Issuu

Homeland

Vol. 13 • Number 10 • October 2026

MAGAZINE

AWARENESS MONTH The Greatest Infrastructure Project in History Isn’t Going to Build Itself

Veterans Face Higher Identity Theft Risks Military-Veterans

When the WAR Follows You Home: A Call to Remember, Rebuild, and Reinspire PTSD - Managing the Avoidance Quicksand

MENTAL HEALTH

IN TRANSITION Careers & Education

Supporting Military Spouses Through Education Cybersecurity and Service Applying Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

teamstepusa.org

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

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Navy Federal is federally insured by NCUA. 1Navy Federal Credit Union was included in 8 Best VA loan Lenders in May 2026 by money.com (www.money.com/best-va-loans). 2100% financing subject to all VA rules, guidelines, and additional program requirements. All loans subject to approval. VA loans may include a funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum allowed loan amount. Navy Federal has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency. ³The program is only available for individual home purchases/sales in the contiguous US, Alaska, and Hawaii, excluding Iowa and all employer-sponsored relocations. You are not required to receive financing through Navy Federal Credit Union in order to receive the benefits of this program. The cash back is only available with the purchase or sale of your home through the use of a program-referred and -approved real estate agent, and is offered in most states, with the exception of Iowa, Alaska, and Oklahoma, and is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new constructions, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the cash back would not be available. The amount of your cash back depends on the value of the property you are buying or selling. Obtaining the full $9,000 cash back requires transacting in a property valued at $3 million or greater. To calculate your potential cash-back amount, please visit the RealtyPlus website: https://navyfederalrealtyplus.com/. The cash-back offer is limited to one cash back per property with no limit on the number of times you may use the program. In some states, a gift card or commission credit at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back. In Kansas and Tennessee, a Mastercard® MAX gift card will be issued with preloaded points that are ready for spending at specified retail establishments after closing. State regulations in Kansas limit the dollar amounts and the type of incentive. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing in lieu of cash back. Please check with the program coordinator for details. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Contact RealtyPlus for terms and conditions. Seller listing fees apply. This program is offered, in part, by Anywhere Leads Inc., which may receive a co-operative brokerage fee as a result of a referral to any affiliated real estate companies, including Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, Coldwell Banker®, Century 21®, ERA® Real Estate, and Corcoran. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. This is an advertisement and not a solicitation for agent representation if your property is currently listed with an agent. Anywhere Leads Inc., 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. Licensed broker in the state of Texas. Broker license #9009191. 4Message and data rates may apply. Visit navyfederal.org for more information. © 2026 Navy Federal NFCU 10299 (5-26)

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

EDITOR’S LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief

Mike Miller mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com

Monthly Columns

What’s Next In Transition Eve Nasby Human Resources Paul Falcone

Veterans in Business Barbara Eldridge

www.HomelandMagazine.com Welcome to Homeland Magazine! Homeland is a veteran-focused magazine throughout the country. It serves to assist all veterans, active military as well as their spouses and families. It’s the leading veterans magazine emphasizing resources, support and focusing on topics and issues facing today’s veteran community. Homeland focuses on resources, support, community, transition, mental health and inspiration for our veterans, & military personnel. The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with our veterans, service members, military families, and civilians. The magazine is supported by a distinguishing list of veteran organizations & members, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people. Despite all the challenges, our team has upheld their focus and let not one opportunity go to provide resources and support to our veterans & military personnel.

Risky Business Hadley Wood

Real Talk: Mental Health Hope Phifer

PTSD: Reclaiming Control Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Aging & End of Life Care Shelly Dew Legal Eagle Kelly Bagla, Esq. Midway Magic David Koontz

Cartoons For Veterans Jerry King Contributing Writers

Wounded Warrior Project Disabled American Veterans (In-House) Correspondents Holly Shaffner CJ Machado Lori Noonan

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

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

(858) 275-4281

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

Homeland Magazine is published monthly. Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items. All rights reserved

Mike Miller

Editor-In-Chief mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com www.homelandmagazine.com 4

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com

OCTOBER 2026 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 Cybersecurity Awareness Month 8 Veterans Face Higher Risks of Identity Theft 10 Risky Business - Cyber Scares 12 Military-Veterans In Transition (October 2026) 14 Applying Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce 16 Supporting Military Spouses Through Education 18 The Greatest Infrastructure in History 20 Cybersecurity and Service 22 Beyond the Uniform - Your Next Mission 24 Business for Veterans 28 Job Search with Customized Mentorship 30 WIOA for Veterans and Military Families 34 Legal Eagle - Prop 40 36 Caregiving Rooted in Love 38 Hospice and Palliative Care 42 Real Talk: Mental Health Tips 44 When the War Follows You Home 46 PTSD: Managing the Avoidance Quicksand 54 Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared the month of October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. Over the years it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2026 marks the 23rd Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Did You Know? Cybersecurity began in 1971 when researcher Bob Thomas created the "Creeper" program on ARPANET, prompting Ray Tomlinson to invent "Reaper," the first antivirus software.

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Let’s work together to build a safer digitalworld. We can increase our online safety through the following articles and whether at home, work or school, these tips make us more secure when connected. Take time to discuss them with family, friends, employees and your community so we can all become safer online!

"It’s the great irony of our Information Age — the very technologies that empower us to create and to build also empower those who would disrupt and destroy." - President Barack Obama

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Veterans Face Higher Risks of Identity Theft By Scott Hermann, CEO of IdentityIQ®

With October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, now is an important time to focus on how you are protecting your personal information. This is especially true for military members, veterans, and their families. That’s because, unfortunately, military members, whether active duty or retired, are at higher risk for identity theft. Scammers take advantage of their dedication and service toexploit their personal and financial information.

Alarming Statistics on Scams and Fraud in the Military Community Recent data underscores the growing challenge military families face when it comes to scams and fraud: • According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Annual Data Book, last year more than 93,000 fraud cases were reported by service members, veterans, and their families. Among these, 42,766 were imposter scams, costing victims more than $178 million. • Also, according to the FTC, retired military members reported $350 million in losses from fraud last year, up nearly 20% from the previous year. • Active-duty service members are 76% more likely than civilians to report the misuse of existing accounts, such as their bank or credit card accounts. • In total, the military community lost $477 million to scams last year, according to AARP.

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Why Are Military Members Targeted by Scammers?

Military status, whether active duty or retired, can make you a target for identity theft and other fraud. Here are some key reasons why: • Steady income and/or government benefits attract criminals looking to steal personal information and money. • Scammers may want to impersonate military members or government agencies using fake military ID cards. • Active-duty military members have frequent relocations – making it harder to spot early warning signs of identity theft. • Data breaches at government agencies have led to the sale of servicemembers' personal information on the dark web. • Military members often need to share personal information, such as the highly sensitive DD214 form, to verify service. In the past, Social Security numbers were also used as a way to identify service members and veterans.

• Deployments can leave military members without immediate access or the ability to monitor their bank accounts or credit card statements. How Can Military Members and Veterans Help Protect Themselves from Identity Theft? When it comes to protecting personal and financial information, it’s important to stay ahead of identity thieves and take action. Here are steps military members and veterans can take to help protect their families and themselves: • Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager for added security. • Enable multifactor authentication when available. • Set up an active-duty alert with credit bureaus when deployed. This requires lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. • Use an identity theft protection service that provides access to your credit reports and scores as well as realtime alerts for possible fraud. • Regularly review credit reports and dispute any inaccuracies with the major credit bureaus. • Monitor bank and credit card accounts monthly to identify possible suspicious activity. • Report lost or stolen military or veteran ID cards immediately. • Use antivirus software and virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect your devices and online activity. • Be cautious about where and when you share personal information.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft When your information has been compromised, there are a few warning signs that should prompt immediate action. Those include: • Unfamiliar transactions on credit cards or withdrawals from your bank accounts. • Inaccurate information on your credit report.

• Bills or other communications from companies you haven’t done business with. • Statements or other notices about credit cards or accounts you didn’t open. • Debt collection calls for unknown debts.

• Denied credit applications, especially if your credit was previously good.

• Missing mail or emails from companies you do business with. • Inaccuracies on your IRS account or Social Security statement. How to Report Identity Theft If you suspect identity theft, here are steps you can follow to report the fraud: 1. File a report with your local law enforcement agency. 2. Contact your state’s attorney general for legal assistance.

3. Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 877-382-4357. 4. Freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus – Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®.

5. Reach out to your installation’s Personal Financial Manager (PFM) and Legal Assistance Office for financial and legal advice. Bottom Line

Military members and veterans are at greater risk for identity theft and fraud. However, there are steps you can take to help protect your personal information and reduce the risk of financial loss. This includes having identity theft protection services that monitor for threats to your identity and finances. IdentityIQ® Military Discount

Military members, veterans, and their families can begin protecting themselves now with IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. These services include identity and credit monitoring, real-time fraud alerts, device privacy and security, and $1 million in identity theft insurance, underwritten by AIG. In appreciation of your service, IdentityIQ offers a 25% military discount to military members, veterans, and their families. For more information, visit www.identityiq.com/veterans. HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

RISKY BUSINESS Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com

• Stay in the ‘Know’ – Make a point to read up on the latest ‘Bad-Actors’ in the Cyber world and know what the latest threats are. There are many media outlets that focus on this specifically.

CYBER SCARES If you have ever turned on your computer to find the ‘blue screen of death’ staring back at you, you know how scary that moment can be! All of us, and especially business owners, rely so heavily on our computers for our daily lives it is nearly impossible to think about living and working without them. Computers have become our lifeline to our connections, finances, research, clients, supply chains and more and when they are compromised, we are left in the dark. Cyberattacks have increased ten-fold in the last 9 years and it is a lucrative, big business all over the world. There are all types of attacks, but bottom-line cyber criminals are looking to access data to leverage for money. The primary types of attack include – Malware (includes Ransomware and Adware), Phishing, Spoofing, Denial of Service, Social Engineering, Insider, and now AI Threats. It seems like a game of Wack-A-Mole and staying on top of the threats can be a daily chore and pose an existential risk to most businesses. So, what can we do to minimize the risk of cyberattacks? Here are 11 considerations to add to your risk management for cyber control: • Cyber Liability coverage –This should be a piece of your insurance package and may be included in your General Liability or as a stand-alone policy.

• Train Employees to recognize threats – the cyber criminals are very savvy and will use all types of email and phone Phishing to lure in targets. Employees need to be trained to be aware and not give out sensitive information to unknown trolls. • Password Changes – Changing passwords can be a real pain, but it needs to be done frequently! Consider using a password manager such as KEEPER or RoboForm to assist in password management. • Anti-Virus Software – Every computer needs to have this installed but make sure you have the correct and updated versions. Connect with your IT person to recommend the best software for you and update as needed.

• Off-Board Employees properly – Terminated employees might be out for revenge. Access to company data, passcodes, equipment and sensitive information should be halted immediately when an employee is terminated.

• Back Up Data daily/weekly – Daily back up to a remote hard drive or USB should be part of your process. A cloud service like Carbonite can be helpful also.

• Create a Passcode for Friends and Family – Some really terrible cyber criminals use family and friends to get to your data by posing as loved ones in need. Create a secret passcode to use to identify whether the threat is real. • Go to the Source Directly – if you receive an email, phone call or letter with some type of threat from the IRS, Bank, a Vendor, Client, etc. It could easily be a Spoofing attack. Connect separately and directly with the source to verify.

• IT Professional – Every business should retain an IT person to call on a minutes notice to fix and remedy any computer issues.

It takes a lot of effort and diligence to be cyber secure and even with all of this, there is always a threat - but with the right measures in place, the risk can be substantially reduced.

If you want to learn more about this subject or have questions about business insurance, please reach out to me at hadley@hlinwood-insurance.com

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

www.identityiq.com/veterans

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Your next mission starts here. Whether you're pursuing a new career, higher education, entrepreneurship, or trusted legal resources for veteran business owners, you'll find the support, insights, and practical guidance you need from successful transitioning service members, veterans, military-friendly employers, and schools. Visit Veterans In Transition and take the next step with confidence. https://homelandmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition

Military-Veterans

IN TRANSITIO 12

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Military-VETERANS IN TRANSITION Homeland October 2026 ISSUE

14 Military Skills Civilian Workforce 16 Military Spouses - Education 18 Greatest Infrastructure Project 20 Cybersecurity and Service 21 Infused: Recruiting. Simplified 22 Beyond the Uniform 24 Business for Veterans 25 Knauss School of Business 26 LAPU / Azusa Pacific

27 HealthStaff Training Institute 28 Job Search with Customized Mentorship 29 ICOHS College 30 WIOA for Veterans & Military Families 31 Dress for Success (WFFS) 32 Warrior Scholar Project 32 Land-Based Learning 33 AGTS Evangel University 54 Law Enforcement

ON HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Applying Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce By Kaitlyn McCue Wounded Warrior Project The transition from military to civilian life can be daunting. It’s full of change, from everyday routines to professional expectations. Even the language of the civilian world can feel foreign, creating an invisible barrier between experience and opportunity. In fact, in the latest Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Warrior Survey, difficulty translating military skills to the civilian workforce was one of the top three reported barriers to obtaining employment or changing jobs. But veterans don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Redefining and Re-Finding Purpose After Service

“One of the most common challenges when transitioning out of the military is simply figuring out what comes next,” said Greg Martin, career and financial readiness director at WWP and a 30-year Marine Corps veteran. “There’s not much training in that — no mission brief for what those actual steps look like when the papers are signed.”

It’s time to get honest about the parts of your service that truly energized you. Look past the pieces you tolerated or “just got through.” Use that lens as a filter when you search through potential opportunities. Guide to Translating Military Skills to Civilian Language

Always assume that the person on the other end of your resume has zero military experience. A hiring manager or human resources professional may know the basics, but it’s important to tailor your resume to the specific needs of the employer. Examples of Translating Skills

How to use common military phrases and skills on a resume for a civilian job.

The hardest parts of the transition to the civilian world are often overlooked, beyond the job search. Losing structure, community, identity — these parts of the puzzle can take time to navigate, but they’re just as important as the first step. So, what does come next? Where do you start when the boots are off? Rediscovering yourself.

To figure out the next career move, you must first figure out who you are outside of your rank and unit, and what you want to do. Ask yourself: • What am I passionate about?

• What’s important to me in a job?

• What skills and experiences do I already have? Translate your skills and experience.

Civilian employees can’t decode your DD-214, but they need to understand and appreciate the origin of your skills. Start building your network

Your mission found you in the military. Now, it’s time for you to find your next one. Start having intentional job interests, make connections in the field, and build your LinkedIn and professional brand. 14

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“It’s also important to remember that the skills you learned in the military, all of the techniques you’ve mastered, and challenges you’ve navigated, are transferable and can be leveraged for a new role,” Martin said. “In most cases, if presented in the right way, they’re highly valued assets in the civilian workforce.”

Veterans sometimes overlook these skills as “just a part of the job” in the military. But post-service, skills such as teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving can set you apart from other candidates. Both soft skills and technical expertise should be highlighted in your resume and in interviews. “Remember that this process, from writing the resume to completing the final interview, is about getting the employer to understand and appreciate what you’ll bring to the table. It’s easy to avoid talking about yourself because of how it makes you feel; we’re not used to talking about ourselves rather than the team,” Martin said.

What do I “really” need to highlight in my resume and interviews?

Focus on impact and results. You should confidently communicate what you’ve led, the actions you’ve taken, and the measurable impact, such as improved efficiency, reduced risk, or delivered outcomes. Military-specific details should be translated into business value by emphasizing leadership, accountability, and scope in terms that employers understand, including team size, budgets, or performance improvements.

But it’s key to landing a job with purpose, not just a paycheck. Remember to highlight the impact of your experiences, not just your teams. Own what you did, and don’t undersell. Frequently Asked Questions Where do I start?

Take the time to relearn yourself and determine what you truly want to do next. Don’t rush into the next phase or an immediate job. Take time to decide if you want to dive into the civilian workforce or even lean on your educational benefits to earn a degree or certification first.

Where can I go for help in navigating all of this?

• Transition programs and resources are available to you. Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors to Work® program offers career coaching, skills translation assistance, networking opportunities, and other skills development opportunities.

• WWP also partners with USAA to help service members prepare for life after the uniform through Transition Ready, a program that teaches about resume writing and interviewing, budgeting and financial planning, filing for VA benefits, and more. • You can also participate in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offered directly from the military.

The transition from military to civilian life isn’t just about changing careers. It’s about translating a lifetime of leadership, discipline, and dedication into new opportunities. With the right tools and support, what once felt unfamiliar can become a space to thrive. “You’re not starting over, or losing everything you built,” Martin said. “You’re carrying forward skills that have already been tested, proven, and earned in a new way.”

How do I ensure civilians understand what I’m trying to translate?

There can be a communication gap between civilian employers and veterans trying to explain their skills and accomplishments. You can bridge this gap by taking the time to translate your military jargon into civilian job titles and experiences. Remember that while civilians may not be familiar with military structures or vocabulary, you can highlight adaptability, resilience, and leadership in a way that helps them to start learning.

Greg Martin

To learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org or call 888.997.ALUM (2586) to connect with the WWP Resource Center.    HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

“It Takes a Village”: Supporting Military Spouses Through Education A Military Spouse’s Journey Balancing Service, Family and Education

Homeland Magazine sat down with Sara Doran, military spouse and student at National University, and Meg O’Grady, Senior Vice President of Military and Government programs at National University. Sara talks about her experience navigating school and family responsibilities as her husband is deployed, and how instrumental National University’s Nest Healthy Learning Center has been with helping her stay on track toward earning her degree. Meg shares how wraparound support services help military spouses and Veterans persist in their education and career ambitions. The university has recently announced the opening of its second Nest location in Escondido. HLM: Can you tell me a little bit about your background and experience as a military spouse? Sara Doran: I have been a military spouse for over 8 years, which has consisted of multiple deployments and trainings that have lasted a few months. My family and I have also constantly had to adapt to change and start over in new places – new education systems for my children and immersing ourselves in different communities – as well spending a lot of time away from family and support systems. Prior to being a military spouse, I was also in the Marine Corps for over 4 years as an avionics technician where I provided electrical components to F-18s and F-35s. I left active duty as a Sgt with many awards and certifications. I think having experienced military life from both sides has given me a unique perspective on the challenges military families face.

HLM: How have you been navigating college during your husband’s deployment with work and family responsibilities? Sara Doran: My husband’s deployment has been seven months so far. Navigating college during this time has definitely not been easy, especially with no family nearby to help. My boys are pretty much always with me, so I fit schoolwork in wherever I can, whether that’s around their schedules or after they go to bed. Some days are harder than others, but finishing my degree is really important to me. I know in the long run it will all pay off. This experience has shown me that I am able to fulfill all my goals of being a mom, wife and future HR leader. HLM: Can you share what National University’s The Nest is and how you are benefiting from it? Sara Doran: The Nest is National University’s co-learning center which provides comprehensive services to support the unique needs of working adults who are balancing education with their personal and professional lives. The space houses a collaborative environment where students can study, connect with peers and access student success and writing coaches, loaner laptops, WIFI and more. The Nest also provides on-site childcare through National University’s partnership with the Toby Wells and Escondido YMCA. This aspect of the Nest has been a huge help in allowing me to focus on my schoolwork. My boys love going, the staff are amazing with them and it makes me feel good knowing they are somewhere they feel safe and

HLM: What inspired you to go back to school and pursue a Master of Art in HR management? Sara Doran: After leaving the military, I knew I wanted to do something that was bigger than just being a wife and mom. I had built so much momentum from completing my bachelor’s degree in general studies with a focus in management that I didn’t want to stop. From there, I went straight to pursue my master’s with National University. I chose HR as a career pathway because I’ve always enjoyed working with people, and I really like the recruiting and staffing side of the profession. I’m excited to continue furthering my education in the field and seeing where it takes me on a professional level. 16

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

www.nu.edu

comfortable while I am focusing on pursuing my education. It really has given me a taste of the saying “it takes a village,” which I don’t always have. The Nest has recently expanded to a second location from its main campus in San Diego, in Escondido. It’s great to see that even more families in the Inland Empire will be able to receive the same support and services that I have found to be very important as a student. HLM: What advice would you give to other military spouses who thinking about going back to college? Sara Doran: Don’t wait for the perfect time because with military life there probably never will be one. There will always be moves, deployments and unexpected things that come up, but you can still make time for yourself and your own goals. It might not always be easy, but I’m really glad I didn’t let that stop me. HLM: How can wraparound support services help military spouses and Veterans persist in their education and career ambitions? Meg O’Grady: Wraparound support services help military spouses and Veterans remain enrolled by ensuring that their well-being, family stability, and career trajectory matter just as much as what happens in the classroom. This includes offering flexible learning options – four-, eight- or twelveweek courses, offered online, on-site, or in hybridlearning formats – that make it easier to continue through relocations, deployments, caregiving responsibilities, or changing work schedules. Benefits guidance and emergency financial support can help students manage the cost of their education. We’ve also learned that mentor and peer networks are essential in helping students navigate their education journey, in which they can connect their academic work to meaningful employment opportunities. By coordinating these resources, universities can help military-affiliated students overcome barriers, stay on track academically, and successfully pursue their educational and career aspirations.

Did you know? Military spouses are building brighter futures while balancing military life, family and education. Despite frequent moves, deployments and changing circumstances, many pursue college degrees and career goals—proving their commitment to growth is just as strong as their commitment to family.

HomelandMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military and living your Best Life. Your service prepared you for the mission. Now it’s time to define your next one. For veterans and military spouses, take that same mission-driven mindset into civilian life. Set new goals. Build new habits. Discover new opportunities. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and seek out a renewed sense of purpose. You are equipped, experienced, and capable of more than you may realize. Don’t just live after the military—thrive, pursue your purpose, and live your best life.

For assistance in your journey please visit:

• Veterans-In-Transition https://homelandmagazine.com/ • Article Archives

homelandmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

The Greatest Infrastructure Project in History Isn’t Going to Build Itself By Alok Chanani, Co-Founder & CEO, BuildOps and former U.S. Army Captain Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, recently said that what’s coming from the AI boom is “the greatest infrastructure project in the history of mankind.” He’s right. The data centers, the power grids, the physical backbone required to run it — all of it has to be built. Maintained. Kept running around the clock. The kicker is … we don’t have the workforce to do it. Not even close. Across the country, commercial contractors — the crews building and maintaining hospitals, schools, energy systems — cannot find enough skilled people to keep up with demand. Projects are delayed. Work that matters are sitting undone. Mike Rowe, who I had the chance to share a stage with at our annual user conference, Forge, put it plainly: we’re not ready for what’s already here, let alone what’s coming. The gap between what the country needs and the people trained to deliver it is massive. And it’s growing fast. So, who fills it? I’d argue the answer is already out there. They just took off their uniforms. Service Doesn’t Stop at the Uniform At our annual user conference, I ask veterans in the room to stand up. It’s never a small number. And there’s a reason for that. People who’ve served are drawn to service work. The trades are, at their core, about showing up for other people — keeping the lights on, the water running, the buildings standing. That’s a calling. And it maps directly onto what the military builds into you: the discipline to do the work right, the accountability to own the outcome, and the instinct to protect the people next to you. On a jobsite, you can see the mission. You can measure the outcome. You can stand behind the result. For veterans, that environment doesn’t feel foreign. It feels right. 18

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

The trades don’t reward people who wait for perfect conditions. They reward people who execute under pressure, adapt when plans fall apart, and lead the person standing next to them. That’s not something you learn on a jobsite. That’s something the military already built into you. Why I Ended Up Here When I transitioned out of the Army, I was drawn to the people doing the work that keeps everything running. That pull eventually led me to co-found BuildOps, an AI-native platform built specifically for commercial contractors Working alongside contractors across the country, I kept seeing the same thing: not a lack of demand — a massive shortage of skilled people. The work is there. The opportunity is real. The pipeline isn’t keeping up. That’s why we launched Tyson for the Trades (www.tysonforthetrades.com) - an initiative focused on building the workforce the industry desperately needs. It’s about elevating the trades as a serious, dignified career path and creating real access for people ready to do the work. The discipline, the precision, the ability to lead under pressure — those qualities don’t expire when the uniform comes off. They belong on a jobsite. The Mission Continues Taking off the uniform doesn’t mean stepping away from responsibility. It means choosing where to carry it next. The country needs people who move toward the hard work. Who shows up when it matters. Who lead with accountability and take pride in what they build. The greatest infrastructure project in the history of mankind isn’t going to build itself. That’s the mission. And it has your name on it.

Alok Chanani is co-founder and CEO of BuildOps, an AI-native platform built for commercial contractors, and a former U.S. Army Captain who served in Baghdad. https://buildops.com

Did you know?

The greatest infrastructure project in the history of mankind isn’t going to build itself.

Veterans are a natural fit for tech jobs because military service builds a foundation of discipline, adaptability, and high-pressure problem-solving that modern technology roles demand.

HomelandMagazine.com

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce? Finding a job in the civilian workplace 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 In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating, and you may feel totally disillusioned. We can help. In our Veterans In Transition archives you will find helpful and informative articles about what’s next in transition, veterans in business, career, advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, veteran franchises, legal tips & resources for veteran businesses and much more...

For assistance in your journey please visit:

Veterans-In-Transition

homelandmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition https://tinyurl.com/vet-in-transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Cybersecurity and Service: Navigating Education and Career with Military Precision By Carly Donner

only gave me new skills but also renewed my existing CompTIA certifications. These kinds of credentials are essential for staying competitive in the job market, whether you’re aiming for a role in the military or the civilian sector. I’d recommend students pursuing cybersecurity prioritize certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These are recognized across the industry and give you a solid foundation on which to build your career. Balancing work and school can be challenging, especially with a demanding job like mine. That’s why I went with a competency-based program that allowed me to work toward my degree at my own pace. With constant travel and unpredictable hours, fitting in homework often meant late nights in hotel rooms or long weekends spent studying. Since I didn’t have to attend scheduled lectures or group projects, I could carve out time to study based on my other commitments. Since completing my degree, a lot of doors have opened. The certificates I earned during the program keep me competitive in my current MOS and will be a huge asset when I return to the fleet. I’ll be able to step back into collateral billets like Information System Security Officer or System Admin, making me more valuable to my unit. Beyond the military, this degree has set me up for a smooth transition into civilian cybersecurity roles whenever I decide to leave the service.

Cybersecurity & Service Getting into cybersecurity has been a rewarding but challenging journey for me, especially while balancing a full-time career in the military. My role involves overseeing various support functions—everything from admin to legal, facilities, and IT—across six states and 265,000 square miles. Yet, despite the heavy responsibility, I found myself drawn back to the technical side of my primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in Communications, which I hadn’t been able to practice much in my current billet. That’s why I decided to pursue a master’s degree with a focus on cybersecurity. For anyone looking to enter the field of cybersecurity, credentials are key. My program at Western Governors University (WGU) embedded industry-recognized certifications into the curriculum, which was invaluable. For instance, earning the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker certificate was part of my program, and it not 20

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

The need for cybersecurity professionals is growing, and having both practical experience and academic credentials makes me feel confident about my future.

“For military members and veterans considering continuing education, I’ll say this: it is hard, but it is also easier than you think even with the demands of service life. Plus, the payoff is so worth it. Not only will you gain knowledge and skills that make you more effective in your current role, but you’ll also be preparing yourself for life after the military. Take advantage of educational benefits like Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill and keep pushing yourself—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.” - Carly Donner

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HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

These experiences do not mean you have failed at transition. They mean you are working through a significant life change. Start With Identity, Purpose, and Direction Through REBOOT, we encourage transitioning service members and veterans to examine the beliefs, habits, and expectations they bring into civilian life. Your military experience remains a valuable part of who you are. It does not have to define every choice you make next. “What are you going to do when you get out?”

Start by asking yourself:

It is a question nearly every transitioning service member hears. Usually, the expected answer is a job title, a college program, or a business idea. Yet beneath that question lies something more personal:

• What activities give me energy and a sense of accomplishment?

“Who do I want to become in the next chapter of my life?” After 26 years in the Navy and years of helping fellow veterans navigate civilian life, I have learned that transition requires more than a résumé and a separation checklist. It requires time to understand yourself beyond the uniform— and permission to imagine a future that may look different from your military past. At National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., known as REBOOT, that is where our work begins. The Person Behind the Résumé Military service provides structure, shared purpose, and a community that understands your role. You know where you belong, what is expected, and how your work contributes to the mission. Leaving that environment can bring opportunity and uncertainty at the same time. Decisions about employment, education, where to live, and how to support your family become interconnected questions without a single clear answer. You may have strong qualifications and still feel unsure of your direction. You may accept a position that uses your skills but leaves you unfulfilled. You may enroll in school because it seems like the logical next step without knowing where that education will lead. 22

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

• Which strengths do I want to use in my next chapter? • What matters most to me and my family now? • What kind of contribution do I want to make? Your answers can help you evaluate opportunities with greater clarity. A career choice becomes more meaningful when it connects your abilities with your interests, values, and desired lifestyle. Give Your Next Step a Purpose Education can open doors, but it helps to know which door you want to walk through. Before selecting a degree or training program, explore the work it prepares you to do. Talk with people in that occupation about their daily responsibilities and qualifications. Apply that same curiosity to employment. Look beyond the job title and salary. Consider the workplace culture, opportunities to grow, and whether the position fits your strengths and family priorities. If business ownership interests you, begin with the customer. What problem can you solve? Who needs that solution? Military leadership and persistence can serve you well, but a business idea becomes stronger when tested through real conversations. You do not need every answer immediately. You need a direction and a practical next step.

Three Actions for This Month Write a personal mission statement. In two or three sentences, describe the person you want to become, the contribution you want to make, and what a fulfilling life means to you. Have one exploratory conversation. Speak with a veteran, employer, educator, or business owner in a field that interests you. Ask what the work is actually like and what they wish they had known before starting. Build your support team. Include your spouse or family, a trusted peer, and someone who can help you explore opportunities. Transition is personal, but you do not have to navigate it alone Take the Next Step With REBOOT Lite If these questions sound familiar, I encourage you to attend our next REBOOT Lite™ workshop. This three-day experience gives you dedicated time to explore your identity, purpose, and passion alongside others navigating their own next chapter. It is an opportunity to pause, reassess your direction, and begin connecting what matters to you with what comes next. REBOOT Lite is offered at no cost to transitioning service members, veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses across all service eras. Whether you are preparing to separate or have been out for years, you are welcome. You do not need a finished plan to begin. Visit www.nvtsi.org to find the next REBOOT Lite workshop and registration information. Your service gave you experience, discipline, and perspective. Your next mission begins by deciding how you want to use them. Give yourself three days to focus on your future. Maurice D. Wilson, MCPO, USN (Ret) Pres/ED National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. aka REBOOT Cell: 619-602-2577 | Office: 619-822-2704 Fax: 866-535-7624

E-mail: Maurice@nvtsi.org | Website: www.nvtsi.org Mission: To REBOOT the Lives & Careers of Transitioning Military, Veterans, and Spouses

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Did you know? Your military discipline, leadership, and unique skills are highly valuable assets, not just memories; focus on transferring that mission-driven mindset, building new habits, and actively seek out a renewed sense of purpose, and remember, you are well-equipped to thrive.

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For assistance in your journey please visit:

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VETERANS IN TRANSITION HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Is Getting the Year Done, Putting You in Overwhelm? When I have asked my solopreneur/small business owners how they plan and keep track of their work I usually find they keep overwhelming lists of to dos. As we approach this last quarter of the year I ask them and I ask you, what's your plan to finish the year strong? Having just finished preparing my notes for the Mind Masters 4th Quarter Strategy workshop I always stress that a specific plan of action is essential to progress and success. A worthwhile plan is more then a to do list, it is a design, a blueprint. • Action steps implement the chosen strategy and tactics to realize chosen goals and results. • Action steps or action planning is a tedious, but critical, part of the planning process. It is a matter of spelling out step by step each of the accountability steps that must be completed. It requires careful thinking about the timing involved and the manpower requirements.

Activities

Results

Projects

Commitments

Some of the things we do are routine, but we still need to be reminded about them, while projects or results require a more detailed list for completion along with time frames. It helps balance everything you do - in your work, home and personal life. On a weekly basis, when you do your planning, it is easy to choose the things from each list that must be done within that time frame. Each day, based on your schedule you can easily funnel specific actions down knowing you have allotted the time to complete them. Regardless of your year-to-date results, you and I both know that no matter how good or bad your results have been, you can always do better - much better, because EVERYTHING COUNTS!

• Action steps with completion dates can also provide a measurement of progress towards any objective. Breaking each task down to small steps keeps the process from being overwhelming. It allows time for skill development. Complex skills take practice. Small action steps increase the mastery of the game, which adds to the passion, and creativity needed to sustain the motivation for winning. Over the years my own experience of working with a PDA caused me to be overwhelmed. I went back to a system that had helped me put organization into my to do list. It’s called a Planner Pad (www.plannerpad.com). It has been the key for me to take control of my plans, projects and goals once I have clearly defined what I wanted to accomplish in all the areas that require attention. Yearly, quarterly and monthly planning has been an important aspect of Mind Masters from day one – but having a way to filter those plans into productive action needed a tool that would get me the results I wanted. The key is to categorize your high priority, high payoff items first, both business and personal. They can be referred to as: 24

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

About the Author

Barbara Eldridge has built a solid reputation as a Results strategies specialist, within industry and business over the past 40 years. Her unique message, since starting Mind Masters 30 years ago for entrepreneurs and small business owners, continually stresses vision, purpose and values as the key elements of business philosophy. Her undying compassion for the entrepreneur’s journey, her tireless capacity to listen, and her sincere enthusiasm for other’s success have insured her growing influence and her own mastery with Mind Masters. www.mindmasters.com

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My Mentor Helped Me Double My Salary: Supercharge Your Job Search with Customized Mentorship Finding the right career after military service can be challenging. You may have the skills, leadership experience, and determination—but knowing how to translate your military experience, navigate the job market, and build the right professional network can make all the difference. That’s where American Corporate Partners (ACP) can help. www.acp-usa.org ACP is a national nonprofit that connects post-9/11 Veterans with experienced professionals from some of America’s leading organizations for free, year-long, oneon-one mentorships. Mentors come from organizations including Amazon, Disney, Lockheed Martin, MLB, and more. For Army National Guard Major Jared Hendler, the impact was significant. “After working with my ACP Mentor James, I landed the best possible job out of everything I had applied for,” Hendler said. He is now a manager at a major global company—and earning twice his previous salary. What Can a Mentor Do for You? ACP mentorships are customized to your career goals and professional experience. Your Mentor can help you: ● Strengthen your résumé and prepare for interviews ● Explore career options and identify meaningful opportunities ● Build and expand your professional network ● Develop leadership and communication skills ● Navigate work-life balance and workplace culture ● Create a long-term career plan ● Explore entrepreneurship and small-business development ACP Protégés who obtain meaningful employment during their mentorship report an average salary increase of more than $41,000+ over their previous compensation. In 2025, ACP Protégés reported an average starting salary of $105,000. 28

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Army Veteran Shameka Howell experienced that impact firsthand. After more than 10 years out of the Army, Howell found herself underemployed following an unexpected layoff. Only a few months into her ACP mentorship, She landed a new position paying $20,000 more than her previous job. “By following my Mentor’s advice on networking, I was able to land a new, higher-paying position at a company that will be paying for me to learn new skills!” Howell said. “I am so grateful for my Mentor’s guidance and for the connection to her through ACP.” Your Mentor. Your Goals. Your Next Career. ACP hand-picks a Mentor based on your career interests, professional history, and mentoring preferences. You and your Mentor then develop a personalized action plan and typically connect monthly. ACP staff remain involved throughout the year, providing resources and helping ensure a successful experience. Who is eligible? Post-9/11 Veterans who have served at least 180 days of active duty since September 11, 2001. Since 2010, more than 43,000 Veterans and Military Spouses have participated in ACP, and 98% of Veterans say they would recommend the program. Ready to take the next step in your civilian career? Apply today at ACP’s website.

www.acp-usa.org/programs/veteran-mentoring-program

The brief application asks about your military experience, career goals, and mentoring preferences. ACP will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a short phone conversation and begin the matching process. Your next career may be closer than you think. Don’t navigate the transition alone—find a Mentor who can help you get there.

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Veterans Chamber of Commerce By Joseph Molina veteransccsd@gmail.com www.nationalveterans.org

WIOA for Veterans And Military Families The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa offers incredible funded programs designed to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military or veteran spouses launch meaningful civilian careers. While many look to this program for traditional employment, WIOA actually places a powerful, strategic emphasis on entrepreneurship. If you want to bypass the corporate ladder and build your own business, WIOA provides the funding, training, and resources needed to succeed as a small business owner. Transitioning to civilian life or navigating the frequent moves of military family life requires flexibility, and small business ownership offers the ultimate professional portability.

and financial statements. The course may include additional topics, but these are essential topics for new entrepreneurs. The National Veterans Chamber of Commerce actively helps the military community maximize these exact benefits. They provide dedicated support to guide you through the eligibility and application process smoothly, connecting your entrepreneurial drive with the right government funding source. We at the NVCC are always happy to help those interested and committed to achieving their goals, just let us know where you are, and we can help you arrive to your entrepreneurial destination. Take a look at the program to help you decide if this is a path is for you. veteranschamber.online/wioa

WIOA directly supports this path by covering the costs of essential business training, professional certifications, and technical education. These resources help you develop critical skills in financial management, marketing, and strategic planning, ensuring you can build a sustainable enterprise in high-demand industries. This is a great resource that offers guidance and training on how to build your business by providing the needed foundation and exploring entrepreneurial ideas. New and Innovative ideas are the trademark of entrepreneurs. Navigating government programs can feel complex when you are trying to launch a new business, but you do not have to do it alone. What you should expect from an WIOA Entrepreneurship course: Complete courses should include topics such as the entrepreneurship Mindset, Financing options for new entrepreneurs, business plan development, licensing and permits needed to start your business, Marketing and Promotion and of course how to track your profit 30

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

The National Veterans Chamber of Commerce Joseph Molina National Director/Founder josephmolina@nationalveterans.org www.nationalveterans.org

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THE BILLIONAIRE TAX VS. THE OFFSHORE TRUST: INSIDE CALIFORNIA’S PROP 40 AND WEALTH PROTECTION

The landscape of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in California is facing a massive legal shift. On November 3, 2026, voters will decide on Proposition 40 – the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act. If passed, Proposition 40 will impose a one-time 5% excise tax on the worldwide net worth of California residents and applicable trusts valued at $1 billion or more. Because this tax targets wealth globally, many are asking a critical question: can offshore asset protection structures shield wealth from a state-level wealth tax? The short answer is NO! CRITICAL MECHANICS OF PROPOSITION 40

Proposition 40 is engineered to prevent the standard exit strategies that ultra-wealthy individuals typically deploy. The legislation uses a lookback date. If you were a California resident on January 1, 2026, you are on the hook for the tax. Moving out of the state after the date does not eliminate your liability. Your worldwide net worth will still be officially valued on December 31, 2026. The act specifically targets “applicable trusts.” The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is granted broad powers to look through domestic and foreign trust structures to value asset distributions and beneficial interests. While directly held personal real estate is exempt, any real estate held via corporate entities, LLCs, or limited partnerships remains fully taxable. WHY OFFSHORE TRUSTS WILL NOT STOP THE WEALTH TAX

Many mistakenly believe that moving capital into an Offshore Asset Protection Trust in jurisdictions like the Cook Islands, or Belize legally removes those assets from the California tax bases. In reality, the legal frameworks overlap in dangerous ways. Offshore trusts created by U.S. citizens are almost always categorized as grantor trusts by the IRS and the California FTB. Legally, the government “looks through” the trust. The assets are still considered yours for tax 34

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

purposes, meaning their valuation must be included in your Prop 40 worldwide net worth calculations. Failing to report offshore assets to evade a state tax is criminal tax evasion. The FTB utilizes existing federal reporting frameworks, such as the FinCEN FBAR (Form 114) and IRS Form 3520, to audit global net worth. If an asset is disclosed federally, California will find it. While a foreign trustee can legally ignore a California court order to hand over trust funds, a California judge still holds personal jurisdiction over you. If a resident is ordered to repatriate offshore funds to settle a state tax debt and refuses, the judge can issue civil contempt sanctions, which can include immediate incarceration. STRATEGIC TAKEAWAY

Offshore asset protection remains an incredibly powerful tool, but its purpose is litigation defense, not tax avoidance. An offshore trust will beautifully insulate your wealth from future civil lawsuits, malpractice claims, or predatory business judgments. However, it cannot insulate you from statutory government taxes like Prop 40. To completely remove wealth from the scope of California’s aggressive tax reach, individuals must proactively sever all residency ties with the state, long before retroactive lookback dates are ever established. If you need help determining the best asset protection strategies, we can help. Timing is NOW. Click here https://baglalaw.com/contact/ to schedule your consultation. Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion. Knowing what you’re getting into is smart business because the responsibility of protecting your business falls on you. 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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HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Caregiving rooted in LOVE

Only 2 when her mother was injured in Iraq, Sanaa Lucas continues to demonstrate the remarkable resilience of child caregivers By Jennifer Kovalich

ven before she was old enough to understand the role, Sanaa Lucas has been a caregiver. She was 2 when her mother, Latoya Lucas, was severely injured in a rocketpropelled grenade attack in Iraq while serving with the Army’s 52nd Engineering Battalion in support of the 101st Airborne Division. Latoya sustained significant burns on her left side and lost the use of her left hand and left foot. She also experienced a traumatic brain injury, developed post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and has a colostomy bag. Latoya spent five months at what is now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with her daughter and her husband, Mike, a Marine veteran, by her side. As a toddler, Sanaa helped her mother by doing tasks such as bringing her a napkin from a bedside table or holding a cup of ice water to Latoya’s mouth so she could take a drink. “It meant the world to me,” Latoya said of waking up from surgery at Walter Reed and having her husband and daughter with her. Mike and Sanaa lived in a hotel on the hospital grounds during Latoya’s hospitalization. “They would come over every day,” she said. “She was just always being that strong pick-me-up helper.”

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Attending her mother’s medical appointments became second nature to Sanaa. “From an early age, all she knew was doctor appointments and hospital visits and things like that, and that’s not something normal for kids her age to really experience on a day-to-day basis, and especially for how long she had to do that,” Latoya said. Sanaa vividly remembers attending Latoya’s medical visits but has vague memories of being on the hospital ward and seeing other wounded service members, some who were disfigured, who had lost their limbs and whose head wounds were wrapped in bandages. Though difficult for a child to comprehend, the experience instilled empathy and compassion in the little girl, particularly when she later saw wounded veterans in public. “I had an understanding,” Sanaa said. As a high schooler, Sanaa began to encourage her mother, who lives with daily pain, to explore nonpharmaceutical approaches to her wellness, including holistic acupuncture. She continues to advocate for Latoya’s health and recently introduced her to the meditative healing practice of breathwork and sound baths, where participants lie on the floor while the harmonious tones of quartz singing bowls wash over the body, instilling a feeling of calm.

The pair, who share an obviously close bond, recently traveled to Albany, New York, for a session with a Reiki master. The experience was transformative for Latoya, who expressed it also appealed to her because of its physical accessibility for anyone. “It was fabulous and fantastic,” Latoya said. “I felt so good afterward, and that’s something I really want to incorporate into my healing journey and my recovery, which is always ongoing.” Sanaa, 25, resides near her parents; works in government relations in the Washington, D.C., area; and plays viola with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. Her love of music began with violin lessons when she was 9 and has become a way to ground herself, particularly in highly tense situations. A deeply introspective person, Sanaa has had her life molded by being a caregiver for more than two decades. “I think it shaped me tremendously,” Sanaa said. “I think just always being mindful of this thing that is bigger than me, like my mom’s sacrifice and how much she’s contributed to our family, just kind of keeping that at the forefront.” Throughout the United States, there are an estimated 2.3 million child caregivers, according to a 2022 White House study. They provide critical support to their loved ones while balancing the rigors of growing up. “Child and young adult caregivers play an enormous role in the health and welfare of our nation’s veterans,” said DAV National Caregiver Support Program Director Ron Minter. “The responsibilities they carry and the care they provide are remarkable and reflect a maturity beyond their years.” Though Sanaa’s home life differed from her classmates, her school life and friendships were “pretty normal.” Music helped, and her constancy in assisting her father in caring for Latoya permeated through her friendships and relationships. Her caregiving role has also motivated Sanaa to give back to other military children. A DAV Auxiliary member, she’s also involved with a military scholarship program and spoke on a panel in the spring to provide career and professional advice. Sanaa and Latoya share gratitude and mutual appreciation for each other. Sanaa is also grateful that she was able to process and understand her mother’s situation, even from a young age. For others in similar caregiving situations, she encourages being patient, staying positive and sticking together. “Love is really at the root of it all,” she said. n

Learn More Online

Learn more at davcaregivers.org.

Top to bottom, left to right: Sanaa Lucas began violin lessons at age 9, as her parents thought music would be a good outlet for her. Latoya Lucas holds her daughter, Sanaa, before deploying to Iraq in 2003 with the 52nd Engineering Battalion. Sanaa and Latoya have a strong bond, and Latoya is grateful for all that her daughter has done for her. Mike, Latoya and Sanaa Lucas are a tightknit family. Mike is Latoya’s primary caregiver, and growing up, Sanaa emulated her father, always eager to help her mother and do whatever she could for her.

dav.org HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

AGING & END OF LIFE CARE By: Shelly Dew, CFRE, CDE Director of Philanthropy Hospice of the North Coast www.hospicenorthcoast.org

Hospice and Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference As a hospice professional, I know the words hospice and palliative care can be confusing. I also understand that conversations about death and dying can be difficult, especially when they involve someone we love. If you’ve heard these terms but aren’t quite sure what they mean, you’re not alone. The simplest way to think about it is this: palliative care focuses on helping people live as well as possible with a serious illness, while hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life when an illness has reached its final stage. Palliative care can begin at any point during a serious illness and can be provided alongside treatments intended to cure or manage the disease. It helps relieve pain and other symptoms while addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs. A palliative care team may include physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists who work alongside a patient’s existing healthcare providers. They can help patients and families manage symptoms, navigate difficult decisions, and understand what to expect as an illness progresses. Hospice has a different focus. To be eligible, a physician must determine that a person has a life expectancy of approximately six months or less if the illness follows its expected course. At that point, the focus shifts from trying to cure the illness to providing comfort, support, and the best possible quality of life. Hospice offers an interdisciplinary team that may include nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care providers, volunteers, and physicians. Hospice may also provide medications related to the terminal illness, medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and oxygen, and other supplies needed for comfort and care. But here’s something I wish more people knew: hospice is not about giving up, and hospice does not cause someone to die. It’s understandable to worry that choosing hospice means the end will come sooner. In reality, the underlying illness causes the decline, not hospice. When people wait until very late in those six months to begin hospice, they may have less time to benefit from its support. Starting earlier gives patients and families more time to manage symptoms, ask questions, make plans, and have a team beside them. 38

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

In my work, I see hospice as a way of giving people more support, not less. It can mean having someone to call when symptoms change, receiving help with personal care, or simply having someone who understands what you’re going through. Hospice also helps families understand what to expect and make decisions that reflect a loved one’s wishes. For Veterans, there can be additional layers to consider. Military service can shape how someone approaches illness, independence, and asking for help. Taking the time to listen to those experiences helps us understand what matters most to each Veteran. That’s why we encourage you to know Hospice of the North Coast before you need us. Learning about hospice doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It means being informed and knowing where to turn when support is needed. Call us anytime to learn more, ask questions, or have a friendly conversation about your options. Hospice isn’t about shortening the journey. It’s about making sure you don’t have to walk it alone.

Shelly Dew serves as Director of Philanthropy and Community Outreach at Hospice of the North Coast, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care, comfort, and support for patients sdew@hospicenorthcoast.org | hospicenorthcoast.org

hospicenorthcoast.org HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

teamstepusa.org

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Camp Corral offers programs designed specifically to empower America’s military-connected children to make connections, build coping skills, and increase self-confidence. Serving children ages 8 to 15 who have a parent or guardian who is wounded, ill or fallen due to their military service, Camp Corral partners with the nation’s best residential camps and hosts programs across the country. Programs are offered at no cost to the families.

Scan to learn more about Camp Corral’s Summer Camp Programs Mission: To transform the lives of children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes through camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs.

Strengthening Military Families One Child at a Time... HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

Real Talk: Mental Health By Tami Brown, Case Manager The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD

Mental Health Tips for Veterans Adjusting to Post-Military Life As a retiree, the most difficult part is not leaving the uniform behind but having to retrain my mind and mannerisms that have been ingrained for 20 plus years. A common challenge I have faced, besides shifting from the military mindset, finding my own sense of purpose, and adjusting to my career change is navigating the change in my daily structure. While active duty, you are trained to think in this way: “To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late.” So, I found that when I was running late to any civilian appointment, event, or other engagement, my anxiety levels went through the roof. I would show up and apologize for being late (when I was literally on time), the response would be “oh, you’re not late at all.” The emotions run off the charts when I get such a relaxed answer; it is difficult for me to downshift. This is a process I am always working on and being aware of it is one way I manage anxiety. In addition, I have had to figure out new ways to take care of my mind. I have been involved in sports and fitness activities all my life, including military physical training. However, I realized this has not been enough to manage my stress levels. Returning to martial arts, however, has been tried and true for me to relieve stress, allows me to refocus, as well as satisfy my athleticism and need to keep learning. Outside of physical activity, I have taken up gardening (quite the opposite of martial arts). It is in this silence where I can also find peace. Learning how to solve problems, getting my hands in the soil, and going out early every morning and evening to check on my progress gives me a sense of accomplishment. Also, reaching out for help can feel like a slippery slope because I feel like I never know if someone is going to understand what I have to say, and the way I say it. I have realized my brain has a way it is used to communicate, and articulating my points may not be conducive to a civilian. As you can tell, there are many challenges when making the move from military to civilian life, and it’s not just one or two things from which we have to be aware of. 42

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As you can tell, there are many challenges when making the move from military to civilian life, and it’s not just one or two things from which we have to be aware of. There are a multitude of challenges veterans go through with just the idea that we no longer have an “automatic safeguard” with our military community when we take off that uniform. While overwhelming at times, it's important to remember that you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, finding a renewed sense of purpose, rebuilding your support network, or simply adjusting to a new way of life, help is available.

The Cohen Clinics at VVSD provides confidential, highquality mental health care for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and self-awareness. Just as we learned to rely on our teams while in uniform, there is a community ready to support you after service. No matter where you are in your adjustment journey, know that hope, healing, and help are within reach. By Tami Brown, Case Manager The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD vvsd.net/cohenclinics

our

Therapy for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, including National Guard / Reserves. CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.

LEARN MORE vvsd.net/cohenclinics

CALIFORNIA locations

San Diego 8885 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 301 Oceanside 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd. Suite 120 Los Angeles 20800 Madrona Avenue, Suite C-100, Torrance, CA HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

When the War Follows You Home: A Call to Remember, Rebuild, and Reinspire By Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM The battlefield never truly leaves those who have fought on it. The sounds of rotor blades, the concussive force of breaching charges, the stillness before a fight—these sensations remain etched into the nervous system long after a warrior comes home. But when the mission ends, the real battle often begins. For many veterans, the return to civilian life is not a homecoming; it is a separation. The team is gone. The structure, the purpose, the unbreakable brotherhood— they are replaced with isolation. The skills that once meant survival—hypervigilance, aggression under control, emotional detachment—don’t translate to office jobs, parent-teacher meetings, or dinner conversations. Then there are the injuries, both seen and unseen. Traumatic brain injuries from IED blasts or years of breaching charges affect impulse control, emotional regulation, and cognition. Chronic pain and sleepless nights become constant. PTSD rewires the brain, heightening fear responses and stealing peace. For some, the only escape is a bottle. A pill. A numbing agent to silence the war that still rages inside.

For veterans reading this—you are not alone. Your war is over, but your mission is not. There is a way forward.

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

A System That Cares, But a Society That Forgets The VA has been a leader in veteran healthcare, offering some of the most advanced treatments for PTSD, TBI, and substance use. But no system, no matter how welldesigned, can single-handedly undo the damage of war. The challenge is not just medical—it is cultural. Society asks its warriors to go to war but does not teach them how to return. Reintegration is not as simple as handing back a rifle. The loss of mission, the absence of a team, and the transition to a world that does not understand their experience can be crushing. If we want to change outcomes for veterans, we

A Legacy of War My grandfather, Joe Brunette, was a warrior of another era. He served as a navigator on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II, guiding his ship through hellish waters. He returned home, but in many ways, the war never let him go. I remember him in the garden, his hands thick with soil, his face lined with years of struggle. As a child, I would sit with him, listening to stories of the Philippines—of kamikaze attacks, of men lost at sea. But it was the moments of silence between the stories that spoke the loudest. His hands would tremble on his coffee cup. His eyes, sharp and knowing, would suddenly darken. He had survived the war, but survival came at a cost. And yet, he never let that pain define him. He was a loving father to seven children, a devoted husband, and the honorable patriarch of our family. He went to work every day, provided for his family, and filled our home with warmth, humor, and heart. He bore his suffering quietly, with dignity, and his golden spirit still shines in the memory of those who knew him. His weapons of choice after the Navy were alcohol and unfiltered cigarettes. The same man who had guided a warship through battle was left to navigate his own suffering alone. A heart attack took him at 60—far too soon. I didn’t understand it all then, but I felt it. I knew, even as a child, that something weighed on him that no one could see. And I know now that his story is not unique. It is the story of too many warriors. His legacy lit the path for mine—and I’ve made it my life’s mission to ensure others are not left to carry their wounds alone. A Way Forward Healing is not about forgetting the past; it is about forging a future. Veterans don’t need pity. They need purpose, community, and a mission beyond war. That starts with: • Restoring the team – Veterans heal best when surrounded by those who understand them. Whether through peer support, veteran-led initiatives, or teambased therapies like equine-assisted treatment, the key is rebuilding the unit they lost. • Addressing the nervous system – Trauma is stored in the body. Movement-based therapies, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, rucking, and equine therapy, help veterans regain control and connection.

• Creating meaningful roles – Service never ends, but the mission can evolve. Programs that integrate veterans into leadership, mentorship, and hands-on roles give them renewed purpose. • Educating society – Reintegration is not solely a veteran’s responsibility. Employers, communities, and families must recognize that the warrior’s journey doesn’t end with discharge—it continues, and it requires support. A Personal Oath I have dedicated my career to understanding and treating the scars of war. It began in 2010 in Hawaii, where I trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside Navy SEALs and provided psychiatric care to their families. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact of war on even the strongest among us. I’ve also had the privilege of standing beside these warriors—not just in clinics but in the depths of their personal battles, ensuring they find their way home. My work has taken me places few civilians go— requiring a low signature and absolute trust. That commitment extends beyond medicine. Each year, I participate in the NYC Navy SEAL Swim, raising funds for Gold Star families. Within this event, I am part of 62 Romeo, a group dedicated to supporting healing in active and retired operators. But this is not just about SEALs. This is about every veteran who has served and returned to a world that doesn’t always know what to do with them. My grandfather, like so many others, fought two wars—the one overseas and the one at home. He didn’t win the second. But we can make sure others do. A Call to Action For veterans reading this—you are not alone. Your war is over, but your mission is not. There is a way forward.For the rest of us—understand this: reintegration is not a veteran’s burden to bear alone. It is a collective responsibility. They served us. Now it is time to serve them. Oxford Treatment Center www.oxfordtreatment.com Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM is a double board-certified psychiatrist and addictionologist, and the medical director of Oxford Treatment Center’s Veteran’s Treatment Program. HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

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

Managing the Avoidance Quicksand In this series, I’ve written about the wide range of symptoms and behaviors that can accompany PTSD. This month, I am going to focus on one that has an important impact on life, namely avoidance. First, some background. Our complicated bodies, brains and minds usually work together, much of it out of our awareness, because all the systems are in synch. But think, what if one system goes out of whack? As an analogy, what happens if we lose our cell phone or internet access, how many things we depend on are suddenly not working?

that recollection is that the actual challenge was not as bad as imagined. Another tip is to take a daily or weekly inventory of things you are avoiding, then choose one that might be most manageable. Set a commitment to tackle that challenge and review afterwards. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as expected, or at least, it’s over. Find a companion or support person, maybe another veteran or a family member. Let them know that you may need some assistance to put yourself into a fearful situation. Trust that they will be willing to help. Reducing isolation often makes tackling avoidance more possible.

We are wired to seek avoidance of pain, fear, distressing uncertainty, or markers of danger. With PTSD, intrusive memories of trauma(s), reminders of an incident, or nightmares are intense and out of immediate control. We have learned to avoid pain and danger as a matter of course: watch before crossing, don’t stick your finger in an open flame. In those circumstances, avoidance makes perfect sense. With PTSD, an exaggerated, trauma-triggered avoidance pattern often sets in. What others seem to manage readily, or we used to, no longer seems possible. As a result, life begins to shrink. Avoiding crowds, noisy or unpredictable situations, new relationships or friendships, even avoiding sleep in anticipation of nightmares: these will vary with the individual, but the core process is an adaptive coping skill that has intensified and backfired. With avoidance, come isolation, shame, loss of confidence, all pathways to depression.

The payoff can be considerable. One of my most cherished events in offering our Freespira therapy to veterans came from a wrap up session reported by his coach. This vet, a special forces guy, said that the sign that he was better was that he had been able to take his five year old daughter to the movies for the first time in her life. That simple story says so much: tackling his avoidance opened up areas of his life that had been tightly shut. Find you own way to look for your own opening.

Avoidance is one ingredient that can interfere with talk therapies. Even though the evidence is strong for the exposure-based therapies, it can be a tough sell to engage in or stick with a therapy that involves revisiting trauma reminders and memories. Left unchecked, avoidance in daily life begins to erode quality of life. The solution? Increase your expectation that you can manage the thoughts, feelings, memories, and situations that trigger you. Remind yourself of the challenges in your life that you have faced and overcome, and usually 46

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

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

Available to eligible veterans through their VA benefits.

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PTSD and panic symptoms are not signs of failure. They’re signs of impact. At Freespira, we offer a proven, medication-free treatment designed to help veterans reclaim peace of mind and control over their lives. No stigma. No judgment.

Get relief today See if you’re eligible at freespira.com/relief freespira.com/relief or 1-800-735-8995. Or ask your VA or VA CCN clinician for a Freespira referral.

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

T U R N I N G PA I N I N T O P U R P O S E

Healing our nation’s heroes through nature, connection and community.

W H I T E H E A RT. O R G WHITEHEART.ORG

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

VA DISABILITY CLAIM DENIED? Know Your Rights and Don’t Take “No” for an Answer! VA Accredited Representation Including: Appeals of VA Disability Claims: • PACT Act Conditions • Agent Orange Conditions • PTSD / Anxiety / Depression • Unemployability (TDIU) • Musculoskeletal Conditions • Migraine Headaches • and more...

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Veteran Resources & Support Navigating the wide range of resources available to veterans can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Homeland Magazine is committed to helping military service members, veterans, and their families navigate every stage of their journey. Through timely, relevant, and inspiring content, we provide trusted information, valuable resources, and real-world guidance on the issues that matter most—including mental health, fighting PTSD, wellness, healthcare, military family life, deployments and reunification, transition to civilian life, career and educational opportunities, spouse employment, financial well-being, and the many social challenges that can arise along the way.

Homeland Magazine

Resources & Support Available at homelandmagazine.com/category/mental-health/ HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

RESILIENCY. GROWTH. BELONGING. Led by veteran facilitators, MOSAIC experiences blend physical activity, mindfulness, and resiliency education to rediscover strength, purpose, and connection in everyday life. Weekend programs open to all service members including active-duty, reservists, and veterans. https://tinyurl.com/apply-mosiac Apply today.

themosaicfoundation.org

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THE DOORS ARE OPEN.

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

www.lightheadedhelmets.com 52

HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

As the nation marks 250 years of independence, Liberty Station stands as a powerful reminder that America was forged by bravery and remains anchored in liberty. To learn more, please visit libertystation.com/events/250th-anniversary

www.midway.org/contact/volunteer-opportunities

www.midway.org HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer By Holly Shaffner

“Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo.” - Officer Cindy Ovares

Changing careers can be exciting, exhilarating, and filled with trepidation. Meet Officer Cindy Ovares who has made the transition numerous times – from active-duty service member, to student, massage therapist, teacher, and now police officer. The life experience she gained in those previous longterm jobs set her up to be successful today. She is doing what she’s always wanted to do – have a career that is challenging and rewarding. Cindy was like many seniors in high school as she contemplated what she would do after graduation. When the Navy recruiter called the house looking for her brother, the recruiter instead got an eager, independent 17-year-old woman who wanted to find adventure. Just a few months later, she was off to “see the world” and start her first career. As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Petty Officer Ovares was a jet engine mechanic. It was a male-dominated job, and she wanted to prove that anything a man could do, she could do better. She attended military schools in Florida and Virginia to learn her trade, and was later stationed in Lemoore, California. She was attached to VFA-22, an F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron, that deployed on ships. After serving four years on active duty, she earned Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and chose to leave the Navy to attend college. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and being a fluent Spanish speaker, she was hired to be a high school Spanish teacher. The job was gratifying; but also, under resourced, understaffed, and had little room to grow professionally. She wanted something new and challenging, was drawn to the community where she grew up, so, in her late 30s she applied to be a police officer. 54

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Officer Ovares was accepted to the San Francisco Police Academy and has been an officer for the last three years. She is a foot patrol officer working in the Tenderloin District – a 50-block area that has a storied history, and has been known for homelessness, drugs, and crime. “Being able to talk to people, figure out what they are going through, and what they need is a huge portion of the job. I enjoy interacting with the public, and engaging in what I call verbal judo,” said Officer Ovares.

As a Latina giving back to her community, she admits that the job comes with highs and lows. Officer Ovares recommends a career in law enforcement for those military members looking to make a smooth transition to a new chapter. To learn more about the San Francisco Police Department, or to connect with recruiter, go to: www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/careers

For Officer Ovares, the parallels between serving in the military and serving in law enforcement made the transition go smoothly: • Routine – You know what to expect before your shift begins (what time to report, what uniform to wear, the structure of the day). • Camaraderie – The bond between fellow officers is like the bond between your fellow military brothers and sisters. • Variety – Every day is different with different assignments and duties, so the job is never boring. • Benefits – Include a competitive salary, paid vacation days, floating holidays, and sick days, healthcare, retirement, and special pay for certain assignments and being bilingual. HomelandMagazine.com / October 2026

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www.joinSDPDnow.com SDPDrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

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