San Diego Veterans Magazine May 2025

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Welcome to San Diego Veterans Magazine!

SDVM is a veteran-focused magazine throughout ALL San Diego & Southern California. It serves to assist all veterans, active military as well as their spouses and families.

It is the leading veteran magazine emphasizing resources & support and focusing on topics and issues facing today’s veteran community. SDVM focuses on resources, support, community, transition, mental health, inspiration and more...

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 the city of San Diego and a distinguishing list of veteran organizations & members, resource centers, coalitions, veteran advocates, and more. We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people.

Despite all the challenges, our team has upheld their focus and let not one opportunity go to provide resources and support to our veterans & military personnel.

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

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

Mike Miller

Editor-In-Chief

mikemiller@sdvetsmagazine.com

www.sandiegoveteransmagazine.com

Publisher

Editor-In-Chief

Mike Miller

Monthly Columns

What’s Next In Transition

Eve Nasby

Human Resources

Paul Falcone

Franchise Dreams

Doug Dwyer

Successful Transitioning Stories

Dr. Julie Ducharme

Veterans in Business

Barbara Eldridge

Risky Business

Hadley Wood

Real Talk: Mental Health

Hope Phifer

PTSD: Reclaiming Control

Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD

Legal Eagle

Kelly Bagla, Esq.

Veterans Chamber Commerce

Joe Molina

Midway Magic

David Koontz

Veterans Chamber Commerce

Joe Molina

Contributing Writers

Wounded Warrior Project

Disabled American Veterans

(In-House) Correspondents

Holly Shaffner

CJ Machado

Lori Noonan

mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com

DAY

USS Midway Museum Commemorates Operation Frequent Wind

In an emotional tribute to the courage and bravery of South Vietnamese refugees and the compassion and selflessness of USS Midway sailors, the USS Midway Museum commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and Operation Frequent Wind.

Under a soft and sunny sky, the day-long ceremony was filled with gripping memories of harrowing escapes from Saigon, inspiring performances celebrating Vietnamese culture and decades-old friendships rekindled amongst tearful embraces.

“This ceremony on Midway allowed us to come together to share and commemorate the courage, heroism and compassion that took place on this ship 50 years ago,” said Terry Kraft, Midway’s president and CEO.

The poignant ceremony on Midway honored the unselfish actions of Midway’s crew during the 30-hour rescue operation.

“Those Midway sailors represented the best of what America stood for in 1975 and continues to stand for today,” said Kraft, a retired rear admiral and naval aviator. “They weren’t necessarily told what to do, but they knew instinctively what was the right thing to do. They did everything they could to comfort the families arriving on Midway, many with only the shirts on their backs.”

The event also acknowledged what was lost by so many South Vietnamese forced to flee their county during the fall of Saigon, and recognized Vietnamese-American’s achievements and contributions to the everlasting fabric of United States over the last five decades.

“Through fearless determination and resilience, these new Americans and their children have not only gone on to thrive, but have achieved greatness in the United States,” said Kraft. “Their accomplishments over the last 50 years have made this country even stronger.”

“This was a day that allowed us to be grateful to be part of a community that values freedom,” said Pha Le, who who escaped Vietnam with his parents in 1982 and is now an emergency room physician. “We commemorated a defining moment of history. Freedom is why my parents risked everything. Freedom is what allowed 125,000 Vietnamese refugees in 1975 to gain a foothold in United States to pursue dreams to build and to rise into one of the most formidable communities in America.”

The legacy of hope, resilience and determination were also major themes of the ceremony.

“We are here five decades later, not only to remember that operation, but to honor the lives it changed, the risks taken and the legacy it left behind,” said Rep. Derek Tran, a Vietnamese American who represents California’s 45th district in the U.S. House of Representatives. “This was not just a commemoration of history, but a celebration of resilience, compassion and the enduring bonds formed in one our nation’s most challenging hours. Now, as we reflect on the past 50 years since the fall of Saigon, we do so not just in solemn remembrance, but in celebration to what we have built together from the ashes of the war. We have risen.

The highlight of the commemoration were remarks from two of Operation Frequent Wind’s legendary heroes – retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Larry Chambers and former South Vietnamese Air Force Major Bung Lee. Chambers was Midway’s commanding officer during the rescue operations and Lee famously landed a small

military observation aircraft called a Bird Dog on the carrier’s flight deck saving his wife and five children.

Chambers’ actions are credited with saving the lives of nearly 3,100 refugees as more than 100 American and South Vietnamese military helicopters converged nonstop on Midway, many low on fuel and without radio communications with the ship.

“It is hard to imagine that some of the Huey helicopters arrived on deck with more than 50 people on board,” recalled Chambers, the first African American to command an aircraft carrier. “The flight deck is a hazardous place any time, but at night and full of civilians, it could be deadly.”

Although it was astounding that not one life was lost during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation’s ultimate miracle was Lee’s landing of the Bird Dog on Midway.

“In the middle of the chaos on day two, this Cessna Bird Dog arrived on the scene,” said Chambers. “It was obvious to me that he wanted to land. I ordered my Air Boss to make a ready deck.”

After ordering his flight deck crew to push several helicopters over the side of the carrier to clear the deck, Chambers gave Lee permission to land.

“I kept circling around the ship and I saw a green light,” said the 84-year Lee, who has lived in Florida since settling in the United States. “It made me believe they would really let me land. My aircraft didn’t have a tailhook and I had never landed on an aircraft carrier before, but when I looked at my family, my gut told me I could do it, and I did it.”

After his successful landing on Midway, Chambers was so impressed that he presented Lee with his own Navy wings and proclaimed him an honorary naval aviator.

“He is the bravest man I’ve ever met in my life,” said Chambers.

www.midway.org/contact/volunteer-opportunities

www.midway.org

Memorial Day has become the traditional kick off of summer, but the holiday has a much more significant purpose.

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the military. Among its traditions are ceremonies to honor those who lost their lives in service, with many people visiting cemeteries to place American flags on grave sites. A national moment of remembrance takes place across the country at 3 p.m. local time.

The purpose of Memorial Day is sometimes confused with Veterans Day. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day - commemorated on Nov. 11 each year - honors all those who have served in the U.S. military during times of war and peace. Armed Forces Day, which falls on May 20 each year, recognizes those who are currently serving in the military.

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day traces its roots to the tradition of Decoration Day, a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

The first declaration of Decoration Day occurred on May 30, 1868, when Major Gen. John Logan declared the day would be a time to recognize those who lost their lives in the Civil War.

Several cities currently claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Macon and Columbus, Georgia, Richmond, Virginia, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, Waterloo, New York and Carbondale, Illinois.

The first large Decoration Day was held at Arlington National Cemetery that year. The ceremonies included mourning draping around the Arlington mansion of former Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant presided over the ceremonies, which included speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the Granddaughters of the American Revolution placing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves.

The Arlington tradition was built on longstanding ceremonies held throughout the South. Once of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss. on April 15, 1866, when a group of women decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers who died at the battle of Shiloh. Upon seeing the undecorated graves of Union soldiers who died in the battle, the women placed flowers at those headstones as well.

Memorial Day continued to be celebrated at local events until after World War I, which it was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

In 2000, Congress passed “The National Remembrance Act,” which encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

Memorial Day A Time for Heroes

By Nancy Sullivan Geng, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota

I leaned against an oak at the side of the road, wishing I were invisible, keeping my distance from my parents on their lawn chairs and my younger siblings scampering about.

I hoped none of my friends saw me there. God forbid they caught me waving one of the small American flags Mom bought at Ben Franklin for a dime. At 16, I was too old and definitely too cool for our small town’s Memorial Day parade. I ought to be at the lake, I brooded. But, no, the all-day festivities were mandatory in my family.

A high school band marched by, the girl in sequins missing her baton as it tumbled from the sky. Firemen blasted sirens in their polished red trucks. The uniforms on the troop of World War II veterans looked too snug on more than one member.

“Here comes Mama,” my father shouted.

Five black convertibles lumbered down the boulevard. The mayor was in the first, handing out programs. I didn’t need to look at one. I knew my uncle Bud’s name was printed on it, as it had been every year since he was killed in Italy. Our family’s war hero.

And I knew that perched on the backseat of one of the cars, waving and smiling, was Mama, my grandmother. She had a corsage on her lapel and a sign in gold embossed letters on the car door: “Gold Star Mother.”

I hid behind the tree so I wouldn’t have to meet her gaze. It wasn’t because I didn’t love her or appreciate her. She’d taught me how to sew, to call a strike in baseball. She made great cinnamon rolls, which we always ate after the parade.

What embarrassed me was all the attention she got for a son who had died 20 years earlier. With four other children and a dozen grandchildren, why linger over this one long-ago loss?

I peeked out from behind the oak just in time to see Mama wave and blow my family a kiss as the motorcade moved on. The purple ribbon on her hat fluttered in the breeze.

The rest of our Memorial Day ritual was equally scripted. No use trying to get out of it. I followed my family back to Mama’s house, where there was the usual baseball game in the backyard and the same old reminiscing about Uncle Bud in the kitchen.

Helping myself to a cinnamon roll, I retreated to the living room and plopped down on an armchair.

There I found myself staring at the Army photo of Bud on the bookcase. The uncle I’d never known. I must have looked at him a thousand times—so proud in his crested cap and knotted tie. His uniform was decorated with military emblems that I could never decode.

Funny, he was starting to look younger to me as I got older. Who were you, Uncle Bud? I nearly asked aloud.

I picked up the photo and turned it over. Yellowing tape held a prayer card that read: “Lloyd ‘Bud’ Heitzman, 1925-1944. A Great Hero.” Nineteen years old when he died, not much older than I was. But a great hero? How could you be a hero at 19?

The floorboards creaked behind me. I turned to see Mama coming in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

I almost hid the photo because I didn’t want to listen to the same stories I’d heard year after year: “Your uncle Bud had this little rat-terrier named Jiggs. Good old Jiggs. How he loved that mutt! He wouldn’t go anywhere without Jiggs. He used to put him in the rumble seat of his Chevy coupe and drive all over town.

“Remember how hard Bud worked after we lost the farm? At haying season he worked all day, sunrise to sunset, baling for other farmers.

Then he brought me all his wages. He’d say, ‘Mama, someday I’m going to buy you a brand-new farm. I promise.’ There wasn’t a better boy in the world!”

Sometimes I wondered about that boy dying alone in a muddy ditch in a foreign country he’d only read about. I thought of the scared kid who jumped out of a foxhole in front of an advancing enemy, only to be downed by a sniper. I couldn’t reconcile the image of the boy and his dog with that of the stalwart soldier.

Mama stood beside me for a while, looking at the photo. From outside came the sharp snap of an American flag flapping in the breeze and the voices of my cousins cheering my brother at bat. “Mama,” I asked, “what’s a hero?” Without a word she turned and walked down the hall to the back bedroom. I followed.

She opened a bureau drawer and took out a small metal box, then sank down onto the bed.

“These are Bud’s things,” she said. “They sent them to us after he died.” She opened the lid and handed me a telegram dated October 13, 1944. “The Secretary of State regrets to inform you that your son, Lloyd Heitzman, was killed in Italy.”

Your son! I imagined Mama reading that sentence for the first time. I didn’t know what I would have done if I’d gotten a telegram like that.

“Here’s Bud’s wallet,” she continued. Even after all those years, it was caked with dried mud. Inside was Bud’s driver’s license with the date of his sixteenth birthday. I compared it with the driver’s license I had just received.

A photo of Bud holding a little spotted dog fell out of the wallet. Jiggs. Bud looked so pleased with his mutt.

There were other photos in the wallet: a laughing Bud standing arm in arm with two buddies, photos of my mom and aunt and uncle, another of Mama waving. This was the home Uncle Bud took with him, I thought.

I could see him in a foxhole, taking out these snapshots to remind himself of how much he was loved and missed.

“Who’s this?” I asked, pointing to a shot of a pretty dark-haired girl. “Marie. Bud dated her in high school. He wanted to marry her when he came home.” A girlfriend? Marriage? How heartbreaking to have a life, plans and hopes for the future, so brutally snuffed out.

Sitting on the bed, Mema and I sifted through the treasures in the box: a gold watch that had never been wound again. A sympathy letter from President Roosevelt, and one from Bud’s commander. A medal shaped like a heart, trimmed with a purple ribbon, and at the very bottom, the deed to Mama’s house.

“Why’s this here?” I asked.

“Because Bud bought this house for me.” She explained how after his death, the U.S. government gave her 10 thousand dollars, and with it she built the house she was still living in.“He kept his promise all right,” Mama said in a quiet voice I’d never heard before.

For a long while the two of us sat there on the bed. Then we put the wallet, the medal, the letters, the watch, the photos and the deed back into the metal box.

I finally understood why it was so important for Mama— and me—to remember Uncle Bud on this day.

If he’d lived longer he might have built that house for Mama or married his high-school girlfriend.

There might have been children and grandchildren to remember him by.

As it was, there was only that box, the name in the program and the reminiscing around the kitchen table.

“I guess he was a hero because he gave everything for what he believed,” I said carefully.

“Yes, child,” Mama replied, wiping a tear with the back of her hand. “Don’t ever forget that.”

I haven’t. Even today with Mama gone, my husband and I take our lawn chairs to the tree-shaded boulevard on Memorial Day and give our daughters small American flags that I buy for a quarter at Ben Franklin.

I want them to remember that life isn’t just about getting what you want. Sometimes it involves giving up the things you love for what you love even more.

That many men and women did the same for their country—that’s what I think when I see the parade pass by now.

And if I close my eyes and imagine, I can still see Mama in her regal purple hat, honoring her son, a true American hero.

In Loving Memory

HONOURING A FRIENDSHIP OF OVER 74 YEARS

Corporal George Sousa Fox Company 23rd Regime from the 2nd Infantry Division from the Korea War. George was in the mainline of resistance in The Battle of the Punchbowl, Battle of Bloody Ridge and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge where he received a Purple Heart from shrapnel in his stomach and leg.

During the attack at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, George was the only survivor from his squad including 2-3 South Korean young boys who were caring the ammunition. One of his buddies was JC Coffey who entered the war at 16 years old and was the only son in his family. George has carried his picture for the last 74 years including one hanging on his wall which he salutes every day.

Sousa on his Honor Flight with San Diego saluting a card he left for JC Coffey, a fellow comrade he lost at Battle of Heart Break Ridge.

“I will never forget, like it was yesterday morning. He was a little guy but tough as nails. He had no fear and died for our country.”

- George Sousa

George Sousa is a third generation retired Portuguese fisherman from Point Loma, California. Billy Sousa, his middle son, retired as a fisherman starting at age 17. Currently, his younger son, Jim Sousa, operates and manages fishing vessels.

PFC J C Coffey

23RD INFANTRY REGIMENT

F CO 2 BN

2ND INFANTRY DIVISION ARMY

HOSTILE, DIED (KIA)

DATE OF LOSS: SEPTEMBER 13,1951

BORN: JANUARY 24,1933

HOME OR PLACE OF ENLISTMENT

FIRECO, WV

LOCATION OR BATTLE ZONE: HEARTBREAK BRIDGE

Memorial Day

REMEMBER AND HONOR

George

WWII CHILD PRISONER OF WAR TO SUPPORT RUN FOR THE WALL 35th ANNIVERSARY

Tom Speir Crosby was born in the Philippines to American parents who were working in Manila before World War II. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and hours later, attacked military installations in the Philippines.

By CJ Machado

Photojournalist – Producer – Veteran Advocate

Tom’s family of five, along with 3,800 other allied nationals became Prisoners of War. They spent the next 37 months confined at the University of Santo Tomas, a makeshift prison camp. Tom was only 8 years young at the time.

In early 1945, when it became evident Japan was losing, a KILL ALL order from Tokyo was imposed to “eliminate all military and civilian prisoners and leave no trace.” U.S. Army General MacArthur’s 1st Cavalry Division spearheaded through 100 miles of enemy territory in 66 hours and arrived at Santo Tomas on February 3, 1945, to rescue the Prisoners of War before the Japanese could carry out their orders.

Tom, now 11 years old, weighed only 48 pounds. He was among 221 young men and boys who were held hostage by 65 Japanese guards for 36 tense hours until negotiations ended. The resolution was to exchange the Prisoners of War for the safe escort and release of the Japanese guards/soldiers (fully armed) to their front lines only a few blocks away.

Two days later, the Japanese counter-attacked and began shelling the camp for four days, resulting in many casualties. Tom and his family survived the terrifying experience, and he recalls, “Shocked and relieved, it wasn’t until the American flag was displayed that we were certain the ordeal was over. We were finally free. Everyone was elated, and in unity, we sang God Bless America looking up to the flag. We sang it over and over again. Tears of gratitude overwhelmed us and that day will forever remain in my memory as the most joyous occasion I have ever experienced.” That iconic moment was captured and featured in Times Magazine March 1945.

Shortly after the ordeal, Tom and his family returned to the United States. When Tom and his brother Pat became of age, they enlisted in the Navy together to show their appreciation to the United States for their life and freedom. Both served in the Korean War and his brother continued to serve in the Vietnam War.

Today, Tom is 91 years of age and shares his Prisoner of War story to remind us to appreciate our freedom and those who died to secure it.

Tom Crosby POW Drawing/Christmas gift for mother while held captive.

Tom Crosby admiring Forget Me Not art piece by, Joe Pisano

This year, in honor of his brother’s service, Tom will join the annual Run For The Wall (RFTW) 35th Anniversary as it is the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War. A pre-kick off will take place at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. where a shared plaque of Tom and his brother’s service is honorably installed.

Tom will convey his support and share his POW experience, then ride in a motorcycle escort to Ontario, CA to meet the main group of riders for the official RFTW cross-country kick-off. “I’m so honored to participate in this event in support of the Run For The Wall as it is a tremendous undertaking the riders commit to each year to ensure the Prisoners of War and Missing In Action are never forgotten. May God be with them,” stated Tom Crosby.

RFTW is an annual motorcycle ride from California to Washington D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to honor veterans and call for an accounting of Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing In Action (MIA) from all wars. The inaugural RFTW took place in San Diego, CA, May 1989, led by U.S. Marine Corps veteran, James “Gunny” Gregory to bring awareness of the POW/MIA dilemma.

Today, the RFTW has expanded into four routes and their mission is to promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.

RFTW is the largest and longest organized motorcycle ride of its kind in the world.

San Diego Veteran Resources & Support

Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, but San Diego Veterans Magazine believes no veteran should have to go it alone.

At San Diego Veterans 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.

To learn more about the Run For The Wall, please visit: www.rftw.us San Diego Veteran Resources & Support Available At: www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com San Diego Veterans Magazine

A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m

National Military Appreciation Month

National Military Appreciation Month will be observed in May, specifically from May 1st to May 31st. This month is dedicated to honoring and thanking the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. This month-long observance includes several holidays, like Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, which provide specific occasions to reflect on the contributions of our military community.

May 9th, 2025

Military Spouse Appreciation Month is celebrated in May to honor the sacrifices and contributions of military spouses. The date for Military Spouse Appreciation Day is typically the Friday before Mother's Day, which falls on May 9th this year.

Month of the Military Caregiver

The Month of the Military Caregiver is observed in May each year to honor millions of caregivers in the United States. Paying tribute to the people who care for veterans is an important part of supporting troops and military families. But for some, it is also about recognizing the work they do that qualifies them as caregivers even if they do not think of themselves that way. \

Caregivers are spouses, parents, children, and relatives of the wounded veteran, but many coworkers, neighbors, and friends also take on responsibilities.

They provide care and assistance, promoting faster recovery for their loved ones and thus saving our nation millions of dollars in health care costs. It is an observance that primarily acts to raise awareness of both veterans and the people who care for them.

If you want to participate in the care of a veteran, no matter what level of training, available time, and awareness of the level of need in your community, it’s a very good idea to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs via the nearest field office or medical centers near you to learn what volunteer opportunities may be available.

CAREGIVER SELF CHECK-IN

So often as caregivers, we are running so hard, putting ourselves last, and not realizing we are burnt out until we fall ill. Or we know we’re over-whelmed, but we accept it without question. What happens when the caregiver is down for the count – the wheels have a tendency to come off, don’t they?

Make a promise to yourself to Check-In at least weekly. Better yet, do the same with a trusted caregiver or friend as an “accountability partner” so you don’t neglect to consider your own health.

Celebrating 10 Years, GI Film Festival San Diego Honors the Military Community

The 2025 GI Film Festival San Diego runs May 7–9, showcasing 16 films that foster camaraderie and honor the voices of veterans and servicemembers.

One of the biggest challenges of assimilating into civilian life after military service is the loss of community. Our veterans are facing a major loneliness epidemic, feeling that leaving military life has robbed them of the camaraderie and belonging that accompany service.

Surrounding yourself with veterans, even for just a few hours, can help you regain that feeling of belonging. Thankfully, the GI Film Festival San Diego, established in 2015, is a safe space for the military community to share stories, reminisce on their service, and honor our fellow servicemembers.

“That sense of belonging might be what I miss the most about my time in the Army,” says Douglas Alberto Alvarado, LCSW, U.S. Army OEF veteran and GI Film Festival San Diego advisory committee member. “Of course, people know the GI Film Festival for its powerful film screenings and insightful panels about military service, but what I love most is how it brings the military community together—giving us a place to open up about our time in service, honor all who have served, and remember those we have lost.” Alvarado is also the Lead Veteran Peer Counselor with Courage to Call.

The largest military-themed film festival in the country, the GI Film Festival has called San Diego home for the past ten years. The festival has screened more than 230 films, ranging from feature-length documentaries and star-studded narratives to animated shorts and comedies. This year’s festival is set for May 7-9 at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park, with 16 films screening over three days.

Giving Veterans a Space to Find Their Tribe

Every film presented at the GI Film Festival San Diego is made by or for the military community, examining the unique idiosyncrasies of military life, the lifelong impact of service, and the perspective one gains from time in the military. Some films deal directly with military experience, showing things like the trials of combat or uncovering an overlooked story of a particular veteran’s service. Other films are made by a veteran who is sharing their perspective and creativity without outright focusing on military life, telling the story of an alien crash landing on Earth or navigating the complexities of having a crush. Regardless of their subject, every story

shared at the GI Film Festival San Diego celebrates the military community and gives veterans an opportunity to bond over their experiences.

The GI Film Festival San Diego has always featured a curated mixture of film genres, lengths, and subject matter. This year’s crop of films, however, particularly celebrate the camaraderie and belonging of military service. With selections covering everything from the waning moments of World War II to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, these stories showcase the tremendous bonds our military members build during their service.

“There were so many wonderful films submitted for this year’s festival, but what really stuck out was how beautifully these stories showcase the tight-knit nature of the military community,” says longtime GI Film Festival San Diego Advisory Committee Member, Jodi Cilley. “To be a small part of this festival, one that not only celebrates the camaraderie of the military members but provides a space for this community to honor their service together, is so special.” Cilley is also the Founder and President of the Film Consortium San Diego and has been a partner of the GI Film Festival San Diego since its inception.

Of the 16 films being screened at the festival, several highlight powerful themes of friendship, healing, and resilience, including:

• “SHEEPDOG,” the opening night film of the festival, this two-hour narrative feature follows the relationship between a decorated but traumatized combat veteran and his estranged, Vietnam veteran father-in-law.

• “Return Engagement,” a nine-minute documentary that brings two World War II veterans together for one final toast 80 years after they served together.

• “SHELLSHOCK,” a visceral half-hour trip through the fractured mind of a Navy Seal who is trapped between two worlds–the battlefield and the homefront.

• “A Place of Honor,” a 32-minute documentary recounting the experiences of veterans and Gold Star families before, during, and after the Vietnam War.

• “Rohna Classified,” a documentary feature that will screen in the GI Film Festival San Diego on May 9 at 5 p.m.

• “Silent Waves,” directed by Marielene "Deuce" Jones. “Silent Waves” will screen in the GI Film Festival San Diego in the Narrative Block on May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

• “THE END OF THE LONGEST WAR,” a 20-minute documentary that offers a firsthand account of the final airlift out of Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2021.

These films offer just a small glimpse of what can be expected at the 2025 GI Film Festival San Diego.

How to Get Involved

The GI Film Festival San Diego is open to all. Most tickets start at $15 per screening and $10 for military, veterans, and students. Multi-ticket packages are also available.

Now in its 10th year, the GI Film Festival San Diego continues to bridge the military-civilian divide, offering an intimate look at what it truly means to serve. Through the power of authentic storytelling and the medium of film, the festival remains committed to inspiring and captivating audiences for years to come. To learn more, visit GIFilmFestivalSD.org.

Anchored in Tradition: Honoring Military Heritage at Liberty Station This Memorial Day

Liberty Station stands as one of San Diego’s most meaningful destinations for naval remembrance. The property that was once San Diego’s Naval Training Center (NTC), Liberty Station has preserved its military roots while evolving into a vibrant cultural hub for the community. From 1923 until its decommissioning in 1997, the NTC shaped the lives of over 1.75 million U.S. Navy recruits. Today, Liberty Station’s Navy legacy is alive and well – inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of those who served, blending past and present in a truly unique way.

Often referred to as the Anchor of San Diego, Liberty Station is rooted in many key pillars of the community, one of the most notable being tradition. Liberty Station’s Anchored in Tradition tagline pays homage to the enduring military spirit and history that shaped the area – and continues to define its character today.

Walk in the Footsteps of Recruits

For those looking to connect with San Diego’s naval history, Liberty Station offers several powerful ways to experience its NTC roots. Guests are invited to begin with A Walk Back Through Time, a free, self-guided walking tour enhanced with an immersive audio component. As you stroll past historic barracks, parade grounds and training facilities, you’ll hear the stories of sailors who once trained here, helping to bring the past vividly to life.

Explore the Life of an NTC Recruit

Next, step inside the Dick Laud Naval Training Center Command Center, home to the Life of an NTC Recruit exhibit. Here, you’ll get a firsthand look at the 12-week journey of a naval recruit – from the moment they arrived at NTC to the day they graduated. The exhibit features authentic memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and personal accounts that highlight the dedication and discipline instilled at this historic site.

The USS Recruit: A Symbol of Naval Innovation

A short walk away lies the USS Recruit Exhibit, one of the base’s most iconic relics. Known playfully as the “USS Neversail,” this landlocked training ship was once used to prepare recruits for life at sea. Now restored and reopened as an interactive display, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into mid-20th century naval training and stands as a proud symbol of innovation in military education.

A Living Tribute

Liberty Station isn’t just a place to learn about history – it’s a place where history is lived and remembered. While the grounds now feature modern amenities, from Liberty Public Market (formerly the Navy Mess Hall!) to unique art galleries and endless family-friendly activities, every corner of the property retains its connection to service and sacrifice. The architecture, monuments and preserved military spaces ensure that Liberty Station remains both a community hub and a living memorial.

This Memorial Day, Liberty Station invites visitors to honor our nation’s military legacy by exploring a destination deeply Anchored in Tradition. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member or a history enthusiast, Liberty Station offers a meaningful way to remember those who served – and to ensure their stories continue to inspire future generations. To learn more, please visit libertystation.com.

Harmonetiks®: Restoring Balance and Mental Health for Veterans

Cindy Ar chibald Executive Director Veterans Base Camp

My name is Cindy Archibald. I am the Executive Director and clinical therapist at Veterans Base Camp (VBC) VBC is a 501 (c)(3) faith-based nonprofit organization located on 42 acres in a very rural Chaplin, CT We truly are a “place between here and there” that seeks to provide resources for veterans and their families. Through a combination of clinical, pastoral and peer counseling, utilizing a strength-based approach, we are honored to provide support to our veterans and others in our community to heal and move forward with their lives

VBC has begun taking classes to add Harmonetiks Easy Breath to our toolbox to teach veterans and those struggling with both physical and mental health issues The Easy Breath brings the whole body into a calm state through stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, then initiating a physiological shift that can help us move from hyperarousal (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) to a calm, focused and relaxed state that enables us to think clearly and experience our emotions in controlled, reflective frame of mind

Real Talk: Mental Health

By Giselle Vallejo, LPCC, NCC, Associate Director

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego

Navigating Change: Finding Balance Amid Constant Shifts

The Weight of Constant and Uncontrollable Change

Change is inevitable and often challenging.

For those who have served or currently serve in the military, as well as their families, change can be constant, quick, and sometimes unexpected. From shifting roles and responsibilities, to relocations, and changes of command, the pace and frequency of change in military life or the transition to civilian life can feel overwhelming, not only for the military member but for their family members, too.

One of the most common and emotionally impactful changes in the military is the change of environment. An example of that can be changing commands. These shifts can bring about new expectations, leadership styles, and organizational priorities. Similarly, relocating to a new base or duty station, or entering the civilian life after service, may mean adjusting to new surroundings, culture, and support systems, which can be especially tough on families.

The lack of control that accompanies these changes is what makes these transitions especially difficult. Orders can come unexpectedly, and moves can happen with little notice. Families may have to uproot their lives quickly, leaving jobs, schools, friends, and routines behind. This type of unpredictability can create stress, frustration, and a sense of powerlessness.

Changes that are fast-paced and frequent can also take a toll on a person’s mental health, with the possibility of heightening feelings of uncertainty or disconnection. Even if there was time to prepare and the changes aligned with personal or professional goals, the sheer volume of transitions, especially when they happen all at once, can lead to emotional exhaustion.

The Ripple Effect on Families and Friends

The effects of change extend beyond the veteran or service member. Spouses, children, and close friends often share in the emotional weight of uncertainty and disruption. Children may need to adjust to new

schools and social circles. Spouses may need to restart careers or build a new network of support in unfamiliar places. It is vital to acknowledge the emotional labor that families take on and the importance of recognizing and supporting their mental and emotional well-being as well. Any change can come with a degree of ambiguity; it’s a gray area that requires patience, flexibility, and resilience. But navigating that uncertainty does not have to happen alone.

Strength in Numbers

Having a solid support network can make all the difference. Whether it is a trusted supervisor, a fellow service member, or a friend who understands the unique challenges of military life, surrounding yourself with people who are willing to listen and offer encouragement is invaluable.

Seeking out support does not have to stop within your inner circle. Professional help can also be an option, especially when changes start to feel unmanageable. Organizations like Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) offer high-quality, accessible resources through its national network of mental health clinics like ours in San Diego, CA tailored to post 9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families dealing with the demands of frequent change. Talking with a professional can help you develop strategies to process transitions in a healthy and productive way. And, if you don’t want to talk to a professional, online tools are also available, like CVN’s Tools for Stress & Worry. Learn more at cohenveteransnetwork.org/tools-for-stress-and-worry

Self-care is essential and often needed when going through changes. It can sometimes feel like taking

time away to do something you enjoy should be the last thing on your list, but it can be helpful to prioritize familiarity. Whether you find comfort through regular physical activity, hobbies, mindfulness, or simply giving yourself time to rest, maintaining routines that support your mental and emotional well-being is critical amongst change.

Another important tool is recognizing when to unplug. Sometimes limiting exposure to news, social media, or discussions that drain your energy can be an effect tool when managing changes in your life. It is okay to step away from conversations that leave you feeling more anxious than informed, particularly when they do not directly impact your day-to-day responsibilities.

While change may be constant in military life, how we respond to it and the changes we make on how to respond to change can make an impact. Through strong support systems, intentional self-care, and access to professional resources, it is possible to face change not only with resilience but with confidence and clarity.

For more information please visit:

PTSD: Reclaiming Control

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

PTSD and Its Hidden Toll on Families

We most often focus on individuals affected by posttraumatic stress, but those stressors ripple out to the families and loved ones around the individual. We have mentioned before that having a family and a social network can play a protective role that may reduce the impact of trauma. However, once the consequences of trauma persist in the form of PTSD, those around the individual can suffer as well.

This can take two forms. One is called indirect or vicarious traumatization, which occurs when a person who has not been directly involved in a traumatic event develops symptoms when they learn of the events that affected their loved one. The shock of learning about a spouse’s wartime experiences or hearing the details afterwards can provoke flashbacks and nightmares similar to those that develop for the veteran.

The other form we term as secondary traumatization, in which the changes in the directly traumatized person have effects on spouses and children. A common reaction is the ‘walking on eggshells’ response, as loved ones anxiously change their behavior out of concern about triggering anger and irritability. Another involves the awareness that the person with PTSD seems withdrawn, emotionally numb, or unavailable.

With avoidance as an integral aspect of coping with PTSD, families can find that dad or mom will not take part in ordinary activities that involve potentially triggering situations, such as school, sporting events, or social gatherings. We treated one veteran whose

primary sign of successful treatment was that he had taken his 5-year-old daughter to the movies for the first time in her life.

One theory for the trauma contagion within the family is that loved ones, in their attempts to support and empathize with the person with trauma, ‘take on’ the burden of their loved ones, living with and experiencing the distress on their own. Some research has shown that the distress levels of spouses correlate with the PTSD severity of the veteran. Anxiety and behavior problems are common in the children of individuals with PTSD.

Where do we go from here? In this series, we’ve been outlining treatment options for PTSD, hoping this will give guidance and choices for those affected. Often, family members will nudge or demand that their veteran family member seek help. However, I’m most comfortable with a family-focused approach that will include the broader family to support the veteran as well as to find resources and assistance for them.

Resources are available for families. Here is a listing from the National Center for PTSD (pysd.va.org):

• The VA Caregiver Support program provides services to support family members who are taking care of a Veteran: 1-855-260-3274

• The Vet Center Combat Call Center is a 24/7 call center for combat Veterans and their families to talk about their military experience or issues about readjustment to civilian life: 1-877-WAR-VETS

• The Psychological Health Resource Center offers 24/7 support for service members and their families. Staff can answer questions about mental health symptoms and help you find resources. Call 866-966-1020, email, or live chat.

www.tugmcgraw.org

• The National Resource Directory links to over 10,000 services and resources that support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration for wounded, ill, and injured Service members, Veterans, their families, and those who support them.

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

www.freespira.com/veterans

When the War Follows You

Home: A Call to Remember, Rebuild, and Reinspire

By Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM

The battlefield never truly leaves those who have fought on it. The sounds of rotor blades, the concussive force of breaching charges, the stillness before a fight—these sensations remain etched into the nervous system long after a warrior comes home.

But when the mission ends, the real battle often begins.

For many veterans, the return to civilian life is not a homecoming; it is a separation. The team is gone. The structure, the purpose, the unbreakable brotherhood— they are replaced with isolation. The skills that once meant survival—hypervigilance, aggression under control, emotional detachment—don’t translate to office jobs, parent-teacher meetings, or dinner conversations.

Then there are the injuries, both seen and unseen. Traumatic brain injuries from IED blasts or years of breaching charges affect impulse control, emotional regulation, and cognition. Chronic pain and sleepless nights become constant. PTSD rewires the brain, heightening fear responses and stealing peace.

For some, the only escape is a bottle. A pill. A numbing agent to silence the war that still rages inside.

A System That Cares, But a Society That Forgets

The VA has been a leader in veteran healthcare, offering some of the most advanced treatments for PTSD, TBI, and substance use. But no system, no matter how welldesigned, can single-handedly undo the damage of war. The challenge is not just medical—it is cultural.

Society asks its warriors to go to war but does not teach them how to return. Reintegration is not as simple as handing back a rifle. The loss of mission, the absence of a team, and the transition to a world that does not understand their experience can be crushing.

If we want to change outcomes for veterans, we need more than just treatment—we need a shift in awareness.

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

A Legacy of War

My grandfather, Joe Brunette, was a warrior of another era. He served as a navigator on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II, guiding his ship through hellish waters. He returned home, but in many ways, the war never let him go.

I remember him in the garden, his hands thick with soil, his face lined with years of struggle. As a child, I would sit with him, listening to stories of the Philippines—of kamikaze attacks, of men lost at sea. But it was the moments of silence between the stories that spoke the loudest. His hands would tremble on his coffee cup. His eyes, sharp and knowing, would suddenly darken. He had survived the war, but survival came at a cost.

And yet, he never let that pain define him. He was a loving father to seven children, a devoted husband, and the honorable patriarch of our family. He went to work every day, provided for his family, and filled our home with warmth, humor, and heart. He bore his suffering quietly, with dignity, and his golden spirit still shines in the memory of those who knew him.

His weapons of choice after the Navy were alcohol and unfiltered cigarettes. The same man who had guided a warship through battle was left to navigate his own suffering alone. A heart attack took him at 60—far too soon.

I didn’t understand it all then, but I felt it. I knew, even as a child, that something weighed on him that no one could see. And I know now that his story is not unique. It is the story of too many warriors.

His legacy lit the path for mine—and I’ve made it my life’s mission to ensure others are not left to carry their wounds alone.

A Way Forward

Healing is not about forgetting the past; it is about forging a future. Veterans don’t need pity. They need purpose, community, and a mission beyond war. That starts with:

• Restoring the team – Veterans heal best when surrounded by those who understand them. Whether through peer support, veteran-led initiatives, or teambased therapies like equine-assisted treatment, the key is rebuilding the unit they lost.

• Addressing the nervous system – Trauma is stored in the body. Movement-based therapies, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, rucking, and equine therapy, help veterans regain control and connection.

• Creating meaningful roles – Service never ends, but the mission can evolve. Programs that integrate veterans into leadership, mentorship, and hands-on roles give them renewed purpose.

• Educating society – Reintegration is not solely a veteran’s responsibility. Employers, communities, and families must recognize that the warrior’s journey doesn’t end with discharge—it continues, and it requires support.

A Personal Oath

I have dedicated my career to understanding and treating the scars of war. It began in 2010 in Hawaii, where I trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside Navy SEALs and provided psychiatric care to their families. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact of war on even the strongest among us. I’ve also had the privilege of standing beside these warriors—not just in clinics but in the depths of their personal battles, ensuring they find their way home.

My work has taken me places few civilians go— requiring a low signature and absolute trust.

That commitment extends beyond medicine. Each year, I participate in the NYC Navy SEAL Swim, raising funds for Gold Star families. Within this event, I am part of 62 Romeo, a group dedicated to supporting healing in active and retired operators.

But this is not just about SEALs. This is about every veteran who has served and returned to a world that doesn’t always know what to do with them. My grandfather, like so many others, fought two wars—the one overseas and the one at home. He didn’t win the second. But we can make sure others do.

A Call to Action

For veterans reading this—you are not alone. Your war is over, but your mission is not. There is a way forward.For the rest of us—understand this: reintegration is not a veteran’s burden to bear alone. It is a collective responsibility. They served us. Now it is time to serve them.

Oxford Treatment Center www.oxfordtreatment.com

Lucas Trautman, MD, MPH, ABPN, ABPM is a double board-certified psychiatrist and addictionologist, and the medical director of Oxford Treatment Center’s Veteran’s Treatment Program.

Hope in Action: Honoring Military Appreciation and Mental Health Awareness Through Real Support

By Lori Noonan, Chief Growth Officer, Veterans Bridge Home | Inhouse Contributor, Homeland Magazine & San Diego Veteran Magazine

Each May, two powerful movements converge: Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Together, they offer an opportunity not just to thank those who have served—but to truly see them. To understand that honoring our service members, veterans, and their families goes far beyond a salute or a social media post. It means listening, supporting, and stepping up when it matters most—especially when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the success of programs like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). One recipient of this life-saving initiative, Veterans Bridge Home (VBH), has brought hope and healing to thousands of veterans through a model rooted in connection, care coordination, and peer support.

Turning the Tide with Community-Based Support

Named in honor of Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, a dedicated Army veteran who tragically died by suicide in 2020, the SSG Fox SPGP empowers community organizations to reach veterans where they are. For VBH, this has translated into more than 3,484 suicide prevention screenings, 1,383 clinical suicide risk assessments, and over 8,600 services provided to more than 3,650 service members, veterans, and their families just in the past year.

But the numbers alone don’t tell the full story. The true impact of this work is felt in the voices of those who have been helped. One veteran shared their experience in a raw, honest testimony that captures what these services mean at a human level.

"One evening, I sat alone on my couch, accompanied only by my dog, feeling overwhelmed by depression... I reached out to the VA crisis text line... but the interaction felt impersonal... I went to bed uncertain, just hoping to make it through another day."

That day could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it became the turning point.

The next morning, a VA social worker followed up, and soon after, a call came from VBH’s SSG Fox SPGP care team. That call wasn’t just a check-in—it was a lifeline.

The Power of Peer Connection

At the heart of this transformation was a VBH care navigator named William—himself a veteran. His approach was personal, consistent, and full of encouragement.

“He celebrated my accomplishments—sometimes even more than I did, reminding me I wasn’t facing these challenges alone.”

That connection was everything. It shifted the experience from cold bureaucracy to warm solidarity. It made healing possible.

Through ongoing support, this veteran not only began therapy that finally felt relevant—but took tangible steps toward rebuilding their life: securing two jobs, stabilizing their financial situation, making peace with their divorce, and even enrolling in college courses to pursue a new career.

"Although I still struggle with depression and anxiety daily, I’ve made meaningful progress... I’ve learned that perseverance is in my nature... the key is to keep moving and looking ahead."

Changing the Narrative of Veteran Mental Health

This testimony illustrates something essential: suicide prevention is not just about crisis intervention—it's about consistent, proactive, human-centered support. It’s about making mental health care accessible, relatable, and sustained over time. It’s about recognizing that peer connection isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Thanks to programs like the SSG Fox SPGP, organizations like VBH are changing the narrative. They’re building trust where skepticism exists. They’re opening doors to healing where hopelessness once reigned.

And most importantly, they are saving lives—not with fanfare, but with quiet, steadfast presence.

What You Can Do

As we recognize Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, consider this your invitation to move beyond awareness into action:

• Support organizations like VBH that are doing the work, day in and day out.

• Educate yourself on the signs of mental health struggles in veterans and how to respond.

• Share resources, including the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) or text 838255.

• Reach out to the veterans in your life—not just to thank them, but to check in, ask, and listen.

Because Every Life Is Worth Fighting For

VBH’s mission is to connect, lead, and advocate in communities to ensure service members, veterans, and their families thrive. Through the SSG Fox SPGP, they’ve built a bridge for those who might otherwise be lost to despair.

This May, as flags wave and hashtags trend, remember that appreciation without action is hollow. Let’s pair our gratitude with commitment—to stand by those who’ve served not just in uniform, but in life’s hardest battles.

Because together, we’re building stronger communities. And that’s something worth honoring every single day.

Mental Health disorders 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.

To learn more about Veterans Bridge Home or to support their work through the SSG Fox SPGP, visit www.veteransbridgehome.org.

At San Diego Veterans Magazine you can visit our website for all current and past articles relating to mental health, PTSD, symptoms, and resources.

Resources & Articles available at:

sandiegoveteransmagazine.com/category/mental-health

WOUNDS WE CAN NOT SEE

Learn “Fight Club” rules

Fight but fight fair. Figure out what works for you and your partner. If Scott can leave the room for a bit, he’s willing to address a resolution when he returns. So now, instead of an argument lasting days, we resolve it in 15-20 minutes.

Learn your partner’s comfort zone

What do they like? What makes them nervous? Scott doesn’t like crowds, and he prefers to sit facing a door. So even now, even though he’s changed and grown, it’s his preferred place, so I will sit with my back to the door so he can face it.

Be mindful of your partner

Be aware of your partner and how he or she may react in certain situations. When you focus on each other –as opposed to watching a movie and scrolling on your phone – you may be able to identify subtle changes that could indicate things are bubbling to the surface.

Try something different

During Project Odysseys, couples are often challenged to try new things that may be uncomfortable for them. The objective is to help people process differently. Getting out of your comfort zone is hard, but that is where you grow and learn. For instance, Scott learned to kayak. I had no desire, as there was nothing about it that I wanted to like, but I tried it. Now, we have our own kayak and take multiple trips to a local lake when the season is right.

Embrace the new normal

We are not the same people we were 25 years ago. Everyone changes, whether through lived experiences in the military or otherwise. You must decide if you will embrace your new normal and how to be most effective.

To learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org or call 888.ALUM (997.2586) to connect with the WWP Resource Center.

VA disability benefits

How To Secure VA Disability Benefits

By: Michael k www.thebestnexusletters.com

How a Nexus Letter Can Help Veterans Secure Their VA Benefits

For many veterans, securing VA disability benefits can be a challenging process, often due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence connecting their condition to their military service.

This is where a nexus letter becomes crucial. A nexus letter is a medical document written by a licensed healthcare provider that explicitly links a veteran’s current disability to their military service. The strength of this letter can significantly impact the approval of a veteran’s claim.

Tips for Maximizing Success: Avoid vague terms like “possibly related.” Use phrases like “directly attributable to” or “aggravated by” service.

• Address Secondary Conditions: Link secondary issues (e.g., sleep apnea aggravated by PTSD) using 38 CFR 3.2501

• Include Lay Statements: Attach a personal statement and testimonials from family to corroborate symptoms (e.g., insomnia, nightmares).

• Follow VA Formatting: Use headers, bullet points, and citations for clarity.

Why The Best Nexus Letters is Important

The VA requires a clear “nexus” (or connection) between a veteran’s condition and their military service. Without this documented link, claims are often denied or given lower disability ratings. A well-written nexus letter provides the necessary medical rationale, increasing the chances of a successful claim.

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We specialize in drafting high-quality, legally persuasive nexus letters that help veterans win their rightful benefits.

Visit The Best Nexus Letters today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Your service matters. www.thebestnexusletters.com

With more than 350,000 members, the Military Officers Association of America is one of the nation’s largest military service associations representing the shared interests of over 22 million current, former, and retired uniformed services personnel. We don’t just believe in preserving and protecting earned benefits, it’s our mission to fight for them. Learn more at MOAA.org/AIA. MOAA supports all ranks and all services. MOAA.ORG/AIA

- AI Skills Every Veteran Must Learn

- Transition: After the Uniform

- Franchise Wealth Consultants

- Military Service to Spiritual Leadership

- Helping Military Spouses Thrive

- Veterans Thrive in Franchise Ownership

- Memorial Day in the Workplace

- How to Successfully Transition

- Business for Veterans: Got Systems

- Asset Protection Real Estate Investors

- Careers in Law Enforcement

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transition, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for military and veteran business owners and more, visit Veterans In Transition. sandiegoveteransmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition

The 9 AI Skills Every Veteran Must Learn to Stay Ahead of 97% of the Workforce

By Maurice D. Wilson President/Executive Director, National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI) aka REBOOT

In last month’s article, The Impact of AI on Veteran Workforce Development, we explored how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the civilian job market—and what that means for America’s veterans. This month, I want to take it a step further and talk about how YOU can not only adapt to this change but LEAD it.

Let’s be clear: AI isn’t coming. It’s already here.

According to AI visionary Kai-Fu Lee, 50% of current jobs could be displaced by AI as early as 2027. And while that’s a sobering statistic, it also represents a massive opportunity for veterans who choose to reskill and upskill now. With the right knowledge, you can position yourself in the top 3% of the workforce— future-proof, competitive, and indispensable.

So how do you get there?

The 9 AI Skills Veterans Need to Stay Ahead

Mastering these nine high-impact AI-related skills will keep you well ahead of the curve:

1. Prompt Engineering

Learn to speak the language of AI. Knowing how to craft precise prompts to extract accurate and useful information from AI systems is like having a superpower in today’s tech-driven world.

2. AI-Powered Personal Branding

Your online presence is your new resume. Use AI tools to build and maintain a powerful digital brand that highlights your military experience, leadership, and adaptability.

3. Data Storytelling and Visualization

It’s not enough to understand the data—you must know how to explain it. Learn how to create compelling visuals and narratives from complex datasets.

4. AI Business Strategy and Implementation

Understand how to integrate AI into business operations and lead strategic initiatives that drive results.

5. AI Project Management

Military leadership translates perfectly here. Learn how to scope, plan, and manage AI-focused projects across industries.

6. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

From chatbots to translation services, NLP is everywhere. Familiarize yourself with how machines process and generate human language.

7. Understanding AI Limitations and Ethics

Learn where AI stops—and where you come in. Awareness of biases, ethical concerns, and limitations will make you a more responsible and respected AI practitioner.

8. Curiosity and Continuous Learning

The AI field evolves daily. Develop a habit of selflearning so you can stay current and competitive.

9. Creative AI Thinking

Don’t just use AI—innovate with it. Explore ways to think beyond the obvious and apply AI creatively in solving real-world problems.

Get These Skills for FREE Through NVTSI

You don’t need a computer science degree or a Silicon Valley zip code to get started. NVTSI is proud to offer FREE COURSERA AI and tech courses to all veterans who attend our one-day STARR/REBOOT Seminar.

Yes, you read that right. One day. No cost. We’ve partnered with Coursera to provide cuttingedge, university-level online courses from top institutions. By completing the STARR/REBOOT Seminar, you unlock access to hundreds of courses— including those in AI, data science, business analytics, and more.

Why This Matters Now

As we face the largest technological transformation since the Industrial Revolution, standing still is not an option. The jobs of tomorrow will not be the same as those of today. While routine roles vanish, new, higherpaying, more meaningful roles are emerging—but they require a new mindset and a new skillset. Veterans bring something the AI can’t replicate: discipline, leadership, grit, and adaptability. Combine those traits with modern AI skills, and you’ve got an unbeatable combination.

Join Us and Get Ahead

Our mission at NVTSI is simple: to REBOOT the lives and careers of transitioning service members, veterans, and spouses. Over the past 15 years we’ve helped thousands of transitioning military and veterans move into careers that are both purposeful and future-ready. You could be next.

So here’s your call to action:

• Attend the next STARR/REBOOT Seminar

• Unlock free COURSERA AI courses

• Develop the 9 skills that will keep you ahead of 97% of the workforce

• Register now: https://www.nvtsi.org/events/ categories/seminar/ and take the first step into your AI-powered future.

www.nvtsi.org/events/categories/seminar/

Maurice D. Wilson, MCPO, USN (Ret.) President/Executive Director,

NVTSI

• 619-822-2701 | • Maurice@nvtsi.org

• Schedule a meeting: calendly.com/maurice-nvtsi

• Mission: To REBOOT the Lives & Careers of Transitioning Military, Veterans, and Spouses.

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

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult. In fact, it can be downright depressing demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned. We can help.

In our Veterans In Transition archives you will find helpful and informative articles about what’s next in transition, veterans in business, career, advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, veteran franchises, legal tips & resources for veteran businesses and much more...

For assistance in your journey please visit: SDVMagazine-Veterans-In-Transition sandiegoveteransmagazine.com/category/veterans-in-transition

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

On the Move with Anna Standrowicz

After the Uniform

By Anna Standrowicz

Early Roots in Service

I was raised in a military family, where PCS moves, living on or around bases, and a kind of structure that looked very different from most households were simply part of everyday life. Watching my dad serve instilled a sense of pride in me from an early age. But more than that, it showed me what service truly meant: sacrifice, discipline, and community. So when it came time to choose my own path, joining the Navy didn’t feel like a leap. It felt like coming home.

I served as a Yeoman in the Navy, officially an administrative clerk, but I wore many hats: Defense Travel Agent, Facilities Manager, Junior Enlisted Association Secretary, and Command Engraver. At every duty station, I was the one behind the scenes, making sure things ran smoothly. I scheduled, coordinated, supported leadership, and took care of my fellow service members. I found pride in being the steady one, the dependable one. That behind-thescenes role, quiet but essential, became part of who I was. Supporting the mission and supporting my people gave me a sense of purpose that grounded me.

The Civilian Shift

But like so many veterans, when I transitioned out in 2017, I faced a question I hadn’t expected: Where do I belong now?

Civilian life moves at a different pace, and it operates by a completely different set of rules. At first, I threw myself into opportunities wherever I could find them. My résumé grew quickly with a wide range of roles, from working at Tesla to stewarding yachts. I was hired quickly, even without a degree, because of how I carried myself and the respect that came with being a veteran.

But even with that momentum, I struggled to find the right fit. The freedom to explore was exciting, but eventually, I realized I was chasing something I couldn’t quite put into words. I wasn’t just looking for a job, I was searching for a feeling. A mission. A team. The values that had been instilled in me during my time in uniform.

The more I opened up about my story, the more I realized I wasn’t alone. So many veterans are walking this same road, bouncing from job to job, trying to fit

into a system that doesn’t always recognize us or the unique values and skillsets we bring from service.

A New Mission During the Pandemic

Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed.

Like many parents, I had to step away from work to help my son, whom I share custody of, through nearly two years of online school. It was a challenging time, but hidden in that pause was one of the greatest gifts the military ever gave me: my education benefits.

So, I used them. I enrolled at San Diego City College and later Point Loma Nazarene University, committing fully to earning both my associate and bachelor’s degree.

The pandemic was a disguised blessing, and with my tuition covered, going back to school gave me something I hadn’t felt since leaving the service, a renewed sense of purpose. A mission I could truly call my own. It reminded me that the discipline, drive, and resilience the Navy built in me were still there, and still powerful.

But even with a degree in hand, the post-pandemic job market felt like unfamiliar territory. I applied to roles that seemed like perfect fits, positions where my military background and newlyearned degree should have made me a top candidate. But after seven long, exhausting months of applying, networking, and hoping, only one offer came through.

I left that position after three months. There was no structure, no leadership, and no sense of team camaraderie. I could have stayed. I was capable, high-performing, and well-liked. But the environment didn’t reflect the kind of team I wanted to grow with. There were days I questioned my résumé, and worse, wondered if everything I’d gained from military service and earning my degree would ever lead to a career that felt truly fulfilling.

The Truth About Transition & Finding My People

But here’s what I’ve come to understand:

No matter how polished our résumé looks, the real value we bring, especially from our time in service, can’t be captured in bullet points. It’s in our sacrifices. Our lived experiences. The strength it takes to start over, time and time again. That quiet resilience? I see it in veterans every single day. And if I could offer just one piece of advice, it would be this: stay connected to the veteran community.

Organizations like Veteran Sailing in San Diego (www.vetsailing.org) and Student Veterans of America at my university, PLNU, became my north star. (www.pointloma.edu/student-veterans-america)

They continue to give me a space to be myself. No explanations needed. Just other veterans who get it, who understand what it means to walk away from something that once defined you and face the unknown with quiet courage.

We Are Still in Service

Our lives after service are not supposed to look like everyone else’s.

They’re not meant to follow a straight line. We’ve lived uniquely, and we will continue to walk uniquely.

To every veteran out there navigating this transition, hear me out: it’s okay if your journey looks different. It’s okay if you’ve had to pivot, restart, or take time to heal.

Find your people. Stay connected. Lean into your community. Surround yourself with those who remind you that you are not alone.

Because even after the uniform comes off, the mission doesn’t end, it just changes.

We are still in service. To our families. To our communities. To the future roles we find ourselves in. And most importantly, to ourselves.

And that continued mission after service? It matters just as much.

- Anna Standrowicz

Franchise Wealth Consultants LTD.

With decades of entrepreneurial experience and access to a wide network of top-performing franchises, we offer personalized, expert guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions—at absolutely no cost to you.

Our idea candidates are aspiring entrepreneurs that want to take control of their future, professionals looking to transition of the corporate world, investors interested in semi absentee or passive income and experience operators seeking to expand their portfolios. Veterans, public service professional facing retirement and former corporate management professionals make up a large percentage of franchisees.

Our free consultation is the perfect first step to explore your options, get expert insights, and see what franchise opportunities align with your goals—all with no pressure or commitment.

Franchises generally have a higher success rate than independent startups. Franchises can boast a 92% survival rate after two years, while independent businesses see a 70% survival rate. After five years, franchises retain an 85% survival rate, while independent businesses drop to about 50%.

A franchise is a business model where a company (the franchisor) grants another party (the franchisee) the right to operate a business using the franchisor's established brand, trademarks, and business system. The franchisee buys the right to use the franchisor's proven business model and brand to operate a business, often in a specific geographical area.

Franchising offers a proven business model and brand recognition, potentially leading to faster growth and lower risk. If you're recently retired and seeking ways to supplement your income while ensuring job security, or if you simply aspire to own your own business in a field you're passionate about and close to home, let's connect.

As franchise consultants, we specialize in helping prospective clients navigate the complexities of franchise selection. Our mission is to identify opportunities that align with their unique personality, budget, and financial objectives. We take the time to understand each client’s strengths in the business world and their expectations for financial security and desired work environment.

Throughout the franchise purchasing process, we work directly for our clients, guiding them toward suitable opportunities, ensuring they fully understand franchise agreements, and negotiating favorable terms. Serving as a bridge between potential franchisees and franchisors, we provide customized advice and specialized expertise. Our primary goal is to act as trusted advisors, reducing risks and enhancing our clients' prospects for success.

Our mission is to identify opportunities that align with your unique personality, budget, and financial objectives. We take the time to understand your strengths in the business world and your expectations for financial security and desired work environment. Serving as a bridge between potential franchisees and franchisors, we provide customized advice and specialized expertise. Our primary goal is to act as trusted advisors, reducing risks and enhancing your prospects for success.

Not all franchises are created equal. Just because one has a big brand name does not mean it’s a good investment. You’re going to find that some of the most affordable ones are actually the most rewarding. Franchising is all about following a tested process, which helps determine your success.

Our consultation comes at no cost to you because we’re compensated by the franchise companies—not by our clients. This means you get unbiased guidance and support, with your best interests as our top priority.

Call or email us today!

Info@franchisewealthconsultants.com toll free (833) 696-3926

Your Franchise Journey Starts Here:

Free Expert Guidance

Franchise Wealth Consultants is dedicated to helping you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams and secure your financial future through business ownership.

Our Ideal Franchise Candidates Include:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs eager to control their future.

• Professionals aiming to transition from the corporate world.

• Investors seeking semi-absentee or passive income opportunities.

• Experienced operators looking to expand their portfolios.

• Veterans, public service professionals nearing retirement, and former corporate management professionals represent the largest segment of our franchisee base.

We Help You Find The Opportunity For Success!

• Franchising offers a proven business model and brand recognition

• FWC helps you successfully navigate the world of franchising, which can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with the process.

• We have access to the largest inventory of top-performing franchises through the IFPG network, the largest franchise network available.

Our

Consultations

& Services Are FREE TO YOU!

Why is it free? Our consultation comes at no cost to you because we’re compensated by the franchise companies—not by our clients. This means you get unbiased guidance and support, with your best interests as our top priority. So, there is not only no fee, but no obligation on your part.

We Can Find The Right Fit For Success - For You!

• Always personalized recommendations and expert guidance

• We’ll help you find the perfect franchise that aligns with your lifestyle, personality, goals, and budget - at no cost to you

• Clear, honest answers to your questions

• Need to explore financing options for your franchise? We can connect you with trusted partners.

We’re more than just consultants. We are your strategic partner.

Franchise Wealth Consultants, Ltd.

Visit us at franchisewealthconsultants.com Call us at 833-MY-NEWBIZ (833-696-3926) Contact us at Info@franchisewealthconsultants.com franchisewealthconsultants.com

www.infused.work

eve@infused.work

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby eve@infused.work

Finding Purpose Beyond Uniform: Michael Morabe's Journey from Military Service to Spiritual Leadership

A Story of Transition,Transformation, and New Mission

I've had the privilege of interviewing countless veterans over the years for this column, but few stories have moved me quite like Michael Morabe's. His journey from bomb builder to spiritual mentor represents everything "What's Next" aims to highlight – not just career transitions, but transformations of purpose and identity.

When Michael sat across from me sharing his story, the passion in his eyes told me everything I needed to know about finding meaningful work after military service. Here was someone who had truly discovered his "what's next."

Michael's military credentials are impressive by any standard. Six years active duty working munitions (yes, literally building bombs), with assignments to Korea, Edwards Air Force Base, and three years in Europe. Like many of you reading this, he juggled military responsibilities while pursuing education, taking community college classes at bases worldwide, eventually earning degrees in political science and history from Southwestern College and SDSU, topped with a master's in public administration from National University.

"I was the poster child for blue collar success," he told me with a humble smile.

After active duty, Michael transitioned to law enforcement, serving with San Diego County Probation and later U.S. Federal Probation until his retirement in December 2024. He also served in the Guard until January 2016.

But the most compelling part of our conversation wasn't about his resume – it was about the profound shift in purpose he experienced during a 2007 assignment to the UAE.

Michael was going through a difficult divorce at the time – papers already filed, personal life unraveling. A persistent captain kept inviting him to Bible study, and

as Michael put it, "I eventually ran out of excuses. There's nowhere to go when deployed.

"What happened next changed everything. As worship music played, surrounded by both officers and enlisted personnel, Michael experienced a spiritual awakening that brought this junior officer to tears in front of his colleagues.

"My life has been changed since that day," he shared, emotion evident in his voice. "I have a fire in my belly that I cannot put out."

This transformation gave Michael something that military training alone couldn't provide: renewed purpose. Though his personal challenges continued (the divorce proceeded), he found meaning that transcended those difficulties.

Today, that purpose drives his work with Cru Military, where he leads Bible studies and spiritual fitness sessions for recruits at MCRD and wounded warriors at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Each week, hundreds of young Marines-in-training benefit from his guidance.

"They're lonely and scared," he observed of many recruits. "They know they'll be in harm's way somewhere down range. They're looking to add a tool to their toolbox to be spiritually fit."

As I listened to Michael describe his current mission, it struck me how perfectly his story epitomizes successful transition. Not just finding employment after service, but discovering genuine purpose – a mission worthy of the dedication military service instills.

For those of you reading who worry about identity after uniform, Michael's journey offers valuable perspective: sometimes your most important contribution begins after formal service ends. The leadership, discipline, and sense of mission you've developed can find powerful expression in entirely unexpected ways.

I've spoken with countless transitioning service members who struggle with the fundamental questions: Who am I beyond my rank and role? What mission will organize my days? Michael's story demonstrates that your military experience provides not just transferable skills, but transferable purpose.

"I look at San Diego's military community as an unreached people group," he explained of his ministry focus. His approach combines military precision with genuine compassion, creating space for warriors to acknowledge vulnerability without sacrificing strength.

If you're reading this while facing your own transition challenges – employment uncertainty, relationship difficulties, or simply questions about purpose – take heart from Michael's journey. What seems like an ending might actually be the first step toward your most meaningful mission yet.

Michael asked me specifically to tell readers that if you're feeling hopeless, reach out. He meets people wherever they are – both geographically and metaphorically –bringing the same dedication to his current mission that characterized his military service.

Jim Gruny

After decades in uniform building bombs, enforcing laws, and defending freedom, Michael's most important assignment may be happening right now: meeting fellow veterans exactly where they need him most.

CRU MILITARY SAN DIEGO

Building Spiritual Resiliency in the San Diego Military Community

• 250,000+ veterans, active duty, and families impacted

For those interested in connecting with Michael about his work or seeking support during your transition journey, I encourage you to reach out via email at michael.morabe@ crumilitary.org. Whether you need guidance yourself or want to support his mission helping others, he welcomes the conversation.

As I always say in this column, your military service prepared you for what's next – sometimes in ways you never expected.

Need help with your transition? Have questions? Contact Eve at eve@infused.work linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

• 8 Military Installations

• Home to:

• 2nd Largest Navy Fleet in the U.S.

• 2nd Largest Marine Corps Base in the U.S.

• Nation’s Largest Marine Corps Recruit Training Camp

JOIN THE MISSION. CHANGE A LIFE.

Volunteer, sponsor, or pray with us

Contact us at Michael.morabe@crumilitary.org michael.morabe@crumilitary.org

Military life is always moving—your education should move with you. At Los Angeles Pacific University, we offer 100% online, flexible programs designed for military members, spouses, veterans, and dependents. Wherever duty calls—on base, deployed, or at home—LAPU goes with you. Study anytime, anywhere!*

• Maximize Your Benefits – GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance & Spousal Aid

• Earn Credit for Military Experience – CLEP, DSST, JST & More

• Faith-Based Support – Military-Friendly Coaches Who Care

• Fully Accredited – Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees Your Mission. Your Education. Your Pace. Take the Next Step

Voted #1 Military Friendly School & #1 Spouse School

*LAPU is currently unable to offer distance programs in select states. Visit website for details.

Bridging the Gap: How National University is Helping Military Spouses Thrive

By Dave Lowery, PhD, DPA (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Retired), National University Professor of Homeland Security & Public Administration

Each May, Military Spouse Appreciation Month gives our nation an opportunity to formally recognize the unwavering dedication, service, and selfless sacrifices of military spouses. However, well-meaning appreciation without action falls short—especially in the face of unemployment rates at nearly five times the national average for military spouses. This eye-popping statistic is driven not by any lack of talent, ambition, or drive— the opposite dynamics are at play here. Modern military spouses are among the most driven and skilled individuals in the workforce today.

When the military member is deployed—often into harm’s way or to respond to major natural disasters—it is the military spouse who must hold their nuclear family together. This means stepping up to temporarily fill the roles of both mother and father, little league coach, driver, and overall ‘chaos coordinator’ for the duration of their spouse’s deployments—which can last upwards of 18 months from start-to-finish. Furthermore, military spouses are called to put on a brave face, direct permanent change of station (PCS) moves, and quickly adapt to their new surroundings, while never knowing when or where ‘Uncle Sam’ may send their family next. These constant, ever-evolving challenges are simply unlike anything the military spouse’s civilian counterparts will ever experience.

I saw these dynamics first-hand with my own family during my two decades of active-duty military service. My wife Sarah was by my side when I took that first oath of enlistment in August 1996 and was at my side when I retired in August 2018. Over that 22-year period, Sarah gave birth to our three children, was primary caregiver, spearheaded nine household moves—including three overseas, two Pentagon, and three command tours— and endured my absence during multiple overseas operational deployments. Now, I could not imagine my life without Sarah—the selfless sacrifices of my better half enabled me to serve in uniform and focus on the needs of our nation when duty called. I always knew Sarah would care for our three small children when I was deployed half a world away.

Military spouses are the unsung heroes that enable our military to readily answer the call of duty. And yet, these same military spouses often remain an afterthought in terms of national conversations around workforce development and education access. Data also tells us a clear story: 62% of modern military spouses hold college degrees, and nearly 20% have advanced degrees. Yet, too many are underemployed or unable to find roles that fully reflect their professional qualifications and take advantage of their strongest skill sets. While they bring motivation to the table in spades, the most significant challenge faced by military spouses is steady access to quality education programs that can adapt to their busy, multi-faceted, and constantlychanging lives.

Here at National University (NU), we call these learners “And-ers”— non-traditional higher education students who are also parents, working professionals, caregivers to children and/or parents, and who are also militaryconnected. Arguably, military spouses could be labeled the original And-ers in their balancing of daunting responsibilities. Their ability to adapt is unmatched. Yet, today’s military spouses remain woefully underrepresented in higher education and workforce development initiatives nationwide.

Programs like the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) benefit offer important support—providing tuition assistance for licenses, certifications, and associate degrees in portable fields. At NU, we proudly support MyCAA learners and help extend their pathways beyond the program. Because while MyCAA provides for a strong academic foundation, many military spouses are ready for more: bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, doctoral degrees and leadership roles in business, education, public service, and national security.

To better recognize the selfless contributions of the military spouse, NU created the Whisper Military Spouse Scholarship—a $10,000 tuition scholarship awarded annually to 15 military spouses committed to furthering their education and careers. Whether they’re pursuing business, education, or fields like Homeland Security and Emergency Management, NU offers full pathways from a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and even a doctorate degree specializing in Homeland Security Leadership & Policy. This scholarship was named in honor of military spouse and NU alumna Whisper Tennis, who completed her graduate degree while pregnant, working full-time, and PCS-ing across the country with her husband. Whisper’s story is all too familiar: a life in motion, filled with responsibility, and yet still driven by personal ambition.

For Whisper—and many military spouses like her—the question wasn’t whether she could succeed in higher education, but whether the title of “student” could fit into her already full plate and identity.

Ensuring our very best support for today’s military families is nothing new here at NU—rather it is foundational. More than half of our undergraduate students are military affiliated—meaning military members, their spouses, and children. As a proud DoD-designated ‘Yellow Ribbon School’ and a VAapproved institution, we’ve designed our model specifically for the needs of military-connected learners. Our Whole Human Education® approach supports students not only academically, but emotionally, professionally, and logistically—because we know education must fit into the reality of our learners’ lives.

That includes:

• Flexible online course options in 4-, 8-, and 12-week formats.

• More than 150 career-relevant programs, including cybersecurity, education, and Homeland Security.

• Mental health counseling, tutoring, and one-on-one career coaching.

• Generous transfer credit policies, including military training and prior learning.

• Tuition discounts for military spouses to reduce debt and improve access.

At a time when American employers are struggling to fill roles, military spouses represent a significant reservoir of underutilized but high-potential talent to fill the corporate ranks. But unlocking that potential requires more than kind words—it requires intentional design from universities, employers, and policymakers alike. It means meeting military spouses where they are—geographically, financially, and emotionally—and building career pathways that are flexible, transferable, and sustainable.

The 2025 recipients of the Whisper Military Spouse Scholarship will be announced on May 9th as NU celebrates Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Each one is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in those who serve alongside our service members—those who rise, rebuild, and restart again and again.

National University - www.nu.edu

Whisper Military Spouse Scholarship www.nu.edu/whisper-military-spouse-scholarship

From Service to Success: Why Veterans Thrive in Franchise Ownership

When you transition from the military, you don’t leave behind your sense of discipline, leadership, or service. You carry those with you—and they may be the very tools that lead you to your next mission. For many veterans, that mission is franchise ownership.

At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, we’ve found that veterans are some of the best franchise owners. It’s no coincidence that 1 in 7 franchise businesses in the U.S. is veteran-owned. The structure, systems, and community found in franchising mirror much of what veterans value from their time in service.

Veterans Have What It Takes

From the outside, business ownership might seem daunting—especially if you’ve never run a company or worked in a particular industry. But here’s the truth: direct business experience is helpful, but it’s not the most important factor for success in franchising. At DreamMaker, many of our top-performing franchisees had no remodeling experience before joining. What they had instead were some of the exact traits military service hones:

• Leadership and Team Management

• Commitment to Process and Excellence

• Discipline and Work Ethic

• Adaptability and Problem Solving

•Integrity and Accountability

These traits align perfectly with franchising. A strong franchise system gives you a roadmap—proven processes for marketing, sales, hiring, production, and financials. Veterans, who are used to following SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), thrive in these structured environments. Franchising allows you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

DreamMaker Veterans: David Vargas & Jeff Vargo

Take David Vargas, a U.S. Army veteran and DreamMaker

Bath & Kitchen franchise owner in South Charlotte, NC. David’s journey began in Colombia, where he faced tragedy at a young age before emigrating to the U.S. When he was old enough, he enlisted in the Army to give back to the country that gave him so much. After serving, he worked in banking for 15 years, but something was missing He craved purpose, impact, and ownership.

He and his wife turned to business ownership, ultimately finding their fit with DreamMaker. What drew him in? Our culture, our values, and our system. “If you follow their model diligently, put in the hard work and persistence, the chances of success are very high,” Vargas shares. For him, entrepreneurship through franchising became a way to rediscover purpose, provide for his family, and build a legacy.

Another inspiring story comes from Jeff and Ruth Vargo, West Point grads and former Army officers. After a decade in the corporate world post-military, they realized they were living a life that didn’t fully reflect their dreams. Jeff had always loved home improvement, and in 2020, they took a leap of faith and purchased a DreamMaker franchise in The Woodlands, TX.

Jeff describes the shift as a calling: “I started asking myself hard questions and felt like God was telling me to make a change.” Now, through their franchise, they’ve found both fulfillment and the chance to serve their community. As Ruth puts it, “To have this dream and then actually try to go out and do it—it’s such a gift."

Why DreamMaker?

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen is a nationally recognized remodeling franchise, but what truly sets us apart is our culture. We don’t just focus on beautiful renovations—we’re purpose-driven. We believe in enhancing lives and treating people with respect, integrity, and excellence.

We offer a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee to honorably discharged veterans, because we know what you bring to the table. We also provide robust

training, ongoing support, and a community of likeminded franchisees who want to see each other win.

Many of our franchisees came from careers completely outside remodeling. Our system is built to help people succeed without prior industry experience—especially if they’re coachable and aligned with our values.

The VetFran Connection

Our commitment to veterans extends beyond our brand. DreamMaker President & CSO, Doug Dywer’s father, Don Dwyer, was a U.S. Air Force veteran and the founder of VetFran, a program within the International Franchise Association (IFA) designed to support veterans transitioning to franchise ownership.

Today, over 500 franchise brands participate in VetFran, offering financial incentives and support to veteran franchise candidates. According to recent data, veterans represent just 7% of the U.S. population but account for a whopping 14% of franchisees. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a testament to how well veterans and franchising go together.

You can learn more about VetFran’s resources and member brands at www.VetFran.org.

Your Next Mission?

If you’re searching for your next mission while transitioning to civilian life, consider this: Franchising offers a proven model, a blueprint for success, and a community that shares your values. Whether you're dreaming of business ownership or simply looking for purpose in your next chapter, franchising—and DreamMaker—might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

To learn more about franchising with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, visit our website: www.DreamMakerFranchise.com

Transition to Business HUMAN RESOURCES

By Paul Falcone PaulFalconeHR.com

Memorial Day in the Workplace: Understanding and Accessing Your Employee Benefits

For veterans, Memorial Day is often a day of reflection and remembrance. For many, it’s deeply personal, especially because it honors military personnel who died in service. A solemn remembrance, it’s often a day of memorial services and grave visits. Unlike its Veterans Day counterpart on November 11th, which is typically marked in celebratory appreciation with parades and celebrations, Memorial Day has a more somber tone and reflects a more personal connection to those we’ve lost.

Memorial Day often invokes a flood of emotions—grief, pride, survivor’s guilt, gratitude, and more. Honoring the day in community with others is a healthy way of recognizing and acknowledging those who gave all for their country. Memorial Day can be heavy for some, which is perfectly understandable. Yet, many civilians may not fully grasp the significance of the Memorial Day holiday or the ultimate sacrifice involved. As such, it’s important for you to check in on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Reach out if you need support— there’s no weakness in that, only strength. And knowing where to turn in the private sector workplace and how to access appropriate benefits is an important first step.

Following is a short list of common workplace resources available in the private sector workplace that you should access if you’re experiencing severe feelings from the Memorial Day holiday or for any other reason.

Employee Handbook and Intranet Portal Resources

First, look to your company’s employee handbook and intranet portal for information regarding leave-ofabsence benefits and resources, especially anything listed under the category of “Employee Wellness and Wellbeing.” The handbook and intranet should provide initial insights into what benefits and resources may be available, how your organization recognizes and values mental health and wellness, and where you can turn for support to help you through any personal emotions that you feel may weigh you down.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Many companies provide EAP services that offer free, confidential counseling sessions, often with professionals trained in grief and trauma. Some also provide referrals for ongoing therapy, legal or financial advice related to loss, and other life support resources. The beauty of EAPs is that these thirdparty organizations are paid for by the employer. The logic? If companies can offer resources to employees suffering from grief or in need of financial, legal, or addiction advice, then employees can tend to their own personal needs before there is any negative impact on the individual’s work performance. (Note: If your organization does not currently offer EAP services, it’s worth speaking with HR and asking the organization to consider adding this resource to their benefit lineup.)

Mental Health Days / PTO

Most workplaces offer some form of bereavement leave—typically 3–5 days for the loss of an immediate family member. (Some organizations expand this policy to include extended family members and close friends.) If bereavement leave isn’t enough, additional paid time off (PTO) and mental health days may be available to provide employees with space to grieve. Flexible or remote work options may also be available to ease the transition back to work. In short, you won’t know if you don’t ask. Reaching out to HR is a smart practice because there may be additional resources available that are not currently listed in the employee handbook or on the organization’s intranet page.

Grief Support Groups

Some larger organizations or companies with wellness programs offer onsite or virtual grief support groups, either internally or through partnerships with grief organizations. Some companies, especially in healthcare or in military-related industries, may have chaplains or wellness coordinators trained to support grief and loss. Such group support resources may likewise be available through EAP referrals. Further, “affinity groups” of employees with common interests (e.g., veterans, caregivers, and religious communities) may offer peer support and shared understanding around loss and mourning.

Manager/Supervisor Support

Trained managers or HR reps may offer check-ins, workload adjustments, or temporary duty changes to help grieving employees cope. The best workplaces foster a culture of compassion and flexibility rather than strict performance and compliance during tough times. Start first with HR if your organization has an HR department. HR will endeavor to keep your request confidential, to the extent possible, so that you can access benefits or programs that you may not prefer to share with your immediate supervisor.

On the other hand, if your company has no HR department, you can speak with your department head, your organization’s general counsel (attorney), or others who may be designated for support. There’s nothing wrong with speaking with your immediate supervisor, of course, but some people prefer confidentiality to the extent possible. Just remember that absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed: if an individual appears to threaten themselves or others, members of management have an affirmative obligation to escalate the matter for additional help and support.

Workplaces are increasingly recognizing the impact of grief on employees and offering more thoughtful resources and support. As part of their inclusion and belonging efforts, this has become a wise policy and practice for employers focused on retention, employee engagement, and overall workplace satisfaction. Pursue these resources because they’re there for you—and make human connections with HR, your manager, or other leaders within your organization who will be there to support you in your time of need.

You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1

Paul Falcone (www.PaulFalconeHR.com) is a management trainer, executive coach, and bestselling author on hiring, performance management, and leadership development.

www.HarperCollinsLeadership.com

Veterans Chamber of Commerce

By Joseph Molina veteransccsd@gmail.com www.vccsd.org

10 Tips on How to Successfully Transition

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be both exciting and challenging.

Whether you're retiring, completing your service, or moving into a new career, preparation is key. Here are the top 10 tips to help make your transition smoother:

1. Start Planning Early

Begin preparing for your transition at least 12–18 months before separation. This gives you time to research, network, and build your next steps.

2. Take Advantage of TAP (Transition Assistance Program) TAP offers workshops, resume help, and guidance on benefits. It’s an essential resource designed to make your transition easier.

3. Translate Your Military Experience

Learn how to explain your military role in civilian terms. Use tools like O*NET’s Military Crosswalk to match skills to civilian jobs.

4. Network, Network, Network

Start building your professional network before you leave the service. Attend job fairs, join LinkedIn, and connect with veteran-friendly employers.

5. Get Your Finances in Order

Create a budget and understand how your income might change. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to prepare for new expenses.

6. Explore Education and Certification Opportunities

Take advantage of your GI Bill and other education benefits. A degree or certification can open doors to new career paths.

7. Consider Your Mental Health

The transition can be emotionally difficult. Don’t hesitate to seek support from VA services or counseling if needed.

8. Prepare for a New Workplace Culture

The civilian workplace can be less structured than the military. Be ready to adapt to new norms in communication, hierarchy, and teamwork.

9. Understand Your Benefits

Get informed about healthcare, VA benefits, and retirement options. Knowing what’s available helps you make smarter decisions.

10. Stay Flexible and Positive

The process can take time. Stay open to different roles and remember that your military experience is valuable in many fields.

In Summary

A smooth transition from military to civilian life requires early planning, especially around job searching and family adjustment. Focus on translating military skills into civilian language, networking with employers, and using programs like TAP for career support.

Exploring job opportunities while balancing family needs—such as finances, housing, and emotional wellbeing—is essential. Understanding workplace culture and benefits, while staying flexible and involving loved ones in the journey, leads to a more stable and successful civilian life.

If you would like direct assistance, feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help! just send us an email at: veteransccsd@gmail.com

The National Veterans Chamber will be more than happy to meet with you and provide some guidance. Check us out at: www.vccsd.org (Our Chamber of Commerce Membership is FREE for all Military/Veterans and their extended families)

BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Got Systems?

Recently, one of our members shared that she was positioning her business to add associates. The question she was struggling with was how to approach this expansion and asked for suggestions on how to create an SOP of routine or repetitive activity to insure success.

When small business owners really began to grow it has been my experience that they struggled by not having put systems in place to handle the overload. All this makes it harder to really understand what needs to be done and who should be doing it. In Michael Gerber’s E Myth, he says: “Most small businesses are dependent on the expertise of whoever is on payroll at a given time. As a consequence, how tasks are performed changes as people come and go. The danger is that customers will have unpredictable experiences with a business and might not come back.”

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of written instructions that document a routine or repetitive activity followed by an organization. The development and use of SOPs are an integral part of a successful quality system as it provides individuals with the information to perform a job properly and facilitates consistency in the quality and integrity of a product or service.

The franchise model is the best example of having systems in place. The way every hamburger at Burger King is wrapped, how the chicken is prepped before frying at KFC and the way a sales associate at McDonald’s asks if you want fries and a drink are all scripted into a system, making these businesses duplicate-able.

How much easier would it be in your business if the things that impact your business were done in a systematic way? One of the areas I find small business owners lacking consistency in is their invoicing. Some wait too long, then have difficulty collecting. Or they make promises to a client then don’t communicate if there is a delay.

Another area that owners violate the most are in marketing/sales. Consistency in generating prospects you can sell to is the only way to keep the business growing and working for you. Your effectiveness in marketing and sales starts with having systems that then allow you to apply the best strategies consistently.

So documenting activities that are ongoing or are done more than once should be developed as a way of doing business that builds trust with customers and referral sources. This is not difficult, think of a recipe, first the ingredients are listed, then the process for putting it all together. After you have made it a few times, you tweak it to your taste. What recipe (system) needs to be developed in your business. You can’t grow without the order systems make.

Good systems – solid repetitive systems, and activity –are utterly essential to building and sustaining a great business. At the end of the day, they should help you by minimizing costs, maximizing profits and ultimately increase the value of your business.

The CHALLENGE: What area of your business needs a more effective, consistent system?

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

legal Eagle

Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran

Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq. www.BaglaLaw.com

ASSET PROTECTION FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

Building a real estate empire takes years and monumental effort. The last thing you want is to leave all of your real estate investments and other assets vulnerable to the claims of creditors and lawsuits. Asset protection for real estate investors is similar to asset protection for other high-net-worth individuals but with an increased emphasis on real estate protection.

Asset protection for real estate investors can include protecting your liquid capital and funds from creditors or lawsuits; protecting your properties from claims; and protecting other assets, like stocks and bonds, from lawsuits and creditors. There are several asset protection strategies you can implement. The most successful real estate investors often leverage each of these protection strategies in conjunction with the others, resulting in several overlapping layers of defense that minimize possible risks.

Holding Companies – you should form a limited liability company (LLC) that would hold and protect the property. Depending on the size of your real estate portfolio, it will always be wise to form an individual LLC for each rental property you own. A creditor is usually only limited to the assets held in a specific LLC. Therefore, if one of your mortgages goes into default, a creditor coming after you might only be able to go after the property in the relevant LLC, not your entire estate or portfolio. Separate LLCs is a great protective measure to defend yourself against tenants and others also, for example, a former tenant sues you because they thought the property was hazardous. If they are successful, they might only be able to access the assets in one LLC, not across your entire portfolio.

Landlord Insurance – you should have a landlord insurance policy, which offers specific, comprehensive coverage for owners of rental properties.

Landlord insurance is necessary because it’s designed to protect you from losses such as: injuries, property damage, and loss of rental income. The right insurance policy will prevent you from paying out-of-pocket for all kinds of potential dangers and hazards in this line of work.

Homestead Exemptions – in addition to the above strategies your state might allow certain types of homestead exemptions. Homestead exemptions apply to primary residences and allow owners of properties to register those properties as homesteads. When you register, your homestead property is unavailable to the majority of creditors.

Use Debt to your Advantage – carrying debt on your real estate assets through a mortgage or a loan can have its benefits. By stripping equity in your real estate portfolio through borrowing against the portfolio could potentially deter third parties from suing and reduce the number of lawsuits you receive. A lawsuit might be more appealing to someone if you own a property outright without a mortgage or a loan. Getting rid of this equity and maintaining a 75% loan to value ratio reduces the funds available through your assets or LLC. You can also use the stripped equity to further your investments by purchasing other properties or land.

A comprehensive real estate asset protection plan that caters to you and your assets is the best option. Regardless of which strategy you choose to protect your real estate assets, it is imperative that you create a plan before investing, and especially before you rent your property out to tenants. If you already have a portfolio of real estate assets, consider your protection strategy options before it’s too late. Asset protection for real estate investors is an important part of any strategy.

If you need help determining the best real estate asset protection strategies, we can help. Click here https://baglalaw.com/contact/ to schedule your consultation. Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion.

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

Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well asto 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.

Bagla, Esq., and her team at Bagla Law Firm, APC, a

Formation and Asset

firm, have over twenty years of experience protecting real estate for rental owners. They customize your asset protection plan to ensure that your rentals are protected in case of a lawsuit.

Welcome to the Veterans Association of North County

HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEED US

Here you will find several resources, programs, services and opportunities for Veterans, Service Members and their families. Our goal is to be your one stop shop for all things, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Programs and services vary, and include additional information for each. We have two Veteran Services Representatives (VSR) here at VANC, read all about them below in Addtional Services at: (www.vanc.me/services-programs)

OUR MISSION

VANC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created and operated by Veterans as a one-stop resource center for all active-duty military, Veterans, and their families. We centralize services from diverse agencies to assist with jobs, education, finances, health, and wellness.

OUR VISION

We seek to honor and support those who have served our country, bridging the past, present, and future. VANC is a vibrant gathering place in North San Diego County, where all Veterans, active-duty military, and their loved ones can reach out for help and community. VANC engages and informs local Veterans organizations, service providers, and individuals, helping them work together. VANC seeks to be a model for other organizations that serve the military community.

JOIN US FOR AMAZING UPCOMING EVENTS

There’s always engaging things happening at VANC and with our partners. Check our calendar here for regularly scheduled events, meetings and opportunities here at VANC (www.vanc.me/events#calendar)

WE LOVE OUR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS AND THEY’RE HERE FOR YOU TOO. VANC is open to all military, veterans and friends of the military. If you would like to become a Veterans Association member, Contact Lori at lori@vanc.me to learn more.

RISKY BUSINESS

Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips

By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com

Product Liability Coverage

If you are a business owner that supplies a product to your clients, you may have faced supply chain issues, theft or vandalism of your product while being shipped or are concerned about your product liability at some point in your business.

These are big concerns and need to be addressed. Any disruption of your logistics can pose a significant risk to your business in the form of loss of product, delay of product to your clients and your business reputation.

There are a few things you can do to mitigate this risk right off the bat:

• If you are designing the product and it is being manufactured overseas with your label, you will need to have a liability policy that includes manufacturing. The reality is that if there is a product defect, the end-user (your buyers) are not going to file a claim against a company in China (or wherever). They will file a claim against your company, and you will have no recourse if there is a manufacturing defect.

• If your product is being manufactured in the US, you need to ask the manufacturer for a certificate of Liability naming you additional insured for product liability including waiver of subrogation, primary wording and completed operations.

• Your General Liability policy or Business Owners Policy likely does not include items damaged, lost or stollen in transit. This is insurance you will need to purchase from the shipping company, transit company, importer, or

cargo company. It is difficult to insure goods that you do not have care, custody, and control over during the shipment process. So, pay the extra to have them insure your shipments.

• As a risk management advisor, I always tell my clients to have a plan B for their product manufacturing. If something happens to your supplier (they close down for any reason) or if trade sanctions change where it becomes difficult for you to import, you need to have a second and even third back-up supplier ready to go.

• Plan in advance – keep an eye on the current affair of trade from your manufacturer. If you expect high volume sales during a certain period, get the product in early.

• Make sure that your storage facility is covered by your insurance – you can add it easily as a location of your BPP. If you are using a drop-ship method, make sure you ask them about the insurance for your products while they are in their custody.

The bottom line is that you need to double check all your logistics plans and business practices to ensure that you are avoiding the big hazards of product manufacturing and distribution.

Talk with your Agent or Broker about your concerns to make sure they have you covered properly.

Thinking of all those we have lost on this Memorial Day. Hug your loved ones, spread kindness, and remember you are loved, appreciated and valued!

If you have any questions about business insurance, please reach out to me. www.hlinwood-insurance.com

THE SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION IS A COALITION OF OVER 150 UNIQUE NON-PROFITS, BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES ALL UNITED BY THE GOAL OF SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY IN THE ARMED FORCES, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR CARETAKERS.

SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION

The San Diego Veterans Coalition was organized in 2009 and incorporated as a non-profit on May 24, 2011. Using the Collective Impact Model, SDVC is a premier San Diego County-wide monthly convener of over 150 unique member and participating organizations, businesses, and agencies, as well as convening many of that body in our four action groups, and other activities and events. The Collective Impact Model is based on leveraging relationships with other veteran and family serving organizations so that we may provide veterans and their families with a complete array of services and other opportunities.

Many of the organizations that belong to SDVC specialize in one field (education, housing, employment, healthcare). Knowing what services each other provides, we can offer comprehensive support to our local Veteran community. We are proud to work alongside a wide variety of non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as governmental agencies and individuals. The SDVC is a catalyst that inspires collaboration and cooperation among service partners to deliver premier support for Veterans in the San Diego region and beyond.

SDVC is proud to have partnered with ONWARD OPS, which has partnered with the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and local communities to support service members through the process from military to civilian life by matching them with one-on-one sponsors in their specific community.

ONWARD OPS Sponsors all complete a VA-Certified Sponsor Training Course and the Community Integration Coordinators are all validated as best-in-class, trusted, and capable partners in their local region. Our national network, working with the department of defense, the department of veterans affairs, and the department of labor, brings a team together in one common mission: to securely provide the information and relationships needed to help every transitioning service member successfully make the journey out of the military and into civilian life.

OPPORTUNITIES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

You’ve served your country, now serve your community!

Military and law enforcement have had a longstanding relationship with overlaps in training exercises, equipment, and, most important, personnel.

It is not uncommon for a service member to make the jump from the military to law enforcement as both professions look for the same characteristics; leadership, fidelity, chain of command, and teamwork are all common themes in both professions.

Quite understandably, many American military veterans often gravitate to a career in law enforcement when the time comes to rejoin the civilian workforce.

The two professions have many fundamental similarities; from the uniforms they wear with pride, to the firm command structure they serve under, to great personal risk they endure while protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

VETERANS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

The following agencies are actively hiring & proudly support our veterans, active military and the families that keep together.

From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer

By Holly Shaffner

Changing careers can be exciting, exhilarating, and filled with trepidation. Meet Officer Cindy Ovares who has made the transition numerous times – from active-duty service member, to student, massage therapist, teacher, and now police officer.

The life experience she gained in those previous longterm jobs set her up to be successful today. She is doing what she’s always wanted to do – have a career that is challenging and rewarding.

Cindy was like many seniors in high school as she contemplated what she would do after graduation. When the Navy recruiter called the house looking for her brother, the recruiter instead got an eager, independent 17-year-old woman who wanted to find adventure. Just a few months later, she was off to “see the world” and start her first career.

As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Petty Officer Ovares was a jet engine mechanic. It was a male-dominated job, and she wanted to prove that anything a man could do, she could do better. She attended military schools in Florida and Virginia to learn her trade, and was later stationed in Lemoore, California. She was attached to VFA-22, an F/A-18 Super Hornet squadron, that deployed on ships. After serving four years on active duty, she earned Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and chose to leave the Navy to attend college.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and being a fluent Spanish speaker, she was hired to be a high school Spanish teacher. The job was gratifying; but also, under resourced, understaffed, and had little room to grow professionally. She wanted something new and challenging, was drawn to the community where she grew up, so, in her late 30s she applied to be a police officer.

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

- Officer Cindy Ovares

Officer Ovares was accepted to the San Francisco Police Academy and has been an officer for the last three years. She is a foot patrol officer working in the Tenderloin District – a 50-block area that has a storied history, and has been known for homelessness, drugs, and crime.

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

For Officer Ovares, the parallels between serving in the military and serving in law enforcement made the transition go smoothly:

• Routine – You know what to expect before your shift begins (what time to report, what uniform to wear, the structure of the day).

• Camaraderie – The bond between fellow officers is like the bond between your fellow military brothers and sisters.

• Variety – Every day is different with different assignments and duties, so the job is never boring.

• Benefits – Include a competitive salary, paid vacation days, floating holidays, and sick days, healthcare, retirement, and special pay for certain assignments and being bilingual.

As a Latina giving back to her community, she admits that the job comes with highs and lows. Officer Ovares recommends a career in law enforcement for those military members looking to make a smooth transition to a new chapter.

To learn more about the San Francisco Police Department, or to connect with recruiter, go to: www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/careers

SDPD Ride Along: A Story of Two Marines

By Amber Robinbson San Diego Veterans Magazine

When I asked to go on a ride along with the San Diego Police Department, making a special request for any veterans-turned-cops, I expected a really serious, possibly dangerous, afternoon of shadowing our city’s toughest crime fighters.

What I got was an afternoon of heartfelt service to our San Diego community, honorable humility and a lot of respect.

When I asked whether former Marine Sergeant Major, Mark Wright, and his partner, former Marine Staff Sergeant, Sean Bunch, had rank or titles he said their titles were just San Diego police officers. They are relatively new partners, but act like they’ve known each other for years, which is usually the case when you get Marines together.

Wright is a newer addition to the force, coming on board two years ago, with Bunch only having two years left.

Currently, these brothers-in-arms spend their days patrolling the entirety of Balboa Park.

Although neither men are taking fire or kicking in the enemy’s door on this beat, like during their time in Iraq or Afghanistan, they still work hard to serve their local community. Service which can range from tracking down criminals to answering questions from lost pedestrians, to giving out stickers to kids and never backing down from a chance to turn on those flashing red and blues just to make one of them smile.

Most of our particular day was cruising around beautiful Balboa Park running car tags to see if they were current, from cars not displaying proper plates and placards to those double parked. Bunch says they often catch parole violators or even stolen cars doing just this. I was struck as I watched both officers go out of their way to look in and around vehicles to find plates or disability placards not displayed correctly so as to avoid issuing superfluous tickets.

“We try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt,” said Wright. “We’re not out to get anybody.”

Although, both officers confirm that enforcing even the most basic of park rules can yield large payoffs. During a recent patrol Bunch spotted an individual smoking in the park, which is illegal. As he circled back round, the individual turned and rapidly tried to walk away, which activated immediate suspicion. He was detained and came back with a warrant for numerous kidnapping and child molestation charges.

Both men say a lot of what they do is talk with museum owners and those living in the neighborhoods surrounding the park about their concerns. A shared concern by all is the park’s homeless population.

Bunch says their posture towards the homeless is mostly that of assistance, adding there are many resources available for those who would take them.

Officer Sean Bunch

Officer Mark Wright

The city spends a lot of money on resources,” said Bunch. “The biggest problem we run into is whether or not the [homeless] people want them, and a lot of them don’t.”

Thus, the men tend to run into the same issues with the same people pretty often. Although frustrating, they have learned that respect goes a long way when challenged with these repeat offenders. Bunch recalls spotting one such offender in the park, who was in violation of his parole and wanted on warrant. He was unable to get to the offender immediately, but still apprehended him with a verbal request. The parolee waited patiently to be hand-cuffed and arrested, simply out of the respect he held for the law man.

“Being respectful of everyone despite their lot in life goes a long way in this job,” said Wright.

Both men say a huge part of their work is being able to connect and communicate with the myriad of people they meet daily.

Bunch says he feels he and Wright are lucky to come to the force later in life, given it means they have a wider frame of reference for those they meet and serve daily. “We deal with people who are going through all kinds of things in life,” said Bunch. “And it’s helpful to be able to say, ‘hey I know what you are going through, I’ve been there.”

As the day progressed, I realized that both gentlemen definitely had a long list of tough and unique life experiences to pull from. Both proudly served the United States Marines for years, traveling to war and all over the world, experiences that yield much wisdom as well as many a story.

Bunch, for instance, did not come to the force straight from the Marines, but from Hollywood. Surprisingly, he is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, working as a military advisor on various productions, like Lonestar 911, and appearing in some as well, such as one of the most recent Men in Black movies.

“I grew up outside of LA,” said Bunch. “So, I’ve always just kind of been around the business and found a place for myself there with all my military experience.”

Bunch hopes to return to work in Hollywood after he leaves the force, bringing with him a new level of experience and respect.

Wright, who retired from the Marines as a Sergeant Major never worked in Hollywood, but he does have plenty of stories about being a proud grandfather, father and new amputee. When I entered the Central Division Station and met him, he said he was just getting back to work after some time off after losing his leg.

Wright remained unscathed during his over-20-years in service, overseas deployments and endless combat train ups. It wasn’t until after service that he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident late one foggy night a little over a year ago. Wright says it had been an eventful second watch and he was leaving the station about 2 AM on his motorcycle when it happened.

“It was only about two minutes from work,” said Wright. “I was coming around a curve and entered into what I thought was fog, and as I’m entering, I see a headlight and side mirror in my lane.”

That headlight and mirror became an entire car that was blocking Wright’s entire side of the road.

“I was a heuy crew chief in the Marines and reverted to my training from that, grabbed my shoulders, braced for impact and went flying like a human lawn dart over my handlebars,” said Wright.

Wright landed in the ditch on the side of the road. He says he realized immediately that he had a back and leg issue. He learned that a bystander had called 911, but he requested they call back and state that the injured motorcycle rider was a policeman with the San Diego Police Department and expedite services. This one request would become pivotal in saving Wright’s life.

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“What I didn’t know at that time was that I had severed two arteries in my leg, and I was bleeding out,” said Wright.

What Wright would learn later is his heel had also been torn off on the wrecked car as he sailed past it into the ditch. After much pain and many surgeries, Wright would finally lose his leg from the knee down. says he doesn’t let it get him down, though. He’s proud to continue to serve as one of our city’s finest.

Both he and Bunch take much pride in their time as Marines and as San Diego Police Officers. Each officer comes from strong military stock, with Wright’s grandfather being a World War II veteran and Prisoner of War and Bunch’s father a decorated veteran of Vietnam.

All in all, this Army vet’s afternoon with two Marines was an impressive one. Both seasoned public servants, these honorable men have discovered you must give respect to get it, that violence is often not the answer and the most important thing to keep in mind along the way, is a good, human dose of empathy.

more information visit www.joinSDPDnow.com or email us at SDPDrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

Officer Sean Bunch - Amber Robinson (SDVM) - Officer Mark Wright