Homeland Magazine November 2019 by HOMELAND MAGAZINE

Homeland

Vol. 7 Number 11 • November2019 www.HomelandMagazine.com

MAGAZINE

Solving Veteran Suicide is not Simple and Straight Forward

Forward

Remembering a Wife, Mom and Woman Who Served

Wounded Veterans Empower Others

HONOR FLIGHT

DOUBLE UP FOR VETERANS

A blast from the past

CELEBRATING VETERANS

What’s Next Transition to Civilian Life

CYBERSECURITY Protect Yourself

I AM A VETERAN

Careers In Law Enforcement

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veterans

HOMELANDMAGAZINE.COM Resources Support Inspiration

Homeland Veterans Magazine Voted 2017, 2018 & 2019 BEST resource, support media for veterans, military families & military personnel. 2

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

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

Contributing Writers Holly Shaffner Honor Flight

RanDee McLain, LCSW A Different Lens

Vicki Garcia

Enlisted to Entrepreneur

CJ Machado

Homeland Photojournalist

Kelly Bagla, Esq. Legal Eagle

Joe Molina Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Eve Nasby

What’s Next - Transition

Scott Hermann Cybersecurity

Collaborative Organizations

www.HomelandMagazine.com Greetings and a warm welcome to Homeland Magazine! 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. 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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Wounded Warrior Project Disabled American Veterans American’s Warrior Partnership Shelter To Soldier Father Joe’s Village Flying Leathernecks Give An Hour Courage To Call Boot Campaign National Women’s History Operation Homefront With National Veteran Advocates & Guest Writers 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.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 I AM A VETERAN 10 Honor Flight - Blast from the past 14 Paying it Forward 18 Help A Hero 20 Double Up For Veterans 22 Veteran Suicide 24 Different Lens - Mindfulness 26 Remembrance - Mom, Wife, Soldier 28 Fighting Spirit 30 Celebrating Veterans 32 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next - Transition 34 Cybersecurity - Protection 38 Legal Eagle - Trademarks 40 Military Money - Savings 42 Enlisted to Entrepreneur 47 Careers In Law Enforcement

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I AM A

Artist - Elizabeth Moug 6

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VETERAN

Artist - Saul Hansen

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I AM A VETERAN by Andrea Christensen Brett You may not know me the first time we meet I’m just another you see on the street But I am the reason you walk and breathe free I am the reason for your liberty I AM A VETERAN I work in the local factory all day I own the restaurant just down the way I sell you insurance, I start your IV I’ve got the best-looking grandkids you’ll ever see I’m your grocer, your banker Your child’s schoolteacher I’m your plumber, your barber Your family’s preacher But there’s part of me you don’t know very well Just listen a moment, I’ve a story to tell

I came home and moved on But forever was changed The perils of war in my memory remained I don’t really say much, I don’t feel like I can But I left home a child, and came home a man There are thousands like me Thousands more who are gone But their legacy lives as time marches on White crosses in rows And names carved in queue Remind us of what these brave souls had to do I’m part of a fellowship, a strong mighty band Of each man and each woman Who has served this great land And when Old Glory waves I stand proud, I stand tall I helped keep her flying over you, over all.

I AM A VETERAN I joined the service while still in my teens I traded my prom dress for camouflage greens I’m the first in my family to do something like this I followed my father, like he followed his Defying my fears and hiding my doubt I married my sweetheart before I shipped out I missed Christmas, then Easter The birth of my son But I knew I was doing what had to be done I served on the battlefront, I served on the base I bound up the wounded And begged for God’s grace I gave orders to fire, I followed commands I marched into conflict in far distant lands

Artist - Brittany Gneiting

In the jungle, the desert, on mountains and shores In bunkers, in tents, on dank earthen floors While I fought on the ground, in the air, on the sea My family and friends were home praying for me For the land of the free and the home of the brave I faced my demons in foxholes and caves Then one dreaded day, without drummer or fife I lost an arm, my buddy lost his life.

Artist - Blake Davis 8

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I AM A VETERAN

I have been told by many veterans that my poem has given them a voice. This is the highest compliment I could possibly receive. It is an honor to speak for any of these noble men and women who have given so much. It is with deepest gratitude and humility that I offer “I am a Veteran” as my gift to these great Americans.

Poem Background Notes By Andrea C. Brett

One of the greatest privileges my family and I have enjoyed since we began performing in Branson, Missouri many years ago, is meeting the veterans who come to our show every single day. As I have spoken with many of these men and women over the years, I have discovered time and time again that some of the most amazing and inspiring stories of sacrifice and service to our country come from the most common people. Without their uniform to distinguish them from everyone else in the crowd, they look just like you and I. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and backgrounds, yet they share one very important bond – military service to the greatest country on earth. Behind each of their faces and in each of their hearts is a story that most likely has gone untold or unheralded. Most of them believe that their contribution was small – just part of their duty – but it is these individual efforts that have combined into a mighty force for freedom.

Artist - Blake Davis

These stories, in combination, make up the bigger story of America itself - a story of courage, sacrifice, faith, honor, love, and the commitment to preserve and protect Her precious liberties. The poem “I am a Veteran” was written to pay tribute to those who have written this story. Each line or phrase in the poem is the voice of one of these men or women; each represents an actual person that I have met or have been told about. The poem is not about one veteran, but each and all. The words represent only a sampling of the diverse experiences of our veterans - it would be impossible to cover them all – therefore, it is intended more to symbolize the sacrifice of all veterans and to honor them for the service they each performed.

Book Cover - Karson Knudsen

The “I Am a Veteran” poem is now the text for a beautiful hard cover, coffee table book. The book features 45 stunning hand drawn, color illustrations that dramatically and sensitively depict each line of the poem. It is the perfect gift for veterans and their families.

The poem was also written to cause anyone who reads or hears it to become more aware of each man or woman they encounter in their everyday comings and goings. Maybe he or she is a veteran. Maybe he or she had a part in securing my freedoms. Maybe this “common” person has performed uncommon service in my behalf. If so, the ground we share in our daily walk is truly sacred ground.

For more information, visit www.iamaveteran.net Enter promo code HOMELAND at checkout, for a special discount offered exclusively to HOMELAND Veterans Magazine readers.

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After 40 Years of Service, He Got The Best Blast From the Past After retiring in 1993 from a 40-year career with Smithfield Foods, Korean War veteran Jim Page had the surprise of a lifetime this September.

It was purely by chance that Smithfield would sponsor the same Honor Flight that the Sioux Falls, South Dakota veteran would be selected for on Sept. 24. “When I found out about the Honor Flight Network, I thought that was really special. I’ve never been to Washington, D.C. before,” said 87-year-old Jim Page, a three-year veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserves. Jim had been selected for the September Midwest Honor Flight, a chapter of the Honor Flight Network dedicated to providing veterans with an all-expenses-paid trip to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. honoring their service. With chapters across the U.S., the Honor Flight Network makes sure senior veterans and those with terminal illnesses experience “one last tour with honor” to pay tribute to their dedication and sacrifice. With his grandson accompanying him, Jim would be one of the 84 World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans selected to board the flight. “I did some research online and immediately knew I had to get my dad signed up. It’s such a phenomenal program and I wanted him to be able to experience a trip like this with his fellow brothers in arms,” said Jim’s adult son, David Page. 10

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It was by happenstance that Jim was selected for the “Smithfield Foods Mission 5: 24 SEP 2019” flight, a trip sponsored in-full by his long-time former employer, Smithfield Foods, a U.S.-based global meat company that designates veterans as a major focus of its philanthropic efforts. The company had chosen to donate $125,000 to sponsor the fifth Honor Flight departing from the Midwest, giving 84 veterans surrounding South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota the opportunity of a lifetime. It was by happenstance that Jim was selected for the “Smithfield Foods Mission 5: 24 SEP 2019” flight, a trip sponsored in-full by his long-time former employer, Smithfield Foods, a U.S.-based global meat company that designates veterans as a major focus of its philanthropic efforts. The company had chosen to donate $125,000 to sponsor the fifth Honor Flight departing from the Midwest, giving 84 veterans surrounding South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota the opportunity of a lifetime. The Honor Flight Network was founded in 2005 as a nonprofit organization created solely to honor and thank American veterans for their sacrifices, at no cost to them. The driving force behind the non-profit’s Midwest chapter is 24-yearold Aaron Van Beek, president and director of the Midwest Honor Flight—and the great-grandson of three World War II Army veterans and the grandson of a Vietnam war veteran. “Each flight is unique, and it’s really something special to see each group take in their memorials. It’s rare that a company is willing to sponsor an entire flight, so I’m ecstatic for this opportunity.” said Van Beek. At 4:00 a.m. on Sept. 24, the 84 veterans—along with guardians, Honor Flight volunteer staff, and a handful of Smithfield’s own veteran employee volunteers—were sent off with a rendition of the

“Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by fellow travelers at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, before boarding the flight to Washington, D.C. Excitement was high as the group filed onto the plane, decorated with American flags, patriotic streamers, and a cheerful American Airlines flight crew. After greetings from U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) at the Ronald Reagan International Airport upon arrival into D.C., the veterans loaded the buses to shuttle between each of the capital’s historic landmarks. But for this group, it was the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials that naturally stood apart from the rest. The first major stop of the day was the World War II Memorial—with a fountain serving as a tribute to the 16 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces

during the Second World War. A symbol of service, sacrifice, unity, and victory, Fay Marsh, one of only seven World War II veterans able to make the flight, described the site as “emotional, outstanding, and full of comradery.” After a trip around the National Mall, the Korean War Memorial was the next stop, with 19 stainless steel statues residing in juniper bushes, similar to growth seen in Korea. The first visit for Jim and his grandson, the monument is a reminder of his three years of service in the Naval Reserves clearing mines and salvaging decommissioned ship parts off of the North Atlantic in the early 1950’s. “I really appreciate this, and the memorial—it really stood out for me,” Jim remarks. “Experiencing this, it’s a good feeling, and I know a lot of the other veterans enjoy it, too. I know I certainly do.” Continued on page 15 >

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Host this National Memorial in your Community

Please contact us to add a Fallen loved one, host the memorial, or make a donation at: info@RememberingOurFallen.org

www.RememberingOurFallen.org www.PatrioticProductions.org

Tribute Towers

Remembering Our Fallen is a national memorial unlike any other -with military & personal photos of 5,000 military Fallen since 9/11/2001 Unveiled at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2017, it has since traveled the nation coastto-coast. This memorial also includes those who returned from war, but lost their inner battle to suicide, and those who died from non-war zone injuries while serving in their military capacity. Please contact us to add a Fallen loved one, host the memorial, or make a donation at: info@RememberingOurFallen.org

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“If the purpose of a war memorial is to help us remember the sacrifices of the Heroes, and to help us heal from our sorrow, then your mission has been accomplished. Thank you for this tremendous gift.” - 1LT Daniel P. Riordan’s Mother

“There is a ‘disconnect’ between those we ask to serve our military objectives and our society at large. This memorial made that connection very dramatically and helped us understand the magnitude of their sacrifices. - Ed Malloy, Mayor of Fairfield, Iowa

The final stop for the group within the National Mall is the Vietnam Memorial Wall, symbolically described for Vietnam veterans as a “wound that is closed and healing” with each panel of the nearly 250-foot-long wall displaying names of fallen servicemembers. “This is phenomenal,” described Roger Schumacher, a Vietnam War Army veteran selected for the Honor Flight. “This turns me around inside and takes away some of the sting from when I came home. I’m so pleased to be here, it’s unbelievable.” Throughout the day, emotions ran high with some members on the flight thrilled to see memorials symbolizing what they and their comrades went through, while others found quiet places to seek solace. Most importantly, though, it was a day to realize what their sacrifices have truly meant, decades later.

HOMELAND

Jim looks back on his Honor Flight with gratitude for the experience of a lifetime and for the company that made it possible. “I have worked there for many years and when I heard Smithfield was sponsoring it, I thought, ‘well that’s a good deal,’” he recalls, fortunate to join the flight while many others in his position still wait for their opportunity. “Part of Smithfield’s social purpose is to honor those who have dedicated themselves in service to our country,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, the president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “We strive to make sure military members and their families, like our very own Mr. Page, are supported, and we’re proud to give our veterans this once-in-a-lifetime experience they have undoubtedly earned.”

Veteran Resources & Organizations

Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, but Homeland Magazine believes no veteran should have to go it alone. At Homeland Magazine you can find Veteran organizations and private nonprofits with resources for veterans that can help ease the process of attaining earned benefits, coping with the lasting effects of service-connected injuries and finding programs and services that meet your specific needs.

Visit Homeland today at

www.HomelandMagazine.com Homeland Magazine A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans

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Paying It Forward:

Wounded Veterans Empower Others As They Find Their Next Mission Many veterans will tell you they joined the military because they wanted to serve others. This commitment and selfsacrifice is present throughout many military careers – and persists after retirement. The desire to serve remains long after separation from the military. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) recognizes each warrior’s dedication and provides opportunities for continued service. The warriors featured here are just a few examples of those who are honoring and empowering other warriors. They embody the WWP logo of one warrior carrying another off the battlefield. WWP offers warriors a variety of ways to empower other veterans: helping to organize connection events as warrior leaders (especially in remote areas), mentoring others through peer support groups, and serving as mentors at mental health workshops. Fellow veterans can see their peers are there to support them, and that successful transitions are possible. On Veterans Day, we salute all veterans, respectfully recognize that every journey is different, and believe that every warrior has a positive future to look forward to. Brandon Hopfe, Hawaii (Marine Corps) Brandon Hopfe recently served as a peer mentor at a WWP mental health workshop called Project Odyssey®. The group of veterans spent a weekend in Hawaii exploring the physical and emotional landscape that surrounded them. They worked together to plant native trees and shared their stories around a campfire. Brandon saw combat in Iraq and manages PTSD and back injuries. After hearing about WWP through a friend, Brandon found guidance with health benefits and a way to “get out of the house” and network with other veterans who understood his transition. Soon, Brandon found himself helping to anchor other veterans’ transitions through peer support groups. Through WWP, Brandon also participated in Soldier Ride® and a physical health and wellness clinic, and he serves as a peer support leader for a group of warriors who meet in Honolulu. He’s happy that he was able to come home after his military service and help build a community of veterans who support each other’s journeys. “Sometimes it’s stress or sleep issues, other times it’s just being able to tell your story and build camaraderie with people who understand,” Brandon said. “I feel blessed to be able to share, through Project Odyssey and peer support groups, what helped me get through my own stuff and thrive.” 14

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Pamela Travis, Virginia (Army)

Carlos De Leon, Florida (Army)

Pamela Travis organizes her Saturdays around volunteer work. Leading her fellow WWP veterans in community projects is an important part of her routine. Pamela is a WWP warrior leader who coordinates volunteers at East End Cemetery, a historic African American cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, that dates to the Civil War. The veterans do more than clear brush and uncover lost graves; they help people connect the dots in their genealogy and restore honor to Civil War, WWI, and WWII veterans. The community project is a labor of love shared with other nonprofit groups. Thanks to the volunteers’ dedication, East End Cemetery was recently awarded a national grant to continue the restoration work.

Carlos De Leon has found his way to a new life after serving in the military. While in Iraq, Carlos was about to call his dad when his base came under fire. As he ran to shelter, a mortar fell behind him, propelling him forward. The blast left Carlos with shrapnel wounds. His recovery was difficult, but he was determined to get through.

“I’m happy to contribute to making this historic cemetery more accessible,” Pamela said. “We’ve found headstones that hadn’t been accounted for, so family members will now be able to have access.” “I’m also here because I want to pay it forward,” Pamela added. “Any way I can give back through volunteering with other veterans is a way to acknowledge the big difference Wounded Warrior Project has made in my life.” Pamela also serves as a peer support group leader, with WWP training. The coed group she leads meets on the third Saturday of the month in Petersburg, Virginia. Pamela has participated in Soldier Ride, is transitioning to a mentor role at Project Odyssey, and works full time. You wouldn’t expect Pamela to have time for much else, but on the fourth Saturday of the month, she leads a women’s wellness ministry at her church.

One of the hardest parts of his recovery was finding a new purpose. He had planned on a life-long career in the Army. Just when he was worried about what life as a civilian would be like, WWP reached out with an educational opportunity. Carlos completed the program and became one of the first veteran peer support group leaders in Jacksonville, Florida. He also became a mentor for at-risk students through a community nonprofit. “The love and support that Wounded Warrior Project has shown for my family has motivated me to engage even more,” Carlos said. As a family, the De Leons have attended connection events and met other warrior families. “I will be forever grateful to Wounded Warrior Project for including my family and understanding that their participation plays a big role in my recovery.” Recently, Carlos and his wife Jellitza opened a new business. Monte De Leon Cigars is a mobile cigar lounge that sells premium products, including boutique cigars from Puerto Rico and products made by another veteran-owned company. The business logo was created by a Purple Heart veteran, who is also an artist. “As business owners we want to continue supporting veterans.”

Pamela has played an integral role in getting local veterans engaged in the Richmond community. She brings her energy and best self to events and continues to give back with joy.

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Jessica, who’s also a busy mom, attends local WWP connection events to meet new warriors and offer them the opportunity to serve the community. Recently, warriors organized to deliver food to fire stations who responded to the Wal-Mart shooting in El Paso. First responders know that veterans appreciate their work, and veterans focus on the positive that came out of a tragedy. As a warrior leader, Jessica helps organize familyoriented corn maze events, hockey game watching, and attends a peer support group. The group provides ideas for events, and group members help keep events interesting and engaging for a diverse veteran community. How does Jessica find balance between volunteer work and family responsibilities? “I am so passionate about Wounded Warrior Project’s mission and the warriors and families I have met that organizing events is just a part of everything I do. It never feels like a balancing act; it is just a part of my everyday life.”

Jessica Pilson, Texas (Army) When Jessica Pilson separated from the Army after serving in Iraq, she felt a profound loss of purpose and belonging. “I was working and in school, but inexplicably felt like I was alone and lost.” Eventually, she found solace, and a renewed sense of purpose, in volunteering. She felt drawn to volunteerism before, but now that she had the chance to volunteer with other veterans, a new connection opened up. “I connected with others who felt like I did – I was suddenly not as alone as I had perceived myself to be.” Working through WWP, she became a warrior leader in charge of a community partnership with El Paso Boys and Girls Club. The project provided an avenue to connect with veterans and give back to her community – while finding purpose and motivating other veterans to do the same. The veterans helped the Boys and Girls Club by focusing on repairing buildings, tutoring, and mentoring. After those tasks were completed, Jessica’s group of veterans began helping out at Veterans Non Profit, a local food pantry and clothing closet for low income and homeless veterans in El Paso. Volunteers celebrated the success of that collaboration by giving lunch to anyone who donated a blanket. Jessica and her group of volunteers are looking forward to helping in other community projects. 16

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Jack Jones, Idaho (Army)

Jack Jones medically retired after 28 years in the Army and additional service as a civilian police officer. He was recovering from multiple spinal surgeries to alleviate injuries from his last deployment to Iraq when he felt himself slip into “a tough place.” His friends and family encouraged him to get involved with WWP. His experience at a WWP Project Odyssey in Colorado helped him see “there’s light at the end of the tunnel” and showed him ways to help others. “I learned coping skills and I also learned adaptive ways to do sports within my disabilities,” Jack said. “More importantly, I realized I wasn’t alone and other warriors were having similar issues.” With a breakthrough in his depression and anxiety and newfound purpose, Jack took on the role of WWP warrior leader and moved from California to Idaho to reach out to warriors in remote areas.

WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE

Along the way, Jack has made connections and opened doors for others to jump in to help veterans. His new community has fully supported his plans for connection events including fly fishing trips in collaboration with local businesses, and volunteer organizations that have made warriors feel welcomed in the community.

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.

“Being a Wounded Warrior Project warrior leader is my continued mental and physical therapy; it warms my heart and makes me feel needed as a leader,” Jack said. “I feel proud to be a part of making a difference in this crazy world we live in.”

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

“If I can help one veteran out of their dark place and prevent a veteran suicide, that would be payment for the work I do and will continue to do.”

Resources. Support.

To learn more about how WWP helps veterans find their next mission, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition.

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

WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), top rated by Charity Navigator, and holding a GuideStar Platinum rating.

Resources & Articles available at:

www.HomelandMagazine.com

To get involved and learn how WWP connects, serves, and empowers, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/

FIGHTING PTSD

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Sport Clips is Proud to Support Our Veterans Since 2013, Sport Clips has been the primary supporter of the VFW’s Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program, which provides scholarships for service members and veterans for use at postsecondary schools and trade schools. To date, we have awarded more than 1,400 scholarships totaling $6.5 million. Our scholarship recipients come from every part of the United States, represent every branch of service and are earning a variety of degrees including engineering, computer science, business, accounting, health care and many more. From October 14 through November 11, Veterans Day, Sport Clips loations around the country will be collecting funds in-store and 100% of donations will be given to the VFW to ensure we can continue to support the educational goals of our service members and veterans.

“Being chosen to receive this scholarships has been a blessing to me and my family. It has been instrumental in allowing my wife, two young children and I to spend time with each other while I attend college full-time.” – Jack Raliff, U.S. Army

Be sure to visit a Sport Clips over the next month, get the MVP and donate to this worthy cause. Be sure to drop in on Monday, November 11, Veterans Day, when participating locations will donate $1 from every haircut service as well as provide free haircuts for veterans.

“This scholarship is a dream come true and I am the happiest person because of it. I can now save money and provide for my daughter and teenage sister. I am forever grateful to Sport Clips and the VFW.” – Porsche Johnson, U.S. Navy

In 2018, through the generous donations from our Clients and our partners, we collected $1.35 million for the program and were able to present this record-breaking donation to the VFW at their headquarters in Kansas City. To learn more about the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program, including details on eligibility,visit https://www.vfw.org/scholarship/ 18

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“The VFW and all the supporters of the VFW have been a huge blessing to myself and my family. Knowing I was chosen as a Help A Hero Scholarship recipient means more than words can express. This award will put me one step closer to achieving my dream of obtaining my master’s degree as well as being a better role model for my children.” – Cameron Shanks, U.S. Army Reserves

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A particularly impactful story was recently shared by Nicholas Fadoir, an Operation Deep Dive research assistant in Mobile, Alabama. He detailed how one of his local team members connected a veteran with critical healthcare services by helping them get to a nearby hospital. Afterwards, that team member arranged for other organizations supporting the study, including the local VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator, to ensure the veteran would receive the assistance they needed. This is a great example of how one person can make a difference by spurring a community to coordinate the timely delivery of essential services for veterans.

Double Up for Veterans this Giving Season By Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership The end-of-year Giving Season is a time for people to be thankful for the good things they have in their lives, while also offering what support they can to help others. Our team at America’s Warrior Partnership is particularly thankful this year for a number of milestones that our programs have accomplished. Our Community Integration service model has engaged more than 50,000 veterans, families and caregivers across the country since launching in 2014; our Corporate Veteran Initiative rolled out to begin helping companies create workplace resources that empower veterans to grow into fulfilling careers; and our new cause marketing campaign, Patriot’s Pour, launched in San Diego to raise nearly $80,000 (and counting) for local veteran-serving programs. This year has also brought significant progress to Operation Deep Dive, the research study we are conducting with the University of Alabama and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation to examine the factors involved in suicide among veterans. The study expanded from seven to 14 communities earlier this year, and the national project leads have collaborated with Community Action Teams (CAT) based in each region to make considerable strides towards a future where the country is empowered to end veteran suicide.

To continue providing communities with the resources they need to empower veterans, we are doubling up on opportunities for individuals to offer their own support to local veterans this Giving Season. For employees of the federal government, we are participating in the 2019 Combined Federal Campaign. Federal employees can participate by providing a contribution to America’s Warrior Partnership under CFC number 27114. In addition, America’s Warrior Partnership is starting the “Double Up for Veterans” campaign on November 1. Contributions of up to $25,000 that are donated during the campaign will be matched. The campaign is open to everyone – regardless of whether you are a federal employee, military or civilian – and options for participating are available at AmericasWarriorPartnership.org/donate. As “Double Up for Veterans” runs throughout the rest of this year, we will spotlight the stories of veterans who were empowered to overcome an obstacle thanks to the support of one of our community affiliates. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter channels, both of which are under the handle @AWPartnership, to learn more about how you can support veteran programs during the Giving Season. About the Author Jim Lorraine is President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, a national nonprofit that empowers communities to empower veterans. The organization’s mission starts with connecting community groups with local veterans to understand their unique situations. With this knowledge in mind, America’s Warrior Partnership connects local groups with the appropriate resources to proactively and holistically support veterans at every stage of their lives. Learn more about the organization at Derrick Clark www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org

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Solving Veteran Suicide is not Simple and Straight Forward

When we thank veterans for their service often they respond quickly by saying, “You’re worth it.” It is our mission to ensure each veteran and family member we work with understands that their care is a priority for us, they as individuals are important, and ensure they know they too are “worth it.”

The statistics on veteran suicide are everywhere right now. That’s a good thing and a drastic shift from the quiet whispers that have rippled throughout the military community about this seriously stigmatized issue. The Department of Veteran Affairs released their 2019 Suicide Prevention Annual Report that put black and white numbers to a widespread problem that those working alongside active duty military and veterans were already seeing first hand: The rate of suicide among those who have served is rising — dramatically.

We know because of the myriad of factors playing into life’s ultimate end by suicide there is not a simple and straightforward answer on how to solve it. Whether veterans are seeking traditional medical care through the VA, through alternative means such as yoga or acupuncture, or leveraging a veteran service organization like Boot Campaign, ANY STEP a veteran takes towards acknowledging the need for assistance is a step in the right direction.

• The suicide rate for veterans in 2017 was 1.5 times higher than non-veterans • There were 919 suicides among never federally activated former National Guard and Reserve members in 2017, an average of 2.5 suicide deaths per day • And just last month, three active duty Navy service members assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush died by suicide We hope these numbers are as astounding to you as they are to all of us at Boot Campaign. But alarming stats don’t save lives. The question for all of America should be: What are we going to DO to change the trajectory? There is no one thing that solves everything. What is needed is truly customized care that meets one veteran, one military family, where they are in the moment to address their individualized issues – not just their symptoms. Boot Campaign’s ( https://bootcampaign.org/ ) network of qualified providers connects veterans with needed resources – and helps sustain gains made in treatment and training programs through long term case management and personal connection. We work closely with our veterans to coordinate individual and unique client care through nationally renowned specialty providers, drawing upon the entire spectrum of mental health, PTSD, TBI and comorbid needs. Our Health & Wellness Program goal, and the staff we employ that are experts in veteran wellness, allow veterans to access the right resources no matter what their geographic location or the provider’s geographic location may be. We work hard because veteran wellness MATTERS. 22

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Their lives, their experiences, and their futures are worth so much to this nation, and to us personally. Our veterans are the very fabric of what makes America a free nation, a great nation, a nation admired and revered around the world. If you are a veteran struggling to overcome the invisible wounds of war, there are many here willing to help. You are not alone; there are other veterans, other civilians, and other Americans struggling. Reach out. Let us serve you with the honor, dignity and courage like you served us and The United States of America. VETERANS IN CRISIS OR HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE — AND THOSE WHO KNOW A VETERAN IN CRISIS — CAN CALL THE VETERANS CRISIS LINE FOR CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR. CALL 800-273-8255 AND PRESS 1, CHAT ONLINE AT VETERANSCRISISLINE.NET/CHAT OR TEXT TO 838255.

No Cost, Confidential Counseling In Person/Phone/Video www.giveanhour.org

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

A Different Lens Mental Health Monthly By RanDee McLain

MINDFULNESS Maybe it is the crazy busy lives we lead or the hectic fast paced schedules we juggle but we could all be a little more mindful. What is mindfulness and how can we achieve it? In graduate school it seemed Mindfulness was the cool new thing and as budding clinicians we must incorporate it into our practice. Honestly, it was torture. I hated every minute of it and could not wait to be done. The thought of sitting still and being one with my thoughts was both physically and mentally painful for me. At that point in my life I was still recovering from some physical injuries and did not truly understand mindfulness or the various ways it could be achieved. It took years for me to fully understand mindfulness and begin to enjoy it’s benefits in my life. On the most basic level mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. Mindfulness is allowing ourselves to focus fully on the present moment, acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts and feelings. It creates a clear awareness of the present moment. When you are mindful you set the intention that you will pay attention to the present moment and return to the present moment if you mind starts to wonder. It is natural when you first begin to practice mindfulness that your mind will wonder. It is important to acknowledge the passing thoughts without judgement and return to the present moment. There are many ways one can practice mindfulness in their day to day lives. Mindfulness is specific to each person but can be practiced through meditation, sitting and walking meditation, breath awareness and yoga. Mindfulness brings a sense of calm that can be done almost anywhere. Mindfulness is its most basic form is paying attention to what is happening as it is happening. This requires you to use all five sense. Let’s try a simple exercise: 24

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Hearing: Close your eyes and listen to what is going on around you. Let the sounds come to you. What do you hear? Touch: Keep eyes closed and focus on the feeling of your body meets the chair or your feet meet the floor. Sight: Open your eyes and allow your eyes to have a wide gaze. Notice what you see. Taste: Notice if you have any taste in your mouth at this time, perhaps from the last thing you ate or drank. Smell: Put your hand up to your nose and notice the smell of your skin. Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on what you experienced. How did it make you feel? How are you feeling now? Mindfulness gives us mental space and with that comes the ability to choose how we respond to a situation. Mindfulness takes practice but can start small with just a few moments. The practice of mindfulness can improve health and reduce stress. One of my colleagues shared with me how she practices mindfulness while rowing. She walked me through how she stays in the present moment by focusing on her senses, the feel of the water hitting her skin, the smell of the ocean and the sound the light crashing of the water against the boat. She feels a sense of calm as she can truly focus on the present and nothing else. I hike weekly and I find mindfulness in nature. I feel the crisp morning air, smell the outdoors, hear the wildlife rustling in the woods and sense the sun on my skin. I still struggle with passing thoughts, but I try my best to let them pass and return to the present moment. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere at any timewhile you are brushing your teeth, walking your dog or drinking a good cup of coffee. Start small. Maybe, start with a few minutes over your morning coffee and you will begin to see the benefits of this practice and the benefits of taking a few moments for you!

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

Remembering a Wife, Mom and Woman Who Served By age 36, Amie Dahl-Muller of Woodbury, MN, was many things: A U.S. Air Force and Minnesota Air National Guard veteran, mom of three, wife, volunteer, activist—and a woman diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer. Before her 37th birthday, she was gone. “Amie was fighting two fights,” Brian said. “She was raising awareness of the effects of the burn pits on vets, and she was fighting her own illness.” Brian said CaringBridge helped on both fronts. “CaringBridge was a huge thing for us. Amie was a very social person, but when she was sick it was hard to have people around. But she did want people to know what was going on.” She kept family, friends and those with whom she served updated through 10 months of brutal cancer treatment. 26

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She Said, ‘Let’s Do This’ “If you take a penny-sized bit of this chemo all at once, it could kill you,” Brian said. “And we were pumping that into Amie. But she had no fear. She would say, ‘Hook me up, let’s do this.’ I never would have been able to do what she did, and with so much courage.” The Mullers had hoped for surgery to follow after Amie’s rounds of chemo, but unfortunately her cancer had spread. “I remember hanging on to Amie’s hand and she started shaking,” Brian said. “It was the worst news possible. We knew that Christmas would probably be our last.” Agonizing Pain By January 2017, Amie’s physical pain was agonizing. Enroute to the hospital for a procedure to give her some relief, a blood clot went to her leg.

“She got out of the car, and noticed her foot hurt really badly,” Brian said. “She pulled up her pant leg and her whole leg was black and blue.” On Feb. 18, 2017, after liver failure, jaundice and a stroke, Amie died.

“Some people thought it was a scam or didn’t respond,” Brian said, laughing at the memory of calling strangers with a gesture of financial support. “Sometimes I’d wire them $50 to show I was serious.”

Gone, But Never Forgotten

Brian also said that working with families was causing him to re-live Amie’s suffering. So he knew it was time to formally establish a foundation.

Brian and Amie met because of her love for honoring those who served. “We met at a concert and struck up a conversation,” Brian said. “She asked me to write a song for memorial DVDs she was creating for Gold Star families. I wrote something called ‘Falling but not Forgotten,’ and she used it on the DVD. I never imagined that song would be played at her funeral, with a montage of her photos.” But it was also a reminder for Brian that songwriting could be a way to channel his family’s grief.

Amie Muller Foundation “I went to church one day and I remember the pastor saying, ‘Whatever pain you have in your life, you need to find a way to use it.’ It hit me: I knew a foundation could help support families who didn’t have the network or financial resources that we had.” So the Amie Muller Foundation became a nonprofit, raising money through an acoustic music showcase, a family fun day at Mall of America and other donations. Since launching in 2017, the foundation has raised more than $100,000 to help support 19 families with resources, education, advice and a financial stipend, based upon need.

“I think I wrote about 50 songs about grief and loss during the first 6 months after Amie died,” Brian said. Their son, Jace, then 5, helped him write one called “Ladder to the Sky.” “I decided early on that you can’t put a timeline on grief,” Brian said. “I had to figure out how we were going to thrive through this. I was going to be the best dad I could. I took a lot of time off work to make sure I was there for my kids.” Brian journaled daily, went to therapy and used therapeutic tools such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help manage PTSD associated with his grief. He and the kids, Caidyn, Jace and EmmyLu, talked about Amie every single day, cried together and watched videos of her. Brian said he did not shy away from any questions the kids needed to ask. He also set up the Amie Muller Foundation.

https://www.amiemullerfoundation.org/ Toxic Burn Pit Advocacy And thanks to Amie’s advocacy, a bill passed the Senate in 2018 to create a Center of Excellence at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to study the effects of burn pits on military members, with the hope of improving safety and ensuring needed treatment. Also, the sharing of her story brings visibility to the VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Pit Registry, which allows eligible veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns through an online questionnaire. Brian said, “Amie’s life meant something. It was part of God’s plan … not that anyone would ever want a 36-yearold mom to die of cancer. But something greater has happened because of it. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about Amie.”

Honoring Amie’s Legacy Brian is thankful for the resources his family had through Amie’s illness: She had good health insurance, he had a good job, people were so generous with their time and kindness.

Learn More

But as he knew some had fewer resources, Brian wanted to honor Amie’s legacy by supporting other military families going through pancreatic cancer. Early on, he made connections through CaringBridge and GoFundMe, but said it was sometimes difficult to approach as an individual.

Through a partnership between the VA and CaringBridge, veterans, service members and caregivers everywhere are finding in CaringBridge a place of help, hope and healing. If you know a military family that needs CaringBridge, share this article or invite them to check out the special homepage for those who have served.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

Father Joe’s Village A Veterans Fighting Spirit By Hart DuBois San Diego is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. Unfortunately, San Diego also has the second largest homeless veteran population. Father Joe’s Villages is committed to protecting the health and well-being of San Diego’s veterans. Their programs give veterans the opportunityto benefit from support catered to their specific experiences and to connect with other service men and women. By providing housing, comprehensive services and support, Father Joe’s Villages gives hope to our heroes that they won’t be left behind. With a vision to prevent and end homelessness for veterans in San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages provides customized solutions to address each veteran’s unique needs. Veterans like Dorothea, an Air Force veteran living with a disability who found herself living on the streets after her husband passed away. When Dorothea and her husband, Carl, met in the Air Force in 1974, they were ready to share a lifetime of joy, love and happiness. After retiring from the Air Force, Dorothea worked as a nurse’s aide and went back to school to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Carl was sick on and off, but she supported him faithfully in his times of illness. However, eventually, diabetes and extreme back pain made it more and more painful for Dorothea to walk or stand for long periods of time. Her diabetes progressed and she lost her left foot, confining her to a wheelchair and impacting her ability to maintain work. “I find that some people do not want to hire disabled people. They think we should be in nursing homes. They don’t stop to think that there are [those] who want to try and turn around and get back to work,” Dorothea explained. Losing their income and housing, the couple moved into a van. Nevertheless, Dorothea saved every penny she could and she and Carl were eventually able to move off the street and into an apartment. Just four months later, Carl passed away. Dorothea was left alone— grieving and struggling with her disability. Shortly thereafter, she lost her housing. After hearing about Dorothea’s situation, an Outreach 28

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Worker with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs referred Dorothea to Father Joe’s Villages, where she was welcomed into their transitional housing program for veterans. At Father Joe’s Villages, Dorothea was given the care and support she needed to get back on her feet. With a roof over her head, daily meals, immediate access to medical care and grief counseling, Dorothea had a safe space to heal. “You can feel safe here. You can get yourself back to where you were before you were homeless. If you follow things through and make plans, you can get back to work,” Dorothea said. On any given night, there are more than 1,300 veterans experiencing homelessness in San Diego—many of them living with disability and/or mental illness. When veterans don’t have access to secure housing and integrated services, we deny them the chance to prosper in civilian life. Father Joe’s Villages offers services to ensure that our heroes are able to enjoy the freedoms they fought to preserve. Thanks to these services, veterans like Dorothea can gain self-sufficiency. Now, Dorothea finally has a home of her own and a bright future ahead of her. Despite her past struggles and current disability, Dorothea would still drop everything to defend her country. “If my country needed me again, if I could make sure my country remains free, even though I’m disabled, then I would do so. There’s a lot of us veterans that would do the same thing.” (619) HOMELESS (466-3537) www.neighbor.org

Meet Mark. Marine veteran Living with multiple sclerosis Unbelievable falsetto Was homeless (found hope)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been one battle after another. But thanks to Father Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Villages, Mark has a roof over his head, his health under control, and a song in his heart. Help people like Mark leave homelessness behind.

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#HomelessNotHopeless

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

Veterans Chamber of Commerce By Joseph Molina www.vccsd.org

CELEBRATING VETERANS Veterans Day is a day of celebration for all those who served. Veterans Day is observed on November 11 (since 1918 that signaled the end of WWI (11/11/11) known as Armistice day, but in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans day by President Eisenhower) Veterans day is a day that Honors the men and women who served in the US Armed Forces.

Who are these Veterans: Veterans are excellent students: Veterans make education a priority and bring their military discipline into the classroom. Veterans for the most part complete assignments on time, work well in teams and tend to finish courses a higher rate. Many veterans who attend college tend to be older than your typical college student, but on the other hand, veterans complete their course work while holding a job and, in many cases, while taking care of a family. Veterans are Great Employees: Veterans tend to have strong work ethic and a strong sense commitment to the job. Employers value the strong sense of loyalty, the strong sense of teamwork and the willingness to help fellow workers. These are traits veterans learned while in the military. Civilian employment may bring some challenges to the newly transition veterans. One of these challenges for veterans seem to be the “less structured environment” of the private sector. Veterans are used to a more structure environment so it may take time to adjust to this new way of work. Employers on the other hand, may also encounter some challenges when working with veterans. One common challenge is in the “Communication style” - Veterans tend to be more direct while civilian employers tend to use a more “open style” of communication. Some organizations are implementing the “Veteran Mentorship Program” This is a program that brings a Veteran Mentor (company sponsored) who facilitates group sessions with veterans employed by the organization. Veterans in Homeownership: Veterans are more likely to be current in their mortgage and have lower default rates. This may be due to the high sense of family and the importance for veterans to be true to his/her obligations. Home ownership is also very attractive for veterans due to the support received from the VA Home Loan program.

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Veterans are Great in Business: Statistics have shown that veteran owned businesses support local communities and contribute to a stronger economy. Statistics from the SBA show that, the primary businesses owned by veterans tend to do better if these are in the professional fields, Procurement and or Franchising A total of about 9 percent of the businesses in United States are owned by veterans. Together they contribute about $1.14 trillion to the economy and creating employment opportunities for over 5.8 million people.

HOMELAND

Veterans developed certain skills while serving in the military that allows them to be more prepared, take more risks and think more strategically. These set of skills transfer well to Business Ownership. Leadership, problem solving, solution driven and the urge to complete the mission are some of the soft skills that translate well and are a big advantage when moving from service to entrepreneurship. Veterans who developed Leadership skills, manage subordinates, completed difficult projects are more likely to venture and do well in the world of entrepreneurship.

NEWS & Events

www.HomelandMagazine.com What’s Happening? • Events • National Resources • Press Releases • Entertainment & more...

Veterans are more likely to succeed in businesses that have a system, a clear structure and a set of policies that demand completion. One example of this type of business module is Franchising. These businesses have a defined structure, quantitative outcomes and a system that promotes achievement of goals.

Military & Veteran Organizations • Post Your Events • Upcoming Programs • Resources - Donations - Inspirations

The “International Franchise Association” states that about 203,890 veterans have started in franchising since 2011. The research also showed that veteran franchise owners are nearly a third (30%) MORE likely to hire other veterans. Veterans who take the challenging step of starting their own business contribute to our economy in a big way.

GET CONNECTED! A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans

In Summary: Veterans bring a set of skills that make veterans more likely to succeed in the many facets of life. Because of the discipline, training and mindset acquired while in the military veterans tend to do better in school, better at work and in business.

Visit HOMELAND today at www.HomelandMagazine.com

People and Communities who want to support veteran owned businesses have difficulty finding them. The Veteran Chamber of Commerce has a free app that helps you (The Veteran Owned Business) Stand out. Create your profile www.vccsd.org/app

Homeland Veterans Magazine Your best source for veteran resources, news, press releases, community events, media, entertainment and more…

The app will show your Customers how to find you!

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life By Eve Nasby

Giving Thanks for Transitioning Families In our last article we interviewed Colonel Ted Studdard whose heart attack served as the unwelcomed impetus to exit the Marines. After our chat about transitioning “must dos” for the service member we spoke about how the supporting families play a big role in helping their loved one transition well.

to understand this fact – it’s not just about them. It’s important for the family to recognize that the love, care, support and encouragement that made other transitions (moves, deployments, changes in schools, leaving family and friends, etc.) a success will require the same support when leaving the military.”

Identity Crisis

John acknowledges, “The transition can be a period of frustration, anxiety, fear and uncertainty about finances, employment, stability and security. Families should recognize that these feelings are normal. But they don’t have to go through it alone. There are many wonderful transition support services to help them get through this period and achieve success on the other side.”

After he came home from his new role with Home Depot, Marine Colonel Ted Suddard’s wife said that the kids were struggling with the transition. “What does Dad do?”, they asked. “It’s a transition for the whole family”, Colonel Studdard remarks. “Spouses and kids go through an identity crisis just as the service member does.” As he now meets with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coasties and Marines, he hears the same lament. “I’m no longer a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Coastie or Marine.” “What am I?” The whole family needs to acknowledge and recognize this identity crisis is normal. He goes on to say, “Understand that there is no need to coddle the transitioning member. Sometimes ‘tough love’ is needed.” He mentions he often connects with veterans who wallow in self-pity and warns it’s ‘time to get out’. Your Transition Is Not Just About You John Funk , Director of Operations, Bob Hope Veterans Support Program who spent over 28 years as a US Naval Officer adds to Ted’s comments. “It is important for everyone to understand that transition out of the military is different, but just as challenging, as all of the other transitions that the family has experienced. It can be hard on everyone in the family. John goes on to say that, “The transitioning service member needs

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It’s Time to Lean In Jennifer Santis, military spouse and Co-Chair of the San Diego Military Family Collaborative and Community Liaison at Courage to Call, MHS insightfully notes, “Sometimes families distance or isolate from each other in an effort to save the other person from being stressed or worried. This is really a time when families should be leaning in and not distancing. “ “Fear of the unknown haunts many transitioning Service Members”, Jennifer says. “Many have spent years having everything planned out and decided for them by the military. Now they are free to decide what comes next and for some that can be a scary place. An avalanche of options without a sure direction can be overwhelming for service members and families. There can be great uncertainty about employment, self-worth, financial stability, relationship dynamics, and more.” She wisely emphasizes that, “It’s important to remember that they will get through it.“ Danny Romero, Senior Program Director, San Diego Military Family Collaborative & SAY San Diego adds, “Families can best support their loved one in transition by understanding that transition may lead to stressful decision-making.”

He continues, “My best advice is to have conversations on transition as far out as possible. It is not atypical to see spouses come to transition courses 2 years out from transition. Additionally, families should work as a team and utilize shared calendars to ensure that all parties are informed of critical deadlines before the exit from service.” Where Can Families Get Help? “There are many great resources available to support military families in San Diego. The San Diego Military Family Collaborative www.sdmilitaryfamily.org is the first place I recommend every family go. “, says John. “The Collaborative is a group of non-profit, government and private industry service providers that work together to ensure military families receive the support and resources to succeed. Many of the Collaborative’s resource providers focus on transition and all the concerns associated with separating from the military. “ Outside of San Diego, where can you turn? Danny Romero says, “Many on-base providers like Fleet and Family Support Center or Marine Corps Community Services will have knowledge of these transitional resources/resource providers, which is a good place to start learning about transition.” Remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength and maturity. Transitioning is not for cowards and is a time for families to rally! Thankful for You This month, as we celebrate Veterans Day and then gather around the Thanksgiving table, we reflect on what’s important. We thank God for our families and for you, our men and women who served our country well. We are grateful for your service and for your sacrifice. We look forward to the opportunity to see how you will now use the next chapter of your life to continue to change the world and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Need help transitioning? LinkIn with Eve Nasby (Given) to connect. Eve Nasby is a hiring expert with almost three decades invested in these topics. Join her on LinkedIn today. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-0050452

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

CYBERSECURITY Credit Monitoring, Identity Theft Protection, and Data Breach Management

By Scott Hermann, CEO and identity theft protection expert www.identityiq.com/SDVets

New Synthetic Identity Theft Con Targets Everyone with Children and Seniors Especially at Risk Identity thieves have come up with a new method of fraud that can target you and your loved ones. This relatively new modern con is known as synthetic identity theft and puts children and seniors particularly at risk. Unlike traditional identity theft that involves a criminal taking over your identity and posing as you to obtain a new credit card, open a new loan, or commit other fraud, synthetic identity thieves take bits and pieces of your personal information and create an entirely new false identity. This synthetic identity can be used to commit not only financial fraud but other crimes such as medical identity fraud or obtaining employment with false identification. While individual criminals can commit synthetic identity theft, many times a large criminal enterprise will create the synthetic identities and spend years building up credit to maximize the amount they can borrow before taking off with the money or goods. Often, all criminals will need is a Social Security number (SSN) to create these synthetic identities. They need a real SSN so financial institutions can validate the number, although the SSN isn’t matched to a name. While everyone is at risk for synthetic identity theft, children and seniors are especially vulnerable because they might not be using or actively using their credit. While children are assigned a SSN when they are born, they have no credit history and can only apply for credit when they hit age 18. By then, a criminal could be using their SSN for years in a synthetic identity fraud. Using children’s SSNs for synthetic identity theft also might have been made easier in 2011 when the Social Security Administration changed the way it assigned SSNs. Numbers were previously assigned by geographic area, group number, and age.

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With the change, SSNs are now randomized to help prevent identity theft and accommodate the growing number of people needing numbers. However, the randomized numbers now make it more difficult for risk managers to determine if SSNs on applications are legitimate. Criminals also can target the senior population because, in general, they don’t use their credit as much as younger adults, especially if they own their home or are living with relatives and don’t have a need for credit. What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones? There are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from synthetic identity theft.

• Monitor credit reports – Make sure you keep an active eye on your credit reports. If you see anything suspicious, you can freeze or lock your credit in order to protect it.

• Protect your SSN – Don’t carry your Social Security card or your children’s cards with you in your purse or wallet. Instead, keep the cards in a lockbox or other secure location. If a business or organization requests you or your children’s SSNs, ask if there are any alternatives to providing that information. Also, don’t be afraid to ask how they store your PII.

• Freezing or locking you or your children’s credit – If you aren’t actively seeking a loan or other credit in the foreseeable future, you can freeze or lock your credit, meaning you’re blocking credit companies or other lenders from viewing your credit report and providing a line of credit. Since your children shouldn’t have a credit history or need credit anytime soon, you can freeze or lock their credit as well to prevent fraud. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report and has to be removed in order to open up new accounts while a credit lock can be added and removed through the use of a PIN.

• Be on the lookout for any suspicious communications – If you or your child receives any correspondence from debt collectors, credit card companies, employers, or insurers that are unfamiliar to you, investigate further and freeze or lock the credit if needed. • Get identity theft protection – Monitoring and protecting your identity is essential. Credit and identity theft protection services can provide credit reports, alerts for suspicious activity, restoration assistance, and identity theft insurance for peace of mind.

• Watch out for phishing and other scams – Scams such as phishing emails and phone calls are just some of the ways criminals can obtain your SSN and other personally identifiable information (PII). Never give out your SSN or other PII over the phone or via email. Also, don’t click on links in suspicious emails. Always go directly to the business or organization’s website or contact them through their official phone numbers with questions or concerns.

Synthetic identity theft is just one new way criminals are using your PII to commit fraud. Protect yourself and your loved ones!

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

Jeff Edwards 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deputy SWAT-Team Marksman

Share, Connect and Rally Support CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network that helps patients and caregivers connect with family and friends during a health journey. Our online platform offers simple tools for sharing health updates and mobilizing a community of support. Learn more and start a site today. CaringBridge.org/military

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

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geico.com/san-diego-north Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2019 GEICO

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

legal Eagle Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

TRADEMARKS – WHAT’S IN A NAME? Intellectual property law impacts every business, whether you know it or not. For example, the moment a name is used in relation to your business, your goods or services, certain trademark rights are created. Similarly, as soon as your website or other promotional materials are created, certain copyright rights arise. By arising automatically through everyday business activities, these basic intellectual property rights can become valuable assets of your business. Unfortunately, these same everyday business activities can also create substantial legal headaches if the creation and use of your intellectual property is not handled properly. Your investment in a new company or product brand name could be wasted if your chosen name is not protectable as a trademark. Even more frightening, your new name could pose infringement risks and liabilities if not properly researched prior to implementation and use.

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

A trademark is any word, name, or symbol used in commerce to identify and distinguish your business, product or service. A trademark can be considered a business’s brand name and use of a trademark without permission can be considered infringement of the trademark holder’s rights. Trademarks are registered with and granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The good thing about trademarks is that common law trademark rights can be created by simply using a name or logo as a trademark, such as using the mark to identify your business. Any time you claim rights in a mark, you may use the “TM” (trademark) designation to alert the public to your claim, regardless of whether you have filed an application for registration of the mark. It is the use of a mark that creates the common law rights. Broader protection may be available through other means and is usually advisable.

The bad news about trademarks is that this ease of creating trademark rights means that almost all businesses own trademarks, making it very ease to inadvertently violate or infringe on the trademark rights of others.

www.golegalyourself.com

Such trademark infringement can be very costly for your business. Alternatively, your business may invest significant time and money in a name that you perceive to be a trademark, only to later discover that the name is not protectable as a trademark. Therefore, is it important to carefully consider, as early as possible, what trademark to use, both to ensure your investment is protectable and to avoid infringing upon the rights of others.

NOTHING COMPARES at this price to Go Legal Yourself ® Startup Essentials Package. This specialized, customizable package of legal contracts and documents includes everything a startup company needs to protect its assets from the beginning. You won't find these contracts online anywhere but here.

So why trademark your name, product, service or brand? • Trademarks are an effective communication tool with your customers

Compare Go Legal Yourself ® Startup Essentials Package against the rest:

• Trademarks make it easy for customers to find you • Trademarks allow businesses to effectively utilize the internet and social media • Trademarks are a valuable asset

• Trademarks are inexpensive to acquire • Trademarks never expire There are many considerations that you must think about before selecting a name and the filing for a trademark and seeking profession advise should always be your first step.

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For more information on how to legally protect your business please pick up a copy of my bestselling book: ‘Go Legal Yourself’ on Amazon or visit my website at www.golegalyourself.com

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

WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

MILITARY MONEY MINUTE A Monthly Financial

By Lara Ryan, Daniel Chavarria & Michael Biemiller

DO YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY? 10 FREE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT IF YOU’RE MILITARY, YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT While our column usually focuses on managing and planning around your finances, this issue is all about saving money! In honor of the season, here are {“lucky”) 13 products and services you should know about. Many businesses pride themselves on their military discounts, but some offer FREE products for military families which can make the high ops tempo life a little easier for servicemembers and their families. 1.BuildASign.com If your loved one is (finally) coming home from deployment, BuildASign.com will donate a free homecoming banner to your family. The company started doing this in 2008 and has given away more than 337,000 welcome home banners. 337,000! Find out more by clicking here: www.buildasign 2. Tutor.com Tutor.com offers free tutoring. You can connect with a live tutor if you need immediate help with something or you can schedule a 20-minute tutoring session, drop off an essay or resume, and take diagnostic quizzes to test your knowledge and find out where your problem areas may be. They also offer ASVAB tutoring for those that are looking to take (or retake) it. They offer a wide variety of subjects including high school subjects, college-level subjects, and foreign languages. Click here to get signed up: https://military.tutor.com/ home 3. Free Wedding Dresses for Military Brides Through the Brides Across American program, military brides can get a free wedding gown from a bridal shop near them that’s participating in this annual event that takes place in July. The bride or their fiance will need to have been deployed within the past 5 years or about to be deployed and have not had a formal wedding. Learn more at: www.bridesacrossamerica.com 40

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4. GreenCare (or SnowCare!) for Troops Military families face many challenges when their loved one is deployed. Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops connects military families across the nation to complimentary lawn and landscape services. Meanwhile, our sister program, SnowCare for Troops, provides basic snow removal. They are now also offering this service to wounded and/or disabled veterans. Click here to sign up: https://projectevergreen.org/greencare-for-troops/. 5. Veteran Tickets Individuals and organizations donate tickets to events like sporting events and concerts and then active duty military members, veterans, and their families can use these tickets to attend the event for free. Check the website to see what free tickets are available for events in your area: www.vettix.org/. 6. Reading a Story – 3 Options! Every year, more than 100,000 military parents deploy leaving nearly 250,000 children at home. A conservative separation is about 6-months — that means these military children have 180 nights without their parent home for a bedtime story. That’s 40 million bedtime stories missed each year by military children. United Through Reading connects military families through the read-aloud experience, so that every military child has the opportunity for bedtime stories. Click here to learn more: https://unitedthroughreading.org/. A Story Before Bed will provide a free recordable storybook to a family whose parent is deployed or who will be getting deployed. It lets you record a children’s book online with audio and video. Kids can play back the recording as often as they like on iPad, iPhone, Mac, or PC. They have given away over 304,000 recordable storybooks. Click here to take advantage of this opportunity: http://www.astorybeforebed.com/. If you are an actively deployed military member, Baby’s Brilliant will provide you with a free recordable read-tome story to send home. Record yourself reading one of their read along books, and they will edit your voice in, and send the servicemember the link to share with your family back home. Add a personal message at the end of the book.

This is offered at no charge, as a thank you from us to all the men and women in uniform serving our country away from home. You just have to email them at support@babysbrilliant.com. Learn more at: www.babysbrilliant.com 7. Blue Star Museums Did you know that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, active military members and their families can visit any Blue Star Museum for free? You can find out if there is a participating museum near you by visiting www.arts.gov

12. Blue Star Theatres Blue Star Theatres is a collaboration between Theatre Communications Group and Blue Star Families. Through this initiative, more than 150 theatres and playhouses around the country offer free or discounted admission to the military, their families and veterans. Visit: https://www.military.com/discounts

8. Amusement Parks While there are many amusement parks throughout the country that offer significant discounts to military families, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Sesame Place offer military members one free admission per year. Visit here to see the available Park discounts: https://www.military.com/discounts 9. USPS: Mili-Kit Whether you are PCSing or looking to send care packages, USPS will provide free Mili-Kits. You will be allowed up to 10 free kits per phone call (1-800-610-8734) and the kits will be delivered within 7-10 business days. The kit includes: • Two large priority flat rate boxes (12 x 12 x 5-1/2), • Two medium priority flat rate boxes (11 x 8-1/2 x 5-1/2) • Two medium priority flat rate boxes (13-5/8 x 11-7/8 x 3-3/8) • Priority mail tape • Priority mail address labels • Customs forms and envelopes to attach the forms to the package. Click here to learn more or call the number above: https://about.usps.com 10. National Parks Active military members and their families can obtain a free annual park pass. There are more than 2,000 national parks all over our country, so this is definitely something you should look into! The military member will be the pass holder but their family (up to 3 adults) will be able to get in for free as well. Children under 15 are always free. Click here to find out where you can get your free pass: https://bluestarfam.org/family-life/blue-star-parks/. 11. Coupon Books Outlets! The Simon Premium Outlets, Tanger Outlets, and Williamsburg Premium Outlets give away free coupon books for military personnel with valid ID. Just visit the outlet service center to obtain your coupon book to save some money.

13. Military-Focused Financial Planning We provide non-fee based financial advisors, and we specialize in working with military – active duty, retired, veteran, and military-connected individuals, families and businesses. We work with you to create a financial plan that focuses not only on the basics but provides a deep understanding of military pay and benefits so you can understand and then best leverage them. Among other things, we address: transition, VA process, education benefits for you, your spouse and children, tax implications, TSP and retirement savings, credit card debt and SCRA, student loans, VA home loan.

Lara, Dan & Michael work with a team and run a comprehensive financial planning practice that specializes in working with active duty, retired, veteran and military-connected individuals, families, and businesses. They are not fee-based planners and don’t charge for their time, but believe every servicemember needs and deserves a financial plan. Lara.ryan@nm.com (307) 690-9266 Daniel.Chavarria@nm.com (702) 497-3264 Michael.biemiller@nm.com (858) 663-4296 WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR By Vicki Garcia

How to Become a Wealthy, In-Demand, Wildly Successful Consultant Want the freedom to walk your own path? Take time off whenever you want? Make boatloads of money? Maybe being a consultant is the way to go. I’ve owned a marketing consulting firm for over 33 years, so I know a little about it. Let me say first that the term “consultant,” isn’t without baggage. People have lots of prejudices about consultants…they are expensive, just tell you what you already know, are money-driven, can (or can’t) solve all a company’s problems, etc. My favorite definition of a consultant is “a person who can sit on ice cream and tell you the flavor.” The term consultant has been used so often, usually signifying an opportunistic outsider coming in, getting paid more than they are worth, and come to conclusions everyone who works at the company already knows. I think it works better to call yourself an “expert.” This works very well because it is less intimidating to prospective clients. Historically, an expert was usually a profound thinker distinguished for wisdom and sound judgment. Who works the least hours and gets paid the most money? Experts. Who garners universal professional respect? Experts. Who has extensive knowledge and ability? Experts. Language is very important, so be careful. If you want to be a successful consultant, how you package yourself is important. Stay away from terms such as “coach” and “freelance” whatever. Coach is a hare’s breath away from therapist. Freelance is a dated term sounding like someone who is unemployed, trying to make a little money until the right job shows up. Don’t use it.

An expert can be believed, by virtue of credential, training, education, profession, publication or experience. It’s someone who has special knowledge of a subject beyond that of the average person, enough that others may officially (and legally) rely upon the individual’s opinion. It’s a pretty flexible term. The Good News It’s relatively easy to set yourself up as a consultant (or expert). All you really need is a computer, a phone, and a desk. In many fields it is not always necessary for an individual to have significant professional or academic qualifications for them to be accepted as an expert. Depending on your field of expertise, prospects can be very accepting. If you want to say you’re an expert on XYZ and say it often enough in a variety of places, you will be taken at your word until you start disappointing the wrong people. Unless you’re doing harm, and you’re producing results for your clients, everyone will be happy. Best of all…marketing yourself as a consultant is cheap compared to other businesses. Getting Started The bad news is you must put in a considerable amount of work to package yourself as an expert consultant and have a clear idea of what you’re offering. The below is a short review of how to start. 1. Find a Niche That is in Demand All kinds of businesses, governments, non-profit agencies and even individuals use consultants. They hire consultants because they need specialized skills. In most cases, they hire consultants because they only need the skills or knowledge for a short period of time or for less than a full-time basis.

RSVP at www.meetup.com/Operation-Vetrepreneur-San-Diego/ 42

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Do your homework. Companies tend to hire experts that can increase the bottom line rather than experts in employee stress reduction.

Starting a Business as a Veteran?

2. Make Sure Your Niche Matches Your Skill Set. Successful consultants have some abilities in common. Just a few include strong analytical abilities to see through what is on the surface and can conclude what is needed. Excellent interpersonal talents, confidence, writing and speaking skills are critical. The ability to be persuasive and make recommendations you can support are important. 3. Be Willing to Specialize. Are you a shotgun or a rifle? The more you constrict, the more potent you become. Companies want experts, not generalists. Consider this: If you have a nursing home and need certification, do you want a “Management Consultant,” or a “Nursing Home Expert?” If your 7lb Shiatzu is aggressive with other dogs, do you want a “dog-trainer” or a “small dog authority?” Much More to Explore

The transition from military service to civilian life can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to your career. That’s why a growing number of veterans choose to forge their own path and become entrepreneurs after leaving the Armed Forces.

There is so much more to say about starting and marketing a successful consulting business. Operation Vetrepreneur has put together a 2-hour veteran-focused workshop and roundtable on How to Become a Wealthy, In-Demand, Wildly Successful Consultant on Monday, November 18 at 5:30pm.

While starting a business comes with numerous challenges, former service members do have one distinct advantage: the veteran community. “The strength and power of veteran entrepreneurs comes from other veteran entrepreneurs”

We’ll cover starting up, picking a niche that pays, sales & marketing, what to charge & much more! Tell your friends! Bring your spouse! Join us!

Unlike most highly competitive entrepreneurial environments, veteran entrepreneurs share information much more easily.

A City of San Diego grant has paid for Operation Vetrepreneur to help launch and support veteran (Military & Spouse) startups and growing businesses.

If you or someone you know is a veteran looking to start a business, please feel free to contact Vicki Garcia.

See our ad in Homeland Magazine and San Diego Homeland Magazine. Working with highly experienced entrepreneurs, and using a unique brainstorming hightouch model, you get mentoring and info while in the company of other like-minded veterans.

Vicki is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 33+ -yearold marketing consulting firm. If you want support for starting up a business, email her at vicki@veteransinbiz.com.

Tell us about yourself at www.veteransinbiz.com, sign up and RSVP for the above workshop at www.meetup.com/Operation-Vetrepreneur-San-Diego/

Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 30+ -yearold marketing consulting firm.

For advice, tips and programs you can read Vicki’s monthly column at Homeland Magazine or visit www.HomelandMagazine.com and click on the banner:

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2019