San Diego Veterans Magazine November 2023

VETERANS Vol. 6 • Number 11 • November 2023

SAN DIEGO

MAGAZINE

Honoring All Those Who Served

VETERANS DAY 11 th

1978-2023

Commemorative Veterans Day Posters that Reflect Pride and Patriotism in Saluting Veterans

FLEET WEEK SAN DIEGO Veteran Organizations Events, Support & Resources

CAREER RESOURCES Transition Strategies - Advice & Tips

VA SAN DIEGO:

You Served Us, Now Let Us Serve You

MENTAL HEALTH FIGHTING PTSD

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“I’m happier with myself. Having been in therapy, period, has helped me be in a better place now.”

Rogelio “Roger” Rodriguez, Jr US Navy (1987 – 1993) US Air Force (1993 – 2013)

PTSD treatment can turn your life around.

For more information visit: www.ptsd.va.gov/aboutface

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Your Service Inspires Ours Everything we do is inspired by the military service and sacrifice of our members. We’re grateful for our 2 million+ veteran members and their commitment to our country—and we’re proud to support them with special offers, financial resources and award-winning service.

See All We Do for You navyfederal.org/veterans

Insured by NCUA. © 2023 Navy Federal NFCU 14044 (8-23)

EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY AT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT®

The sole focus of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to serve those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. WWP honors them on Veterans Day — and every day — because their service and sacrifice matter.

JOIN

SUPPORT

WOUNDED WARRIOR

Aaron Cornelius

A D V O C AT E

woundedwarriorproject.org/20anniversary

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Mike Miller

Monthly Columns

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Welcome to San Diego Veterans Magazine!

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

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

The content is the driving force behind our magazine and the connection it makes with our veterans, service members, military families, and civilians.

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

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

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

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

Mike Miller Editor-In-Chief

mikemiller@sdvetsmagazine.com www.sandiegoveteransmagazine.com 4 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

What’s Next Transition Eve Nasby • Kristin Hennessy Human Resources Paul Falcone Veterans in Business Barbara Eldridge Successful Transitioning Stories Dr. Julie Ducharme Risky Business Hadley Wood Franchise Frontline Rhonda Sanderson Real Talk: Mental Health Hope Phifer PTSD: Reclaiming Control Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD TLC Caregiving Kie Copenhaver Art & Healing Amber Robinson Legal Eagle Kelly Bagla, Esq. Family Law Tana Landau, Esq. Midway Magic David Koontz Veterans Chamber Commerce Joe Molina Contributing Writers Wounded Warrior Project Raquel G. Rivas, WWP Disabled American Veterans San Diego Veterans Coalition Veteran Association North County (In-House) Correspondents Holly Shaffner CJ Machado San Diego Veterans Magazine 9528 Miramar Road, #41 San Diego, CA 92126

(858) 275-4281

mikemiller@SDVetsMagazine.com San Diego Veterans Magazine is published monthly. Submissions of photographs, Illustrations, drawings, and manuscripts are considered unsolicited materials and the publisher assumes no responsibility for the said items. All rights reserved

NOVEMBER 2023 INSIDE THE ISSUE 8 Midway Magic: The Healing Power 10 Liberty Station: A Walk Back Through Time 12 Fleet Week San Diego 15 Military Order (MOWW) 17 Veterans Day - Memorial Day (The Difference) 19 Veterans Day Posters (1978-2023) 22 VA San Diego Healthcare System 24 Meaningful Connections 27 Operation Dress Code - Save The Date 28 TLC: Veterans Day 31 San Diego Veterans Coalition 33 East County Chamber 34 Real Estate: Affordable Neighborhoods 35 Veterans Association of North County 38 The Impact of PTSD 40 Real Talk: PTSD: Letter To Self 42 Panic Symptoms & PTSD 44 USD - A Better Way to Your MBA 46 Lessons Learned (USPTO) 48 HR: Future Workforce 50 Business for Veterans: Business Assets 52 Navigating Career Choices 54 What’s Next: A Spouse’s Perspective 56 Franchise Frontline: Patrick Daniel 58 Successful Transition: Steven Kuhn 62 Risky Business: Management Liability 63 VCCSD: Veterans and Leadership 66 Legal Eagle: Q&A Starting a Business 68 Legally Speaking: Disability Pay and Divorce 72 Careers in Law Enforcement 74 SDPD Ride Along - A Story of Two Marines WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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https://www.WoodyWilliams.org/monuments/San-Diego-ca.html 6 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

VETERANS DAY 2023 PROGRAM Sponsored by Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 4:00 PM

Duty, Honor, Country "50th Year of the U.S. Major Troop Withdrawal from Vietnam and the Return of American POW's Return from Captivity”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CDR Jim Bedinger Former POW, USN, Retired

FEATURED SPEAKER:

Dr. Pha Le

Scan the QR code to visit our website www.miramarcemetery.org www.miramarcemetery.org

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / Octoberr 2023

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The Healing Power of the USS Midway Museum Some call it magic, others say it’s miraculous, but most who are connected with the USS Midway Museum know there is something very special about the ship.

“I think becoming a Midway docent has given me long life,” said Joe Neves, a 96-year-old World War II veteran who has been a museum docent since 2004.

“Being a volunteer on Midway is the greatest thing I could think of after retiring. I’m alive now and I can say that honestly that I owe it all to the Midway. If there wasn’t a Midway Museum, there may not be a Joe Neves still kicking around today.”

These feelings about Midway, that Joe will happily tell anyone who will listen, are shared by many other museums volunteers. For them, it’s part of the magic that is Midway. Being on board puts a spark in their life that can make them feel happier, healthier and even younger.

“Just being aboard the ship makes my day brighter and lightens my mood,” said 76-year-old Bob “Doc” Werner, a docent since 2015 who is currently recovering from heart surgery. “There is so much selfless giving among the volunteers that it puts me into a happy mood just to share that atmosphere. There is always such joy and happiness on board that it’s impossible to go home in a bad mood.”

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The positive and upbeat attitude by Midway’s volunteers is one of the primary reasons behind the museum being ranked as the number one thing to do in San Diego by Tripadvisor.

“The Midway tour was incredible,” said Kay McDoneil from Omaha, Neb. in a recent Tripadvisor review. “The veterans that give the tours are national treasures. I highly recommend this experience. I felt like we were stepping on hallowed ground.”

“I find great satisfaction talking to the guests, the families and seeing their excitement at experiencing something totally new,” said Werner, who is a multiple Purple Heart recipient for wounds he sustained in combat during the Vietnam War. “I particularly enjoy talking to the children and seeing the joy on their faces as they experience this great ship. The junior pilot program is so exciting to them and it makes me smile to award them their wings.”

For Ken “Gunner” Guyer, he’s still trying to put his finger on exactly what Midway brings to the table for him, but he knows for sure that it works. “I wish I could answer that because I would bottle whatever it is and distribute it worldwide,” said Gunner, a Vietnam War veterans who has amassed more than 5,300 volunteer hours since becoming docent since 2016. “Since becoming a volunteer, I have had numerous hospital stays and repairs to my body. Each time, as I am recovering, I look forward to returning to the Midway. Once I return, there is just a satisfaction that reaches to your very core about being a part of the ship and a part of the team.”

www.midway.org

Volunteering on Midway is a post-retirement endeavor for many. With an average age of 74, it’s not surprising that the museum’s volunteers may also navigate various health concerns as they advance into their golden years. For many, coming to Midway is tremendously therapeutic.

“We’ve both had major health issues over the years,” said safety department volunteer Carole Hansen, who along with her World War II veteran husband Al, have been sharing their time with the museum since 2005.

“Fiercely wanting to get back to the ship has been a huge factor in our recoveries. Volunteering helps us feel we’re still vital people who continue interacting with life.”

Although volunteering for Midway will never be seen as a formal prescription, in many cases, it can be just as impactful as medication.

“I told my surgeon before I went into the hospital that it is very important that I return to the Midway,” said Werner, who has more than 3,000 volunteer hours. “I have told all my doctors that. The Midway is a vital part of my life. Volunteering to serve on the Midway is one of the best decisions I have made, if not ever. I love the ship and she has returned that love.”

www.midway.org/give-join/volunteers volunteers@midway.org www.midway.org

For those interested in becoming a USS Midway Museum volunteer, more information along with the volunteer application can be found https://www.midway.org/give-join/volunteers

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A Walk Back Through Time:

An Interactive Journey Through Liberty Station’s Military History

As a part of its Centennial Anniversary celebration, San Diego’s former Naval Training Center (NTC), Liberty Station, launched a property-wide, self-guided walking tour.

A Walk Back Through Time allows guests to explore the property’s unique military history that took place from 1923-1997.

The free audio and visual walking tour includes 17 stops throughout the property, showcasing the unique roots and original Navy buildings that have been adapted for reuse as the shopping, dining and arts hub Liberty Station is today.

During the height of the NTC, the USS Recruit provided a space to train more than 50,000 U.S. Navy recruits each year. On this landlocked ship they learned basic Naval procedures, including how to follow orders and maneuver around a military vessel.

Now, the exhibit includes photos of the USS Recruit’s construction and 1980s remodel as well as architectural renderings and photographs of Naval recruits performing strategic drills and training activities.

no pun intended

A Walk Back Through Time features plaques throughout the property to help guide visitors on the tour. Each plaque is located at a historic landmark of the former NTC, complete with information on the site and a QR code that leads to a webpage with further information, visuals and audio on each unique stop.

The tour begins at Sellers Plaza and Gate One, the oldest portion of the property. The main gate creates a memorable landmark for visitors to begin the historic walking tour. Named for the base’s first commander, Sellers Plaza was the NTC’s front door and was often the only gate left open after curfew.

From here, guests embark on the self-guided walking tour to The Loma Club, which was originally The Navy’s Sail Ho Golf course, a 4-hole link course and grew to include an 18-hole putting course. The golf course provided a fun, recreational activity for recruits and even served as home base for golf great Sam Snead as head pro at the course while he trained at NTC in 1942.

While enjoying San Diego’s fair weather and the dozens of acres of shopping, dining and more, guests on the walking tour will then visit historic landmarks throughout the property such as the former commissary and mess hall—now Liberty Station’s famous Liberty Public Market with 38 food and drink vendors for guests to enjoy—the Enlisted Club and Ingram Plaza. The journey through time concludes at the USS Recruit, a naval training ship that houses Liberty Station’s newest exhibit in honor of the Centennial Anniversary.

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Guests are encouraged to further enjoy Liberty Station’s green spaces, dining and shopping as they conclude A Walk Back in Time. For more information and to take the tour yourself, visit www.100LibertyStation.com.

Bravo Zulu (Well done) San Diego!

We salute the men and women who served at San Diego’s Naval Training Center (NTC) this Veterans Day and every day. Thank you, San Diego, for making Liberty Station’s Centennial Celebration so special! #100LibertyStation

www.libertystation.com WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Fleet Week San Diego is one of the ways that this community can thank them for their service.

Respect for the commitment of enlisted service men and women has been a cornerstone of San Diego Fleet Week’s efforts since its beginnings in 1997. The organization began as a volunteer group of business leaders and retired military personnel banding together to plan and coordinate events to celebrate the U.S. military. The foundation officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 2001 and is celebrating its 22nd Anniversary this year.

By Larry Blumberg & Maggie Young The San Diego Fleet Week Foundation celebrates its 22nd Anniversary this November when Fleet Week returns to downtown San Diego and the Embarcadero.

The annual celebration forged by a partnership between business, community, and military leaders honors the men and women of the sea services through events that entertain and educate, while at the same time showcasing the many contributions that the Military makes to our community.

The majority of events kicks off on the weekend of 3 November and will continue through Sunday 12 November. An All active Duty Golf Tournament,

a Sixteen Team Softball Tournament that included military teams and teams of first responders from cities around the bay, as well as MCRD’s “Boot Camp Challenge” were all held in September and October.

“Our enlisted men and women are all volunteers and come from many walks of life for one purpose,” said San Diego Fleet Week Foundation Chief Operating Officer Maggie Young. “And that is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Their commitment to this ideal requires them to leave their families and their homes, deploying to many parts of the world to keep all of us here safe. They do this for very littlecompensation, 12 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

“We’re really excited about 2023,” said Maggie, who is responsible for producing and managing all the events.

“There have been a lot of changes through the years and we’ve gained a lot of experience in putting on a great show. That experience is translating into what I believe is going to be one of our best ever Fleet Week’s here in San Diego.”

Fleet Week has a rich history in San Diego and the foundation’s combined 25 years of hosting the annual celebration of the sea services. Many in the region consider San Diego to be the home of America’s first Fleet Week, which occurred in 1935, coinciding with the California Pacific International Exposition. The front page of the San Diego Union Tribune of the day reported the “arrival of a vast armada,” which consisted of more than 114 ships crewed by 63,000 officers and sailors.

Led by U.S. Navy Admiral Joseph M. Reeves, the 1935 flotilla demonstrated America’s might in response to military buildup in Germany and Japan. This was the same year that Congress enacted the Neutrality Act, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt believed to be dangerous as it ignored the potential threat of rising autocratic regimes in Europe and Asia. This was not the first time that a U.S. president used the diplomatic deployment of Navy ships to highlight American sea power, though. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt enacted a similar tactic with the sailing of the “Great White Fleet,” which was composed of 16 battleships and stops around the globe with the intent to protect U.S. holdings abroad and enforce international treaties.

San Diego was one of the “Great White Fleet’s” stops along the way. An article from the Naval History and Heritage Command written by Journalist 2nd Class Mike McKinney reads: “When the fleet pulled in on April 14, the sailors were greeted by thousands of enthusiastic residents as the great ships anchored off the Hotel del Coronado. Small boats of all descriptions surrounded the warships, and sailors were pelted with blossoms by ‘Flower Committees’ and filled to capacity with free lemonade by ‘Fruit Committees.’ For the next four days, San Diego celebrated, and the White Fleet sailors were given the royal treatment that ended only with the fleet’s departure for Los Angeles on April 18.”

A lot has changed since then, and San Diego is now home port to over 50 U.S. Navy ships, three major Marine Corps bases, and a robust Coast Guard element. While modern San Diego is no stranger to the sea services, the opportunity for the public to get an up-close look at the military forces in the county is a rare occurrence, happening only a couple of times each year.

“San Diego is definitely a military town,” said Cindy Farless Regional Community Services Director at Liberty Military Housing, the Chair of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation. “We’re proud of the work our military men and women perform, both in their service to our country and in our community, and we know that the people of San Diego join us in honoring and thanking these outstanding men and women.”

In 2022, more than 20,000 people visited Broadway Pier, where they had the opportunity to interact with Marine Corps field combat gear and participate in tours aboard Na Navy Ship and a Guard Cutter.

A full schedule of live events including several new events are planned for 2023. On Friday 3 November events will shift to Balboa Park for the Enlisted Recognition Luncheon at the San Diego Zoo, followed by a new event, the Navy & Marine Corps Band Concert starting at 4:45P.M. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

This concert is free and open to the public. On Saturday 4 November the SDSU/Fleet Week Football Classic, with SDSU taking on Utah State, will take place at Snapdragon Stadium.

On Tuesday 7 November a Navy Ship and a Coast Guard Cutter along with a convoy of Marines and Marine Corps equipment and other Military displays will arrive at Broadway Pier for a series of events and activities that will be open through Sunday 12 November. A “By Invitation” Kickoff Reception will be held inside the Pavilion on Broadway Pier on Wednesday evening 9 November.

Some of the events and activities scheduled that week include the Sony Innovation Zone (10-12 Nov), Student STEM Days (8-9 Nov) sponsored by the Judith Campbell Foundation, Military Family Day sponsored by Liberty Military Housing and an “MRE”, (Meals Read to Eat) cooking contest (11 Nov). Coast Guard Sector San Diego will also host an “Open House” on Saturday, 11 November, with free shuttles operating between the Coast Guard Station and Broadway Pier. The 4th annual Veterans Day Boat Parade around San Diego Bay will be held on Sunday 12 November in conjunction with the return of the Veterans Day Foot Parade on Harbor Drive.

Fleet Week will host a concert on the stage at Broadway Pier following both parades to wrap up the Fleet Week series of events.

Other activities scheduled off Broadway Pier, include a Military/Veterans Art Show (3-12 Nov), and the annual Fleet Week/SDMAC Breakfast (8 Nov.).

All events at Broadway Pier with the Exception of the Kickoff Reception are Free and Open to the Public.

The Kickoff reception is “By Invitation” and Student Stem Days are restricted to “Students, Teachers and School Officials”.

For details on the events and additional information concerning Fleet Week San Diego please visit the Fleet Week Website at visit https://fleetweeksandiego.org.

“Fleet Week is proud to salute the men and women of the Sea Services,” said Cindy Farless, Regional Community Services Director at Liberty Military Housing who is the 2023/24 Chair of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation.

“We’re honored to thank them for their service to our country and to our community, and we know that the people of San Diego join us in honoring and thanking these outstanding men and women.”

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FLASHBACK IN ART RAISING THE FLAG ON IWO JIMA See Art - www.joeeverson.com/art 14 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

November 11, 2023 Honoring All Those Who Served

MOWW San Diego Chapter

A strong America dedicated to preserving and advancing American Ideals and Founding Principles.

The Military Order of the World Wars serves our nation and local communities by providing and supporting activities that promote and encourage responsible citizenship, patriotism, youth leadership, military and public service, veteran support, and strong national security.

The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), founded in 1919, is a non-political, patriotic Veterans Service Organization (VSO).

We are a group of patriotic commissioned officers from all uniformed services, our spouses, and descendants.

We believe in America and live our motto, “It is nobler to serve than to be served.”. Our tag line is “Serving Youth, Community, and Nation”. We love and continue to serve our nation and all of its peoples.

We do this through our outreach programs including Patriotic Education, Veteran Affairs, Scouting, JROTC/ROTC, Public Safety/Law and Order, Homeland Security, and National Security.

“It is nobler to serve than to be served.”

DONATE TODAY AT

https://ams.moww.org/fundraising/donation

We have been serving the San Diego area since 1926.

Our chapter has sponsored many events that have become constant in community life in San Diego. The San Diego chapter has also been quite active on the MOWW national stage. We are quite proud that the first female MOWW Commander-in-Chief, Capt. Debbie Kash, USAF (Ret), is a member of our chapter. We have also provided MOWW with two other Commanders-in-Chief.

Outreach events and activities • Annual free Youth Leadership Conferences for high school students. Student teams and Staff interactively explore, learn, and practice leadership, patriotism, American government, American history, and free enterprise.

• Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance.

Recognizing our youth, community, and nation through honoring our country, flag, active military and veterans, their families, and community patriotism.

• Wreaths Across America. Honoring our deceased veterans through co-sponsoring an annual patriotic ceremony.

• Recognizing youth leadership and sponsoring JROTC, ROTC, and Scouting events.

• Partnering with many community veteran groups.

For more information please visit our website at: https://moww.org/ Facebook: The Military Order of the World WarsMOWW-San Diego Chapter Please feel free to contact us: Debbie Kash debbie.kash@gmail.com Kathleen Winchester kathleen.a.winchester@gmail.com

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www.navy-cycling.com

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Veterans Day - Memorial Day

What’s The Difference Veterans Day: Honoring All Those

Memorial Day: Honoring Those Who

Veterans Day, a federal holiday that falls on November 11, is designated as a day to honor the more than 21 million men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday in May, honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Who Served in the Military

Died in Military Service

It was first observed on November 11, 1919, as Armistice Day in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. In 1926, Congress called for an annual observance of the anniversary and by 1938 it was an official federal holiday. A few decades later, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, as it is currently known today.

Thanks to the Uniform Holiday Act of 1968, the holiday was moved from its November 11 date to a less-defined “fourth Monday in October” so workers could enjoy a long weekend. However, this move didn’t last long. In 1975, President Gerald Ford returned the solemn day back to its original November 11 to honor the global historical significance of the day.

While it is important to thank all those who have served or are serving on a regular basis, on Veterans Day it’s especially important to take an extra moment to show military members gratitude for their sacrifice.

On May 20, 1868, over 5,000 first-ever National Decoration Day participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery. By the late 1800s, cities and communities across the United States began to observe the day and several states declared it a legal holiday. Over the next few decades, the day transitioned from being called Decoration Day to its current name of Memorial Day. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May instead of a set calendar day. By 1971, the threeday weekend for federal employees went into full effect.

Today, Memorial Day is often associated with the start of summer, discount sales and cookouts with friends.

But you have the power to educate those around you and take a few moments to pay tribute to the fallen while still enjoying the sunshine and outdoors.

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1978 - 2023

VeteranS Day Posters Each year the Veterans Day National Committee publishes a commemorative Veterans Day poster. (www.va.gov) These posters reflect the pride and patriotism in saluting Veterans.

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VA SAN DIEGO: You Served Us, Now Let Us Serve You

On Veterans Day, the country turns its full attention to honoring the millions of brave men and women who have served the nation as Army Soldiers, Navy Sailors, Marine Corps Marines, Air Force Airmen, Coast Guard Guardsmen, and Space Force Guardians. We salute all who served the nation. Yet many Veterans return home battered and bruised. The VA San Diego Healthcare System is here to care for Veterans from all eras, combat locations, and even Veterans who did not see combat.

For us, Veterans Day is not just a time for recognition, it serves as a renewed call to action to fulfill the VA mission charged by President Abraham Lincoln to care for those “who shall have borne the battle” along with their families, caregivers, and survivors.

We rise up to meet that mission by providing worldclass care that is personalized, compassionate, and comprehensive – leaving no doubt that VA San Diego is in position to take care of Veterans better than anyone else. After medical visits, Veterans are sent a survey of their healthcare experience. One component of this survey is an evaluation of whether Veterans trust the care they receive from the VA. VA San Diego is one of the nation’s leaders in this category with 93% of local Veterans declaring that they trust the care they receive from the VA San Diego Healthcare System.

Others are taking notice too. VA San Diego received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in their first ever inclusion of VA facilities in their ratings. Our top CMS rating is based on how VA San Diego scored in the areas of safety of care, patient experience, readmission rates, timely and effective care, and low mortality rate. VA San Diego is one of only 47 hospitals across California to receive a five-star CMS rating. Out of 45 medical facilities in San Diego County, our healthcare system is one of just five local hospitals to receive the five-star honor.

More importantly, VA San Diego saves Veteran lives in many ways. For Veterans suffering from heart failure, 22 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

VA San Diego Healthcare System is ranked sixth in the entire nation among the approximately 6,090 hospitals in preventing heart failure deaths, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. Veterans who come to the healthcare system with heart failure are coming to the highest ranked facility in the region for saving their lives. No other healthcare system in San Diego and Imperial counties was ranked in the top 10 for preventing heart failure deaths.

VA San Diego provides other world-class health care in the areas of Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty Care Services. Our Emergency Room is open 24/7, 365 days of the year including holidays. For a complete list of care offerings, visit our website. Enrolling for VA healthcare and benefits at VA San Diego is efficient.

Get started online and then bring your DD-214 and any health insurance information to the VA and we’ll take care of the rest.

Our main medical facility is the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center located at 3350 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego. We operate VA Clinics in Chula Vista, Escondido, Imperial Valley, Kearny Mesa, Oceanside, Rio, and Sorrento Valley. We’re especially proud of our growing offerings for women Veterans in the Kathleen Bruyere Women’s Health Pavilion within the medical center and Women’s Health Clinic at the Kearny Mesa VA Clinic. Women’s health services include a wide range of care to include OB-GYN, ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, mental health care and counseling, menopause treatment, hormonal therapy, family planning, contraceptive care, maternity care, childbirth education classes, and postpartum support.

The VA San Diego Healthcare System is committed to serving homeless Veterans and Veterans at risk of homelessness. We have been coordinating work with local housing authorities and elected officials to improve use of HUD-VASH housing vouchers.

VA San Diego recently rolled-out a new Mobile Medical Unit to bring VA health care into the community, making it easier for homeless Veterans in need to receive the care they’ve earned. Initial interactions with the VA San Diego health care for homeless Veterans team will help Veterans on their path towards safe & secure living accommodations and financial stability.

Kearny Mesa Clinic Primary Care

One of our newest offerings is the “Connect the Vets” coffee social event. This gives Veterans a chance to connect with their fellow servicemen and women.

The program encourages Veteran-to-Veteran conversations, camaraderie, and support while at the same time offering information about VA resources and programs.

Connect the Vets takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center multipurpose room.

The healthcare system is always looking for community volunteers to assist in greeting and assisting Veterans in navigating throughout our facilities, sorting and distribution of donated items, and transporting Veterans both on campus and in the community.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up online.

Spinal Cord Injury Fitness Room

“Caring for Veterans is our business! We know how to care for Veterans better than anyone else. I want all San Diegans who served our nation to receive the outstanding VA health care we provide. As a fellow Veteran, I also receive my medical care at our VA. I invite and strongly encourage all Veterans to experience the extraordinary dedication I see in our tremendous healthcare providers and entire Team every day. Happy Veterans Day, thank you to ALL who serve, and thank you for choosing VA! May God bless you always.”

-Dr. Frank P. Pearson, Capt, USN (Ret.), Director, VA San Diego Healthcare System Contact VA San Diego: 858-552-8585 www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/health-services

North County Veteran Stand Down

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Meaningful Connections

By Janet Clancy, Communications Officer, The Elizabeth Hospice Easty Law has dedicated her life to enhancing the well-being of others. She found her true calling in nursing and served as a nurse clinician, educator and administrator in the US Navy for 20 years. In her early years as a nurse, she was inspired by the writings of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross on hospice. Throughout her career, she promoted the principles of hospice care – while in the Navy, later as a vocational nursing instructor, and finally as a hospice care manager. After retiring from her professional career, Easty learned that The Elizabeth Hospice was seeking volunteers. She realized she missed having contact with hospice patients and thought this would be an excellent opportunity to give back to her community.

The Elizabeth Hospice, the largest independent nonprofit hospice provider in Southern California, is dedicated to helping ensure that veterans are aware of their healthcare options, feel appreciated, and receive the medical support and attention they need and deserve.

Our care teams are trained to address post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, survivors’ guilt, and soul injury and focus on providing experiences that bring meaning and peace to a person’s life. The Elizabeth Hospice is proud to be recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization as a We Honor Veterans Level 5 Partner, the highest level of distinction in this national program.

With a calming presence and a listening ear, Easty has touched the lives of veterans and other San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County community members nearing the end of their life journey. She has dedicated more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service over the past seven years, treating everyone she meets with kindness and compassion.

In addition to providing direct patient care, Easty plays an essential role in The Elizabeth Hospice’s We Honor Veterans Level 5 Program, officiating at patient pinning ceremonies at the bedside and community events.

“Some of the veterans that Easty pins know her as their companion volunteer while others are meeting her for the first time,” said Lisa Marcolongo, Veterans Specialist for The Elizabeth Hospice. “Whether it’s an old friend or a new one, Easty shares a warm smile and clasps both

24 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

her hands around the veteran’s hands. She expresses a heartfelt, ‘Thank you’ from one veteran to another.

You can see the excitement on their faces at meeting someone who also took the same oath. There’s an immediate connection.”

Easty tears up when recalling one particular pinning ceremony. “Even though family members lovingly surrounded the man’s hospital bed, he was very angry.

When his daughter introduced me as someone from hospice, he said, ‘Is she going to help me die?’ I was taken aback but quickly responded, ‘No, no. I’m also a veteran and I’m here to do a little ceremony. We want to thank you for what you did for your country. When the patient replied, ‘I didn’t do much,’ I said: The saying goes: ‘Some gave all, but all gave some.’ I shook his hand, and he didn’t want to let go. After sharing stories, I said, ‘I’m going to sing God Bless America.’

His family joined in. At first, he was quiet, but then, in a loud, clear voice and with a huge smile, he sang too. Bringing a joyful moment like this to patients and their families is why I’m a hospice volunteer,” said Easty.

Easty acknowledges that she can easily connect with other veterans. “The veteran-to-veteran bond is strong. It’s an instant bridge,” said Easty.

“We know what each other has gone through – from being in Boot Camp to taking the oath to protect our Constitution and nation. We don’t see ourselves as heroes but as people who did what they were supposed to do to serve our country. I’ve learned that being in the military is one of the most meaningful, impactful events in a person’s life. I feel privileged to hear their stories and learn about their service experiences.”

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

At San Diego Veterans Magazine you can find Veteran organizations and private nonprofits with resources for veterans that can help ease the process of attaining earned benefits, coping with the lasting effects of service-connected injuries and finding programs and services that meet your specific needs.

“It’s great having Easty be part of the pinning ceremonies,” said Nico M., Marine Corps Combat Veteran. “I appreciate that there is a Vietnam War nurse represented at these events since the people who served in the Vietnam War gave so much in service to our country. Easty continues to serve – just in a different uniform.”

To learn about the many ways The Elizabeth Hospice supports veterans, contact Lisa Marcolongo, Veterans Specialist, (760) 644-4426 or by email at lisa.marcolongo@ehospice.org

Veteran Resources

Veteran Resources & Organizations available at: www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

A Veterans Magazine for Veterans by Veterans WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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COMMITTED TO

VETERANS

As a partner of the We Honor Veterans Program, Hospice of the North Coast is dedicated to providing optimal end-of-life care to the honored men and women who have fought for the freedom and security of our nation.

Veterans Program Call 760.431.4100

2525 Pio Pico Dr., Suite 301, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | www.hospicenorthcoast.org 26 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

Operation Dress Code - Back in San Diego on Sunday, November 5th!

Active-duty women and female veterans – are you looking to make a career change? If so, then this event is for YOU! Operation Dress Code is back in San Diego for an 8th year. It is an annual event that EMPOWERS Women to Reimagine Possibilities, Reinvent Careers, and Redesign Post-Military Lives. It is accomplished by collecting new and slightly used business attire, shoes, purses, and accessories then hosting a pop-up boutique for the ladies to “shop” for new wardrobes.

The event will also have resources and breakout sessions to help with resumes, professional headshots, and so much more to make a seamless transition. New for 2023 is a Job Fair that provides a rare and unique career fair that is for, and about women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

How can you help?

Operation

DRESS CODE

• Donate new and slightly used business attire, shoes, purses, and accessories.

• Host a donation box at your place of business or your local organization.

• Volunteer to help sort clothes and pick up donation boxes.

• Volunteer to help set up and tear down the event on Nov. 4 & 5.

• Volunteer as a personal shopper on Boutique Day – Nov. 5.

• Donate to help sponsor this event – all donations are tax-deductible.

• Register as an attendee for your personalized shopping experience.

• Tell your friends, family, and networks about the event!

The pop-up boutique will be held on Sunday, Nov. 5th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego. Registration for attendees begins on Oct. 4th. There is no charge for active-duty women or female veterans to attend.

For more information about the event, scan this QR code: Or go to: www.operationdresscode.org

OPERATION DRESS CODE Sunday, Nov. 5th at Paradise Point Resort in San Diego!

Operation Dress Code is an annual event to help women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces transition to the workforce by providing them with the professional attire and resources needed for civilian life. There is no charge to attend.

Clothing Drive - Oct. 4 to Oct. 20. Look for pink Operation Dress Code clothing bins stationed at businesses throughout the San Diego area, where supporters can donate new or gently used professional clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and handbags.

Boutique Day – Sunday, Nov. 5. This is a free shopping day at our pop-up boutique designed specifically for women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. They are treated to a personalized shopping experience designed to help them get the clothing needed to start the next chapter of their professional lives. There will also be hair and make-up experts on hand to help prepare the women for free professional head shots, and a variety of workshops for job success!

Registration is important to ensure all women who enter the Dress Code Boutique receive a personalized experience. Registration will open on Oct. 4th at: www. operationdresscode.org Volunteers are needed to help sort clothing in the weeks leading up to Boutique Day, plus on Nov. 4th for set-up, and Nov. 5th as personal shoppers and to help tear down the event.

For more information about clothing donation, registration, or how to help, please scan this QR Code:

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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CAREGIVING TLC

By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE www.agingwellpartners.com

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11, 2023.

This day is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to the men and women – living or dead – who have served our country; but specially to honor those living veterans who served to protect our freedoms.

San Diego is home to over 240,000 veterans, one of the nation’s largest concentrations of veterans. And with roughly 100,000 active service members, San Diego is a highly desirable destination for active and retired service members from all branches of the military. With such a large population of military members and their families, programs like the VA Homemaker/Home Health Aide Program, In-Home Respite Care Program, and the Aid and Attendance benefit program can play a significant role in caring for our veterans.

The VA Homemaker/Home Health Aid Program will pay a partnered in-home care agency for non-skilled assistance services with activities of daily living (ADLs) provided directly to the veteran.

Theses ADLs include things such as: • Bathing and personal care • Assistance with dressing and grooming (i.e., shaving, brushing teeth, hair care) • Verbal medication reminders • Meal preparation and feeding (if needed) • Light laundry related to incontinence care This program is very specific to services provided directly to the veteran and does not include the following: • Companionship services • Travel services or mileage reimbursement • Heavy or non-essential housekeeping • Yard care • Medication dispensing • Services when veteran is away from home • Services outside of the veteran’s place of residence Retirement • Services provided for other persons or pets in What’s Next the residence 28 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

Eligibility for this service is assessed and determined by VA staff and a VA social worker will coordinate with the veteran and/or family member to set up services once approved.

The VA In-Home Respite Care Program provides much needed respite (a break) for an unpaid family caregiver, who is often the significant other or spouse of the veteran. The veteran is eligible to receive up to 30 days of 6 hours per day respite per calendar year. A VA Social Worker will initiate this service and the approval process is the same as the VA Homemaker/Home Health Aid Program. Additional respite days can be requested, and approval will be determined by VA staff.

The VA Aid and Attendance benefit provides veterans or surviving spouses monthly financial assistance to help pay for the costs of in-home care (assistance with activities of daily living) or offset the cost of an assisted living home or community. The Homebound allowance provides financial assistance for those veterans who are receiving a VA pension and spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability.

To find out more about any of these veteran benefits, contact your local VA representative or call us. We can help find an VA approved vendor who can assist with eligibility and the application process. Often, these VA approved vendors can get applications submitted and benefits approved in a fraction of the time the process typically takes. Get the help you need. Get the help you deserve. You answered the call to serve our country; now it’s time to make the call and make your health and well-being a priority.

FREE FREEConsultation Consultation Call us Call usto toget get started started (619) (619)7879-1839 789-1839

www.agingwellpartners.com WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / MAY 2022 33

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FOOD DRIVE Join the fight against food insecurity!

Bring non-perishable food items to participating VFW locations around San Diego County.

All food donations support Feeding San Diego's hungerrelief programs & help raise funds for participating VFW posts.

Find food drive drop off locations at feedingsandieo.org.

30 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

JOIN THE FORWARD MOVEMENT

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

SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION COMMUNITY • COLLABORATION • COOPERATION 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.

ACTION GROUPS

E3 E D U C AT I O N , E M P L O Y M E N T & E D U C AT I O N

VEST VETERANS EMPOWERED SUCCESSFUL & THRIVING

FLAG FA M I LY L I F E ACTION GROUP

PEH PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL H E A LT H A C T I O N G R O U P

SPONSOR A MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER

ONWARDOPS.ORG

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.

JOIN

CONNECT

SUPPORT

DONATE

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALTION

SDVETSCOALITION.ORG @SDVeteransCoalition

@sd_vc

@SDVetsCoalition

EMAIL: INFO@SDVETSCOALITION.ORG © San Diego Veterans Coalition 2023

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

CHECK OUT THE SDVC CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND THE ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE ON THE SDVC WEBSITE!

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Question for

NONPROFIT EXECUTIVES How is your year-end campaign going? Have you set your goals and objectives for next year? Do you feel confident that you will meet your funding goals and create the impact needed?

OUR TEAM CAN HELP!

Let us help you reach your goals!

30+ Years Experience Nonprofit Growth Campaign Execution Staffing Support Effective Strategies Innovative Thinking Capacity Builders is proud to be Veteran and Military Spouse owned and operated 32 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

Contact Us Today: www.NonProfitPros.Org

eastcountychamber.org WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Real estate Guide

Real Estate Tips for Veterans & Active Military

By Michelle Muniz www.sdsellhome.com

Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego County As mortgage interest rates continue to climb, pricing families out of the market, you may be wondering when home prices and rents will start coming down. You may be waiting awhile!

According to Zillow, the average San Diego County home value is $896,653, up 1.4 percent over the past year. At a rate of 7 percent with a 20% down payment financed over 30 years, this equates to approximately $6,000/month for the average VA homebuyer! With BAH ranging between $2,730-$5,286 per month, even the highest-ranking officer will have difficulty navigating this market!

Sadly, home prices are not expected to decrease anytime soon. As housing inventory remains historically low, home prices in San Diego continue to increase. And, if interest rates go down in 2024, we may find ourselves caught up in bidding wars again, further exacerbating housing unaffordability.

If you are in the market to buy a home, perhaps the best strategy is to find a home you can afford at current interest rates and start on the path of gaining equity as opposed to waiting on the sidelines and trying to predict what the future may hold. In this way, you can lock in your monthly housing expense at a fixed rate. If rates go up, you made a great decision! If they go down, you’ll have the ability to refinance.

Here are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego County to consider: 1. East County 2. Ramona 3. Mira Mesa 4. South I-15 Corridor 5. College Area

For more information on buying or selling a home, contact Michelle Muniz at (619) 214-0131 or email at michelle@jmxinvestments.com

www.sdsellhome.com michelle@jmxinvestments.com

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6. Linda Vista 7. National City 8. Chula Vista 9. San Ysidro

Welcome to the Veterans Association of North County HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEED US Here you will find several resources, programs, services and opportunities for Veterans, Service Members and their families. Our goal is to be your one stop shop for all things, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

Programs and services vary, and include additional information for each. We have two Veteran Services Representatives (VSR) here at VANC, read all about them below in Addtional Services at: (www.vanc.me/services-programs) OUR MISSION VANC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created and operated by Veterans as a one-stop resource center for all active-duty military, Veterans, and their families. We centralize services from diverse agencies to assist with jobs, education, finances, health, and wellness.

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

VANC seeks to be a model for other organizations that serve the military community.

JOIN US FOR AMAZING UPCOMING EVENTS There’s always engaging things happening at VANC and with our partners. Check our calendar here for regularly scheduled events, meetings and opportunities here at VANC (www.vanc.me/events#calendar) WE LOVE OUR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS AND THEY’RE HERE FOR YOU TOO. VANC is open to all military, veterans and friends of the military. If you would like to become a Veterans Association member, Contact Lori at lori@vanc.me to learn more.

www.vanc.me

WWW.VANC.ME WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Vets For You Plumbing & HVAC provides all our employees with proper education and highperformance training opportunities, allowing us to provide world class customer service to our community.

Dedicated Plumbing & HVAC Professionals Since 2006!

Vets For You, A Veteran owned company based out of Oceanside, CA. Keith Zierk originally started the company in 2006, after serving 7 years in the Navy, while enlisted Keith worked as a Utilitiesman, repairing plumbing, HVAC and boiler issues. Keith’s drive to give back to the military community was his key focus when starting the company.

Our business is motivated by providing all Veterans, active duty and their families with outstanding service, whether it is from the first phone call, to diagnosing the issue and providing resolutions. We are founded with the integrity that every customer deserves five star service. As a Veteran owned company we are proud to hire, and train Veterans with the proper tools they need to thrive in the civilian world.

As a Veteran owned company, we proudly support local nonprofit organizations, As a Veteran owned company, we proudly support local nonprofit organizations, such as Wounded Warrior Homes as well as the San Diego Veterans Village. We take pride in supporting our military community in the greater North County San Diego area! As we like to say, “Need a tech? Call a Vet!”.

Vets For You Plumbing & HVAC 101 Copperwood way suite E Oceanside, CA 92058 Office: 760-547-5662 Emergency: 855-887-4968 Website: www.vetsforyou.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/vetsforyouinc/

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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The impact of PTSD and how to seek treatment By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert In this segment, Freespira’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Bob Cuyler, PhD interviews Lori-Ann Landry, LCSW on the impact of PTSD and how to seek treatment. Lori served eight years in the Army reserves and is currently a therapist focusing on PTSD and anxiety disorders at Willow Grove Mental Health in Denver.

Bob: Welcome Lori, let’s discuss, what are some of the ways that PTSD symptoms affect life, work, and family?

Lori: A big one is changes in the way a veteran sees and interacts with the world. For example, things that matter to civilians matter far less to those who have been in combat. This is because active duty shifts your relationship in the world, and civilians are not thinking about life and death situations, which creates a disconnect with veterans re-entering the civilian world.

Bob: How can living with an individual with PTSD affect relationships?

Lori: One of the symptoms of PTSD is avoidance; you just can’t shut off the bad thoughts and eventually they overtake the good. Often, partners and children will say the person’s checked out, and the veteran will say, I know cognitively that I love my family, but I can’t feel or show it.

Bob: Do some ‘walk on eggshells’ around a family member with PTSD? Lori: The military sends people off and they do a really good job of supporting the families back here, but the human that left is often a different human coming back.

A lot of times families don’t fully recognize the person that came back and the veteran doesn’t recognize themselves. One goal of treatment is helping that person find peace in how they’ve changed and who they’ve become.

Bob: What can encourage veterans to seek treatment?

Lori: When leaders demonstrate vulnerability, sharing their experiences, it gives others permission to be vulnerable. So on the active duty side, I think leadership is huge. On the civilian side, companies who really promote mental health make a real difference. But sometimes a partner will get to a point where they say, if you don’t get help, I’m done.

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Photo by RDNE Stock Project

Bob: What gets in the way of accessing helpful treatments?

Lori: Barriers to communication and support between the civilian sector and the VA. The VA is overburdened, with constant changeover in providers and a complicated bureaucratic system. For example, if you have a prescription from a civilian provider, but you want the VA to fill it because you have medical benefits and it’ll be free; if you’re not diagnosed by the VA for that condition, you have to duplicate everything, there’s no linkage.

Control is out of in reach.

Bob: I’d really like to shift the conversation to treatment options.

Lori: Absolutely. Therapies for post-traumatic stress are split between “top down” and “bottom up” approaches.

“Top down” are more talk therapies and use your mind to control your body and your physiological responses.

“Bottom up” approaches use your body to control the racing thoughts and what’s going on in your mind; examples are eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or breathing training.

Coupled together, the healing at the bodily level reaches the mind as well.

Bob: What should you look for and what should you avoid in a therapist?

Lori: In a therapist, I’m looking for somebody who has a number of years of experience and an openness to learn.

When I started off doing this work, I wasn’t necessarily a trauma focused therapist. I just happened to be in a rural community, where we had a military base and I was prior military. I had so many patients with this level of trauma that it made me want to learn more.

Bob: What are some of the good questions to ask and ways to find a therapist right for you?

Lori: At the very least, if you’re being treated for military trauma, you want them to provide at least one to three of the empirically validated treatments, because that means they have backup options. If they’re not trained in any of these treatments, then while you still may make progress and have a successful therapeutic journey but it may be more focused on coping with rather than resolving symptoms.

Bob: Do you have any tips to help those with PTSD hold onto hope?

Lori: Research all these newer therapies. Also, when you look at the three tenets of true health, there’s your physical health, your mental health, and your spiritual health, whatever that may mean to each person, I think that’s where hope lies.

We’re grateful for those who have served.

Freespira is an at-home, non-medication treatment for PTSD symptoms and panic attacks. Freespira’s digital therapeutic is available to eligible patients through their TRICARE or VA benefits.

LEARN MORE AT www.freespira.com/veterans FREESPIRA-MILITARY.COM OR BY CALLING 1-833-2EXHALE

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

39

Real Talk: Mental Health

By Kelly Williams, LMFT, Clinic Director, and Arturo Garcia, U.S. Air Force Veteran/Outreach Coordinator The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Air Force Veteran: Letter To Self

As a Clinic Director at a mental health clinic for veterans, service members and military family members, I hear the sacrifices that our veterans, service members and families have made for our country daily. During this time of year, as we celebrate Veterans Day, I reflected on how the rest of the world may not be as privileged to hear the stories and experiences that I have been hearing first-hand.

Therefore, I asked our new Outreach Coordinator U.S. Air Force Veteran Arturo “Art” Garcia to shed some light on his journey from civilian to his Air Force service to retired Veteran. I am hoping that his Letter to Self can help others understand all of our collective appreciation for Veterans when we say “Thank You for Your Service” every November 11, this year and beyond.

Dear Art, I know you’ve made the decision to join the Air Force.

Right now, you don’t even know what that means. You feel excited, nervous, and a bit afraid because you have no clue what you are doing. Those feelings are valid, and I am writing to let you know you’ve made the best life decision.

You’re probably wondering what the future has in store for you. To protect the sacred timeline (MCU reference), I won’t tell you what will happen but rather share some words of advice.

1. Learn to say yes (and no). Early in your career, there will be ample opportunities to step up and get a job done. This will take you to places you never imagined you would venture to. It will also put you in situations where you do not want to be, but the task needs to be done. Either way, you will benefit from those experiences. So, say yes whenever someone asks for a volunteer. I say that with the caveat that you need to be able to say no when it doesn’t feel right, or you aren’t going to be able to do the job to the best of your ability.

2. Work on yourself. There will be plenty of times when you will tell yourself that you are too busy to take care of your personal goals or your health. You will eventually 40 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

realize that working on yourself and being dedicated to the mission are not mutually exclusive. A healthier and fitter version of yourself will be better prepared to support the team. The same applies to continuous learning, either pursuing higher education or reading books you are interested in. It helps you become a better person, service member, and leader.

3. Set aside time for reflection! Throughout your career, there are going to be various cycles/phases.

There will be deployments, professional development courses, changes of assignments, and progress through the ranks. While you are going through it, you will have highs and lows. That might cloud your ability to see your progress and growth. When those cycles end, set time aside to reflect on what you have accomplished. There will be days when you will not feel like you have not made progress, but when you look back, you’ll be able to see all the great things you have done.

I think that’s enough advice for now. You are going to be more than okay! You will meet a lot of amazing people who are going to teach so much. And when it comes time to take off the uniform, you will find an incredible organization that will appreciate and welcome the skills you learned throughout your military career.

Sincerely, 38 year old you

As Outreach Coordinator at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, Arturo establishes and maintains relationships within the San Diego community and serves as the eyes and ears for the Clinic Director to identify ways that the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, San Deigo can best support its clients, including breaking down barriers to care so that mental health care is accessible. With 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, he is a seasoned logistic expert and a quality assurance team lead, managing administrative processes and providing support to service members. He helped develop strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills that enable him to excel in challenging and dynamic environments. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt). His career field was 2T2 – Air Transportation. Arturo earned a Transportation Management Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Learn more at www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

our

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

CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.

LEARN MORE vvsd.net/cohenclinics

CALIFORNIA locations

San Diego 8885 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 301 Oceanside 3609 Ocean Ranch Blvd.

Suite 120 Los Angeles 20800 Madrona Avenue, Suite C-100, Torrance, CA

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

41

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

The Relationship Between Panic Symptoms and PTSD In this ongoing series, we recently described how PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects traumatized individuals, disrupting memory, thinking, sleep, and emotions. This month, we turn our attention to the role of panic symptoms in PTSD. Let’s start with a definition. Panic symptoms, often called anxiety attacks, are sudden surges in bodily distress that typically last 10 to 30 minutes. The most common physical sensations are shortness of breath, racing or skipped heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and nausea. Understandably, people experiencing these (Part 2often of 2)feel overwhelmed and want to avoid any feelings situation that could trigger another attack. Feelings of loss of control and fear of death are the distressing psychological aftermath. Fear of when another attack may occur can ‘take over’ and dominate thinking and behavior.

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It’s not widely known how much panic attacks and PTSD overlap. Research studies estimate that about 60% to 75% of individuals with PTSD have panic symptoms as well as the manifestations of PTSD that we’ve discussed in previous months. Panic and PTSD have been established in important research as having a ‘bi-direction relationship’, meaning that individuals with a history of panic attacks have a heightened risk of developing PTSD when exposed to traumas, and, as mentioned above, individuals with PTSD are likely to have panic symptoms.

There are a few distinctions worth mentioning.

Individuals with panic disorder, but not PTSD, may have anxiety attacks that seem to come ‘out of the blue’ or are associated with triggers or stressors such as freeway driving, airplane turbulence, performance, or social anxiety. The difference with PTSD is that panic attacks are most often closely associated with and triggered by traumatic reminders. Sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations that remind of a traumatic event may evoke panic responses.

We often think of a situation like a combat veteran ‘diving for cover’ in response to a car backfiring as a hallmark of PTSD, but when we dig a little deeper, the resulting fight-or-flight reaction can be considered a panic reaction with its mix of sudden bodily and psychological distress.

Another fascinating link comes from a laboratory technique called the CO2 challenge test, in which individuals breathe in air with excess carbon dioxide.

Most panic sufferers will have a panic attack on the spot in response to this single gulp of CO2-enriched air. Additional studies showed similar reactions in PTSD patients, but not only did panic symptoms appear, but so did immediate traumatic memory flashbacks and dissociation in some participants.

Placebo air (no excess CO2) did not react with the participants.

My colleague Dr. Michael Telch published research on the CO2 challenge test for soldiers preparing to deploy to Iraq. He found that soldiers highly reactive to breathing in the CO2 mixture were more likely to develop PTSD than soldiers who didn’t react. How interesting that the common panic reaction to CO2 predicted who would develop PTSD.

As we know, the most recommended therapies for panic and PTSD have much in common: exposurebased talk therapy and antidepressants. My company’s Freespira intervention takes a different path and directly approaches CO2 sensitivity by teaching normalized breathing. Next month, we’ll delve into treatment approaches to PTSD more thoroughly.

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

www.freespira.com/veterans info@mobiusmobility.com

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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University of San Diego: A Better Way to Your MBA USD’s MBA is more flexible than ever — and tuition is fully covered for most military-connected students.

For both active duty service members and those transitioning out of the military, an MBA degree can be a powerful next step. The right program can help you take the skills you’ve already developed — discipline, teamwork and problem-solving — and add the business acumen required to make you a confident business leader. While a traditional MBA program can seem out of reach for a variety of reasons, the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business offers a newly revamped Flex MBA program that’s perfect for active duty service members and veterans.

Tuition Fully Covered for Most Military-Connected Students For veterans considering an MBA, one major factor is being able to afford a highly ranked program. To address this, the University of San Diego took steps this year to ensure tuition is fully covered for most militaryconnected students. As a 100% Yellow Ribbon School, USD contributes funds towards tuition that the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill doesn’t cover.

“This additional investment in the Yellow Ribbon Program deepens our commitment to our active-duty

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military, veterans and other military-connected students,” says Charlotte Johnson, JD, vice president for student affairs at USD. “The University of San Diego honors the sacrifice of these students and their families and I am so pleased we are able to support their education in this way.”

Ideal MBA Format for Military Members and Veterans The time commitment to pursue an MBA can seem daunting for active duty or post-military members, especially for those who have families, don’t live near a reputable university, or aren’t able to make school a fulltime commitment. And while fully online MBA programs are available, they often can’t offer the same in-depth experience that an in-person program offers.

The Flex MBA at USD’s Knauss School of Business offers the best of both worlds. It is a part-time program with outstanding faculty that only requires students to come to campus in San Diego one weekend per month. The remaining coursework takes place online. The program begins spring semester and takes just 20-24 months to complete.

Being deployed or required to change duty stations in the middle of a semester is another common fear for active duty service members. USD’s Flex MBA offers practical accommodations for this situation, providing an option to finish classes fully online if the need arises.

Military-Friendly Campus As a military-friendly campus, USD offers the supportive environment and resources that military-connected students need to succeed personally and academically.

Currently, there are over 800 military-connected students studying at USD including active-duty, veterans, spouses, dependents and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) members. (Plus, USD has served as headquarters for the San Diego NROTC program since 1982!)

www.sandiego.edu/flexmba

Along with meeting like-minded peers at USD, veterans can find dedicated resources and military student support at the university’s Military and Veterans Program. The center serves as a welcoming space for students to study, mingle with peers or get some R&R between classes. In addition, those enrolled in the Flex MBA program at the Knauss School of Business are assigned a student professional development manager who will offer industry-specific career guidance and networking insights to find your perfect next step after graduation.

Military Transition Conference on November 12 Active duty and veterans who are looking to transition into civilian careers should consider attending USD’s upcoming Military Transition Conference on November 12. The event will be held on campus at the University of San Diego, and include resume and LinkedIn reviews, interview prep and a presentation on military benefits. Plus, learn more about the Flex MBA program and apply for Spring 2023.

Register at www.sandiego.edu/flexmba WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Lessons Learned One Airman’s Journey from Military to Civil Service

skills doing inflight event coordination and customer service, and my time in the Defense Attaché Office doing all the administrative requirements for the event. I also enjoyed that the team gave me responsibilities and trusted me to accomplish them without micromanaging.

It empowered me and I felt more accomplished.”

Five Tips for Transitioning Service Members Although Landes had a fairly smooth transition to civil service due to his Skillbridge internship, he offers several tips for transitioning service members:

By Elizabeth Caraway

1. Hone your resume.

United States Patent and Trademark Office www.uspto.gov/jobs/join-us

“Resumes in the civilian world are very different from the military,” says Landes. “I should have spent more time in resume writing training.”

Jordan Landes’ career path has been as varied as his world travels, from teaching English in China to serving in the Air Force as a Spanish linguist, flight attendant, and finally in the Defense Attaché Office.

His assignments have taken him from Texas and Nebraska to Afghanistan, Uganda, and Tunisia. Over the last year, though, he made one of the biggest moves of all—from Airman to civil servant. Landes now serves as an International Patent Administrative Specialist at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, Va.

2. Complete Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) paperwork early.

Take advantage of the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program, which allows you to file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military.

Landes worked with the VA representative on base to file a claim. He encourages all service members to file, “no matter what.”

“Even if you are found to have zero percent disabilities, it is important to have health issues documented in case something in the future can be traced back to the time in service,” he explains.

Landes also joined a Facebook group that was designed to help those with the VA filing process.

DOD Skillbridge Success

3. Be self-motivated.

Landes took advantage of the Department of Defense (DOD) Skillbridge program, which allows transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience through training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. Industry partners offer real-world training and work experience while having the opportunity to evaluate the service members for future potential employment. In Landes’ case, he was offered a position in the same office, International Patent Cooperation, where he interned.

Landes encourages transitioning service members to actively take care of themselves and start planning early.

He started planning a year before his separation date and says it was still a challenge.

4. Take advantage of the break between careers.

“Try to give yourself time between careers to decompress and prepare for the next chapter in life,” he says, adding that leaving the Department of Defense “is definitely a culture shock.”

The USPTO role, he says, has been a great fit due to its emphasis on international cooperation and work-life balance. He recalls his team hosting an international event earlier this year that allowed him to leverage his military background:

“If you have terminal leave, find a military flight and just go somewhere,” he urges, adding that he took a military flight to Europe for a vacation between careers.

“I got to use my Spanish linguist skills when speaking to some of our Spanish speaking guests, my flight attendant

Landes says the most difficult part of separating from the military has been missing the community.

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5. Find community.

Veterans at the USPTO “We all came from different places and cultures that sometimes clashed, but it was a wonderful experience in getting to learn from each other,” he says. “We were all away from home and comforts, so it strengthened our bonds.”

Landes was able to find community in the USPTO Military Association, which has hundreds of members. “It is wonderful to see an agency full of veterans who seem to have similar experiences and like-minded ideas of their post-military career,” he says.

When most of your connections are work-related, leaving that career can create a void. Landes urges transitioning service members to network.

“The [USPTO] culture is self-empowering and accepting,” says Landes.

“Leadership seems to believe in their people which allows them to grow and take ownership. I’ve also seen a real sense of people really accepting and desiring for diversity of people, culture, and thought.

I believe that is a sign of a strong organization.”

The USPTO values the diverse skills of military veterans.

“Join a neighborhood group or a sports league or go to trivia, and when you get into the new job try to find clubs within that organization that you would like to be a part of,” he says. “Not only will it give you that sense of community that you had in the military, it will also help with the networking that is important for career growth.”

USPTO Veteran Hiring Program HireVets@uspto.gov USPTO Military Association https://ptomilitaryassociation.org Department of Defense (DOD) Skillbridge Program https://skillbridge.osd.mil

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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HUMAN RESOURCES Transition to Business

By Paul Falcone www.PaulFalconeHR.com

Key Attributes for the Future Workforce Veterans Day on November 11th is our national holiday to recognize veterans of the armed forces who served honorably in the military -- in wartime or peacetime. The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I and was known as Armistice Day. On such a special day that emanated from such a significant event and time in our past, it’s healthy to look towards our future. That’s particularly relevant for those transitioning out of the military and into the private sector. What will be the key attributes that will help you navigate the “new world” of the 21st century? How can you gear yourself up to prepare for tomorrow’s unknown challenges and opportunities?

Similar to today, the enormous global changes coming out of World War I posed tremendous challenges to returning troops. At that time, the United States found itself recovering from a world war that was built upon the foundations of the Industrial Revolution and mechanized production. Today, we face a new Industrial Revolution—what scientists call “Industrial Revolution 4,” or IR4 for short. IR4 propels us today from IR3 (1969 – 2016), replete with its semiconductors, mainframe and personal computers, and the World Wide Web to what we’re just now beginning to reckon with—artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nano-, bio-, and IT technologies, 3D Internet (i.e., the “Metaverse”), and cyber-physical systems. Sure, that sounds like a lot. But the whole world is experiencing evolutionary change at revolutionary speed, so it’s worth going over some of the “rules of the road” for our 21st century, IR4 world.

What CEOs Want Today Let’s start at the top of the food chain. CEOs have always valued leadership, communication, and teambuilding in workers and leaders at all levels.

But it’s more nuanced than that today. Nowadays CEO surveys focus on collaboration, creativity and innovation, accountability, and agility.

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Agility is the ability to move quickly and easily, to incorporate and adapt to change, and to seize opportunities that may otherwise miss awareness or be rejected by others (who resist change by nature).

Agility is a mindset, an approach to change, that will serve you well. In fact, you’ve likely experienced a boat load of “change management” initiatives in the military that have prepared you well for the future challenges ahead in the business world.

An Agile Approach to Change Economists and corporate futurists will provide general guidance that speaks to expecting the unexpected, exploring the unknown, embracing uncertainty, and learning how to “unlearn.” Their logic? Opportunities for change are massive.

Just like many of the jobs of today didn’t exist a decade ago (think social media marketing and online data security), many opportunities will be created in the near future that don’t exist quite yet. Ever heard of “vertical agriculture” (i.e., growing vegetables without sun or soil)? How about 700 mile per hour high-speed rail that will move goods from Los Angeles to San Franciso in 20 minutes? Solar carports, solar roof tiles, and solar pavement are already in development. And automobiles may soon become moving health checkup facilitators every time you get behind the wheel, checking your weight and heart rate and potentially dispensing medicine aromatically. Even smart toilets are getting into the game, which can be constructed with biomarkers to detect illnesses early.

Albert Einstein famously said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” And that about sums up the critical skills necessary for tomorrow’s job market— and tomorrow’s military, for that matter. Corporate futurists constantly ask, “What else am I missing?

What’s hidden in plain sight that’s right around the corner?” That very same approach will help you navigate tomorrow’s career opportunities. It’s true that artificial intelligence will likely replace repetitive types of jobs. But similar fears occurred decades ago when prototype robots “learned” to perform spot-welding operations, as Victor Scheinman created the Stanford Arm, a programmable six-joined robot. True, those

robots took over people’s jobs, but in fact, we see more jobs today than before, many of them richer and better paying, increasing the wealth and wellbeing of our workforce.

New jobs in the areas of green energy, digital health and telemedicine, AI and machine learning, data privacy and cybersecurity, space exploration and colonization, blockchain and cryptocurrency, virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable agriculture are coming our way. Job titles like AI Drone Technicians and Operators, Prompt Engineers (who feed questions into AI systems), AI Trainers and Explainability Experts, and even Chief AI Officers and AI Ethicists are coming our way. Be open to these new trends and technologies. Educate yourself using MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) like Udemy, Khan Academy, FutureLearn, Udacity, edX, and Coursera to access free courses and certifications. Make the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh) your guide as to hot industries and positions over the next decade. Remain curious. We’re on the cutting edge of something new, just on the cusp of IR4, with unimaginable opportunities ahead. Now is the time to reinvent yourself. Now is the time to prepare for your exciting future.

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

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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BUSINESS FOR VETERANS

By Barbara Eldridge www.mindmasters.com

Face to face business requires relationship building, and a database system that builds loyalty and longevity. In this case we are not just scanning a business card, but also gathering significant intelligence that will lead to priceless opportunities. The marketing campaign might include the same outreach as the on-line list but goes beyond “technology”. It requires a more personal connection that translates into repeat business and opportunity.

Your Greatest Business Asset Besides You

There are some key factors to consider in developing a strategy: 1. Get to know the people, so it is not just a numbers game.

The marketing holy grail these days is building your email list. We have been told that if you have a big list you have tremendous marketing leverage.

Is this true? Sometimes we need to step back and question what might seem like divergent philosophies.

2. Create a system for recording what you know about all the people on your list.

If you look at your e-mail list, do you see a lot of changes? People opt out without any need to explain, some just get kicked back because they no longer exist.

Some of the people you may know, some you have met, but how personal of a relationship do you have with all of them on your list?

4. Create your marketing around how you will follow up – 40% of business is left on the table because professionals do not stay in communication with new accounts, past customers, and advocates.

It is not just a matter of “who you know, but rather how well you know them. The size and quality of your list is the most important factor in determining the end result of any business building program. After all, the best marketing campaign in the world will not generate results if it goes out to a small number of poorly qualified leads! So, how you build your list is crucial to the success of your business. Do you have an on-line business or one that has more face-to-face interaction to close the sale?

Here are some rules of thumb for list building online: Make it easy on your site for visitors to have plenty of clear opportunities to subscribe by offering value. You could have exclusive web offers, advanced notices, or helpful tips. Visitors need to see the value of signing up to your newsletter or offer if they’re going to give you their information.

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3. Target your efforts to meet the right people for opportunities leads for new business, referrals and sales.

“There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long risks and costs of comfortable inaction.”

- John F. Kennedy So, challenge yourself get those business cards off your desk and into an organized system so your marketing targets each category of people differently.

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

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Navigating Career Choices: The Dilemma Faced by Transitioning Military and Veterans

By Maurice D. Wilson, MCPO, USN (Ret), President/ED, National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. aka REBOOT https://www.nvtsi.org Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant milestone for service members and veterans.

However, this transition often comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to choosing a new career path. Recent studies have shown that a staggering 86% of transitioning military and veterans express a desire to start a new career but find themselves stuck in the process of choosing the right path. In this article, we will explore the factors contributing to this dilemma and discuss potential solutions to help these individuals navigate their career choices effectively.

The Desire for Change: It is not surprising that a majority of transitioning military and veterans seek a fresh start in their professional lives. After dedicating years to serving their country, many individuals yearn for new challenges, growth, and opportunities outside the military. However, this desire for change can often be accompanied by uncertainty and confusion about which career path to pursue.

The Challenge of Translating Skills: One of the primary obstacles faced by transitioning military and veterans is the difficulty in translating their military skills and experiences into civilian terms. The unique nature of military occupations and the jargon associated with them can make it challenging for employers and even the veterans themselves to identify suitable civilian career options that align with their skills and interests.

Lack of Information and Guidance: Another contributing factor to the career choice dilemma is the lack of information and guidance available to transitioning military and veterans. Many individuals find themselves unsure of the various career options available to them outside the military. They may also struggle to understand the specific requirements, qualifications, and potential growth opportunities associated with different industries.

Overcoming the Dilemma: While the career choice dilemma can be daunting, there are resources and strategies available to help transitioning military and veterans navigate this process effectively.

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1. Self-Reflection and Assessment: Encouraging individuals to engage in self-reflection and assessment of their skills, interests, and values can provide valuable insights into potential career paths that align with their strengths and aspirations.

2. Career Counseling and Mentorship: Seeking guidance from career counselors and mentors who specialize in working with transitioning military and veterans can provide invaluable support. These professionals can help individuals explore different career options, identify transferable skills, and develop a strategic career plan.

3. Skill-Building and Education: Pursuing additional education or training programs can enhance the marketability of transitioning military and veterans.

By acquiring new skills or certifications, individuals can expand their career options and increase their confidence in choosing a career that is a best fit.

Navigating career choices can be a daunting task for transitioning military and veterans, with 86% expressing a desire to start a new career but feeling stuck in the decision-making process. The challenges of translating military skills, lack of information and guidance, and the need for self-reflection all contribute to this dilemma.

However, there are solutions available to help these individuals overcome these obstacles.

Engaging in self-reflection, seeking career counseling and mentorship, and pursuing skill-building and education can all aid in making informed career choices.

By providing the necessary support and resources, we can empower transitioning military and veterans to successfully navigate their career transitions and embark on fulfilling civilian careers.

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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

From Military to Civilian Life: A Spouse’s Perspective on Transition Meet Surinder Goode, a military spouse of over 30 years and mother of two teenagers. After moving to the U.S. in 1997, she initially worked for various companies before making the bold move to open her first coffee cart on a military base in San Diego in 2002. Over the next fourteen years, through perseverance and hard work, Surinder grew her business to 7 carts across 5 different base locations in the area.

While her entrepreneurial story is one of personal pride and success, Surinder is well acquainted with the unique challenges of being a military spouse and primary caregiver while operating a business. She joins us today to reflect candidly on how her husband’s transition out of military service impacted their family, and to offer helpful advice to others navigating this major life change.

However, three years ago it all changed with his retirement. In preparation, Surinder and her husband had sat down together eighteen months prior to plan his retirement date, viewing it as the long-awaited chance to become a true family unit after so many years apart.

Feeling Alone & Uncertain

The Rhythm Change As a Navy wife for 30 years, Surinder experienced the full gamut of moves, deployments, and periods apart from her husband. And while these challenges were never easy, one of the most difficult transitions they went through was when her husband finally retired from the Navy.

After decades fully immersed in the military community, its rhythms and culture had become second nature to Surinder. Her closest friends were fellow military spouses, who intrinsically understood what she was going through. They were bonded through long deployments, celebrations of promotions or new duty stations, and every up and down along the way.

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But despite excitement at starting a new chapter, the transition also brought profound feelings of isolation and uncertainty. As the spouse who had always handled the household affairs and logistics, Surinder felt the heavy responsibility of now establishing their entirely new civilian lifestyle. One of her biggest personal challenges was figuring out her own identity and purpose apart from the military spouse label she’d held for so long. For the first time in her adult life, she had to chart her own course and career aspirations outside the structure of military life she’d known.

Adjusting to Unpredictability Financially, the loss of the military safety net also led to unpredictability. Her husband faced his own struggles adjusting to corporate culture and norms after decades in the military’s hierarchical system. Suddenly the clear career progression and structured environment he was accustomed to disappeared. He had to learn to sell his abilities to employers who didn’t understand military acronyms or culture. After a lifetime of military service, basic civilian employment tasks like networking, resumes, and interviewing were entirely foreign.

In reflecting on their challenging transition, Surinder shares insights she hopes will help other military families embrace this new adventure and smooth the adjustment period: 1. Communication and patience are key. Be open about feelings and struggles, and lean on your partner for support. Knowing you’re in it together makes it far easier.

2. Maintain routines, especially exercise. Service members are conditioned that fitness is mandatory on active duty, and once retired can lose that self-discipline.

Maintaining exercise routines is crucial for mental and physical health in transition. Surinder’s husband still rises at 4am daily to work out!

3. Take full advantage of transition resources. She wishes she had attended her husband’s TAP classes and medical appointments to better understand the many support systems available. Don’t try to tough it out alone.

4. Plan early for your retirement lifestyle. Surinder assumed her husband would easily slip into domestic life, but they’d only planned around active duty. Have frank discussions ahead of time about your goals and priorities for civilian life, as they will look very different.

Retirement finances should be reviewed as well.

5. (BONUS TIP!) Make “honey do” lists! Surinder’s husband thrived on military checklists. She used this to make a rotating honey do list with check boxes for household tasks. This helped keep him on track and engaged.

Jim

Surinder reflects, “It’s been an adventure Gruny discovering ourselves beyond the military’s direction. While we build this new chapter, our military family remains close to our hearts. I’m proud to support other military spouses making the bittersweet transition to post-military life through my podcast, ‘The Goode Show.’”

www.bandofhands.com

If you enjoy hearing real military community stories, Surinder invites you to listen to her podcast where she candidly shares the ups, downs, and nitty gritty of military family life. It’s available on Apple Podcasts and her website. https://tinyurl.com/spreading-goode-to-the-world Instagram - IG @thegoodeshow Need help with your transition? Have questions?

Link up with Eve on Linked In today. www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert

www.bandofhands.com

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

57

Franchise Frontline Success Stories & Resources

By Rhonda Sanderson

rhonda@sandersonpr.com

Patrick Daniel A Navy Veteran and His Business Partner Put Their Respective Talents to Work as Owners of Floor Coverings International of the Panhandle Patrick Daniel was born and raised in Washington State where he married his wife Emily in 2010. Daniel then joined the Navy in 2012. His first assignment out of Navy RTC (boot camp) was in Pensacola Florida.

“I was an E-6 Leading Petty Officer/Computer Network Defense Manager. I joined the Navy to be part of something larger than myself and to expand my horizons beyond my hometown. Prior to joining, I had never left the US. Upon separating, the Navy had brought me to 27 countries. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and participate in some amazing missions during my time and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to serve for the time that I did. I have no doubt that my service and education has helped me succeed in every part of my life going forward,” Daniel recounted fondly.

As far as returning to Pensacola goes, “My wife and I fell in love with the area. I was assigned to a ship in Rota, Spain for three years, and when it was our turn to come back to the US, we chose Pensacola to be our permanent home. We feel incredibly lucky to have found this community which we love and raised our two daughters here.

Daniel, 34, served at Correy Station in Pensacola.

During that time, he and his wife launched two real estate investment companies, one focused on renovating and selling dilapidated homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to address the affordable housing shortage in those areas and the other focused on multi-family real estate.

In 2021, Patrick met Isaac Phillips, who had worked in operations management for 15 years and previously led a company and team that managed a commercial real estate portfolio, a role that he loved.

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“Despite that, I was reminded that it was just another job, building someone else’s dream, and not my own, and would never be anything more. I had always wanted to own my own company and that longing had grown stronger over the years,” shared Phillips.

The pair met through common real estate interests when both were considering service-based franchise opportunities. Sharing common goals, they decided to form a business partnership, with Phillips relocating from Michigan with his family.

2021

GOALS

Through due diligence and research, it became clear to the two real estate pros that Floor Coverings International, a Georgia based franchisor, was the right company for them. The company brought awardwinning customer service technologies and incredible training and support programs to the table. After meeting CEO Tom Wood, these already very able partners were all in.

www.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com

Their FCI of West Florida Panhandle also has a storefront at 698 E. Heinberg St., in Pensacola, with a second location expected to open in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area in July. But the mobile showrooms are part of what makes the company so special. The Floor to Your Door customer experience has literally changed the way homeowners and/or business owners are shopping for flooring solutions. The company boasts of over 3000 samples that can make a great experience, since the customer sees all samples in their home or office, with their own lighting, accessories, and paint pallet all around them.

“I loved my time, the camaraderie and accomplishments I achieved in the Navy,” Daniel said. “Now I am equally thrilled with this new chapter in my life.”

Transitioning out of the Military into the Civilian Workforce?

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

The reality, though, is that it can be difficult.

In fact, it can be downright depressing, demotivating and you may feel totally disillusioned.

Veterans In Transition is dedicated to you and helping you succeed in your transition.

For editorial & monthly columns regarding transitioning to civilian life, career advice, tips, workshops, transition to education, entrepreneurship, straight-forward legal tips for military and veteran business owners visit www.tinyurl.com/SDVM-Transition

About FCI Floor Coverings International currently has 240 franchisees with 30 more under development.

For information on a franchise go to www.flooring-franchise.com

VETERANS IN TRANSITION

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Successful Transitioning Stories

By Dr. Julie Ducharme www.synergylearninginstitute.org

Steven Kuhn Steven Kuhn is a consultant, author, and speaker who has been hand-picked to consult with some of the most influential people in the world (rock stars, singers, actors, business leaders, and politicians) about how to expand their brand, build value, and loyalty and develop strategies for increasing beneficial relationships and achieving true Quality of Life (QOL). Steven Kuhn hails from Pennsylvania, USA and served in the U.S. Army from 1986-1993 in Germany and deployed for one tour with Task Force 4-8 Cavalry as a Sergeant in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Upon discharge from the Army, Kuhn continued to live in Europe where he later became a best-selling author, a multi-country business turnaround leader, and Political Consultant.

Steven Kuhn is a great example of how as a veteran you don’t just make just one transition into the civilian world, you may do many over your lifetime. Even though Steven left the military 34 years ago he still thinks about it every day and still uses the skills he learned in the military in his everyday life. He still vividly remembers standing in boot camp thinking “He was a loser, and he couldn’t do anything” and then he completed boot camp and from that point forward Steven said he uses that drive in everything he does. Veterans are skilled in many areas and Steven says veterans should continue to evolve to the situations that present themselves to them.

Steven contributes much of his success to his deep-rooted beliefs that building trust and rapport through a process he calls H.I.T. (Honesty, Integrity & Transparency). H.I.T. is the method in which Steven lives his life both professionally and personally and the impact it has had as he transitioned out of the military has been very impactful to his success.

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When Steven first left the military, he lived in 10 different countries as his goal and dream was to pursue something bigger and better for his future life. We are all capable of so much and I was blessed to have people in my life that said we see something in you stop messing around and do it.

“Always be in competition with yourself, and be better than you were yesterday.

My driving force is that if you tell me to go do something I am going to go do it better than everyone else and that is why I believe I have had such success as an entrepreneur. When I left the military, I went from selfemployed, to corporate, to a freelancer, to a consultant to a connector and now a force multiplier. You can see my evolution as a person and in business has been continuous.

You’re not a one trick pony?

A good example of this is my new project where my wife and I are working on renewable energy and neither of us had a lot of experience in this industry, but we were able to create this project with zero industry knowledge and zero industry contacts. This goes to show you that if you are willing to put in the time, effort, and grind you will continue to find success in whatever you do.

Sure, you will fail along the way because that is just part of evolving and growing as a person but really there is nothing you can’t do if you’re willing to apply yourself.

Often, I feel like people never know what they are capable of until someone or something pushes them once again like our military experience. Sometimes you just need the right person to push you.

What tips do you have for the ever-evolving veteran?

Veterans very often think in a box, that is how we are trained and that is one part of the training we must let go of. We must be able to get us out of our own way, evolve, and get rid of that box to see the bigger picture.

We must remember that no one is going to do anything for you, you must rise and do it for yourself. Take that drive you had in the military and move it to your civilian life and jobs. I was given some great advice from an 86-year-old body builder. I asked him how you do it, he said, “Always be in competition with yourself, and be better than you were yesterday. Also set short-, midand long-term goals.” He lived to be 96 years old. What a life, right? A great example is you’re never too old to evolve and change into new things in your life. We have all heard that we only use 10% of our brain and I think often we only use 1% of our abilities. What it comes down to is you must believe you are capable; do you believe you can do it? It does not matter what anyone else believes. It only matters what you believe.

To find out more about what Steven Kuhn is doing https://steven-kuhn.com/

“Take that drive you had in the military and move it to your civilian life and jobs”

To learn more about our transition programs and professional development at Synergy Learning Institute www.pitbullsnPearls.com https://synergylearninginstitute.org/ WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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RISKY BUSINESS

Insurance Info & Risk Management Tips

By Hadley Wood www.hlinwood-insurance.com

Management Liability If you are an Officer, Director, Board-Member or Key Advisor in or to a company or non-profit, you may be surprised to learn that you have Personal Liability exposure that you may not be covered for. While the Company may carry insurance for the Company itself, it likely does not extend to you personally, if you are named as an individual in a claim or lawsuit.

Let me explain – if a claimant can show that the Officers, Directors, Board or Advisors could have personally prevented the claim by mitigating a situation before damages occurred, the court can find the Company’s Executives personally and separately liable.

It is a frightening scenario - especially if you are on the board of a Non-Profit and volunteer your time and efforts only to find out that you are at risk of losing your personal assets!

Thankfully there is an insurance product called Directors and Officers Liability (aka D & O), which is a type of Management Liability Insurance. It is typically purchased separately from a normal General Liability or Professional Liability but is often bundled with Employment Practices Insurance (EPLI), which we have discussed previously.

Common D & O claims include: • Negligent management • Breach of contract • Regulatory claims • Employment lawsuits • Antitrust claims • Inadequate disclosure in financial

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reports or statements • Breach of fiduciary duty resulting in financial losses D & O Claims also have cross-over into Cyber incidents and data protection. Because it is the responsibility of the key Directors of the company to protect the data, if there is a data breech, it can be pointed back to the Directors personally.

With the average D & O payout over $400K and with many claims running into the millions of dollars, you can see why this coverage is personally important to you.

Just the cost of hiring an attorney to defend yourself could bankrupt you as many of these claims take years to resolve.

If you think you might have legal exposure in this situation, make sure to inquire whether the Company carries D & O coverage. You should request a copy of the policy to verify and see the limits and terms.

If the Company does not carry this coverage, you should encourage them to get it in place to protect the key decision makers. And if they refuse to carry this, you need to make a serious decision whether you want to risk being a part of that Company.

If you have any questions about Management Liability, D & O, Cyber Liability, or any other type of business insurance, please contact 760-828-0403 or visit www.hlinwood-insurance.com I want to thank each Veteran for their service and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Veterans Chamber of Commerce

By Joseph Molina www.vccsd.org

Veterans and Leadership

In a world hungry for strong leadership, veterans are living proof of the enduring power of leading by example. Their legacy of duty, commitment, resilience, and unwavering values enriches our communities and organizations, reminding us of the timeless strength of veteran leadership.

Why veterans make good Leaders: Military training emphasizes the importance of teamwork and effective communication, equipping veterans with the skills needed to lead diverse groups.

Veterans are trained to handle high-stress situations, enabling them to stay calm and make well-informed decisions in challenging leadership scenarios.

When we think of leadership, we think of veterans. Their exceptional qualities as leaders are a result of a unique blend of experiences, values, and skills cultivated during their military service.

At the heart of a veteran’s leadership is an unwavering commitment that goes beyond the call of duty. The sense of strong commitment and dedication in service to the nation, instills in veterans a sense of duty that becomes the cornerstone of their leadership style, inspiring those around them to excel.

Veterans are skilled communicators and expert team builders. Military training emphasizes the importance of effective communication and teamwork. They know that a well-functioning team, bonded by trust and shared goals, is an unstoppable force.

The military fosters adaptability and problem-solving skills, which veterans apply to find creative solutions in both business and community leadership roles.

Veterans are accustomed to adhering to strict codes of conduct and ethics, fostering a culture of integrity and trust in their leadership.

The leadership values instilled in veterans, such as selfless service and accountability, are qualities that resonate with team members and inspire loyalty.

Veterans often possess a global perspective due to their overseas deployments, which can be advantageous in today’s interconnected world.

Many veterans actively mentor and support the development of emerging leaders, contributing to a legacy of leadership excellence.

Moreover, veterans possess an innate resilience. They’ve faced adverse conditions and navigated through dark times, which equips them to stay calm under pressure and find solutions even in the most trying situations.

In summary Veterans have a deep understanding of the importance of mission accomplishment and often set and achieve ambitious goals, driving success in their leadership roles.

Values like integrity, discipline, accountability, and selfless service are at the core of veteran leadership.

Their unwavering commitment to these principles earns them the trust and respect of their teams and communities.

The Veterans Radio Show: Share your story: Be our guest on the show – click the follwing link: www.vccsd.org/radioshow.html

Furthermore, veterans often bring a global perspective to the table. Many have served abroad, gaining an understanding of different cultures and viewpoints that proves invaluable in today’s interconnected world.

If you have any ideas or a project that you would like to Develop in collaboration with The National Veterans Chamber. Send your ideas to: veteransccsd@gmail.com * Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and based solely on my personal experience. Make sure you contact a qualified Attorney to actually create living trust for your family.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Our students earn credentials that open doors to jobs anywhere in the U.S. Call us at (619) 550-1620.

AFTER EARNED A CAREER IN JUST 4 MONTHS. ENROLL NOW AT WFW.ORG CAD/CAM Programming CNC Machining Welding DoD SkillBridge Organization

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www.c6securityacademy.com WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

65

legal Eagle Straight-forward legal tips for Military and Veteran Business Owners

By Kelly Bagla, Esq.

15

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON STARTING A BUSINESS Having been a start-up lawyer and entrepreneur, I have been asked many of the following questions over the years by entrepreneurs when starting their company. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer, and as lawyers often like to say, “it depends on the circumstances.” But here are my short-hand answers to the frequently asked start-up questions: 1. Should I form my company as C corporation, an S corporation, an LLC, a partnership or a sole proprietorship?

Start it as an S corporation unless you have to issue both common stock and preferred stock; in that case start it as a C corporation. And an S corporation can easily be converted later into a C corporation. LLCs are popular but can get overly complicated. Partnerships and sole proprietorships are to be avoided because of the potential personal liability to the owners of the business.

2. Where should I incorporate my business?

The standard answer to this is Delaware because of its well-developed corporate law. My answer is that it should be the state the business is located, as this will save you some fees and complexities. You can always reincorporate later in Delaware.

3. How much should I capitalize my business with at the beginning?

As much as you can reasonably afford, and in an amount to at least carry you for 6-9 months with no income. What you will find is that it always takes you longer to get revenues, and that you will experience more expenses than you anticipated.

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4. How likely will it be that I can get venture capital financing?

Extremely unlikely. Get a product done, gain some traction, get a good management team, and then consider getting venture financing.

5. Should I require prospective angel or venture capital investors to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) so they don’t steal my idea?

No, don’t waste your time. It will be counterproductive and slow down your fund raising. And many investors will refuse anyway. It’s hard enough to get a meeting with an investor, don’t put another roadblock in the way. For the most part, it’s not the idea that is important, it’s the implementation of the idea and the entrepreneurs behind it.

6. How much dilution in share ownership of my company should I give up to investors in my business?

Whatever amount gets you funded. Don’t try to over optimize on ownership. Get cash to grow your business and make your investors happy as well.

7. How big should a stock option pool for employees be?

15-20%. Standard vesting for options is 5 years, with a one year “cliff vesting” and monthly vesting after that.

“Cliff vesting” in this context means the employee must be employed by the company for a minimum of one year before the employee earns any of the options.

8. How can I get a venture capitalist to pay attention to me?

Any of the following: • Get a ton of traction in the marketplace • Have meaningful growing revenues • Have a world-class management team • Have truly innovative technology with a big market opportunity • Get a personal introduction to one of the VC firm partners from a respected colleague

9. How can I come up with a great name for my business?

13. How can I protect my great idea?

This is difficult. First brainstorm with a bunch of different names. Then do a Google search to see what is already taken, and that will eliminate 95% of your choices. Make it easy to spell. Make it interesting. Don’t pick a nonsensical name where people won’t have a clue as to what you do. Do a trademark/tradename search on the name. Then make sure you can get the domain name.

10. What are the biggest challenges to starting a business?

The answers are: • Shortage of capital and cash flow • Having a good business plan • Coming up with a great product or service • Sticking to it • Working more than you expected • Getting through the frustrations of being constantly rejected by customers • Hiring good employees • Knowing when to fire bad employees • Having to wear so many hats • Managing your time CONTRACT • Maintaining some kind of work/life balance

11. What kind of business should I start?

A business that: • You are passionate about • Doesn’t take a kazillion dollars to fund

Ideas are a dime a dozen. It’s the actual implementation of an idea that is more important. If it’s truly unique, get a patent for it (see www.uspto. gov). You may get some protection through copyright, trade secret programs, or NDA’s, but not a lot.

14. Do I need a lawyer to start a business?

Unless you know how to issue stock and to whom, it’s usually a good idea to have an experienced business lawyer on your team who has advised many start-ups.

Hire only a business lawyer, not a general practitioner or divorce lawyer. Experience matters.

15. How can I obtain the domain name I want?

Every good “.com” domain name is already taken. And I usually only recommend “.com” names.

Ultimately, 99% of domain names are available to be bought – you just have to be prepared to pay for the name. Do a “WHOIS Search” at www.networksolutions. com to find out the contact information for the owner of the domain name you are interested in, and offer to buy the name. Don’t be naive and offer $500 for a premium domain name. You will be ignored. Be willing to pay a fair amount for a good name.

Becoming a business owner, you control your own destiny, choose the people you work with, reap big rewards, challenge yourself, give back to the community, and you get to follow your passion.

Knowing what you’re getting into is smart business because the responsibility of protecting your business falls on you.

• Has the potential to grow into something big in a reasonable time frame • You have some experience in 12. What are the biggest mistakes made by startup entrepreneurs?

• Not starting with enough capital • Thinking that success will come quickly • Not carefully budgeting • Not focusing on the quality of the product or service • Underestimating the importance of sales and marketing • Not adapting quickly enough • Not understanding the competitive landscape • Ignoring legal and contract matters • Hiring the wrong employees • Mispricing the product or service

For more information on how to legally start and grow your business please visit my website at www.BaglaLaw.com Disclaimer: This information is made available by Bagla Law Firm, APC for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, and not to provide specific legal advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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Legally Speaking Military Focused Family Law Facts

By Tana Landau, Esq.

The Court concluded: “Congress clearly intended veterans’ disability benefits to be used, in part, for the support of veterans’ dependents.” Therefore, although your VA disability benefits cannot be divided by the Court as property, the Court will consider it in determining how much child or spousal support you must pay.

Can My Disability Benefits be Garnished?

Veteran Disability Pay and Divorce: What is There to Lose?

If you are a Veteran receiving VA disability compensation, you may be concerned about how much of that income you may lose during a divorce. While each state has different laws governing divorce, child support, and spousal support, there are federal laws that every state must follow. These are some of the questions you may find yourself asking if you are going through a family law matter.

Can Disability Benefits be Divided as Property When I get Divorced?

No. Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act, VA disability payments are exempt from being treated as marital property. This means it is not an asset which can be divided at divorce.

Will VA Benefits be Considered as Income for Purposes of Child Support and Spousal Support?

Yes, VA disability payments are considered as income for calculating child support and spousal support. In Rose v. Rose, 481 U.S. 619 (1987), the U.S. Supreme Court found that VA disability payments were intended not just for the veteran, but as the law stated, to “provide reasonable and adequate compensation for disabled veterans and their families.”

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Yes, there are circumstances where VA disability benefits can and do get garnished (in other words a portion of your disability payment can be taken directly). If you fail to pay child support or spousal support your disability payments can be garnished, but only when you’ve waived part of your military retired pay in order to receive VA disability benefits.

So if you waived part of your taxable military retirement to receive nontaxable disability compensation, your disability benefits can be garnished to meet alimony and child support obligation. This is because the purpose of VA benefits is to provide support not just to a veteran but to his/her family as well.

How Much of my Disability Benefits Can be Garnished?

Typically, between 20% to 50% of your disability pay can be garnished depending on your support obligation.

However, only the portion of your disability income you are paid in place of your military retirement can be garnished. The remainder of disability pay cannot be garnished and is protected.

Will a Garnishment Ever be Denied?

Yes, under certain circumstances a garnishment to a former spouse can be denied if: 1) The garnishment was to cause undue financial hardship 2) The veteran’s former spouse or child has not filed for apportionment 3) The former spouse is living with or married to another person 4) The former spouse was found by a state court to have been guilty of infidelity (in an “at fault” state)

What is an Apportionment of VA Benefits?

Apportionment is when the VA divides up your veteran’s disability compensation amount among those who are entitled to a share of it for support purposes. The VA will pay your former spouse and/or children a part of your veteran’s disability payment directly, thus reducing the amount of benefits you will receive.

Your former spouse must file for apportionment from the VA for themselves (if spousal support is ordered) and for any dependent children (for child support). The VA will require both of you to submit a financial statement to determine if an undue hardship will be caused. It is important to note that you can also file for a hardship reduction in apportionment if you are unable to meet your basic financial needs at any time. In addition, the VA will not approve a garnishment in any case where a request for apportionment has not been filed.

Time for a Fresh Start.

Move forward without breaking the bank. Our military expert family law attorneys are ready to push your case to the finish line.

If My Benefits Can’t be Garnished, Can My Former Spouse Still Ask for an Apportionment?

Your former spouse can ask for the VA for an apportionment for child support even where your VA disability benefit can’t be garnished. You do have the right to object to the apportionment even if you have been court ordered to pay child support.

It is important if you are a veteran going through a divorce that you have a clear understanding on how your disability compensation may be handled through the process. Remember that each state has its own laws.

If you are receiving veteran disability pay and going through a divorce, you may want to consult with an experienced family law attorney to help you understand how your income may be affected.

Military Divorce and Retirement, 20/20/20 Spouse, Survivor Benefit Plans, Support Orders, and more.

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Call 858-720-8250 or visit www.frfamilylaw.com to schedule a free consultation.

Flat-fee law packages available.

For more information about misconceptions about divorce, check out our website: www.frfamilylaw.com or call (858) 720-8250 and ask to speak with military family law attorney Tana Landau.

This article is intended only for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal advice.

Legal Experts with Humanity

WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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We exist to provide as many people as possible with quality legal representation that will give them access to justice that they would not have otherwise have had.

SLAY Legal Aid Foundation relies on donations, proceeds from the sales of our founders’ programs, donations from law firms, corporations and celebrities, as well as pro bono work from attorneys.

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Opportunities in Law Enforcement You’ve served your country, now serve your community!

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

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

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

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

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

www.rva.gov/police/personnel

www.rva.gov/police/personnel

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Be the

CHANGE

Veterans! Join Our Team

SFPD Salary

$103,116 - $147,628 TEXT “JoinSFPD” to (415) 704-3688 www.JoinSFPD.com WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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SDPD Ride Along: A Story of Two Marines

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

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

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

Most of our particular day was cruising around beautiful Balboa Park running car tags to see if they were current, from cars not displaying proper plates and placards to those double parked. Bunch says they often catch parole violators or even stolen cars doing just this.

I was struck as I watched both officers go out of their way to look in and around vehicles to find plates or disability placards not displayed correctly so as to avoid issuing superfluous tickets.

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

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

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

Officer Mark Wright

Officer Sean Bunch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bunch says he feels he and Wright are lucky to come to the force later in life, given it means they have a wider frame of reference for those they meet and serve daily.

“We deal with people who are going through all kinds of things in life,” said Bunch. “And it’s helpful to be able to say, ‘hey I know what you are going through, I’ve been there.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This one request would become pivotal in saving Wright’s life.

Continued on next page >

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

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

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

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

SDPD Ride Along

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Officer Sean Bunch - Amber Robinson (SDVM) - Officer Mark Wright 76 WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / November 2023

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

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From Navy Sailor to San Francisco Police Officer

By Holly Shaffner

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

- Officer Cindy Ovares

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

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

Cindy was like many seniors in high school as she contemplated what she would do after graduation.

When the Navy recruiter called the house looking for her brother, the recruiter instead got an eager, independent 17-year-old woman who wanted to find adventure. Just a few months later, she was off to “see the world” and start her first career.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Officer Ovares, the parallels between serving in the military and serving in law enforcement made the transition go smoothly: • Routine – You know what to expect before your shift begins (what time to report, what uniform to wear, the structure of the day).

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

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

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

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Resources Support Transition HEALTH Community

San Diego Veterans Magazine A Veterans Magazine by Veterans for Veterans

Voted 2020, 2021 & 2022 Best San Diego resource, support magazine for veterans, transitioning military personnel, active military, military families & veteran organizations

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