San Diego Veterans Magazine Feb 2020 by HOMELAND MAGAZINE

VETERANS www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

SAN DIEGO

Vol. 2 Number 2 • February 2020

San Diego

MAGAZINE

America’s Finest City is a Coast Guard City

San Diego State of the City

Veteran of the Month

Valentines Day - On This Day

WHAT’S NEXT Transitioning to Civilian Life

Art & Healing

HEALTH STUDIES

Enlisted To Entrepreneur

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EDITOR’S

LETTER

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

Contributing Writers Holly Shaffner Veteran Advocate - Honor Flight SD

RanDee McLain, LCSW A Different Lens

Vicki Garcia

Enlisted to Entrepreneur

CJ Machado

SD Vets & Homeland Photojournalist

Kelly Bagla, Esq. Legal Eagle

Joe Molina Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Eve Nasby

What’s Next - Transitioning

Amber Robinson

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Arts & Healing

Scott Hermann Cybersecurity

Greetings and a warm welcome to San Diego Veterans Magazine! Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. The Magazine focuses on San Diego 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 San Diego veteran organizations, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people. San Diego Veterans Magazine is a veterans magazine for veterans by veterans. We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of San Diego Veterans Magazine.

Mike Miller Editor-In-Chief

mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com mikemiller@HomelandMagazine.com 4

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Collaborative Organizations Veterans Association of North County • Shelter To Soldier • Wounded Warrior Project San Diego • DAV • Father Joe’s Village • VetCTAP • Flying Leathernecks • Give An Hour • UCSD • Courage To Call • Honor Flight San Diego • Veteran Advocates & Guest Writers

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

(858) 275-4281 Contact us at: publisher@SDVetsMagazine.com San Diego Veterans 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.

FEBRUARY INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 San Diego Veteran of the Month 8 DAV -Stemming The Tide 12 San Diego - State of the City 16 Veterans Treatment Court 18 Coast Guard City 24 VA San Diego Healthcare - Research 26 A Different Lens - Self Compassion 27 HEALTH - Research Studies 30 Arts & Healing - Open Hearts & Minds 32 What’s Next - Motivation 34 Enlisted to Entrepreneur - Drop Shipping 38 Goals that get Achieved 40 VANC - Welcome to the New Year 42 Legal Eagle - Love Your Business 44 Military Money - February 46 Valentine’s Day - Impress 53 JOIN US - San Diego Veterans *Photo Cover PA2 by Rob Simpson WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

VETERAN OF THE MONTH San Diego - February 2020 By RanDee McLain

Emery Langley

Service after Service Emery Langley was just eleven years old when 9/11 happened. This event forever changed the trajectory of his life. Emery always knew he wanted to be a U.S. Marine. He turned 19 in bootcamp and would spend the next eight years serving his country as a Marine. When asked why the Marines? He said, “because they are the best branch in the service”. During his 8 years in the USMC Emery spent time in Malaysia, Oman and Africa. He also spent time in Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms. Additionally, Emery and his unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. His primary MOS was 03-13, Light Armor Vehicle Crewman. After many family celebrations and holidays missed Emery decided to leave his beloved Marine Corps and find a new path in life that would allow him to be his family more. Though it was a tough decision to leave Active Duty Emery is proud of his time in service and for having served his country. Service to one’s country runs in the Langley family. Emery’s older brother Jason also served his country in the US Navy for 5 years. The Langley brothers grew up in the Bay Area but uniquely both men now call San Diego home after their time in service. Besides both calling San Diego home they both chose to continue their service by joining the ranks of the San Diego Police Department. Emery currently works in the Southeast DivisionPatrol for SDPD. He was recruited to play for the San Diego Enforcers while he was in the police academy. He has been wearing the #99 jersey for the last 4 years and plays Defensive End. One of his greatest memories is the defensive effort in 2019, that recorded “the lowest number of points scored on a team”.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

On February 8th Emery and his teammates for the San Diego Enforcers will take on the USMC Camp Pendleton Bulldogs. This is the annual ‘Salute to Service’ game. The proceeds from this game will go to Honor Flight San Diego which is a nonprofit organization that flies our oldest veterans to DC to see the memorials that were built for them. Knowing Emery was a Marine but now an Enforcer he was asked where his loyalties lie.

“I am always a Marine - but I have a new team. My loyalty is to the Enforcers! GO Enforcers” This is the third year the ‘Salute to Service’ game has benefitted Honor Flight San Diego. When asked about this game and its significance Emery said “it feels really good to give back to the greatest generation and play in front of them and for them - it is a huge honor.” As the 2020 Enforcer season gets under way Emery explains his goal this season is to bring another Championship back to San Diego. The Enforcers won the 2012 and 2016 National Championship for the NPFSL. The Enforcers have 3 home games this year. www.sandiegoenforcers.com Feb 8th against the USMC May 16th against NYPD May 30th against LAPD

L-R Jason Langley & Emery Langley WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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Before (left) and after Mississippi River floodwaters engulfed Jolene Carter’s home in Grafton, Ill., leaving her house uninhabitable.

STEMMING THE TIDE DAV offers disaster relief for Air Force veteran whose house was flooded by the Mississippi River By Matt Saintsing

he rough waters of the mighty Mississippi River began to rise gradually, at first, in the spring of 2019, only reaching Air Force veteran Jolene Carter’s driveway before receding. However, less than two weeks later, her home in Grafton, Ill., was flooded with more than 4 feet of standing water due to heavy rains and snowmelt upriver. “It just came back up with a vengeance really quick,” she said. The floods that ripped through her limestoneexterior dwelling, built in 1840, left mud caked throughout the first floor. Her drywall, flooring and wiring had severe damage. She also needed a new HVAC system, doors and windows. Carter’s house became untenable, forcing her to find someplace else to stay. “This was the longest-lasting flood we’ve had on record,” she explained. “I had floodwaters in the house for over a month.” Since residential areas were mostly left untouched, a national disaster was not declared, meaning the Federal Emergency Management Agency could not step in to help. By the end of May, Carter was desperate for relief so she turned to DAV in nearby St. Louis for help. “Jolene’s house was pretty much engulfed in water,” said Dan Knabe, assistant supervisor of the DAV service office in St. Louis. He explained to Carter that to apply for DAV Disaster Relief funds, all that was needed was to verify she is

“It gave me some hope to get some support and not be a burden on people.” —Jolene Carter, Air Force veteran

Jolene Carter applied for disaster relief aid from DAV after her home was flooded with more than 4 feet of standing water.

a service-connected disabled veteran, the victim of a natural disaster and in immediate financial need. Just seven days after she first contacted DAV, relief funds were deposited into her account. “It gave me some hope to get some support and not be a burden on people,” she added. In 2018, 3,569 grants were approved nationwide, totaling more than $1.2 million. In 2017, natural disaster victims in Missouri alone were provided $23,000 due to flooding and tornadoes. “Having the smooth process to get that assistance to veterans in a quick manner can be a huge step forward for people in desperate need,” said Knabe. “A little relief can go a long way.” ■

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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Mayor Faulconer Lays Out Clear Ambitious 2020 Agenda in Final State of the City Address In his last State of the City address earlier this month, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer spoke directly to San Diegans about the devastating effects of statewide housing and homelessness crises, and the steps the City of San Diego is taking to lead California with innovative solutions to overcome those challenges. - HOUSING Unveiled earlier in 2019, Complete Communities is San Diego’s first comprehensive program to build out the four pillars of a neighborhood: infrastructure, parks, transportation and homes. The program would build more homes, invest in neighborhoods and ultimately, turn Mayor Faulconer’s One San Diego pledge into policy. The City has already adopted some of the most aggressive housing reforms in the State of California like eliminating outdated parking mandates, by-right approval for homeless housing and allowing religious institutions to build affordable housing in their empty parking lots. As Mayor Faulconer stated in his address: “Until now we’ve been treating neighborhood improvements and home building like they are two separate things. When in reality, they should be part of the same conversation. We need to bring the ideas of housing and community together in a way that’s never been done before.” Complete Communities includes integrated planning strategies that work together to create incentives to build homes near transit; provide more mobility choices; create more local parks and public gathering spaces; and more quickly bring benefits to neighborhoods that need them the most. Complete Communities is set to go before the City Council this spring.

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“Until now we’ve been treating neighborhood improvements and home building like they are two separate things. When in reality, they should be part of the same conversation. We need to bring the ideas of housing and community together in a way that’s never been done before.”

- HOMELESS Mayor Faulconer began the speech sharing the personal story of a formerly homeless Navy veteran who was addicted to drugs and lived in a tent under a freeway. His journey to a permanent home began when an officer from the City’s Neighborhood Policing Division offered him a bed in one of the City’s bridge shelters. Now he’s sober and housed in a former motel the City and the San Diego Housing Commission rehabilitated into veteran housing units and serves as an example for others looking to turn their lives around.

Under Mayor Faulconer’s leadership, San Diego has implemented the largest expansion of homeless services in City history with four new bridge shelters, the expansion of safe parking lots and storage centers, a new Housing Navigation Center and more. Mayor Faulconer also noted the affect new state laws have had on significantly limiting the ability of local governments to address homeless individuals struggling with substance abuse. Those laws turned many serious drug offenses into misdemeanors, removing the ability judges had to give felony offenders the option for treatment over jail.

Mayor Faulconer said he would lead a statewide effort to reform those laws. Mayor Faulconer’s efforts on homelessness have shown progress according to data from nationwide counts collected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 2019, San Diego was the only major county in California where overall homelessness went down including the highest decrease in the number of homeless veterans. San Diego has recorded a nine percent decrease in overall homelessness since 2015. - NAVWAR In September 2019, SANDAG and the U.S. Navy signed an agreement to lay the foundation for initial collaboration between the two agencies in developing preliminary concepts for the U.S. Navy’s Old Town Campus (OTC) revitalization. The new agreement Mayor Faulconer signed this month with the Acting Secretary of the Navy in Washington, D.C. allows for further discussion on the revitalization project including the implementation of a term sheet and the possible transfer of property. This project will provide a significant economic benefit to the region for generations to come and finally connect the trolley to the airport with a central transportation hub.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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FIGHTING PTSD WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

One of only a few in the country- Southern District of California Veterans Treatment Court By RanDee McLain, LCSW In 2008, the first Veteran’s Treatment Court was started in Buffalo, New York, by the Honorable Judge Robert Russell. Since that first court started, there are now over 350 courts of this type in the United States. Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) are a unique type of diversion court that offers treatment in lieu of incarceration. The “veteran’s only” docket is designed to serve veterans whose involvement with the justice system stemmed from a mental health disorder or substance use disorder and many times they have both. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates 1 in 15 veterans had a substance use disorder in 2014. The RAND center estimates that about 1 in 5 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars experiences Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other significant mental health needs. According to the San Diego Regional Veterans Administration office, there are over 230,000 veterans who call San Diego home. There are more separating from Active Duty each day. With such a large population of veterans and the increased need for support, it made sense for San Diego to have a VTC. There are only a handful of Federal VTCs in the country and San Diego is unique to have one of the few. In 2015, the Honorable Judge William Gallo and his team saw the need for this type of court in San Diego. The San Diego Superior Court has operated a Veteran Treatment Court since 2011. It became apparent there was a need for this type of court on the federal side. It seemed only natural that Judge Gallo would be chosen to start and lead this new diversion court. While in law school, Judge Gallo earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant and served in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve from 1978 to 2005 retiring at the rank of Colonel.

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Judge Gallo’s experience as a Marine gave him a unique perspective and understanding of the struggles the veterans in his court face. After many months of research and lengthy planning meetings the Southern District of California Veterans Treatment Court saw its first participant in August of 2016. This is not a get out of jail free card. Treatment is hard and intensive. Participants are forced to deal with issues they have been suppressing for many years. Many of the participants of VTC have experienced multiple deployments and a variety of trauma. A large part of what makes VTCs successful is the mentor component. Each veteran participant is matched with a veteran mentor to be a battle buddy throughout their time in the program. Mentors meet with their mentees weekly and are a peer support to them as they face the challenges of treatment. This is a relationship that is vital to the success of the participants and many times the bond last long past their time in the program.

“Many of our veterans in the VTC program have given more of themselves in defense of this nation than any one citizen has a right to expect or demand. But they did so unselfishly and with no expectation of anything in return. They have made mistakes which they individually have acknowledged. The VTC program is our opportunity to show our veterans that this country still believes in them and that with some help, they can right the ship and have a very bright future.” - Judge William Gallo.

Veterans in the program receive structure, supervision, mentoring and treatment surrounded by other veterans and connected to much need resources and benefits they have earned. Another key component to the success of the VTC is the community partnerships. When the Southern District of California Veteran Treatment Court was started Judge Galloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team sought out two established community partners with experience in VTCs. The first was our local Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) specialist with the Veterans Health Administration. Joy Villavicencio, LCSW, has been a VJO in San Diego for the last 7 years and supported the San Diego County Superior Court Veteran Treatment Court since 2011. The VJO does all clinical assessments on each participant to deem their appropriateness for the court as well as devise a treatment plan specific to each veteran.

RanDee is a part of Mental Health Systems, Courage to Call, which is a veteran serving veterans program in San Diego. Courage to Call specifically, handles all the case management for the participants in the VTC and connects them to much needed resources such as food, shelter, utilities, GI Bill inquiries and much more. In the short time that the Southern District of California Veterans Treatment Court has been active they have connected 90% of the participants to their VA benefits, 70% received housing support and all received mental health and substance use treatment. Veterans Treatment Courts save lives and reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying issues that led to justice involvement. To learn more about Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treatment Courts and to help support their expansion, please visit: www.justiceforvets.org

The second community partner was RanDee McLain, LCSW. RanDee has been a part of the Justice for Vets faculty for 5 years and trains VTCs throughout the country.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST CITY IS A COAST GUARD CITY *Photo PA2 by Rob Simpson 18 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020 *Photos by U.S. Coast Guard (Page 20-23)

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AMERICA’S FINEST CITY By Holly Shaffner Who knew that San Diego was 1 of the nation’s 28 Coast Guard Cities? In fact, America’s Finest City is the largest Coast Guard City (by square miles) in the country! We were designated as the 23rd city on February 23, 2017 and this year we will celebrate our 3rd anniversary.

“It’s important for the Coast Guard to know that the community supports them and that we are there for them,” - Tony Teravainen

To earn this designation, a city must request it from Congress. It is an honor for a city to be approved for the designation as it shows the commitment of the city to the active duty, reserve, and retired Coast Guard and their families. That commitment comes in the form of constructing monuments to the Coast Guard, organizing civic celebrations and offering special recognition to support USCG morale, welfare and recreational initiatives. In 2022, San Diego will be reevaluated based on the support it has received and the accomplishments the city has made for the betterment of the Coast Guard and the community. To ensure the city is pushing forward with initiatives, San Diego started a Coast Guard City Advisory Committee. The members are appointed by the office of the Mayor and consist of local militaryaffiliated nonprofits, the Harbor Police, Port Tenants Association, San Diego Yacht Club, San Diego State University as well as the Coast Guard and the Mayor’s office. Their mission is simple, “To make the San Diego public aware of our Coast Guard, as well as make our Coast Guard aware of all the resources and support our community has to offer.” The current volunteer chairman of the Advisory Committee is former Navy submariner, Tony Teravainen, who heads the local non-profit, Support the Enlisted Project. “It’s important for the Coast Guard to know that the community supports them and that we are there for them,” said Teravainen. That support was tested in December 2018 when the government shut down for 35 days and Coast Guard members did not receive paychecks.

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is a Coast Guard City Young junior enlisted members, many who live paycheck to paycheck, found themselves standing in food bank lines and wondering how they would afford diapers for their children and how they would put gas into their cars to go to work. According to Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s letter to San Diego Congressional Delegates in January 2019, locally, we had about 700 Coast Guard men and women who were affected by the shutdown.

Who knew that San Diego was 1 of the nation’s 28 Coast Guard Cities?

The Coast Guard is not permitted to solicit for funds from the community so Chairman Teravainen stepped in to collect grocery and gas cards, and diapers to help the families make it until the government was reopened. During this time, Teravainen estimates that hundreds of Coasties were assisted.

America’s Finest City is the largest Coast Guard City (by square miles) in the country!

While the shutdown was challenging for the Coast Guard members and their families, there were some positives that came from it. “We learned more about the Coast Guard than we ever have before,” said Teravainen. “And, through Coast Guard City we were able to coordinate services through organized channels because we all knew each other.” And that support was crucial so that the local Coast Guard men and women could focus on their jobs and continue to rescue lives and protect our coastline. Since Coast Guard City has been established, the local Coast Guard has… • Conducted 2,500+ total missions • Completed 1,200+ search and rescue missions • Carried out 400+ law enforcement cases • Seized $9 Million worth of illicit narcotics • Assisted over 1,100 people • Saved more than 250 lives In less than three years since its designation, San Diego has had 52 community events and accomplishments that revolved around the Coast Guard or had Coast Guard participation to the community.

Continued on next page >

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Some of the most substantial accomplishments were designing the advisory committee and developing the by-laws, establishing a partnership with the USS Midway museum and placing a plaque and exhibit on the flight deck featuring Sector San Diego, installing CG City light pole banners on Harbor Drive, being an active participant in the annual San Diego Fleet Week and having Mayor Faulconer speak about CG City at the commissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Bottoms. Coming up in 2020 the committee will be holding a 3rd anniversary celebration in conjunction with a rededication ceremony of the newly renovated Cabrillo Lighthouse, and visitors to San Diego will be greeted at the airport with a video message from Mayor Faulconer and Captain Barelli, the San Diego Sector Commander. Teravainen said that he is proud of what the committee has done in a short time but there’s still more work to do. “We want San Diego to stand out in the next Congressional review and show them the mutual support America’s Finest City has for our Coast Guard and what the Coast Guard is doing as Guardians of the Southwest.” Our Coast Guard men and women live by their core values - Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty. To learn more about the Coast Guard, go to: www.uscg.mil and to find out more about San Diego’s Coast Guard City, go to: www.sandiego.gov/coastguardcity You can follow the local Coast Guard on Facebook @USCoastGuardCalifornia and follow the hashtag #SDCoastGuardCity Semper Paratus!

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www.sandiego.gov/coastguardcity WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Exciting Research Conducted at the VA San Diego Healthcare System Center for Pain and Headache Research (CPHR)

Chronic pain and/or headaches are some of the most common debilitating symptoms affecting over 90% of the Veterans. The VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) Anesthesia Pain Service provides multidisciplinary multimodal pain management for all Veterans in the region. The Center for Pain and Headache Research (CPHR) is dedicated to conducting innovative research involving pain and headaches. The research facility is located at Building 23, which is just outside the west entrance of the main hospital at the VASDHS. The Center can accommodate multiple ongoing research studies with access to both assessment and treatment rooms, several magnetic stimulator units with interchanging coils, brain imaging based neuronavigation software and computer network access through the surrounding institutions and universities. The research lab is associated with nearby military healthcare facilities including Naval Medical Center San Diego and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and collaborated with a variety of experts in the fields of pain management, neuroimaging, data analysis and neuropsychology.

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Currently the Center is leading several VA and DOD funded multicenter studies for headaches related to traumatic brain injury and chronic pain conditions related to Gulf War Illnesses. The Center is founded and directed by Dr. Albert Leung, who is a board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in pain management. Dr. Leung has served the VASDHS for over two decades. He is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine and a Research Scientist affiliated with the Veterans Medical Research Foundation. His research focuses on the mechanisms and effectiveness of non-invasive brain and peripheral stimulation for nerve function restoration and headache/pain relief. He founded the first Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) clinical unit for pain and headachetreatment in VASDHS a decade ago. He now directs the Center for TMS at the VASDHS, which has the capability to provide up to 3000 TMS treatment sessions per year for the Veterans.

TMS non-invasively stimulates the brain by utilizing electromagnetic principles to produce small focal electrical currents in the cortex. The device usually consists of an insulated electric coil, which with the passing of electrical current generates a dynamic magnetic field through the scalp and skull, and into the first few millimeters of the cortex without attenuation. A figure-of-eight coil is commonly used because it gives a precise localization. Studies in animals demonstrate that TMS can alter neural plasticity by affecting the amount of beta-adrenergic receptor in rat cortex consistent with the response to all clinically effective antidepressants and electroconvulsive shock. Other published studies concur that TMS influences neuron-transmitters, receptors and associated second messenger systems, which are important in pain and mood regulation. TMS also has the ability to increase gene activity in neural and supportive elements which are important for conditions such as pain and depression. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) is currently FDA approved for treating major depression and single pulse TMS is approved for treating migraine headaches.

For pain treatment, several international expert review panels have recently determined conclusively that the treatment has definitive pain relief benefit for several neuropathic pain conditions and mild traumatic brain injury related headaches while more studies should be conducted to fully assess its longterm efficacy in various pain or headache conditions. Veterans who are interested in learning more about participating in our studies, please contact the study coordinator at 858-210-8908. For clinical treatment, patients can have their primary care providers submit a TMS consult to the Anesthesia TMS Consult. If you would like to learn more about TMS, check out our YouTube video titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Overviewâ&#x20AC;? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ttfgMYU96k

To learn more about our research, check out our Facebook Page: The Center for Pain and Headache Research or see our interview with 10 News: https://tinyurl.com/rh9n9an

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR 1990-1991 PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANS

Do you suffer from chronic headache, muscle, and joint pain?

FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Do you have headaches due your traumatic brain injury?

The Center for Pain and Headache Research at the VA San Diego is recruiting for studies using a non-invasive treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation, to relieve different types of pain. If interested in participating or learning more about either study, please contact the study coordinator at

(858) 210-8908

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

A Different Lens Mental Health Monthly By RanDee McLain

Self-Compassion I have written about self- care many times in this column. Self- Care is vital to our mental health and physical health. Self-compassion is different but equally as important to our individual journey we call life. Last weekend, I spent two days at football training camp, prepared and volunteered for an annual veteran’s appreciation luncheon, worked on a proposal for work- and flew to DC for 24hrs to present on Military Sexual Trauma. It was a jam-packed weekend. As I was getting ready to leave for my trip I casually said to a friend “I am running behind….I am such a bum”. Really, is that how I talk about myself and the life I have created? Another memory that comes up for me happened last summer. I was looking forward to a new opportunity at work that I felt was a sure thing. In many ways I thought the opportunity was a done deal. When it didn’t happen the way I thought I felt defeated. More than just feeling defeated I let my self-doubt defeat me momentarily. I took this perceived loss and internalized it in a way that negated all the hard work I had put into my career for the last 10 years. I minimized all the success I had over that time to this one moment of disappointment. I told myself I had failed. I told myself that I was in someway less than because I did not achieve something on an unrealistic timeline. As they say hindsight is 20/20… well it proved true. That momentary set back proved to open many other doors for me and led me to many new and exciting opportunities. Lesson learned. Be kind to ourselves.

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The standards many of us place on ourselves are much higher than anyone else sets on us. Let’s not be our own worst enemy and defeat ourselves. Life is hard why do we make it harder for ourselves? Some of the things I say to myself I would never say about another person. Why do we not afford ourselves that same kindness and respect? Practice daily self-affirmations. I challenge you to at the end of each day list 3 things gone right. This can be professional or personal. It is ok to acknowledge areas of growth that is also needed but it is important to celebrate the wins! Be kind to yourself!!

HEALTH

Research & Studies - Depression By Artemis Research

Depression is the most common psychiatric illness of our time. Depression affects individuals of all ages and walks of life. Dr. Eric Chavez a Principal Investigator at Artemis Institute for Clinical Research explains, “approximately 20% of the world’s population is affected by clinical depression at some point in their lives”. Depression and sadness are completely normal human emotions and are often related to distressing life events. However, if depression persists for over two weeks, it could be more than just a natural emotional response. To be considered a psychiatric illness, not only does the depressive episode have to persist, but it must also be associated with physical symptoms. “Clinical depression”, Dr. Chavez states, “has physical symptoms including weight gain or loss, appetite changes, sleep abnormalities, migraines, increased irritability, or restlessness”. Clinical depression affects everyday life, the ability to function at work or school, and the capacity to have relationships. It affects the way you feel, act, and think. Dr. Chavez notes, “fighting clinical depression takes more than just pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.

Depression is treatable and medications are very effective”. If an episode of depression persists it may be time to speak with a doctor. Artemis Institute for Clinical Research conducts clinical trials for investigational medications for the treatment of depression. Participation in research contributes to the advancement of treatments for all. Qualified participants are eligible to receive financial compensation for time and travel, study-related medical and psychological evaluations, and the investigative study medication at no cost. If you have experienced some or all of the symptoms described and are interested in volunteering for a study, or know someone suffering from depression who may be interested, please reach out and call us toll-free at 855-367-8834 or find us online at www.artemis-research.com Studies Areas Include: Depression, PTSD, Insomnia, Osteoarthritis, Pneumonia Vaccine, Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and more.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

R E S O U

WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not always allow the affected to seek help. Lend a hand and provide them with methods of help, listen and be a friend.

San Diego Veterans Magazine works with nonprofit veteran organizations that help more than one million veterans in lifechanging ways each year.

Resources.

Support. Inspiration.

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

Resources & Articles available at:

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

FIGHTING PTSD WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Arts & Healing Arts for Military Veterans

By Amber Robinson

Art Therapy Opens Hearts and Minds The Veterans Village of San Diego has been helping Veterans in need since 1981. Their nationally-recognized rehabilitation program helps approximately 2,000 veterans a year fight homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues and so much more in their transition to civilian life. Their annual “Stand Down” is the largest veteran homelessness-focused event in the country. The center provides a myriad of clinical services which help the veteran rehabilitate as well as learn coping mechanisms for the future. Mechanisms which can include guitar playing, spoken word, acting or painting. “There has been an arts presence at Veterans Village for 20 years,” said Ofra Raz, an expressive arts therapist who works at the VVSD Veterans Recovery Center. “Creativity and art are powerful for healing.” Raz, herself, has been a presence at VVSD for ten years. One of the things that attracted her to helping San Diego’s veterans was the deep connection she felt with them from her own time in service. Although she did not serve in our Marines, Army or Navy, she served mandatory time in the Israeli Defense Force, where she is from. “In Israel, everyone has PTSD, “ said Raz. “We all grew up with conflict and had to serve.” When she began to work with the veterans coming through VVSD, she realized she felt an affinity to them because of her service. “I realized that despite race or country, I had a deep connection with them because of that,” she said. That connection motivates Raz in her work, which shows in the alumni of the recovery program. One such alumni is Hector, a Marine veteran who took advantage of the art therapy classes provided by Raz and her staff during his time in VVSD recovery.

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“When I came to the Veterans Village of San Diego I was really broken,” said Hector.“I would just sit in front of my therapist and not really know how to say what was wrong. It was the art therapy class where I started to really open myself up.” As Hector began to create art, he began to feel a sense of pride in what he was creating. That helped him take pride in other things again, motivating him to step back into the world with a new sense of self. Many veterans have been apprehensive in approaching the arts for healing, but once they do, most are pleasantly surprised in the many different ways it helps.

“I’ve had plenty of ‘tough guys’ come tell me ‘I thought art was for sissies...but I really liked that!”, said Raz, laughing. “Art allows them to get emotional feedback from different parts of themselves, which can even be fun.” What she finds most rewarding is to see the positive transition the veterans make while in recovery. “You really can see the change in them,” said Raz. “You can see it in the body language, the way they dress and the way they look at you.” The VVSD offers all art modalities to veterans through their recovery program. Music, movement, written art and acting are all available. There are also many ways to come to the art therapy classes. Veterans can be referred through a case worker, through “Stand Down” or just choose to take the classes themselves. Raz encourages everyone in recovery to try art for healing, especially those within the walls of the Veterans Village of San Diego. (https://vvsd.net) “In here anyone can be an artist!”

The colors of gratitude

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life By Eve Nasby

What’s Your Motivation? He sat in the back of the Transition Class, arms folded head down wishing he was anywhere but in that room. The information did not apply to him. He had his transition handled. He was sure he’d find a job when he got out, no rush, no pressure. He was not happy that his CO directed him to this class but for two days he could sit there and do nothing. The class instructor noticed his disengagement and attempted to get him to participate, but to no avail. The next day this E9 Marine was front and center with a pen and pad of paper, wide eyed and writing as fast as the instructor could speak. At the break a very surprised and curious instructor confronted his student’s sudden change of interest. “Sir,” he warily noted, “I went home last night after class and my wife let me know that she is pregnant with twins.” What’s your motivation? Why bother with transition classes? What classes are good? What should you be learning in these classes?

Get the local newspaper on line. Join the local Chambers or just jump on their websites consistently to check in on the news in the area. Begin to familiarize yourself with the businesses and industries in the area. You will see which companies are growing and which are laying off. You will identify what positions are hot those areas and which are not. “ Great advice! Once you have identified the geo and start to gain an interest for certain sectors in that area jump on LinkedIn to begin to connect the dots with the companies and the people who work there. If you find a role at ABC Company, check your LinkedIn profile to see who you are connected to that works at that company and send them an invitation. Start your network one person at a time and work that network into getting an interview. The next side of the triangle is “Job”. Most transitioning military professionals do not want to do in civilian life what they did in the military. We also know that many will leave their civilian job 18 months after starting their new role. There are many courses out there including “NVTSI’s Reboot” that are designed to help you find out what you were made to do after the military. Engage in these and identify your true passion. Pursue it.

We caught up with this instructor, Dave Grundies from Ruelin and Associates, to get his thoughts. This particular five-day career transition seminar has been developed over the past 20 years, and provides unique insight into career transition tactics for senior military and civil service personnel. Dave, we all know that we should be networking to be successful in transitioning. What are your suggestions to execute this well? “Draw a triangle and on the three sides write “Location”, “Job” and “Salary”. Then start the discussion with your family to identify the location(s) you’d be willing to work in. Close to family? Far away from family? Good schools? Close to the beach? Which states allow you to keep your retirement? Then subscribe to the local Business Journals in that area. Dave Grundies

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The final side of the triangle is “Salary”. Dave continues, “When you are made a job offer, no matter if the number they present to you is above, below or at what you are looking for, always pause and say, ‘Could you do a little better?” Remember, everything is negotiable.”

Starting a Business as a Veteran?

He continues, “Nature hates a vacuum. Pausing and waiting after they make the offer and then asking “Could you do a little better” is just good negotiation tactics. The person you are speaking to who is making the offer to you has one job. That job is to bring you aboard. It’s not all about salary, either. You can negotiate medical care if you are fully covered by the VA. You will save the company money by not opting to be covered by them. You can negotiate vacation. Just be reasonable and remember again, that everything is negotiable. “ Any last words of wisdom? “Yes. Name 40 people that can help you. Most people in my classes can’t name 1 or 2 until after they learn to include people from their universities or colleges, churches, classes, units and the list goes on. Then, reach out to those 40 and let them know you are in transition. Be specific in asking for help. Say, “I’m looking to relocate to Huntsville, Alabama and I’m looking for a role in finance. “You will be surprised how connected your network really is.” Check out the class. It’s free. Ruelin’s seminar lasts five days: three days in seminar and two days dedicated to one-on-one counseling sessions with the seminar leader. The seminar is for senior officers (O-5 and above), senior enlisted (E-8 and above) and senior civil service (GS-14 and above) who are within a year or two of retirement, or who are on a known countdown. Nearly everyone who attends the course says, “Should have had this five years ago!” For more information on Ruelin check out www.ruelinassociates.com And on a final note. No sleeping in class. You never know what news awaits you at home! Transition is difficult. Use the tools that are available to you and reach out for help today. If you need help in your transition send an email to Eve@infused.work or connect with me on LinkedIn and I will help you. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-0050452

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. 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” Unlike most highly competitive entrepreneurial environments, veteran entrepreneurs share information much more easily. If you or someone you know is a veteran looking to start a business, please feel free to contact Vicki Garcia. Vicki is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 33+ -year- old marketing consulting firm. If you want support for starting up a business, email her at vicki@veteransinbiz.com. For advice, tips and programs you can read Vicki’s monthly column at Homeland Magazine or visit www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine and click on the banner:

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

ENLISTED TO ENTREPRENEUR By Vicki Garcia

Instant Business:

DROP SHIPPING

If you’re looking for a business you can run from your office chair or the beach with minimal financial outlay, you might want to consider Dropshipping. When you search for a product, let’s say a Santa Claus costume for your Weimaraner, several sites come up with products. These sites (including Amazon) don’t have a warehouse filled red fur-trimmed get-ups for your lanky, perpetual canine energy machine. Instead, you’re looking at a “retail fulfillment” method that doesn’t stock the products it sells.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

(Part 1)

When that online store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. The merchant never sees or handles the product. This means you can get into selling almost any product with no big investment or physical office. Pretty cool, huh?

The Good Side Versus The Down Side

The Dropshipping model has several benefits and drawbacks:

The Good Side 1. No Capital Required – One of the biggest advantages to dropshipping is that it’s possible to launch an ecommerce store without investing thousands of dollars in inventory up front. Actually, little money at all. 2. Cash Flow Joy - You don’t have to purchase a product unless you already have made the sale and have been paid for it. You buy the Santa Costume with the money from the customer, keeping your markup. 3. Get Started Quick – Running an ecommerce dropshipping business is much easier when you don’t have to deal with physical products. You don’t worry about • Managing or paying for a warehouse • Packing/shipping your orders • Tracking inventory • Handling returns • Continually managing stock levels 4. Low Overhead – With dropshipping, your overhead expenses are low. Many successful dropshipping businesses are run from home for less than $100 per month. And, these expenses will still be low as you grow. 5. Freedom – You can run a dropshipping business while you’re laying on the beach in Jamaica sipping on a Pina Colada if you have an internet connection. If you can communicate with suppliers and customers easily, you can run and manage your business. 6. A Wide Product Range – Since don’t have to prepurchase the things you sell, you can offer a wide range of products to your potential customers. If suppliers stock an item, you can list if for sale on your website at no additional cost. 7. Growth Potential – By leveraging dropshipping suppliers, most of the work to process additional orders is done by the suppliers, allowing you to expand easily. Do you hear a celestial chorus singing? Does it sound like all rainbows and blue skies? Hold it! There is a price to be paid and here it is.

The Down Side 1. Low Margins – People are out there shopping their heads off, but since there many websites, they are looking for the lowest price. You may need to keep prices competitive and sell a large volume of goods.

2. Competition- Since it’s easy to get started and the overhead costs are low “etooties” (ttps://tinyurl.com/ y8r8fzb4) will set up shop and sell items at rock-bottom prices. They’ve invested so little they can afford to operate on minuscule margins. 3. Cutthroat Jerks - Sellers with log-quality websites and poor customer service can quickly destroy the profit margin in a niche. 4. Inventory Issues –Inventory can change daily and syncing your inventory with suppliers can be vexing. (But it can be done) 5. Shipping Complexities – The products on your website may be sourced through several different drop shippers. This complicates your shipping costs. 6. Customer Service – If you don’t like helping people, you may not like the customer service element inherent in dropshipping. People will complain. Suppliers will make errors. You need to be willing to take responsibility for things that are not your fault. This is starting to sound like work. I didn’t say dropshipping is a passive side hustle. It’s a business. You must work it and make good decisions. In Part 2 we’ll look at how to pick the right products to sell (probably your most important decision), how much to mark up your products, how to market your business, and more stuff.

A City of San Diego grant has paid for Operation Vetrepreneur to help launch and support veteran (Military & Spouse) startups and growing businesses. 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. Tell us about yourself at www.veteransinbiz.com, sign up for a workshop or mentoring at www.meetup.com/Operation-Vetrepreneur-San-Diego/

Vicki Garcia is the Co-Founder of Operation Vetrepreneur & President of Marketing Impressions, a 30+ -year- old marketing consulting firm. Apply to join Operation Vetrepreneur’s FREE Think Tank Groups or one-on-one mentoring at www.veteransinbiz.com, visit www.veteransinbiz.org.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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

GOALS THAT GET ACHIEVED A goal can be defined as an Initiative of the future or a preferred result that a person wants to achieve. Understanding what a goal is may not be enough, we should also understand “how” the goal is to be accomplished and the steps to get there. How to create the right Goal: In order to create a goal, we must know Exactly and clearly what it is we want (the outcome). Tip: Clear goals are easier to achieve, while unclear goals are rarely achieved. Types of goals: We can identify different types of goals such as personal goals, career goals, financial goals, family goals etc., each should have its own outcome, timeline and the specific commitment on our part to allocate the necessary energy and drive to achieve the goal. The Power of an Image: It is advisable to practice visualization to create a clear image of the goal and what it looks like once achieved. Visualizing is an excellent tool, it requires a little practice to be effective. Expectations: Expectations are Emotionally Bound and often are “perceived outcomes” that have no plan, while goals are intentional, self-motivated, focused and with a set of measurable, quantifiable achievable steps.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Importance of Timelines and milestones: A goal should have a set of measurable achievable outcomes (mini outcomes, milestones) to helps us track its progress. These mini goals or milestones should be quantifiable and measurable, for example; if we decide to run the 5K (the goal) we should start with establishing a set of monthly goals/milestones. For example; run 2k by month 2, 3k by month 4 and 5k by month 5 this way we have established a quantifiable and timebound set of milestones to achieve our 5k goal in 5 months. Regardless how we decide to establish the goals, the most important aspects are: 1. Create a Clear Goal (Through Visualization, drive and Inspiration) 2. Break down the goal into small milestones that are: • Achievable • Quantifiable • Measurable • Timed bound Tip: A Goal is best achieved when it is Internally Motivated.

Options on how making a goal stronger: Ensure your goal is linked to your Purpose: Goals are fueled by an internal drive and connected to us via Purpose. Our goals must be in sync with our purpose. This will ensure the right amount of drive is connected to the necessary actions, intentions and desires to accomplish the goal. Tip: Keep focus on ONE Goal, it is important that we stay focus and work on one goal at a time! Evaluate regularly: Take a look at your goals Once a week! Ideas in our head are easily modified, ideas on paper tend to be more solid. It is important to evaluate our goals often and hence the importance of breaking the goal down into small achievable milestones. Find a Worthy Goal: it is best when it has an emotional connection! There is almost a guarantee that we will encounter challenges and obstacles along the way. If we have selected the right goal the inner drive will help us push through those challenges as it is connected to our purpose. No two goals are alike: It is important to note that we respond to goals depending on what the goals are and or why the goal was created.

Goal Setting Tools Goal coach A goal coach is a consultant that works with you to help identify, clarify and bring focus to your goal. It is extremely useful to have a “Coach” as it brings the element of Advice and Brainstorming to the mix. Goal coaches can be found online. Let us know if you need help finding a goal coach, happy to help: veteransccsd@gmail.com Single step This is a software that assists you in setting your goals and also helps to spot the areas of your life that need a change in order for you to achieve this goal. Milestone Planner Milestone planner is an app designed to help you picture your goals with a goal-brainstorming tool that you can employ in any field ranging from hobbies to finance.

Google Drive Most likely the greatest thing Google ever created to be used for sharing information within a group. It will be good for team members or people who have similar goals in mind and want to picture them on a platform that can be accessed easily. In Summary: The Defining Question: What do we want to do and what does it look like once achieved!

For example, a goal at work (increase sales by 2% this month) May not have the same “Power” as a Personal goal such as running a 5K where we see the 5K as a personal achievement.

Goal setting is about having a clear, well defined idea and with a strong internal commitment. Tip: Goals with higher rate of success have personal Internal connection provide personal Internal satisfaction of reward.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

“The men and women who serve our Nation deserve our support — Today, Tomorrow, Always —” www.vancnorthcounty.org

Welcome to the New Year!

Check us out at www.vanc.me to learn how to register. The Master Chef will be back this year making unbelievable food. The Luau will be a spring event you don’t want to miss as we roast up pork and party like the islanders. We are always the place to be for Memorial Day with food and remembrance. The 4th of July parade in Oceanside will have a whole lotta trucks carrying our Veterans Association Members and partners. Come out for the parade and then come back to VANC to join the party!

2020

We have a ton of stuff going on across 2020 that will make this year the most active ever in VANC history, and frankly, I can’t wait to get going. Having a hard time keeping up with our programs? Just come visit us on the First Monday of every month at 1617 Mission Avenue Oceanside and see what’s going on for veterans in San Diego County. We will serve up pizza and information related to Veteran Service Organizations all over the County. We are having in our Oceanside Room banquet hall, an Evening in the Garden with MasterChef Dino Luciano on Friday March 6. Come join us in welcoming back the MasterChef and enjoy some of his culinary delights with the help of our local active duty or veteran chefs in training. Get more information and register at www.vanc.me/Masterchef We have a car show on our property on Saturday June 6th, come show off your fine automobiles. 40

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

We have a Hunter Safety Class taught every month as well as classes offered by Team Rubicon to make yourself the best version of you in 2020. We have programs offering Cyber Security, Yoga, Military Transition Services and homeless outreach, veteran support for VA and related issues too. Our American Legion Post 760 will have activities in support of our community. Come out to a meeting on the Second Monday of the month at 6pm to meet the Legion. We will be doing Tap Takeovers with local breweries, events and parties for the local community and meetings for veteran organizations all week long; each month. Come out and see us at 1617 Mission Avenue or check us out online. You will be amazed at all the things we have going on at VANC.

VANC is a non-profit resource center for our military families, and our veterans. It is a place for military and non-military to build relationships, and provide solutions, not only for our military members, but solutions to the community as well. If you are a member of the veteran service community, join us on the first Monday of each month at noon for an opportunity to network with others serving our veterans. And when you walk in the door, sign in to our guest book.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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

FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BUSINESS

INCORPORATE YOUR BUSINESS Forming a corporation is an essential step to protect your personal assets from any liabilities of the company. Each business structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific circumstances. GET A FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER To distinguish your business as a separate legal entity, you will need to obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number, also referred to as an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is issued by the IRS and acts as a social security number for your business. This number will identify your business with the IRS and your clients.

With each new year, entrepreneurs look to turn their vision into a business. These startups are often overflowing with tremendous ideas, energy and optimism, but don’t always have a roadmap for the legal aspects involved in starting a business. In the flurry of drumming up new customers, getting ready for a website launch and building the first prototype, it’s all too easy to put off some of the less glamorous, more administrative aspects of running a company. Company filings and regulations are not the most exciting parts of your startup, yet they are critical to the health of your business and personal finances. Here’s a list of administrative aspects you need to consider for your startup or small business: PICK A NAME – MAKE SURE YOU ARE LEGALLY PERMITTED TO USE IT Before you start printing our business cards, make sure the great new name you thought of is not infringing on the rights of an already existing business. Start with a simple google search, conduct a free trademark search and then conduct a search with the Secretary of State.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT TO START BUILDING BUSINESS CREDIT When you rely on your personal credit to fund your business, your personal mortgage, auto loan and personal credit cards all affect your ability to qualify for a business loan. Using business credit separates your personal activities from that of the business. The begin building your business credit, you should open a bank account in the name of your company and the account should show a cash flow capable of taking on a business loan. LEARN ABOUT EMPLOYEE LAWS Your legal obligations as an employer begin as soon as you hire your first employee. You should spend time understanding what your obligations are according to the state you conduct business in. You should know federal and state payroll and withholding taxes, self-employment taxes, anti-discrimination laws, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation rules, and wage and hour requirements. Obtain the necessary business permits and licenses Depending on your business type and physical location, you may be required to have one or more business licenses or permits from the state, local or even federal level. Such licenses include, general business operation license, zoning and land use permit, sales tax license, or professional licenses.

www.golegalyourself.com

FILE FOR TRADEMARK PROTECTION Using a name instantly gives you common law rights as an owner, even without formal registration. However, trademark law is complex and simply registering your company in your state does not automatically give you common-law rights. In order to claim first use, the name has to be trademarkable and in use in commerce. It’s always a great idea to protect your business name as it can become a valuable asset of your company.

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GET YOUR LEGAL DUCKS IN A ROW No matter how busy things with your startup get, set aside some time to address these matters and take your legal obligations seriously. Getting your legal ducks in a row right from the start will help you avoid any pitfalls down the road, and will help you scale your business successfully as you grow. I’m the CEO of GoLegalYourself.com where we provide legal tools for savvy entrepreneurs and I’m proud to provide a limited time offer of 40% discount on our Startup Essentials Package. Please use the code Startup40 at checkout. 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

-4 E m ployer Identification N um ber

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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.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

MILITARY MONEY MINUTE A Monthly Financial

By Lara Ryan, Daniel Chavarria & Michael Biemiller Lara.ryan@nm.com / Daniel.Chavarria@nm.com / Michael.biemiller@nm.com

2020 MONEY

Your Financial Planning Calendar

- FEBRUARY - Add a little romance to your finance. Though Valentine’s Day may bring to mind chocolates and roses, sitting down with your sweetheart to talk finances is key to a more fulfilling—and maybe longer-lasting—relationship (unromantic as it may sound). In a recent personal finance website survey, 21% of divorced couples said that money was the cause of their split. The higher their income, the more likely money was the culprit. If your relationship is getting serious or you’ve been avoiding the money talk, have an honest conversation about your financial feelings. You might discuss: what financial accounts you have, any debt you’re carrying, what your credit score is, and your attitudes toward spending and saving. Consider whether you’ll keep your bank and investment accounts separate or merge them, or… do some of both! Longtime couples are wise to have regular money talks, too—say, each month or quarter—to stay on the same page about their budget, investments and goals. - Create a personal property inventory – written and video. Walk through each room on camera and film/ catalogue the contents. - Plan your summer vacation or any children’s summer activities. Book travel and lodging, camps and classes early while it is less expensive and while there are deals to be had. You might set up fare alerts for spring break, summer trips and even holiday flights. Use Google Flights, Hopper or Kayak. But, experts say, look but don’t buy yet—you may get the best price if you wait to book domestic trips about 45 days in advance and international trips about 75 days in advance.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

- Review your tax status. Great time of year to also review your home state of record for tax purposes and apply the allowed rules for servicemember/spouse tax filing. - Check tax withholding. If you got a big refund or owed a hefty bill after filing your tax return for 2019, adjusting how much tax your employer withholds from your paycheck should could make things more balanced in 2020. Consider any changes to your income, receipt or expectation of bonuses, and your views of whether owing/receiving refund suits your personal spending/ savings pattern. If so, you may want to adjust your W-2. Whether you’re going to owe or you’re getting a refund, consider if that’s a trend you want to continue. Determine how you will pay the tax bill. Or, conversely, have a plan for what to do with the refund money. Big unplanned inputs to checking accounts don’t usually end up anywhere but spent! - File your tax return. By the end of January, your 1099 and W-2 tax forms should be in the mail. Avoid the lastminute scramble and submit your tax return now. Acting early may also prevent identity thieves from using your Social Security number to file a fake return and claim a refund. - Military February Saves Week has transitioned to Military Saves Month in April 2020. The Military Saves campaign encourages military families to save money every month. The purpose is to assist servicemen and women and their immediate family members in their efforts to build personal wealth by reducing debt and establishing savings goals. Building wealth affords service members and their families an opportunity to achieve goals such as maintaining an emergency cash reserve, buying a house, or paying for college. Engaging military spouses is also critical, as they play a vital role in maintaining financial discipline and stability within their families. For more information visit https://militarybenefits.info/military-saves-week/

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San Diego Veterans Magazine Your best source for San Diego military - veteran local news, press releases, community events, media, entertainment and more… WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Valentine’s Day Impress your Valentine’s Day sweetie with an encyclopedic knowledge of the facts surrounding this quintessential day of love that’s been around since Roman times.

Valentine’s Day - February 14 46

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Dying for Love

Theories abound on the origin of Valentine’s Day, but the most popular dates back to 270 A.D and the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Seems Claudius didn’t want men marrying during wartime because he believed single men fought better. Bishop Valentine took exception and performed secret nuptials anyway. Claudius found out, jailed Valentine and had him executed on Feb. 14. From jail the holy man wrote a love letter and signed it “From your Valentine” and greeting card industry cheered.

First Speed Dating

In the Middle Ages, young men and women picked names out of a box to see who would be their Valentine. Then they would wear the names pinned to their sleeves for a week. This lead to the expression “to wear your heart on your sleeve.”

The Chocolate Connection

Doctors in the 1800s routinely advised patients pining for lost love to eat chocolate to calm themselves. Later in the century Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Today, no fewer than 35 million boxes of chocolate are sold each Valentine’s Day. More than $1 billion in chocolate is bought in the United States alone.

Not just a U.S. Holiday

Besides the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Denmark and Italy.

Japan’s Take

Valentine’s Day was introduced here in 1936 and quickly became popular – with a twist. Because of a translation error, women buy men chocolates on this day to show interest. The men return the favor, if so inclined, on White Day, March 14.

It’s a Good Day for the Roses

Valentine’s Day – along with Christmas and Mothers Day – is huge day for florists. This single day generates sales of $14.7 billion, which is greater than the gross domestic product of several countries. An estimated 189 million flowers are sold in the United States this day of which about 110 million are roses.

Feb. 14 in History ….

Capt. James Cook killed by natives in Hawaii (1779), Oregon and Arizona admitted to the Union (1859 and 1912, respectively), James Polk becomes first president photographed in office (1848), United Parcel Service formed (1919), the League of Women Voters established (1920), Aretha Franklin recorded “Respect” (1967), Richard Nixon installed a secret taping system in the White House (1971) and Voyager I photographs entire solar system (1990)

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

Caring for our veterans

Veterans facing the challenges associated with a life-threatening illness can rely on The Elizabeth Hospice for the medical, emotional and spiritual support they need and deserve. Our skilled, compassionate caregivers are trained to address PTSD, depression, anxiety, survivorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guilt, and soul injury. Complementary therapies, including physical therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy and pet visits, are used in combination with medical support to help alleviate pain. We celebrate and thank our patients for their service at bedside pinning ceremonies officiated by a veteran or active duty service member. Since 1978, The Elizabeth Hospice has touched the lives of more than 100,000 people in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County. To learn more about our hospice care, palliative care and grief support services for veterans, call 800.797.2050 or visit www.elizabethhospice.org.

The Elizabeth Hospice is proud to be a We Honor Veterans Level 5 Partner, the highest level of distinction.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

HONOR OUR VETERANS! Invest in the future of Miramar National Cemetery Hundreds of veterans, active duty military, families, businesses, and the public have invested in the future of Miramar National Cemetery. Thanks to their generous contributions The Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation sponsors: • The Avenue of Flags • Veterans Tribute Tower & Carillon • Annual Veterans Memorial Services • Annual Veterans Day Observances • Coordinates Veterans Memorial Monuments

Honor our past, present, and future military veterans! Send your donation, today, to the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation All contributions are fully tax deductible.

Help the Foundation Support Miramar National Cemetery. Please go to www.miramarcemetery.org and click on “Contribute” for information about how you can donate to the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

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

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

“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

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / FEBRUARY 2020

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SAN DIEGO SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com Resources Support Transition Community

San Diego Veterans Magazine A Veterans Magazine by Veterans for Veterans

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FEBRUARY INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6 San Diego Veteran of the Month 8 DAV -Stemming The Tide 12 San Diego - State of the City 16 Veterans Treatment Court 18 Coast Guard City 24 VA San Diego Healthcare - Research 26 A Different Lens - Self Compassion 28 HEALTH - Research Studies 30 Arts & Healing - Open Hearts & Minds 32 What’s Next - Motivation 34 Enlisted to Entrepreneur - Drop Shipping 38 Goals that get Achieved 40 VANC - Welcome to the New Year 42 Legal Eagle - Love Your Business 44 Military Money - February 46 Valentine’s Day - Impress 53 JOIN US - San Diego Veterans

Join Us In 2020

*Photo Cover PA2 by Rob Simpson

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The Month of Independence

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How Music Unites Us

Brain Injury Awareness VetCaregiver Self Check-In

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Transitioning

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Enlisted To Entrepreneur

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San Diego Veterans Organizations A Call For Community

“Welcome Home” Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration

Military Money

I AM A VETERAN Resources • Support • Community • Transition • Inspiration

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Our Personal Security

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NEVER FORGET What’s Next

Veterans Finding Friends

A TIME FOR HEROES

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Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

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FIGHTING

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THE FACE OF PTSD

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Tour of Honor AFTER 50 YEARS

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COMMANDER MEETS MEDIC WHO SAVED HIS LIFE IN VIETNAM

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A Heart Attack of the Mind

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The Final Mission

Enlisted To Entrepreneur

A TIME FOR HEROES Flying leatherneck aviation MuseuM

Finding Help and Hope

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