Homeland Magazine January 2023

Rogelio “Roger” Rodriguez, Jr US Navy (1987 – 1993)

US Air Force (1993 – 2013)

PTSD treatment can turn your life around.

For more information visit: www.ptsd.va.gov/aboutface

“I’m happier with myself. Having been in therapy, period, has helped me be in a better place now.”

Welcome to Homeland Magazine!

Homeland is a veteran-focused magazine throughout the country. It serves to assist all veterans, active military as well as their spouses and families.

It is the leading veteran magazine emphasizing resources & support and focusing on topics and issues facing today’s veteran community. Homeland focuses on resources, support, community, transition, mental health and inspiration for our veterans, & military personnel.

The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with our veterans, service members, military families, and civilians.

The magazine is supported by a distinguishing list of veteran organizations & members, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.

Despite all the challenges, our team has upheld their focus and let not one opportunity go to provide resources and support to our veterans & military personnel.

On behalf of our team, we wanted to take this moment to say THANK YOU to the readers and the military and veteran community for supporting our magazine. With that support we aim to make a difference and continuing to make a profound impact on the quality of life for our veterans, military personnel and their families.

If you want to catch up on the current and all past issues please visit: www.homelandmagazine.com/archives

Mike Miller

Editor-In-Chief

mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com www.homelandmagazine.com

San Diego Veterans Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, #41 San Diego, CA 92126 (858) 275-4281

mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com

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Skin in the game

By Matt Saintsing

Veterans are already at higher risk for melanoma, the deadliest and most aggressive form of skin cancer, but new research finds that they’re more likely to be initially diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease compared with civilians.

“I know from my clinical experience that we see a lot of advanced skin cancer cases in our patients,” said Dr. Rebecca Hartman, associate chief of dermatology with the VA Boston Healthcare System, one of the study’s authors. “We were really interested in looking at the burden of melanoma specifically within the VA to see what’s unique about melanoma and veterans compared to the general population.”

The study found veterans were 18% more likely to present with stage 3 melanoma and 13% more likely to receive an initial diagnosis of stage 4, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer but is more likely to grow and spread.

The study did not look at incident rates among veterans compared with civilians, but Hartman said various reasons might lead to higher skin cancer rates.

“Some of the exposure veterans endure increase their risk,” she said. “Many of our conflicts take place in sunny places, and many veterans may also have a career that involves sun exposure outside of the military.”

Demographics may lead to an increased risk of melanoma. Hartman said that fair skin and advanced

age are factors when diagnosing the disease. She also said it’s more commonly found in men than women.

A 2021 Air Force study found that pilots and weapons systems officers working in and around fighter jets were 24% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than Air Force officers who did not fly fighter aircraft.

In many cases, melanoma is treatable when detected early. The five-year survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society, is 99% when the cancer has not spread. Those numbers drop when it extends nearby or to the lymph nodes (65%) or has reached other body parts (25%).

But it’s never too late to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, said Hartman. Medical providers, including VA physicians, can prescribe sunscreen as part of a veteran’s care. Avoiding direct sunlight in the middle of the day is another good practice.

And keeping an eye on your skin could be lifesaving. Hartman said that veterans, their family members and health care providers should look for the “ugly duckling” in their skin.

“It’s something that stands out that doesn’t look like the rest of your spots,” she said. “If you have a lot of spots that look similar, that’s usually a reassuring sign. But look for anything changing size, shape or color.” n

New research finds veterans more likely to receive advanced skin cancer diagnosis

PHOTO:

Serving After Service: Woman Warrior Finds New Mission

By Raquel Rivas, Wounded Warrior Project

For Caryn Finch-Collier, retirement is an opportunity to continue serving – even after dedicating more than 35 years of military service to her country.

As an Army major, Caryn is used to leading and being a rock for other people. Her inner strength got her through enlisted service, officer training, and 16 years of service as an officer. She and her husband raised four children and have nine grandchildren. Her family is active in their community and helps others through a church ministry for veterans and through veterans service organizations, like Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

Fitting In with Wounded Warrior Project

Caryn began participating in WWP activities after she retired from the military. Her involvement in WWP’s Project Odyssey® opened doors to continue using her leadership skills to guide other servicemen and women through the transition into civilian life.

Project Odyssey® is a 12-week goal-focused mental health program that traditionally begins with an

in-person week of adventure-based learning. Veterans who attend learn coping skills to overcome posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and develop new tools for mental resilience. The program brings veterans together to restore the camaraderie they lost when they left the military.

Caryn and her civilian husband had signed up for a couples Project Odyssey in March 2020, which they attended virtually because of the pandemic. Caryn’s first in-person Project Odyssey experience was a female-only workshop months later.

“I was ecstatic to be there. It was a goodfit for me. People are receptive to what you have to say and there’s a camaraderie and a bond among veterans,” Caryn said. “I also felt that I could help others. At the beginning of my military career, I struggled with trying to be heard on stuff that happened to me. Now I feel that I have a voice and I can give others a voice.”

Using Her Voice to Lift and Inspire Others

At the conclusion of Caryn’s second Project Odyssey, WWP staff invited her to become a peer mentor after seeing the power she had to lift others up. She attended peer mentor training provided by WWP, and most recently joined her first co-ed Project Odyssey as a peer mentor. Taking place over Veteran’s Day weekend, this Project Odyssey at the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah, would be one Caryn would never forget.

The National Ability Center hosts people of all abilities to build confidence and skills through sports, recreation, and education. It is a fitting place for WWP’s Project Odyssey to bring together a group of warriors who want to break down barriers and continue to serve.

It was special for Caryn for two main reasons. Being her first Project Odyssey as a peer mentor, she experienced it all from a different perspective.

“Now that I’m a peer mentor I’m able to see the warriors come to the Project Odyssey not really knowing what to expect,” Caryn said. “Then I see the connection and camaraderie from day one to the time they leave and I know they carry that experience for a lifetime. I’m honored to be a part of that and just help guide and facilitate.

”This Project Odyssey in Utah was also dedicated to raising awareness of veteran suicide. Together, participants went on a 17-mile hike to remember the 17 veterans who die by suicide each day.

“It was significant that we were there not only to focus on improving our own resilience and psychological flexibility but to bring awareness about veteran suicide prevention,” Caryn said.

“The hiking was amazing,” Caryn added. “We got to see scenery, we got to have camaraderie as we’re walking, we got to interact with other people, and we were able to be with each other and know that we have each other’s backs.”

“Girls

Don’t Join the Army”

Caryn doesn’t have to say she’s been breaking down barriers for decades. She brushes off stereotypes in a lighthearted and subtle way. But a long career in the military is exceptional for women. Caryn started in 1981 when she joined the Army to help pay for college.

“My parents told me I had to go to college – and I had to work to pay for it,” Caryn recalled. “I went to school full time and worked full time for one semester. Then decided on my own to join the Army and get them to pay for college. I joined the military and THEN told my parents.”

They are loving parents, and they have a good relationship with Caryn to this day. But back then, like many other parents, Caryn remembers her folks’ reaction was, “girls don’t join the Army!”

Caryn persisted and built a career and a family of her own over the next 30 years. If you ask her, she’ll admit that “not many women serve for that long in the Army.”

Before Caryn retired, she was already part of her church’s military ministry. She also joined the local chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where she’s only the third female on the leadership team.

She is grounded in family and service and doesn’t take herself too seriously. “My husband, who is a civilian, makes fun of me sometimes. If he hears me on the phone with a military friend and I’m speaking in acronyms, he’ll sarcastically say, “did you remember your ABCD and QRST today?”

Prioritizing Mental Health in All Stages of Military Service

Caryn would like servicemen and women to prioritize and think about mental well-being the same way they think about physical health, both while in service and upon retirement.

“There’s a huge stigma about admitting that you need help,” Caryn said. “Back in 1981, when I enlisted, if you even alluded to any symptoms, you were cut off. Everything was geared toward a façade of toughness. ‘Are you mentally tough? Yes!’”

“In reality, if it’s OK to seek help when you break your leg, it’s OK to be seen when you have mental health symptoms – you can ask for help just like you would for a physical injury.”

Learn more about Project Odyssey and other programs nd services WWP provides at no cost to veterans and their families.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. To learn more, visithttps://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org

Warrior Care Network® has helped countless veteran families

Facing physical and mental injuries after his deployment to Afghanistan, Jenna’s husband, Isaac, returned an unrecognizable man. “It was like war came to our house,” Jenna says. Overwhelmed by the weight of caring for her husband and three young children, she began to experience mental health challenges of her own. That’s when she reached out to Wounded Warrior Project® and the Warrior Care Network.

Jenna found the resources and support she needed to reclaim herself, her marriage, and her family. In partnership with four worldrenowned academic medical centers, Warrior Care Network provides first-class treatment tailored specifically for veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. The program features unique and specialized treatments and offerings tailored to helping participants manage the difficulties with their injuries.

Find the treatments, connection, and support you need to heal.

www.WarriorCareNetwork.org

JENNA MALONE, WOUNDED WARRIOR CAREGIVER for U.S. NAVY VETERAN

I’M STILL STANDING HERE BECAUSE OF WARRIOR CARE NETWORK.”

take back their lives.

“

Mission: #ReachOut

Q&A with Jesse Brown VA Medical Center which serves the Chicago Area and NW Indiana

As depression and suicide rates rise during the holidays, a new challenge campaign spearheaded by Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (JBVA) aims to help Veterans and others who are struggling this holiday season.

Homeland Magazine sat down with JBVA’s Jeremy D’Alessio, Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator, to discuss their Mission: #ReachOut initiative.

Homeland: Why Mission: #ReachOut?

JBVA: Since 9/11, four times as many U.S. service members and Veterans have died by suicide than have been killed in combat. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for an astounding 48,000 deaths in 2021 alone. This equals about one death every 11 minutes. We need that number reduced in 2023. JBVA wants to reduce the factors that lead to an increased risk of suicide and increase the factors that promote resilience in this affected population. To help combat this concern, we created Mission: #ReachOut.

Homeland: What is Mission: #ReachOut?

JBVA: Mission: #ReachOut is an initiative to challenge people to reach out to 7 people over the course of 14 days and engage in 7 meaningful conversations. Then, we request that participants nominate/tag someone else on social media and challenge them to do the same. We hope to create a ripple effect, if you will, similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge a few years ago, for example.

Homeland: What does a meaningful conversation actually look like to JBVA?

JBVA: These conversations don’t have to be specifically about mental health or suicide.

The purpose is simply to create deeper connections and learn something new about someone, yourself, or the world. Everything is better when you connect. You don’t need specialized training to show someone you care. When people just share key aspects of themselves with others, that is a meaningful conversation.

Homeland: Why is this important to JBVA?

JBVA: We’re talking about our Veterans as well as the population at large. Social isolation and a lack of connectedness to others increases the likelihood that one will die by suicide. There’s not one simple solution to preventing suicide, but we know connection is key because when a person feels connected to someone or something, they feel hope. We have to raise public awareness about this issue. We need to help save lives. Homeland: How can we, our readers and the public help JBVA and Mission: #ReachOut?

Homeland: How can we, our readers and the public help JBVA and Mission: #ReachOut?

JBVA: How can you help save lives? Simple…Join us by accepting the Mission: #ReachOut Challenge. We hope you can help us continue to build this community-wide initiative with your family, friends and sphere of influence. We encourage you to complete the campaign and share on social media what is meaningful to you, and then nominate someone else to accept the challenge.

HOMELAND: So, would this count as a meaningful conversation?

JBVA: Yes, definitely.

Homeland: Is there anything else that you would like to share?

JBVA: If any of your readers have questions about the challenge, they can contact me—Jeremy D’Alessio—at Jeremy.D’Alessio@va.gov. If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

We know you can give this campaign the momentum needed to reach those who might be struggling in your community and beyond.

About us

At Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, we are dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans and their families every day. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including complementary and alternative medicine, mental health care, vision care (ophthalmology), pharmacy services, rehabilitation services, oncology, and more.

We currently serve 62,000 Veterans who live in Chicago; Cook County, Illinois; and four counties in northwest Indiana. You can learn more about us at www.va.gov/chicago-health-care

PTSD: Reclaiming Control

By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert

Why me?

It’s part of human nature to wonder if we are somehow the cause of terrible events, so let’s explore this in some depth. Active service members and veterans who have seen combat, were wounded, or lost friends often contemplate: Why was my buddy killed and I survived? Why did I lose a limb while others walked away? Why did we pull the kind of missions our team did, when another unit got the safer ones?

This feeling often leads to the disturbing thought: “Why me?” which can then become, “Is something wrong with me? What’s my weakness? Could I have done something differently so we didn’t lose our teammates? Why am I still affected by this so badly while others are able to fit back into normal life? Why am I still being triggered by things that happened years ago?”

Service members are screened carefully for fitness, stability, ability to endure difficult circumstances and then trained to peak readiness. They are some of the most vetted people on the planet. So what are the risk factors that lead to PTSD?

Physiological and genetic factors both contribute to risk. Our genetics alone account for up to 20% of the risk factors associated with PTSD. We don’t get to choose this; it’s what we’re born with. Another major risk factor is exposure to trauma and loss when we’re young, which are called adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs.

Death of a parent, divorce, exposure to violence and abuse – exposure to several of these ACEs significantly increases our risk of developing PTSD.

People often ask me, “Is that such a big deal? I was in one car wreck.” Or they try to compare their situation to that of a friend who experienced divorce and suffered loss. The fact is, this earlier exposure to trauma can magnify risk for PTSD, even though it’s not apparent at the time.

Developing PTSD does not indicate a personality flaw or personal weakness: this is a no-fault diagnosis. Trauma depends on many external factors, as well as some internal factors. Take the example of a journal. Our genotype is how we are wired: the physical notebook. Our phenotype is how our life interacts with our wiring: the experiences that fill the journal.

Our individual life experiences may trigger the risk factors built into our genes, or not. So someone genetically at risk for PTSD who had a happy childhood and was never exposed to violence or combat conditions may never develop PTSD. While someone else with a traumatic childhood who is also genetically at risk can develop it.

Think of diabetes. Someone might have several risk factors for the disease, but ultimately it’s exercise patterns and diet that influences whether you will develop diabetes.

We don’t have a say in whether our parents divorce, a childhood friend dies in a car wreck or whether you experience severe combat conditions while in the military. So these are circumstances beyond our control. I encourage everyone to think about this, so you can better understand the underlying factors for PTSD - whether it impacts you or someone you know.

Cuyler is chief clinical officer of Freespira, an FDA-cleared non-medication treatment that helps people with panic and PTSD manage their symptoms by learning how to regulate their breathing. - www.freespira.com

WHO WE ARE

Serving since 2003, Operation Gratitude is the largest and most impactful nonprofit in the country for hands-on volunteerism in support of Military, Veterans, and First Responders.

OUR MISSION

To forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude and meaningful engagements in communities Nationwide.

WE BELIEVE

Actions speak louder than words Saying “thank you for your service” is the start of a conversation that leads to a better understanding of service Hands-on volunteerism, acts of gratitude and meaningful engagements are the best ways to bridge the civilian-service divide

focus on empathy, resilience, service, and sacrifice rather than sympathy, challenges, needs, and pity

operationgratitude.com

2023

RESOLUTION SOLUTIONS

SOLUTIONS

The holidays are over, but the New Year’s resolutions have just begun, and Homeland Magazine is here to help you keep yours.

If you’ve chosen to change your life this year, you’re not alone. Nearly half the United States – a stunning 150 million people – did the same.

Many of these aren’t plastic or paper decisions either but life-affirming, soul-quenching, I’m-the-captain-ofmy-destiny-and-I’m-finally-going-do-this variety.

High on most lists, losing weight or getting fit with many deciding the time to act is now.

If this sounds familiar, good for you! Recognition that change is necessary is the first step. Desire makes all things possible. Work well begun is half done.

You’re off and running, maybe literally.

Now the bad news.

Statistically speaking, most of you are doomed. Nearly 90 percent who make New Year’s resolutions fail. That’s a crazy high bust rate. Who would ever bet those odds?

You would and you do.

Let me explain.

At the start of every year -- without fail -- people flock to gyms. They’re recognizable by their new sneakers, stylish water bottles and eager looks. You can practically see their new gym bodies in the bubble dreams above their heads.

Memberships are bought. Trainers hired. Classes enrolled.

And so begins the brief lifecycle of the Resolution Set, a specimen of gym member whose chief function is giving money away for no apparent reason.

All gym vets know their ways well.

They start January like shooting stars, their resolution glow bright and vibe positive and contagious. February finds them making strides.

Cracks start showing in March as they realize that working out can be, well, work, and that maybe the miraculous transformations they envisioned might’ve been a skosh unrealistic.

Then the wheels fly completely off.

This typically happens by May, exactly when the neophytes should be prepping for the big beach season reveal.

They were so close to getting somewhere and then puff. Gone. Another statistic.

But you can break this cycle of boom and bust, and here are some tips to do just that.

1. Set realistic goals. Losing a pound or two a month – and keeping it off -- is a reasonable. Anything more is, hmm, gravy.

2. Start slow. Take it easy as you learn what your body can do. Hurting yourself or being too sore to workout defeats the purpose.

3. Then, ramp it up. You’re at the gym to work, so work. Push weights around, stretch, walk, peddle or paddle. Sweat a little so you can live a lot.

4. Just go. Just as possession is nine-tenths of the law, so too is getting to the gym is nine-tenths of the battle. Get there and you’ll figure out the rest.

5. No excuses. If you have five free minutes a day, you have time to workout. How? Do all the pushups and sit ups you can in one-minute increments. Follow that up with running as far you can for another minute – it will take you two minutes to walk back. Done.

6. Find what works for you. Yoga, pilates, kettle ball, boxing, surfing, mixed martial arts, weights, running, kendo, fencing, cross-fit, judo, swimming, biking, walking, whatever. There are a lot of choices. Find one or three that work for you.

7. Remember the big picture. Attaining your fitness goals takes effort and means pushing through adversity.

8. Find your motivation. Whether you’re doing this for yourself, your family or some other reason, keep that reason in mind when you feel like quitting.

9. Have fun. It’s hard to succeed at anything unless you enjoy it and make it part of your life.

10. Forgive yourself. No one is 100 percent all the time. The best baseball hitters fail 70 percent of the time. The greatest quarterbacks throw interceptions. The most powerful tycoons make bad deals. When you backslide, pick yourself up and keep going.

Arts & Healing Arts for Military Veterans

By Amber Robinson

What Can Your Imagination Do for You in 2023?

Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Have you ever thought about the power of imagination and what makes it so important to us all?

Stop to think about the things you’ve used your imagination for in your life. They are probably some of the proudest moments. They were most likely times you created something new and exciting, problems solved something big at work or stepped into a new home or work space you had envisioned first.

It’s your creativity and imagination that writes those awesome college papers your teachers love, the ones where you are not only showing you understand the content you are learning, but also visualizing where you could use it or talking about where you have used it. For me, as a 44-year old college student, I’m usually writing about the latter.

We use our imaginations daily when we think about how we’d like our day to go, how we are going to time out our day. It’s used constantly by us, but not usually given the credit it deserves. I mean, what do you think happens when scientists imagine possibilities outside of the box, what happens when inventors do that? The world advances!

According to an article in the Harvard Business Review (https://tinyurl.com/imaginationHBR) we need imagination more now than ever. As we deal with an ongoing pandemic with rapid mutations happening constantly, it’s hard not to get down. But when the days get dark, we need our imaginations to create light in the midst of them, to create a safer, brighter future.

As we move from the crisis, reactionary phase of the pandemic, we’ll all need to envision something new.

The Harvard article states, “renewal and adaptive strategies [will] give way to classical planningbased strategies and then to visionary and shaping strategies, which require imagination.”

In the same ways our world’s great “imaginers’ will help us move from crisis phase to a new way of thriving post-pandemic, you can create a brighter future for yourself. In an article by Forbes magazine (https://tinyurl.com/Globokar-forbes) writer Lidija Globokar shares the way athletes have always used visualization as an example of how it can be used to reach any life goal. Famous athletes like Muhammed Ali, Kobe Bryant and Arnold Schwarzenegger all used visualization and imagination to achieve the things they are now famous for.

But the article says it has also been used successfully in police training and with new medical surgeons. Those who went through visualization training prior to their first times under job stress not only executed better on the job, but did so with reduced anxiety.

So, in 2023, I challenge us all to be mindful of our imaginations. I posit we give our imagination the credit it deserves and become conscious of its use.

With that said, what will you visualize for yourself this year? In what ways will your imagination lead the way to a life that thrives?

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

- Albert Einstein

Real Talk: Mental Health

By Kelly Williams, LMFT, Clinic Director, and Giselle Vallejo, LPCC, Lead Clinician The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

How Do You Create Lasting Change Beyond What’s Determined on New Year’s Eve? How About, Don’t.

As we approach the new year, it can be quite common for us to reflect on how we navigated our responsibilities over the last 12 months. Beyond reflection, we might also take some time to think about how we want to approach the upcoming year in new or different ways.

That can become overwhelming for some people and there can be added pressure to create new year’s resolutions. But we recommend taking a different spin on it and, instead, taking time to recognize what has been accomplished. Often, people tend to focus on what they should be doing, what they could have done, and less attention is placed on what you have achieved.

Here are some things to consider:

• Stigma related to continual improvement can be a method of growth, but it can also limit us from reflecting on our strengths or resiliency that we have formed. Instead of focusing on what you want to change, try focusing on what you want to maintain. For example, maybe you were successful at eating more consistent meals. Something you can tell yourself is, “I did a great job of taking care of myself and that made me feel really good!” It is important to remind yourself of your successes and abilities.

• Try replacing the word “improve” with “strengthen.” The word “improve” can often feel like you are taking away from the strengths and abilities you already possess. Instead of saying “I want to improve my physical fitness” try, “I want to strengthen my physical abilities.”

Also, try taking some time to identify what you are looking forward to in the new year. This does not have to be the typical things you think of with new year’s resolutions.

• Wondering how to create lasting change that is more than a goal determined on New Year’s Eve? How about, don’t. We humans are meant to change, evolve, and grow. Something that seemed important to master in January might not be as important in June. Try conceptualizing how relavent these goals will be 7 days from now, 7 weeks and 7 months. Perhaps, you can set a goal for a period of time and allow

yourself the chance to check in before getting upset that you didn’t make it a full 365 days.

• Identify a word for the year. A great way to reflect on the year is to find a word that can wrap up the way you approached successes or challenges. Maybe there was more “intention” behind your actions. And for the upcoming year you may want to focus on speaking kindly to yourself, “self-compassion” can be your new year word.

• You can also create a mantra for yourself that will help you focus on what you want to strengthen or achieve, “I control my anger, it does not control me” or “I will have control of my thoughts” or “Feelings aren’t facts” and “Don’t forget to breathe.”

• Try creating a list of things you would like to do for the upcoming year. You may have spent some time making travel plans for the new year. Maybe you have plans for a family event, and you are really looking forward to that. Tracking time by activities is another valuable form of measure.

Increasing healthy habits is often a common new year’s resolution, which is why we see gyms extremely busy at the beginning of the year. However, health is more than just physical health. Mental health is just as important to maintain, and we don’t mean just attending your therapy appointments. Here are some ways to focus on strengthening mental health.

• Take 1-3 minutes to do a mental health check-in. Ask yourself, how am I feeling? What might be making me feel this way right now? Where do I feel it in my body? What do I need? Have I given myself credit for what I did today? What is something that went well for me today? Remaining conscious of what feels good or bad both physically and emotionally is an important part of our health routine.

• Take time to reach out to your support system. When was the last time you talked to your best friend? How about your old roommate? You can schedule time to talk to those who you are not able to see regularly. It can be an easy mental health booster. If you’re having a hard time scheduling a time, a simple text message saying, “Thinking of you” can yield positive endorphins to get you through a difficult day.

• Set time to do something you enjoy for yourself. Examples of that can be making yourself a tea or coffee in the morning, taking in intentional breaths to get your day started or to wind down after a long day, or treating yourself to something you don’t get to do like getting a pastry at your favorite bakery.

Lastly, find ways to cope with stress. Cohen Veterans Network’s (CVN) Tools for Managing Stress & Worry is one way to tackle the ways you deal with stress during this time of year. This free, self-paced course was specifically created for military family members to help manage stress and worry through a series of brief and flexible educational modules. Brought to you by CVN and Blue Star Families, Tools for Managing Stress and Worry provides research-based strategies, tools and techniques to help manage stress and worry. The course was designed by mental health experts with input from military family members themselves.

Most importantly it is the intentions behind what you do that ultimately determine how you start your year. If you have positive and compassionate intentions towards yourself, your methods of achieving or maintaining change will eventually catch up. At the very least, you also have the power to determine when the new year starts for you. While the commercialization of New Year’s Eve might end after January, no one ever said that you can’t have your own new year on February 1st. All it takes is a mindset and your own personal buyin to what you are doing.

Therapy for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, including National Guard / Reserves.

CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.

LEARN MORE vvsd.net/cohenclinics

CAREGIVING TLC

By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE www.agingwellpartners.com

It wasn’t until I was somewhere over Kansas City that these words rattling around my head finally made sense out of my current predicament. You see, I was flying home to Montana for the holidays. Flights were booked. Accommodations were set. All that was left to do was fly. And then the text came in that changed everything.

My original flight from San Diego to Seattle and on to Helena, MT had been canceled due to the impending storm front hitting the west coast. Instead, my flight would take me to Helena by way of Orlando, Florida. Orlando?! How is Orlando, FL on the way to Montana. I grabbed a map of the United States just to make sure I hadn’t completely forgotten my geography. The next hour was spent looking for available flights that wouldn’t be as circuitous but there were none to be had. Everything had either been canceled due to weather or was completely booked and probably overbooked. I went to bed the night of the 19th resigned to the fact that I would be flying to Florida to get home to Montana, and it would be one day later than originally scheduled.

In the not-too-distant past, this kind of curve ball would have completely taken me out of the game, and I would have either been angry or extremely sad and defeated, with the mindset of “nothing ever works out for me”. But that wasn’t the case on the evening of the 19th. In the moments following receiving the text outlining my new flight information, I took a deep breath, remained calm, and rolled with what was coming at me. I experienced the kind of calm I had always wanted in situations like this but had seemed elusive in my life. If I wanted to get home for Christmas, I was going to spend two days in the air to get there.

So, what does this have to do with the new year and new beginnings, you may be asking. Well, the fact of the matter is that life throws us curve balls and it’s up to each one of us to choose how we are going to react.

RetirementWhat’s Next

We can’t change the weather, the airline schedules, the flight patterns, and a whole lot of other things in life but we can change our perception of the situation which in turn, changes our actions and behaviors. I couldn’t change Alaska Airline’s new plan for me to get to Montana (and I wasn’t going to sit on hold for five hours to speak with a representative) but in that calm I experienced, I changed my perception of the situation from disappointment and frustration to one of adventure and challenge. I also happen to believe that everything, even the crappy stuff, happens for a reason; and I would need to find my seat and buckle in for that reason to be revealed.

When stuff happens, and it will, take a deep breath and see if you can change your perception of the situation. See if you can find the positive, the diamond in the coal, the pearl in that grain of sand. I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than with a fresh new outlook on life.

The only constant in life is change.

DOD IN ACTION

PHOTOS 2022

Underwater Colors

Sailors assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 8 display the flag while performing dive operations from the fast attack submarine USS New Mexico in the Atlantic Ocean, June 19, 2022.

Photo By: Navy Chief Petty Officer Christopher Perez

Search and Rescue

Clever Cover

Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Scott participates in a camouflage class during training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 26, 2022.

Photo By: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.

A Navy MH-60S helicopter hovers above the Atlantic Ocean, July 17, 2022, during a search and rescue training exercise with the USS Kearsarge.

Photo By: Army Staff Sgt. David Graves

Formation Reflection

Soldier Support

Army Sgt. Christine Won, right, helps Capt. Danielle Rant adjust a rifle sling during a Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers event at Camp Ethan Allen, Vt., July 19, 2022.

Photo By: Army Staff Sgt. David Graves

U.S. and Swedish Navy ships sail in formation in the Baltic Sea, Aug. 30, 2022.

Photo By: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Bellino

Formidable Figure

Air Force military training instructor Master Sgt. Michael Walsh walks through smoke during training at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Basic Cadet Training assault course at Jacks Valley in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 12, 2022.

Photo By: Trevor Cokley, Air Force

Smoke Screen

Members of the South Carolina National Guard take part in a combat engineer reclassification course at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, S.C., Nov. 16, 2022.

By: Army Pfc. Ana-Grace Catoe

Futuristic Flyer

Personnel secure batteries to a Hexa aircraft’s motors at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., before its first flight at a military airfield, July 6, 2022.

By: Army Staff Sgt. David Graves

Photo

Photo

Chopper Trainee

Robot Dog

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Crystal Maldonado and her military working dog Leo return from UH-1N Huey training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct. 25, 2022.

Photo By: Air Force Airman 1st Class Morgan Dailey

Airmen train on the new Vision 60 “Robot Dog” at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 14, 2022. The Robot Dog is used to replace warfighters, workers and military working dogs in certain situations to keep airmen safe.

Photo By: Air Force Airman Alysa Knott

Confidence Call

Photo By: Cpl. Molly Hampton

Marine Makeup

Photo By: Navy Seaman Austyn Riley

Face Painter

Photo By: Navy Seaman Austyn Riley

Camouflaged Cadet Air Force Cadet 1st Class Tatum Boldt participates in the Commandant’s Challenge at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., Oct. 5, 2022.

Photo By: Trevor Cokley, Air Force

Feel the Love Air Force family members greet a loved one at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 7, 2022, returning from a deployment overseas.

Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Kaitlyn Ergish

Hero’s Hug An Air Force airman reunites with his family after returning from deployment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 15, 2022.

Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Holloway

Family Reunion

A sailor assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman greets family upon returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Sept. 12, 2022.

Photo By: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Beard

Happy Hero

Navy Lt. j.g. Mark Driver embraces his wife, Maya, and son, Kellen, during the USS Albany’s homecoming to Naval Station Norfolk, May 14, 2022

Photo By: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Cameron Stoner

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Your Obstacles are Your Stepping Stones

The transition to civilian life is often overwhelming, stressful and can trigger feelings of inadequacy. Why? Because it’s a change. Suddenly that feeling of belonging turns to feeling alone. Executing on planned missions is now a stumble through a maze in the dark. But, when you entered into the military, did you know everything going into it? Nope. But you figured it out, right? Yup.

Can’t Swim? Get in the Water

When Floyd McLendon enlisted into the United States Naval Reserve in the summer of 1992, he didn’t enter as an expert in the field. After 14 months of Active Duty service, he chose the path Electronics Technician (ET) “A” School to become a radar and satellite communication’s expert. And an expert he was. Did he stop there? Indeed not. After 6 years, he thought of his family, friends and fellow Americans as he decided his next goal. He then decided to undertake the most grueling and difficult challenge of his life: becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. There was just one problem: Floyd didn’t know how to swim.

When you encounter an obstacle, you have a couple options. Throw up your hands in defeat, or figure out a way through. Floyd decided to teach himself how to swim through months of nonstop and intense training. His preparation and dedication worked, as he was able to pass the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Physical Screening Test.

Quitting isn’t Failing if it’s a Recharge

Is that where the fairytale ends? You guessed right. Nope. After suffering an injury that resulted in him losing both 30 lbs along with the will to continue, he quit during his first attempt of Hell Week. The decision to quit served him in the moment, but 15 months later, he realized that being a positive representation for his friends, family and fellow Americans was more important to him. He followed his gut.

www.bandofhands.com

Floyd graduated with BUD/S Class 254, officially becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. He spent the next 13 years at four different Naval Special Warfare commands. He deployed 5 times, with presence in 24 countries over 5 continents, including two combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

It’s no surprise that Floyd’s first line of advice for those in transition is Think Big, Dream Big. If you’re facing the challenges that come with transition, consider Floyd’s words of wisdom to help you cope and rise up to the challenge:

1. Your profession in the military does not define your future in the civilian sector.

Everything you’ve become good at was learned. Just because you start off cleaning barnacles off of a ship doesn’t mean you’ll be doing that in 10 years. Similarly, everything you’ve learned and done in the military is incredibly valuable and transferable in the civilian work world.

2. Understand your wealth. You bring unmatched knowledge and experience to the table. Think of all your experiences leading teams, executing on projects and missions, and how you were a team player. This is far more valuable than straight skills. People graduating from college with

no real-world experiences cannot and do not bring the same level of value as you. Remember that, live that, and lead with that.

3. Preparation before, during, and after your transition will determine the timeline of your success.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. If you fail to plan, you fail to plan. Being methodical about your timeline and what needs to happen at each stage leading up to transition and beyond will ensure that you’re ready for any obstacles that come along the way. Leverage your network, ask for help, and refine your plan as you go.

4. There is no substitute or replacement for the brotherhood. Accept it.

Appreciate the camaraderie you had, but get over the fact that you may not have those same relationships as you enter into the civilian workforce. But fear not. Find a company that has employer resource groups (ERGs) to start rebuilding that camaraderie. Many companies have veteran groups (in addition to others) to help foster a positive and supportive work environment.

5. Humility, Kindness, and Love will elevate you to unseen, remarkable opportunities. What you put in will play out. This one speaks for itself. Those who live by these values are always the ones who are happiest. When you’re happy, you can achieve anything.

And one more note. You might fail, but that’s okay. Use it to your advantage. It’s not uncommon to be out of your first job in 18 months. That’s not a failure. It’s a learning experience, a stepping stone, and an uncovering of what didn’t work. If you desperately need a job and take the first one available, you may hate it. You may not have camaraderie at first, but that’s okay. You course correct and continue the mission with more knowledge and self-awareness.

Remember Floyd burned out and quit during Hell Week before returning to achieve great things. He sharpened his leadership skills in life and death situations, and dedicated his life in service to our great country, defending us from enemies, and continues his commitment to accountability and service minded leadership as a future Texas Congressman.

Need help with your transition? Have questions?

Link up with Eve on Linked In today www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert eve@bandofhands.com

www.bandsofhands.com

www.bandofhands.com

Transition to Business HUMAN RESOURCES

By Paul Falcone

Job Search Goals for 2023

Nothing says “new year” like planning and resetting goals and expectations, and that goes double for your job search. Yet, 2023 will likely be a bit different than in the past when it comes to career finding, so let’s start with some basics and then move forward to more sophisticated challenges that may come your way.

meaning that you can skill up using any of their hundreds of technical and soft skill programs, and your certificates of completion will populate your online LinkedIn profile. Now that’s a win-win for any service members looking to build leadership muscle and place their achievements on display online! For more information, see: www.tinyurl.com/linkedinforvets

• Use the “Law of Large Numbers” to Your Advantage

When you’re in job search mode, you can’t control the number of job offers that you get, but you can control the variables that lead up to the job offers you’ll receive. Read that: Apply to as many opportunities as possible and then let the Law of Large Numbers do its magic. In other words, job offers, working backwards, come from these sources:

1. Number of applications and resumes submitted

2. Number of in-person and online interviews held

3. Number of job offers received and accepted

• Goal Setting ’23

Always start goals in simple, bite-size chunks. For example, update your resume and LinkedIn profile. If you want to review different styles of resumes that are trending these days, visit Resume Now’s website at www.resume-now.com along with their military resume builder at www.resume-now.com/resume/examples/ military. You can likewise find a military-to-civilian translator at Military.com’s website at www.military.com/ veteran-jobs/career-advice/translating-military-skills-intoresume.html.

As far as building your LinkedIn presence, see LinkedIn for Veterans “Free Premium Career Subscription” for you and your spouse. To fulfill LinkedIn’s commitment to help veterans connect with available jobs across America, they offer U.S. veterans a free one-year Premium Career subscription. Even better, your free membership includes access to LinkedIn Learning,

Simply focus on what you can control—namely, Item #1 above—and Items 2 and 3 will naturally follow. In other words, don’t fall in love with one company or position. Apply to as many positions and companies that make sense to you as possible, and we’re talking about dozens of applications, not five or ten. Job boards like Indeed. com, CareerBuilder, Monster, and Dice (for technical candidates) make total sense as a starting point.

Boutique websites also help round out your outreach, including VeteranJobs.net, Recruitmilitary.com, HireOurHeroes.org, DiversityJobs.com, BlackCareers.org, DiversityEmployers.com, LatinoJobs.org, AsianHires.com OverFiftyJobs.com, NativeJobs.org, LGBTjobsite.com, and WeHireWomen.com. The Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network (www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/resources/jan) is an excellent source for identifying job candidates with disabilities, so be sure to apply there, if applicable.

• Interview Prep: Defining What You Want

Hybrid work opportunities continue to grow, while fully onsite and fully remote positions are on the wane. Therefore, expect employers to ask you about your preference. Your safest response will be to say that

you’re open to whatever works best for the organization and that you’re open to any of these three options. If you’ve never worked remotely before, expect questions regarding your expectations in terms of contact with your boss, the advantages and disadvantages of remote work, and how you plan to keep your boss informed of your progress. If you have worked remotely before, be prepared to discuss what works well, how you keep yourself connected to your tribe of peers, and how you’ve historically reported your progress and performance to your boss.

Finally, be prepared to discuss salary expectations during the telephone screening process. A number of states are required to post salary requirements as part of new pay transparency laws that are meant to level the playing field between male and female candidates doing the same work. Likewise, in many states, it is no longer lawful for employers to ask you about your current or historical salary history. However, employers are permitted to ask you about your salary expectations. Therefore, do some “loose homework” using websites like Salary.com and PayScale.com to find out what pay ranges are available for the position titles that you are targeting.

Then, while responding, ask for help. For example, “I researched starting salaries for [TITLE] on Salary.com and PayScale and a few other sites, but I realize they’re not necessarily specific to my geographic area or vetted in any way because many of the salaries are selfreported. I was ideally looking for [$] in terms of my starting salary, but I realize that’s only a shot in the dark and would love to learn more about the compensation range you have in mind for a position like this relative to my years of experience in the military.”

Your honesty and transparency will likely be well received. Companies aren’t looking to short-change job applicants simply because they “name a number.” It’s in companies’ best interests to hire competitively so they don’t lose new talent within the first year to competitor organizations paying higher rates. It’s okay to share what you’re looking for and see where the discussion goes. If the target salary isn’t in your range, you’ll have the Law of Large Numbers to keep you moving through the cycle until you find something that’s more fitting and offers greater opportunities for career growth.

You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1

Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a management trainer, executive coach, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.

THE PAUL FALCONE LEADERSHIP SERIES

Successful Transitioning Stories

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

Jason Miller

I love talking with super-star veterans like Jason Miller! Jason and his wife spent a combined 25 years in service to their country in the United States Military while simultaneously growing and scaling multiple businesses and setting them on autopilot with the correct staffing and systems put in place. Jason is a seasoned CEO with overwhelming passion to help other business owners and CEOs succeed. Jason has built several companies of his own from the ground up since 2001. Jason is also the creator of the famous Strategic Advisor Board Podcast “War Room Round Table” (Top 1.5% podcasts Worldwide).

Jason is a 9x Bestselling Author and 8x international Bestselling Author, and his 8 published books have been featured at Barnes and Noble stores worldwide and are also available on Amazon. Jason donates all his book sales to “Homes for Heroes” of which donations have played a part in building multiple homes for Wounded Warriors.

What was it like with both you and your wife being in the military?

It’s a delicate balance, I hit most of the deployments and she was able to skip that. Since I had been in for 15 and my wife had been in for 4, we decided that I would stay in and she would retire. I did a total of 23 years. And as we built these companies while I was in the military, I was making more money than Generals and I just felt it was time to be my own boss and retire.

How did you balance running a business while you were still in the military?

I started the first one in 2001 and it was basically a wholesale business, buy and sell and ship stuff from overseas and brand it as my own. We made a ton of money off eBay, and that was when eBay was the wild west with no real rules. We did well with it.

But it was very taxing, and it required so much of my time that I closed that one down and then I started the second one, after that the rest is history.

How did you move from one business to 11 companies that you currently operate?

The real answer is by accident. For example, I am a sports guy and I love sports memorabilia. And I would get these great pieces built for myself and people started asking me if I could do that for their stuff. This was totally by accident, people just loved how I designed these things. I did a joint venture deal with an Art Gallery in Washington.

They would do all the production of it and then certify it as a piece of art. All I had to do was the layout or design but towards the end I wasn’t even doing that. Unfortunately, 08 killed that business and then I just started another one.

What are some tips you can give to Veterans just coming out of the military who maybe struggling with resiliency?

My motto is “put your foot on the gas and don’t let off”. I didn’t build this empire by sitting on the fence. I went through so many failures. My wife always jokes with me and says I don’t have any clue how you do this stuff. Fail fast, get it out of the way then move on. A lot of people say I am the king of overdoing. And that is true.

Which of all your companies was your favorite that you really enjoyed creating or working with?

I have been with Will Black and Sharing the Credit for 3 years. I sit as a senior chair on his company as a business with heart that is the one. It’s all about giving back. They are the only company that has an approved letter from the IRS that says you can take money from a bank and give it to a charity. That was one of the most giving organizations I helped build. My biggest challenge was the Strategic Advisory Board, we have 280 partners in this company. That is a beast of a company.

What are some final tips for our veterans transitioning out?

No matter what you do, latch yourself to a mentor on the way out. It does not have to be a business mentor, just someone in the community that you can have conversations with. I still meet with my mentor every Monday. It’s a way to get yourself away from the grind of things and put yourself in a different positive environment. When people retire from the military, they realize that their entire support system disappeared overnight. And if you are by yourself that is when all the demons start creeping in, and the PTSD starts. Get out and don’t lose your support structure.

To see all Jason is doing and as well all his companies visit: www.jasonmiller.vip/

www.HomelandMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce?

Finding a job in the civilian world may seem easy at first. After all, you have learned skills, practiced leadership and demonstrated initiative that will make you successful wherever you go.

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

Veterans In Transition is dedicated to you and to helping you succeed in your transition.

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transitioning to business, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners and more visit Veterans In Transition at www.tinyurl.com/Veterans-In-Transition

To see how we help and support veterans transitioning out of the military check out our school www.synergylearninginstitute.org

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Play the Game 2023

A New Year, new goals, new opportunities! Now that you have things sorted out and put together, put last year behind you, scrap the old plans and get ready for a new start. New things require new strategies, new tactics and new plans. There’s an old saying – if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. Einstein may have put it better when he defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results.

It is time to start breaking through that comfort zone – You and I know that that’s uncomfortable, it always is. The starting point is your businesses purpose and vision, which helps establish a set of measurable goals. When you have expressed a clear, compelling vision and purpose, you can start to become aware of opportunities in your marketplace that were previously invisible.

Do you want to Play in this Game??? Then you must think what’s possible as opposed to what is likely. Goals that draw you to them, is a Game worth playing. But they don’t just exist, they are not lying around for you to collect, like shells on a beach. You have to make up WORTHY goals. Sometimes you have to invent them out of the air.

Today I want you to challenge yourself to the highest levels of performance. Would that require your “BEST”? Would that push you beyond your boundaries? Would you dare to attempt your most audacious goals? Would you be willing to be, have and do the UNREASONABLE?

Paul Lemberg in his book “BE Unreasonable: The Unconventional Way to Extraordinary Business Results”, wrote “being reasonable kills potential…” Being reasonable is about getting by. It may keep you in business, but at the same time it keeps the business from soaring.

Be unreasonable, it’s the call to embrace your vision, your passion, your true desires. It is a state of mind, it is a call to action. Today is about accelerating your business by having faith in your ability to make the future real. To let go of all the cliché-ridden, time worn, tired old ideas that keep you small, to pick your spot then step out onto the edge; to be courageous – and find out you can really fly.

I challenge you to get really clear about the commitment to the Goals you have set for 2023 and clearly identify what you are committed to in fulfilling them.

Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Results strategies specialist, within industry and business over the past 40 years. Her unique message, since starting Mind Masters 30 years ago for entrepreneurs and small business owners, continually stresses vision, purpose and values as the key elements of business philosophy. www.mindmasters.com

Franchise Frontline

Successful Stories & Resources

By Rhonda Sanderson rhonda@sandersonpr.com

STARTING FROM A YOUNG AGE, ARMY VETERAN ADRIANA YOUNG HAS ALWAYS SOUGHT TO SERVE OTHERS

Adriana Young has found purpose in serving others for most of her adult life. Her focus remains the same, but these days she’s accomplishing her goal as the new owner of Paul Davis Restoration of Central Dallas-Ft. Worth, a branch of one of the most trusted brands in the insurance restoration industry. Her location is based out of a 6,000 square-foot office/warehouse facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, with a fleet of three vehicles.

“Paul Davis immediately felt like home to me because their culture aligns with my mission in life to strive for excellence and lead with purpose,” Young said. “My intention is to always do my best and make a positive difference for people. At the end of the day, even the smallest things done this way, bring me happiness. Making a difference is not always easy and sometimes we have to make tough decisions, but having a healthy support system of family, friends and staff is always needed.”

The 42-year-old Young, a resident of Coppell, Texas, is a United States Army veteran who enlisted in the military in 2000 when she was 19 and served six years. She said she was honored to serve her country and learned some valuable lessons in the process.

“Joining at the young age of 19 helped me to grow and taught me more than just discipline and leadership,” Young said. “The Army instilled in me the idea to practice continuous improvement and to serve others. That helped me to move to this career. It continues to give me so much in the way of well-being, lifelong friendships, and the responsibility of caring for others.”

The backbone of the company comes from what Young calls her “seasoned staff of ‘A’ players” that include a Reconstruction Project Manager, two Mitigation Technicians, an Estimator, Business Developer and General Manager (her husband, Kendrick). Young is responsible for Job Cost Accounting. The territory serves more than 750,000 people between Fort Worth and Dallas.

It should come as no surprise that philanthropy is at the forefront of the hundreds of locations across North America of Paul Davis Restoration, whose teams are recognized as Difference Makers™, honoring daily the company’s mission to “deliver an experience of extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need.”

Prior to joining Paul Davis Restoration, Young worked as a dental hygienist for 22 years for both non-profits and private practices. “What I loved most about my career was helping people in their time of need, educating, and building a rapport with my patients. I am excited that I am getting those same rewards out of my new career in property restoration,” Young said.

About Paul Davis Restoration

For more than 55 years, Paul Davis Restoration has restored residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms, and disasters. Paul Davis is a one-stop shop for disaster damage and restoration and is approaching 350 franchises in the United States and Canada. The professionals at Paul Davis are certified in emergency restoration, reconstruction, and remodeling. For more information, visit the company website at www.pauldavis.com. For more information about a franchise go to www.pauldavisbusiness.com

RISKY BUSINESS

Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips

By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com

It’s hard to believe that 2022 has come to a close and 2023 is on us already!

Looking Back & Planning Forward

With cooler weather, shorter days and sometimes a slowdown of business due to post-holiday sluggishness, January is often the perfect time to take a few days and celebrate the past years’ successes and evaluate the challenges and missed opportunities in your business. A chance to look ahead and plan for the next 12 months.

Here are a few Risk Management suggestions to get you started:

• Self-Audit Review

• Take an open and honest look at your business and identify the top 3 successes in the last year. What was it that made those happen. Was it marketing? The right employees? A great new contract? Use this information to leverage more success in the next year.

• Now, identify 3 failures or missed opportunities over the year. Why did this happen. What was lacking? Not enough customer service? Competition encroaching into your client base? Need additional capitalization? Make changes to your 2023 plan so the same mistakes are not repeated.

• Identify the key risks in your business. What issues keep you up at night? Issues with employees?

Distribution channels or supply chain? Rising operating costs threatening your bottom line? Technology challenges? If you can identify the big risks, you can create a plan to be prepared for them.

•

Technology Review

• Make sure your website is up to date on compliance law. Websites have certain regulations, and some components have to be imbedded for them to be compliant.

If you are not sure, you can go to www.hhs.gov/web/ index.html to learn more about this.

• Confirm that any pictures or copy is either created by you directly or legitimately licensed to you to be used for your website, social media accounts and any advertising or marketing purposes. There are attorneys standing by to send you costly claim letters - so beware!

• Back up all your 2022 work to an external hard drive, USB or cloud service and label it 2022. I cannot stress this enough. Companies crumble if key data is forever lost.

•

Workplace Safety Assessment

• Do a workplace walk through (even if your workplace is your own home) and make sure smoke alarms are working and updated; fire extinguishers are accessible; alarm systems are working; security lights and cameras are functioning, and emergency kits are available in case of accidents.

• Make sure staff knows what to do in case of workplace injury and have Claim Forms readily available.

• HR and Employee Management

• Review the new 2023 employee compliance and min wage requirements at www.dir.ca.gov

• Update Employee handbooks to include employment agreements and any new company procedures and protocols.

• Sit down with key employees and get their honest feedback on what is working at the company and what changes could be made to improve morale, customer service and workplace efficiency.

•

Connect with your Insurance Broker/Agent

• Discuss your concerns about your high risks. Many risks can be covered by a type of insurance product but not all of them. Make sure you understand what you are covered for and what your policy excludes. Ask specific questions – “Am I covered for ____?” and “What happens if ___ happens?”. Most business owners do not read their policies and have little knowledge of the actual coverages or exclusions. Your Agent/Broker relationship should be honest and transparent.

Cheers to a great, productive and risk-free start to 2023!

For more information about me and my company, please visit www.hlinwood-insurance.com

Veterans Chamber of Commerce

By Joseph Molina www.vccsd.org

New Year, New Opportunities

Preparing for a Job Interview

Your job interview is one of the most important steps in your job search process — it’s your best opportunity to show a hiring manager or recruitment firm you’re the best candidate. It is important to reflect on your goals and qualifications in relation to the position and the employer when preparing for an interview.

In this article, we will be providing you with the best tips and tricks and steps to take when preparing for an interview. They are as follows:

Practice Interview Etiquette

It is important to follow proper interview etiquette. Whenever you meet a receptionist, your interviewer, or anyone else, remember to greet them politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically. Some interview etiquette is as follows:

• Observe your body language

• Shake hands firmly

• Make sure you make eye contact when expressing your points

• Pay attention

• Be attentive

• Look interested

There are also specific etiquette tips depending on the type of interview you have, for example, a lunch or dinner interview, a panel interview, a phone interview, or a video interview.

Dress Code

The number of employers who allow casual dress at work is growing, making it harder than ever for candidates to choose an interview outfit. Depending on the company, the industry it operates in, and the culture it promotes, you may be expected to wear a particular type of clothing. The standards of a small creative agency, for example, may differ from those of a large accountancy firm. Be sure to ask about the dress code before the interview if you are unsure.

Research the Company

Getting to know the company and the job thoroughly is important before you attend a job interview. Take a look at the “About Us” section on the company website to get concise understanding of the company. Reading articles about the company in industry magazines or websites

can help you understand how the organization compares to others in the same industry. You can also check out company reviews from clients and current and former employees. Bear in mind that the interview is just as much about you finding a good fit for your work environment as it is about the company finding a good fit for the role. Knowing that your values align with the company ensures a happy professional life

Listen and Ask Questions

During a job interview, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be give-and-take in the conversation, so you’re building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just providing rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer. Toward the end of the interview, let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.

Examine the Job Description

During your prep work, you should use the employer’s posted job description as a guide. The job description is a list of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. The more you can align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified. The job description may also give you ideas about questions the employer may ask throughout the interview.

In summary:

Keep in mind of the basic principles:

• Punctuality — Ensure that you are ontime for the interview, it is preferred that you arrive at lest 15 minutes ahead schedule.

• Positivity and enthusiasm — Be enthusiastic, show that you really want to work for the company and that you have the right level of motivation.

• Body language — Body language is critical, show confident, positive attitude and professionalism.

The National Veterans Chamber Radio Show

- Nominate a Hero: Let us know, and we will announce it on the show.

- Share your story: Be our guest on the show. Request Form - www.vccsd.org/radioshow.html

If you have any ideas or a project that you would like to Develope in collaboration with the National Veterans Chamber, send your ideas to: veteransccsd@gmail.com

legal Eagle

Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

CALIFORNIA

PRIVACY

RIGHTS ACT – WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW

The California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) comes into force January 1, 2023 and will amend and extend the privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). The CCPA was intended to provide data protection rights to California consumers, such as the right to know what data is being collected or the right to certain protections of personal data. While the law does not apply to every business in California, it does apply to three categories of for-profit businesses:

1. Businesses with a gross annual revenue of $25 million or more;

Along with providing notice that includes the consumer’s rights, who is colleting the data, and how and for what purpose is such data being collected, sold, used, or shared, an employer must also include the categories of all third parties that the employer discloses to or allows to collect consumer’s personal information.

Consumer Requests:

2

. Businesses that buy, receive or sell personal information of 50,000 California household residents or devices. This figure will soon change to 100,000 California household residents or devices; and

3. Businesses that derive 50% or more of annual revenue from selling consumers’ personal information.

New Obligation And Rights Related To Employee Data Under CPRA

Privacy Notice:

Employers must prepare and provide a privacy notice to an employee and/or job applicant at or before the time personal information is collected. The notice must include:

• The categories of sensitive personal information,

• Whether that sensitive personal information is sold or shared, and

• The length of time the employer intends to retain each category of sensitive personal information.

If the employer allows a third party to collect personal information on its behalf, the CPRA requires that the third-party collector provides notice at collection.

Along with providing notice that includes the consumer’s rights, who is colleting the data, and how and for what purpose is such data being collected, sold, used, or shared, an employer must also include the categories of all third parties that the employer discloses to or allows to collect consumer’s personal information. If the employer allows a third party to collect personal information on its behalf, the CPRA requires that the third-party collector provides notice at collection.

Unless they can rely on an exemption, employers must honor consumer requests, such as the right to delete, know, correct, access, data portability, nondiscrimination, limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information and the right to opt-out of both the sale and sharing of personal information.

Safeguard Information:

Businesses must safeguard personal information against unauthorized disclosures and provide employees with the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive information.

Data Processing Agreement:

A business must enter into a Data Processing Agreement with its vendors, such as service providers, contractors, or other third parties that may have access to its personal information. This requirement applies regardless of the types of personal information processed. The Data Processing Agreement must also include the following provisions:

• Identify the limited and specific business purposes and service for which the vendor will process personal information as set forth within the contract.

• Prohibit retaining, using or disclosing personal information for any purpose other than those specified in the contract.

• Prohibit retaining, using or disclosing personal information received for any commercial purpose other than the business purposes specified in the contract.

• Prohibit retaining, using or disclosing the personal information outside of its direct relationship between the vendor and the business and prohibit retaining, using or disclosing the personal information for any purposes other than business purposes specified in the contract.

• Require that the vendors will comply with the applicable obligations under the CPRA and provide the same level of privacy protection as required.

• A requirement to notify the business if the vendor can no longer comply with the obligations under the CPRA.

• Grant the business the right to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure that the vendor uses the personal information in a manner consistent with the business’s obligations under the CPRA.

• Grant the business the right to take reasonable and appropriate steps to stop and remediate unauthorized use of personal information.

• Require the business to inform the service provider or contractor of any consumer request made pursuant to the CPRA that they must comply with and provide the information necessary for the service provider or contractor to comply with the request.

• A business must prohibit the sale and sharing of personal information.

• Require notification of any sub-processors engaged and mandate that the sub-processors by contractually bound to the same processing obligations.

What Employers should do to get ready for CPRA?

Here is a list of things that employers should do to get ready for the CPRA:

• Understand the employment related personal information that your business processes by conducting a data inventory audit.

• Understand the rights and expectations provided to California consumers and your business requirements under each consumer right under the CPRA.

• Ensure that your business is providing its employees with a notice at or before the time of collection of personal information, and that such notice meets the requirements of the CPRA.

• Ensure that the Data Processing Agreements are in place with vendors.

Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion. Knowing what you’re getting into is smart business because the responsibility of protecting your business falls on you.

For more information on how to legally start and grow your business please visit my website at www.BaglaLaw.com

Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Legal Pearls!

PEARLS OF WISDOM for Avoiding Business Litigation

Award-winning attorney, Kelly Bagla shows you how to avoid legal pitfalls FROM DAY ONE! Legal Pearls! - The quick and easy guide for avoiding business litigation.

Award-winning Attorney Kelly Bagla distills the legal information every business owner needs to know to avoid costly lawsuits and protect personal assets. Now every entrepreneur can apply the same legal steps and strategies used by top attorneys.

Legally Speaking

By Tana Landau, Esq. Military Focused Family Law Facts

NEW YEAR, NEW START: HOW TO KICK YOUR DIVORCE OFF SMOOTHLY

We are headed into a new year and a new year often means a new start. New year, new starts, and, for some, new transitions. If you find yourself going through a divorce in the new year, there are ways to manage it for a smoother transition. Divorce can be one of the most difficult processes for people and their families to go through. It can be emotionally and financially impactful. It is not uncommon for individuals to be emotionally driven through the divorce process. However, a high conflict divorce can cost massive legal fees and have a lasting impact that ultimately harms your children. Here’s how you can start your divorce off for a healthier separation and better transition for you and your children.

1) De-Escalate of Conflict: Divorce is a volatile situation in the majority of cases. One or both sides harbor negative feelings toward the other parent as a result of the breakdown in the relationship. Do not carry those feelings into your divorce negotiations or coparenting relationship. The more you bring emotions into your decisions, the more contentious your divorce will likely be. If you are having difficulty managing your emotions and keeping them out of your divorce, seek counseling or therapy sooner than later. If your soon to be ex-spouse is acting on emotion, do not engage the conflict. Treat them like a business partner no matter how emotional they are acting. See more on this below.

2) Treat Your Coparent Like a Business Partner: Those who benefit most from an amicable transition are your children. It is important to be cognizant of the effect that your emotions during a divorce can have on your relationship with the other coparent and ultimately your children. Handling your emotions in a constructive way is the best way to move forward during a divorce. This means putting aside how you personally feel about the other coparent and treating them like a business partner. Remember to always be courteous, communicate timely, don’t bad mouth the other parent, and keep them informed regarding your children when they are in your care. Do not discuss divorce issues in front of your children.

3)

Communicate your Intention to Keep Things

Amicable: No one wants to go through a litigious and nasty divorce. Communicate to your soon to be exspouse your intent to keep things amicable. As soon as divorce is filed and an attorney is retained, people often make assumptions. Discuss the possibility of using mediation to reach an agreement. Open the door to negotiations as soon as reasonably possible.

4) Use Mediation or the Collaborative Divorce Process: Utilizing mediation can help you settle your divorce issues before you enter into contentious litigation which costs far more in fees. This not only will aid a more peaceful transition but can ultimately save you a devastating financial impact. The Collaborative Divorce process can be beneficial because it gives you a team of professionals to help make important legal and financial decisions during your divorce. Divorce can often leave people feeling like they have no control. Utilizing mediation or the collaborative divorce process give you control over how you transition and what your financial future looks like. If you choose the litigation path, you give control to the Judge to make the decisions and you are left dealing with the consequences.

5) Be Forthright About Financials: Be honest about your assets and debts. Do not try to hide money from your spouse or materially misrepresent your finances. The dissolution process centers in a large part around your finances. This information is all discoverable. If you try to hide or misrepresent information, you will unnecessarily increase your attorney fees and complicate the process.

Your goal is for a better transition, not a more complicated one.

6) Be Prepared to Make Concessions: Do not go into your dissolution matter seeking to destroy your former spouse or having to win on every issue. When you refuse to budge on anything, you prolong your divorce and ensure that you will end up down a costly litigation path. Negotiations involve a give and take. In the end, it results in less stress. If you unreasonably dig in your heels, then expect to litigate away any assets you do have. You can also expect the other person to react accordingly which can damage any coparent relationship you may have when children are involved.

7) If you Are Going to Fight, Ask Yourself is it Worth the Cost: Choose your battles. Weigh the costs and benefits of litigating certain issues. It can be costly. Perhaps more costly than what you are fighting over.

8) Choose a Lawyer Who is Settlement Oriented: We all know the reputation attorneys have. Contrary to popular opinion, most good family law attorneys are not out for your money. However, there are those who are more litigation oriented and those who are more mediation and settlement oriented. Do your research and consult with more than one attorney to find someone who is the right fit for you.

For more information about co-parenting in your military divorce, check out our website: www.frfamilylaw.com or call (858) 720-8250 and ask to speak with military family law attorney Tana Landau.

This article is intended only for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal advice.

Military and law enforcement have had a longstanding relationship with overlaps in training exercises, equipment, and, most important, personnel.

It is not uncommon for a service member to make the jump from the military to law enforcement as both professions look for the same characteristics; leadership, fidelity, chain of command, and teamwork are all common themes in both professions.

Quite understandably, many American military veterans often gravitate to a career in law enforcement when the time comes to rejoin the civilian workforce.

The two professions have many fundamental similarities; from the uniforms they wear with pride, to the firm command structure they serve under, to great personal risk they endure while protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

The following agencies are actively hiring & proudly support our veterans, active military and the families that keep together.

As a military service member or veteran making the transition to a new career path, law enforcement can feel like a natural fit.

From Military to Police Officer

Why choose a law enforcement career?

By Holly Shaffner

Transition and career changes can be difficult at any point in life, so why not take out some of the unknowns? In the military, you have camaraderie between your brothers and sisters, there’s a mission to accomplish every day, the work can be challenging and exciting, plus you get to serve your country.

Much of the military work and values parallel to law enforcement work as well. This month, we interviewed San Diego Police Officer Bob Thatcher about his transition from military service to police service, and why it was an ideal fit for him.

Officer Thatcher served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and today as a Gunnery Sergeant, he continues to serve as a drilling reservist. He is in the infantry field and has deployed on several overseas tours to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan. At the 10-year mark, he had to decide about re-enlisting or releasing from active duty. For him, the decision was guided primarily on one thing – continuing to serve others and work for a greater good.

“I have always been big into service of others,” said Officer Thatcher. “I wanted to give back to my country, my community, and those who sacrificed for me.”

For Officer Thatcher, his transition was from military fatigues to police uniform. He had done his research and met the requirements and deadlines to be selected for the police academy as soon as he left active duty.

Police departments often actively recruit for people leaving the military. San Diego Police Department Sergeant Jason Tsui said that in addition to important qualities such as work ethic, dedication, and integrity, military personnel also possess valuable life skills too. A good law enforcement candidate would be able to work in changing/fast-paced situations, in stressful conditions, can easily be part of a team, and be selfless. These are all attributes that most military men and women possess and learn during their military service.

When asked what the favorite part of his job was, Officer Thatcher said, “I like that my job is diverse. I am in the community every day, get to problem solve from call to call, and every day is different.”

• First, go on at least one ride along with law enforcement to see the different kind of calls and responses. Talk to the officers and ask questions.

• Be open and honest in your application and interviews.

• Keep at the process even if it takes a while to move along.

• Work hard each and every day to earn that spot.

• Go “all in” in everything you do.

• Academically, make the time to study.

• Physically, be able to run 5-6 miles at about an 8 minute/mile pace and do cross-fit exercise to build stamina.

Some of the benefits of working for the San Diego Police Department include:

A four-day work week, 11 paid holidays/year, 13-21 days of paid annual leave/year (depending on length of service), yearly uniform allowance, flexible benefits plan (Health, Dental, Vision), excellent retirement program, 401K/Deferred Compensation Plans, tuition reimbursement, and 30 days paid military leave/year.

For more information about applying to SDPD, go to: www.sandiego.gov/police or email: sdpdrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

Officer Thatcher’s advice to men and women looking to get into law enforcement:

San Diego Police Officer Bob Thatcher