LIBERTY LIFE / OCTOBER 7, 2020 / Volume 1 / Issue 8

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OCTOBER 7, 2020/Volume 1/Issue 8 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM

Supporting the Military, Veterans, and their Families across The Liberty Coast

On Base • In Town • Pro-Military

HAPPY BIRTHDAY U S NAVY Born October 13, 1775

Happy Birthday U.S. Navy & NAS Jacksonville Farm Share feeds The Liberty Coast Military Sexual Trauma Awareness & Resources

02 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

LIBERTY VOICES: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Can you imagine experiencing the last two centuries in person? While we may not be able to turn back the clock and walk in someone else’s shoes, we can most certainly experience this time vicariously through U.S. Navy history. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Navy will celebrate 245 years of service to our nation.

So, what has the Navy experienced since 1775?

There was a time when Sailors were pressed into serving on British Navy ships, something the infamous John Paul Jones was undoubtedly familiar with before he uttered, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

In 1814, the Navy came to the defense of the U.S. Capitol, which the British attempted to destroy with fire. Antarctic exploration was in full swing during the Wilkes Expedition in 1840. In 1847, Congress authorized the secretary of the Navy to place two naval ships at the disposal of two merchant captains—still a unique decision—to deliver food to those starving in Ireland and Scotland during the potato famine.

There was the survey of the Amazon and Madeira Rivers by the USS Enterprise in 1878. Then, in 1885, the U.S. Navy Congo River Expedition.

In 1907, the Great White Fleet became the first ‘round-the-world cruise of its kind, featuring 16 ships visiting six continents in a span of 14 months.

Homing pigeons have been trained as messengers for use during wars, and kite balloons have been used on escort vessels to detect submarines.

The Navy arrived on The Liberty Coast in 1940, after well-meaning Jacksonville citizens gifted a piece of land to the service. Unbeknownst to residents at the time, this would prove to be a timely gift for the nation, as evidenced by Jacksonville’s ability to militarily respond to the Pearl Harbor attack and protect the community.

The U.S. Navy has been through a vast array of adventures in its 245 years, and you can certainly name many other worthy and memorable events that I didn’t mention.

There are numerous naval commands on The Liberty Coast: Naval Station Mayport; Commander, Naval Surface Squadron FOURTEEN (CNSS-14); Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay; Naval Air Station Jacksonville; Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE); Patrol Wing ELEVEN; and so many others. Liberty Life would like to wish each and every Sailor on The Liberty Coast a happy birthday!

Not only does the Navy celebrate its birth on October 13, but Naval Air Station Jacksonville is turning 80 years old two days later. Break out the balloons!

Many commands likely won’t have an official cake this year, but Liberty Life extends a crisp salute to the Navy for keeping our nation safe and the global sea lines of commerce and communication open for all.

On Base • In Town • Pro-Military Stephanie Thompson U. S. Navy Mustang Veteran Editor I Liberty Life Media

Wishing Naval Air Station Jacksonville a Happy 80th Birthday and celebrating the Navy’s 245th birthday with this exclusive rendering

by Chris Flagg, FASLA

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Liberty Life

Kings Bay student named Southeast Military Youth of the Year

By Stephanie Thompson

OCTOBER 7 2020//VOL.1 ISSUE 8

CONTENTS

6 Farm Share Food Distribution Sites

6 Community Health Outreach 8 Feature: We Are Our Sister’s Keeper 9 Military Sexual Trauma Resources 10 Calendar

12 News Briefs 14 Liberty Picks

VETERAN-LED: Publisher Joe Snowberger, U. S. Navy Mustang (Ret) (904) 476-7861 Publisher@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Editor Stephanie Thompson, U. S. Navy Mustang Veteran (702) 573-5506 Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Staff Writer Matthew Snowberger, U.S. Army Veteran Director of Sales Vince Ponciano, U. S. Air Force Veteran (904) 415-7800 Vince@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Business Manager Nancy Zarling, U. S. Navy Veteran Admin@LibertyLifeMedia.Com PRODUCTION: Art Director Sarah McLaughlin ArtDirector@LibertyLifeMedia.Com Graphic Design Susan Jones U.S. Army Veteran Spouse Assistant Editor Courtney Stringfellow AEditor@LibertyLifeMedia.Com SALES: Automotive Advertising Staci Edwards Manager@AutoSourceWeekly.com DISTRIBUTION: Want to be a Liberty Life pick-up location? Bobby Pendexter CosmicDistributions@gmail.com Help us at Liberty Life provide relatable, relevant and useful information to the military, Veterans, and their families serving and living on The Liberty Coast(SM).

Liberty Life Media welcomes editorial, photographic and calendar contributions. Submit stories, events, people, milestones and military/ Veteran discount offers at

Y

outh of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) annual recognition program, and one of the most prestigious honors a member can receive. It celebrates young people, ages 14 to 18, for their commitment to community service, academic success, good character and citizenship, and establishing long-term goals.

As a way to honor the unique situations experienced by children of military families, BGCA created the Military Youth of the Year award to recognize outstanding teens serving in their centers on U.S. military installations around the world. There are six competing regions for this annual honor, the winner of which goes on to compete with the non-military student winners of the civilian regions for the National Youth of the Year honor.

The Liberty Coast helped shape this year’s Southeast Military Youth of the Year, Marlon Grant. Grant, an 18-year-old freshman at Middle Georgia State University, has been an active member of the Boys & Girls Club since he was five. He participated in the club at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay during his high school tenure, before his father retired from the Navy. Grant walked away with $40,000 in scholarship money and a chance to become the National Youth of the Year.

Grant has been a very engaged member of the BGCA. Among other projects, he started the “You Matter” program after a friend committed suicide; thousands of messages were sent in response in support of those who may be going through a difficult time. Grant is still active in the club when he’s not busy with his studies.

Boys & Girls Club of America offers many opportunities to children in the community in an effort to ensure each child lives a healthy and productive life.

If you would like to learn more or connect your child with the nearest club, visit BGCA.org.

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Send a letter to the editor about your thoughts on what you’ve read here to Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.com.

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Farm Share Free Food Distribution Farm Share was established in 1991 as a means to eliminate food waste.

The organization partners with local service establishments, churches and community outreach programs to feed the public free of charge, with no income restrictions. Farm Share events are terrific volunteer opportunities, especially for students looking for community hours. The events are drivethru to accommodate patrons staying in their car.

COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH A helping hand when you need it most

by Stephanie Thompson

If you know a Veteran, Servicemember, or any other person who may be in need of fresh food—including you and your family—make a stop at one of the many Farm Share distribution locations across The Liberty Coast this month.

9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 3 - Faithbridge Church, 13720 McCormick Rd., East Arlington - 1859 Kings Rd., Mid-Westside 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 9 - Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, 10325 Interstate Center Dr., Northside - Grace Baptist Church, East 21st Street at Bennett Street, Longbranch 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 - 11065 Fort Caroline Rd., Holly Oaks 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 10 - 737 Jessie St., Eastside - St. Stephen AME Church, 913 W. Fifth St., Hogan’s Creek 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 - American Legion Post 250, 3939 C.R. 218, Middleburg 8-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 - NE Fla. Women Veterans, 103 Century 21 Dr., Arlington 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 15 - Legacy Ministries, 825 University Blvd. N., Arlington 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 - First Baptist Church, 45090 Green Ave., Callahan 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 17 - Community Health Outreach, 5126 Timuquana Rd., Wesconnet 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 - Wilkinson Jr. High, 5025 C.R. 218, Middleburg 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 - Hopewell, 3990 Loretto Rd., Mandarin 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 24 - St. Johns River State College, 5001 St. Johns Ave., Palatka 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 29 - Legacy Ministries, 825 University Blvd. N., Arlington 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31 - Julington Baptist Church, 12740 Snyder St., Jacksonville To learn more about Farm Share, call (305)246-3276 or visit FarmShare.org.

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Photo provided by Virginia Pillsbury

R

esidents on The Liberty Coast—like several communities throughout the country—have experienced momentous career, lifestyle and familial changes as a result of COVID-19. Small business owners have lost their livelihoods, teenagers have had to step in and help provide for their families, and many loved ones are no longer with us. Some days are a struggle, but one local organization is working to ensure everyone who walks through its doors is met with love, healing and support.

Just west of the Ortega River, along Timuquana Road, sits Community Health Outreach (CHO). Since 1988, this local nonprofit has been serving seniors, military, Veterans, and families. Their services include: 1. Dental and medical clinics free for those who are uninsured or with low to no income 2. A baby supply center— Baby LUV—that offers free pregnancy testing and counseling 3. A food pantry that offers Photo provided by Virginia Pillsbury free food on a first-come, firstserved basis Baby LUV offers many other items, in addition to the above. Families can visit once per month and take 12 items of clothing (newborn to age 12), one big baby item, two pairs of shoes, unlimited books and toys, 50 diapers per baby, wipes, and baby formula. They have an ongoing diaper drive—Miles of Diapers—every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

The food pantry is a drive-thru service open to all from 9-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Pre-COVID, the food pantry was serving 300 cars per week. Now the weekly number is between 600-700. Many Veterans and active-duty Servicemembers utilize this service.

“Our food pantry is run by two Vietnam Veterans,” shared Virginia Pillsbury, the director of Community Health Outreach. “They could be just enjoying retired life, and they choose to continue to serve.” As a way to show their appreciation, the organization hired the Veterans, Charles Green and Rick DuMiller, to be on staff.

“We felt like for all the work they did, their loyalty and dedication to the mission, that they need to get paid,” Pillsbury said.

CHO, in partnership with Farm Share, will be hosting a Truck to Trunk distribution event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or until the food runs out. The event is open to all and will be located across the street from CHO at St Peter’s Church. In addition to Truck to Trunk, there will be a job fair with several agencies looking to hire.

“We’re always happy to give a tour because to see us in action is an amazing thing.

It says way more than my words can express,” Pillsbury said.

Aside from receiving services, everyone is invited to become a part of the mission. As Pillsbury explains, the need for CHO’s services continues to grow during the pandemic, but funding does not. The organization welcomes volunteers throughout the year.

To learn more about CHO, the Truck to Trunk event, or to inquire about volunteer or donation opportunities, visit CHOJax.org or call (904) 573-1333.

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Liberty Feature

Chorbak described several cases when the death of a Servicemember was preceded by MST. “There are 43 stories of women and men who reported sexual assault to their chain of command and were later found dead,” she said.

While the group’s first event was a local, grassroots protest to inspire awareness of the issue, it has become the catalyst for a nation-wide call to action for policy actions within the Department of Defense and at the federal level.

Events continue across the country to educate the public as well as obtain support for the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act. “Almost two percent of the population is military and Veterans,” Chorbak said. “We need the other 98 percent to care.”

Our Sister’s Keeper has seven demands: 1.

2.

3.

4.

WE ARE OUR SISTER’S KEEPER Taking a stand against sexual assault in our military

By Stephanie Thompson “Be her voice! Demand change!” “#IAmVanessaGuillén” “She will be heard” “#MeToo Military” “Stop protecting murderers in uniform” “Justice for all my sisters” These were the words written on a sampling of the many signs being seen at awareness rallies and call to action events in 22 cities across the nation by a newly formed organization: Our Sister’s Keeper Movement.

Another sign merely implored us to “Say their names” while listing names of women who have died on active duty by the hands of fellow Servicemembers: Vanessa Guillén (2020, Army), Natasha Aposhian (2020, Air Force), Michelle Miller (2013, Army), Maria Lauterbach (2007, Marines), Kamisha Block (2007, Army), Tina Priest (2006, Army), and LaVena Johnson (2005, Army).

Our Sister’s Keeper is a movement that began on The Liberty Coast mere months ago. It started in a Facebook group on July 3, with seven people planning a protest after the Army confirmed that remains found at the Leon River belonged to Spc. Vanessa Guillén.

The movement quickly spread, resulting in 1,900 people standing in solidarity during that August 1 protest. It was a historical day: this was the first time in our nation’s history that women Veterans have organized and mobilized across the country on any issue related to the military. The movement speaks to every generation; the oldest organizer is 73, and the youngest is 24.

One of the original seven members is Katie Chorbak, an Army Veteran and Florida native. She has learned quite a bit in the past three months about the realities of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in our ranks, in addition to her personal experience. She has submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in an effort to understand the problem at a deeper level.

“One million five hundred thousand Veterans are currently being seen for MST-related care,” Chorbak said. “Five hundred fifty million (tax dollars) per year go to disability payments for MST.” 08 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

Pass the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act of 2020 Fire the entire Ft. Hood chain of command Make bystander complicity a judicial crime under Title 10 Mandate all convicted sex crime offenders in the military register on the National Sex Offenders Registry 5. Cross-match DNA at enlistment with FBI system CODIS, which catalogs all DNA of unsolved sexual crimes 6. Protect enlistees at MEPS from sexual harassment and assault 7. Request and sort information collected in all surveys, reports and investigations by installation, rank, gender, and ethnicity in order to better identify trends

Guillén’s case is under congressional investigation, and demands two and three are addressed in the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act. Getting legislation to accomplish the remaining four is the movement’s current focus.

There is a “toxic culture” in the military, says Chorbak, that makes reporting sexual harassment or assault a generally negative—and even counterproductive— experience, but the “bigger issue is bystander complicity.”

According to Protect Our Defenders’ MSA Fact Sheet, updated in August 2020, retaliation against those who report sexual assault is quite normal, with approximately one-third of the victims being discharged within seven months of filing. For a better understanding of how many people are affected, the fact sheet analyzes the data from fiscal year 2018: “In FY18, 20,500 Servicemembers were sexually assaulted or raped including 13,000 women and 7,500 men.” That’s a 40 percent increase in instances in two years, since fiscal year 2016.

With this many cases, what are the conviction and prosecution rates?

“Convictions have plummeted by almost 60 percent [since 2015],” reports Protect Our Defenders, “despite a 22 percent increase in unrestricted sexual assault reports since 2015.”

To visualize what this translates to, a look at the fiscal year 2019 numbers shared by Protect Our Defenders is enlightening: “Of the 5,699 unrestricted reports of sexual assault, 363 (6.4 percent) cases were tried by court martial, and 138 (2.4 percent) were convicted of a nonconsensual sex offense.”

One way forward is to engage the newest military branch—Space Force—in a way that applies all the lessons learned from the other branches.

Space Force reporting currently falls under the Air Force. Chorbak recommends instead that the U.S. start a new reporting system and evaluate its effectiveness.

This would create a space free of history to protect our troops from the inside, allowing the other service branches to see the effectiveness of a new approach through the numbers, including both retention and trust of the chain of command.

Our Sister’s Keeper Movement is gaining momentum and will continue to advocate for measures in our government that are more supportive of the victims of sexual harassment and assault.

“There’s a time and a place for legislation,” Chorbak said. “Right now is the time and the place for this.”

To learn more about Our Sister’s Keeper Movement events and opportunities for involvement, contact Katie Chorbak at (904) 728-3692 or email Info@OurSistersKeeperMovement.org.

Liberty Resources Military Sexual Trauma Resources

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred while a person was in the military. This can happen to both women and men. You may have experienced MST or know someone who has, perhaps a friend, family member, or fellow Veteran. Below, we share multiple free services to aid in the management and recovery from this trauma.

North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) They provide free mental health services to enrolled Veterans who experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Some of the services available for MST are: •Individual Psychotherapy Sessions •Medication Management •Residential and group therapy sessions (vary among locations throughout the NF/SGVHS) The NF/SGVHS MST Coordinator assists in the coordination of care for the above services (within the VA system or appropriate community establishment).

Veterans can reach the MST Coordinator, Cher’ri Monger, directly at 904.307.9604.

More information on VA and the Mental Health Services provided can be found at MentalHealth.VA.gov. You can also view local information at NorthFlorida.

VA.Gov/NORTHFLORIDA/Services/Mental_Health.asp.

Northeast Florida Women Veterans As a Voice of Women Veterans the staff is dedicated to help meet their needs, including the challenges of PTSD, MST, high divorce rate, health issues, and even homelessness. 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 201/203 Jacksonville, Florida 32216, 904.862.6039 or 904.517.4242. ForWomenVets.org

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Jacksonville Vet Center They provide free, confidential (private) counseling and treatment to male and female Veterans for both mental and physical health problems linked to MST. 3728 Phillips Highway, Suite 31, Jacksonville, FL, 904.399.8351. VA.gov Women’s Center of Jacksonville They are a nonprofit Jacksonville-based organization offering education, support and advocacy to survivors of all genders and ages. Each year, the Women’s Center of Jacksonville provides 300 sexual assault survivors with forensic exams. They are the only certified rape crisis center in Duval, Baker and Nassau Counties and also offer community education, counseling, referral assistance, rape prevention services and breast cancer education, support and advocacy at complimentary and affordable prices. Their 24-hour rape crisis hotline is 904.721.7273. 5644 Colcord Ave., Jacksonville, FL, 904.722.3000.

WomensCenterOfJax.org K9s for Warriors They are dedicated to providing service canines to our Warriors suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Military Sexual Trauma as a result of military service post-9/11. K9sForWarriors.org Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic They offer brief, client-centered therapy for a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children’s behavioral problems. They also provide support and referrals for related needs including unemployment, housing, finance, and education.

In-home services, telehealth, and childcare are offered on a clinic-by-clinic basis.

7011 A. C. Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL, 904.431.3500. CohenVeteransNetwork.org

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Liberty Calendar In Town/Online

2020 NAVY BIRTHDAY RUN Celebrate the Navy’s 245th birthday with a 5k and prizes. The top three male and female runners will win medals. Must register to be eligible to win prizes. Deadlines and race dates vary by installation. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-18, NavyMWRKingsBay.com, NavyMWRJacksonville.com, NavyMWRMayport.com, free.

BLUE STAR FAMILIES MILITARY LIFESTYLE SURVEY Your input helps Blue Star Families and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families collect insights and identify trends and challenges facing military families to achieve real change at a national level. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 16, BlueStarFam.org/Survey, free.

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VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAM Concerned Veterans for America and The Fire Watch host this presentation and dinner to discuss the Mission Act, healthcare, and foreign policy and how to save Veterans’ lives. Must register by Saturday, Oct. 10, for catering purposes.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Luna Cafe & Coffee, 525 FL-16, Ste. 130, Saint Augustine, Facebook.com/CV4AFL, free.

VIRTUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY RECORDINGS The City of Green Cove Springs invites local Veterans to share their stories as part of a video highlighting local Veterans for Veterans Day 2020. Must be comfortable sharing name, rank, years of service, and personal comments on time served. Contact Kimberly Thomas at (904) 297-7054 or KThomas@GreenCoveSprings.com for more details. Deadline is Thursday, Oct. 22.

ULTIMATE WOMEN VETERANS WEEKEND Connect with fellow women Veteran influencers, discover resources, discuss solutions, and more. Friday & Saturday, Oct. 23 & 24, Marriott Courtyard, 300 Wells Rd., Orange Park, ZaharaVets.org, $50-$100.

HERTOTALWELLNESS COHORT 17 This six-week program is designed to empower women Veterans and their daughters on the path to selfsufficiency. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday mornings and sometimes run into the afternoons. This is Northeast Florida Women Veterans’ last cohort of the year and will be held virtually beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20. Registration now open, Facebook.com/NortheastFloridaWomenVeterans, free.

We Make Your Yard Beautiful

MS. VETERAN AMERICA This annual event, held virtually this year, showcases the “woman behind the uniform.” Kirstie Ennis—a former Marine sergeant, athlete, business owner, and non-profit founder—is this year’s keynote speaker. Proceeds from MVA provide housing for homeless women Veterans and their children. Sunday, Oct. 11, MsVeteranAmerica.org, $25-$2,500.

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PUMPKIN TRAIL HUNT Find all 30 pumpkins hidden around Lake D for your chance to win an MWR prize pack. Stick around until the evening to see the pumpkins light up. Through Saturday, Oct. 31, Lake D, NSB Kings Bay, NavyMWRKingsBay.com, free, must have base access.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville HAUNTED ROAD Grab your costume and mask; it’s Halloween! This drivethrough event features music, trunk decorations, a photo booth, and candy!

6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, River Cove Catering and Conference Center, Mustin Road, Bldg. 10, NavyMWRJacksonville.com, free, must have base access.

Naval Station Mayport

CANDY DROP What better way to get in the spirit of Halloween than with candy and costumes? Kids can look forward to free bags of candy, while supplies last, during this drive-by event. 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, The Beacon, 245 Baltimore St., NS Mayport, NavyMWRMayport.com, free, must have base access.

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PR2716A

L0150124T

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PR2756A

L0150124B

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2013 DODGE AVENGER SXT

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2017 ACURA ILX

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$6,561

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KR241770A

2017 KIA SORENTO LX

2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LT

2016 CADILLAC CTS

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$18,569

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904-694-3060

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7999 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244 *With approved credit. Not all buyers will qualify. Does not include tax, tag or title. See dealer for full details.

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2016 BMW 320I XDRIVE

2016 CADILLAC SRX LUXURY

2017 FORD EXPLORER XLT

$13,125

$16,043

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$23,635

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L0146144A

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904-694-3050 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

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News Briefs VA Drive-Thru and Walk-up Flu Vaccination Clinics A complete listing of all the clinics can be seen on the North Florida/ South Georgia Veterans Health System Seasonal Flu page at NorthFlorida.VA.Gov/NORTHFLORIDA/ program has already shown success: 114 percent more women applied for Services/Season_Flu.asp. No VA benefits after completing the training. appointment required.

There will be two four-hour-long sessions daily Monday through Friday Veterans may also choose from more until Dec. 21. To register, visit VA.gov and search “WHTT.” Photo Credit: Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Ehrenfeld than 60,000 community locations to get a no-cost flu vaccine. Visit VA.Gov/COMMUNITYCARE/Flushot.asp to find a current in-network location near you. Veterans must present Senators Push to Extend Care for government-issued ID to receive a no-cost flu shot at an in-network location.

Agent Orange Diseases

I Am Vanessa Guillén Act

Photo Credit: U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Delta Raiders

New legislation named after Fort Hood Soldier Spc. Vanessa Guillén would revamp how the military addresses sexual assault and harassment.

Prosecutors claim another soldier murdered Guillén, 20, in an armory and then dismembered her body in the spring. Before she disappeared, she told her mom that she was experiencing sexual harassment from an Army sergeant but was concerned about the ramifications of filing a complaint.

As a result, a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act in an attempt to create a system Servicemembers can trust. The act would make sexual harassment punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and would also permit those who were sexually harassed or assaulted to file claims within the DoD for compensation. The legislation would demand independent investigations outside of the chain of command.

In July, after Guillén’s body was found, hundreds of survivors of sexual assault and harassment shared their stories via social media using the hashtag #IAmVanessaGuillen.

A bipartisan effort is taking place to add three afflictions to the VA’s list of Agent Orange-related diseases: bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism. This addition would support 34,000 Veterans suffering from these conditions.

The VA has yet to add these illnesses to their list, despite each being associated with exposure to defoliants used during war. The final decision will be made after reviewing the results of two studies: the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) and the Vietnam Era Mortality Study. A vote is unlikely to take place before the Nov. 3 election.

Navy CBD Product Ban Expanded

To ensure the integrity of the Navy’s drug policy, the Navy clarified the banned use of any hemp product or cannabidiol (CBD) products to include topical products like lotions and shampoos. The New Transition Service Tailored for policy is meant to ensure Female Veterans there is no unknowing consumption of any THC. In addition to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) that ServicememThe Navy policy conbers are required to attend when separating, the VA and DoD will now be of- tinues to allow for use of fering a Women’s Health Transition Training (WHTT) for females transitioning cannabinoid formulations approved by the FDA when a Servicemember has to civilian life. a valid prescription. In these circumstances, Sailors should consult with their Female Veterans use their VA benefits at a much lower rate than their male primary care physician and ensure it is documented in their medical records. counterparts due to a lack of knowledge about available resources. The Every Sailor has a personal responsibility to avoid intentional or accidental exposure to THC. WHTT aims to increase awareness among female Veterans and the pilot

12 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

6373 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244

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2016 DODGE DART GT

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904-758-2612

* W.A.C. Not all buyers will qualify. See dealer for details. Plus tag, title, tax, and dealer fee. **The Lifetime Warranty is an exclusionary warranty. Not all pre-owned vehicles will qualify. Please see a Service Advisor for full details regarding inclusions and exemption of parts and services related to the warranty. Service nationwide limited to authorized and participating dealerships. Some restrictions apply. Warranty is not transferable. See dealer for details. *** Not all buyers will qualify. See dealer for full details.

LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

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Liberty Picks PROVIDED BY THEVETERANCOMPASS.ORG

Bill Green Manager

We are open for business and here to serve you forv all of your insurance needs!

904-717-1176 Health - Cancer Plans - Medicare - Seniors - Dental - Life Insurance

Have you Heard of the Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey?

Blue Star Families’ survey empowers service members, veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and their families by collecting insights, analyzing trends, and communicating the unique challenges of military life to influencers who are responsible for driving change in our nation.

The 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open until October 16th! Take it at bluestarfam.org/survey.

Hear Me, See Me. Empowered Advocate.

MST & PTSD Survivor

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs has organized this virtual event to empower women Veterans and raise awareness of services and advocacy for VA benefits associated with military sexual trauma. Must register to receive the Zoom link to attend.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, Eventbrite.com, search “MST & PTSD Survivor: Hear Me, See Me. Empowered Advocate,” free.

Senior Veterans Appreciation Mobile Car Wash

Welcome to NE Florida!

When: Squeaky Clean Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 9:00am to 2:00pm

PCS move from out of state?

JD Long, MRP, CNE REALTOR / Sales Associate (904) 583-3077

Steve Sechler Broker / Owner (904) 334-3985

Speak with our Veteran Realtors today!

Full Service Residential Sales & Property Management

Senior Veterans Appreciation Mobile Wash (By appointment only. You will remain in yourCar vehicle.)

Timothy Seise, MBA, GRI, MRP REALTOR / Broker Associate (904) 703-8917 Cell

Thinking about your career after the military? Please contact me for a step by step guide to a fulfilling career in real estate.

Take a mid-week break and get yourand car cleaned for free. Veterans remain in their vehicles Wednesday, for the duration of the carfrom wash.

Mustto register October 21, 2020 9:00am 2:00pm to attend.

(By Appointment only.

You will remain in your vehicle.)

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 & 21, Clay County Fairgrounds, Where: contact Jodie Smith for 2497 S.R. 16 W., Green Cove Springs, Clay County Fairgrounds questions or to register, (727) 492-0265, JSmith@Devoted.com, free.

2497 State Road 16 W Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043

For more information or to set-up an appointment: Jodie Smith (727) 492-0265 jsmith@devoted.com

In Partnership Together

VA411 Town Halls

New Va Health Updates 8382 Baymeadows Rd. #5, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Main (904) 288-9293 hometownjax.com

14 | LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

VA411 is a new virtual town hall series for Veterans to receive the most upto-date news about our health system. These interactive town halls will occur every two weeks, beginning October 13 with NF/SGVHS Director Thomas Wisnieski discussing COVID-19 Operations and other updates.

3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 13 & 27. The link to register is bit.ly/2HPVaVM Password: VA411TownH@ll

MK1121031

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* With approved credit. Not all buyers will qualify. Does not include tax, tag, title or dealer fee. See dealer for full details.

904-638-7981

10681 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256 www.hodgesmazda.com LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM | OCTOBER 7, 2020 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 8

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