fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Worth It
Tags: Veterans, Iraq, Afghanistan, War, Army

Was it worth it?

I held a weapon in my hands and stared at it, dumbfounded, until I heard someone say from over my shoulder: “That’s skin.”

The rifle was mangled beyond repair, and that’s what I was focusing on, but then I looked closer. I looked at the skin that had been torn from a body and melted, molded, to the grip of the M4.

The soldier and his rifle were intertwined forever now.

I didn’t know what else was left of him, after his humvee hit an IED and he and his friends burned to death on a dusty street 6,000 miles away from home. I didn’t know, but I held a piece of him in my hands that day.

There was a kind man I met one day while I was making a phone call home. I was 19 and homesick, and needed a friendly face, and there he was. He was tall, long legs, his glasses glinted under the fluorescent lights of the room. His name sounded like mine. We connected for just a few minutes.

A couple months later a sniper connected with the back of his head.

Before him, the boy with the bright blue eyes and the beautiful smile. Taking a picture in his uniform, standing front of the flag. He joked: “This is the picture they’ll show everyone when I get blown up.”

Now he’s nothing but the dash between 1983–2005.

I remember the face of a young boy that used to visit me in the guard tower, hoping I’d toss him a Snickers. He led his little gray donkey over and beamed up at me, bright white teeth, tan skin and dark hair. I wonder how long of a dash he got.

I came home. I was in one piece. I jumped at fireworks and cried alone in the dark, and got so so angry and took it out on the people who loved me, and I hoped like hell I’d just get sent back to desert where I didn’t have to try to make a life. Maybe I’d just end up being a dash too.

People I loved kept going, kept either coming in body bags or leaving behind pieces of themselves. A leg in Afghanistan. A soul in Iraq. So much shit left behind and so much brought home that jumping off a bridge seemed like the best choice. Or tying a rope around their neck. Putting a gun to their head. Sticking a needle in their arm. Anything so they could stop asking, was it worth it?

Images of Afghanistan are flashing across the TV again. Swarms of people desperate to escape. Begging for help. No better than they were 20 years ago. Maybe even worse. You’re welcome.

Now I hear the well-meaning “thank you for your service” and I don’t know what to say. Maybe I should ask them if it was worth it.
5 Veteran Owned and Operated Nonprofits
By: Jim Mowrer
Tags: Veterans, Nonprofit

In today’s society, many people are looking to make a difference in their communities. With the ever-growing population of veterans, opportunities are abundant for them to do just that. By becoming involved with one or more of these veteran-run non-profits, your contribution can make a huge difference in someone’s life while allowing you to be proactive about helping others and making change happen.

The following five organizations are all veteran-owned and operated non-profit groups that work hard every day to provide valuable services for those in need:

1) Team Rubicon (TR)

Team Rubicon is a veteran-owned and operated disaster response organization founded by combat medic Jake Wood in October 2010. TR was the first organization to organize teams to respond and assist with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in 2012. Since then, they have built an international network of volunteers ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to areas affected by natural disasters.

Their operating model is based on “military efficiency, volunteer compassion, and crowdsource collaboration,” where teams of highly trained veterans deploy to disaster zones within 48 hours of an event. TR volunteers have also responded to events in Nepal, Haiti, the Philippines, Indonesia, Texas, and Louisiana, and more. TR’s mission is to provide trained veterans for disaster response and help bring communities together in helping others. Located in: New Orleans, LA

2) The Mission Continues

The Mission Continues is an organization that seeks to help veterans transition back into civilian life by providing them with opportunities to serve their communities and continue building skills they learned while serving in the military.

Since its inception, TMC has connected over 1,400 veterans with service opportunities, engaged in over 1,000 service projects, and helped to create more than 4,500 new jobs through the various businesses that support their cause.

3) The Veterans Leadership Program

The Veterans Leadership Program is a non-profit organization that helps veterans transition from the military to civilian life by providing them with leadership, career, and personal development training.

Since its inception in 2007, TLP has provided over 1,400 veterans with educational resources and helped place 400+ veterans in jobs at companies like LinkedIn, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, United Health Group, and many more. Most importantly, TLP believes that every veteran can become a leader in their community. Because of this belief and others like it, TLP had had a significant impact on veterans’ lives since 2007. Located in: Santa Monica, CA

4) Team Red White & Blue (Team RWB)

Team Red, White, and Blue provide veterans with opportunities to give back to their communities and provide peer support to other transitioning service members. Located in: San Diego, CA

5) Team River Runner

Team River Runner operates programs that bring veterans together to help their communities and help transition from military life. Located in: Washington, DC.
Resources for Veterans Starting A Business
By: Terry D Cornell
Tags: Resources, Military, Veterans, Business

TerryCornellJr.net

Military veterans who retire at a relatively young age normally try to re-establish themselves by engaging in business or seeking employment. The option of starting new businesses is normally quite favorable among many veterans. The key challenge is normally how to appropriately finance their businesses. However, there exist various financial resources and opportunities for such veterans seeking to start a business.

SBA Veteran Loan Programs

The Small Business Administration Veteran Loan Program gives veterans an opportunity to expedite their ambitions to establish businesses. The SBA offers veteran business loans of to $350,000 within 36 hours of application. The veterans, however, are required to have a credit score of above 680 to qualify for such a loan.

The Bunker

The Bunker is an incubation program targeting helping veterans to establish a foothold in the market within 6 months of incubation. The program provides veterans with office space from where they can base and have their tech-startups incubated and nurtured. This program provides mentorship and professional development while opening the veterans to various capital opportunities.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program is run by the US Department of Veteran Affairs. This program targets financing veterans with disabilities through the purchase of inventory, licensing, equipment, and business supplies.

Boots to Business

The Boots to Business program is run under the US Small Business Administration program as a free service where veterans are offered training on introduction to entrepreneurship. The program targets helping veterans through the various stages of business establishment right from the process of writing a business plan.

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This program is designed to offer educational training for veterans targeting venturing into business. The program is jointly run by the Syracuse University and other veteran business financing programs. Veterans get trained on crucial business topics such as accessing capital and running a successful business.

Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

The V-Wise Program offers help to female veterans through training, mentorship, and support for launching and running businesses. The program comes at a low cost of $75 and is open for both veterans and active duty service members and their spouses.

Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan

This is a loan program run under the SBA to help veterans aspiring to venture into business. The program targets financing already established businesses by providing loans at the interest of 4%, a maximum loan term of 30 years, and a loan limit of $2 million.
Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Split From Their Joint Charity With Prince William, Kate Middleton
Tags: Veterans

Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Split From Their Joint Charity With Prince William, Kate Middleton Arlenehines Jul 24, 2019·2 min read

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are officially breaking things off with the charity they oversaw withPrince William and Kate Middleton.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are parting ways with the Royal Foundation, Kensington Palace announced on Thursday. The charitable organization is an umbrella for Fab Four’s joint interests, which include the mental health charity Heads Together and Harry’s Invictus Games.

“Later this year The Royal Foundation will become the principal charitable and philanthropic vehicle for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” Kensington Palace said in a statement, adding that Harry and Meghan will start their own foundation.

The statement added that ”both couples will continue to work together on projects in the future,” including Heads Together.

“These changes are designed to best complement the work and responsibilities of Their Royal Highnesses as they prepare for their future roles, and to better align their charitable activity with their new household,” the palace said, adding that the two couples are “incredibly proud” of their joint work.

Harry and Meghan’s decision to split from The Royal Foundation is a further sign of distance between the two couples.

In March, it was officially announced that the royals of Sussex and Cambridge were splitting households, with Harry and Meghan forming a household with Buckingham Palace, while Will and Kate stayed with Kensington Palace.

“This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for The Duke and Duchess’s work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence at Frogmore Cottage,” Buckingham Palace said in April.

Subscribe to HuffPost’sWatching the Royals newsletterfor all things Windsor (and beyond).
Tony Grayson Oracle Provides Insights on the Best Resources for Veterans Returning Home Looking for Work
By: Tony Grayson Oracle
Tags: Tony Grayson, Veterans, Tony Grayson Oracle

Tony Grayson Oracle Provides Insights on the Best Resources for Veterans Returning Home Looking for Work Tony Grayson Oracle Aug 19·2 min read

War is hell, we all know this, but no one knows it better than the veterans who did their Patriotic duty and are now returning home to lead a civilian life once again. Tony Grayson of Oracle provides insights on the best resources for veterans that have come home and are looking for work. Most veterans have a hard time coming back to the civilian world and finding a job back home might be a culture shock for them. Many places can help this transition for our veterans go more smoothly.

Volunteers of America have been helping the nation’s most vulnerable get their lives back together. In fact, “the military regularly cites them as one of the best resources for soldiers returning home.” Volunteers of America offers housing, emergency support, counseling for those who have PTSD, and employment training to veterans who need help getting back into the swing of civilian life.

Another new group is the National Association of American Veterans. The National Association of American Veteran’s specialty connects veterans who have faced severe losses due to combat with resources that will help them live everyday life. They help with counseling for those who have PTSD and help veterans find out how to get the military benefits owed to them. This group offers a network of healthcare professionals and government resources to veterans who need it the most.

Veterans of Foreign Wars has been one of the best resources for veterans returning home from foreign wars. This is a national organization with outposts in almost every major city dedicated to providing the basics for veterans who are down on their luck. “Their work includes lobbying for better veteran benefits, providing grants for family members, offering homeless veterans shelter, as well as civilian life transition assistance. Even military wives will find some help at the VFW.”

American Veterans (AMVETS) has become one of the best resources for veterans returning home without any help available to them. AMVETS has tons of National Service Officers who are willing to help veterans at no cost to them. AMVETS helps connect veterans that need help with Medicare and PTSD counseling, as well as employment assistance.

Many places do not want to hire veterans due to their PTSD; companies can view them as “Damaged goods.” Vet Jobs is one of the best resources for veterans returning home looking for a job. This massive job board is filled with veteran-friendly career options with regular posts and advice for veterans.

It is no easy task to return home from war and try to fit back into civilian life, let alone find work, assistance, and support. These resources are some of the best veterans can use to help their transition back home.
Nobody Said it was easy
By: Ron Millward
Tags: Veterans, Mental Health, Hope, Inspiration, PTSD

Photo by nikko macaspac on Unsplash

In the past year, I have become an entirely different person. Without getting TOO weird and scaring you off in the first paragraph, I feel like I have died to an old way of thinking and have been reborn with a clarity and a definite purpose in life. I have an understanding deeper than I ever thought possible about how my trauma, pain, military life, and transitions have affected my mind, body, and spirit and will continue to. I am excited to finally be in a healthy place to start sharing this stuff I have been sitting on for years.

Healing is a process and can be life long for most. There are daily practices and interventions I use that I feel are necessary for my survival. The beautiful part about the healing process is that it looks entirely different for every person. There are a ton of different ways of living and thinking. There are many different religions with very valuable principles to learn from. There are cultural practices that date back thousands of years that hold relevant and true for some people today. Shoot, you want to know a secret, there are people making things up daily to find balance and peace in their lives. Aka ME lol THAT IS OK. The point is there is no one way, one practice, one train of thought to healing. You have to get real with yourself and find what may work for you. Get real, be intentional and mindful about what is going to help. Obviously you can only do this when you’re ready. When you’re tired of wondering why you still have the thoughts you have and why your life is so miserable.

As I share my experiences and other friends share theirs, I want to encourage you to try and open your mind to new things that may seem like they are out of your comfort zone. What if slowly stepping outside of what was comfortable or normal for you was exactly what you needed to begin to feel progress? There are mentalities and ways of thinking that have been established and embedded in our minds from years of processed information we have learned from our parents, friends, the areas we live, the communities we belong to, the religion we practice, what we watch, and who we listen to.

I want to continue to explore and share some of the things I have learned. I will be working with mentors and other healers to help bring content, information, encouragement, inspiration, and anything I have found helpful navigating life. The internet is full of content, there are new “influencers” every day, new media outlets to listen to. How do we know who is valuable anymore? Question everything, trust lightly. Take what I say and either apply it or move on just do something for yourself.
How visual health histories can help military veterans
By: Katie Mccurdy
Tags: Veterans, Design, Data Visualization, Healthcare, Military

Work history was often insightful

As I asked the veterans about their work responsibilities in the military and over the course of their post-military career, I was impressed by their unique skills. Many described themselves as ‘fix-it guys’ with a gift for building things and understanding machinery. I normally don’t map out work history with my clients, but I saw how work was central to each person’s identity and story, so I included it on all 10 timelines. Dr. Rustad observed that, in his conversations with the veterans, work history gave them a sense of pride. About one veteran with severe depression, he wrote:

“The timeline helped me learn more historical facts about patient which were helpful in understanding his illness. For example, he was awarded a high honor in the service which showed his intelligence.”

Work history was often tied to mental and physical health. I noticed many work-related chemical exposures in people who later had memory loss or other possibly-related health problems. Here is a small excerpt from one person’s timeline — after a career working on oil rigs around the world, he was experiencing seizures and memory and cognitive issues.

About another veteran’s timeline, Dr. Rustad said:

“I enjoyed the intersection of the social/work history, with the medical history (example: chemical exposure came together with migraines.)”

And a third:

“Patient confirms accuracy of complex medical history. Interesting to possibly tie-in Agent Orange and Lymphoma. Interesting to see his thoughts about guilt surviving the Vietnam experience. Helpful to see on timeline the connection between chemo and subsequent cognitive decline.”

Of course, it’s not always possible to directly link chemical exposure to current health problems; but for those seeking answers about why this was happening to them or their loved one, these exposures offered one possible explanation and helped bring some semblance of logic and order to their life story.

The type of work someone chose was sometimes an indicator of their state of mind; for example, one veteran chose to be a long-haul trucker so that he could isolate himself from other people, a symptom of his PTSD. This was a new insight for him to discuss with his doctor.

By mapping out work history, we also could more easily see gaps where the veteran may have been struggling with mental or physical health issues and been unable to work. The below person had a 3-year gap in work due to health issues:

Side note: as these skilled veterans shared their impressive backgrounds with me, it was difficult to see them struggling to contribute to society because of their memory and cognitive issues. I could see that many of them were experiencing a crisis of meaning and purpose, unable to do the work that had brought them joy and satisfaction in the past.
VLB Launches 24/7 Virtual Assistant to Aid Texas Veterans
By: Texas Vlb
Tags: Vlb, Veterans, Virtual Assistant, Artificial Intelligence, Texas

Maverick uses AI capabilities from IBM Watson to help provide quick answers to Veterans about a wide array of benefits topics

ASK MAVERICK A QUESTION

AUSTIN — Today Texas Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Veterans Land Board, George P. Bush, announced the official launch of the VLB virtual assistant, fondly named, Maverick.

Using IBM Watson, the virtual assistant is the first of its kind for the agency and will provide Veterans with faster access to answers and help them access the benefits they’ve earned. From VLB home improvement loans to questions on Texas Veterans Homes, Maverick will provide the responsiveness needed in these unique times.

“The VLB seeks to serve as a central point for information in the Veteran community, and service for our men and women who served our country means providing far beyond minimum expectations,” said Chairman George P. Bush. “While the VLB continues to provide a call center helpline with staff who stand ready and waiting to answer during business hours, not all questions arise between eight to five, and we know that. The VLB is proud to announce the release of Maverick, a virtual assistant using IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence (AI), that can quickly answer questions regarding our programs, 24/7. We are excited to take advantage of this innovative AI technology to provide the best possible service for our Texas Veterans.”

In addition to answering questions regarding loans, Veteran homes, and Texas State Cemeteries, Maverick will also serve as a directory that can point Veterans in the right direction to find answers to common questions outside the wheelhouse of the VLB, from VA related questions to Texas Parks and Wildlife for inquiries on how to obtain a fishing license. Maverick can answer questions on 119 different topics.

Maverick utilizes cutting edge AI solutions from IBM Watson and is designed to help save Veterans' time and frustration. IBM Watson is AI that helps organizations predict and shape outcomes, automate complex processes, and optimize employees’ time.

Maverick is using IBM Watson Assistant and IBM Watson Discovery on IBM public cloud. It uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand questions from users and delivers answers in real-time. To create Maverick, IBM Watson Assistant was trained on data and information from the VLB. It is designed to understand when to ask for clarity and can direct users to the VLB call center to get additional insights and information during business hours.

Users can access the virtual assistant from anywhere on the VLB website. The VLB call center remains fully staffed, operational, and equipped to answer questions.
AN APOLOGY TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALEXANDER VINDMAN
By: Devin Pandy
Tags: Veterans, Alexandervindman, Justice, Georgia, Purple Heart

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is an American patriot. Having been awarded the Purple Heart is a testament to his courage on the battlefield.

As a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army, I thank him for his service.

As an American, I applaud his courage to comply with a lawful subpoena and testify truthfully before Congress about his knowledge of President Trump’s “perfect call” with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

During his testimony, he told his dad “not to worry” because this was America. But as soon as President Trump was acquitted by the GOP-led Senate, Lt. Col. Vindman was summarily fired from the White House, along with his twin brother who had no involvement with the impeachment.

We’ve since learned that the White House directed the Secretary of Defense and the Department of the Army to “dig up dirt” on Lt. Col. Vindman so he could be fired. Try as they might, their efforts were fruitless.

As it turned out, Lt. Col. Vindman was unimpeachable.

On July 8th Lt. Col. Vindman submitted his request for resignation from the Army.

His attorney cited a campaign of “bullying, intimidation, and retaliation” by President Trump and his administration as the reason for Vindman’s resignation. He knew his career was over.
PTSD and Violence
By: Living With Finesse Dr. Teyhou Smyth
Tags: Mental Health, Veterans, Military, Violence

Do people with PTSD pose an increased risk of violence to themselves or others?

Having PTSD does not mean that a person will be violent. But certain sounds, images and smells can trigger alarming memories to a person with the condition, and they react as if they were in the midst of war.

“Reality becomes skewed because you’ve been trained to be violent,” Lyles said. “So it’s really hard to shut that out.”

PTSD is not only about fear and anxiety. Patients may experience other kinds of emotional disturbances, and violence may be a way that they respond.

“Coping with strong feelings of anger, shame or guilt can be played out in terms of violent behavior,” Telch said.

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who struggle with anger are twice as likely as other vets to be arrested for crimes, according to the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, which published a study last year.

The study, conducted by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, examined 1,388 combat veterans. Researchers found that about 23% of those with PTSD and high irritability had been arrested for criminal offenses.

But researchers also found that other factors unrelated to military service — including growing up around violence or drug abuse — were factors behind why some vets committed crimes.
Letter from the Chairman
By: Texas Vlb
Tags: Vlb, Veterans, Letter From The Chairman, George P Bush, Texas

April 2021

Dear Veteran,

I grew up in a family that holds deep respect and admiration for our Veterans. I remember hearing about my grandfather’s service in World War II and about the heroism and courage he displayed serving our country and defending freedom across the world. These stories always inspired me, and they made me respect my grandfather even more than I already did. It also instilled the same respect and admiration for our Veterans that I had witnessed my entire life.

I never fully grasped just what it means to serve in the United States Armed Forces until I experienced it myself. I was attending UT law school when radical terrorists struck the twin towers. I felt a strong calling to do something, to take action.

Several years later, I joined the Naval Reserves and became an Intelligence Officer, later deploying on an eight-month tour of duty at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Before serving our country, words like honor, sacrifice, and duty were terms I thought I understood. Now, these words hold a different meaning to me. When I visit with Texas Veterans in our nursing homes, often seen sporting a WWII, Vietnam, Korean war, or Desert Storm Veteran baseball cap, I instantly feel deep respect and connection. These men and women had that same sense of calling that I did after 9/11. They did not wait for danger to come to them; they walked right into the line of fire and defended our country.

Although you can never fully understand the weight of these words unless you’ve lived them, we all have a duty to try our very best. Our Veterans have sacrificed for each one of us in ways that are hard to fathom. It is our responsibility to honor those sacrifices to the best of our ability. Whether that means volunteering our time to help Veterans dealing with challenging circumstances, helping to raise awareness of the need for more Veteran services, teaching our kids about their sacrifices, or even just reaching out to a Veteran to say thank you. This is the very least we can do for these heroes that have given so much for our country.

During my time in the military, I was surrounded by some of the most incredible leaders and public servants I have ever met, and because of their examples, I am the man I am today. I will spend the rest of my life honoring these heroes, fighting for them, and dedicating my time in public service to their benefit.

Thank you all for everything you do for our Veterans.

God bless Texas,

George P. Bush

Texas Land Commissioner

Veterans Land Board Chairman
Nationwide Programs That Present Educational Opportunities to Veterans
By: Richard Graziano
Tags: Veteran, Nationwide Programs, Education

Man holding a US Flag Photo by Snapwire from Pexels

Richard “Rich” J. Graziano is a New Haven, Connecticut, entrepreneur who has an extensive media industry leadership background. With his father Anthony having lost a leg in service and earning the Purple Heart as a decorated Vietnam veteran, Richard Graziano is a contributor to educational programs that support veterans in achieving advancement goals.

There are dozens of programs in existence, such as the GI Bill, which is a foundational initiative that provides veterans with financial assistance for higher education and career training. Coordinating with the GI Bill is Veteran Success Jam, which represents a partnership between the Kresge Foundation and the American Council on Education. The aim is to provide an online forum for colleges to fine-tune their academic offerings in ways that better suit the circumstances and practical needs of veterans in search of job opportunities.

Another vital program operated by the Department of Defense and Department of Education is Troops to Teachers, which provides a pathway for qualified military personnel to gain training and experience that places them in public school teaching positions. Similar to this program but focused on areas such as construction is Helmets to Hardhats, which also partners with Wounded Warriors in ensuring that those who have suffered combat injuries receive equal employment opportunities.
Models For Heroes: The charity helping military heroes with Air Fix models and cups of tea
Tags: Mental Health, Veterans, Ptsd Recovery, Mental Health Awareness

Models For Heroes: The charity helping military heroes with Air Fix models and cups of tea UP889137 Follow Jan 24, 2020 · 1 min read

‘Models for Heroes’ operates nation-wide whilst helping many people in the local area. The charity aims to help ex-military or members of the emergency services with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by teaching them to build Air-fix models.

The charity predicts to help around 20 to 30 members in both their Tilehurst and Reading schemes, but they have already been successful in helping approximately 50 members nearby in Basingstoke.

As part of making this short film, I interviewed volunteer at the charity, Nick Mowbray. Nick was diagnosed with PTSD after leaving the military and found building Air Fix models was a welcome distraction from his issues. He ended up meeting the founder of Models for Heroes at a model show and decided to join in and aid their efforts.

Nick has not only reaped the benefits of model-making himself, but has also seen the impact it has on others who have been mentally effected by their time in the military or the emergency services.

To donate or get involved, read more on the charity’s website:

http://m4h.co.uk/
Free Linkedin Premium Account for Military Veterans
By: Maximilian Ledezma
Tags: Veterans, Careers, Benefits, Military, LinkedIn

Free Linkedin Premium Account for Military Veterans

If you are searching for a new career active duty or after separating from the military then you have probably heard Linkedin is the way to go.

There are many benefits from signing up with Linkedin from the job search tool, profile search, and creating notifications for new posts. Job hunting can be extremely stressful, especially when you see a post that you are late applying for. So why not make life easier with notifications to keep you updated?

When I created my profile I fixed it up and prepared to search for people to connect with. After searching and finding very few people I actually knew, my searches began to pop up with blank images. I didn’t know what the reason was. I figured maybe it was my internet, realizing later it was because I did not have a premium account subscription.

Prices for subscriptions below.

Linkedin Premium Career $29.99 per month

Linkedin Premium Business $59.99 per month

Linkedin Premium Sales $79.99 per month

Linkedin Premium Hiring $119.95 per month

These subscriptions can add up and become costly. In my mind I’m thinking “you don’t have a job and this website is asking for money to find a job?” That did not sit right with me. So I went to Youtube for some advice because I needed to know whether it was worth it or not. The answer was yes but the information that was given sounded too practical almost as if they were selling it and trying to promote which is very common for paid Youtubers. Lastly I searched google and came across a post from 2018 that said there was a free subscription to Linkedin Premium for veterans.

Now I’m not discrediting their Premium service but free is free and if you served your country I think this is just a small benefit for the many sacrifices made. The free subscription is also for one year so you will be saving a total of $239.88! This will save you from the headache I ran into with limited search capability and open up your account to freely navigate through users and jobs. I listed the steps below on how to register your free Premium account.

Step 1: Go to the link I provided below the image above

Step 2: Click “Redeeming the free Linkedin Premium Career subscription offer”
Sabrina Cervantes Bill to Support Veteran-Owned Businesses Signed into Law
By: Sabrina Cervantes For Assembly
Tags: California Politics, Veterans, Small Business, California

As a member of the State Assembly, Sabrina Cervantes is one the authors of Senate Bill 588, which combats waste, fraud, and abuse to make sure that businesses owned by disabled veterans are getting the state support that they deserve. Senate Bill 588 has been signed into law by the Governor!

As Chair of the Assembly Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee, as well as the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Veteran Employment & Education, Sabrina Cervantes knows how important it is to support our disabled veteran-owned businesses. This is especially true as our community continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. SB 588 will help provide more assistance to our disabled veteran-owned businesses. You can find more info about the bill here.

Sabrina Cervantes is a working mother who is proud to be running for re-election to continue getting things done for California’s 60th State Assembly District, which includes Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, portions of the City of Riverside, as well as the unincorporated communities of Coronita, El Cerrito, and Home Gardens. You can find out more about her campaign here, or follow Sabrina Cervantes on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Letter from the Chairman
By: Texas Vlb
Tags: Vlb, Veterans, Letter From The Chairman, George P Bush, Texas

January 2021

Dear Veteran,

With 2020 behind us, Texans across the state are looking to 2021 for a fresh start. Here at the VLB, our new year’s celebration is set to extend all year as we honor our 75th anniversary of serving Texas Veterans.

Texas has always taken care of our Veterans. In the months following the close of World War II, Texas once again rose to the occasion, creating the Veterans Land Board, which would have a fund for the purchase of land for resale to Veterans of World War II at very low-interest rates and generous repayment schedules. Over the years, the VLB’s role has grown significantly, expanding to provide various services. As a Veteran myself, I’m proud of the work the VLB does, and I look forward to seeing what we continue to accomplish in the next few years.

Speaking of accomplishments, the VLB reached another milestone this month, with Maverick, the VLB’s virtual assistant powered by IBM’s Watson, aiding over 1,000 Veterans in their requests for assistance since its inception. We launched Maverick in July 2020, and so far, it has helped to quickly direct Veterans to resource pages while also answering hundreds of questions. As an emerging epicenter for technology, Texas is leading the nation in innovation and incorporating technology to better serve communities. I am excited to share these innovative measures and critical modernization that provides instant resources to Veterans.

As a final note, our Veterans residing in our Texas State Veterans Homes are important members of our community, and many of them are vulnerable to COVID-19. I am pleased by the great efforts being made between the government and private entities to ensure Veterans, residents, and staff working and living in our facilities are prioritized on the vaccine distribution list. All nine of our Texas State Veterans Homes have received the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine, and we look forward to returning these Homes to a vibrant, community-centric atmosphere as soon as safely possible.

We are off to a fast-paced start to 2021. With an exciting start to the new year, new goals achieved, and additional Veterans reached, one thing remains the same: we will continue working hard to better serve Texas Veterans. I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about important updates and how the Texas Veterans Land Board can serve you.

God bless Texas,

George P. Bush

Texas Land Commissioner

Veterans Land Board Chairman
Once Refugees, Now Veterans
Tags: Veterans Day, Veterans, Refugee Resettlement, Refugees

Nov. 9, 2020

Max J. Rosenthal, HIAS.org

It was a U.S. Navy ship that gave Huey Nguyenhuu a lifeline — and a future calling.

On July 15, 1980, Nguyenhuu was stranded aboard a small boat in the South China Sea. A group of Vietnamese refugees had used the vessel to escape their war-torn country two weeks earlier. Now the boat’s engine was broken, they were out of food and water, and several people had already died. It was a grim way for Nguyenhuu to mark his 15th birthday.

It was also the day that USS Joseph Strauss, a U.S. Navy destroyer, rescued the refugees at sea. Nguyenhuu’s ordeal was over, and his life as an American had started; he was allowed to settle in the United States as a political refugee. After he graduated college, he decided it was time to give back to the people who had saved him.

“I am so blessed that the Navy gave me a second chance at life,” he said, “so I submitted my resume for the Naval Nuclear Engineering Program.” Nguyenhuu served for five years as a U.S. Navy officer, taking part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

His story is far from unique. Many refugees have felt the call to serve the country that adopted them. Some, like Alexander and Yevgeny Vindman, who were resettled from the Soviet Union by HIAS in 1979, spent long careers in the military. Others, like former Bhutanese refugee Tika Dahal, of Pittsburgh, spent just a few years in uniform. But all did so out of a sense of gratitude to the United States and desire to repay the generosity of their new home.

“As soon as I settled here, I felt proud and wanted to give back to this country,” said Dahal, who served in the U.S. Army for two and a half years. After leaving the Army, he took a job at a veterans’ hospital. “I’m serving those who served us before,” he said. “It makes my day, every day, happy.”

This Veterans Day, HIAS is highlighting the service of refugees in the U.S. armed forces. Though refugees — and immigrants in general — are often demonized or blamed for America’s shortcomings, many have willingly risked their lives to defend our country throughout its history. Some, like U.S. Army Captain Michael Tarlavsky, a refugee from the Soviet Union who was also resettled by HIAS, never came home.

Refugee veterans’ service and self-identification with the United States runs as deep as any native-born American’s. “I always told my children to be patriotic, because there’s no country like the United States,” said Morris Silver, 86, a Jewish refugee from Poland who survived an 11 year ordeal during World War II and later volunteered for the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. “It gave me back self-respect.”

Our video, “ Once Refugees, Now Veterans,” tells the stories of these refugees and reminds us that, as Nguyenhuu said, they “are part of that fabric of society.” You can watch the full video above, or see more about each refugee’s personal story below or on our YouTube page.
LA Veterans’ Group Builds Homes, And A Legacy
By: Nathan James
Tags: Nonprofits, Veterans, Charity, Los Angeles

By Nathan James

It is often said that when our troops return to our shores after their active duty ends, they sometimes find themselves on a completely different battlefield — that of obtaining shelter in a country where homelessness is an ever-growing problem. In California, which has both the greatest number of military veterans, and the highest homeless population, one dedicated woman has taken on the mission of easing the plight of these vulnerable soldiers and sailors, by giving them more than just bed and board.

Raji Rykert, a real estate broker and businesswoman in the Los Angeles area, invested her own funds into founding Helping America Now, a nonprofit offering residential treatment, healthy living assistance, and academic scholarships to those who have worn our country’s uniform. Rykert drew on four decades of entrepreneurial experience that incudes the distinction of being the among the first minority women to own an Altadena Drive dairy shop and service station. “I wanted to do something that had real meaning,” Rykert says, “and that would leave a lasting mark on the community, a legacy.”

She set about establishing a safe, uplifting domicile for the group’s clients, called 3 Faces Ranch, a “sober” house that emphasizes healthy dieting and educational growth. Mentally disabled adults are also included in the charity’s clientele, and Rykert reflects that there is a clear sense of purpose in her group’s work. “we give our clients a new way of looking at life,” the philanthropist reflects, “encouraging them to eat healthier and abstain from alcohol and [illegal] drugs.” Rykert reports the organization has so far assisted and housed a dozen veterans from the LA basin in the ranch’s Lancaster location in the Antelope Valley, about an hour north of LA.

“We help the veterans cope with mental health issues like PTSD, and retraining to find new jobs, Rykert notes, adding that $20,000 in scholarships have been awarded to date. The group also guides veterans through the transition to civilian life and provides monetary assistance for vocational schooling or emergent needs. “It’s very rewarding,” Rykert notes, “And I feel like we are making a genuine difference in people’s lives.” Helping America Now looks forward to beginning new programs and opening more residences in the future. You can visit their website and support the group at www.helpingamericanow.org.
I Want To Hear Your Story About Life After Service
By: George Kalantzis
Tags: Veterans, Military, PTSD

As veteran men, we often repress all of our feelings. It is not our fault. We were trained that way, and our feelings are bottled up inside.

So the word views many of us as crazy, depressed, psychotic, and just another number. I am here today to say fuck all of that.

Expressing how you feel and what you’ve been through does not make you a coward nor does it make you weak.

It means you are human, and not just another number.

Up to twenty-eight veterans commit suicide daily, and two out of three will have a tough transition without life in uniform.

I created this place for veterans to have a safe place to share their story and to show the world how they feel.

Not all will get accepted, and yes I will edit them.

It is time to step up to the plate, take extreme ownership for your life, and show the world how you feel.

Respond to this thread and I will add you as a writer so you can share your story publically. Or email me sgtkfitnes@gmail.com to be anonymous.

Once I add you as a writer, here are the steps.

Write a story as you normally would on your Medium.

Click the … icon. Click Add. Choose the target publication — fathersofwar

A few quick things.

Every article must have a photo or it will not be published.

Please put some thought into your post.

And finally, yes you are expressing yourself. But you are also impacting others so there must be lessons learned in your post, not just complaining about life.

Tell the world your feelings, hardships, and revelations. We can learn from your story and relate to what you’re feeling.

This is not my space. It’s ours as brothers. Let’s change the world together.

If you like this idea, tell another veteran.
Veterans: this tactic literally saved my life.
Tags: Veterans, Marketing, Motivation, Mindfulness, Growth

Fellow #Veterans take a moment to read this regarding a tactic that literally saved my life.

I’ve been granted the opportunity to mentor some fellow Veterans since joining the civilian world and this is the single, most important message I share with them:

First, get it straight. I have been in your shoes, battled the tough times, and have been down all the disappointing roads… even the near life-enders.

However, I found inspiration and motivation through marketing. I dove in, 186% and it changed my life!

Now marketing might not be what you’re passionate about, but the premise of my journey can translate into any scenario (Perdue your passion and stay busy). It really is as simple as changing your daily mindset.

Any obstacle can be overcome.

Yes, you have to grind your face off for the majority of it, but dear sweet Jesus is the end result worth it. That simple mindset shift, combined with the incredible work ethic EVERY Veteran I’ve ever met already possesses, is the freaking GAME CHANGER!

You did not come this far to only come this far.

Some days the battles within still arise however, those days are not what define us. They do not have to consume us. You did not come this far to only come this far.

If anyone ever wants to talk, needs advice, or just wants a little bit of motivation… I’ll make the time for you.
Who Are You On Psychedelics?
By: Ati Egas
Tags: Psychedelics, Therapy, Mushrooms, Plant Medicine

Who Are You On Psychedelics?

On the topic of psychedelics, hallucinogens and plant medicine, also commonly known as LSD, MDMA, mushrooms or psilocybin, peyote, Ayahuasca, and other natural or lab-made medicines, I have two types of clients: those who make changes right away and those who get stuck in the romanticism of the experience (spiritual bypassing).

While it is not the primary objective of my practice at this moment to help the integration of this medicine in order to heal addictions, PTSD, and profound trauma; it is my prerogative to support my clients into deeper healing, and sometimes methods other than psychotherapy and coaching are required.There are wonderful studies and centers that specifically use plant medicine to deal with trauma, such as the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and in New York, the Center for Optimal Living.

With that said, my approach to the medicine mentioned above is exactly that, to use it as medicine. And personally it is quite satisfactory when a client trusts the therapeutic alliance enough to share the visions, feelings, hallucinations, invocations, “demons,” and messages that they received during their “trip.” The sharing of these profound and clarifying moments with the self and the soul, is called “integration.” Integration can be done with a therapist, or a professional who can accompany the client as they make sense of how the medicine is helping their current life.

In a recent session, integration took place with a client who had been struggling with leaving a “toxic relationship.” As you know, in psychotherapy we delve into childhood, attachment styles, patterns of behavior, fears, and insecurities. And if you are willing to do the work, you challenge yourself to make the necessary changes. Yet, you and I know that it is not that easy.

Needless to say, my client had gone out of the city with the intention of gaining clarity on this matter. Intention is aligning the heart and the mind for a particular purpose. In this case, the intention was their relationship. After an experience with plant medicine, in a safe and controlled environment, the necessary clarity rose to the surface of my client’s consciousness and so did their fears. My client was able to verbalize the fear of being alone, of failure, as well as the pressure from society to “keep a relationship.”



As I mentioned above, I have clients who make changes right away and those who get stuck in the romanticism of the experience (spiritual bypassing). My client mentioned here made the change in less than a week. While tears and discomfort were present, all the work that they had been doing in therapy made much more sense now. They had spoken to another part of their psyche — inaccessible to talk therapy -, and decided to leave the relationship once and for all.

If you take anything from this letter, be that it is with intention and integrationthat your chosen experience can serve you in many more ways. But first and foremost, do it with enough knowledge and preparation as possible.