“By working together, we can ensure that veterans and military spouses receive the support they need to thrive in their civilian careers.”
Sarah Ragone, Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships, Hire Heroes USA Page 06
DULCE
CANDY
The veteran and mindfulness guru talks about the inspiration for her brand, Sweet Soul
Page 04
“Take the time before you get out to excavate your past and your skills, and discover how you can utilize those skills in the civilian sector.”
Remi Adeleke, Former Navy Seal Page 10
AmeriCorps Seniors Supports Veterans
Our nation has a sacred obligation to care for veterans and their families. More than 12,000 veterans volunteer with AmeriCorps Seniors programs each year to support other veterans. Volunteering is not what we do — it’s who we are.
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve more than 163,000 veterans annually through a variety of programs, including:
• Connecting veterans to services and benefits, such as legal assistance, tax assistance, health care, job training, and affordable housing.
• Training volunteers in suicide prevention and warning signs for the people they serve, including veterans.
• Working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which enables older veterans to receive dailyliving support in their homes, rather than having to move to institutional care.
• Coordinating and supporting state Honor Flights.
• Engaging in activities that support local veterans’ cafés where veterans gather, build community, and connect to resources.
• Providing family support such as childcare, spouse to spouse mentoring, and respite care for family members.
• Transporting veterans to medical appointments, job interviews, or to service agencies.
Opportunities for veterans to continue service
National service is an effective way to tap the talent and leadership skills of veterans to solve problems at home. Veterans volunteering with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs apply the skills they acquired in the military to serve their communities by responding to disasters, building homes, mentoring at-risk youth, supporting other veterans, and more.
Written by AmeriCorps Seniors
Empowering Veterans: Combating Suicide, Homelessness, and Addiction
As advocates for our military and veteran communities, we bear a profound responsibility to confront the multifaceted challenges faced by those who have served our nation.
Despite commendable progress in reducing veteran homelessness in recent years, a distressing trend has emerged — a surge in suicides among veterans who have experienced homelessness. This concerning reality compels us to examine the interconnected issues of veteran suicides, homelessness, addiction, and alcoholism while spotlighting the proactive interventions spearheaded by Houses For Warriors (HFW).
Acknowledging the crisis
While strides have been made in curbing veteran homelessness, an unsettling rise in suicides among homeless veterans necessitates immediate attention. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in 2010, there were 80,000 homeless veterans in the United States. By 2023, this number had decreased to fewer than 40,000. However, the veteran suicide rate remains alarmingly high, with the VA Suicide Prevention Round Table Committee reporting that 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
Homeless veterans grapple with a host of challenges — from untreated mental health disorders to substance abuse — amidst a backdrop of unstable housing and limited access to support services. Addiction and alcoholism can exacerbate the cycle of homelessness, compounding feelings of despair and heightening suicide risk among veterans. The National Housing First model, while effective in getting veterans off the streets, has not adequately addressed the underlying issues that lead to homelessness and high suicide rates among this vulnerable population. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach.
Central to HFW’s ethos is the belief in offering a “hand up, not a handout.” This philosophy champions personal responsibility, empowerment, and the resilience to overcome adversity. Through a holistic approach centered on personal growth, community support, and fostering independence, HFW endeavors to equip veterans with the tools to reclaim their lives and not be dependent on the system.
Solutions in action
HFW’s array of programs and services addresses the intricate needs of homeless veterans, encompassing crucial transitional housing and dedicated case management. While not providing support groups and substance abuse counseling in-house, HFW collaborates closely with local partners to ensure veterans access specialized care and support services.
In confronting the nexus of veteran suicides, homelessness, addiction, and alcoholism, collective action is imperative. By embracing principles of empowerment, support, and compassion, we can ensure no veteran is left behind. Let us stand united in extending not just a handout, but a hand up towards a future brimming with hope, dignity, and purpose for our veterans. The efforts of organizations like Houses For Warriors demonstrate that with the right support and approach, we can make a significant impact in the lives of our veterans and help them find a path to a brighter future.
WRITTEN BY Andrew Canales CEO and President, Houses For Warriors, Inc.
Benefits of Hiring Our Veterans
Veterans, as a talent pool, are often overlooked as they transition to civilian employment. Employers may not understand how to translate their experience and skillsets into nonmilitary roles or how to offer support to our veterans as they experience that evolution in their careers.
Tapping into this unique pool of talent can be extremely successful in delivering professional services to the federal government. Here’s how to make it a priority to hire veterans.
First, promote a military-friendly culture
To establish your organization as being a good fit for veterans, you will need to first promote a culture of support. This will help veterans understand how they will be supported as an employee at your organization.
Consider offering on-the-job training programs and managerial training programs for veterans, public workshops, live and on-demand trainings, dedicated military/ veteran groups, and military paid leave programs.
Tracking and promoting your veteran demographics within your workforce will also help veteran candidates feel more at ease that there is a community within your organization.
Now, hire!
Helpful military veteran recruitment techniques:
• Partner with organizations dedicated to veteran employment, such as Vetjobs, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), Veterans ASCEND, MilitaryHire.com, and Hiring Our Heroes to find veterans that will complement and enrich your workforce.
• Have your talent acquisition team participate in training and certification on how to uniquely identify talent within the veteran community.
• Participate in recruiting efforts within the military population, including virtual and in-person hiring events.
• Consider participating in a Fellowship Program, such as with Hiring Our Heroes. These workforce development programs place highly skilled and educated transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers with employers committed to hiring them.
WRITTEN BY
Krystal Doucette Lead Talent Acquisition Consultant, Magellan Federal
• Celebrate the successes of the veterans that you hire within your organization to attract and retain talent.
• Commend your dedication to hiring veterans and look to obtain designations that increase visibility as an employer for this special population such as a Military Friendly Employer.
A call to action
Commit your organization to supporting a community that has spent years supporting the safety and wellbeing of our nation. Recognize their dedication and sacrifice for our freedom. Challenge yourself to look at their talents, skills, and experiences and how they can enhance your own employee population as a diverse and unique population. How can you help them transition to a civilian workforce? Offer to help them grow their networks—review a resume or introduce them to colleagues. These small steps are the foundations of a successful career.
The National ALS Registry Searches for Answers
Participation in the National ALS Registry is crucial to helping find answers about ALS. If you are living with ALS, join the National ALS Registry today.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurological disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing nerves in the muscle to die, thereby affecting voluntary muscle movement.
Data has shown that veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS, but we know very little about the cause(s) and why ALS affects some people and not others. The National ALS Registry is working to better understand the disease and its causes.
People living with ALS can help find answers by joining the National ALS Registry ALS researchers need as much information as they can gather about people diagnosed with ALS. Participating in the National ALS Registry is important to piecing together the puzzle of the disease.
The National ALS Registry gives people living with ALS the ability to share their stories and help further research by completing risk factor surveys. There are currently 18 different surveys, and each asks about different topics, such as:
• Environmental exposures
• Job history
• Military history
• Physical activity
Joining the National ALS Registry could lead to a better understanding of ALS and could help future generations.
A Sweet Soul: Dulce Candy’s Journey From Military Service to Mindfulness Guru
YouTube personality and entrepreneur Dulce Candy discusses her experience as a veteran and how her service influenced her mindfulness company, Sweet Soul.
As an Iraq War veteran, you bring a unique perspective to your work as an influencer and entrepreneur. How do you incorporate your experiences in the military into the resources and guidance you provide through Sweet Soul, particularly for women who may also be veterans?
I know firsthand the unique mental and emotional challenges veterans face, which is why I focus on mental health and emotional well-being in my work. I share practical resources like meditation practices, sound healing, and mindfulness exercises to help women manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. By drawing from my own experiences and healing journey, I aim to offer support and guidance that truly resonates.
Can you share a memory from your time in the military that influenced the direction of your post-service career? During my time in the Army, I had to follow strict guidelines and dress codes, which felt really limiting. While these rules are important for discipline, they suppressed a big part of who I am — my creativity and self-expression. I remember a moment when I realized how much this was affecting my mental well-being. That’s when I knew I needed to find a path that allowed me to express myself freely and fully.
Your journey from military service to becoming a successful entrepreneur and influencer is inspiring. What advice do you have for other veterans who
may be navigating their transition to civilian life and pursuing their passions?
Take advantage of the various educational and career resources available to veterans. These can include GI Bill benefits, vocational training, workshops, and mentoring programs. These resources can help you gain new skills and qualifications that align with your passions.
Being a veteran, a mom, and an entrepreneur requires a unique balance of responsibilities. How do you manage these different aspects of your life, and how has your military background influenced your approach to leadership and time management? Discipline is a cornerstone of my daily routine. I establish consistent schedules for work, family time, and self-care. This routine not only helps me stay organized but also creates a sense of stability and predictability for my family, especially my children.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for further supporting veterans through your work, and how do you envision continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans?
My future goals for supporting veterans include teaching meditation as a skill to help them cope with PTSD. I plan to offer workshops and programs specifically designed to introduce veterans to meditation techniques that can reduce stress and improve mental health.
Dulce Candy | Photo by Jesse Ruiz
Making the Shift to Civilian Careers With Swift Transportation
Swift wants veterans making the switch to civilian life to know that trucking can be a great career choice.
We owe our military veterans everything, but many of the roughly 200,000 veterans who transition from active service to civilian careers every year struggle, with more than half remaining unemployed for months after their discharge.
“When I got out, I was a boiler technician,” said Oronde Whitfield, who served two tours with the U.S. Navy. “It was daunting trying to find a job in that field.”
The mission
Maria Macias is currently a Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves. Her occupational specialty is Army Motor Transport Operators (88 Mike). Macias had a similar experience when she transitioned to a civilian career after her first stint in the Army. “I was a cable installer,” she noted. “Some of the places where I applied said, ‘You have military experience, but you don’t have civilian experience.’”
Both Whitfield and Macias now work for Swift Transportation, the Nation’s largest full-truckload carrier who provides CDL-A training for those looking to enter the industry. “I just fell in love with it,” Whitfield said.
Kort Chase, vice president of recruitment for Swift, isn’t surprised to hear that these veterans love their new careers. “One challenge for veterans getting back into civilian life is
having to create and maintain structure with their work schedule. In trucking, everything is very well laid out. And if you want job stability, that’s why you come to trucking.”
Whitfield agrees that driving a truck is an ideal career for many veterans. “You’ve got to be dedicated in the service,” he noted, “and that dedication is what you need out here because you’re by yourself.”
“I absolutely recommend driving as a career for veterans,” Macias agreed. “We still have to do the same things we do in the military — you’ve got to get the mission done. That mindset is still with us when we come out.”
Supporting veterans
“Swift loves working with veterans,” Chase noted. “This career demands a great deal of discipline and personal drive, which are qualities that they [veterans] hold.” One way Swift honors the commitment of Reserve members like Macias to fulfill their duties is by supporting their attendance to required military obligations.
Any veteran can attend one of the schools in Swift’s network tuition-free as long as they supply proof of honorable discharge and work for Swift for 12 months after receiving their Class A license. Swift will also cover housing costs during the training, and credits veterans with a higher rate of pay for their service
time. “You bump notably on the pay scale for your honorable service,” notes Chase. And the company is qualified for the Veterans Administration (VA) apprenticeship program and helps file paperwork for its veteran employees to earn extra income from their G.I. Bills.
Macias and Whitfield have nothing but praise for the company. “One of the things I like about Swift: You’re in charge of your paycheck,” Whitfield said. “You can be out for months, you can be out two weeks, or depending on the route, you can be home every weekend.”
“I love my terminal, you know?” Macias added. “I feel like family. I’ve had a great experience.”
For Chase, those reactions are what it’s all about. “We want our veterans to know that we don’t just say, ‘yeah, thank you for serving our country.’” he said. “We mean it — we are so grateful that you have served our country.”
Written by Jeff Somers
Oronde Whitfield (left) and Maria Macias | Photos courtesy of Swift
How Corporations Can Support Military to Civilian Transitions Why Mental Health Support Is Crucial for Veterans
Imagine dedicating years of your life to serving your country, only to face the challenge of translating your military experience into a resume that civilian recruiters understand.
Every year, over 270,000 service members transition to civilian life, with 80% not having a job lined up. Despite the odds, military service members and veterans are a highly talented candidate pool.
From basic training, military individuals develop soft skills like adaptability, accountability, loyalty, leadership, and integrity. These attributes translate into high productivity and reliability in the civilian workforce.
An ecosystem of support
Addressing veteran and military spouse unemployment is a national issue that requires an ecosystem of support, with corporations playing a crucial role. Corporations can create dedicated hiring programs, offer flexible work arrangements, and provide mentorship and training tailored to veterans and military spouses.
Establishing Veteran Employee Resource Groups can offer community support, while staff training can foster an inclusive workplace culture. Partnering with organizations like Hire Heroes USA can connect companies with talented job-seeking veterans and military spouses, amplifying these efforts.
Beyond employment, corporations can engage in philanthropic efforts, supporting veterans and their families through sponsorships, employee giving, and brand partnerships.
By working together, we can ensure that veterans and military spouses receive the support they need to thrive in their civilian careers.
WRITTEN BY Sarah Ragone Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships, Hire Heroes USA
Many veterans suffer from mental health challenges as a result of the difficulties faced in the course of service. Luckily, there are resources to help.
As a psychiatrist with a military background, you bring a unique perspective to your work. How has your experience in the military informed your approach to psychiatric care, especially in understanding and addressing the mental health challenges faced by service members and veterans?
I’ve been deployed with service members. I’ve been deployed to Somalia. I’ve had three trips to Iraq. I was in the army for 28 years. One of the things you learn is not just the vulnerabilities in the military, but the strength of the military. This is an all-volunteer army. People know what they’re getting into, they train together, and there’s a lot of effort to focus on unit cohesion, morale, and strength.
If deficiencies are identified — and that has certainly happened through the years, especially with the long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — then they can be addressed. There are also certain limitations in behavioral healthcare as to what the military can provide. For example, there are certain medications that you’re not allowed to be on while deployed.
Military service often involves exposure to high-stress and traumatic experiences, which can have long-lasting effects on mental health. How do you address the unique needs and challenges of veterans in your practice, and what resources are available to support their mental well-being? It starts with preparation, and then there are a variety of interventions that can be done right after a traumatic event. Usually, the most important thing is making sure people are safe, and then addressing their other immediate needs. In general, service members don’t like to be singled out and sent to therapy. That
has some caveats to it, but the best you can do is to focus on the unit. Support the unit as a whole.
After people are out of military service, they’re often more receptive to therapy and mental health resources.
Looking ahead, what do you believe are the most pressing mental health needs facing veterans today, and how do you envision the field of psychiatry evolving to better serve this population in the future?
You know, there’s so much that affects both veterans and the general population — things like climate change, which affects everybody. The VA is doing some interesting work. They’re looking at exposures to toxic exposures, whether it’s burn pits or chemical exposures. They’ve passed legislation to allow better availability for people who have mental health concerns, because of those chronic exposures. I think that’s a topic that really hasn’t been covered in the same way that blast injuries and other physical traumas have.
Veterans’ experiences differ broadly, depending on when and where they served. One thing I loved about being in uniform was that when I came back to an airport, everybody would come up to me and thank me. That certainly was not the case with Vietnam veterans. Don’t treat veterans as a homogenous group. One of the easiest things you can do is ask them about their military service. People thank us for our service, and it comes off as a little trite. However, if somebody comes up and really is interested in the service, that goes a long way.
INTERVIEW WITH Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, M.D., M.P.H. Chair, Psychiatry, MedStar Washington Hospital Center
An Unspoken Struggle on U.S. Military Spouse Hardship
Military spouses, the unsung heroes behind our nation’s service members, face a harsh reality: an unemployment rate rivaling countries in economic turmoil.
While the national unemployment rate hovers around 4%, a staggering number of military spouses (21%) struggle to find work. This disproportionate burden reveals a national blind spot when it comes to supporting those who support our troops.
Military spouses are a highly educated group. Many possess college degrees, with a significant percentage holding advanced qualifications. This educational attainment, however, doesn’t translate to equal career opportunities. Frequent relocations, a hallmark of military life, disrupt career trajectories. This constant disruption leads to underemployment, with over half of military spouses working part-time when they prefer full-time positions.
The financial burden of unemployment on military families is significant. Lower household income can lead to difficulties affording childcare, housing, and other necessities. It also hinders long-term financial planning, making it difficult for spouses to save for retirement or their children’s education.
Breaking the cycle
The solution requires a multi-pronged approach. Employers can play a crucial role by offering remote work opportunities and flexible hours, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by military spouses. Educational programs can help with credential portability and skill translation across states.
Military bases and support organizations can focus on career
counseling and job placement resources tailored to the specific needs of spouses entering the workforce at new locations. Community outreach programs can help spouses build professional networks and create a more welcoming environment for integrating into the local job market.
By acknowledging daily hardships — including the absence of the service member, the burden as a primary parent, and the unemployment crisis they face — as well as implementing solutions that address their unique challenges, we can ensure these dedicated individuals are not left behind.
Let’s turn the tide for military spouses, ensuring their dreams of financial stability and career fulfillment are just as achievable as the American Dream they help defend.
How Two Women Created a Nationwide Community of Military Spouses
Jen and Kirst, co-founders of the Wives of the Armed Forces (WAF) blog, discuss their passion for creating resources and community for military spouses from all branches of the armed forces.
Can you share some of the most common challenges you’ve observed among military spouses and how your platform addresses these challenges?
Jen Ferrell: The military is known to be slow to change with the times. Since beginning to serve this community, unemployment, accessible childcare, and affordable or adequate housing are among the top pain points we’ve observed. We combat these pain points for military families by seeking out and sharing vetted resources, offering a safe space for military significant others (MilSos) to connect with each other for support or advice and mindset encouragement.
We’ve learned that what makes the WAF space different is that MilSos feel
seen by the shared stories of struggle and are empowered by others who have persevered despite them.
Supporting a partner in the military often involves frequent relocations and transitions. How do you help military spouses navigate the challenges of relocation, settling into new communities, and building support networks in unfamiliar environments?
Kirstin Navaroli: It is out of this very real struggle that our Base Guides came to be. There are so many questions about a permanent change of station, from knowing what to expect about the area to finding a hairdresser who isn’t going to wreck your hair at your first appointment. We wanted to provide an up-todate, encouraging resource to MilSos so that they can settle into their new environment a little more easily and possibly have a few friendly faces to look for from the writers of the guides. Beyond that, we have seen some truly heartfelt stories coming out of MilSos connecting via our Facebook groups. The military is a small world, and it is so rewarding for us to see WAFs connect over advice given through a simple comment on a question, to then finding themselves stationed together a few years later by chance.
Read the full interview online at impactingourfuture.com
WRITTEN BY Jaime O’BannonChapman COO & Co-Founder, U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce
INTERVIEW WITH Jen Ferrell Co-Founder, Wives of the Armed Forces
INTERVIEW WITH Kirstin Navaroli Co-Founder, Wives of the Armed Forces
August O’Niell’s family is filled with service members and veterans. He and his brother, Robert, are Air Force pararescuemen, and his mom, dad, and stepdad are all Air Force veterans, so the family knew the risk of getting the call that no one wants.
Robert was already on his way to his unit headquarters when he got the call from his mom. “I’m backing out of the driveway, and I see my mom calling on the cell phone. I knew something was wrong. I answered the phone. She
was crying. She wasn’t screaming and yelling, but she was freaking out and saying, ‘Something’s happened to August. I don’t know what’s going on. Nobody’s telling me anything.’ That’s not how the [casualty notification] process is supposed to work.”
Robert was able to get news that his brother was alive, but he’d suffered bad gunshot wounds in Afghanistan.
“I packed a 36-hour bag. I had two children, and my wife was pregnant at the time. I told her, ‘Hey, I’m going to meet Augie.’ My
Air Force Family Supports Brother Wounded in Afghanistan
While recovering from a gunshot wound, August O’Niell received support from his family, who received consistent support from the Fisher House to make their unwavering care possible.
wife was fully supportive, and I got on a plane.”
A focus on healing August’s injuries were bad enough that he spent three years attempting to rehabilitate his leg before opting for an amputation. Through about 20 surgeries, his mother, sisters, father, and stepfather all came to support him at hospitals in D.C. and Texas, usually staying at a Fisher House. Knowing that his family was taken care of helped August focus on healing.
Remi Adeleke on His Military Journey and the Importance of Supporting Veterans
You’ve obviously successfully transitioned into a very vibrant and successful civilian life after your journey as a Navy SEAL. Is there any advice you can offer for soldiers who might be doing the same soon?
Do your research. Really figure out what it is that you want to do. Take the time before you get out to excavate your past and your skills, and discover how you can utilize those skills in the civilian sector. Reflect on your service and ask yourself, “What is it that I really want to do?” Then, create a plan.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve in terms of supporting veterans and raising awareness about their needs, and how can others get involved in this important cause?
The first answer that comes to mind is recruiting. Recruiting is down across the board, across every branch
“It’s comforting knowing that you are not a burden on people, because that’s the initial thought,” August said. “You’re used to being the savior, not the person that everybody’s trying to fix.”
August remains on active duty and continues to serve as an Air Force pararescue jumper. He also is an adaptive athlete.
Written by David Nye, Managing Editor, Fisher House Foundation
of the military, and it is a national security issue. Where I think civilians can help is by getting the word out there and learning what the benefits of joining the military are.
A lot of people are not aware of the benefits of joining the military, and because they’re not aware of it, they don’t communicate that to people who can potentially serve. I would not have been able to buy two houses without the VA loan, and the only reason I was able to get the VA loan was by serving in the military. I went to college for free, I got my master’s, and I got paid to get my master’s. My kids have scholarships to go to college.
The list goes on and on and on about the benefits that young people get: I got to travel the world, learn about other cultures, serve with a diverse group of people, and expand my mind. That’s one way civilians can help is by learning the benefits of serving so that you can properly communicate that information to people.
Author and former Navy SEAL Remi Adeleke shares his advice for veterans and how civilians can best support them.
INTERVIEW WITH
Remi Adeleke, Former Navy Seal
Robert (left) and August O’Neill | Photo by Craig Orsini
J.R. Martinez on Amplifying the Voices of Veterans and Military Families
Actor and U.S. Army veteran J.R. Martinez explains why authenticity and pure intentions are crucial in supporting our veterans.
What inspired you to use your experiences to motivate and inspire others?
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This idea truly resonated with me after I was injured. I discovered that visiting patients facing similar challenges not only helped me overcome isolation but also connected me with a supportive community. Serving others strengthened my friendships and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. Today, sharing the lessons I’ve learned since my injury is my way of continuing that service.
With your background in the military and the entertainment industry, how do you think these sectors can collaborate to create more opportunities for veterans, both in terms of employment and representation?
When I was cast in “All My Children,” the
Reach Your Financial Goals With This No-Fail Spending Plan
Financial literacy can pose a major challenge for veterans and their families. This spending plan can help you account and save for all expenses, short-, middle-, and long-term.
Apersonal spending plan is a great tool to take control of your finances. By calculating your income and expenses, you can make informed decisions about your spending and saving habits. Establishing a well-planned spending strategy is a beneficial step toward reaching your financial goals.
What does a spending plan include?
1. Income: Include all sources of income such as paychecks, disability compensation, education benefits, tips, loans, scholarships, child support, and other cash benefits.
2. Your Expenses:
Fixed Expenses: Stay the same each month, such as rent, car payments, and insurance. Variable Expenses: Change each month, such as fuel, groceries, and utilities.
Occasional Expenses: Occur less than every month, such as auto maintenance, gifts, holidays, and annual dues/fees.
3. Savings: Consider the following types of savings accounts when brainstorming financial goals:
Emergency savings: Unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies, employment loss, and auto or home repairs. Consider contributing a fixed amount every month, working toward saving three to six months’ worth of expenses over time.
Revolving savings: Expected expenses, such as vehicle registration and gifts. Add together all periodic expenses over a year and divide by 12 to get the total fixed amount to save each month.
Retirement savings: Replace income shortfalls in retirement. Take advantage
executive producer and writers often sought my input for my character. They wanted to authentically portray the story of wounded service members reintegrating into civilian life but recognized that they lacked the firsthand experience to do so accurately. Their respect for the actors involved and the community they were highlighting were key reasons the storyline resonated so well with viewers. This is precisely what we need more of in the entertainment industry. There was a time when military stories were told without the involvement of actual service members. Today, we’re seeing a positive shift, with more military personnel offering their expertise to ensure these stories are told accurately. Several organizations, comprised of veterans, are dedicated to helping fellow service members break into the entertainment industry. The data is clear: Military content that involves veterans is well-received by audiences.
of all retirement benefits provided by your employer, such as employer match.
4. Evaluate your plan: Subtract all expenses from your income. This will help you determine whether you need to seek additional income sources to cover any remaining expenses.
By monitoring spending, it becomes easier to identify areas where adjustments are needed to improve overall financial management. Moreover, keeping track of spending habits will help you gain valuable insight into financial plans.
Written by Cinthia Raez, Accredited Financial Counselor Intern, Operation Homefront
A service member packs up their car at an Operation Homefront Event | Photo courtesy of Operation Homefront
