ready to Eat, along with other military items. Packaging will feature QR codes that lead consumers to product pages detailing the history of the items.

The goal, according to Gordon, the daughter of an Army veteran, is to “bridge the gap” between the military and civilians.

“We want to educate people on the military because even though I come from a military family background, I don’t know a lot of the stuff they’re talking about,” she said.

For more information, or to order Crayons Ready to Eat, visit www.crayonsreadytoeat.com

APPRENTICESHIPS

CAROLYN RENICK Q&A WITH

Carolyn Renick works in the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) overseeing their work with Apprenticeship, Licensing and Credentialing within their Transition Assistance Programs. Prior to her coming to VETS in 2019, Renick worked in the Department of Labor’s National Office of Apprenticeship in their strategic engagement division, as well as in the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a senior economist.

What is a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program?

Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway where employers develop their future workforce while employees obtain paid work experience, education and a nationally recognized credential. These programs have been registered by either the U.S. Department of Labor or by a state apprenticeship agency and are also referred to as the ‘Earn-While-You-Learn’ training model where apprentices are employed from Day One earning an income, while learning skills to become fully proficient in an occupation.

Why should transitioning service members and veterans consider a Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship programs provide transitioning service members and veterans the opportunity to learn a new skill that’s outside one’s military occupation, or further develop skills learned during military service in pursuit of a civilian career, all while getting paid.

They work in a structured environment, can earn portable credentials and even college credit, and can tap into their Post-9/11 GI BILL® benefits while in a Registered Apprenticeship. This provides them with a monthly housing allowance in addition to apprentice wages. These programs have been very attractive to veterans as the average starting salary for apprenticeship graduates is $77,000.

What specific military specialties make a good fit in Registered Apprenticeships?

Registered Apprenticeship programs are industry and occupation focused, are typically one to four years in length, and provide the

apprentice with the training needed to become fully proficient in an identified role. While many of these programs include occupations in the skilled trades, there are many Registered Apprenticeship programs in growing industries such as IT, cybersecurity, energy, health care, transportation, financial services, hospitality and advanced manufacturing.

It does not matter what military specialty the veteran had while in service since Registered Apprenticeship programs provide all the training needed for someone to be fully proficient in an occupation. Some programs, however, do require certain experience and/or certifications prior to applying to an apprenticeship, which helps to increase retention in the programs.

What should service members/veterans consider before choosing this route?

Many transitioning service members are focused on going directly into college after their separation from the military. A Registered Apprenticeship program will offer an alternative path to success.

Registered Apprenticeship programs provide a structured environment with formal expectations and outcomes. Registered Apprentices work with a mentor to help ease the transition into a civilian career. Apprentices can also earn credentials and/or college credits that can help advance one’s education standing, and through the program, the Registered Apprentice will develop critical skills that provide a pathway to a career.

Employers are using this model to develop and retain trained employees, as 93% of Registered Apprentice graduates stay with the employer after they complete the program.

What are some recent steps DOL has taken to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities?

Increasing the number of Registered Apprenticeship programs, as well as the number of apprentices in this country, is a priority within the U.S. Department of Labor, and with the president and Congress. The U.S. Department of Labor has invested more than $330 million dollars since 2021 to promote and expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, which has contributed to a 102% increase in the number of active apprentices since 2013.

Recent Registered Apprenticeship investments include funding focused on equity, partnerships, youth, pre-apprenticeship, women, veterans, minorities, individuals with disabilities, industry sectors and state expansion.

Employers are recognizing that the Registered Apprenticeship model can help develop, diversify, and retain workers, while at the same time provide an excellent return on investment, as they are seeing a $1.47 return for every $1 invested in their Registered Apprenticeship programs. Participants in these programs can include not only transitioning service members and veterans, but also military spouses and civilians.

To learn more about Registered Apprenticeship, visit www.Apprenticeship.gov to find an Apprenticeship Job Finder tool that lists open apprenticeship opportunities, a Partner Finder tool, as well as resources for employers, career seekers, educators and others.

For more information on the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, visit www.dol.gov/ agencies/vets.