Homeland Magazine June 2022

Vol. 9 Number 6 • June 2022

Homeland MAGAZINE

th

PTSD

ISSUE

AWARENESS MONTH

Journey TO Homeland

Warrior

SUCCESFUL

It’s been 50 years since the War

TRANSITION

Manages PTSD I’M FINALLY HOME

Transitioning Stories Strategies & Expectations WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Resources Support Transition HEALTH INSPIRATION

Homeland Magazine A Veterans Magazine by Veterans for Veterans

www.HomelandMagazine.com Voted 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021 BEST resource, support media for veterans, military families & military personnel.

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller mikemiller@HomelandMagazine.com

Holly Shaffner Veteran Advocate

RanDee McLain, LCSW A Different Lens

Jenny Lynne Stroup Real Talk: Mental Health

Barbara Eldridge Business For Veterans

CJ Machado SD Vets & Homeland Photojournalist

Kelly Bagla, Esq. Legal Eagle

Tana Landau, Esq. Legally Speaking

Joe Molina Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Eve Nasby What’s Next - Transitioning

Amber Robinson Arts & Healing

www.HomelandMagazine.com Greetings and a warm welcome to Homeland Magazine!

Paul Falcone Human Resources

Dr. Julie Ducharme Successful Transitioning Stories

Collaborative Organizations

Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine.

The Magazine focuses on national resources, support, community, and inspiration for our veterans and the military families that keep it together.

Wounded Warrior Project Raquel Rivas

Our magazine is driven by passion, vision, reflection and the future.

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

Guest Writers Include National Veteran Organizations, Military & Veteran Advocates

The magazine is supported by a distinguishing list of national veteran organizations, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more.

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We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.

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We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of Homeland Magazine.

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Publisher/Editor mikemiller@HomelandMagazine.com 4

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PTSD

Awareness Month

JUNE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 Time Marches On… 7 Learning to Come Home 8 PTSD Awareness Moth 10 Real Talk: Seeking PTSD Treatment 13 Warrior Manages PTSD 16 Bob Parsons - I’m finally home 18 PTSD - Message to Veterans 20 Telehealth is a Lifeline for Veterans 22 The Stigma of PTSD Treatment 24 Journey to Homeland 28 The Expressive Arts Institute 30 Caregiving TLC - Informal Caregivers 32 Shelter to Soldier - Supporting Veteran 33 Guide Dogs of America 34 What’s Next: Suck It, Up Butter Cup 36 HR: Mental Health Resources 38 Successful Transitioning Stories 40 Veterans in Business: “Silver Rocket” 42 Legal Eagle: When is an Employer Liable 44 Off-Base Transition Training 46 National Veterans Chamber of Commerce 48 Legally Speaking: Coparenting 50 War Widow of Green Beret 54 Careers in Law Enforcement 60 Inside the Monthly Columns WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Time Marches On…

ground for the memorial and were expediting construction as the summer approached.

By Jan C Scruggs, Esq. www.FounderOfTheWall.com

I had started the effort in 1979 and we made good progress until the National controversy erupted in late 1981. People began denouncing the design as too modernistic. It was seen by many as an insult to the dead. One reporter even went so far as to call the design a “Black Gash of Shame and Sorrow”. One writer claimed that the memorial would be a little more than a place to rally future antiwar demonstrators.

This effort was on the verge of being scuttled. Some Members of Congress were committed to ending the effort, and the opposition was well organized and made aggressive moves to end the project. They found a way to have our construction permit withheld by the Secretary of Interior. It was only by a stroke of luck that an Army Captain went to the Department of Interior and demanded the permit. They caved. Days later, we began building a Memorial that has helped many veterans to heal their wounds, as was my vision from the start of the project.

1982 was a simpler time. President Ronald Reagan was a likable president who would soon ask the Russians to “Tear Down That Wall”. Michael Jackson’s explosive album “Thriller” was released. The AT&T monopoly came to an end. The average cost of a new house was $82,000. The average rent was $320. Gasoline was 92 cents a gallon. Life was pretty good. Or good enough for most Americans.

But in 1982, the Vietnam War was festering as a painful memory for America. Despite losing a staggering 58,000 troops, we did not prevail. B52s, Agent Orange, aircraft carriers and other advantages kept our military leaders hopeful, but the nation accepted that the North Vietnamese Army had defeated our allies. Some blamed the media, others blamed Congress.

Still others questioned the wisdom of going to war in Vietnam with energetic protests. Of course, the people hurting the most were those of us who had suffered from injuries including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The pain of losing a family member was felt by many. In Vietnam, the troops had simply done their duty as Americans. I was one of them and spent a year as a teenaged infantryman.

In 1982, I was right in the middle of a nationwide controversy surrounding a design for a national Memorial engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in the war. On March 26, we broke 6

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Forty years is a long time. I recently made a trip to the Museum of the US Army at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. There, I was touched by an exhibit that focused on The Wall.

My dream became a reality in November 1982. The Wall helped bring the nation together. The USA has always had a contentious political environment. I’m old enough to remember when John Kennedy was running against Richard Nixon.

Let’s all work to find ways to live together in harmony. Americans can work things out.

“In Vietnam, I was wounded in combat at 19 years

old. I could not have imagined ten years later at the age of 29, I would come up with the idea to build a memorial to my fellow Vietnam Veterans. It would include every name of every soldier who gave their life for my country, America.”

- Jan C. Scruggs

Learning to come

Home Army veteran hails VA Vet Centers as ‘lifesaving’ after transition struggles

Brown

By Matt Saintsing

J

ennifer Brown felt lost as she struggled to adjust to life as a civilian in 2015. Doubtful about some of the care she was receiving at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, Brown wanted more say in her treatment and to work with someone who understood what it was like to be a veteran.

“I wanted to speak to someone who had lived experience very similar to mine that could understand what I was going through without me having to translate everything for them,” said Brown, who served six years as an aircraft structural repairer in the Army.

An internet search led her to a VA resource she hadn’t heard of before—her local Vet Center.

According to the VA, there are over 300 Vet Centers in all 50 states and territories. The facilities offer counseling, community engagement and other mental health services—at no cost—to eligible veterans, service members, and members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Jeff Case, director of the Salt Lake City Vet Center, points to Vet Centers as unique facilities that operate somewhat independently from the main VA medical centers.

“A lot of vets are really surprised to hear what we do,” he added. “Their reaction is ‘I never knew you guys were a thing.’”

The centers’ main clients are veterans who have deployed to combat zones or experienced military sexual trauma while in service.

Brown endured both.

“I experienced a lot of violence, and a lot was happening in the back of my mind that I wasn’t

even fully aware of,” said Brown, who deployed to Afghanistan.

She said the Vet Center helped her immensely in addressing her transition out of the military and other lingering mental health needs.

“The group therapy has been lifesaving,” she added.

“Being there with my peers, knowing that was a good space for me, and we were all kind of in it together— that was very helpful.”

Case said many veterans who come in experience severe mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, but Vet Centers offer a wide range of mental health services. Veterans dealing with substance abuse, depression, mood disorders and suicidal ideation are welcome to walk in to seek help. But help for other needs, such as readjustment back into the community and marital counseling, is also available.

“Vet Centers can be a beneficial resource that shares ties with DAV,” said DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “The Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program— the precursor to today’s Vet Centers—was based, in part, on research conducted by the DAV-funded Forgotten Warrior Project. We’re proud of what Vet Centers have become and know they’ll help veterans for generations to come.”

And through understanding that mental health care is not linear, veterans are free to come and go as needed.

“One of the things that we value about our military service is a sense of community and a sense of family,” said Case. “What we do with Vet Centers is we hope to be a gathering place for veterans, especially those who might feel isolated and misunderstood.” n

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PT You Don’t Have To Do This Alone Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not always allow the affected to seek help.

Lend a hand and provide them with methods of help, listen and be a friend.

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Real Talk: Mental Health

By Hope Phifer & Carmen Croucher, LPCC, NCC The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Do Not Let Avoidance Stop You From Seeking PTSD Treatment Avoidance. We have all experienced it.

Avoidance is defined as the action of keeping away from or not doing something. It is often associated with strong negative beliefs about what has occurred or what will occur, and these beliefs are often out of proportion compared to the actual risk.

As we recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month this June, intended to raise public awareness, and reduce the stigma associated with the disorder, it is important to better understand some of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD including avoidance; avoidance of thoughts, memories, and triggers to limit emotional pain.

Before we go any further, think about it this way: distress is a normal reaction to an abnormal event and only evolves to an actual diagnosis of PTSD if the symptoms persist and do not resolve. So, in other words, it is normal for individuals with traumatic exposure to experience distressing symptoms. However, those symptoms should improve significantly within one to three months after the exposure.

PTSD is a mental health challenge that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a lifethreatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Avoidance of treatment could be the result of the many misconceptions that exist about PTSD. In June 2021, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, revealed findings of its America’s Mental Health PTSD Pulse Survey, which looked at Americans’ general knowledge and understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll, offers a broad overview of Americans’ perceptions of PTSD. Among the highlights: • Two-thirds (67%) of Americans believe the Majority of Veterans Experience PTSD 10

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• One in four (26%) Americans believe the Majority of People with PTSD are Violent/Dangerous • Nearly one in four (23%) Americans believe PTSD is Not Treatable • Additionally, two-thirds (65%) of Americans who have been diagnosed with PTSD say that the civil unrest, political polarization & isolation created by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year has negatively impacted their recovery Did you know that PTSD occurs in approximately 10% of individuals who are exposed to events in which perceived threat of death or sexual assault occurred?

Also, PTSD can occur alongside other mental health issues such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety.

And traumatic events have the potential to change or reinforce beliefs about trust, safety, intimacy, esteem, power, and control.

“A lack of understanding feeds into the stigma associated with mental health challenges such as PTSD, which can deter people from seeking care,” says CVN President and CEO Dr. Anthony Hassan. “As a means to address any misunderstandings that surround PTSD, we wanted to look at Americans’ perceptions of the disorder. What we found is that there are strong misconceptions on everything from symptoms to treatments.”

The survey also captured a snapshot of the militaryconnected community’s perception of, and experience

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

with, PTSD vs. those without a military affiliation. One of the highlights included: Military-connected Americans (35%) are nearly two times more likely than those without a military affiliation (18%) to think that PTSD is not treatable.

“The military-connected community’s misperception of PTSD is troubling given the attention on PTSD within the military community as well as the impact PTSD can have on military families and military mission readiness,” Hassan added.

Avoidance may be a symptom you experience yourself or see in a loved one. But there is help.

Several treatments for PTSD have been proven effective.

This includes Cognitive Processing Therapy, a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful believes related to trauma, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, which teaches people to gradually approach their trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations so that they understand they are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.

“We have so much more to do to eradicate stigma and increase access to care. So, when those in need ask for help, we must be ready to help. We may only get one chance,” Hassan said.

For more information about the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, visit www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

OUR LOCATIONS San Diego 8885 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 301 Oceanside 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd.

Suite 120 Los Angeles Coming Soon WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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

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

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Warrior Manages PTSD and Overcomes Invisible Wounds of War

By Raquel Rivas, Wounded Warrior Project Sean Karpf is a husband, father, brother, son, business owner, and loving friend. He is also a veteran who manages post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Giving voice to the drive and purpose of men and women who sacrifice to serve our country and bravely reinvent themselves in the civilian world is a theme in Sean’s life. Sean has come through visible and invisible injuries to blaze new trails for other injured veterans.

At a young age, Sean’s life plan was a career in the Army.

“I was with the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina,” Sean said. “When I was injured in June of 2012, I was a sergeant, a weapons squad leader.”

Sean signed with the Army because he admired his uncle, who served in the 101st Airborne Division. Sean felt fulfilled as a soldier and reenlisted the month before he was injured in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He trusted his Army unit and they trusted and protected him.

“You knew there were people around you who cared for you and loved you just as much as you did them,” Sean said about his Army unit.

Sean was on a dismounted patrol and responding to a call to move to the front with his unit when he stepped on the pressure plate of an improvised explosive device (IED). He heard others yell his name, and then it was just the ringing in his ears and a cloud of dust.

Before the dust settled, Sean started to pull himself out of the crater left by the explosion. He worried a second explosion could cause further injury or hurt any fellow soldiers who were rushing to help. Sean was conscious as he was carried on a stretcher with only a tourniquet on his left leg and bones poking out of his foot and lower leg. He remembers steadying the pieces of his injured left leg with his right leg as they bumped along the path to safety. There was enemy fire aimed at the medevac helicopter as it attempted to land. After a gunfight, the helicopter picked up Sean on the second attempt.

There was another injured soldier already in the helicopter. Sean couldn’t see what was happening on the ground but could hear his unit still fighting.

“My injuries, the ones you can see, are the amputation of my left leg below the knee and my traumatic brain injury,” Sean said.

Continued on next page >

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“The worst injury was PTSD, because now I can put on my leg and I can take it off, but I can’t control the way I feel.’m not the same person I was before, and that’s one of the hardest things that people don’t understand. A lot of people think PTSD is just, ‘Oh, they go crazy. They hear a loud noise, they freak out,’ but it’s deeper than that.”

The WWP training program led to an internship with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. He did everything from ticket sales to field assistance. After completing his degree in kinesiology, the Jaguars hired him as a strength and conditioning associate.

When Invisible Wounds are More Challenging Than Visible Ones

Through WWP, his college career, and his work with NFL players, Sean gained experience and confidence that he eventually translated into an enterprising idea for a new business. He decided his new pressure washing business would be named “A Leg Up Pressure Washing” – a wink to his own experiences as an injured veteran overcoming physical and mental obstacles.

According to WWP’s Annual Warrior Survey, almost 20% of warriors served by WWP reported difficulty or delays in receiving or continuing mental health care after separating from the military.

“Year over year, we see that mental health challenges top the list of current issues being faced by the warriors we serve at Wounded Warrior Project,” said Melanie Mousseau, vice president of program operations and partnerships at WWP. “In fact, we see that mental health issues are more than twice as common as physical ones among Wounded Warrior Project warriors in the Annual Warrior Survey.”

A week after the attack, and once Sean was at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the decision was made to amputate his left leg. It would be 15 months before Sean and his wife could leave the hospital and return to their home in Florida.

Growing and Finding Joy in Helping Others

In addition to starting a business, Sean makes time to give back via WWP events that put him in front of other veterans to motivate and empower them.

“To me, Wounded Warrior Project’s always been there, and that is something that we need to have as wounded warriors, to be able to come together,” Sean said. “It’s important to be around people with shared experiences, who have been through the same situations and be able to feel comfortable.

When Sean came home to his family, including two young children, it didn’t take long to realize that, beyond the physical, he was not the same as before.

“When I first came back to Jacksonville, I never thought I would go to college in a million years. I started college, stuck with it, and got my master’s degree in sports medicine and went from that to being a full-time member on the Jaguars’ strength and conditioning staff.

It’s all because of the tools that I learned from Wounded Warrior Project at the beginning.”

“I used to flip out over nothing,” Sean said. “I remember being very hard on my son at his baseball games, and he was only 7 years old. It wasn’t fair, and it wasn’t really me.”

Sean said he also did not expect to start his own business one day. “It’s those tools that help empower me, and help build me up, and give me the confidence to just jump into it and do it.”

“My wife sat me down and said, ‘You need to start talking to somebody,’” Sean said.

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) was there to help Sean meet other injured veterans and join a career transition program that helped him go back to college to get his degree. In the process, he started overcoming his PTSD. He was interacting with other warriors, sharing stories, and connecting on a one-onone level.

“I don’t think if I had jumped right into school, without Wounded Warrior Project, that I would have had the right mindset to succeed,” Sean said. “They gave me the tools to be successful.”

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Warrior Care Network® has helped countless veteran families take back their lives.

These days, Sean stays in touch with fellow warriors and makes time for his family. Other veterans he met through WWP have encouraged him to build his business and even helped with the design of his logo.

He takes his teenage son on jobs and finds balance between making money and making time for family.

If a leg up in a race gives one an advantage in a competition, Sean has figured out that by putting his mental wellness first, he can give himself a leg up on the things that matter most in life. He credits support from his family, friends, and WWP with reaching this new stage of his life.

“Wounded Warrior Project doesn’t just help with one aspect of a warrior’s life; it’s very well-rounded,” Sean said. “It’s not just handing out money. They are a hand up, not a handout.”

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

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

Learn more about how WWP helps warriors and caregivers #CombatStigma through mental health programs and PTSD treatment options: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/CombatStigma.

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.

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

www.WarriorCareNetwork.org

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It’s been 50 years since the War, and with the help of PTSD therapy I’m finally home Bob Parsons is best known for founding GoDaddy.com and changing the game for the golf industry with his golf club manufacturing company, PXG, but in his heart, he is most proud of being a U.S Marine.

Parsons was awarded four medals, including the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Combat Action Ribbon for his service during the Vietnam War. Homeland Magazine sat down with Bob Parsons, who is dedicated to helping lead the charge when it comes to advocating for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy treatment for his fellow veterans suffering from PTSD. Homeland: Tell us about what made you join the Marines?

Parsons: I was a terrible student. I failed the 5th grade, and at the end of every school year thereafter, whether or not I passed was a photo finish. I was a senior in high school in March 1968 when two buddies told me they were going to go talk to the Marine Corps recruiter. I went along with them to hear what the Marines had to say, and they (the Marines) had me at hello. The three of us enlisted on the spot. Because I was only 17 at the time, my mom had to sign off on my paperwork. We all went to boot camp that August, and six months later we were carrying rifles in Vietnam.

Homeland: Tell me about your time in Vietnam.

Parsons: I served as a rifleman with Delta Company of the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines in Quang Nam province on Hill 190. On one side of Hill 190 there were rice paddies as far as you could see. On the other side were mountains and jungle. When I met the Marines in my squad for the first time, I learned that they had been ambushed a few days earlier and suffered five casualties, four of which were KIA. Those Marines who were killed or wounded were the senior guys.

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The new squad leader and senior man was a Marine named Barry George, who had been in country at that time just six weeks. Upon learning this, and spending about an hour of thinking and soul searching, I accepted the fact that I was probably going to die there. I made myself two promises right then and there: 1) I’d do my job as a Marine to the best of my ability for the rest of the guys there and for my folks back home; and 2) I would do whatever it took to be alive for Mail Call in the morning. Taking things one day at a time, and focusing no further into the future than the next day’s mail call, was how I got through it.

The rifle squads of Delta Company ran ambushes every night. Our job was to keep the North Vietnamese Army from terrorizing the small rice farming villages and taking their rice to feed their troops. I did every job I was asked to do. I walked “tail end Charlie” – the last Marine in line. Walking tail end was probably the safest position to be in the squad, but it was also pretty creepy – always looking over your shoulder for an enemy soldier sneaking up in back of you. I also carried the radio. Back then there were no cell phones. The radio was big and bulky, had an 8-foot antenna, and since it was our only form of communication, carrying the radio was like wearing a sign that said, “Please shoot me first.” Eventually I volunteered for the point team, and while walking second through a village in the pitch dark night, the point man somehow stepped over and missed the tripwire. I had no such luck and hit it. The shrapnel from the resulting explosion wounded both my legs and my left elbow. I was medevac’d to Yokusko Naval Hospital

in Japan to recover. After recovering, I received orders to return back to my unit. On the way back, through an unbelievable fluke, I was instead assigned to Marine Corps Intelligence on Okinawa, where, among other jobs, I was a courier of classified documents traveling between there and Vietnam.

Psychedelics without therapy from trained professionals won’t accomplish much. The way the healing is done is that the therapy does the healing and the psychedelics make it possible.

Homeland: What was your return home like?

The difference psychedelic therapy made for me that week was epic. I started thinking about how I could help make these therapies accessible for other veterans and civilians suffering. I learned about Rick Doblin’s organization, MAPS, through Tim Ferriss (Author of The 4-Hour Work Week). The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies is pioneering this treatment, and it stands a good chance of being FDA-approved for therapeutic use, maybe in 2023. MAPS needed funds to complete the final research required to seek approval, so my wife and I wrote them a check. The results have been incredible. After three therapy sessions with MDMA, 67% of veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD were cured. I’m also supporting several other ongoing trials in the U.S, including The Mount Sinai Center for Psychedelic Healing in New York. They are doing the first clinical trial with the VA. We also provide annual support to The Semper Fi & America’s Fund through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Parsons: Those of us who served in the Vietnam War to this day remain the only troops who fought for our country and were never welcomed home. Many of us were instead met by angry anti-war protestors. The Marine Corps even suggested we not wear our uniforms home so as not to attract the attention of the anti-war crowd. I wore my uniform home and so did all the other Marines around me. The reception we received was disappointing for sure. We really thought we did something special serving in that God-awful war. I still think about it every day. If I smell something like fresh asphalt, tar, or diesel fuel, it brings me right back there.

Homeland: I understand you were diagnosed with PTSD? Parsons: In those days, no one was talking about PTSD. People would say, “He’s a different man” or “He’s not the same.” Looking back, I most certainly had PTSD after returning to the states. I had a temper. I didn’t want to be around people. I couldn’t watch fireworks.

Occasionally I’d go off by myself and just be in tears.

PTSD most certainly caused my first two marriages to end in divorce. It is one of the trickiest diseases because it affects the front of your brain and how that area controls the “fight or flight” response. People with PTSD are always close to being in full flight or fight, but because our brains work to normalize their flaws, we don’t know that that’s the case until we are triggered.

Homeland: How did you discover Psychedelics & PTSD Treatments?

Parsons: When I read Michael Pollan’s book, “How to Change Your Mind,” I had a breakthrough. I learned all about the history of psychedelics and what they were capable of treating. I immediately told my wife, Renee, about the book, and she linked me with two people who treat veterans with psychedelics. I had never used psychedelics and wouldn’t have considered doing so before reading the book. I did a four-day guided treatment and after, I was a different guy. There is a reset power that psychedelics have. People who knew me would say, “My God, he’s different. What happened to him?” It’s important to note that just taking

Homeland: What happened then?

Homeland: If you were to talk to someone having difficulty with their PTSD, what would your advice be?

Parsons: I would tell them to call the PTSD hotline staffed by The Semper Fi and America’s Fund to begin their journey to recovery and also share my experience. That phone number is 760-725-3680. Do I consider myself completely cured of PTSD? No. Do I think I’m much better than I was? Yes, absolutely.

Like all veterans, I still have memories no one should ever have. And I can’t stress this enough: if a person takes psychedelics from the shelf, it’s not going to make a difference. The therapy does the healing; the psychedelics make it possible.

Homeland: What would you say to readers in the same situation?

Parsons: There’s help. There are treatments that can mitigate PTSD and make life better. The difference treatment can make is profound. It’s been 50 years since the war, and with the help of psychedelic therapy, I finally came home. It’s time for you to come home, too.

For more information visit: MAPS: www.maps.org Semper Fi: www.semperfifund.org The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation: www.tbrpf.org

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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I Specialize in Treating PTSD: Here’s My Message to Veterans An Open Letter to Those Experiencing PTSD, Anxiety, and Trauma

By Dr. Steven Ramos

What Does PTSD Look Like?

As an addiction and mental health specialist, I’ve learned that one of the most prominent but least talked about symptoms of PTSD is avoidance of emotional connection with others. When you lose a comrade in the line of duty, it’s hard to continue to connect to anyone emotionally. Avoiding emotional attachment altogether might make you feel safer, like the risk of losing someone is gone.

If you experienced a traumatic event in the military, as so many of us did, it’s common to try to numb these symptoms – which look a lot like anxiety – with substances to avoid the flashbacks. And if you’ve had complex trauma early in life, such as abuse, research indicates you are even more susceptible to PTSD as an adult. Additionally, sleep problems are often concurrent with PTSD, so it’s common to drink excessive alcohol in the evening to aid in falling asleep.

Treatment and Solutions: What To Expect

To my fellow veterans, Growing up in the Bronx in the ’80s and ’90s, drugs and alcohol were all around me. I joined the Air Force to escape that environment. Ironically, I moved closer to it.

I spent 12 years as a military freefall instructor working with some of the most resilient, talented, and determined individuals I’ve ever met. Many of them were experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but were opposed to seeking treatment.

I’ve come to realize the same drive that makes us successful in our military careers also holds us back.

Our ability to “remain in control” and be a valued team member is more powerful than our ability to ask for help – so we don’t, out of fear it will negatively impact our careers.

No one talks about treatment because of the mindset ingrained in us that treatment equals weakness.

Excessive substance use is normal, even glorified.

Drugs and alcohol are sometimes the only coping mechanisms that aren’t frowned upon.

But if you had a heart attack, you wouldn’t ignore the issue. You’d seek treatment and medical intervention to heal properly. Addiction and PTSD are diseases and should be viewed no differently. Treatment saves lives.

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If not treated, PTSD and substance use disorders do not resolve themselves and are not something you can manage on your own. But here’s the real talk many people won’t tell you: When you enter treatment for PTSD, your symptoms will worsen at first. You’ll start remembering moments you pushed away for years, and naturally, it will surface unwanted emotions. It’s important to know what to expect so it doesn’t deter you. More real talk: It will get easier if you are patient.

I also encourage you to be open-minded to trying something new. I know you’ve been conditioned to maintain the status quo. You’ve lived with trauma for decades. In a way, it’s almost part of your identity, and you’re reluctant to try anything formal, whether it’s therapy or medication.

PTSD and substance use are often an unfortunate package deal. While every individual case is different, I usually start with my patients by treating the substance use first before we address the PTSD. A clear, sober mind is important before moving further.

Part of our treatment for PTSD is Cognitive Processing Therapy, which focuses on building a narrative that’s based on data rather than emotion. As a veteran, I know you often feel shame when those emotions creep in. You blame yourself.

Together, we try to find evidence that may support your claims and feed your guilt. More often than not, a lack of evidence can help you let go of the guilt and shame that’s preventing you from moving forward.

My Final Thoughts Veterans, I know you often hear courage described as fighting on the front lines, sustaining injuries, and putting yourself in harm’s way for your country.

Yet, I believe true courage is saying, “I need help. I cannot do this on my own.” The detrimental stigma around mental health will only subside when more people start talking about it.

Mental illness, PTSD, and substance use are not your fault. You are not broken.

It’s OK to seek help – and I hope you do.

SALUTE TO RECOVERY

Addiction Treatment For Veterans Proud Veterans Affair Community Care Provider & Partners

For more information, call

866.915.3555

We have someone available 24/7 to answer your call

- Steve

Dr. Steven Ramos is the Assistant Clinical Director at River Oaks Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers facility.

Dr. Ramos retired from the United States Air Force in the rank of Major in 2021, following 28 continuous years of active-duty military service.

He commissioned into the Air Force Medical Service in 2011 as a Clinical Social Worker, where he treated military service members suffering from PTSD and substance use.

For veterans dealing with substance abuse, PTSD and other mental health disorders, our Salute to Recovery Program is designed specifically for you. Built on camaraderie, trust and evidence-based therapies, the program provides a place of healing among fellow veterans to get you on the path to recovery faster.

Treatment includes: • Trauma Groups

• Relapse Prevention

• Emotion Regulation

• Motivational Interviewing

• Grief & Loss

• Cognitive Processing

• Pain Management

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Coping Skills • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• 12-Step

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

• Art & Music Therapy

AdCare, Desert Hope, Recovery First, River Oaks, Sunrise House, Oxford, and Greenhouse are part of American Addiction Centers’ National Network of Treatment Centers.

Salute To Recovery www.americanaddictioncenters.org

www.americanaddictioncenters.org

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Telehealth is a Lifeline for California Veterans at Confidential Recovery “It’s really been an interesting variety of circumstances that have led Veterans to participate in our drug counseling program via telehealth,” says Jay Wylie, a Veteran-in-Recovery and Operations Manager of Confidential Recovery. “We have an injured Purple Heart recipient who can’t travel to our ‘on-site’ sessions.

Another recovering Veteran is currently participating from his hospital bed. Some are geographically distant, and others have disabilities which make it difficult to drive or even use public transportation.”

For some Veterans, the telehealth option is a matter of convenience, and they attend sessions both in person, and via telehealth, depending on their work schedules and other commitments.

Fentanyl Has Left No Margin for Error

Veterans have traditionally been prone to struggle with PTSD, substance addiction, and suicidal ideation.

These challenges were exacerbated during the pandemic, during which many Veterans were isolated from their recovery support systems.

Confidential Recovery is an outpatient treatment program in San Diego that helps Veterans achieve sustainable recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program expanded their telehealth offerings to allow Veterans to receive treatment remotely. But now, even as life returns to normal, the San Diego drug rehab continues to enroll many Veterans into treatment remotely via Telehealth, and even expanded the offering to anyone in California.

Veterans in remote treatment will participate in ‘one-on-one’ addiction counseling, and can also be set up in the room with other ‘live’ participants for group counseling sessions, giving them a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Veterans who are still feeling unsure about seeking help can call in and take advantage of the anonymity of just listening to their counselor, without being seen.

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The stakes have been raised for Veterans who struggle with an SUD, particularly if they are using opioids or any street drug that may contain the hyper-potent opioid, fentanyl. Accidental overdose is now the leading cause of death for people aged 18 to 45 (according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control). Of course, Veterans are a ‘high risk’ demographic, as they struggle with substance abuse at a higher rate than civilians.

“The prevalence of fentanyl has been absolutely tragic.

No longer can we work with families to stop enabling their loved one and wait for them to ‘hit bottom’ to find the willingness to change. When it comes to fentanyl, every use can be fatal,” says Jay Wylie.

Support a Veteran this PTSD Awareness Month June is PTSD Awareness Month. Veterans are at higher risk for suicide, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance addiction. Reach out and thank the Veteran in your life for their service, and ask how they are doing. Be sure to give them your full attention, and maintain a non-judgmental attitude.

Encourage a Veteran to Get Help Before They Need It Make sure that any Veteran in your life is aware that there is help available if they are struggling with emotions of any kind.

It can also be helpful to get involved in a support group even if they feel like they are doing okay. They can help others, and have an established support lifeline if their PTSD (or anxiety, or depression) starts to present itself.

The Veterans Administration offers an around the clock Veterans Crisis Line that provides help and crisis support – even for veterans not enrolled in its health care network. The phone number is 800-273-8255.

San Diego based Veterans and family can get in contact with Confidential Recovery at (619) 452-1200.

About Confidential Recovery Confidential Recovery is accredited by the Joint Commission and is licensed to provide telehealth drug counseling to all California residents.

Confidential Recovery was founded in 2014 by Scott H. Silverman to provide the people of San Diego a private and clinical outpatient treatment program for substance use disorders. Scott is the author of The Opioid Epidemic and frequently makes appearances on television discussing the addiction trends that are impacting our lives. Find out more at www.confidentialrecovery.com

About the Author Scott H. Silverman was addicted to alcohol and illegal drugs when he “hit bottom”and pursued treatment in 1984. He’s been helping others recover from addiction ever since. In 2014, he founded Confidential Recovery, a drug treatment program in San Diego that specializes in helping Veterans overcome substance abuse. You can reach them at (619) 452-1200, or by visiting the Confidential Recovery website. www.confidentialrecovery.com

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Navy Veteran William Reynolds, PA-C, on Overcoming the Stigma of Seeking PTSD Treatment Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been with us since the invention of warfare.

Fortunately, with advances in mental health care, treating this potentially debilitating condition is highly effective. Yet, even today, there remains significant stigma that poses an obstacle to veterans who might seek treatment.

Here, Lt. Cmdr. William Reynolds, USN, (Ret.), PA-C, Director of the Military and First Responder Trauma Recovery Program at Sierra Tucson, shares his views on how to overcome that stigma, along with thoughts about treatment options and words of hope.

What’s your background in the military?

I’m a 30-year veteran, spending that entire time in Navy medicine. I served on an aircraft carrier and on fast attack submarines. I spent a lot of time with the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a medical officer for a Navy SEAL team.

My toughest deployment was in Iraq, when I was stationed with a mobile surgical company – just like the MASH unit from the old TV show. We received injured Marines around the clock for seven months. That’s where I became interested in trauma treatment.

I actually sent myself to treatment for alcohol misuse and knew that I wanted to do psych work with veterans.

I found that getting sober was instrumental in helping me heal from my own PTS symptoms.

You refer to PTSD as PTS. What is the difference and why is it important?

PTSD is a diagnostic code that the healthcare industry uses, but I think the word “disorder” in PTSD stigmatizes a very normal, human response to abnormal situations.

It’s really hard for anybody to raise their hand and say, “Hey, I’m an alcoholic.” Or, “I use heroin and have trauma, and I want to go into treatment.” For veterans there’s already a huge stigma in asking for help of any kind, because it goes against everything we were ever taught. And when you call trauma a disorder, you’re further stigmatizing the condition. We want to remove all barriers for people seeking treatment.

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How can veterans recognize the mental health warning signs of PTS? People with PTS often self-medicate, so the condition shows up most commonly as substance misuse, such as increased drinking or drug use. PTS can also show up as other addictive behaviors around social media, food, sex or any other way to tune out.

Many veterans talk about having unsettled memories from when they were deployed. Classic PTS symptoms include nightmares; hypervigilance, which is always being super aware of your surroundings; elevated anxiety; having an easy startle reflex, and flashbacks. Sometimes PTS will show up subtly as just increased irritability and depression.

How can veterans overcome the stigma of seeking treatment for PTS? I think the military is doing its best to encourage servicemembers and veterans to seek treatment – and it’s great when that encouragement comes from upper leadership.

It’s even better when it comes from the officer you report directly to.

Peer support also can have a huge impact. Seeing someone your own age who’s gotten sober or has gone to treatment for PTS and is living well in recovery – I don’t think there’s anything more powerful.

How does a veteran know when they’ve recovered from PTS? There’s a term called “emotional sobriety.” In substance misuse, for example, the key is finding an inner peace, an inner contentment that you are truly okay with being sober. When someone begins to embrace a life of truly being sober and is joyful about their recovery, that’s emotional sobriety. So, when somebody feels like they’re in good balance and they’re not drinking and don’t have that secret voice telling them that they can drink again someday – that’s how you know you’re in recovery.

The same thing can be said for those with PTS. Some people continue to struggle with PTS symptoms for the rest of their lives, and others are at least able to mitigate the symptoms to the point that they aren’t bothersome. The goal of treatment for anyone who has PTS is to get them functioning in a healthier manner and where their symptoms are manageable and under good control.

Do you have any words of hope for veterans struggling today with PTS? I would like everyone to know that recovery is possible. You do not have to live with PTS symptoms.

You do not have to live with substance misuse or internet addiction or a sexual addiction. I realize it takes tremendous courage to ask for help, but help for veterans and military personnel is available.

If one good thing has come out of the COVID pandemic, it’s that it has normalized telehealth. So, even people who live in remote or rural areas can go to virtual AA meetings or see therapists online. It’s not the same as in-person therapy, but if you’re in a remote situation, it’s an option that wasn’t as widely available before 2020. I’d also encourage veterans to visit the National Center for PTSD website. (www.ptsd.va.gov) It offers a ton of resources on how to get help.

Lt. Cmdr. William Reynolds, USN, (Ret.), PA-C, is Director of the Military and First Responder Trauma Recovery Program at Arizona-based mental health treatment facility Sierra Tucson.

For more information, visit: www.sierratucson.com/programs/military/

WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not always allow the affected to seek help.

Lend a hand and provide them with methods of help, listen and be a friend.

Homeland Magazine works with nonprofit veteran organizations that help more than 1 million veterans in life-changing ways each year.

Resources.

Support.

Inspiration.

At Homneland Magazine you can visit our website for all current and past articles relating to PTSD, symptoms, resources and real stories of inspiration.

Resources & Articles available at: www.HomelandMagazine.com

FIGHTING PTSD WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Journey to Homeland MARCH 2014 - JUNE 2022

Around age 24, Mike sat down with his mother and told her that he could not be happy unless he chased his dreams, and that meant moving to Hollywood. She asked, “Do you have a place to stay?

Do you have enough money? Do you know anyone in CA?” Mike answered, “No, no, no - but that makes it more exciting.”

“It was 3000 miles to Hollywood, I had $2,000 in my wallet, a `77 Toyota Celica with no spare tire, a full tank of gas, some magazines, it was dark outside, and I was wearing sunglasses, with my head full of dreams I had more than I needed” Seven days and 3,000 miles later, Mike found himself driving through Beverly Hills and thought, “this looks like a good place to live.” In Mike style, he found an empty mansion that was being renovated and camped out on the deck with the best view of Hollywood he could ever imagine. Since there were no “keep out” signs, he thought it would be ok to pop a squat for a night. He just wanted to borrow the view for one night under the stars; looking over the Hollywood stars, on the deck of a Beverly Hills mansion Mike knew that Los Angeles was going to be his home.

Trespassing?

By Holly Shaffner For the June edition of Homeland Magazine, we celebrate the 100th issue of Homeland Magazine!

For 100 consecutive months, our fearless leader has been putting together a national resource – a support magazine dedicated to us - military veterans, active duty, and families. To commemorate this special occasion, we thought you’d like to know how it all got started.

Many of us know the owner/editor/publisher extraordinaire Michael J. Miller from our professional dealings, but when it comes to the personal side, do we REALLY know Mike?

Heading West Mike grew up in a large family in a small Maryland town. His family had a rich history of military service; but Mike was far away from ever considering a career in the military. He was college bound to play baseball and football, he wanted the college life, and had long dreamt of being a Hollywood actor…he was looking for a way to chase his dream of living in California.

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As it turns out, just because there are no signs doesn’t mean you are welcome to camp on someone’s property. Around sunrise, Mike heard a car pull into the driveway. He grabbed his sleeping bag and surfing magazines and high tailed it to his car. But before he got there, he was met by two very large men who were extremely angry and said they were going to call the police.

After apologizing and explaining that he had drove 3,000 miles to chase his dreams to be an actor, he told them, “When I win an Oscar, I will mention that you didn’t call the police and that you gave me a break.” They gave him some firm advice about being careful and about private property, but also said they admired his passion. Mike admits to being lucky, and he believes those guys understood what it meant to be driven by your dreams, and just maybe that’s why they live up on the hill overlooking LA.

Becoming an Actor Just last month the Top Gun sequel was released and ironically, it was the original Top Gun movie that Mike’s agent picked lines to read from for a chance to win her representation. Now, reflecting about reading lines from a military movie, perhaps it was his true destiny to write military stories?

Mike nailed the audition/interview and found himself with a reputable Hollywood agent. He lived in LA for a few years, was able to bank a few gigs, and made lifetime connections with some great people who are still his friends today.

Mike doesn’t like to brag, but while in LA, he went to many Hollywood parties, met celebrities, had lunch with Kevin Costner, and had a glass of wine with Stefanie Powers at her home during an interview for a job. The job didn’t work out, but her insightful advice did. In a motherly tone, she told him, “Wake up from

this dream and get your head out of Beverly Hills.

This acting thing may not work out and it’s admirable that you’re chasing your dreams so far from home just know that sometimes dreams may take you on a different path.”

After the Hollywood life, acting auditions, rejections, smog, and traffic, it was time to refocus. Mike found the perfect job working for a “cause” magazine. He was a natural in sales, creating professional relationships with clients throughout the country, and managing people.

He had his own team, was eager, and ambitious.

America’s Finest City It only took one round of golf at Torrey Pines and one Pacific Ocean sunset to realize San Diego was where he was destined to put down ties.

Mike called his agent and told her that he had enough of acting.

Mike said to her “I’m going to win an Oscar in business!” and she told him, “Mike…go be Maverick!”

Mike went back to his magazine job, threatened his boss that he’d quit unless he sent him to San Diego to open his own office and allowed him to hire a new team for the magazine. Mike was bluffing and trying to buy some time, but his boss said yes and off to San Diego he went.

After a few years learning the publishing industry, Mike decided to go out on his own. Back then his heroes were big time entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, Murdoch, and Gates and he wanted to be like them.

Mike had a few internet businesses, made a good living, but found there was always “something” missing. During this time, he gained experience as an entrepreneur, in relationship building, branding and sales management, and was looking for what was missing.

The Military One day Mike stumbled upon a military-style street/ barracks newspaper. He found the military community had an interesting culture and spent a few months working with the owner on his paper. The owner mentioned that his paper was losing business and pages. Mike, with years of publishing experience, looked at his business, and wrote a business plan not knowing that this plan was going to be his new career and passion.

The business plan noted that his paper had a huge disconnect with veterans and their struggles and didn’t give enough attention to military and veteran families.

He told the owner there were amazing organizations that can make a difference in the lives of active military, veterans, and their families. The owner didn’t want to change his newspaper model. Mike moved on but could not stop thinking about the research he had found and the business plan he had created.

The Birth of Homeland Mike rolled up his sleeves, did more research about the military and veteran community, contacted reputable veteran organizations including the Department of Veterans Affairs and local veteran offices/clinics. He told them about his business plan for a veteran magazine and what he wanted to achieve, and he knew that he could make a difference in the lives of our veterans, and military families.

And in 2014 Homeland Magazine was born!

The theme of the magazine was resources, support and inspiration. Since he wasn’t a veteran himself, he knew that in order to have a successful military magazine that enhanced the lives of military personnel, veterans and their families, that he needed to recruit experts in the industry – veterans and veteran advocates. He was dedicated to achieving his goals; and little did he know that it was advocacy that would give him the highest degree of success.

Continued on the next page >

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The first year was a lot of work and Mike was proud that Homeland Magazine was starting to receive national recognition. Mike wore all the hats from graphic designer, salesman, editor, to publisher and kept asking the same questions every day. Should I keep doing this? There’s so much to learn, can I really make a difference?, I just don’t know.

And then it happened...

The Defining Moment

One phone call that changed everything It was the summer of 2015; it was early in the morning when the phone rang. Mike picked it up and said, “Homeland Magazine, can I help you?”

On the other end of the phone was a soft woman’s voice. She asked for the editor of Homeland Magazine, and at first Mike thought, “oh no, what did I do wrong?”

Mike doesn’t remember the woman’s name but remembers that she was upset. She jumped right into her conversation.

She told Mike that morning she had walked down the stairs to see where her husband was. She found him sitting at the dining room table with his gun lying next to him. He was hunched over and looking at a magazine. She said her husband stood up and grabbed the gun; his eyes were bloodshot, he walked toward her slowly (which she said seemed like an eternity). He handed the gun to her and told her, “I don’t need this any longer. I’m going to be OK and we’re going to be OK.” He told her that he had problems but he’s not alone. He told her that he needed help, and there are people who can help him and help them. He said that he loved her, gave her a kiss, and walked upstairs.

The woman on the other end of the phone told Mike that she picked up the magazine from the table and it was opened to a page on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Prevention.

The magazine was Homeland Magazine.

Mike didn’t know what to say; the lady simply said, “Thank you for the magazine.” And that was it.

From that day forward, Mike never again asked himself the haunting question “Should I keep doing this?”

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Reflection Maybe it was his mission all along – not to be a professional athlete, or actor, but to have found something bigger than himself – helping active duty, military veterans, and their families.

Mike said, “I don’t think of myself as an entrepreneur any longer. I have found my career and it’s an honor to work with the greatest organizations and people in the world. I have surrounded myself with amazing people, and amazing organizations throughout the country. I can’t say enough about the people that contribute to the magazine; they are very special. I will continue to move forward, and make sure all veterans know they are not alone.”

Loyalty is everything and Mike wants readers to know that Wounded Warrior Project has been there from the very beginning. They were the first organization to provide editorial resources and inspiration for veterans in Homeland Magazine and nine years later, WWP has contributed to all 100 issues of Homeland Magazine!

When asked what the “secret sauce” was to get to 100 issues, amass millions of readers each month, and have surrounded yourself with an incredible team, Mike said, “It’s the vets. I want them to know there are others going through many of the same issues and they are not alone. I will keep doing this until there is no longer a need.”

In 2020, Mike was surprised with a proclamation from the 36th Mayor of San Diego, Kevin Faulconer. The mayor stated that January 20, 2020, was officially Mike Miller Day in the City of San Diego. He was bestowed this honor for his inspirational story telling through publishing and beneficial support to veteran projects.

The proclamation went on to say that Mike’s love and passion for the veteran community had a profound impact on the quality of life of our military and veteran families.

And while he never did win that award as an actor, he takes home an Oscar every month for staying authentic and following his true north.

Today Homeland Magazine is one of the largest resource-support magazines for veterans in the country. With thousands of original articles and columns, from transitioning to civilian life, mental health, inspiration and never forgetting stories about veterans who helped shape our county.

CONGRATULATIONS on this milestone and Bravo Zulu for making a difference in the lives of our military and families everyday.

To send Mike a note of congratulations, please email: MikeMiller@HomelandMagazine.com To see all current and past issues visit the following link: homelandmagazine.com/archives Editors note: I would like to thank Holly Shaffner, retired Coastie for writing this article. She is one of the hardest working veteran advocates I have ever met.

I would also like to mention although I have never met the couple that changed everything in 2015 with “one phone call”, I would like to imagine they look like the couple below and are happy thanks to veteran organizations around the country that help more than one million veterans in life-changing ways

Veteran Resources & Organizations Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, but Homeland Magazine believes no veteran should have to go it alone.

At Homeland Magazine you can find Veteran organizations and private nonprofits with resources for veterans that can help ease the process of attaining earned benefits, coping with the lasting effects of service-connected injuries and finding programs and services that meet your specific needs.

Homeland Veteran Resources & Organizations available at:

www.MiramarPostalPlus.com

www.HomelandMagazine.com

Homeland Magazine A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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The Expressive Arts Institute San Diego

By Amber Robinson As our understanding of the human brain expands, we continue to learn more about how art and creativity play into that growth. Expressive Arts Therapy specifically explores the link between art and psychology.

For those in Southern California seeking a degree or certification, the Expressive Arts Institute of San Diego, located in Liberty Station, is the place. Much of the professional art therapy happening in San Diego, started here.

Founding Director, Judith Greer Essex, PhD, established the institutein 1998. They boast California’s only fully integrated intermodal, interdisciplinary education for Expressive Arts Practitioners. Judith and her staff offer an accredited MA in Expressive Arts Therapy as well as registration in training and education for licensed professionals looking to add creative skills to their practice, as well as a certificate program in Expressive Arts Coaching.

Greer Essex earned her PhD in expressive arts therapy from the European Graduate School, in Switzerland, but started as a dance and theater major in her bachelor’s program.

According to www.creativewellbeings.com, expressive arts therapy first flourished in America in the early 1900’s in New York City. Margaret Naumburg and Edith Kramer are credited with its initial creation.

Although both women held slightly different beliefs on how art healed, both were pioneers who dedicated their lives to building the framework for what art therapy is today.

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was founded in 1969. Their website defines art therapy as thus: “Facilitated by a professional art therapist, Art Therapy effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”

Today, art therapy is more mainstream than ever.

Many psychologists will attain an art therapy certification, integrating it into their usual therapy practice. Teachers have begun to use art therapy to calm and focus their students prior to lessons. Even our U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has integrated art therapy into their curriculum for vets healing from combat wounds or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

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“The performative arts had a profound effect on me,” said Greer Essex. “Although I had no interest in dance therapy at that time, I later became interested in the self-awareness [it produced] among its other helpful aspects.”

She went on to finish her master’s in dance/movement therapy from the University of California Los Angeles.

She has worked throughout San Diego as a dance therapist in local universities as well as part of San Diego Rep’s Conservatory before founding the institute.

Although her background is in dance, she works with many different mediums and “modalities”.

“I use what is called ‘intermodal expressive arts therapy’, which means I move between dance, drama, music, visual arts and expressive writing, especially poetry,” said Greer Essex.

She says she feels art therapy enhances and often reveals an individual’s strength.

“It helps develop a positive approach to life,” said Greer Essex “It helps develop a positive imagination, causing you to think, ‘What wonderful thing might happen?’ instead of ‘What terrible thing might happen?”

Greer Essex says the use of art as a way to express one’s self and find balance in everyday life is always beneficial.

“We are healed in part by being with another person, in whatever form of therapy you are using,” said Greer Essex.

But, she says she would not call this “therapy”, given the goal of therapy is to have someone bear witness to your inner experience and provide guidance.

“We are healed in part by being with another person, in whatever form of therapy you are using,” said Greer Essex.

Francine Hoffman graduated from the institute in 2006 with a Master of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy and Coaching. Both women agree art on its own is beneficial, but for it to become “therapy”, the inner experience must be brought forth into a shared space.

Hoffman says a therapist becomes essential when someone’s “play range”, or, their ability to move easily in the world, has become restricted and they are unable to self-direct or motivate.

“The therapist offers an invaluable witness to the creative process and the art created, seeing aspects often missed from one’s own eyes, offering suggestions for use of media and exploring possible transfers to another modality, all of which may foster new insights and resources to follow up on,” Hoffman elaborated.

Hoffman also practices Intermodal Expressive Arts Therapy which she explains has some differences from other forms of art therapy, most notably the movement between the art forms.

Through this model, both women have witnessed many transformations during their time in the field.

“During my long career I’ve witnessed healing and change of all kinds; from loss and grief, from trauma, from suffering brought on by all kinds of experiences,” said Greer Essex. “ I’ve seen people change their identities and the way they live their lives … in fact, this is not uncommon.”

Hoffman explains that art therapy allows the client to take a break from focusing on themselves as something damaged or needing to be fixed to experiencing the self as a creative person. “An exciting transformation to see is the client’s experience of a change in identity from a condition or diagnosis to, ‘I’m an artist!’ or at least, ‘I can be creative no matter my skill!,” said Hoffman.

A common misconception both women often encounter is that art therapy best serves artists or at least those with somes creative skill or inclination.

“Art therapy and expressive arts therapy can be for anyone,” said Hoffman. “The one mindset that is helpful is curiosity and being open enough to try.”

For those who would like to learn more about the world of art therapy and expressive arts therapy, a good place to start is the American Art Therapy Association website where they house a large array of resources www.arttherapy.org To learn more about Greer Essex and the programs the ExpressiveArts Institute of San Diego offers, go to www.expressiveartsinstitute.org which features a resources tab full of inspiring and free downloads.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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CAREGIVING TLC

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

Mental health, a topic that has traditionally been shrouded in secrecy and shame, is the spotlight of this month, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder being given its due on June 27th, national PTSD Awareness Day. And while having a specific date or month on the calendar designated for PTSD and Mental Health is great to bring about awareness, conversation, and action, everyday is mental health day when you are a caregiver.

Currently in the United States, 53 million or 21% of the US population are “informal caregivers” for a family member or loved one. Being an informal caregiver means you likely female (61% of that 53 million), unpaid, and probably a family member or close friend to the person requiring caring.

Informal caregivers are often spouses or significant others. And according to multiple data sources (AARP being the most recognized), 30-35% of informal/ primary caregivers will suffer some serious illness, injury, or death before the person they are caring for. This is an alarming statistic given the number of informal caregivers out there and even more reason to focus national attention on the mental health and wellbeing of our informal caregivers.

If you know someone who is an informal caregiver, here are a couple of ways you can support them: 1. reach out via text or phone call and just say hi, see how they are doing 2. go “old school” and send them a card, postcard, or letter to brighten their day; maybe set up a schedule where the 1st of every month, you send a card 3. have a meal delivered to them – observing any dietary restrictions that may exist Caregiving is part science, part artform and all heart.

If you are a caregiver or the person requiring additional care with activities of daily living (ADLs), give yourself a little grace today. It’s not always an easy road to travel – many of the twists and turns are unexpected and a roadmap is often nowhere to be found. Just know there are people, communities, and resources around you ready and willing to help.

There are many resources available to informal caregivers – that is, if they can find the time to read, access or utilize said resources.

Here are a couple of things you can do right from the chair you may be sitting in while you read this article: 1. take a deep breath….pull that air into the bottom of your lungs and then exhale; repeat this three times 2. take your magazine outside and let the sun warm your face and body; stay outside for at least 3 minutes and gradually work up to 10-15 minutes, as your caregiving situation allows 3. listen to a favorite song or musical artist throughout the day – sing a bar or two if the mood strikes you

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Aging Well Partners was founded on the premise that everyone deserves to age well; and aging well involves planning well. Whether it’s customized daily call service, a trusted and vetted electrician or plumber, or a referral to a geriatric physician who specializes in illness and ailments more commonly seen as we age, we can point you in the right direction.

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www.agingwellpartners.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022 31 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / MAY 2022 33

Shelter to Soldier Matches US Navy Veteran with Rescued and Trained Emotional Support Animal Sponsored

by Logomark

by Eva M. Stimson The non-profit mission of Shelter to Soldier (STS) is to pair eligible US veterans suffering from PTS, TBI and/or MST, (Military Sexual Trauma) with trained dogs from shelters and rescue organizations to help heal psychological wounds. This service is provided at no cost to veterans who qualify for the program.

In keeping with the philosophy of “Saving Lives, Two at a TimeTM, STS adopted a 2.5 year-old male German Shepherd from LA-based I Stand With My Pack (ISWMP), a rescue partner of STS. Scout was carefully chosen as a potential candidate to serve as an STS service dog that would ultimately be partnered with a wait-list of eligible veterans in need of STS services.

STS President Graham Bloem remarks, ”Scout has charming energy…he is relaxed, but eager to learn and train. In his initial evaluation, Scout appeared to be a great candidate for the STS psychiatric service dogtraining program. Scout promptly began the training schedule where his foundational work was going well, and his handler focus and desire to please were stellar traits. Over a short period of time, Scout was presented with orthopedic challenges. The training team at STS noticed instability in favoring his front right leg while training and in off-duty play. X-rays revealed he needed surgical treatments to remove bone fragments from his elbows, which was thankfully underwritten by Logomark.”

According to Clive Goldberg, Chief Operating Officer of Logomark, “We are so grateful to be in a position to support Shelter to Soldier and proud to help build awareness of the commitment to ‘Saving Lives Two at a TimeTM ”.

Despite Scout’s diagnosis and surgical procedure, he healed and remained in great spirits, eager to do good work. Thankfully, he met the standards for an STS Emotional Support Dog and was “career changed” to this important role. He resumed his training program and was ultimately matched with US Navy Veteran, Adam Fleener. Adam served in the United States Navy as a Mineman for nine years and was deployed to Bahrain from 2013-2014 and in Japan from 2014-2017.

Adam is over the moon excited to add Scout to his family and STS is thrilled that Scout has found such a lovely family. Adam elaborates, “Scout has been a great 32

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Scout with Adam Fleemer

addition to me and my family. I am so happy that I was able to find Shelter to Soldier. We are grateful to have Scout in our lives.”

Everyday, 20 US veterans on average commit suicide and approximately 1,800 dogs are euthanized. These staggering statistics inspire the entire STS team to do all they can do to support those served by the STS program, both canine and human.

Shelter to Soldier is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

To learn more about veteran-support services provided by STS, visit their website at www.sheltertosoldier.org or call 760-870-5338 for a confidential interview regarding eligibility.

To discover more about other Logomark Cares give back programs, visit www.logomark.com/cares.

Guide Dogs of America At Guide Dogs of America, we transform lives through partnerships with service dogs. We breed, raise, and train guide dogs for individuals who are blind/ visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children with autism. We also place facility dogs with professionals in hospitals, schools, and courtrooms.

Our highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient.

This heartfelt note is from US combat Vietnam Veteran.

Jim served with the 173rd Airborne for 18 months. He was exposed to Agent Orange and suffers from PTSD. “My name’s Jim Reed, and this is my friend Triton. It’s been a long time since I had a friend, and even longer since I wanted one. When I first got here, I was real nervous. Which I am now. But, I’ve felt the feeling of easiness and calmness that I thought I left somewhere in the past.

RAISE A PUPPY...

CHANGE A LIFE! Open your home and your heart, to a future service dog in-training Like I said, I have PTSD and a few things that agent orange had to offer. At night when the dark dreams come, and 1968 comes looking for me just like it always does, now Triton will be there to wake me up and bring me home. And for that, I’d like to thank everyone involved in this program from the bottom of my heart.

I’ve been told a few times since I’ve been here that Triton is a tool to help me navigate through life, which he is, but I like to think of him as my guardian angel.”

Volunteers Needed www.guidedogsofamerica.org

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Text “PUPPY” to 51555 Or Call: (818) 362-5834 www.guidedogsofamerica.org WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Suck It Up, Buttercup!

Woah, isn’t that aggressive?

Stay with us. The phrase “Suck It Up, Buttercup” is a response to someone complaining.

It bears hints of irony and sarcasm, The phrase stuck because it rhymes, it’s memorable, and has a enough sweet in it to combat the sourness.

Essentially it means, “ just get over it.”

Wondering how on earth a column intended to help someone transitioning out of the military could start off this way? Well, you’re going from a strict military mindset into the corporate civilian world where people may be kum-bay-ahhing.

Again, stay with us.

Enter “Operation Insta Biotech Exec” Meet Jim Gruny, a retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. He inspired the title of this column.

Gruny recalls his transition era. After many years of exceptional service as a Marine with a family, he realized it was time to take his experience and apply it elsewhere. (Well, not really elsewhere - only San Diego.

But we’ll get to that shortly. It’s relevant.)

When Gruny decided to take on the next chapter, he put a few priorities in order. First, was location. He had his wife, their two kids, and even a grandchild. They were all in San Diego. When considering the question of where to look for his next career, he knew that if he wanted to KEEP this lovely family, he was keeping his wife’s needs top of mind. San Diego, it was.

So far, he’s following everything we recommend!

Location, check! Industry-focused, down, check! Type of role, check!

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Gruny started his transition preparation in earnest about 4-5 months out. He felt he had a head start. He knew a few people that he thought would help him get his foot in the door and had a lot of transferable leadership experience. He expected he’d jump right into biotech at the level and role he wanted. Slam dunk? Not as-is. Not yet.

Spoiler alert.

Gruny kept running into the same problem. The leadership role he wanted (Director or above) required 5-10 years of industry experience, which he didn’t have. His expectations were high, and he didn’t want to start at the bottom. After 5 months of this, he got frustrated and gave up the biotech dream.

While he did pursue a rewarding career connected with the Marine Corps, he does wish he spent more time researching biotech as a career. In retrospect, he offers this invaluable advice to you.

1. Suck it up, buttercup and find a job.

If you have to start at the bottom, do it. Even if you’re the best leader the Navy or Marines has ever seen, no one hiring in corporate America really cares if you don’t have the transferable and applicable industryspecific skills.

2. Networking Naturally.

People tend to network to find people that will help them. But Gruny recommends to network differently.

Instead of looking for people who can help you, focus your networking on how YOU can help people. He calls it “networking naturally”. And it’s worked for him to build mutually benefitting and lasting relationships.

3. Accept PTSD. If you get injured, you get the injury fixed. Treat PTSD like any other injury or ailment. Don’t run away from it or ignore it. Just fix it. There are a ton of helpful resources throughout this month’s magazine that can help.

4. Start the transition process EARLY. Most people, including Gruny, started too late. As a result, you don’t know what you’re getting into

until once you get into it. Then you realize how long it actually takes to do what you want to do. Give yourself 1-2 years to get it right.

5. Ask yourself a couple of fundamental questions.

A lot will impact your decision. Make sure you are clear on these personal questions!

What’s most important to you? Where do you want to be or what do you want to do after you retire?

6. Set reasonable expectations.

Even if you were an outstanding leader in the military, you won’t have what they’re looking for to start at the top in a sector outside of the military. You’ll need to suck it up and start lower down to get that experience. Setting realistic expectations results in less frustration.

7. Treat transition like a job.

You can’t half-ass it and think your new career will come to you. Work at it every day and structure yourself like you would for any other project you worked on while on active duty.

Jim currently serves as the Community Liaison Officer at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, where each year 17,000 young men and women are trained to win battles, become better citizens, and earn the title...Marine.

Jim Gruny

We hope this no fluff advice is helpful.

Questions, looking for resources or answers?

Reach out to Eve at: eve@bandofhands.com www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

www.bandofhands.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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HUMAN RESOURCES Transition to Business

By Paul Falcone

Mental Health Resources in the Workplace June is PTSD Awareness Month, and it’s important that you’re aware of the conversations that corporate employers are having right now regarding the state of mental health in the workplace.

First, know that employers take this seriously. Mental health support tops the list of concerns that many employers have, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where loneliness and isolation have become a real concern for remote workers. Let’s start there.

The Red Cross has created a course, open to the public, titled “Psychological First Aid: Supporting Yourself and Others During COVID-19,” which you can access here: https://tinyurl.com/redcross-takeaclass The online course costs $20.00 and is designed for anyone interested in learning techniques for supporting mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.

Further, employers are beginning to realize that workers from diverse backgrounds can face greater anxiety from lack of representation, unconscious bias, and other stressors that impact their mental health and psychological safety at work. For example, studies show that: • Minorities tend to feel less included at work, especially in the areas of race, gender, and sexual identity.

• Millennials (35 & under) were 3.5 times more likely than Boomers (60 & under) to say that their work environment contributed to their mental health symptoms.

• 90% of transgender employees, 75% of Gen Z, 50% of Millennial, 47% of both Latinx and Black employees have left a previous role due, at least in part, to mental health reasons, compared to 34% of all respondents overall.

• Asians are 51% less likely to use mental health services than Whites.

Source: https://bit.ly/3NyD1bB 36

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Employers’ Responses Mental health and workplace stress tie into the DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—movement well because such programs attempt to identify and mitigate the effects of isolation and “otherness” that plague many U.S. workers. Employers and their DEI committees continue to create inclusion strategies with greater nuance, specificity, and intentionality to enforce conduct and behaviors that ensure that: 1. Everyone treats everyone else with respect.

2. Managers appreciate the unique characteristics of everyone on their team.

3. Leaders do what’s right and are trained in identifying symptoms or concerns that may require greater attention or resources.

Other employer interventions that you may learn of include mentorship and buddy programs, mental health training for managers to provide “mental health first aid,” the creation of “Employee Resource Groups,” or ERGs, for workers to come together voluntarily and according to particular affiliations, including veteran status, disability, working mom, race, gender, sexual identity, and other associations. ERGs’ messages confirm, “You’re welcome here. You’re safe here. And we’re all in this together.”

Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, are companypaid third-party providers that offer confidential and free services to workers who may be in need of mental health resources. Employees may self-refer to an outside EAP organization on a voluntary, private basis to get the support they need. If your company offers EAP benefits, you can typically find out about it on the company’s intranet page or in the HR department, where flyers and handouts are typically prominently displayed.

For Immediate Support Check out the Mental Health Action network at www.mentalhealthaction.network. This incredibly valuable community encourages and empowers you to take action for your own mental health, your family, and your community. The network provides resources based on what you may be feeling or experiencing right now and also provides a hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a medical professional confidentially and without charge.

T H E PAUL FALCONE LEADERSHIP SERIES WORKPLACE ETHICS EFFECTIVE HIRING NEW MANAGERS LEADERSHIP OFFENSE LEADERSHIP DEFENSE

We’re all responsible for community mental health, one individual at a time. And never forget that so many people have dedicated their lives and careers to this noble cause, making themselves available whenever they’re needed. We’re all in this together, and together we can make this work—for everyone.

You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1 Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a leadership consultant, trainer, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.

www.HarperCollinsLeadership.com

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Successful Transitioning Stories

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

This month I am excited to talk with Ryan Adams. Ryan’s Navy career started on a nuclear fast attack submarine and moved into the Navy Special Operations Community where he served as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator among our country’s most elite units. His Naval career fueled his lifelong passion for the water where after retiring from the Navy after a 28 year career in the Navy, he became a licensed Yacht Sales Professional with Jeff Brown Yachts and obtained his US Coast Guard Captain’s Credential where he often helps new and seasoned boat owners with on the water training and enhancing their boating experience. With Ryan’s recent transition, we got a chance to get some great tips on transitioning.

Ryan who helped you in your transition?

I worked with the Honor Foundation on my transition and they did an excellent job helping me transition.

They provided a great mentor and really helped me find my why and what I wanted to do as I transitioned out. I learned I did not want a conventional 9-5 job and be stuck in an office all day. I found out I was really competitive and sales fit me very well. And I loved boats so getting into the Yacht club sales seemed like a good fit. It was flexible, it was sales, and I loved the adrenaline of the sales industry. And by getting my Captain License, I also get to captain boats for many clients. And there was no cap on my salary, I could make as much as I wanted. I just had to put in the work.

myself so I could really find out what my passion was, what I wanted to do. Most important is to stick with your passion as it may not evolve overnight but give it time it will move in the right direction.

What do you feel was most helpful in transitioning?

I was able to do some internships in the industry that I was interested in. That helped me get experience, build a good network, and guide me on if this industry really fit with what I wanted to do. When I had my retirement party, a large amount of people attending were people from the new industry and job I was entering into because I spent so much time working with them, building relationships, and learning the industry.

Any other tips?

Many don’t realize when they transition they need to be ready for all the paperwork and processing. This can take time and many do not get their checks right away so be prepared financially and have some money put back to support you. Also, I set up my transition that I transitioned out and was starting my new job shortly after I officially retired.

What are some tips you can give to transitioning veterans?

You owe it to yourself to work on your transition at least 12-24 months ahead of leaving the military. You need to research many industries, network, start making it your part time job to work on your transition before you get out.

What where some of the ways you researched the industry?

I researched my industry and sales. I talked to the Mayor of my town as he had to go door to door, so this is part of sales. I sat in on Amazon webinars, I educated 38

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To get education from Dr. Tiffany click link below https://drtiffanytajiri.com/meet-dr-tiffany/ To watch the Dr. Tiffany live interview click the link below https://youtu.be/oeWm4Oa3keA For more help on active duty transition, education, and more click the link below www.synergylearninginstitute.org

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BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Have You Found Your “Silver Rocket”?

We start to shed doubt on the wisdom of our decision, and pressures mount because cash flow is slow.

Success is very personal, and it is up to each of us to discover it for ourselves. It requires a vast reserve of inner strength which is based on your personal purpose, a direction that guides the choices you make at any given moment. People often confuse purpose with goals.

When you discover purpose then the goals you achieve bring a rich sense of fulfillment.

As business owners, grabbing this “silver rocket” does several things: 1. Your decision making is congruent with the core of your being AND moves you closer to your ultimate vision of success.

2. It helps you define what constitutes a successful business and life for yourself.

How many books, e-books, programs, workshops etc. have you bought into lately looking for that “silver rocket” for success? The “silver rocket” of success means different things to different people. During times of economic change I have found business owners questioning what success really means to them. It was not too long ago that many thought going back and getting a “job” was that silver rocket.

Funny how things change.

So, what is it inside of people that makes them willing to risk everything they have to be in business? Is it to join the league of greats like Ford, Carnegie, Hearst, Jobs, Gates or just to have the freedom of being in a business of their own?

Perhaps it is the spirit passed down by parents or grandparents who ran the butcher shops, bakeries and small service businesses from the beginning of time.

Some say it is a burning desire that hits like a flash of lightening or an idea that begs to be developed.

When we first go into business the dream and desire may seem clear, but then events and circumstances start to affect the business climate, competition ramps up their marketing and customers seem to need more information, a better deal or just more of our time.

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3. It enhances your personal motivation, inner strength, determination and desire.

4. It strengthens the courage to overcome any adversity that interferes with the vision you have for your business.

Your personal purpose “silver rocket” is not discovered overnight. One of the best sources of encouragement is to record your achievements. Reviewing them as you plan each month helps to maintain a high level of motivation and an ever-increasing keenness for achievement. List the achievements in your life that have given you the most sense of fulfillment. Look at the people you admire, what are the qualities in them that stand out for you. Do some self assessment about your own strengths and qualities. Consider all areas of your life, they add to your belief in your potential and your motivation to achieve even more. When you look within, you will find your “silver rocket” of success.

Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Success 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

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legal Eagle Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

WHEN IS AN EMPLOYER LIABLE FOR EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ACCIDENTS OR MISCONDUCT? It’s always been your dream to open a small family restaurant business. You’ve finally saved up the money to do it and you hire a delivery driver to help you deliver catered food to your customers. One day, the driver calls you panicked and tells you he has been in an accident with the company truck. You start asking yourself who will be the responsible party for all legal related issues?

Employers can be held liable for their employees and independent contractor acts under a legal theory known as “respondeat superior,” which is Latin for “let the superior answer.” The general rule is that the employee or independent contractor must be acting within the course and scope of employment for an employer to be held liable. If an employee or an independent contractor causes an accident or injury while doing his job, acting on the employer’s behalf, or carrying out company business, then the employer will usually be held liable. This rule holds employers

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responsible for employee or independent contractor carelessness and misconduct as a cost of business.

It also encourages employers to make careful hiring decisions and to be vigilant about who they choose to represent their company.

If an employee is carrying out personal business or acting out of personal motives when an accident occurs, the employer might not be held liable. For example, when your delivery driver has finished his shift and decides to run personal errands with the company truck and causes an accident, the employer can argue that the employee was acting independently. If the employee was not acting at the employer’s direction, then there are good arguments that the employee should be held personally responsible for his actions. But if the accident or injury in any way stemmed from actions of the employer, the employer will likely be held liable.

Let’s consider the independent contractor performing work for an individual, for example as a gardener, and accidently or deliberately cause injury to your neighbor’s dog, as the person who hired the gardener, you will be held responsible for your gardener’s actions. You should make sure that your gardener has general liability insurance so you can make a claim for damages that you’ll be paying your neighbor for the injured dog.

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Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, whether or not the employer knew that the employee or independent contractor might cause harm is irrelevant. A victim does not need to show that the employer did anything wrong. Simply by virtue of employing a person who committed harm while on the job is usually sufficient to establish employer liability.

If an employee harms another employee while on the job, this is generally covered under workers’ compensation. The injured employee can make a workers’ compensation claim for lost wages, medical bills, and any other qualifying expenses.

If workers’ compensation covers the injury, the employee likely cannot sue the employer for the same injury unless it stemmed from an employer’s intentionally misconduct.

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 family and yourself falls on you.

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

Award-winning attorney, Kelly Bagla shows you how to avoid legal pitfalls FROM DAY ONE! The last thing an entrepreneur wants is to spend valuable time and resources on legal issues, which is why they often drop to the bottom of the pile. But this can be a COSTLY MISTAKE—and Go Legal Yourself is here to make sure it’s one you avoid.

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WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Employment Focused Workshops to Help You Reach Your Goals Author: Tim Winter, Director, Transition Assistance Program, Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Perhaps you’re trudging back and forth to the same office or signing on for a day of work in a job that shows no sign of changing or improving: the long hours, the ongoing meetings, the lack of fulfillment.

The job itself is mind-numbing; your talents forgotten and the potential you had in abundance when you first transitioned out of the military feels like it has been sucked out of you.

If you’re reading this and thinking, yeah, that is me, then the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS) has just the thing for you.

DOL VETS has a new pilot program to help veterans, veterans currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses to take control of their careers.

The Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) pilot program consists of ten two-hour workshops designed to help you to prepare to meet your employment goals.

These no-cost workshops, both in-person and virtual offerings, will fit any schedule and can give you an advantage over your civilian counterparts.

The Workshops Your Next Move: Your Next Move is designed to help anyone unsure of what they want to do next with their career. This workshop explores interest profiling, skills matching and general labor market information.

It is designed to introduce the basic tools needed for career exploration and identification of high-demand occupations.

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Marketing Yourself and Other Job Search Tactics: Marketing Yourself and Other Job Search Tactics explains how essential it is to present skills, knowledge and abilities that meet the employer’s needs. This workshop provides proven tactics to help job seekers get noticed and hired.

Understanding Resume Essentials: Understanding Resume Essentials explains the importance of a wellstructured resume that highlights relevant skills and experience to potential employers. This workshop covers the elements of a resume and provides job seekers with techniques to create an effective document that employers will notice.

Creating Your Resume – Writing Workshop: Creating Your Resume – Writing Workshop builds on the Understanding Resume Essentials. During this workshop attendees will have time to craft an initial resume or revise a current one.

Interview Skills (virtual only): Interview Skills aims to provide attendees with the tools and confidence they need to ace a job interview. Learning how to prepare for an interview and practice answering questions will give attendees an advantage in landing a job. During this workshop, interview basics, potential questions and interview techniques are presented.

Federal Hiring (virtual only): Federal Hiring covers the basics of gaining federal employment. Veterans have a distinct advantage when applying for federal positions with veterans’ preference.

During this workshop, the basics of civil service, USAJobs, special hiring authorities and other resources for attendees’ federal job search are discussed.

LinkedIn Profiles (virtual only): This workshop walks attendees through how to create a compelling LinkedIn profile that can be used to build a professional brand and highlight experience.

LinkedIn Job Search (virtual only): This workshop explains how to proactively use LinkedIn for job searches and pulls back the curtain to show how recruiters use LinkedIn to find potential employees, which you can use in your employment opportunities.

Salary Negotiations (virtual only): Salary Negotiations explores the tools and techniques to handle salary negotiations. This workshop is designed to take the mystery out of salary negotiation and walks attendees through how to conduct salary research to position yourself effectively during negotiation.

Employment Rights (virtual only): Employment Rights cover basic employment protections as well as those protections specific to veterans. It provides essential information on the American Disabilities Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Information on reasonable accommodations and selfadvocacy will also be presented.

Thinking about changing careers? It’s time to find your passion and make that your priority.

OBTT will help you reach your employment and career goals. You served, you earned it; find your next victory with OBTT. Explore and register for OBTT in-person or virtual workshops online at: www.dol.gov/obttworkshops

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IS Acupuncture a Good Option for PTSD? By: Joseph Molina National Veterans Chamber of Commerce veteransccsd@gmail.com The NVCC set up a series of Interviews with “Local” professionals who could bring some light and provide some clarity on this issue.

In our first Interview we contacted Joe Voss from the North County Acupuncture™ to tell us, from his perspective, what PTSD is and how he helps Veterans deal with its effects. Joe Voss provided the following information: These symptoms can include but are not limited to headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, memory issues, and emotional imbalances often manifested as anxiety. Any of these issues on their own can be detrimental to functioning at a comfortable, productive level in society. While western medicine is phenomenal at treating trauma, it is limited in options for treating pain and initiating healing in the body and spirit.

The result is that many veterans suffering with PTSD continue to experience symptoms, especially anxiety, for many years after the initial injury.

However, in my 22 years of practicing acupuncture and Chinese medicine, I have seen a large percentage of my patients experience relief from many PTSD symptoms and reduce their reliance on medications.

My experiences in effectively treating PTSD with acupuncture goes beyond the anecdotal because, as evidence-based studies show, acupuncture increases the release of endorphins, known as the “feel good” hormones.

Studies published by the Evidence Based Acupuncture research organization also show that acupuncture is recognized as a therapeutic treatment for anxiety and depression. Much of acupunctures positive effect is based on its ability to improve Heart Rate Variability (HRV). An important way our bodies deal with stress is by regulating our heart rates in response to our environment. In other words, our heart rates vary as needed to cope with what our bodies and brains interpret as stressful or non-stressful situations.

Individuals with a higher (HRV) tend to have healthier responses to their environmental and emotional stressors.

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Studies have also shown that acupuncture improves HRV by regulating the brain’s hypothalamus into releasing the proper neurochemicals when stress is perceived, and the heart rate is then able to adjust appropriately. The result is that a higher HRV helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. It is through these pathways and mechanisms that acupuncture is able to help improve HRV, and the body is better able to cope with life’s stressors.

Which comes first treating the mind or the body? Our bodies, through feelings and emotions send certain frequencies and neurotransmitters to the brain which triggers the brain to release a cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters into the body. This causes changes in how all of our organs and systems function.

But it has also been shown that there are more nerve pathways leading from the heart to the brain than there are leading from the brain to the heart. Promising research, in which HRV is just one part, is exploring how our heart is transmitting to our brain how “to think and feel,” instead of the other way around as we have believed for many years. If the heart and brain rhythms are out of sync then our health suffers, and one of the symptoms of this imbalance is anxiety.

So, while according to the most up to date evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, I believe it is reasonable to extrapolate that acupuncture also has beneficial effects in treating other painful emotional conditions by treating organs such as the heart. Anecdotally, I have experienced this to be the case numerous times with my patients in my acupuncture practice. However, the empirical evidence also shows that acupuncture is not an “alternative medicine” to be used as a last resort for treating PTSD symptoms like anxiety. When combined with traditional medicine to treat TBI, concussions and emotional trauma, acupuncture is an effective treatment method that stimulates the body’s physical and emotional healing processes.

Another observation that I have had is that emotional pain has the effect of increasing physical pain. Over many years I have seen many veterans decrease the use of and often stop their use of opioid and other medications. I firmly believe that acupuncture can play a very important role in solving the current opioid crisis in our country as a whole and especially in our veteran community.

We would like to thank Joe Voss from North County Acupuncture™ for his participation and contribution to this very important issue for our Veterans.

www.NationalVeterans.org

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Legally Speaking Military Focused Family Law Facts

By Tana Landau, Esq.

Co-Parenting with an Abuser If you were in a relationship where you experienced domestic violence (whether it was physical, emotional, or verbal abuse) it is likely you had a nightmarish time freeing yourself of that relationship. You may even suffer from PTSD as a result of it. What happens, though, when you have a child with your abusive partner who you still having to coparent with? You may feel ongoing stress and emotional impacts of that abuse because you are still tied to your abuser. Here are some helpful tips in navigating your way through coparenting with your abuser.

Do not engage your abuser in a power struggle or try to micromanage what they do in their home. However, if you feel your child is in physical or emotional danger, you should intervene immediately.

Communications Keep your communications to a minimum. The best way to approach communications with a coparent who was your abuser is to keep your communications businesslike and child-focused. Do not engage if there are communications outside that scope. If the communications turn ugly or your ex tries to escalate the communications into a fight, end the communication as quickly as possible.

Abusers may ignore, push, or test your boundaries.

Don’t take the bait. Consider using one of the many coparenting apps that are available such as Our Family Wizard or Talking Parents to keep a record of your communications. Many of these apps also have a feature that will alert you if your communications are inflammatory. Do not name call, insult, or threaten your abuser, especially in the presence of your child. While it may make you feel like you have your power back, it is damaging to your child.

Expectations Do not have any. Since an abuser thrives on control, you cannot expect them to work with you. Even in a coparenting situation where neither parent was an abuser, routines and rules differ between homes. It is okay if both parents are acting in the best interest of their children. Learn to accept it and the fact that you cannot control the other parent. Consider a parallel parenting approach which minimizes contact with your abuser. Do set clear boundaries for yourself.

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Parenting Plan If you find yourself having to coparent with an abuser, one of the most helpful steps you can take is ensuring that you have a very specific parenting plan. You want your parenting plan to have as much detail as possible.

Most parenting plans will define who has the child on which days of the week. Make sure that exchanges are defined, where will they take place while school is in session and when it is out, who picks up, who drops off, and at what time. Ensure that you have a very specific holiday schedule. The more detailed your parenting plan is, the less room there is for interpretation and conflict.

Issues That May Arise If you find yourself coparenting/parallel parenting with an abuser, you may find yourself faced with these common behaviors of those who thrive on control: - They may gaslight you or even your child so the other parent can have their own needs met first.

- They may bad mouthing or trash talk you to your child or subtly try to undermine their trust in you.

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Move forward without breaking the bank. Our military expert family law attorneys are ready to push your case to the finish line.

- They may try to compete with you for the love and attention of your child through gifts or promises to win your child over.

- They may try to put your child in uncomfortable or inappropriate positions where your child feels like they are caught in the middle or mediating, or they may use them as messengers.

- They may share inappropriate information with your child to align them with them.

- They may struggle to stick to agreements.

- They may use manipulation when they want something from you.

Keep A Record Document everything. Keep track of what they do in case you do need to return to Court one day.

However, do not cross examine your children to dig up information about the other parent.

Military Divorce and Retirement, 20/20/20 Spouse, Survivor Benefit Plans, Support Orders, and more.

Support Network Build a support network. Don’t let co-parenting with an abuser make you feel like you are still trapped in the abusive relationship. If you are feeling trapped, talk to someone. Reach out to counselors, therapists, domestic violence advocates, and family and friends. These people will be important in keeping you confident in yourself and your decision-making abilities. Even though you left the relationship, an abuser will continue to say things to you and attempt to manipulate you in losing confidence in yourself through their co-parenting. While you cannot control them, you have control over your own happiness!

No nonsense. No hidden fees.

Discounts for service members.

Call 858-720-8250 or visit www.frfamilylaw.com to schedule a free consultation.

Flat-fee law packages available.

For more information about co-parenting with an abuser 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.

Legal Experts with Humanity WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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War Widow of Green Beret Finds the Truth When four Green Berets were killed in an ambush in Niger in 2017, media and the American public largely focused on President Trump’s ham-fisted condolence call to one widow. But for Michelle Black, whose husband Bryan was one of the men killed in the attack, this shattering ordeal was made indescribably worse by vague and conflicting reports from the Army about what happened that day along the Niger-Mali border. A widow struggling to raise two sons alone, Black was determined to discover the facts about how and why her husband and his comrades died.

In SACRIFICE: The Green Berets, A Fateful Ambush, and A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth (G.P. Putnam’s Sons; May 10, 2022), Michelle Black gives readers a meticulously researched and uncompromising account of the circumstances behind Bryan’s and his fellow soldiers’ deaths.

Upon their return trip the following morning, they were set upon by ISIS militants outside the remote village of Tongo Tongo. The hours long firefight left four Americans and five Nigeriens dead and all but two of the survivors wounded.

Homeland When did you first decide to write SACRIFICE, and to investigate the circumstances of the ambush in Niger?

We sat down with Michelle to discuss her book about the incident.

Homeland This is the story of a flawed mission that senior military leaders never fully took responsibility for. Explain to us what this mission was.

Michelle The Niger Ambush was the largest loss of American life on the continent of Africa since the battle of Mogadishu, also known as Black Hawk Down. My husband’s team, ODA 3212, (a Special Forces A-Team) were sent out on a routine one-day patrol. While headed back from a successful patrol higher headquarters contacted them ordering the team to turn around and go on another mission. Despite a major lack of assets, they were forced ahead to the dangerous Mali border alone.

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Michelle In April 2018 I was stunned to find I had more questions than answers as I left my family brief. I felt I’d been lied to by the investigators of the ambush who’d made it clear that those lowest down the chain of command were being blamed and would be punished, while the officers who ordered the mission and forced the team ahead would not be held to account. A week later the commander of Africom held a press briefing and stated that my husband’s team was not indicative of special operators. This statement dishonored all who had fought and died alongside my husband and was the tipping point for me.

Homeland How did you go about your research?

Michelle I interviewed the Green Berets that survived the ambush one at a time. I also spoke with the commander of a heliborne unit involved in the mission, men who were running communications at the AOB (Advanced Operating Base) during the ambush, the AOB commander, and a former SocAfrica Commander.

I compared the information I gathered with the information and reports given to me by investigators and used those to pull apart the lies my family was told.

Homeland After talking with the surviving members of Bryan’s team, what was the most shocking thing you discovered?

Michelle Multiple events leading up to and during the ambush were twisted by investigators to purposely make the Team Captain, Mike Perozeni, look bad so they could pin the majority of the blame on him. One surprising discovery I made was that a collision had occurred when two Nigerien trucks backed into the lead American truck causing the convoy to come to a halt. Investigators claimed the team had slowly come to a halt because Captain Perozeni wanted to conduct a bold flanking maneuver.

Homeland Following the death of your husband and the lies officials told what are your feelings towards the US military?

Michelle I grew up as far from the military as one could and didn’t know anyone who’d served until I met Bryan’s dad who was a marine. As you can imagine my feelings toward

Michelle Black

Book Tour June 2022

the military have significantly changed over time.

Ironically, my experiences with the military have not soured my view but rather drawn me in. I love the military and what it stands for. I love the community of special operators that my husband and I were a part of. I love the ideals of serving, sacrifice, honor, and respect for everyone that can be found throughout our military community. Ideals that are what make America such a great nation.

My dislike is not for the military but rather injustice and this book was born out of the injustice that a few individuals are responsible for.

Homeland What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

Michelle I hope that readers will leave with a sense of how important it is for leaders of our armed forces to lead with integrity. I hope they will understand that the men on the team were truly heroic despite the false accusations and blame they had to endure in the aftermath. www.warwicks.com/black-2022-reserved-seat www.MichelleBlackSacrifice.com

June 2 - San Diego, CA Warwick's Bookstore

June 9 - Arlington, TX Barnes & Noble The Parks At Arlington

June 11 - Arlington, TX Celebrity So�ball Classic Globe Life Field

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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BEFORE SERVED HONORABLY.

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Our students earn credentials that open doors to jobs anywhere in the U.S. Call us at (619) 550-1620.

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AFTER EARNED A CAREER IN JUST 4 MONTHS. ENROLL NOW AT WFW.ORG CAD/CAM Programming CNC Machining Welding DoD SkillBridge Organization

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TRAIN TO BECOME A CRANE OPERATOR TODAY. Visit: www.heavyequipmentcollege.com No Official US Government or DOD endorsement is implied WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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Opportunities in Law Enforcement You’ve served your country, now serve your community!

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.

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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.

Military service can be a perfect entrance into a law enforcement career.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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www.rva.gov/police/personnel

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WE DON’T JUST THANK

VETERANS,

WE HIRE

THEM.

PGHJOBS.NET CITY OF PITTSBURGH - E/O/E 58

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INSIDE THE MONTHLY COLUMNS Homeland Magazine features monthly columns & articles on topics of interest for today’s veterans, transitioning military personnel, active military, and the families that keep it together.

• Real Talk: Mental Health • A Different LENS Mental Health Monthly • Arts & Healing Arts for Military Veterans

Homeland Magazine

• What’s Next Transition to Civilian Life • Human Resources Transition to Business • Business for Veterans • Legal Eagle Legal Business Tips • Legally Speaking Military Family Focused Law • National Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Feel free to review & bookmark our supportive & resourceful monthly columns:

---------------------------------------------------------------Real Talk: Mental Health

By Outreach and Clinical experts from the Cohen Clinic at VVSD Deployment, transition, reintegration – as a veteran, service member or military family member, you’ve likely had to face all three. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, part of Cohen Veterans Network, provides high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to the military community. Our Mental Health Column provides advice on various topics related to these challenges.

Learn more: www.cohenveteransnetwork.org 60

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A Different LENS Mental Health Monthly

By Randee McLain, LCSW A Different Lens reflects on RanDee’s personal experiences as former law enforcement, Veteran, military spouse, and clinician. A Different Lens explores all things mental health related and the struggles our veterans and their families may face.

Connect with Randee at www.linkedin.com/in/randee-mclain-lcsw-8335a493 -------------------------------------------------------------Arts & Healing

Arts for Military Veterans

By Amber Robinson Arts & Healing is a reflection of Amber’s personal experiences in healing through the arts as a disabled combat veteran as well as a reflection of our San Diego veteran artists and how they are using art to transform and heal, too.

You can read Amber’s columns at www.tinyurl.com/SDVM-Art

What’s Next

LEGAL EAGLE

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

Transitioning from the military into the civilian work world can be anxiety-producing, depressing, and demoralizing without being prepped with the right mindset and tools for success. What’s Next shares stories, insights, tips, and resources from those who have transitioned, so those in the process (or thinking of starting the process) are armed and ready to find rewarding opportunities, ace the interview, and embark on a successful career journey.

Business Formation and Asset Protection Expertise.

An all-inclusive comprehensive overview, of common expensive pitfalls business owners are subjected to, that YOU need to know about. Asset protection musthaves and unparalleled guidance through the Shark infested waters of Business Formation. Kelly Bagla, Esq. is an international award-winning corporate attorney who has been in the business of turning passion projects into profits for more than two decades. Trust an Expert.

You can connect with Eve at

www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert/ or eve@bandofhands.com ----------------------------------------------------------------

Contact Kelly at www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-bagla-esq Websites: www.BaglaLaw.com www.GoLegalYourself.com

Human Resources

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transition to Business

By Paul Falcone

National Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Moving from the military into the private sector isn’t going to be seamless. The transition process can be difficult, particularly because the job search, interview, and onboarding processes are relatively new territory for many veterans. The HR Column offers a unique perspective on hot topics and relevant issues in corporate leadership and management today.

You can connect with Paul at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1 or via his website at www.PaulFalconeHR.com ----------------------------------------------------------------

By Joseph Molina The National Veterans Chamber (NVCC) helps connect Military/Veterans Community by housing organizations that serve the Veteran Community. We write about Entrepreneurship, Employment, Education, Wellness, Family and Faith.

The NVCC was founded in 2017 with the simple goal of Empowering Individuals and Organizations that offer programs that will have a positive impact on the Veteran Community.

Business for Veterans

You can connect with Joe at josephmolina@nationalveterans.org or visit www.nationalveterans.org

By Barbara Eldridge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Business for Veterans column is by Barbara Eldridge who has built a solid reputation as a Success 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.

Lean more at www.mindmasters.com -------------------------------------------------------------Legally Speaking Military Family Law

By Tana Landau

SanLegal Experts with Humanity. For more information visit our website: www.frfamilylaw.com or call (858) 720-8250 and ask to speak with military family law attorney Tana Landau.

Homeland Magazine Current & Past Issues are available at: www.homelandmagazine.com/archives/ WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / JUNE 2022

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• Lifelong Job Placement and Career

The median IT job salary in the US was about $88,000 last year.

Counseling

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A MODE FOR EVERY OCCAISON

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