Midway Honors
POWs with New Exhibit
Celebrating
Military Spouses
Derek Barksdale From Naval Officer to Nation Builder
Military-Veterans IN TRANSITION
Military Appreciation Month AI Aides Veteran Transition
SENIOR LIVING AND CARIING FOR THOSE WHO SERVED
Careers & Education FROM BADGE TO GAVEL Why I'm Running For Judge MENTAL HEALTH
San Diego Veterans Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to staying connected to what matters most to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. We highlight relevant topics, emerging trends, and vital resources within the military and veteran community.
Our coverage includes key areas such as the transition to civilian life (careers and education), mental health, healthcare, community support, and organizations that provide essential programs and assistance.
Our editorial content—featuring award-winning columns—is created for and often by veterans, industry professionals, and organizations actively engaged in serving the military and veteran community.
Proudly supported by the City of San Diego and a distinguished network of veteran organizations, resource centers, coalitions, and advocates, we are honored to showcase the impactful work of so many dedicated individuals.
Through every challenge, our team has remained committed to ensuring no opportunity is missed to provide meaningful resources and support to our veterans and military personnel.
On behalf of our entire team, thank you to our readers and the military-veteran community for your continued support. With your encouragement, we strive to make a lasting difference and positively impact the quality of life for veterans, service members, and their families.
Explore both current and past issues at: www.sandiegoveteransmagazinecom/archives
Mike Miller Editor-In-Chief
mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com mikemiller@homelandmagazine.com
Mike Miller
mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com
Monthly Columns
What’s Next In Transition
Eve Nasby
Human Resources
Paul Falcone
Veterans in Business
Barbara Eldridge
Risky Business
Hadley Wood
Real Talk: Mental Health
Hope Phifer
PTSD: Reclaiming Control
Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD
Aging & End of Life Care
Shelly Dew
Legal Eagle
Kelly Bagla, Esq.
Midway Magic
David Koontz
Cartoons For Veterans
Jerry King
Contributing Writers
Wounded Warrior Project
Disabled American Veterans
(In-House) Correspondents
Holly Shaffner
CJ Machado
Lori Noonan
San Diego Veterans Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, #41 San Diego, CA 92126
mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com
Whether you’re new to San Diego or are a longtime resident, our special VA Offer is built for you— providing an affordable path into the neighborhood and home of your dreams.
For veterans and active-duty service members, home represents stability and a fresh start. At Shea Homes in San Diego, we’re proud to serve those who’ve served by making homeownership more attainable.
With over a century of trusted homebuilding experience, Shea Homes is built on values of integrity, commitment, and attention to detail. Our thoughtfully designed new construction homes feature modern floorplans, energy efficiency, and flexible living spaces in well-planned communities.
We partner with experienced VA loan specialists to guide you from pre-approval through closing. Contact us to learn more about our exclusive VA Offers.
Take the first step toward your dream home today.
SAN MARCOS
Townhomes & Detached Condos
Approx. 1,292 to 2,326 Sq. Ft.
2 to 4 Bedrooms
2.5 to 3.5 Bathrooms
2-Car Garages
Priced From $700,000s
866.696.7432
SORRENTO MESA
Townhomes
Approx. 1,518 to 1,872 Sq. Ft.
2 to 4 Bedrooms
2.5 to 3.5 Bathrooms
2-Car Garages
Priced From $900,000s
858.261.5768
CHULA VISTA
Gated Townhome Community
Approx. 1,222 to 2,031 Sq. Ft.
2 to 4 Bedrooms
2.5 to 3.5 Bathrooms
2-Car Garages
Priced From $580,000s
619.848.5432
With the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in January 1973, the U.S. military’s involvement in the Vietnam War officially ended. As part of that agreement, 591 American prisoners of war were released from captivity as part of Operation Homecoming.
Included in the repatriation were 11 aviators who were assigned to squadrons based on the USS Midway (CV41). The length of their captivities ranged from several months to several years.
As a tribute to all American POWs, and specifically the former prisoners of war assigned to Midway squadrons, the USS Midway Museum has opened a gripping new exhibit called “Captive Warriors: The Midway 11.” This powerful new exhibition tells the stories of courage and honor during the Vietnam War through the eyes of those Midway aviators who endured harsh conditions, isolation, starvation and brutal treatment at the hands of their North Vietnamese captors.
“I think the exhibit is wonderful, especially considering the space the museum’s exhibits team had to work with,” said retired Navy Capt. Jack Ensch, a former USS Mdiway naval flight officer who was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for seven months. “I also liked that it is specifically about the USS Midway POWs.”
The decision to center the exhibit around the Midway’s POWs was a deliberate one.
“We made the choice to move from the broader story of POWs in Vietnam to a story that was deeply personal to this ship,” said Bill Coleman, Midway’s exhibits manager. ”The Midway 11 gave us a way to anchor the experience in real people connected directly to Midway. It shifts the exhibit from history you read to history you feel. Visitors are not just learning about captivity, they are seeing it.”
Midway’s exhibits team spend months engaged in comprehensive research to ensure its accuracy.
“Our thorough research combined digging into official records, pilot reports and archival material with firsthand accounts wherever possible,” said Coleman. “Rudy Shappee, our content developer, spent time crosschecking timelines, capture circumstances and lengths of captivity. Just as important, we focused on lived experience. That drove decisions about space, lighting and sound. The goal was not just to present facts but to build an environment grounded in truth.”
“My role was as the developer of the story line we wanted to pursue,” said Shappee, who has been with the museum volunteer since 2001. “I had to balance the graphic descriptions of the torture experienced by the prisoners with the heroics of both the prisoners and their wives in the small amount of space to tell their stories.”
To help realize the day-to-day experiences of what life was like in the prison camps, the exhibits team turned to several former POWs.
“Former POWs and those connected to them were critical to us getting it right,” said Coleman. “They helped validate details, correct assumptions and bring clarity to moments that are easy to misrepresent. In some cases, they shape that felt staged or exaggerated. Their input kept the exhibit honest and grounded.”
The most challenging part of creating this exhibit was trying to strike an appropriate balance on how the exhibit would be presented to Midway’s visitors.
“In this exhibit, you are dealing with real suffering, and it is easy to either soften it too much or push it too far,” said Coleman. “We had to find a line where the experience is honest without being overwhelming. Translating something like isolation, uncertainty and endurance into a physical space is not straightforward. Every decision, from how confined the space feels to how much information is presented, had to be carefully considered.”
The exhibit immediately received positive response, especially from former POWs and other Vietnam Warera veterans.
"The POW exhibit is very well done,” said Paul Granger, a former U.S. Air Force B-52 pilot who became a POW in December 1972. “The memorabilia on display and cell structures brought back many memories. The dark lighting was perfect for effect, and the single prison door with the small, barred widow was just like the one I was in during solitary confinement.”
“This is a must see for Vietnam veterans,” said Roger Hayes, who served the U.S. Navy in the late 1960s.
The POW story is a very difficult one to tell, however, through exhaustive research and thoughtful planning, Midway’s exhibits team put together a tremendously impactful experience for the museum’s guests.
“I truly believe that this exhibit is grounded in truth and built by people invested in the story,” said Coleman. “Our visitors are not just reading panels, they are stepping into a story. That was the goal from the beginning and I think we achieved it.”
www.midway.org/contact/volunteer-opportunities
www.midway.org
Keynote Speaker
Captain Steve “Shep” Shepard U.S. Navy (Ret.)
For more information, scan the QR code or Email: President@MiramarCemetery.org Miramar National Cemetery Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 1 p.m.
While on cemetery grounds, visit: The Avenue of Flags The Memorial Walkway Vets Tribute Tower & Carillon POW Liberation Memorial Gravesite of MOH Recipient SGT Charles Schroeter, U. S. Army
Event is open to the public and free to attend.
Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer, but its meaning runs far deeper.
Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The day is marked by ceremonies and tributes across the country, with many people visiting cemeteries to place American flags on graves. A National Moment of Remembrance is also observed at 3 p.m. local time, inviting Americans to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day is sometimes confused with Veterans Day. However, the two serve different purposes. Veterans Day, observed on November 11, recognizes all who have served in the U.S. military, in both war and peace. Armed Forces Day, celebrated in May, honors those who are currently serving.
Memorial Day originated from the tradition of Decoration Day, when people honored fallen soldiers by placing flowers on their graves.
The observance now known as Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, first formally proclaimed on May 30, 1868, by Major General John A. Logan as a day to honor those who died in the Civil War. Over time, several communities have claimed ties to its origins, including Macon and Columbus, Georgia; Richmond, Virginia; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Waterloo, New York; and Carbondale, Illinois.
That same year, the first large-scale commemoration took place at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony featured memorial drapings on the Arlington home of former Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Presided over by General Ulysses S. Grant, the event included speeches and the participation of children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home, as well as members of the Granddaughters of the American Revolution, who placed flowers on both Union and Confederate graves.
This tradition built on earlier acts of remembrance, particularly in the South. One notable example occurred on April 15, 1866, in Columbus, Mississippi, when a group of women decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers who had died at the Battle of Shiloh. Moved by the sight of neglected Union graves nearby, they placed flowers on those as well.
Following World War I, the observance expanded to honor all Americans who died in military service, not just those lost in the Civil War. In 1971, Congress officially designated Memorial Day as a national holiday—still often referred to as Decoration Day— and set its observance on the last Monday in May, aligning it with other federal holidays.
In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, encouraging Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Irish immigrant Cpl. Patrick ‘Bob’ Gallagher earned the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War for heroically shielding his fellow Marines from a live grenade. Today, his ‘uncommon valor’ is immortalized by the U.S. Navy through the naming of the destroyer USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), ensuring his spirit continues to protect the nation he adopted.
We don’t just preserve names; we protect the American Story. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial stands as a sentinel of service—connecting the ideals of 1776 to the brave men and women on our walls today. 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr. South, La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 384-2405 • www.soledadmemorial.org
Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is also a moment to recognize that for many who wore the uniform, the commitment to serve does not end when their military service concludes. It continues through leadership, community engagement, and a lifelong dedication to strengthening the nation they fought to protect.
Tom Sudberry embodies that continued mission.
A U.S. Naval Aviator, Sudberry served his country with distinction, completing two Vietnam combat cruises aboard the USS Constellation. His time in the military instilled a deep sense of discipline, accountability, and mission driven leadership that has guided every chapter of his life since.
Following his service, Sudberry built a remarkable career as the founder and chairman of Sudberry Properties, establishing the firm in 1979 after his time with Coldwell Banker. Over the decades, he has been recognized for both his business leadership and his commitment to community, including induction into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame and being named Builder and Developer of the Year by the San Diego Building Industry Association. His work has helped shape communities across San Diego County with a focus on long term growth and quality of life.
But Sudberry’s impact extends far beyond business.
He has been a driving force in civic life throughout the region, serving on the boards of organizations such as the San Diego River Park Foundation, Impact Urban America, Circulate San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, Santa Fe Christian Schools, the USS Midway Museum, and the YMCA. He continues to contribute through leadership roles with the San Diego Economic Development Corporation, the Greater San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the San Diego Air and Space Museum, among many others.
His commitment to service also helped shape one of San Diego’s most influential civic organizations. As a founding member and former Chairman of the Board of the Lincoln Club of San Diego County, Sudberry played a central role in building a coalition of leaders focused on strengthening the region through responsible governance, economic growth, and community stewardship.
On Memorial Day, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also recognize veterans like Tom Sudberry who continue to serve in new ways, carrying forward the values that define this country. They understand mission. They value accountability. They deliver results. Those principles remain essential to building strong communities at home.
The Lincoln Club honors veterans like Tom Sudberry and welcomes those who share that commitment to service to join, get involved, and help shape the future of San Diego.
For more information please visit sdlincolnclub.com
This year’s festival runs May 6-8, 2026, screening 15 films for, by, and about service members and veterans.
It’s a challenging time to be a service member and veteran. Uncertainty about the future, inflation, division in our country, global conflicts, and fatigue with a chaotic news cycle can weigh on our psyches and make it hard to feel hopeful. However, it’s in moments like these that authentic storytelling becomes more essential than ever. Storytelling connects us to our common humanity, breaks down stereotypes, and inspires conversations that bring us closer to others.
That is what our country needs right now, and this is what the GI Film Festival San Diego (GIFFSD) aims to bring to audiences during its 11th festival run from May 6-8, 2026 at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park. (https://gifilmfestivalsd.org/2026/)
Since 2015, KPBS has provided attendees with vital connection and food for thought through this unique multi-day event that fosters reflection, resilience, and a deeper sense of belonging. This year’s festival features 15 films that explore themes like transitioning to civilian life, mental health and family dynamics, healing, reconciliation, identity, and art as a path to healing. Each screening includes post-film discussions, creating meaningful dialogue between filmmakers, audiences, and subject-matter experts.
This year, more than ever, the festival organizers encourage audiences to attend with curiosity, not assumptions, to create space to connect with and reflect on the authentic stories shared by military members and veterans from around the world. Attending GIFFSD and watching the films being showcased isn’t just going to the movies: it’s a way of supporting real human stories in a time of division and mistrust.
Importantly, GIFFSD is a festival that encourages civilian attendees to come with an open mind. Screenings and panel discussions create opportunities for intergenerational exchange, bringing together veterans and civilians across generations to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn from one another. The films span branches of service, global conflicts, life stages, and cultures from around the world. Ultimately, the festival aims to broaden worldviews, humanize global experiences, and foster connection at a time when the world can often feel disconnected.
“For over a decade, we’ve seen what happens when attendees simply show up and listen,” says Nico Marcolongo, longtime GI Film Festival San Diego advisory committee member and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “Barriers come down. Conversations open up. And suddenly, experiences that may have once felt distant become deeply personal. That’s the lasting impact of the GI Film Festival San Diego. It creates space for understanding, connection, and a shared sense of humanity that stays with you long after the credits roll.”
Hollywood blockbusters often glamorize war or misrepresent service members, leading to skewed views of active duty military members or veterans. The shorts and feature-length films in this year’s festival aim to go deeper, dispelling stereotypes and painting service members as real, multi-faceted human beings. Identity and purpose, transition and change, belonging and isolation, resilience and healing; whether or not a person has served in the military, these are all universal human experiences, and major themes of the films shown at GIFFSD.
There is abundant scientific evidence that storytelling can build resilience and reduce feelings of isolation, particularly for military service members, veterans and their families, and help others understand their experiences. Film creates a shared emotional language that connects audiences across backgrounds. When veterans see their true experiences reflected on screen, they feel validated and able to better communicate and connect with the community around them. When civilians see these stories, they gain insight and feel more empathy for a population whose struggles they may not understand.
GIFFSD is one of the only film festivals in the world that gives veterans and service members control over their narratives, and the ability to tell stories that go beyond stereotypes and headlines. Many of the filmmakers behind this year’s festival lineup are service members or veterans themselves, and are committed to protecting their community’s story, preserving truth, dignity, and nuance about the military experience.
Stories remind us that we are more alike than different. In uncertain times, choosing to listen and engage is powerful. Attending GIFFSD, supporting the festival, or even simply remaining open to hearing stories like the ones that will be told at the festival is an act of connection and understanding.
The GI Film Festival San Diego is open to all. Tickets start at $15 per screening and $10 for military, veterans, students, and KPBS members. Opening Night tickets start at $25 each or $20 for military, veterans, and KPBS members. Multi-ticket packages are also available. To learn more, visit GIFilmFestivalSD.org
By Nicole D’Ambrogi, Candidate for San Diego Superior Court Judge, Seat 32
Early in my legal career, I represented a three-time combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient in a family law matter. He was struggling with PTSD and had made some questionable choices involving alcohol, but what was happening in his case did not feel right. The legal system was being used as a weapon, and allegations were being made that did not align with the evidence before the court.
Mental health professionals had evaluated him. Reports had been prepared. Testimony was offered. The facts painted one picture, while the accusation painted another. Yet there we were, asking a judge to make a decision that would affect a father, a child, and the future of an entire family.
I remember watching the judge when our case was called. She would lower her head into her hands and grip her hair for a moment, visibly carrying the weight of the decision before her. I understood exactly what she was wrestling with. The evidence in front of her pointed in one direction, but the consequences of being wrong pointed in another. What if she trusted the facts and something happened to that child? What if she restricted a parent based on allegations that were untrue? What if the wrong decision caused harm that could never be undone?
That moment captured the reality of being a judge.
A judge is entrusted with making decisions that can alter the course of someone’s life forever. The role is not about power or status. It is about responsibility. It is about making difficult decisions with imperfect information, applying the law fairly, and recognizing the human impact of every ruling.
So why would anyone want that job?
For me, the answer lies in the years I have spent standing beside my clients in moments when the stakes could not have been higher.
For more than a decade, I have represented people facing some of the hardest days of their lives.
I have stood beside families in probate disputes, vulnerable adults in conservatorship and guardianship proceedings, veterans seeking benefits they earned through service, parents fighting over the future of their children, and individuals accused of wrong doing. Although the legal issues differ from courtroom to courtroom, one truth remains the same: people come to court because something important in their lives is at risk.
What I have learned in those moments is that the process matters. People may not always leave with the outcome they hoped for, but they should leave knowing they were heard. They should feel that the judge listened, understood the facts, and treated them with dignity and respect. The judges I respect most are not remembered because they were loud or intimidating.
They are remembered because they were steady, thoughtful, and fair. They listened carefully, maintained control of the courtroom, and made difficult decisions grounded in both law and discipline.
That matters because faith in the justice system is shaped not only by outcomes, but by the process itself.
My time in the military taught me that lesson in a different way. As an enlisted Navy veteran and former Master-atArms, I learned discipline, accountability, and resilience. I learned how to stay calm under pressure and how to keep moving forward when the path ahead was uncertain. Military service teaches humility because no matter how hard you work, you will be judged. Sometimes that judgment is fair. Sometimes it is not. But service teaches you to accept responsibility, learn from mistakes, and keep showing up.
Courts do not always get it right. Judges are human. Lawyers are human. Litigants are human. Every person who enters a courtroom brings their own fears, biases, experiences, and pain. Recognizing that reality does not weaken the law. It strengthens the responsibility to apply it carefully and consistently.
Behind every file is a story. Behind every motion is a family, a business, a child, or a future hanging in the balance. Behind every appearance is a person hoping to be heard.
San Diego’s military community understands responsibility better than most. This region is home to active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and families who know what it means to sacrifice in service of something greater than themselves. It is a community built on discipline, resilience, and commitment. Those values strengthen our city, and I believe they strengthen our courts.
Our judiciary is strongest when the bench reflects the people it serves.
As an enlisted veteran, I bring a perspective shaped by service before self. As an attorney, I bring years of experience in courtrooms where the stakes were personal to my clients. As a law professor, I have worked to teach future lawyers professionalism and the responsibility that comes with the practice of law. My path may not be traditional, but it has prepared me for this work.
Judicial races often receive less attention than other offices on the ballot, yet judges make decisions every day that affect families, businesses, freedoms, andfutures. In San Diego County alone, our courts process hundreds of thousands of filings each year. The people elected to the bench will shape lives and communities in ways many never see.
I am running for San Diego Superior Court Judge because I believe the bench needs judges who understand both the law and the people it serves. I understand the weight of judgment. I understand the importance of listening. I understand that fairness requires discipline, humility, and the courage to make difficult decisions grounded in facts and law.
Nicole D’Ambrogi
www.dambrogiforjudge.com www.dambrogiforjudge.com
As San Diego honors Memorial Day, it is an especially meaningful time to recognize those who have served our country and the families who have served alongside them. It is also a fitting moment to highlight communities that are dedicated to providing comfort, dignity, connection, and exceptional quality of life in the years that follow service.
Lantern Crest Senior Living is proud to announce the opening of The Legacy, the newest residential building within its luxury senior living campus in East County San Diego. The Legacy represents more than an expansion. It reflects a continued commitment to creating an environment where older adults can thrive in a setting defined by hospitality, wellness, and vibrant community life.
For veterans and military families, that mission often carries special meaning. Many residents seek more than a place to live. They want a community built on respect, independence, structure, and shared values. Lantern Crest has long been a destination for those looking for exactly that balance, offering elevated living with genuine warmth and personalized support. The opening of The Legacy builds on that foundation.
The Legacy introduces beautifully appointed new residences designed for independent living, with modern layouts, refined finishes, and thoughtful details that support both comfort and convenience. Spacious floor plans, quality craftsmanship, and elegant common areas create an atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you arrive.
Yet what truly defines life at Lantern Crest goes beyond architecture. Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered on engagement, wellness, and meaningful connection. From fitness opportunities and educational programming to social gatherings, cultural events, and chef-prepared dining, each day offers opportunities to remain active, inspired, and connected.
Lantern Crest’s brand philosophy emphasizes that senior living should be warm, clear, confident, and rooted in dignity. That spirit can be seen across the campus experience, where service is delivered with professionalism and care, and where every resident is treated as an individual with their own story, preferences, and goals.
For many veterans, camaraderie matters. Shared experience matters. Feeling understood matters. Communities like Lantern Crest create natural opportunities for those connections to continue through friendships, events, and daily life among peers.
Families also benefit from knowing their loved ones are part of a secure, engaging environment with services and amenities designed to enhance independence while reducing everyday burdens. Adult children and caregivers often carry tremendous responsibility. Peace of mind comes from knowing a parent or loved one is not only safe, but truly living well.
That peace of mind is especially important for military caregivers, whose dedication is recognized nationally each May. Their service often extends quietly over many years. At Lantern Crest, families become part of a broader community that values support, communication, and trust.
Luxury at Lantern Crest is not about excess. It is about quality of life. It means beautiful surroundings, attentive service, enriching experiences, and the freedom to spend time on what matters most.
Residents can enjoy resort-style amenities, inviting gathering spaces, landscaped grounds, wellness offerings, and a dynamic calendar of activities. They can host family visits in an impressive setting, build new friendships, and continue living with autonomy and confidence.
The Legacy expands access to that lifestyle at a time when demand for high-quality senior living continues to grow throughout San Diego County. For those planning ahead, exploring options for themselves, or helping a family member evaluate the next step, this opening creates a new opportunity to join one of the region’s most established senior living communities.
The name The Legacy is intentional. Legacy is built through service, family, hard work, and the lives we touch along the way. It is a word that resonates deeply with veterans, caregivers, and families across our region.
At Lantern Crest, this new building stands as an invitation to begin the next chapter in a place designed to celebrate everything that came before while embracing all that is still ahead.
Now welcoming interest and tours, The Legacy offers San Diego seniors and their families the opportunity to discover a community where elevated living meets heartfelt care.
To learn more about The Legacy at Lantern Crest, schedule a visit, or explore available residences, contact Lantern Crest Senior Living and experience a new standard for senior living in San Diego.
lanterncrest.com
By: Shelly Dew, CFRE, CDE Director of Philanthropy Hospice of the North Coast www.hospicenorthcoast.org
May is a time of remembrance. As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to honor the men and women who served our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For many veterans and military families, this season brings pride and gratitude—but it can also bring a deep sense of grief and loss.
Grief is a natural response to loss, yet for veterans it is often layered and complex. Military service can involve the loss of fellow service members, personal identity, physical health, or a sense of safety and purpose. These losses may be carried quietly for years. When the death of a loved one occurs later—whether a spouse, parent, friend, or fellow veteran—it can reopen earlier wounds and intensify emotions tied to service and sacrifice.
Memorial Day ceremonies, flags, and shared moments of silence can be powerful and meaningful. They can also stir memories of comrades who did not come home, battles survived, or goodbyes never fully processed. Veterans and family members may notice grief showing up in unexpected ways during this time of year.
Grief affects everyone differently. Some experience sadness, longing, or loneliness. Others may feel anger, guilt, anxiety, numbness, or a desire to withdraw. Veterans may notice increased irritability, sleep difficulties, heightened alertness, trouble concentrating, or physical symptoms such as fatigue and headaches. Grief can also deepen existing challenges such as depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress. There is no “right” way to grieve, and no set timeline.
Families grieve as well. Spouses, partners, children, and caregivers often carry their own losses while supporting a veteran who may struggle to share what they are feeling. Having understanding, compassionate support can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families alike.
Hospice of the North Coast offers free grief and loss support for veterans and their families, whether or not hospice services were involved.
Their hospice bereavement counselors provide confidential, compassionate support through individual counseling, family support, and grief groups. Services are offered at no cost, because no one should have to walk through grief alone.
Hospice of the North Coast is also a proud participant in the We Honor Veterans program, a national initiative dedicated to recognizing veterans’ service and addressing the unique experiences and needs that may affect end-of-life care and bereavement. This commitment ensures that veterans are honored not only for how they served, but for who they are.
This Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave their lives in service, it is also okay to acknowledge our own losses. Grief is a reflection of love, connection, and sacrifice. If you or your family need support, you are invited to contact Hospice of the North Coast to learn more about free grief support services. Reaching out is a way to honor the past, care for the present, and continue forward with support.
Shelly Dew serves as Director of Philanthropy and Community Outreach at Hospice of the North Coast, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to compassionate end of-life care, comfort, and support for patients and their loved ones.
sdew@hospicenorthcoast.org | hospicenorthcoast.org
By Deepti Kurup, President & Owner, ComForCare Home Care – San Diego South & Coronado
In 2018 my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's. When we started talking about what his care would look like, he made one thing absolutely clear: he wasn't leaving his home. Period.
I get it. Home is where you're comfortable. It's where your memories live, where you know every corner, where you feel like yourself. For someone facing health challenges, that sense of familiarity isn't just nice to have—it's everything.
That experience changed how I think about care, especially for Veterans. If anyone's earned the right to age with dignity in their own home, it's the men and women who served this country.
A Benefit Most Veterans Don't Know They Have San Diego County has about 230,000 Veterans—the second-largest veteran population in California. But thousands have no idea they're eligible for in-home care through the VA.
The Homemaker and Home Health Aide program (H/ HHA) is provided through TriWest at no cost to eligible Veterans. Zero out-of-pocket expenses.
What Does the Program Cover?
The H/HHA program helps with activities of daily living: bathing, showering, getting dressed, grooming, mobility support, toileting assistance, simple meal prep, and light housekeeping related to personal care.
These are the things that let Veterans stay in their homes instead of having to move to a facility.
There are multiple VA benefits that can pay for in-home care.
H/HHA through TriWest provides help with daily activities at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Veterans.
Aid & Attendance is a monthly pension benefit available to wartime Veterans (and their surviving spouses) who need assistance with daily living. Many qualify but never apply because they don't know it exists. Contact the VA or a VSO to learn more.
Respite Care is available if you're already receiving H/HHA services. Veterans get 30 days per calendar year—up to 6 hours per day.
Home Health vs. Home Care: Know the Difference Home health and home care are not the same thing.
• Home Health is medical care—skilled nursing, physical therapy, wound care. It's typically short-term, following a hospitalization.
• Home Care (the H/HHA program) is non-medical support with daily living. It's about maintaining independence over the long term. Most families don't think about home care until there's a crisis—a fall, a hospitalization, a sudden decline. But home care is something you should plan for, not react to.
As people age, daily tasks get harder. Getting in the shower becomes risky. Preparing meals gets exhausting. These changes happen gradually, and families often don't notice until something goes wrong.
The Veterans who do best plan ahead. They talk to their doctor before a crisis hits. They understand what benefits are available. They have conversations with their family about what support might look like.
Don't wait for an emergency. If you or someone you love is starting to struggle with daily activities—even a little— that's the time to explore your options.
Families often try to do everything themselves. Adult children juggling jobs, their own kids, and caring for an aging parent. Spouses who've become full-time caregivers with no break.
When professional care comes in, something shifts. The daughter can be a daughter again. The spouse gets to be a spouse, not just a caregiver. People get their relationships back. That peace of mind is huge.
Talk to your VA primary care provider or social worker. Mention that you're having difficulty with daily activities and ask about H/HHA services.
The VA will assess your needs through evaluations from social workers, your primary care provider, and nurses.
Authorization goes through TriWest. Once approved, you'll be matched with a credentialed provider.
The process involves multiple steps, but the VA is designed to support you. Credentialed providers work directly with the VA team to help things move smoothly. For Aid & Attendance, contact a Veterans Service Officer or the VA benefits line.
Watching my dad navigate Parkinson's taught me that home is where people heal best. It's where they feel safe and most like themselves.
Every Veteran deserves that. They've already given so much—they deserve care that honors their service and lets them age with dignity in their own home.
If you're a Veteran dealing with daily care challenges, or if you're a family member watching someone you love struggle, know this: help exists, and you've earned it.
Don't wait for a crisis. Start the conversation now. Talk to your doctor. Explore your benefits. Plan ahead.
At ComForCare Home Care in San Diego South and Coronado, we work with Veterans and their families every day. If you have questions about benefits, the process, or how to get started, we're here to answer them.
Deepti Kurup is President & Owner of ComForCare Home Care –San Diego South & Coronado, a TriWest-credentialedprovider of in-home care servicec for Veterans. Learn more at ComForCare-SD.com
To Qualify, You Must...
• Be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces or first responder
• Have symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress for at least 3 months
• Be available for both in-person and additional online sessions
Interventions
• You may receive intervention for your PTS symptoms in the form of either Transcendental Meditation (TM) or Present Centered Therapy (PCT).
• Neither intervention involves medication or discussing traumatic experiences.
Compensation
• Qualifying participants will be financially compensated over $800.
Observed every May, the Month of the Military Caregiver pays tribute to millions of caregivers nationwide. Honoring those who care for veterans strengthens support for service members and their families, while also shining a light on individuals whose daily efforts make them caregivers—even if they don’t use that label themselves.
Caregivers include spouses, parents, children, and other relatives of wounded veterans, though coworkers, neighbors, and friends often assume caregiving roles as well.
They deliver essential care and support that helps their loved ones recover more quickly—while also reducing millions in national healthcare costs. This observance serves to raise awareness not only of veterans, but also of the dedicated individuals who care for them.
If you’re interested in supporting the care of a veteran—regardless of your level of training, availability, or familiarity with local needs—it’s a great idea to connect with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Reaching out to a nearby field office or medical center can help you explore volunteer opportunities that align with your time, skills, and interests.
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 commitment to check in with yourself at least once a week. Even better, partner with a trusted caregiver or friend as an accountability partner—someone who can help ensure you’re not overlooking your own well-being.
By: Giselle Vallejo, LPCC Clinician at The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics
Each year in May, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Military Appreciation Month offers an important opportunity to recognize a group whose service is often unseen, yet deeply felt, military spouses. While much of the attention rightfully honors service members, it is equally important to acknowledge the resilience, adaptability, and dedication of the people who support them behind the scenes.
Military spouses navigate a unique lifestyle filled with constant change and uncertainty. One of the most significant challenges they face is frequent transitions. Moves to new duty stations can happen every few years, often requiring spouses to relocate, sometimes ahead of their partner, to set up a new home, enroll children in school, and establish a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar place. These transitions demand not only logistical coordination but also emotional resilience, as spouses repeatedly leave behind communities, friendships, and routines they’ve worked hard to build.
For those who are parents, the responsibility can feel even greater during deployment, training, or temporary duty assignments, as military spouses often take on the role of solo parent. They manage daily routines, provide emotional support to their children, and maintain stability within the household all while coping with the absence of their partner. This dual role requires patience, strength, and an incredible capacity for balance.
In addition to managing the home, many military spouses are responsible for navigating family finances. This includes budgeting, planning for future events, and adapting to changes that can come with military life.
At the same time, they are often working to build or sustain their own careers and educational goals. However, frequent relocations can make it challenging to maintain consistent employment or pursue long-term professional development. Despite these barriers, many spouses demonstrate remarkable perseverance, seeking new opportunities, reinventing their career paths, and continuing their education in creative and flexible ways.
Another often overlooked aspect of military spouse life is the ongoing effort to build and rebuild support networks. With each move comes the need to establish new friendships, connect with local resources, and find a sense of belonging in a new community. This can be both exciting and exhausting. Yet, time and time again, military spouses rise to the challenge, creating connections not only for themselves, but also for their families.
Amid all these responsibilities, military spouses continue to nurture their relationships and prioritize their wellbeing. They find ways to stay connected with their partners across distance and time zones, maintain family traditions, and cultivate moments of joy and stability during uncertainty. Their strength lies not only in what they manage, but in how they continue to show up with dedication, flexibility, and unwavering support.
In recognition of this strength and dedication, our clinic is honored to host a special Military Spouse Appreciation Night, “Strength in Bloom,” on Tuesday, May 12 from 5:30–7:00 PM at The Steven A. Cohen Clinic at VVSDin San Diego.
This event is designed to celebrate and uplift our military spouse community in a meaningful and creative way. Attendees will be invited to step into a “bloom bar,” where they can design their own custom bouquet as a symbolic opportunity to reflect on growth, resilience, and beauty during life’s challenges.
Events like these are more than just gatherings, they are intentional moments of recognition, connection, and care. They remind military spouses that their experiences are seen, valued, and worthy of celebration. If you are interested in this event, please email the clinic for registration details: info@cohenvvsd.org
This month, let us take a moment to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of military spouses. Their sacrifices and resilience are an essential part of the military community. By honoring their experiences, we not only show appreciation, but we also bring visibility to the strength it takes to stand beside those who serve. Therapy for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families
Giselle Vallejo, LPCC
Learn more by visiting vvsd.net/cohenclinics
CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.
Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, including National Guard / Reserves. LEARN MORE vvsd.net/cohenclinics
By Lori Noonan, Navy Veteran, Army Spouse, and In-house Contributor
Every May, I find myself pausing a little longer over the framed photographs lining our hallway. There's my father in his Army uniform, taken not long before he shipped to Korea. My brother-in-law in Navy dungarees, somewhere off the coast of Vietnam. A picture of me in dress blues during my Europe tour in the early 1990s, a young Navy sailor a long way from home. A photo of my daughter as a newborn, taken at the base hospital overseas where she came into the world while I was still serving. And the most recent addition—my husband in Army service uniform, smiling beside our family at his commissioning. Two services, four wars and eras, one family. During Military Appreciation Month, those photographs feel less like memorabilia and more like a conversation across time.
Military Appreciation Month was officially designated by Congress in 1999, but its roots run far deeper than the calendar suggests. May was chosen deliberately. It already held Loyalty Day, Public Service Recognition Week, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Lawmakers simply tied the threads together and gave the month a name. What they recognized—and what those of us who have lived inside the military community already knew—is that service is rarely a single act. It is a continuous fabric, woven from the contributions of those in uniform, those who wait at home, and those who came before.
The history of women in that fabric is older than most Americans realize. Women served as nurses, cooks, laundresses, and even disguised soldiers during the Revolutionary War. More than 33,000 served as nurses in World War I, and over 350,000 women wore the uniform in World War II through the WAC, WAVES, SPARS, and the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act finally gave women permanent status in the regular and reserve forces. By Korea, where my father served in the Army, women were a small but permanent presence. By Vietnam, where my brother-inlaw served in the Navy, roughly 11,000 American military women were stationed in-country, most as nurses, with thousands more serving afloat and ashore across the Pacific. By the time I raised my right hand and joined the Navy, women were filling roles across nearly every career field. During the Gulf War era, more than 40,000 women deployed to Southwest Asia—the largest deployment of American military women in history up to that point—while many thousands more, like me, served at posts and
on installations across Europe and around the world, holding the line in places that didn't make the nightly news but were no less essential to the mission. We were yeomen and corpsmen, mechanics and intelligence specialists, military police and communicators—enlisted sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines doing the daily, unglamorous work that keeps a military running. In 2016, the last ground combat roles opened to women, closing a chapter that had been slowly turning for more than two centuries.
But uniforms tell only half the story. Military Spouse Appreciation Day, established by President Reagan in 1984 and observed on the Friday before Mother's Day, recognizes the quieter service that holds families together. I have lived on both sides of that day. As a sailor, I knew what it meant to wear the uniform far from home. As an Army spouse, I have learned what it costs to stay. Spouses move, on average, every two to three years. They navigate solo parenting through deployments, build new communities again and again, and often pause their own careers so that the mission can continue. The Department of Defense estimates that more than 1.6 million Americans currently hold the title of military spouse, and their endurance is its own form of patriotism.
What I hope readers take from this month is not a single gesture, but a habit of attention. Thank a veteran, certainly. But also notice the spouse managing a household alone, the child born overseas who has lived in four countries before kindergarten, the Gold Star family carrying a loss that does not fade with the news cycle. Support the nonprofits doing the steady, unglamorous work— organizations in your community and those that serve nationally. Hire a veteran. Mentor a transitioning service member. Show up for the funeral, the homecoming, the deployment send-off.
When I look at those hallway photographs—Army green in Korea, Navy blue off Vietnam, a young sailor in Europe, and the soldier my husband still is today—I do not see separate stories. I see one long line of ordinary people who said yes when their country asked. May is our month to say thank you back.
Author Bio
Lori Noonan is a nonprofit executive and consultant with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations grow their impact. A Navy veteran, she is passionate about strengthening communities and elevating the voices and experiences of those who have served.
National Military Appreciation Month takes place throughout May, from the 1st through the 31st. It is a time set aside to recognize and express gratitude to the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. The month also includes key observances such as Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, offering meaningful opportunities to reflect on the service and sacrifices of the military community.
May 9th, 2026
Military Spouse Appreciation Month takes place in May and recognizes the sacrifices and vital contributions of military spouses. Military Spouse Appreciation Day is observed on the Friday before Mother’s Day, which this year falls on May 9.
By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert
Last month we addressed the some of the consequences of the current campaign, so this month we’ll expand. At this writing, we do not have boots on the ground and our casualties, while tragic, are thankfully limited given the scope of the engagement. First, the concept of delayed onset PTSD. I first became aware of this early in my career working with elderly veterans. The coverage of a number of 50-year anniversaries (D-Day, Hiroshima, Battle of the Bulge, and others) had surprising impact on these men, many of whom had functioned very well throughout their adulthood. As the concept of PTSD was not in place at conclusion of their service, it was unclear how many of these gentlemen would have qualified for a diagnosis at the time. What was clear that media coverage of these events was triggering, particularly in the form of nightmares.
What we know now about delayed onset PTSD is that prior exposure to traumatic events can set the stage for the onset of full PTSD. One way of thinking about this is that neurobiological changes in response to trauma can set the stage for delayed reactions. Risk factors like social isolation, family or work stress, economic uncertainty can bring individuals ‘to the brink’ of key PTSD symptoms such as nightmares and hypervigilance, only to be pushed over the edge by current event triggers like the Iran conflict.
Next, the impact on civilians. It’s too easy to think of military trauma exposure as confined to combat between formal adversaries, our soldiers against theirs. The changing nature of war since WWII has increasingly involved asymmetric warfare, with unclear battle lines, military targets intermingled with civilians (think Gaza), and deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure (think Ukraine). Prior exposure to such conditions (think Iraq and Afghanistan) can push veterans to the brink, both for those whose PTSD symptoms are either improved or intermittent and for those who made transition to post-service life without overt symptoms.
The past five years has brought the world conflicts with massive civilian impact in Gaza/ Israel, Ukraine, and Iran, not to mention other counties like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria which receive less notice. A quick scan of Youtube uncovers coverage of raw video of civilian casualties, sometimes factual and sometimes political in nature.
Veterans who encountered significant civilian casualties during their service often have components of moral injury, which has been defined as experiences that violate or disrupt one’s concept of right and wrong. Moral injury often overlaps and complicates the symptoms of PTSD. In our era of social media overload, seeking information about the Iran conflict can trigger the algorithms pushing constant triggering content.
What to do? Take a break from the news cycle. Find positive involvement with family, friends and community, which can serve as reminder of the good that remains in our troubled world. Seek help, no matter now long ago a trauma exposure occurred, if your nightmares, irritability, or hypervigilance start to take over. We can all pray for an end to this conflict that will leave the earth a more peaceful and secure place.
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
“I am shocked and surprised that this treatment worked. When I think about PTSD, I think about the brain and this being a brain problem… There is no denying the calming effect this treatment had on me. This has made a significant difference in my personal life. This treatment is remarkably effective.” — Kevin, US veteran whose symptoms included social anxiety and monthly panic attacks before he found Freespira
They’re signs of impact. At
https://tinyurl.com/vet-in-transition
Careers & Education
Transition to Civilian Life (May 2026)
From Naval Officer to Nation Builder
AI Aides Veteran Transition in San Diego
The
Honor the Fallen--Continue the Mission
Build a Marketing Strategy That Actually Works
Translating Military Skills into a Civilian Career Asset Protection for Real Estate Investors
Earn Your Degree Anytime, Anywhere.
Military life comes with constant changes—deployments, PCS moves, and unpredictable schedules. But your education doesn’t have to wait. At Los Angeles Pacific University, we understand the unique challenges military members, spouses, veterans, and dependents face. That’s why our fully online programs offer the flexibility you need to study at your own pace, no matter where life takes you. Whether you’re on base, deployed overseas, or at home, your degree moves with you!
• 100% Online & Flexible: Learn from anywhere, on a schedule that fits your life.
• Maximize Your Benefits: Use GI Bill®, tuition assistance, and spousal benefits.
• Earn Credit for Your Experience: Take advantage of CLEP, DSST (DANTES), and AARTS/JST to turn your military training and knowledge into college credit.
• Fully Accredited: LAPU offers fully accredited associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
• Faith-Based & Supportive: Dedicated military-friendly success coaches who care about your journey.
Your Future Starts Today! Take the Next Step
*At this time, LAPU is unable to offer distance programs or courses to students residing in the following states and districts: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
By Eve Nasby eve@infused.work
Derek Barksdale spent over two decades protecting others. Now he's built a system to make sure no veteran is left navigating civilian life alone.
There is a moment, familiar to nearly every man and woman who has worn a uniform, when the structure that defined their identity — the rank, the mission, the chain of command — simply disappears. What fills that void determines everything.
For Derek Barksdale, retired Naval Officer, senior government service employee, entrepreneur, and founder of Military Mutual, that void became a calling. And that calling became an ecosystem — one designed to ensure that tens of thousands of nonprofit organizations serving veterans are no longer invisible to the people who need them most.
His story does not begin with the military. It begins in Oakland, California, at age 17, with a paintbrush and an entrepreneurial instinct that outpaced his years. He built a painting business from nothing, found success in peak season, and discovered the hard truth of what happens when there is no financial structure to carry a young business through the slow months. Too driven to accept a nine-to-five, too restless to plateau — in 1989, he enlisted as an E-1.
What he found in the Navy exceeded every expectation.
"I had people who believed in me," Barksdale says. Over more than two decades and seven deployments rooted largely in San Diego, he rose from enlisted sailor to Naval Officer, through nine ranks, ultimately serving as Deputy Chief of Police for Navy Region Southwest after retirement. Along the way, he discovered something that would shape every venture that followed: he is, at his core, a lifter of people.
The pivot to real estate was, as the best pivots often are, completely accidental. In 2007, his wife obtained her real estate license and landed her first client — a sailor he had referred to her. Barksdale found himself drawn in to help navigate uncharted waters. And then something happened that changed the trajectory of his life: that
client stood on the doorstep of his new home and wept as he received the keys. He was the first person in his entire family to ever own a house.
"That was it for me," Barksdale says quietly.
He retired in 2011 and launched a company focused on helping military families and veterans navigate homeownership. But the problem was larger than real estate. Veterans weren't just uninformed about buying homes — they were uninformed about their own worth, their benefits, and the vast infrastructure of support that existed for them, if only they knew where to look. As a certified National Association of Realtors Instructor and Regional Director of VAREP, Barksdale was uniquely positioned to see the gap between what was available and what was actually reaching people.
That realization planted a seed. Six years ago, he began building toward something larger than any single company. When COVID-19 hit, rather than derailing his vision, it gave him time to think methodically. He leaned into his lending company, his investment portfolio, and the quiet discipline of a man who spent two decades overseeing the security of dignitaries, VIPs, and highvalue national assets.
The result is Military Mutual — a platform that functions as a community, providing AI-driven connective tissue between veterans and the services created to support them. The database, assembled over 18 months, catalogs nonprofit organizations worldwide with contact information, program details, and eligibility criteria. A veteran searching for financial assistance receives one to three tailored recommendations based on their specific circumstances. The intelligence is immediate. The friction is gone.
"There are 40,000 nonprofits out there aimed towards serving veterans," Barksdale says. "Veterans don't know they exist. The nonprofits don't have the exposure they deserve. We're solving both problems at once."
The platform operates on a tiered model. A free version provides access to events, on-demand courses, podcasts, and tactical takeaways spanning 10 core areas of personal and professional development. A basic membership adds a daily mindfulness routine and AI voice database access. Premium membership unlocks the full AI-driven GPT experience — with memory, group coaching, and the complete on-demand suite.
A pro membership, limited to established executives and entrepreneurs, adds one-on-one coaching, forum cohorts, and a co-marketing layer that brings veteran-owned businesses into the ecosystem as mission-level partners.
For Barksdale — a man who enlisted at 19, rose through nine ranks, helped a weeping stranger become the first homeowner in his family, and has since served on the
Navy League of San Diego, four Naval Commissioning Committees, the San Diego Military Advisory Council, and the founding board of the Eagle's Organization — this platform is the fullest expression of a life spent lifting others.
Military Mutual is built for everything that comes after the uniform comes off. And for Derek Barksdale, that work is only beginning.
To learn more, visit militarymutual.org
For me, Memorial Day is deeply personal. It’s a time to remember the men and women I served with who never made it home, and the families who continue to carry that loss. It’s not about celebration…it’s about honoring their sacrifice and ensuring they are never forgotten.
I was taught a powerful lesson during my time in the Navy: “It’s not about you.” Memorial Day reinforces that in the most profound way. It reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy came at a cost, and our responsibility is to live in a way that honors those who gave everything.
Need help with your transition? Have questions? Link up with Eve on LinkedIn today. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert
By Maurice D. Wilson, MCPO USN (Ret), President/Executive Director, National
Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI.org / VeteranMatch) aka REBOOT
For many transitioning service members, the walk across the brow for the last time is met with a mix of pride and profound uncertainty. While the military provides a clear rank and rate structure, the civilian workforce can feel like unmapped territory. In San Diego, a city defined by its deep naval roots and a thriving innovation economy, a new technological bridge called VeteranMatch is being built to close this gap.
The Needle in the Haystack San Diego’s economy is one of the nation’s most dynamic, but its sheer scale creates a unique challenge. The region boasts over 80,000 employers and 24 major industry sectors charting roughly 1.6 million jobs. For a veteran, trying to identify the single right job in this vast landscape is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
This difficulty works both ways; the complexity of the market also makes it incredibly difficult for employers to find the right fit veteran for their specific needs. National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI), also known as REBOOT, is addressing this by adding Veteran IndustryMatch to the VeteranMatch platform.
The struggle to transition is backed by sobering data. Approximately 8 out of 10 veterans cite career direction as their single biggest challenge during reintegration. This lack of clarity often leads to underemployment, where veterans find work that does not utilize their full potential. Currently, 61% of post-9/11 veterans report being underemployed three years after service.
Even more concerning is the churn—the 43% of veterans who leave their first civilian job within the first year, often due to a poor cultural or skill fit. IndustryMatch, supported by the USS Midway Foundation’s Catapult Endowment Fund, seeks to solve these issues by providing a datadriven roadmap.
Science of Career DNA
At the heart of the platform is the Gemini AI Engine, which has been upgraded to provide predictive career matching. Rather than simply matching job titles, the system performs a Live Competency Analysis. This processes millions of job descriptions to focus on what a veteran can do rather than just their prior job titles.
The system builds a comprehensive Career DNA profile by analyzing over 600 parameters—including hard and soft skills, behaviors, and RIASEC personality types— against more than 20,000 tasks and tools. The AI calculates matches using a sophisticated weighting model:
• Stated Interests: 35%
• Career Profile Match: 25%
• Skills Alignment: 15%
• Personality Fit: 10%
• Application Activity: 10%
• Market Opportunity: 5%
Diego’s
IndustryMatch provides a Transparent Fit Analysis that breaks down exactly why an industry is a match based on personal alignment and the industry’s veteran-friendly status. For those staying in the region, the tool provides real-time San Diego statistics, allowing veterans to target high-value sectors where average salaries often exceed $110,000:
IT & Cybersecurity
Software
Defense
Aerospace
Life Sciences
$145,000 25,000 Jobs
$154,972 1,531 Establishments
$125,000 146,653 Jobs
$112,666 966 Establishments
$107,824 27,095 Jobs
The mission of VeteranMatch extends beyond the individual service member. A core feature of the platform
is SpouseMatch, which is dedicated to connecting military spouses with meaningful careers. VeteranMatch's chief aim is to help all transitioning service members (TSMs), veterans, and spouses find their best-fit job using AI. By infusing regional employer data into the platform, users can use predictive analytics to make the best possible career decisions in the shortest possible time.
This enhancement is a critical win for our regional reintegration ecosystem. These tools will be presented to all transitioning military enrolled in the upcoming REBOOT Lite Workshops beginning in May, providing them with immediate, actionable career intelligence.
Military, veterans, and spouses are invited to join the platform by visiting: https://veteranmatch.org/welcome
By combining the organizational backbone of community partners with the right-fit technology of IndustryMatch and SpouseMatch, we are building a system that moves our heroes confidently from duty to destiny.
www.nvtsi.org maurice@nvtsi.org
https://calendly.com/maurice-nvtsi
About NVTSI
National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI) is a San Diegobased nonprofit dedicated to helping service members, veterans, and spouses successfully transition from military to civilian life.
At NVTSI, we believe every veteran deserves more than a job at the end of service—they deserve a career worth building. NVTSI.org
By Paul Falcone PaulFalconeHR.com
I was born on Memorial Day, so it’s always been a special day for me. Yet, May can be a heavy month for the military community. We observe National Military Appreciation Month, honor the fallen on Memorial Day, and celebrate the resilience of caregivers. But there’s a specific day on the May calendar that holds the key to a successful transition into the private sector: Military Spouse Appreciation Day, celebrated the Friday before Mother’s Day.
When a service member hangs up their uniform, the focus is naturally on their résumé, their benefits, and their next "mission." However, anyone who has navigated a Permanent Change of Status (PCS) move knows the truth: the real engine of a successful transition is the spouse. In the complex landscape of moving from a life of service to a life in the private sector, spouses aren’t just supporters— they’re the Chief Transition Officer (CTO).
The military spouse is the person who manages the "liminal space" between two worlds. They’re the ones researching school districts in a new city while the service member finishes out-processing. They’re the ones navigating the emotional toll of a shifting identity, while simultaneously managing the logistics of a household in flux.
In many ways, military spouses are the ultimate project managers. They’re experts in rapid integration, crisis management, and influence without authority. Yet, when they look toward their own professional future in the civilian world, they often face a daunting hurdle known as the "Military Spouse Penalty."
Despite their incredible resilience and adaptability, military spouses may face significant employment challenges that are directly tied to the service of their partners. Frequent PCS moves create "patchwork" résumés that traditional corporate recruiters often misunderstand.
Recent data paints a stark picture:
• Unemployment Rates: Military spouse unemployment has consistently hovered around 21%, which is significantly higher than the national average.
• The Underemployment Gap: Even when employed, roughly 31% of spouses are underemployed, meaning they’re working in roles that don’t match their education, experience, or skill levels.
• The Mobility Tax: Every PCS move forces a spouse to quit a job, lose seniority, and often wait months to transfer state-specific professional licenses (for example, for teachers, nurses, or social workers).
For the "Chief Transition Officer," these statistics aren't just numbers; they represent lost income, stalled dreams, and the frustration of having to "start over" every two to three years.
Redefining the Transition Narrative
If you’re currently serving or a veteran, it’s vital to recognize that your transition is a "team sport." Supporting your spouse’s professional goals isn't just about equity— it’s a strategic move for your family’s financial future and emotional stability.
For the spouses reading this: Your résumé isn't "broken" or “spotty.” It’s a testament to your versatility, agility, and change readiness, which are among the top-five priorities that employers seek. The gaps in your work history aren't signs of inconsistency; they’re markers of your ability to prioritize the mission while maintaining your own career aspirations.
As you look toward the private sector, there are multiple ways to combat the "spouse penalty" during a transition, including:
1. Leveraging the "Remote-First" Revolution. The shift toward remote and hybrid work is the single greatest tool for military spouses. When negotiating your next role—or when your spouse is looking for theirs—prioritize "locationneutral" positions. This allows you to maintain a career trajectory that is independent of where the military or a new corporate job might send the family.
2. Focusing on "Skill-Based" Branding. Transitioning families should move away from chronological résumés and toward skill-based ones. Instead of focusing on where you worked, focus on what you achieved. A military spouse who managed five moves in ten years is a specialist in logistics, operations, and cultural adaptability. These are battle-tested soft skills, which indicate a high level of emotional intelligence (i.e., a high “EQ” or “emotional quotient”).
3. Utilizing “Upskilling” and Certification Credits. Close technical gaps and certify in areas that employers are looking for in project management, data analytics, or IT support, for example, to stand out among your peers. Coursera, FutureLearn, and edX offer free online programs and low-cost certifications to build your resume and LinkedIn profile.
If the transitioning member is within 180 days of separation, spouses may be able to participate in the DoD SkillBridge program, allowing them to work as a civilian intern at a partner company, providing a risk-free "test drive" of a new career field. Likewise, focus your job search on identifying military-friendly employers and companies that have joined this DOD’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program. Find them with a simple Google search.
To the Chief Transition Officers out there: We in HR see the work you do behind the scenes. We see the résumés you’ve rewritten and the sacrifices you’ve made to keep the "unit" running. This month, we don't just appreciate your service—we celebrate your professional potential. The transition to civilian life is a massive undertaking, but with the family’s CTO at the helm, the mission isn't just possible—it’s the start of your best chapter yet.
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
By Dr. George Ann Rice Patriots to Education www.patriotstoeducation.org
Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the United States. It is a day that underscores sacrifice in defense of our nation and invites reflection on the enduring meaning of service.
Patriots to Education (PTE) builds on this legacy by reinforcing a critical message: service does not end when the uniform comes off. For Veterans, National Guard members, Reservists, transitioning service members,and military spouses, the opportunity to serve continues—most meaningfully within America’s public education system.
Across K–12 schools, there are numerous roles essential to student success and school operations. These include teachers, Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors, paraprofessionals, substitutes, transportation staff, school nurses, safety personnel, IT specialists, and skilled trades professionals. Each position contributes directly to the strength and effectiveness of the education system.
At the same time, school systems across the country face persistent workforce shortages especially in areas such as special education, STEM fields, CTE, transportation, technical services, and health-related roles. To address these gaps, many states and districts offer accelerated pathways, alternative certification programs, and financial incentives to support entry into the profession.
For military-connected individuals, Memorial Day offers a moment to reflect on purpose and mission. Careers in public education represent a natural extension of military values—duty, leadership, discipline, and commitment to community. By transitioning into public education, these individuals help ensure that the cost of freedom is understood, respected, and carried forward by future generations.
Memorial Day also highlights a fundamental truth:
• Military service protects the nation externally
• Public education strengthens the nation internally
A strong education system is essential to national resilience. It requires educators who are committed to preparing students to:
• Understand the historical significance of military sacrifice
• Appreciate the principles upon which the nation was founded
• Develop civic responsibility, accountability, and informed citizenship
• Build critical thinking skills and civic awareness
Public education remains one of the few civilian professions where the concept of service is central. For military-connected individuals, transitioning into education is not a departure from service—it is a continuation of it in a different domain.
The alignment between military experience and education careers is clear:
• Leadership and Accountability – classroom management, administration, mentoring
• Discipline and Structure – effectiveness in diverse and high-needs environments
• Team Orientation – collaboration with educators, staff, and families
• Mission Focus – commitment to student outcomes and school improvement
A career in public education leverages existing skills, fulfills a critical national need, and provides a stable, mission-driven pathway with long-term growth potential.
Patriots to Education emphasizes honoring the fallen through action. By stepping into essential roles within public education, military-connected individuals continue a life of service that reflects the very values Memorial Day represents. From classrooms to operations, counseling to transportation, health-related services to technology, there is a place to serve—and a mission to continue.
We are raising funds and awareness to support Patriots to Education, a program dedicated to helping veterans and their spouses transition into meaningful careers within our school districts.
Through this initiative, veterans serve in critical roles such as K–12 teachers, Career and Technical Education instructors, counselors, IT technicians, school safety officers, bus drivers, and administrative and operations staff.
Without programs like Patriots to Education, many essential positions would remain unfilled. PTE is ambitiously working to partner with all 50 states by 2030 to place veterans and their spouses into open school district positions.
This program helps bridge that gap—bringing skilled professionals into our schools while giving our nation’s warriors continued purpose and meaningful work in their communities.
Your corporate sponsorship or donation does more than fill a position—it helps veterans begin a new mission while strengthening our education system.
By Barbara Eldridge President/ Founder of Mind Masters www.mindmasters.com
Recently, in a networking group, a member was the featured speaker. Like many small business owners, he was trying to be everything to everyone. That scattered approach may have helped him get started, but in today’s evolving market, it caused him to lose sight of where his real opportunities—and customers—actually are.
So let me ask you: What is your marketing strategy?
Do you have a clear, focused foundation guiding your sales and marketing efforts? I’m talking about a defined direction that shapes every message, campaign, and piece of content you create—so you stand out to the people who matter most: your ideal customers.
In Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, Gino Wickman emphasizes the importance of identifying your core focus—what you do best and why it matters. That clarity fuels consistency, confidence, and long-term growth.
And that brings us back to the real issue: without a complete marketing strategy, focus is nearly impossible.
For many entrepreneurs, the day-to-day demands of running a business take over. You stay busy. You deliver. You survive. But building a business that is sustainable and future-ready requires more than reacting—it requires vision. A strong marketing strategy gives you that vision. It creates a clear picture of how your business should look, feel, and perform in the marketplace.
At its core, an effective marketing strategy includes four essential elements:
1. Your Target Market (“The List”) – A clearly defined group of people who need what you offer.
2. Your Unique Selling Proposition – The three distinct qualities that set you apart from competitors.
3. Your Proven Process – The specific steps you use to guide prospects into becoming customers.
4. Your Guarantee – A promise that reduces risk and builds trust with your audience.
When these elements are aligned, they act as a filter for every decision you make. They keep you grounded in your vision and values, and they make it easier to identify what truly matters—and what doesn’t.
The result? You stop trying to be everything to everyone.
Instead, you become highly relevant to the right people.
That clarity gives you permission to say no to distractions, protect your time, and stay focused on building a business that works—not just one that keeps you busy. It keeps you moving forward with purpose, direction, and confidence.
Because in the end, success doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing the right things, for the right people, in the right way.
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
By Joseph Molina veteransccsd@gmail.com www.vccsd.org
Translating military experience into civilian language can feel like starting over, especially when job posts don’t match what we did in uniform.
Take a look at some powerful tips:
Step 1. Rewire your mindset. Start welcoming the “Different”
Step 2. Tell your story. Use the story cycle approach and tell it in plain terms so others can see it too!
Step 3. Lean on veterans in the community for support… Start networking
Step 4. Know that your military service already built the skills you need, the next step is naming them clearly so others can see them too.
Step 5. Choose 3 local networking organizations. Get involved.
Having a strong network of veterans and professionals will make a world of difference.
Q: How do I translate MOS duties into civilian language so civilians can understand it?
A: Focus on outcomes, not the job title; start with what changed because you led, fixed or built something. Replace rank and unit terms with plain equivalents like “team lead,” “operations,” “logistics,” or “training.”
Q: Avoid the biggest resume mistake when applying to civilian roles?
A: Copying an “all-in” military resume into every application. Keep a master version, then tailor one page to match the posting’s top requirements using the employer’s wording. If it is not relevant to the role, it is noise.
Q: How many jobs should I apply each week?
A: Keep your Focus. Know exactly the type of job you want! Decide on the number of applications you want to send each week, but don’t focus on the number of applications, keep your focus on Networking and relationship building with those who can help you land the job you are after.
Q: How do I handle the question “Tell me about yourself” effectively?
A: Use the 3-step structure: 1) Select something about yourself that “matches“ the type of job. 2) Identify something you are great at and “Match it” with one of the characteristics of the potential job. 3) Your Why, The most important step. Tell them why you are so passionate about working there. Keep military details minimal unless they directly ask you about it.
Veterans Chamber (NVCC)
The NVCC acts as a project incubation platform that empowers veteran-leaders to lead transformative projects in their communities that support and empower transitioning military. It focuses on training, and entrepreneurship. www.vccsd.org
Thank you, Lucy, for collaborating on the content for this article. Lucy Reed is a contributor to the NVCC blog, where she provides resources and content for the Chamber’s blog.
WWW.INFUSED.WORK
Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners
By Kelly Bagla, Esq. www.BaglaLaw.com
As a real estate investor, having an asset protection strategy is a critical component of a secure, resilient business structure. Most investors have their investment property held in a legal entity, but this is only one component of asset protection and unfortunately, one that can easily be sidestepped during legal proceedings. Without a solid, multi—layered approach, you could lose passive income or entire properties from a settlement or judgment.
Real estate asset protection is a strategic approach to protecting your properties from creditors who may try to take control of your investments due to lawsuits or settlements. When a lawsuit occurs, regardless of whether it’s a settlement or judgment against you, you have the obligation to pay for damages, injuries, attorney fees, and much more. If structured properly, asset protection planning can essentially separate your personal or entity legal obligations from other business assets you own.
There are several options to help investors protect their assets. It’s important to look at the costs and benefits of each strategy and speak with a professional for advice on which structure best suits your needs. Investors with few properties may be able to get away with utilizing one or more strategies, while others may want to employ more because of the size of their investment portfolio. Here are a few of the most commonly used asset protection approaches:
• Homestead Protection – Homestead Protection is one of the most foolproof approaches to protecting your asset from seizure but obviously can only apply to one property in which you’ll need to legally reside. In most jurisdictions, a significant portion, if not the entire value of the residence, is protected from bankruptcy, court judgments, or settlements. Currently, the California homestead exemption is automatic, meaning that
the homestead declaration does not need to be filed with the county clerk. Under the 2021 law $300,000 to $600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.
“ ”
Having the best multi—layered asset protection strategy in place for your unique real estate investment portfolio is the key to mitigating your risks.
- Kelly Bagla, Esq.
• Limited Liability Companies (LLC) — LLCs are considered separate entities under the law and protect the owners of the LLC from the LLC’s liabilities and business debts. Holding each investment property in its own LLC limits creditors from attaching all your other real estate holding for settling a judgement. For example, if one investment property gets sued, usually the other assets can’t be touched due to the separate nature of the other assets shielded by strategic asset protection.
• Insurance – One of the most popular asset protection strategies in the real estate industry is insurance. The coverage you choose for your property depends on the real estate type. You can protect your home with a homeowner’s policy and your commercial property with a business policy. You’ll need to increase your insurance coverage as your real estate portfolio grows.
• Use a Management Company – A management company can provide some protection if the company is a third—party provider that will manage the real property for you. However, usually these management companies will pass 100 percent risk to the owner, which leaves your rental investment exposed to potential lawsuits. If real estate investment is your actual business, then forming your own management company would be a great advantage and places distance between your real estate and tenants who could sue for nothing.
Having the best multi—layered asset protection strategy in place for your unique real estate investment portfolio is the key to mitigating your risks. Consult a trusted asset protection attorney to help you keep what is yours and safeguard your future.
Bagla Law Firm, APC is a business formation and asset protection firm with more than twenty years of legal excellence coupled with real-life entrepreneurial experience, to help you keep what’s yours.
For more information visit my website at www.BaglaLaw.com
Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
Bagla, Esq., and her team at Bagla Law Firm, APC, a Business Formation and Asset Protection 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.
By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com
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
While the military pledges to support and defend our country, this commitment can come at the cost of behavioral health.
At Thousand Branches Wellness in Mission Valley, we honor the sacrifices of servicemen and women by proudly providing specialized mental health treatment for veterans and military service members.
Some of the issues we address:
• PTSD
• Depression and anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Relationship challenges
• Work and career concerns
Our personalized programs can include:
• Individual therapy with a licensed clinician
• Weekly group therapy sessions
• Medication management
We understand the distinct challenges of military life and are dedicated to supporting those who have bravely served.
If you or someone you love is struggling, call our 24/7 intake line 619-202-8586 for a level-of-care assessment.
3838 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 380 San Diego, CA 92108 ThousandBranchesWellness.com
https://tinyurl.com/apply-mosiac
themosaicfoundation.org themosaicfoundation.org
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.
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.
Memorial
carries a profound sense of meaning. It’s a moment to reflect on the men and women who gave everything and never returned home, and to recognize the families who live with that loss every day. This day isn’t about celebration—it’s about honoring their sacrifice and keeping their memory alive.