Homeland Magazine October 2021

Homeland

Vol. 10 Number 10 • October 2021

MAGAZINE

Transition What’s next

A Mentorship that Matters Healthcare Careers - A Perfect Fit Work Shops For Warriors

Invaluable Values

Tips - Successful Military Transition

Careers In Law Enforcement

Partnership to Assist Afghan Evacuees Deployment Mode Battling Breat Cancer Employer’s Guide to COVID-19 Vaccination, Verifications, Exemptions

MENTAL HEALTH WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021

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Choose a Medicare plan that serves those who served You deserve a Medicare plan that always has your back. That’s why UnitedHealthcare® has a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans designed to complement the health benefits you already receive for your service. The UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Patriot plan includes the freedom to visit doctors and hospitals in our large network for a $0 monthly premium.

It’s time to take advantage.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans designed to complement your VA or TRICARE For Life benefits.

1-855-322-1158, TTY 711 UHCPatriotPlan.com You do not have to be a veteran to be eligible for this plan. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Network size varies by market. ©2020 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

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1.5 Million Veterans & Growing You served our nation, and we’re proud to serve you.

We’ll help you make the most of your money.

Our members earn more and save more, on average $352 more per year, thanks to better rates and exclusive discounts.*

Visit navyfederal.org to join.

Insured by NCUA. *Based on results of the 2020 Navy Federal Member Giveback Study. The Member Giveback Study is an internal comparative market analysis of Navy Federal’s loan and deposit account rates as compared to the national average for similar products. © 2021 Navy Federal NFCU 14008-F (8-21)

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8/30/21 3:22 PM

www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/index.htm

BREAST CANCER IN YOUNG WOMEN Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.

Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 and older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 11% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. While breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are difficult for women of any age, younger women may find this experience overwhelming.

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

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

Contributing Writers Holly Shaffner Veteran Advocate

RanDee McLain, LCSW A Different Lens

Jenny Lynne Stroup Real Talk: Mental Health

Vicki Garcia

Enlisted to Entrepreneur

CJ Machado

SD Vets & Homeland Photojournalist

Kelly Bagla, Esq. Legal Eagle

Tana Landau, Esq. Legally Speaking

Joe Molina

Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Eve Nasby

www.HomelandMagazine.com

What’s Next - Transitioning

Amber Robinson Arts & Healing

Eva Stimson Greetings and a warm welcome to Homeland Magazine!

Veteran Advocate

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.

Human Resources

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.

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

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

Homeland Magazine is a veterans magazine for veterans by veterans.

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

Mike Miller

Publisher/Editor mikemiller@HomelandMagazine.com 4

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Paul Falcone

Money Matters VA Lending & Personal Finance

Collaborative Organizations Wounded Warrior Project Raquel Rivas Disabled American Veterans American’s Warrior Partnership * Including National Veteran Organizations, Advocates & Guest Writers

Homeland Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92126

(858) 275-4281 Contact Homeland Magazine at: info@homelandmagazine.com

TRANSITION

October

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 WWP & Red Cross to Assist Afghan Evacuees 10 Operation Gratitude 12 Community Integration Symposium 14 What’s Next: Two Transitions 16 HR - Prep Work Before an Interview 18 A Mentorship that Matters 20 Healthcare Careers - A Perfect Fit 22 Work Shops For Warriors 24 Invaluable Values 26 Tips - Successful Military Transition 28 Enlisted to Entrepreneur: Your Exit Strategy 31 Battling Breast Cancer 32 Real Talk: - Deployment Mode 34 My MilLife Guide 36 LENS: Anxiety thru Transition 38 Healing Suicide Advocacy and Theatre 40 Legal Eagle -Employer’s Guide 42 Legally Speaking - Divorce & Transition 48 Careers in Law Enforcemt

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Wounded Warrior Project, American Red Cross Partner to Assist Afghan Evacuees

By Paris Moulden, Wounded Warrior Project Photos provided by American Red Cross Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is showing its support for the American Red Cross by assisting Afghan evacuees in the United States and abroad.

“It’s just about helping people,” said WWP International Alumni Manager Kristy Hogan, whose team has been working with the Red Cross in Germany to assist thousands of Afghan evacuees.

It’s a sentiment shared by volunteers from WWP and the Red Cross.

Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August, the U.S. began preparations to assist the tens of thousands of Afghan citizens who were evacuated from the country due to safety concerns.

According to the International Rescue Committee, at least 263,000 Afghan civilians were affiliated with the

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U.S. mission in Afghanistan and tens of thousands were eligible for special immigrant visas because of their work alongside our military.

“The U.S. military immediately reached out to the American Red Cross to help in this effort, because we’re a humanitarian leader, we have the largest volunteer base in the world, and additionally, they have us as a first stop for evacuees to receive relief items when they get off the plane because they recognize the universal symbol of the Red Cross,” said Emily Osment, global spokesperson for the American Red Cross.

Because of our longstanding relationship, the Red Cross reached out to WWP seeking volunteers to assist with the humanitarian efforts at Ramstein Air Base and Rhine Ordnance Barracks (ROB) in Germany and at several U.S. military bases.

Efforts in Germany Kristy and the WWP team quickly got to work helping the Red Cross and the military in its mission at Ramstein. The team is used to responding quickly to meet needs since it supports service members who are medically evacuated from deployed locations.

“The first couple of days was mostly our team just filling in wherever we needed to,” said Kristy, who assisted in handing out water and food to the evacuees — or travelers as they’re called at Ramstein — who waited long hours at the processing center after arriving. “They were tired; they were hungry; they were scared.”

The WWP team in Germany, which also included Andrea Defibaugh and Layla Martinez, worked eight-to-12-hour days alongside Red Cross volunteers handing out food, water, hygiene kits, and baby supplies like diapers and milk. The team even purchased much-needed supplies and worked with active-duty service men and women to make the travelers feel at home as much as possible.

“This entire community sprang into action,” Kristy said. “They had it so well-organized, and they had so many volunteers who just offered up their time and donations.”

The needs were great as many travelers arrived with just the clothes on their backs, said Defibaugh, who helped assist travelers at Ramstein and ROB. She said she was struck by the realization that people left behind everything and by the gravity of the operation.

“It was an honor to be part of a team that so quickly responded to that crisis and provided support for such a meaningful and impactful mission,” Andrea said.

“Everyone came together so quickly with such energy and focus to provide what was necessary, and it was amazing to see all the different pieces coming together to help.”

The mission is ongoing, and the team is continuing to work with the Red Cross and the U.S. military to assist the more than 6,000 remaining travelers in temporary living areas on the base.

“It was about helping each other and coming together as a community to support this incredible mission,” Kristy said.

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Efforts in the U.S. While the Red Cross and WWP were aiding efforts in Germany, thousands of Afghan evacuees were also being relocated to military installations in the U.S., including Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, prompting the Red Cross to ask WWP for volunteer assistance closer to home.

WWP tapped into its Warriors to Work® program for volunteers for the operation. Initially, WWP sought out volunteers who had served in Afghanistan, but eventually opened it up to other post-9/11 warriors in the program, as well as to spouses and friends of the warrior, said WWP Financial Wellness Vice President Tom Kastner.

Warrior Robert Neuterman answered the call.

Robert had recently moved from Florida to Colorado and thought the timing was perfect. He also served in Afghanistan and felt particularly compelled to assist in the mission.

“A lot of the guys over there assisted us at one time,” he said. “I just really wanted to help.”

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More than 200 WWP registered warriors have shown an interest in volunteering in the U.S. efforts.

“Concurrent with leaving Afghanistan and the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this, I think, is a way to demonstrate some goodwill and to give warriors the opportunity to provide energy and efforts to a good cause,” Tom said.

For Robert, the trip to Fort Bliss was something he’ll treasure.

“It was a very humbling experience,” he said. “I’m blessed at my home, so being able to try and help them take those next steps in the next stage of their life, it was very rewarding.”

A Perfect Pairing WWP and the Red Cross are no strangers to working together. The two nonprofits may have different missions overall, but both boast dedicated volunteers and the desire to help when needed.

After signing up to volunteer and completing the Red Cross’ vetting process, Robert traveled to Fort Bliss, and immediately began making an impact.

As thousands of Afghan evacuees poured into the base needing supplies and aid, Robert’s military background in logistics kicked in. Robert said the initial process for delivering supplies wasn’t the most efficient, so he worked with organizers from the Red Cross to streamline the process. He immediately took on a leadership role as he, along with a Red Cross team leader and other volunteers, greatly increased the delivery of “comfort kits” to evacuees in just a couple of days.

“The team I worked with was incredible,” Robert said.

“We depend on volunteers to carry out this mission,” Emily said. “What I saw, in particular overseas, was that a lot of military spouses and even Afghanistan war veterans raised their hand [to volunteer]. And they specifically shared with me they felt very attached to being a part of this mission. They really wanted to sign up because they knew the American Red Cross was working directly with evacuees. So, they wanted to have that face-to-face contact, and they felt very strongly about being the ones to support [the evacuees] as they came in and welcome them during this time of uncertainty.”

Tom said WWP’s role in assisting the Afghan evacuees was mainly to support the Red Cross and its humanitarian aid mission.

“This is a historic event in our time, and to be able to partner alongside Wounded Warrior Project, it doubles that impact,” Emily said. “It allows us to really provide those services to people in a real-time emergency — to people who need it immediately.”

About Wounded Warrior Project

Aside from his connection to Afghanistan through his service, the mission really hit home for the father of four upon seeing the number of children who entered the base, scared and far from home.

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition.

“My No. 1 priority is my family’s safety, and there were so many kids there,” said Robert, who was able to spend some of his minimal free time kicking around donated soccer balls with the young visitors.

Learn more: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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We are all so thankful for your generosity. What you do makes what we do a little easier, and it means a lot to every one of us.”

Operation Gratitude’s mission is to forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder Heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude, and meaningful engagements in communities nationwide. This is primarily accomplished by bringing communities together for the assembly and delivery of a tangible symbol of gratitude -- the signature Operation Gratitude Care Package.

More than 17 years ago, Operation Gratitude sent its first four Care Packages to deployed Service Members in Iraq. Since then, the nonprofit has allowed millions of Americans to express appreciation through hands-on volunteerism and has lifted the spirits of more than 1.8 million deployed troops, also evolving to impact another 1.2 million recruit graduates, veterans, military families, first responders, and healthcare heroes.

Multiple programs exist at Operation Gratitude, allowing grateful Americans everywhere to show appreciation for and connect with all those who serve in a meaningful way.

Deployed troops Each year, Operation Gratitude sends hundreds of thousands of Care Packages to troops deployed around the world. Generous citizens and corporate partners donate high quality “wish list” items, “handmade with love” items, and letters of support to fill the care packages.

A sailor aboard the USS San Jacinto was a recent recipient of an Operation Gratitude care package. He shared, “This little ray of sunshine was much needed, as the unfortunate spread of the Coronavirus has stopped all of our possible port visits. Right now, we have been underway for 61 consecutive days and are expecting another 50+ before we get a break.

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Recruit graduates Operation Gratitude welcomes the nation’s newest service members with the help of devoted community volunteers by delivering Care Pouches at Boot Camp graduations across the country. During the pandemic, volunteers continue to give through virtual volunteerism opportunities.

Military families Operation Gratitude sends trademarked “Battalion Buddy” bears to the children of deployed service members. These comfort items are hand stuffed by volunteers at events nationwide. The Operation Gratitude team and volunteers are often invited to handdeliver these bears, where they have the opportunity to show these brave young warriors and their parents that a grateful nation stands with them during difficult times.

Veterans Operation Gratitude coordinates with VA hospitals, Veteran and nursing homes, Veterans Services Organizations, and other best-in-class nonprofits to provide care packages to Veterans of all generations.

Receiving a Care Package shows veterans, often for the first time, that their service and sacrifices are appreciated and never forgotten.

Wounded Heroes and Caregivers To honor the service and sacrifice of Wounded Heroes from all eras and their often unseen Caregivers, Operation Gratitude provides custom Care Packages to acknowledge and thank each of them in a unique way. These Care Packages are delivered directly to their homes or given out at group events.

First Responders The delivery of Care Packages to hundreds of departments across the U.S. allows Operation Gratitude team members, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners to thank the local First Responders who honorably protect and serve their communities.

Operation Gratitude began as a grassroots movement to provide every American with the opportunity to say “thank you” to all who serve. Now a national nonprofit, Operation Gratitude has grown significantly to meet the military’s evolving needs, first responder, and healthcare heroes at the core of its mission. Volunteers remain the heart and soul of the organization. The millions of volunteers nationwide who take the time to contribute to a Care Package make a connection and an impact, as expressed in an email from a deployed soldier with the 82nd airborne last year, upon receiving Operation Gratitude Care Packages for his entire unit: “Thank you to all the Men, Women, and children for your hard work and words of encouragement. We appreciate you and will continue to keep our patriotic citizens safe and keep our spirits high. With this kind of support and appreciation, we can never fail to know that you all have our back when times get tough.”

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT

SERVICE

COVID-19 Response On March 22, 2020, Operation Gratitude launched one of the most extensive coordinated efforts in the country to support the brave men and women on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the form of critically needed items and handwritten letters of appreciation, this support directly impacts their ability to serve and protect our communities and the citizens who rely on them. “As we have all seen recently, the world can turn upside down in a matter of days.

One thing that we can always count on during a crisis is our military and first responders on the frontlines,” said the CEO of Operation Gratitude, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel. “While they continue to serve, we will continue to support them.

Together, we will deliver millions of critically needed items and letters of appreciation globally to those who need it most.”

Solidarity of Service, a new podcast hosted

by Operation Gratitude CEO and Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel and the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer for NAMI, Retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer-2 Sherman Gillums, Jr is now available.

The show explores inspiring stories about community, connection, and service, featuring true American patriots from all walks of life. The inspiration for the Solidarity of

For more information, please visit us at www.operationgratitude.com or:

Service came from the two friends’ conversations about their desire to help heal a divided nation and the power of service in uniting communities.

facebook.com/OperationGratitude twitter.com/OpGratitude

Visit www.operationgratitude.com or Search “Solidarity

linkedin.com/companies/operation-gratitude

of Service” on your favorite Podcast App.

Instagram.com/opgratitude

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2021 Warrior Community Integration Symposium | Veteran Empowerment

By Kaitlin Cashwell, Director of Community Integration, America’s Warrior Partnership Collaboration is a critical component in the effort to improve veterans’ quality of life. Every community member, from individuals to organizations, must work together to provide reliable services and accessible opportunities to veterans, their families, and caregivers.

To encourage more effective collaboration within communities, America’s Warrior Partnership is hosting the Eighth Annual Warrior Community Integration Symposium from Oct. 25 – 27, 2021, as a 100% virtual event that is free to attend thanks to our sponsors including the presenting sponsor, Wounded Warrior Project®. This year’s theme is “Be a Part of the Solution,” a call to action that weaves together every panel, presentation, and networking session over the threeday event.

This year, the keynote speaker is General Lori Robinson, the first female officer in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces to command a major Unified Combatant Command. As the most senior military woman to serve in the U.S. Department of Defense, General Robinson will discuss the importance of leadership in overcoming obstacles, drawing from her unique experiences as a female officer navigating a world dominated by men.

Her address will set the stage for other event sessions focused on how leadership and collaboration can drive effective solutions across a wide range of issues.

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General Lori Robinson

Veteran Workplace Empowerment To help empower veterans in the workplace, the Symposium will feature multiple breakout sessions tailored to companies, including a Corporate Veteran Initiative workshop hosted in partnership with JP Morgan Chase & Co. These discussions will be hosted by leading corporate military affairs programs to inspire productive solutions to help other companies grow their military affairs programs.

Veteran Suicide Prevention Mental health remains the key issue among veterans.

This year’s Symposium seeks to educate attendees on the latest insights and best practices for enhancing veteran suicide prevention and upstream initiatives.

Do’s and Don’ts for Displaying Old Glory

Sessions will include an update from Operation Deep Dive, a community-based veteran suicide and nonnatural cause of death study led by America’s Warrior Partnership and University of Alabama researchers with support from the Bristol Myers-Squibb Foundation. Discussions throughout the Community Integration workshop hosted in partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the Symposium will touch on how communities are using data, collaboration, and upstream models to improve local support services before life-threatening crises occur and end veteran suicide.

BY SUSAN H. LAWSON

WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE

Meaningful Connections Across the Country More than 2,000 individuals attended last year’s virtual Symposium. By enabling communities to connect in a collaborative setting, it further empowers communities to empower veterans.

For additional information and to register: www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org/Symposium

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 one million veterans in life-changing ways each year.

About the Author Kaitlin Cashwell has over 10 years of experience in business administration, finance, and project management in both the nonprofit and for-profit industry. She currently directs and oversees the Community Integration program, including AWP’s Network, research projects, community training/ consulting, Corporate Veteran Initiative, Four Star Alliance, and WarriorServe® client relations. Both of her grandfathers served in the military, and she has two brothers-in-law currently serving in the United States Navy. Kaitlin holds a Master of Business Administration at Augusta University’s Hull College of Business.

Resources.

Support.

Inspiration.

About America’s Warrior Partnership America’s Warrior Partnership is committed to empowering communities to empower veterans. We fill the gaps between veteran service organizations by helping nonprofits connect with veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our programs bolster nonprofit efficacy, improving their results, and empowering their initiatives. www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org | @ AWPartnership | #awpartnership

At Homeland 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 / October 2021

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WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Two Transitions with “No Exit Plans” In this monthly article, we strive to help active military prepare for a successful transition to civilian life. We offer helpful tips from those who’ve transitioned, and a big part of this success is focused on planning. There’s planning how to figure out what job interests you.

There’s planning how to interview, how to network, how to optimize your LInkedIn profile, and get a mentor.

But what if the transition comes without planning? Here are 2 no-exit plan examples that surprisingly have happy endings.

So, if you don’t plan, or if your transition decision comes suddenly, once again - you are not alone!

The Journey of Faith Transition Reginald Screen spent nearly every waking (and sleeping) moment dreaming about being a pro basketball star. In addition to his love for the sport and his desire to be remarkably successful, his dream would allow him to care for his mother who had always taken care of him. However, a shattered ankle led to a shattered dream, ending his future sports career during his senior year of high school.

Soon after, an Air Force recruiter came to his school and brought Reginald on to a different type of team. He ended up forming lifelong friendships, while enjoying the travel and diversity that came with his military experience.

A Leap of Faith “I wish I could say my exit from the military was well thought out and planned, but it wasn’t. It was a leap of faith as I just followed my fiancée, now wife of 31 years, to Atlanta with only the money I had from selling my unused leave back.”

This leap of faith was also a realization that it was time for Reginald to find his calling for his next phase of life post-military. He shares a simple example in what this means: Take a Look Inside If you saw two bags and had to guess who owned them, you’d have to look inside. If you saw a stethoscope and a thermometer in one, you’d guess that a doctor owned it.

If you saw a hammer and a level in another, you’d guess it was a construction worker.

What this means is you must look inside yourself and see what tools and gifts have been given to you. Think about what you like to talk about all the time. What makes you happy? What do you think you do well? What do you think others think you do well? These answers will help you find your calling.

For Reginald, he understood that his calling was in his faith and helping others. By following his true calling, he became a successful Pastor, coach and mentor to transitioning veterans.

Reginald Screen says, “I’m a lover of God and people.”

He is eager to connect with you to offer any advice he can as you transition.

Transition from Hell?

Vince Seropian served on the Ohio class Trident. He was excited to be one of the first four of the guided missile subs. He says, “Being there was Hell, but it was a good experience that trained me for life. “

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After enduring “hell on a submarine,” but taking valuable experience from it, he knew it was time to transition out.

The Fear is Real Like many, Vince was scared to transition, as he was very good at being a Sailor and he enjoyed it. However, he felt he hit a ceiling and believed that there was more for him outside of the military.

“The reality is that when you are in, you have a secure paycheck. You don’t need to think about when you can have free time or make decisions on what’s next. It’s all scheduled for you,” says Vince.

Use Your Resources - Particularly Your GI Bill Vince, like Reginald, did not have an exit plan. He did a little networking and was fortunate to meet a veteran mentor who helped him into the financial planning industry. Getting experience in the civilian world under the tutelage of someone who both served and who was successful in civilian life was a God-send.

Vince encourages you to use your GI bill. He leveraged the benefits towards a cyber security degree and the rest, as he says, is history. He met the Founder of Cyber Security company, SekureNation, Ron Shepard and the two forged a lasting partnership.

His advice is to get trained by someone who has actually done the job you are looking to do, versus simply teaching theory on it. Real world experience leads to success, and SekureNation’s cyber security training program provided Vince with the hands-on experience to be successful there.

Mindset Matters Vince says the right mindset is critical for transitioning success. “Be prepared to win the battle. In the military, you do not prepare to win or lose. You prepare to win.

Do that with planning your next career and you will be successful. Find the mentors and training you need and go out there and win.“ For more information or help transitioning, contact Eve Nasby at eve@bandofhands.com, 619-244-3000

www.bandofhands.com

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Prep Work Before an Interview: Doing Your Homework

By Paul Falcone Landing an interview is always inspiring because it presents new and exciting possibilities. Of course, you want to be yourself and comfortable sharing your life and military career experiences with a prospective employer, but the time you take to educate yourself about the organization in advance demonstrates respect and helps you stand out among your peers. “Informed Candidacy” is the concept that you’re well versed in the organization’s mission, role, and demographics. “Candidate Desire Factor” indicates your motivation to go the extra mile and learn about the company in advance of the interview, and all things being equal, often swings an offer decision in favor of those who prepare well and do their homework.

• Preparing for a Telephone Screening Interview Preparing appropriately can seem like a monumental task when it comes to research, but focusing on the basics is the best place to start. Create a one-sheet for yourself so that you’re armed with an organizational overview before your call begins. The info below can be gleaned from the Internet in about 20 minutes: - Company Name

• Year Founded

• Recognition / Awards

- Headquarters Location

• Primary Line of Business

• Website Address Findings

- Publicly Traded / Privately Held (Stock Ticker, if Public)

• Secondary Line(s) of Business

• LinkedIn Page Findings

- Annual Revenue

• Names of CEO, CFO, COO and Average Tenure

• Facebook Page Findings

- Employees

• Top Competitors

• Google Findings

This sheet can remain front and center in your leather folder for future.

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R E S E A R C H

• Preparing for an In-Person or Second Round Interview Next, assuming your initial research investment paid off and the employer wants to schedule in-person or second round of interviews, you might want to learn more about the organization, both for your own self-confidence and to impress your upcoming interviewer.

In those cases, research deeper using some of the following resources to find financial statements, credit reports, industry competitive information, and company snapshots: Publicly Traded Company Research Sites Zacks Investment Research (www.zacks.com/screening) Hoovers (www.hoovers.com) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html) Bloomberg Businessweek (http://investing.businessweek.com/research/company/overview/overview.asp) Nonprofit Research Sites Guide Star (www.guidestar.org) Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (www.bbb.org/us/charity/) Company Culture and Small, Privately Held Organization Sites Glassdoor (www.glassdoor.com) PayScale (www.payscale.com) Salary.com (www.salary.com) Simply type the name of the organization you’re researching into the search bar, and you’ll get varying levels of information with specialty focuses. For example, the SEC’s Edgar database lists public company financial filings, while Bloomberg Businessweek targets recent company news and headlines. With your one-sheet Company Research Overview in hand, be sure to ask two or three “smart” interview questions before the conclusion of your meeting based on your research. You don’t have to overdo it, but it’s important that you let every interviewer know subtly that you went out of your way to research the organization in advance of your meeting.

Your investment of time and energy will likely be very well received, especially since few candidates come armed with this level of data and market intelligence because they simply don’t know where to look to conduct their research. You can now make this one of your strategic advantages going forward. “Candidate, Know Thy Company” should remain a critical principle in every career candidate’s job search strategy because it’s front and center in every organization’s recruitment and selection efforts.

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American Corporate Partners (ACP) A Mentorship that Matters

By Amy Meehan Mission American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national nonprofit organization focused on helping returning veterans, veterans who have transitioned out of the military and active-duty spouses find their next careers through one-onone mentoring, networking and online career advice.

According to the Department of Labor, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service every year. ACP believes the biggest issue facing those transitioning service members is not unemployment – it’s underemployment. ACP focuses on helping veterans and active-duty spouses find meaningful employment opportunities and develop long-term careers and professional goals. To date, ACP has helped more than 20,000 veterans and active duty spouses through its mentoring program.

Post-9/11 veterans, active-duty spouses and eligible military spouses are referred to as Protégés, and the professionals that participate through their organization’s partnership with ACP are known as Mentors.

Program Guidelines ACP focuses primarily on three groups: Post 9/11 veterans, women veterans and active duty spouses. An ACP mentorship is a yearlong commitment, which encourages Mentors and Protégés to connect for monthly discussions.

ACP staff support the program with customized resources, training and suggestions, and helps the pair build a successful mentorship. It begins through a pairing process where ACP’s staff carefully selects a Mentor for each Protégé based on career compatibility, experience level, location and personal interests. Every Mentor and Protégé has a phone call with an ACP staff member to communicate and consider preferences. Most mentoring pairs are long-distance and communicate primarily through phone, videoconference and email exchanges.

Post-9/11 Veteran Mentoring Program ACP’s Veteran Protégés are post-9/11 service members and veterans at various stages of the transition process: • Service members who are still serving on active duty and planning for an upcoming transition or retirement • Recently separated veterans in the midst of a transition • Veterans who separated years ago and are currently employed, but are looking to advance in a current civilian career • Student veterans who are seeking advice from successful business leaders in the private sector ACP Veteran Protégé Alum and JP Morgan Chase Software Engineer, Yang Zhou, said “ACP definitely helped me get the job I have now. I was lost and confused on how to start and didn’t have any prior experience in IT.

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www.acp-usa.org

My Mentor really encouraged me and gave me detailed steps on how to get started and approach people with similar backgrounds. His personal experiences in the corporate world made a difference and I also appreciated my ACP contact who stayed on top of our partnership, always sending me resources and touching base with me.”

Whether a veteran is actively searching for a new career or newly employed and looking for advice about how to be successful in their new role and advance, ACP’s customized program is designed to assist a veteran or active duty spouse on their path toward rewarding, meaningful employment.

Typical mentorship topics include: • Résumé review and interview preparation • Career exploration • Work-life balance • Networking • Small business development • Leadership and professional communication With eight months to go before his official retirement, Army Sergeant Major (E-9) Bryan B applied to ACP in August of 2020. Soon after, he was paired with ACP Mentor James Wise, PMP from Amentum. After getting to know one another, Jim and Bryan rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

They explored careers in project management, discussed best PMP study practices, conducted countless mock interviews, overhauled Bryan’s resumé, and so much more. Their hard work paid off when Bryan accepted his “dream position” at Airbus Defence and Space and Bryan and Jim continue to meet and conquer workplace challenges as they arise.

ACP has more than 20,000 success stories like the ones Yang and Bryan experienced in their mentorships. You can see the impact be visiting www.acp-usa.org For more information, please visit us at www.acp-usa.org facebook.com/AmericanCorporatePartners linkedin.com/company/american-corporate-partners Instagram.com/acp_usa

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021

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Healthcare Careers: A Perfect Fit for Military and Civilian Life

By Stephanie Lee, Air Force Veteran & Enrollment Manager, CareerStep Sometimes, the sense of division between life in the military and life as a civilian feels like a vast chasm. In fact, for military families, this sense of division joins a long list of challenges that specifically impact the men and women who sacrifice so much for the country. These challenges couldn’t be more apparent than when it comes to finding a post-military career or one that is flexible enough to align with military spouses’ unique needs—a career that checks all the right boxes: satisfaction, security, and stability.

Finding industries and employers that understand the skills of veterans and their families can seem like an uphill climb at times, and it shows. For example, the unemployment rate for veterans rose to 6.5% in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Reasons for this vary, but one contributing factor could be that lessons learned under the harsh conditions of combat don’t always translate to private-sector jobs. And for military spouses—60% of which say they’re looking for full- or part-time work—finding a profession that’s both portable and in-demand is increasingly difficult.

However, there is hope and there are opportunities.

First, it’s important to consider key reasons why a career in healthcare—the fastest-growing sector in the U.S. economy according to BLS data—might just be what bridges that expansive gap between military and civilian life.

1. Meaningful Work Most who enter the military are looking for fulfilling work—an opportunity to make a difference. A real difference. But few civilian careers allow veterans to make as much of a difference as those found in healthcare. That’s because working in this particular field, regardless of the role, provides the opportunity to impact peoples’ lives in profound ways. From mending wounds and healing minds to saving lives, the difference healthcare workers make is undeniable.

2. Transferable Skills There’s a reason healthcare is an overwhelmingly popular career choice for veterans and their spouses: it’s an industry in which military-specific skills are undeniably relevant. Creative problem solving, adaptability, and effective communication—they’re all valuable skills that healthcare organizations can’t ignore if they want to provide the best possible service and care to their patients. And they’re all skills that veterans and their spouses already possess.

3. In-Demand Careers People need healthcare. In turn, the industry needs people willing to step up to the proverbial plate.

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Economic and labor experts believe we need to hire 2.3 million new healthcare workers by 2025 if we’re going to keep pace with the needs of our aging population.

But a persistent shortage of skilled workers with exceptional knowledge and training means hundreds of thousands of positions will remain unfilled. Home health aides, medical assistants, lab technicians, and more are all in high demand.

4. Portable Jobs For a working military spouse, it can be difficult to cultivate a strong professional network, and when the time comes to pack up and move to a new city, the wrong vocation can leave even the most talented pro scrambling to start over. That’s why job portability is so important. Healthcare training provides the skills and certifications that employers are looking for in highgrowth, high-demand fields in virtually every city in the entire world.

Supportive Training for Success These days, there are multiple training options for learners to pave their road to success. These organizations often have hiring network relationships, so it’s important to keep in contact and inform them when certification is achieved. It’s especially important for members of the healthcare sector to be fully qualified and properly trained. An early step is to start by choosing a specific discipline and then find a provider that can help learners develop the concrete job skills employers are looking for.

Healthcare Training For Your Next Phase of Life Our online training programs are approved for military education funding—all designed to help military members and their spouses build skills and thrive in careers that are portable,

The good news is that there’s a significant amount of trusted providers who specialize in transforming entrylevel learners into high-performing, certified healthcare professionals. And they all do this with expansive catalogs of fully online career training programs that are fast, portable, and eligible for military education grants—often covering up to 100% of the cost.

in-demand, and rewarding.

Start training today so you can be prepared for meaningful work tomorrow.

Finding the right fit takes a little time and it is important to explore the possibilities. Doing the research is crucial as it can improve the learning experience—and potentially lead to faster employment. Deciding to pursue a career in healthcare is a fulfilling and viable option for veterans and their spouses.

About the Author: Stephanie Lee served in the Air Force for 11 years as a Munitions Systems Craftsman. She now serves as an Enrollment Manager for CareerStep, (www.careerstep.com/military/), the Allied Health training division of Carrus. (www.carruslearn.com)

For more information, call (877) 201-3470 or visit www.careerstep.com/military

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021

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“We can rebuild America’s advanced

manufacturing workforce together; Workshops for Warriors will teach you how.”

- Keshia Javis-Jones

To my fellow veterans and those that are in transition, I am writing this to you so that you know you are not alone. Taking off the uniform is not easy. The civilian world is hard to navigate, but there are so many amazing opportunities available to you. I want to share my story and one organization that is there to support you in finding a sustainable career while still serving the Nation without combat boots on.

I was inspired to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps by my grandfather, an Army veteran who served honorably in WWII. I served for a total of 10 years, completing two combat tours – Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom – and was honored to have held the titles of Funeral Honors Coordinator, Female Search Team Advisor, and USMC Toys for Tots Coordinator.

When the time came to leave active duty I was a single mother, and despite all of the great skills and experience I gained during my time in the Marine Corps, I ended up working low-paying administrative jobs that lacked purpose. Supporting a family on minimum wage is daunting, and I discovered how challenging transitioning can really be.

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Living the struggle first-hand, I was determined to help my brothers and sisters in arms through their experience leaving the service. We all deserve a better transition and career path.

Three years ago, I had the honor to join the admissions team at Workshops for Warriors, a San Diego-based nonprofit that trains, certifies and helps place veterans and transitioning service members into advanced manufacturing careers. As Administrative Director of Education Programs, my staff and I are directly responsible for admissions and employment skills.

Workshops for Warriors’ talented team is made of driven and mission-focused veterans who dedicate themselves daily to providing veterans and transitioning service members with skills and credentials that lead to life-changing careers all over our Nation – in just four months. It starts when you apply for our Welding or CNC Machining programs on our website (wfw.org) and you have your first call with our admissions team. Like our Founder & CEO, Hernán Luis y Prado, a Navy combat veteran, you quickly realize that the people at Workshops for Warriors genuinely want to help.

We are all committed to getting you to the finish line where you will find yourself with nationally-recognized certifications and job offers that average $60,000* per year plus benefits. All of this in four intense months that only those who have served could conquer!

The comradery you felt in the military thrives in our halls.

The health and welfare of our students and their families is of utmost importance to us. If there is a challenge you face that might stop you from participating, please give us a call. We want to work with you to adapt and overcome any obstacles that may get in the way of your path to success.

Every day, I am proud to see us deliver on the big promises we make to our students. As I write this, more than 750 graduates are working in every state of our Nation. We can rebuild America’s advanced manufacturing workforce together; Workshops for Warriors will teach you how.

BEFORE SERVED HONORABLY.

I look forward to the prospect of meeting you, assisting you in your admissions steps and boasting about your accomplishments.

AFTER EARNED A CAREER IN JUST 4 MONTHS.

Respectfully, Keshia Javis-Jones Marine Corps Veteran Administrative Director of Education Programs Workshops for Warriors Read some student stories and see videos about our program on our website at: www.wfw.org/videos

ENROLL NOW AT WFW.ORG CAD/CAM Programming CNC Machining Welding DoD SkillBridge Organization

Workshops for Warriors provides veterans and transitioning service members with handson training and nationally-recognized credentials in CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, and welding. Call us at (619) 550-1620.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021

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“The Invaluable Values that Veterans Convey into the Job Place”

By Brianne Houck While military service can be, undoubtedly, demanding and require an inordinate amount of sacrifice; there certainly are benefits to serving in one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces - one of them being the universally-applicable attributes that are acquired.

These attributes, which will be explicated further, are very desirable in a potential employee, as one can already imagine.

For that reason (and others), many employers want to hire Veterans to be part of their workforce.

Consequently, the Veteran unemployment rate in the United States perpetually decreased through 2019 amongst more than a decade prior in comparison (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). In fact, per the U.S. Department of Labor (2020), 2019 had the lowest Veteran unemployment rate (3.1%) since the year 2000. Furthermore, despite 2020 being a year of precariousness and transition in the job market; many employers continue to have an affinity for hiring Veterans. So what are those valuable characteristics that Veterans will “bring to the table” in a civilian organization to assuredly bolster its performance?

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Below is a glimpse of just several of the reasons.

First and foremost, Veterans are inarguably disciplined, as they had to be as a basic requirement for military service. From the first day of boot camp, service members are taught to not move (along with almost everything else perhaps with the exception of breathing) without command; to organize and maintain their barracks room in a particular manner; and to always appear in a pristine uniform with attention right down to every minute detail in how that uniform should appear (to maintain just that: the uniformity of the unit in appearance). And, this is just the beginning.

Boot camp and the formative portion of military service really serve as an indoctrination for laying the foundation for what will be needed for the future, and part of the basis of that is discipline. This translates to a civilian job in that a former service member is going to pay very close attention to the details in what they need to do to get the job done and be meticulous, yet efficient about it. Furthermore, no one knows the criticality of punctuality quite like a Veteran. As many former service members can attest: To be early is to be on-time and to be on-time is to be late, as per military standards. To a civilian, the scrupulous attention to detail and high standards can almost seem pedantic; however, they impart the discipline that will be needed for that service member, which then, henceforth, follows them even after departure from military service.

A second added value that Veterans bring to the civilian job arena is that of teamwork and unit cohesion.

Service members are taught, again very early on, that they look out for their team members always.

This is what the commonly-known expression “got your six” implies and embodies. As corroborated by such publications as the Washington Examiner, the origin of that metaphor derives from World War I fighter pilots in which the rear of the plane (the most vulnerable position for attack) correlates to the six o’clock position; hence, “got your six” has become an omnipresent expression throughout the military to mean “I got your back” (Wenstrup, 2019). The reason teamwork is crucial (as current and former service members know) is that a team can be the difference between life and death, as well as the mission being a success or a failure – the stakes are high to say the least. Thus, Veterans know the value of a team in accomplishing even a workplace “mission” and gives that entity its due respect.

www.HomelandMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce?

Finally, Veterans carry with them from their time in service an inborn integrity. To reiterate - due to the tendency of stakes being high in a military environment, a service member has to be able to unequivocally trust their unit mates regardless of the situation. To have built that level of trust, a service member has to be honest and all-around ethical. This is not to imply that every person who has ever served was/is infallible from an ethical perspective, but certainly integrity is indispensable right from the inception of military service. It, like discipline, provides a crucial framework from which specific skills will then build from. This unwavering integrity is then carried with Veterans into the civilian career environment.

With just the aforementioned characteristics, one could easily ascertain the exceptional values (in addition to skills) that Veterans could add to a workplace.

Hopefully, this continues to inspire even more businesses to incorporate transitioning Veterans into their workforce. As they have unique values to add to a workplace; a business can in turn give back to the men and women who have served by helping them transition to their next “mission” in a civilian job role.

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

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult.

In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

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

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

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

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Here are several tips and ideas for a successful military transition: Network, Network, Network Applying for jobs online may seem like an efficiency way to get jobs, but the reality is it doesn’t work well. For any given job opening, recruiters are bombarded with hundreds, possibly thousands of openings. To rise above the noise, you’ll have to network.

Termonolgy - Adjust From Military To Corporate Lingo A key to getting the job is fitting in -- not only do you have to demonstrate the right skills, but you also need to adopt the right body language and speech. Here are a few examples:

Start with veterans who are now in the corporate world.

Don’t rush to ask for a job. If there’s no job available, the remaining time becomes one big letdown. Instead, take time to know the person. Ask how they approached the transition from a military to civilian career. Only at the end of the conversation is it ok for you to ask whether or not they are aware of any job openings.

1. Be wary of military jargon. Rather than say you were the “red raven” expert, explain that you developed contingency plans for rare events.

Look For Military-Friendly Employers

3. No need to address your professional contacts as Sir or Ma’am. You can typically address them by their first name.

Several employers appreciate the qualities ex-military personnel bring to a civilian job. Furthermore, you’re likely to find co-workers who formerly served in the military. They can mentor you as you ease into a new working environment. - CONNECT WITH RECRUITERS AND HEADHUNTERS WHO FOCUS ON MILITARY TO CIVILIAN TRANSITIONS.

Play up Your Strengths As An Ex-Militray Candidate Military veterans are known for precise communication, individual accountability, impeccable execution and natural leadership. Don’t forget to showcase this during the interview. All four skills are in high demand, regardless of position. Give yourself credit for strengths that many non-military job candidates lack. Other key skills to play up: poise, ingenuity, and ability to handle stressful situations well.

Translate Your Skills The military’s highly specific job codes and titles (often filled with acronyms) don’t help hiring managers in the civilian sector understand what you can do for them. So, at a minimum, it’s important to translate your resume out of military jargon and into language that shows your transferrable skills.

Working in the R-14 shop of a deployed battalion doesn’t help your interviewer understand what you can do.

Turn this into something that can be easily understood and applied to the civilian world, for example: “Created a unified plan of action, ensured coordination between cross-functional teams, and provided feedback to improve the process.”

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2. Rather than use military time, use civilian time. That is, instead of confirming an interview for 15-hundred hours, use 3 pm.

Transitioning Veterans & Law Enforcement – A Natural Fit Police officers and military veterans are kindred spirits.

Both wear their uniforms with pride. Both don their uniforms to be part of a larger team of professionals protecting those who can’t protect themselves at great personal risk. And both operate within a rigid command structure.

So it’s natural that many military veterans seek employment in police ranks when they rejoin the civilian workforce. That’s what is happening right now in numbers unseen since the closing days of the Vietnam War. The result is a job market flooded with well-qualified police officer candidates who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Going Back to School After Transitioning Many military veterans, after service, opt to go to college or university to complete or advance their education. This can prove an excellent decision in cases where advanced education makes you more competitive in the civilian job market.

Some schools are better for military veterans than others. With that said, seek out a few schools that have a reputation for being extra helpful to active duty soldiers and veterans. Military friendly schools will make it no secret that they offer additional benefits, flexibility, and special programs for current military personnel or recent veterans. Another benefit is that you’ll have quite a bit in common with lots of other students.

You were once in the military; your performance and capabilities were tested. Now you should bank on those to get the job you want. You can market yourself on those effectively and focus on how your military skills and abilities can contribute with any company.

High-performing companies in many industries recognize the value of veteran employees

Veterans bring distinctive capabilities to civilian employers…

Teamwork & Leadership

Values-driven: Proven experience dedicating themselves to a cause.

Veterans take pride in the mission, values and success of the organization

Accountability: Superior personal and team accountability. Veterans understand how policies and procedures help an organization function

Solving Problems

Adaptability: Experience operating in ambiguous situations, exhibiting flexibility in fluid environments.

Objective-focused: Ability to organize and structure resources to accomplish the mission, regardless of roadblocks

Team players: Ability to understand the capabilities and motivations of each individual, regardless of background, to maximize team effectiveness

Quick learners: Proven ability to learn new skills quickly and efficiently High impact decision-makers: strong situational awareness, ability to understand complex interdependencies and make decisions using practical judgment and creativity

Experienced leadership: Battle-tested leadership, from the front and by example. Ability to inspire devoted followership and lead groups to accomplish unusually high aspirations

Diverse perspectives: experience having impact and influencing people across the boundaries of culture, language, ethnicity and personal motivation

Discipline Self-reliance: Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and personal responsibility while leveraging all available assets and team members to ensure success

Today’s veterans are civic assets. They’re starting businesses, protecting our communities, running for office, and taking on leadership roles in their communities. And like the great generations who’ve gone before them, they’re poised to lift our country to new heights.

Perseverance: Proven resilience getting things done despite difficult conditions, tight deadlines, and limited resources Strong work ethic: belief in the value of hard work and taking initiativeB

Successful Military Transition

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ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

By Vicki Garcia

Your Exit Strategy It may seem strange to think about an exit strategy when you’re just a startup or in the early stage of building your business. But that is the exact right time to think of your exit. An exit plan can determine many decisions you might make for years before you sail off to Tahiti.

The Stage of Your Business Think of the stage of a business as if it is on a clock.

• From midnight to 3am, you’re laying down the framework, inventing new products or ideas, building a brand, establishing a customer base. It’s all new and exciting full of promise.

How Do You Calculate the Value of a Business?

• From 3am to 6am, you’ve established your model, developed a successful marketing effort, hired your employees, and you’re humming along. At this point you figure you’ve got a lock on it and have stopped asked yourself “what the hell am I doing?”

Take a step back and look at the business you plan to sell from a buyer’s point of view. The simple answer to this question is, how much is the right buyer willing to pay?

• From 6am to 9am, you’re growing, you know what you’re doing, you’re starting to understand your place on the planet and feeling pretty confident. You’ve also attracted competition and copycats because nothing attracts copycats like success.

The answer can be complicated with a ton of different answers, depending on the context.

1. What stage is your business in?

2. Why would a buyer want your business?

3. Does your business have Strategic Value?

4. Does your business have an Asset Value?

5. What is the Revenue Value of your business?

6. What is the People Value of your business?

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• From 9am to 12noon, you’re government. You’re restrained by “we’ve always done it that way.” You’re rigid. You have policies. And you’ve developed internal issues like carrying a high debt load and overpaid employees.

Strategic Value Your buyer wants to know what you bring to the deal.

They’re not looking simply at your financials. They may be looking inside of their own organization and what they might need to spend to deliver what you’ve already created.

A larger organization may define your value because you may offer a solution to their organization faster than building it. I’m reminded of a small San Diego based company called Sucuri that was bought by GoDaddy, one of many small fries who were made millionaires overnight.

Asset Value Your company may have assets that drive the value of a deal. Assets can include stuff that can be sold or converted to cash. This can include your brand, a well-established internet presence, equipment, and a significant customer base or multi-year contracts with vendors or clients. Seller owned real estate frequently can get folded into the agreement.

Revenue Value Simply put, the question of how much the business is generating in profits. What is the trend, is growth fast or slow? Or are you losing money? Whatever you do, don’t cook the books to look more profitable than you actually are. I had a client who thought she was clever in the way she disclosed info and was sued once the deception was discovered. She lost.

People Value Some buyers are looking at a company because of the staff that are it. The value of that business may be not so much about the revenues and more with its expertise. Or the value of the revenue is enhanced by the expertise of the employees that would come with the purchase.

So those are four different ways that your value may be considered or calculated. You can see how your decisions now may impact your value in the long run.

The value of your business is in the eye of the buyer, and it can be much more complicated than what you see here. A smart owner will work with a business broker who can bring potential buyers to the table and who is not emotionally involved in determining value.

Of course, there are always internet sites that can help. https://empireflippers.com and https://flippa.com/ are just two, but there are probably more.

Vicki Garcia is the owner of a marketing firm for over 33 plus years and has worked with veteran entrepreneurs for many years. She is the author of Power Focus, The Little Book of Digital Marketing, and My Startup Journal, which can be found on Amazon.com.

If you would like any of these books for free, please email her at 72146vicki@gmail.com.

www.HarperCollinsLeadership.com

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BATTLING

BREAST CANCER VA launches National Women Veterans Oncology System of Excellence

By Ashleigh Byrnes

O

ver the past several years, studies have shown a significantly higher rate of certain cancers within veteran populations than nonveterans—among them, breast cancer. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 700 women veterans enrolled in VA health care are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

To address this need, the VA announced in October the establishment of the National Women Veterans Oncology System of Excellence in partnership with Duke and Baylor universities, as a means of leveraging a broad network of clinical knowledge and research to provide women veterans across the nation access to state-of-the-art oncology care and clinical trials.

The women veteran population is growing, and as such, more cases of breast cancer—and other cancers unique to women—are likely to be diagnosed. The VA has made strides in its prevention program, including leading the nation in rates for mammography and instituting breast exam training programs for VA physicians who may not typically see many women patients, but the challenge in treating cancer often lies in proximity to the medical facility.

“We have a number of medical centers, and 48 of those medical centers are associated with [National Cancer Institute] comprehensive cancer centers, but

that still is not a big enough network to cover the entire country,” said Dr. Michael J. Kelley, director of the VA’s national oncology program and professor of medicine at Duke University. “So now we’re switching from this concept of Centers of Excellence—or hubs—to a System of Excellence.”

The system relies on programs like teleoncology (the application of telemedicine to oncology) to increase access to care wherever a patient is located, even if the physician is states away from the veteran.

“Every veteran will have access to cutting-edge oncology care that will be delivered as close to them geographically as possible,” said Kelley.

Additional plans are to develop national tumor boards; improve veterans’ access to clinical trials; prioritize co-recruiting efforts; and begin new joint research programs to improve and transform cancer prevention, treatment and overall health outcomes.

“The women serving today are the ones who will be sitting in VA exam rooms in the coming decades, and they will carry with them an entire medical history of illness and injury,” said DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “The VA must be prepared to help the growing number of women veterans diagnosed with breast cancer get the best care possible, so this System of Excellence partnership really comes at a crucial moment.” n WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021

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Real Talk: Mental Health

By Jenny Lynne Stroup Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD www.vvsd.net/cohenclinicsandiego

Deployment Mode

Deployment mode. It is a state of being that transcends all other abilities and enables me to detach from my deploying spouse and handle all the things. This mode takes over approximately a week to ten days before my spouse leaves. One by one all other faculties shut down and I become completely consumed by deployment mode. My ability to love and feel loved is limited, but my ability to simultaneously cook, clean, work, shuttle kids, redecorate the house, plan events, and take on extra volunteer positions increases exponentially. In short, it’s a defense mechanism, and it works every time.

I lived the greater parts of 2010 through 2013 in deployment mode. My husband was either deployed, preparing to be deployed, or in school learning how to be deployed for most of those years. I became so accustomed to doing it all that I simply forgot what it was like to not live that way.

Within twenty-five days of my husband’s arrival back on American soil my family packed up our belongings and moved seven hours north.

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Deployment mode. I didn’t have time to come out of it.

We transitioned from one of life’s greatest stressors to another. The ability to reconnect and work as a team was not a luxury we had.

I was operating in get it done mode, focused on the all the decisions I made alone: our new residence, our pack out date, what to pack in our personal vehicles, while he was operating in adjustment mode: living on Eastern Standard Time, being near me and our toddlers, being able to step outside without a full kit strapped to his chest.

While we did what we could to maintain connection and intimacy during the years of training and deployments, having to actually do that in person was much more difficult than I realized.

I was not in the business of asking for help. I was not in the business of letting others in. I was most certainly not in the business of relinquishing control over the way our days went and how things were accomplished.

Deployment mode: such a good and helpful way to live; until it isn’t.

Unfortunately, I didn’t know that, then. I didn’t know that this defense mechanism that was triggered to protect me during deployments was not going to serve me well in the long run.

Now I know that in these times of intense transition whether it be post deployments, PCSs, or from active duty to veteran status, there are a few things I need to do to protect my mental health.

• Ask for help- from family, friends, neighbors • Let others in- sometimes this looks like actually letting people into your home to share a cup of coffee. Other times this looks like sharing some of what you are struggling with so they can help carry the load.

• Relinquish control- having routines and systems are excellent strategies for a life well lived, but when those routines and systems are so rigid, they amp up anxiety and stress it may be time to reexamine them and let them go.

• Remind myself that this period of transition is a season and seasons don’t last forever.

Deployment mode is something that serves a purpose and has its place. It just doesn’t serve me well or need to have a place forever.

Jenny Lynne Stroup serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the S ​ teven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego​. www.vvsd.net/cohenclinicsandiego The Cohen Clinic at VVSD is one of 19 mental health clinics nationwide under nonprofit Cohen Veterans Network​(CVN) which focuses on providing targeted treatments​for a variety of mental health challenges facing post-9/11 veterans and military families, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, transition challenges, and more.

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DOD Launches ‘My MilLife Guide’ Text Message Program to Boost Wellness

BY DOD / CONNECTED HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE My MilLife Guide was developed by one of the military’s flagship support programs, Military OneSource, in partnership with the Military Health System. From now until Feb. 12, 2021, users can opt in to receive messages four times a week, for a total of eight weeks.

To sign up, service members can text “MilLife SM” and spouses can text “MilLife Spouse” to GOV311, or they can visit www.MilitaryOneSource.mil/texts My MilLife Guide starts each week with a text asking users to set a small goal, such as accomplishing a task on their to-do list or taking a small step to improve their sleeping habits. Topics covered over the course of the eight-week program include: • Stress relief • Sleeping soundly • Self-care • Virtual health tools • Strengthening relationships • Managing finances • Getting support • Prepping for the future These text messages are specifically tailored for navigating the unique circumstances of service members and spouses as they aim to improve their physical and emotional health.

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“We are excited to begin 2021 by offering a new way for service members and spouses to get support for easing stress and navigating COVID-19-related challenges texted directly to their phones,” said Lee Kelley, director of Military Community Support Programs for Military Community and Family Policy.

“My MilLife Guide is like a portable health and wellness coach, supporting service members and spouses as they take care of themselves and their families.”

“Our service members and their families deserve the best possible care. I want to utilize all available tools to ensure their health, wellness and readiness records are easily accessible,” said Army Col. (Dr.) Neil Page, deputy and military chief, Clinical Support Division, Medical Affairs at the Defense Health Agency.

“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that sometimes these tools are best provided through digital health services. We in the Military Health System are excited to partner with Military OneSource to provide a textbased wellness program that puts valuable resources at our beneficiaries’ fingertips, in a new and innovative way.”

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My MilLife Guide participants are encouraged to provide feedback on the program. The DOD will use this insight to help inform the development of possible future evolutions of similar text-based initiatives.

Voted 2018, 2019 & 2020 BEST resource, support magazine for veterans, transitioning military personnel, active military, military families & veteran organizations

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www.HomelandMagazine.com WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / October 2021

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A Different Lens Mental Health Monthly

By RanDee McLain

Anxiety Anxiety is the apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually around an impending event or action. That is a lot of words but what does it mean?

Remember back to your first day of school…. did you stay up late with anticipation of what is to come? Was there some level of fear of the unknown? What about a big presentation at work? Did you pace back in forth in your kitchen repeating your speech over and over?

All of these are ways anxiety makes its way in our life.

We all experience anxiety on some level in our lives.

Though some level of anxiety is normal it is when it negatively impacts your life and disrupts your daily functions that is truly a problem. That level of anxiety can be classified as a type of anxiety disorder ….but we will save that for another day. What we are discussing today is the normal everyday anxiety we face and ways to help mitigate it.

As I sit here and write this column I think back to my own anxiety. I have a hectic day job of overseeing a large mental health clinic, do consulting work throughout the country and stay active in my community. I think just writing that gave me some level of anxiety…. but that is my life so how do I manage it and not let it manage me?

Similarly, our service members transitioning out of the service often face a lot of anxiety. The fact is many of them this is their first time truly integrating into civilian life. Many of our transitioning service members went into the service at 18 – straight from mom’s house and into Uncle Sam’s house. They have never had to interview for a civilian job, translate skills and compete against people that have been doing this for years.

So how do I manage my anxiety and how can our transitioning service members start to manage theirs?

First, have a plan. Sounds simple right? Well, it is not always that easy. You may have known your entire career what was expected of you and what the result would be if you did/did not do the task at hand.

It can be very different in the civilian world. Have a plan of what next steps are. They may change but at least you have somewhere to start. In the service, I had structure and felt lost when I came out. I had a plan to go back to school. Though, I did not know what I would do after that or even a major I would pursue I at least had a plan and a purpose. I would get up and go to school every day.

That leads us to step two-baby steps. We do not have to map out the rest of our life right now. Sometimes it is a simple first step of just getting to school or work.

Transition takes time and it is ok to start with small goals and work your way up to larger tasks.

Step three, have a support system. It is important we all have someone or something to turn to in our times of difficulty. Many transitioning services members look for a mentor to help them along through the process.

This can be a veteran that has already successfully transitioned out or anyone that is willing to take time and listen and be a support for you while navigating the difficult road called transition.

Step four is self-care. Yes, I lean into my clinical side for this, but it is so important. We can not help others or even our selves if we do not properly take care of ourselves. You can do small things to recharge yourself like working out, being outdoors, playing with your dog, or being with family. Self-care is deeply personal to each person- find what is YOUR self-care.

Transition for our service members is anxiety provoking but with a plan, baby steps, a great support system and a little self-care ….

You Got This!

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Arts & Healing Arts for Military Veterans

By Amber Robinson Marine Vet Finds Healing Through Suicide Advocacy and Theatre When Marine Veteran, actor, director and now film producer, Floyd Strayer entered the service in 1975, he only planned to stay four years. He came from a military background, his father and uncles serving. His namesake and uncle, Floyd Strayer I, even served in India Burma during World War II. Like many recruits before him, Strayer’s original plan was to serve just long enough to get the military education benefits.

Strayer went back to San Diego to re-enlist for more time in the Marines, so he could extend his time in Okinawa to five years. He was married in 1979 and then did a full 21 years in the engineering tech field before retiring in 1996. In those two decades Strayer finished his Bachelor’s degree as planned.

He was able to finish his Master’s degree with the GI Bill and went back to working in engineering tech services at Miramar three years after retirement. Strayer’s first trips to foreign places like Iraq, Afghanistan and Djibouti came as a civilian. The main component of his work was now training and overseeing service members doing what he used to do. Life was great for Strayer. He was even able to visit his son multiple times in Kuwait during his where he was flying C23s for the Army on deployment.

“They would take him off the flight schedule every time I came in,” said Strayer.

“My family didn’t have what it took to put me through college,” said Strayer. “So I joined the Marines.”

A year into his service he was sent to Okinawa, Japan.

“I fell in love with Japan,” said Strayer. “I loved my job there, the Japanese people, their culture and then I met my wife.”

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For Strayer, family was his grounding force and stood for everything he held dear. But in 1999 Strayer and his family were shaken when his brother took his own life.

Several years later in 2006 his niece also took her life.

Shortly after, his wife earned a stay at the Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital for Counseling and Mental Health when she tried to drink herself to death.

It was then that Strayer decided to get help.

“I realized I was very depressed,” said Strayer. “And I realized I had not grieved my brother’s suicide.”

Getting help was one of the best things Strayer could do for himself, he says. He was able to get into counseling and on to a stabilizing medication for his depression. With a new lease on life, Strayer began to go up for promotions at work. He completed the training and testing for and received two promotions.

But, when he went up for his third promotion, things were different.

those lost to suicide and raises awareness about suicide prevention and loss. The ride brings out a lot of veterans like Strayer who enjoy the space that Strayer creates for them.

“We are giving people a safe space to come and talk,” he said.

According to Strayer it is important for those who have suffered suicide loss to come together.

“I blew it,” said Strayer. “So I began to go to Toastmasters meetings.”

Toastmasters is an organization that helps its members build confidence through public speaking.

A topic that Strayer frequented was the death of his brother. With his particular education and work credentials he soon began to speak to survivors of suicide loss.

“I realized I could make it my message,” said Strayer.

From public speaking Strayer soon moved to taking improv classes as a way to bring humor and warmth into his speaking. From there it seemed natural he should end up on a theatrical stage.

“The Veterans Museum [at Balboa Park] was looking for someone to play a Spanish gypsy for a play put on by the North County Players,” said Strayer.

From there Strayer was given the chance to play Mark Twain in an original play called “Mark Twain: A Christmas Carol”. Strayer began to take acting classes then landed a role in The American History Theater’s show, “The Diary of Anne Frank”, as Anne’s father.

“I love being on stage,” said Strayer. “I love the live response and the challenge.”

But, Strayer did not stop with live acting. His next challenge was to learn to edit video, then to direct and produce film projects. He put all his skills together recently to put a film into the San Diego GI Film Festival, called “Life After Oblivion”. The film follows the life of a military sniper who witnesses the death of a young Afghan boy at war.

“It’s a movie about those ghosts we can bring home from combat ,” said Strayer.

As for Strayer’s advocacy, that has morphed as well.

For the last six years he has taken suicide awareness on the road annually with Motorcycle Ride for Life.

San Diego Harley Davidson and El Cajon Harley Davidson have both hosted the event which honors

“It’s comforting to be with others who have gone through the same thing, had the same feelings as you,” said Strayer. “They need to hear, ‘no you’re not crazy, the feelings you are having are very real.”

Strayer continues to speak to different groups about suicide awareness. Now, he is well-versed in the language of healing and spreads it as often as he can.

He speaks with any veteran or military group that asks and plans to continue to spread awareness when and where he can. Although the death of his brother still gives him pain he seeks to use what he’s learned since and through the experience to help others.

“Theatre has given me the platform to do this,” said Strayer. “Acting has given me the confidence to get up and speak out when needed, about the things that matter.”

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

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

Employer’s Guide to COVID-19 Vaccination, Verifications, Exemptions

The world has been turned on its axis over the last 17 or so months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses have been hit particularly hard and will continue to be harmed with the new surges in infections caused by the delta variant as employers face pressing questions about worker vaccination requirements. I discuss some of these questions below addressing vaccination policies, vaccine exemptions, and vaccine verifications.

Can an employer require employees be vaccinated before working in person?

Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance stating that implementing mandatory COVID vaccination policies is permissible, as long as the employer does not violate federal discrimination rules around disability and religion.

Is it legal to fire employees because they refuse to get vaccinated or show proof of vaccination?

Can employers require employees get tested for COVID-19?

If an employee has a valid “Vaccine Exemption Form” on file, the employer should consult an attorney before firing the employee for refusing to get vaccinated.

Depending on the situation, it could violate state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination. Requesting proof of vaccination, in general, is legal, but employers need to be mindful of the employee’s privacy and not to collect any other unnecessary medical information.

Yes, the CDC and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have extensive guidelines on how businesses can monitor employees for symptoms and test employees. Employers can only test employees by a viral test that shows whether a person is currently infected.

How can employers screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms?

Employers can screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms before they enter the workplace by: • Asking if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath.

• Asking if they have been around anyone with COVID-19 symptoms.

• Taking their temperatures before they enter the workplace.

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Can employees refuse to come back to work for fear of infection?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act protects employees refusing to return to the workplace if they reasonably believe they are in “imminent danger” of contracting the virus.

To take advantage of this protection, employees cannot be generally scared of getting the COVID virus but must specifically prove this fear. If there is no imminent danger, and the employee still refuses to return to work that employee is not entitle to pay.

What is recommended to include in a workplace vaccination policy?

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Part of your employee communication should consist of a written workplace vaccination policy, whether you decide to mandate vaccinations or not. Use clear and direct language about vaccination requirements, exemptions, and reasonable accommodations, such as social distancing, working remotely, or using paid leave.

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Also, lay out the consequences of not following the policies, such as termination of employment. However, when drafting your policies be sure to consider all applicable federal and state laws.

How should employers evaluate vaccine exemptions?

As a small business employer, if an employee tells you that they cannot receive the vaccination because of a disability or religious belief, you should first determine if your business is subject to the requirements of the ADA and Title VII, and if it is, follow the legal requirements and guidance of both.

Can an employer require verification of vaccination due to COVID-19 concerns?

Employers can ask if employees have been vaccinated, even requiring proof of vaccination through selfattestation or a COVID-19 vaccination record card or passport according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s recent guidance.

This topic is hotly debated and many employers are concerned about privacy issues. Limit the questions to COVID-19 related concerns and not to ask questions about the employee’s health in general.

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

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

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Legally Speaking Military Focused Family Law Facts

By Tana Landau, Esq.

Divorce And A Better Transition

No one enters a marriage expecting it to fail. As such, divorce can be one of the most difficult processes for people and their families to go through. It can be emotionally and financially impactful, and it is not uncommon for individuals to be emotionally driven through the divorce process. However, a high conflict divorce can cost massive legal fees and have a lasting, negative impact on your children. As you move from a two parent to a one parent household, there are ways to manage your divorce that will lead to a smoother transition.

If you are having difficulty managing your emotions and keeping them out of your divorce, seek counseling or therapy sooner rather than later.

2) Use Mediation or the Collaborative Divorce Process: Utilizing mediation can help you settle your divorce issues before you enter into contentious litigation which costs far more in fees. This not only will aid a more peaceful transition but can ultimately save you from a devastating financial impact. The Collaborative Divorce process can be beneficial because it gives you a team of professionals to help make important legal and financial decisions during your divorce. Divorce can often leave people feeling like they have no control, but utilizing mediation or the collaborative divorce process give you control over how you transition and what your financial future looks like. If you choose the litigation path, you give control to the Judge to Another benefit of mediation and the collaborative divorce process is you have some control over how fast your divorce proceeds. With litigation, you are at the mercy of the back logs of courts which has been made worse by the current pandemic. make the decisions and you are left dealing with the consequences.

Here are some tips on how to make your divorce a healthier separation and better transition for you and your children.

3) Be Forthright About Financials: Be honest about your assets and debts. Do not try to hide money from your spouse or materially misrepresent your finances.

The dissolution process centers in a large part around your finances, and this information is all discoverable.

If you try to hide or misrepresent information, you will unnecessarily increase your attorney fees and complicate the process. Your goal is for a better transition, not a more complicated one.

1) Make De-Escalation of Conflict A Priority: Don’t make decisions fueled by emotion. Divorce is a volatile situation in the majority of cases. One or both sides harbor negative feelings toward the other parent as a result of the breakdown in the relationship. Do not carry those feelings into your divorce negotiations or coparenting relationship. As much as possible, emotions should be left out of your divorce. The more you bring emotions into your decisions, the more contentious your divorce will likely be.

4) Treat Your Coparent Like a Business Partner: Those who benefit most from an amicable transition are your children. It is important to be cognizant of the effect that your emotions during a divorce can have on your relationship with the other coparent and ultimately your children. Handling your emotions in a constructive way is the best way to move forward during a divorce.

This means putting aside how you personally feel about the other coparent and treating them like a business partner. Let the past be the past. Remember to always

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be courteous, communicate in a timely fashion, don’t bad mouth the other parent, and keep them informed regarding your children when they are in your care.

The more desirable behavior you model in your relationship with the other coparent, the better off your children will be emotionally and the easier the transition will be for them. It is hard enough for children dealing with the changes that come with divorce, let alone when they are placed in the middle of a battle between their parents.

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5) Be Prepared to Make Concessions: Do not go into your dissolution matter seeking to destroy your former spouse or having to win on every issue. When you refuse to budge on anything, you prolong your divorce and ensure that you will end up down a costly litigation path.

Negotiations involve a give and take. If you unreasonably dig in your heels, then expect to litigate away any assets you do have. You can also expect the other person to react accordingly which can damage any coparent relationship you may have when children are involved.

6) Choose a Lawyer Who is Settlement Oriented: We all know the reputation attorneys have. Contrary to popular opinion, most good family law attorneys are not out for your money. However, there are those who are more litigation oriented and those who are more mediation and settlement oriented. Do your research and consult with more than one attorney to find someone who is the right fit for you. Discuss with them your dispute resolution options and start on resolution of your issues as soon as you feel comfortable. For some people, uncertainty and time can lead to assumptions that do more harm than good. Open the door to negotiations as soon as reasonably possible.

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For more information about pets 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

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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.

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www.rva.gov/police/personnel

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PTSD COACH PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. More than half of individuals experience at least one trauma in their lives.

The National Center for PTSD offers FREE, confidential mobile apps that provide help, education, and support related to mental health.

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Learn about PTSD and available treatments Track your PTSD symptoms over time Practice relaxation, mindfulness, and other stress-management exercises Grow your support network Access crisis resources

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Resources Support Transition HEALTH INSPIRATION

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Voted 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 BEST resource, support media for veterans, military families & military personnel.

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