2020 RNG MARCH-APRIL

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READING UNITES FAMILIES

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Letter Letter From from the The Editor Editor Photo by Spc. Antonio Lewis.

Take your leave days Can you even remember the time before we were plugged in all day, every day? Maybe that era was even before you were born, but life did exist without cell phones, laptops and social media. And the result of less distractions was more uninterrupted time together, something we need to work harder at in 2020.

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to interview retired Maj. Gen. John Gronski. We initially met several years ago at the annual AUSA conference as he was part of the leadership of U.S. Army Europe.

Our recent discussion focused on a new book he published called “The Ride of Our Lives: Lessons on Life, Leadership, and Love,” and its focus had me thinking about the value of time off — something my husband is terrible at taking. He’s the guy who always loses leave days because he doesn’t take them before the next fiscal year starts.

Gronski, his wife, Berti, and his son, Stephen, embarked on a crosscountry ride in the early 80s. There was no GPS, they relied on paper maps, and only had a pay phone for communication. They traveled over 4,000 miles with bicycles and a toddler. After his retirement, he reflected back on that trip and its transformative impact on the leadership lessons he learned — and sometimes applied to his military career. The journal he had kept became a useful tool in putting together the book.

Reliving his journey was fascinating, when thinking about life in terms of our modern-day luxuries. What lesson is the takeaway to me? Take those leave days. The way in which we spend our off-duty hours impacts other areas of our life, which is reinforced by the four-decades-longcareer of leaders like Gronski. Read more on what he hopes readers will learn from his story on pgs. 16-17.

Bianca ON THE COVER

CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS

ISSUE

Samantha Peterson Crystal Kupper Elizabeth Aslakson Jimmy Norris Ryan Guina Andrea Downing Peck Lt. Col. Ann Bernard Lukas Toth

MARCH / APRIL 2020

READING UNITES FAMILIES

Army Reserve Maj. Kevin Wood reads to his two sons near their home in New Jersey. When he’s away for various military commitments, Wood utilizes the United Through Reading app to stay connected with his kids. Photo by John DeFiora Photography.

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Header Contents Title The Reserve & National Guard is published six times a year for reservists and members of the National Guard. Copies are available through participating Reserve and National Guard training centers at no cost.

Unit distribution requests can be made online at: AmeriForceMedia.com/rng/print-magazines/

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20,000 soldiers set to deploy for DEFENDER-Europe 20

Individuals can order a free digital edition of this guide at: AmeriForceMedia.com/rng/subscribe-free/ Editorial comments can be emailed to: managing.editor@ameriforcemedia.com

6 Got Your Six 8 Ask the Expert 10 Reading unites families beyond deployment

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Information and advertisements in this publication do not constitute endorsement by any branch of the military or the Department of Defense. No part of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of the publisher. AmeriForce Media, LLC, the publisher, and publisher’s agents make no endorsement of any advertised services or products and none should be inferred.

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CONTRIBUTORS

By Elizabeth Aslakson

by Crystal Kupper

by Jimmy Norris

President and Publisher................Todd Taranto

16 Gronski reflects on ride of his life

by Bianca M. Strzalkowski

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‘Year of the Recruiter’ highlights those in the field

by Crystal Kupper

20 Are you financially prepared to be activated?

by Ryan Guina

22 MOH recipient creates legacy honoring Gold Star families

Managing Editor........... Bianca M. Strzalkowski Design................Open-Look Business Solutions

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by Andrea Downing Peck

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Got Your Six

New program offsets child care costs for Army families

By Samantha Peterson New locations, expenses, careers, and budgets are common for American military families.

Childcare, one of the most expensive and important line items in a budget, has left too many feeling the strain of changing economies across this country. A new program, launching February 1st by Army Emergency Relief aims to fill in where current programs leave off, to the tune of up to $1500 per family.

Throughout its 78-year history, Army Emergency Relief (AER) has provided billions in assistance to active duty, reserve, survivor, and retired service members and their families. “Childcare was identified as a major stressor by everyone from the Secretary of the Army to families I met with throughout the years” says Lieutenant General Raymond Mason (Retired), Director of AER. No stranger to building resilience, Mason feels strongly that the happiness of a military family produces “a better and more ready Army.”

Eligibility for the AER Child Care Assistance Program depends on each family’s specific financial needs while on PCS orders. Open to Active Duty and Active Guard Reserve on Title 10, the program is designed to cover out of pocket childcare expenses leftover after the Army Fee Assistance subsidy has stepped in.

Up to $500 per month, following the period of 120 days post PCS in the form of grants, loans, or a combination of both is offered.

AER Officers, trained financial counselors, work alongside families 6

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to determine eligibility and need.

“Going over a budget in such detail expands a family’s understanding of exactly where the money is going” says Mason.

Designed for temporary relief, the combination of both the grant or loan coupled with personalized financial counseling serves as a multipurpose tool for strengthening finances and opening doors for families. Spouses or soldiers may submit an assistance request within the first 120 days following a PCS along with documentation such as an LES statement, DD Form 1351, PCS orders, and a certificate of participation in the Army Fee Assistance Program. Open to all ranks, the program is based upon individualized budgets rather than income.

High cost areas such as Washington DC, Hawaii, and the Seattle area are widely recognized to cause strain, however, all CONUS PCS locations are eligible. Once selected, families can accept all or a portion of funding if desired. Flexible repayment schedules on the zero

interest loans are yet another example of AER’s understanding of military needs.

Mason draws attention to the changing makeup of the American military family. “More households are dual income, which means childcare is an even more critical piece to spouses finding success.”

Adapting its offerings to meet out of pocket expenses is where AER shines.

“Just ask. We turn down less than 1% of those who apply, simply because we have so many programs to help” Mason urges.

In 2019, AER began to offer spouses up to $2500 to relicense or certify after each PCS, another expense taken into consideration for families. Covering medical procedures, dental, spouse naturalization, and a wide array of other expenditures, there’s likely a program to meet the need. “If you have stress on your budget, we’re here to help” Mason explains.

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Ask the Expert

TSP AFTER THE MILITARY

By Kate Horrell

Leaving the military means making a lot of decisions — big decisions — often in a short period of time. One important decision, thankfully, doesn’t have a time limit: What should you do with the balance in your Thrift Savings Plan account?

Several myths and rumors surround the answer to that question, with plenty of salesmen wanting you to believe that you should move your money out of the TSP. Five clear options exist for service members and their TSP account assets after transitioning from the military.

Even though there’s no single answer for everyone, three choices are more optimal for most people, and two choices are less right for most people.

The usually-better options include: 1.

Leave the money in your TSP account.

2.

Roll your TSP account balance into an Individual Retirement Arrangement.

3.

Roll your TSP account balance into your new employer’s 401(k) plan.

The rarely-better options include: 4.

Withdraw your TSP account balance in a lump sum.

5.

Transfer your TSP account balance to a qualified annuity.

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Leave the balance in your TSP account Once you have a TSP account, you can leave your money in there until you have to take required minimum distributions. There is no requirement to move it anywhere, at any time. In fact, most military-savvy financial planners recommend that you leave your retirement funds in TSP. “As an entering argument, we don’t advocate doing anything different with your TSP,” says Sean Gillespie of Redeployment Wealth Strategies.

“Just because you can’t contribute to it any more doesn’t mean you have to move it. And with low cost being one of the leading predictors of maximizing your returns, it’s darned difficult to do better than you will with TSP.” Pros: Leaving your money in the TSP is by far the easiest option, and it’s a good option for many situations. The TSP has very, very low fees. You can move the money elsewhere later. TSP understands tax-free contributions from a Combat Zone Tax Exclusion. You can roll new money from other

qualified plans into your TSP account to take advantage of the low costs.

Cons: TSP offers limited distribution options, though they are scheduled to expand this fall. You have limited investment options in TSP. You can’t roll from Traditional TSP to Roth TSP, so if you are trying to move your Traditional money into Roth accounts, it will have to be out of TSP. You can’t take multiple partial withdrawals out of your TSP account.

Roll your TSP balance into an Individual Retirement Arrangement Pros: You have total control of how you invest your money, and unlimited investment options.

You can still roll the money into a 401 (k) in the future. You can convert money that is currently in a Traditional account into a Roth account, but it will be a taxable event. And it’s really nice to put everything in one place!

Cons: IRAs don’t have any loan options, and will probably have higher fees.

Roll your TSP balance into your new employer’s 401 (k) plan Pros: Moving your TSP balance will streamline your accounts, and that balance will be available for borrowing with a 401 (k) loan. (But don’t do it!)

Cons: Most 401 (k) plans have higher costs than TSP. You’ll still be limited to the investment options in the new plan. There may be a waiting period to participate in your new employer’s 401 (k). Not all 401 (k) plans have a Roth option.

and nuances for many different scenarios. If you are considering moving your TSP to another investment, you may find value in consulting a financial advisor to figure out which choice is right for you and your specific situation.

Forrest Baumhover, a certified financial planner with Lawrence Financial Planning, suggests caution when moving your TSP to a 401(k).

Lacey Langford, AFC ®, The Military Money Expert ®, suggests several reasons why you might want to

“When you leave military service, don’t be quick to jump out of TSP. It has better and lower-cost investment options than 401 (k) plans.”

Withdraw your TSP account balance in a lump sum Pros: Cash in hand.

Cons: Withdrawing money from your TSP account may be subject to withdrawal penalties (10%) and taxes (probably in the 20% range).

More importantly, you’ll lose all future earnings on that money, and you can’t replace that money into a tax-advantaged account because they have yearly contribution limits.

Transfer your TSP account balance to a qualified annuity Pros: Predictable, guaranteed income stream for life.

Cons: It is a permanent decision.

There may be high fees involved.

You may not get anywhere near the full value of your contribution. If it isn’t indexed for inflation, the purchasing power of your monthly benefit will decrease each year.

consider using a fee-only financial planner vs. the advisor offered through a bank, insurance company or investment company.

“Fee-only allows you to have a clear picture of what you’re paying for and how the advisor is being compensated for the advice and recommendations they’re giving you,” Langford added.

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9

Family Support Support

Reading unites families beyond

DEPLOYMENT

By Crystal Kupper - SPONSORED Army Reserve Maj. Kevin Wood’s military commitments often take him away from home, but not always for deployment. Rather, he flies aircraft for his fixed-wing battalion with members located in four non-bordering states. This means he is regularly missing his sons’ bedtime routine, the time when he reads books aloud to them before saying goodnight.

Disruptions to daily routines are difficult for military families but thanks to a military service organization, service members have a reliable, personable, and free method to connect with their children and extended family across the miles with a recorded story that can be watched at any time.

United Through Reading (UTR) is a nonprofit organization bridging the gap between military men and women and their loved ones through videos of the member reading specificallychosen books for children back home.

Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and 10

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Coast Guard members — either active duty, reserves, or National Guard — can select the books and record the video(s) at hundreds of recording sites around the world which they send home so their child(ren) can watch while reading along.

Daddy on demand While families can sometimes use video chat during these times apart, schedules, time zones and spotty service mean those conversations aren’t always quality time for the family members.

“Using the program is nice when he’s gone for drill weekend, training, or classes because he is the one who reads them bedtime stories before bed,” Tonya Wood, wife of Maj. Wood, explained. “Even though he’s not able to read to them in person, we can watch the videos, and he is still able to be a part of their bedtime routine. It also helps anytime they are missing dad

because he is available on-demand at any time with the recording.”

UTR was founded 30 years ago by a reading specialist who combined her professional knowledge about the power of reading from birth with her personal experience as a military spouse who faced a difficult deployment reintegration with her husband and young daughter.

The simple idea of a parent or special adult reading a bedtime story during deployment to a child took hold.

Since 1989, UTR has served over 2.4 million military family members. In 2019 alone, service members used UTR to read 12,189 books to families around the world serving 48,756 military family members facing any separation due to military assignment.

How does it work?

Some recording sites are permanently embedded within military units, while others are in

partnership with libraries or other community organizations. Still, others are conducted through UTR’s “Mobile Story Station” or at popup events, including Yellow Ribbon events around the country. UTR’s latest feature is an eponymous app (available for free on Android and iOS) that allows anyone with Wi-Fi access to create their own “story station.”

The recording procedure is straightforward: the military member chooses a complimentary book based on their child(ren)’s reading level and interests, then goes to a private location — either provided or one of their own choosing if using the app — introduces the book and reads it aloud. Often the service member will include personalized comments, jokes, vocal inflections, body language and sign-offs for their kid(s).

“It’s an excellent tool for service members and their family members to use,” Jeffrey Bock, a Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, said. “It’s a great break-up from the daily grind (or routine) and a way to remain connected with loved ones back home.”

Reading reconnection UTR has played a vital role for millions of military families, including the Wood family.

Tonya volunteered for UTR in Alaska before being hired as their Yellow Ribbon Program coordinator.

Throughout the year, she works closely with Yellow Ribbon personnel to ensure UTR staff and volunteers are able to attend the DoD-sponsored Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events for families of the Guard and reserves around the country.

“As a reserve [and Guard] family, you’re not necessarily living where you’re going to do your drill weekend,” she said.

Those unique circumstances often translate into many nights, weeks and months away from family, and usually without the local support of an active-duty military base.

Thankfully, the Woods and other military families have UTR’s app and recording locations to assist with maintaining the connection during any time apart.

Occasionally, UTR draws a celebrity

Bock, who began working with UTR roughly two years ago, organizes the Department of Defense program by planning events packed with resources that assist National Guard and Reserve members and their families before, during and after deployments. “[UTR] is reminding a loved one that reading is important,” he said.

“Maybe the kid has had a stressful day, but hearing that voice of their parent and being able to have that connection while apart is an outstanding resource.”

“sighting.” Recently, Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle and his wife, Eireann Dolan, attended a Yellow Ribbon event with UTR for the 88th Readiness Division in Illinois, meeting with service members as they prepared for deployment.

“I grew up in a military family and my wife comes from a military family as well. We’re excited to share one of our favorite hobbies reading - with all of you,” Doolittle shared. “This is a really cool way for families to stay connected and (service members) can continue to take an active role in their families.”

For Tonya, UTR not only helps her sons stay connected with their dad during his frequent trips for his job but also as a tool for her on those long days of solo-parenting.

On one of those particularly long days, she pulled up their UTR video library at bedtime and hit play on “The Berenstain Bears Don’t Pollute, Anymore” by Stan and Jan Berenstain.

“They were excited for dad to be reading to them, and I dozed off for 10 minutes. When the video ended, they happily got in bed. It really felt like he was home.”

Ready to get the app?

Go to http://utr.org/app to download the UTR app before your next drill weekend, deployment or annual training.

www.reservenationalguard.com www.militaryfamilies.com

11

Training Fashion

20,000 soldiers set to deploy for DEFENDER-Europe 20

By Elizabeth Aslakson

A 3rd Infantry Division soldier performs a convoy brief prior to the movement of military vehicles in Savannah, GA. Photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi.

The largest U.S.-based Army exercise of forces to Europe since the Cold War is currently underway.

Other smaller exercises include: Exercise Swift Response, an annual multinational parachute operation across Europe;

Purpose Maj. Traun Moore, USAREUR spokesperson, further detailed the exercise’s intent.

“The purpose of DEFENDER-Europe 20 is to demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force from the U.S. to Europe and, alongside our allies and partners, quickly respond to a potential crisis. Key objectives include units drawing Army prepositioned stock; receiving, staging, moving and integrating units; commanding and controlling a division-size force, rehearsing response options; demonstrating U.S. ability to leverage alliances and partnerships; and testing new equipment,” Moore said.

By the numbers The exercise will take place from April to May 2020, with personnel and equipment movements occurring from now through July. About 37,000 U.S., allied, and partner nation troops will participate. Of the 20,000 troops deploying from the continental U.S., 7,000 will be Army National Guard soldiers from 12 states and 750 U.S. Army Reserve soldiers.

Additionally, 9,000 U.S. troops based in Europe, from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines will participate.

DEFENDER-Europe 20, a joint, multi-national, U.S. Army Europecommanded exercise, takes place this spring, with the deployment of 20,000 soldiers from across all components.

Exercise Saber Strike, a biannual exercise featuring ground maneuver training based in Poland and the Baltic States;

Brig. Gen. Sean Bernabe, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for U.S. Army Europe, explained the intent of the largest exercise in 25 years.

Exercise Allied Spirit, which is focused on interoperability at brigade level and below between allies and partners;

“Headquarters Department of the Army directed U.S. Army Europe led exercise designed to build strategic readiness for U.S. Army,” Bernabe said. “Twenty-thousand U.S. Army Soldiers, with their assigned equipment, will deploy from the U.S. to Europe and go to training areas around Europe to participate in other smaller exercises.”

Exercise Dynamic Front, an annual exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied and partner artillery units.

The main objectives of DEFENDEREurope 20 are the military’s refocus on strategic readiness and continued improvement of interoperability.

Bernabe added, “Once these smaller exercises are complete, DefenderEurope 20 will redeploy the 20,000 U.S. forces back to the U.S. for their next mission.”

According to Moore, the military has concentrated on tactical readiness over the last several years.

However, emphasis has shifted to building strategic readiness.

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Objectives

“Strategic readiness includes the ability of the U.S. military to dynamically project force and set the theater by mobilizing and deploying forces, sustaining them in a crisis, and redeploying them when their mission is complete,” Moore explained, also clarifying that this exercise is not in response to a specific threat or adversary.

Moore continued, “Interoperability is a state of readiness that we collectively strive to improve ...

Although this will be the largest movement of U.S. forces to Europe in over 25 years, we are working closely with our allies and partners to ensure a common understanding and enhance our combined readiness and interoperability capabilities. Living and training alongside our allies and partners in Europe helps the U.S. maintain the relationships and trust that are essential for ensuring global security. Interoperability is not only about technology; it is about people and processes — about all participating nations’ militaries developing basic battlefield-critical capabilities like communicating

Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division begin convoy operations to Savannah, Georgia, in February as part of preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. Photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi.

with and understanding allies and partners.”

Preparation As with any major military operation, units involved — including NATO and host nations — will be organizing and practicing ahead of time. Also, planning conferences will take place prior and throughout each stage of the exercise.

“All participants are in constant communication, to ensure that there is a shared understanding of

the key objectives and the steps that are being taken to successfully execute pre-deployment, exercise execution and redeployment operations,” Moore more.

For example, the U.S. Army Europe team is already working with host nation teams “to plan and execute pre-exercise senior leader engagements in participating countries in an effort to further share information about DEFENDER-Europe 20, alongside their host nation counterparts.”

Impact on families

U.S. Army Europe hosted a Rehearsal of Concept drill in February, as a final conditions check for the execution of exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20.

Photo by Robert Sekula.

In terms of how this exercise may impact military families, Moore says families should be prepared for their service members to engage in additional training prior to the exercise, as well as resetting when redeploying from Europe. Though most activity will occur in April and May, pre-deployment training timelines are dependent on the individual unit’s objective. Furthermore, troops and families stationed in Europe and not involved in the exercise, should see minimum impact on their daily lives and experience no interruption of services.

Follow updates from U.S. Army Europe at https://www.eur.army.mil/DefenderEurope. www.reservenationalguard.com

13

Equipment

By Jimmy Norris It wouldn’t be a new year without new gear, and the Army has plenty coming in 2020. New vehicles, weapons and uniforms are among the equipment soldiers could have their hands on before the year ends. Some equipment has already begun to make its way through Army units and will continue fielding in 2020.

Other equipment will be brand new this year.

M17 and M18 Pistols While the replacement for the Army’s M9 pistol isn’t exactly new, the Modular Handgun System will be new to soldiers in dozens of units in 2020. According to Army spokesperson Cathy Brown Vandermaarel, more than 55,000 M17s and M18s have been fielded since November 2017. In 2020 an additional 23,000 handguns will be issued to active, reserves and National Guard units throughout

the continental U.S. The weapon is expected to be fielded Army wide by the end of fiscal year 2022.

“The M17/M18 Modular Handgun System is more capable than its predecessor, the M9 pistol, due to increased lethality, better ergonomics, and increased reliability, durability and maintainability,” Vandermaarel said in an email interview. “It also can accommodate a number of different attachments that can improve performance.”

1st Lt. Anna Kretzer, a platoon leader assigned to the 527th Military Police Company qualifies on the new M17. The U.S. Army started fielding Military Police units with the new SIG Sauer M17 pistol to replace the M9 Beretta. Photo by Sgt. Tristin Maximilian.

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Tactical Digital Media Kits The Tactical Digital Media Kit is specific to public affairs soldiers and includes audiovisual acquisition and editing equipment. To date, 270 kits have been fielded to priority units. An additional 327 kits will be fielded to priority units by the end of fiscal year 2020. Additionally, there are plans for a one-time purchase using National Guard and reserve equipment funds to purchase 560 kits specifically for National Guard use, Vandermaarel said.

According to Vandermaarel, the Tactical Digital Media kits are an improvement over the old video and still photo kits.

“Public Affairs teams are often dispatched with combat units to remote locations. Tactical Digital Media kits enable these teams to gather, process and deliver audio files, digital imagery and visual media,” she said. “The biggest difference between the TDM kits and legacy public affairs tools is the ability to send information through the same tactical network that operational units are leveraging in deployment locations. TDM kits also contain the latest digitally capable cameras, audio recorders and associated computers.”

Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) Ordnance soldiers, engineers and special operations soldiers can look forward to a new robot in 2020 in the form of the Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II. This medium-sized, remote controlled robot has the capability to detect, identify and dispose of a range of hazards while keeping soldiers at a safe distance. The robot’s standard chassis accommodates multiple payload platforms for a variety of missions. According to Rae Higgins at the U.S. Army Program Executive

Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support Communications, the first unit to receive the MTRS Inc II will be the 55th Ordnance Company at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

“The MTRS Inc II provides the warfighter with a standoff ability to locate, identify and clear landmines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices in the path of maneuvering Army or joint forces,” Higgins said in an email. “It also provides [Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear] soldiers with the capability to employ CBRN sensors from a distance.”

Army Combat Fitness Test Equipment The fielding of equipment for the Army’s new Combat Fitness Test began with the Kentucky National Guard in December 2019. Since then the Army has issued more than 1,500 of the sets which include bumper plates, barbells, medicines balls and a nylon sled with straps.

Army Greens Uniform

Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment test CH-47 Chinook capabilities by sling loading their newest vehicle, the Army Ground Mobility Vehicle. This year, the Army plans to roll out 600 modernized versions of the lightweight vehicle, called the Infantry Squad Vehicle. Photo

by Staff Sgt. Jacob Sawyer.

The much-anticipated World War II-era throwback uniform is still scheduled for a 2020 release, according to the Army’s official website. The uniform is described as “one of the most admired and recognizable uniforms in the Army’s history.” A testing phase was scheduled to take place between November 2018 and this month. The uniform is slated to become available for purchase through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service by April. It is expected to be scheduled to new soldiers in July 2020. The uniform will be “cost neutral” to soldiers, meaning it will be covered by their annual clothing allowance.

Army Public Affairs personnel were unable to provide updates on the uniform before deadline, according to the website.

According to Vandermaarel, the Army is taking a regional approach to fielding this equipment with units in the Southeastern U.S. receiving it first. Fielding will progress to the Southwest in February, overseas in March, the Northeast in February and March, the Midwest in March and April, and finally the West in April and May. Fielding should be complete by mid-May, Vandermaarel said.

Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is delivering more than 36,000 lanes of new Army Combat Fitness Test equipment to one million active-duty, Reserve and National Guard soldiers at more than 1,000 U.S. Army units around the world. Photo by R. Slade Walters.

Infantry Squad Vehicle According to an Army News Service article published in August last year, the Army has plans to field the Infantry Squad Vehicle in 2020. The first round of testing for the new nine-soldier vehicle was scheduled to take place at Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland in late 2019. A second round of testing would have taken place at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

After testing and selection of a vendor, there are plans to purchase 649 vehicles, the article stated. Army Public Affairs personnel were unable to verify if the scheduled testing took place or what the results of the test were before deadline.

The MTRS Inc II is a remotely operated, medium-sized robotic system that provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify and dispose of hazards. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support Communications.

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15

Leadership OCONUS

Gronski speaks with leaders from the U.S. Army NATO Brigade, U.S. Army Europe and other NATO Commands while serving as the Deputy Commanding General of National Guard for U.S. Army Europe. Photo by Tony Sweeney.

Gronski reflects on ride of his life

By Bianca M. Strzalkowski

A recently-retired Army leader is sharing lessons learned on life, leadership, and love.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. John Gronski returned to the States last spring after spending three years as the deputy commanding general at U.S. Army Europe. The longtime soldier was then focused on his next mission: transitioning to the civilian sector. He retired in June.

Timothy, who wasn’t even born yet when I did the trip with my son, Stephen, and we were talking around the firepit. He started asking me questions and as I was sharing the stories, he suggested I turn them into a book,” Gronski explained.

Shortly after, a conversation with his younger son led to an idea about documenting a 4,000-mile journey that had occurred earlier in his life.

He had kept a journal and a scrapbook from the trip, serving as a baseline for jogging his memory about specific details. “The Ride of Our Lives” was released in February and focuses on people following their dreams, while overcoming challenges.

“I engaged in this bicycle trip over 35 years ago, and I was sitting around this summer with my son, 16

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It was also an opportunity for Gronski and his wife, Berti, to learn a lot about each under in the face of difficult circumstances. The couple, who has now been married 39 years, were still in the newlywed phase when they embarked on the trek in 1983.

“It was all self-supported, selfcontained. We were just out there on our own with our baby, a twoman backpacking tent and two sleeping bags. You know, when we had to find a place to sleep for the night, we would do our best to find a town park, a farmer’s field, behind a church, behind a school. It was challenging three months on the road on bicycles,” he said.

The Gronskis relied solely on bicycles, pulling their 15-monthold son Stephen in a trailer that resembled a pioneer’s covered wagon. Their route went from Washington State to Pennsylvania, and he credits the experience with providing life-long formation of character, family values, patriotic service and citizenship, and unshakable faith.

But how does a young couple, with a baby, decide to adopt such a unique undertaking?

“I was 20 years old, before I entered the Army, I started to read and hear about people who were biking across the United States. … I was always interested in people who would backpack the Appalachian Trail, and I always had this adventurous yearning in me. My wife, she’s from Austria, so she showed a sense of adventure by coming over here (U.S.) to try and make a life for herself,” he said.

“After we got married, we started talking about this dream.”

At the time, Gronski was preparing to leave active duty and they were stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington.

They didn’t see Stephen as an obstacle to the idea, he adds, so this was how they approached getting from one side of the country to their next stop.

Of the 12 states they traveled through, each had “its own magic about it,” but Oregon’s scenery, people and cascading mountains stood out to him. In fact, it’s where the book’s cover image was taken.

But he also learned a deeper lesson tying in the logistical parts of the trip to a larger life lesson.

“Every state, and every time we had to make a decision whether to go

right, left or whatever direction, what I found is whatever choice you make in life really isn’t a bad choice.

It’s the attitude you have that matters. … I don’t think it’s ever worth thinking I should have made another choice,” Gronski said.

He recommends other service members find their own version of an adventure to share with their family, which he says can improve workplace performance as well.

“I do think spending time exploring different things with one’s family is important. I think it helps you

do better in your work — whether it be as a soldier or a civilian career because you step back and do something different. And you usually have the opportunity to think and reflect. Then when you return to your job, you do it with a little more creativity and imagination,” he said. “The second thing I want to say, in the Army loyalty is one of our values, what loyalty means is not only loyalty to your country or to your unit — but also being loyal to your family. To be loyal to your family, you have to take that time.”

“ The Ride of Our Lives: Lessons on Life, Leadership, and Love” is available now for purchase on Amazon at

https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Our-Lives-Lessons-Leadership/dp/1630505307.

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17

Awards Health

‘Year of the Recruiter’ highlights those in the field

By Crystal Kupper

Leaders of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command dubbed 2020 as the “Year of the Recruiter” to focus on the soldiers charged with finding the right people to serve in the Army.

“The Year of the Recruiter is about empowering the men and women who are out there on the streets every day working to bring in the next generation of Soldiers,” Maj. Gen. Frank Muth, USAREC’s commanding general, stated in a press release. “This year is about 18

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them – the people who are finding tomorrow’s Army leaders today.”

Among those are top performers, like Sgt. 1st Class Jordan Ferrari who was named Army Reserve Recruiter of the Year late last year, during a ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

The award was more surprising, in fact, for Ferrari herself.

“There are so many impressive men and women in our recruiting ranks,” the 30-year-old said. “Representing these amazing men and women … is an absolute honor.”

Being a decorated recruiter from the 5th Recruiting Brigade within the Kansas City Recruiting Battalion wasn’t always in her plans. Raised in Alabama by a single mother, Ferrari was “a college dropout” after working and taking classes became overwhelming. In 2008, she decided to enlist in the Army Reserve as a medical laboratory specialist, despite her mom’s initial reservations.

“I knew that my service in the Army Reserve would provide me with education and experience to better my life in the civilian sector … and it did,” she said.

Ferrari eventually switched to recruiting and has sent roughly 50 men and women into service.

“The best part (about recruiting) is that I’m able to help the communities in which we serve,” Ferrari said. “Being able to share my own experiences to help others reach their goals is rewarding.”

Recruiting isn’t the only rewarding outlet for Ferrari, either. The same month she was named Recruiter of the Year, she also graduated from Boston University with a Master’s degree in Social Work. It was a path

born from a 2015 squad leader assignment at the Warrior Transition Battalion.

“I saw firsthand how the social workers positively influenced the lives of our transitioning soldiers,” she explained.

Ferrari connected with one soldier in particular who was struggling with alcohol addiction. As she supported the soldier through inpatient treatment, she was struck by the power of helping people through dependency.

That soldier medically retired and successfully reintegrated into the civilian job market. At her retirement, she thanked Ferrari “for being there for her in her darkest times and never giving up.”

“This appreciation stuck with me and I knew that I could help others; I just needed the tools to do so,” Ferrari said. She plans on eventually earning a PhD in Social Welfare Policy with the aim to develop programs and policies benefitting youth and veterans.

But not quite yet. This year she is starting a nursing program at the

University of Kansas to eventually commission into the Army Nurse Corps.

Each degree will nicely dovetail with her current internship as a chemical dependency treatment counselor with more than 500 hours volunteered in 2019 at a counseling facility.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to give back to the local community. I truly believe that when our time on Earth is done, the only thing we leave behind is the impact we have on others. It is my hope that I have left a positive impact on those that I have encountered whether it be through military service or through counseling,” Ferrari said during an interview on the U.S. Army website.

It’s safe to say that her mother’s fears of what her daughter might become through the Army have been erased.

“She could not be more proud of my service to our great nation,” Ferrari said. “She understands that the Army Reserve has provided me with a foundation, a career and an opportunity to pursue higher education while becoming part of something much bigger than my small hometown.” www.reservenationalguard.com

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Header Money Career Title

Are you financially

prepared

to be

activated?

By Ryan Guina

Every member of the reserve component understands they may be activated. In many cases, such as formal training schools or Professional Military Education (PME), you will have time to prepare and plan for the activation. However, in some cases, such as a national emergency or natural disaster, there may be a short turnaround window to prepare for your activation.

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Being activated without notice can be difficult and may cause problems for your family, career, and finances. Hopefully, you have worked through this possibility and have a plan in place. Our goal today is to examine how being activated can impact your finances, and what you can do to prepare for this possibility.

Three types of activations; two types of pay.

paycheck for longer than you were expecting.

Depending on whether you serve in the National Guard or reserves, you may be activated under one of three statuses: Title 10, Title 32, or statelevel orders.

How much will you earn if you are activated?

Title 10 of the U.S. Code applies to members serving on active duty, the reserves, and members of the National Guard who have been activated for federal missions.

Being activated under Title 32 orders covers state missions that are funded by the federal government.

This can include full-time National Guard members and those activated for federally funded missions, such as a federal disaster response.

Members who fall under these two statuses receive the same pay and benefits as active-duty members.

Finally, National Guard members may be activated for state-level missions that are approved by the state governor and paid for by the state. In essence, you become a state employee during this time and your pay and benefits are based on your state’s employment laws and policies.

If you serve in the National Guard, take the time to familiarize yourself with your state activation guidelines, pay, and benefits.

You may find there is a large pay discrepancy between your military pay grade and the rate you would earn if you were activated on state orders. Some states also only pay their members after the activation has been completed, meaning you may find yourself without a

Understanding the ways you can be activated and what your pay and benefits will be is essential to understanding the impact to your finances.

With this information at hand, you can calculate what your pay and benefits will be under each type of activation. Be sure to calculate your base pay and any benefits such as BAH, BAS, and the potential for other benefits such as family separation pay, special duty pay, hazardous duty pay, hostile fire pay, etc.

If you are activated under state orders, be sure to coordinate with your state liaison to ensure you understand what your pay and benefits will be while you are activated, and ask when you will be paid. Again, some states only pay their members after the activation has ended. This may cause problems if your activation drags on longer than expected.

Be sure to consider whether or not your civilian employer offers differential pay or additional military leave. If so, you may be able to double-dip, at least for a short time frame.

Will your expenses change if you are activated?

Next, take a hard look at how your expenses might change if you are activated. Be sure to compare your

current living and working situation to what it might look like if you are activated. Will there be changes to your commuting expenses, living expenses, or food costs — beyond per diem?

If you have a family, consider how your activation may increase expenses such as child care or hiring someone to do tasks you won’t be around to do, such as lawn care, car repairs, or home repairs.

On the flip side, you may see some expenses decrease. TRICARE may allow you to pause your civilian insurance program, potentially saving you some money each month. You may also gain access to other benefits that save you money.

How does activation impact your financial situation?

Finally, take your military compensation when you are activated, add in the changes to your living expenses, and compare them to your current budget. If your military compensation exceeds your current day job income and you won’t have too many extra expenses, then you’re in the clear.

You may even be able to bank a little extra cash while you are activated.

However, if your military compensation and changes to your living expenses fall short of your budgetary needs, you will run into a shortfall. Knowing this ahead of time gives you the information you need to plan for being called up. If this is the case, then take the time now to figure out how you can make your situation work.

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21

Honor Parenting Our Fallen

Williams is the last surviving Marine Corps, World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Photo

by Staff Sgt. William Holdaway.

MOH recipient creates legacy honoring Gold Star families

By Andrea Downing Peck

On Feb. 23, 1945, then-Marine Corps Cpl. Hershel “Woody” Williams stood with his back to Mount Suribachi when his fellow Marines in the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division began firing their weapons in celebration. Only 5-feet 6-inches tall, Williams turned and craned his neck to see the Stars and Stripes flying atop Iwo Jima’s highest peak. The flag raising on Mount Suribachi would become the iconic image of World War II. Two days later, Williams would etch his own name into World War II history books when the flamethrower operator cleared the enemy from inside a previously impenetrable row of “pillbox” bunkers, thwarting the U.S. military’s advance across the island.

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Williams, 96, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that day, but his service to his country has been lifelong. Williams was discharged from the Marine Corps in 1945, but served in the Marine Corps Reserve until his retirement.

Following the war, he spent 33 years as a Veterans Service Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs and concluded his career as commandant of the Veterans Home in Barboursville, West Virginia.

But his lasting legacy is the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. Established in 2012, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has spearheaded construction of 60 Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments across the United States, with another 66 registered projects under way from New York to Guam. Each multipaneled granite

monument honors the families and relatives of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The organization also sponsors Gold Star family outreach programs, provides Living Legacy scholarships to eligible Gold Star children and advocates for educational benefits for all Gold Star family members.

While the history of “Gold Star mothers” dates to World War I, Gold Star families weren’t formally recognized until 2011, when President Barack Obama expanded “Gold Star Mother’s Day” to include all Gold Star family members.

“For years and years, no one spoke of a person other than Gold Star mother when somebody was lost in the military,” admits Williams, who as a teen delivered telegrams to families whose loved ones had been killed or wounded in action.

Williams received his wake-up call in 2010 after concluding a speech highlighting Gold Star mothers.

The father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan approached Williams.

With tears rolling down his cheeks, he told Williams, “Dads cry too.”

“I decided we had to do something, at least in our own state of West Virginia, to honor and pay tribute to the families–we’ve got 11,000 names on a veterans’ memorial in our capitol grounds,” Williams said.

“We had never done anything to mention the families. I thought we had to recognize the fact they had lost a loved one.”

Williams began designing a monument to honor Gold Star families. With the assistance of Williams’ two grandsons, Bryan and Brent Casey, the foundation was established. The first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was dedicated in 2013 on Williams’ 90th birthday at West Virginia’s Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. Within a year, the nation’s second Gold Star Families Monument was dedicated in Valley Forge, Pa. Other projects soon followed across the country.

World War II Medal of Honor Recipient and Gold Star Family Member Memorial Founder Hershel “Woody” Williams poses for a photograph with Marine Corp. infantryman at a dedication ceremony held at Hawaiian Memorial Park in 2018.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Somers T. Steelman.

“It’s like the old saying, ‘A person dies two deaths. The day their soul leaves their body and the second when we cease to speak their name,’” said Foundation CEO and President Chad Graham, one of Williams’ five grandsons. “That’s an important part of what we do. The best way we can serve these families is not only to provide support to them, but also to remember their loved ones by saying their name and keeping their sacrifice in our minds.”

One of 11 children, Williams grew up on a dairy farm in West Virginia.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he was building fencing on government ranchland in Montana as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

He had dropped out of high school to participate in the Depression-era public relief program.

“I was 17-years-old and had no particular interest or desire to be in the military,” Williams admits. “I knew nothing much about it. But when Pearl Harbor was bombed, they called us out the next morning and told us America was going to war. Well, none of us had ever heard of Pearl Harbor. None of us had heard of the South Pacific.”

Their fabled dress blue uniforms attracted Williams to the Marine Corps. But when he attempted to enlist after turning 18, he was rejected for failing to meet the service’s 5-feet 8-inch height requirement. When that standard was relaxed in 1943, Williams joined the Marines.

Construction of a monument honoring those who have lost loved ones while serving in the military. www.reservenationalguard.com www.militaryfamilies.com

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Williams autographs a ceremonial gold-tipped shovel for Gold Star Mother Belinda Jividen during the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument groundbreaking ceremony in West Virginia. Photo by Bo Wriston.

Williams saw his first combat action in the Battle of Guam in July 1944.

Well-trained by combat-hardened Marines, Williams knew fear was not an option.

“If you control your fear, where it doesn’t control you, you continue to operate efficiently,” Williams explains. “But if the fear ever gets to the point where it is in control, you are done. They have to evacuate you. You’re finished. That happened to many individuals because we’re all different. One person will sacrifice his life to save somebody else, and the other guy reaches a point where he says I can’t take it anymore and leaves.”

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Seven months later on Iwo Jima, a bigger challenge awaited. Williams describes his commanding officer’s decision to have a flamethrower attempt to neutralize the Japanese pillboxes as an act “bordering on desperation.” Williams volunteered, knowing he was the only flamethrower operator remaining in his company. Five others had been killed or wounded.

“That was my job. That was what I was trained to do,” Williams explains.

“Much of that day is a dream,” he adds.

“Much of it I don’t even remember.”

With four riflemen — two of whom

were killed during the mission — providing cover, Williams spent four hours evading enemy fire as he systematically attacked pillboxes, retreated to reload flamethrowers and demolition charges, then headed out again. All totaled, he destroyed seven pillboxes. His MOH citation cites two examples of his heroism that day: mounting a pillbox to shoot flame down the air vent and kill its occupants and charging attacking enemy soldiers and destroying them with a burst of flame.

“Those instances I remember,” he said. “But all the details it took to get there and accomplish that. Those details are not there.”

Seven months later while on Guam, Williams was ordered to his commanding general’s tent.

“I was so scared.” Williams notes.

“The words I do remember are, ‘You are being ordered back to Washington, D.C.’ If he did use the words ‘Medal of Honor,’ it didn’t mean a thing because I never heard of it. I didn’t even know the Medal of Honor existed. The only thing that registered with me is I get to go home.”

90,000 tons, that’s 10-stories tall, 825 feet long, that’s going to carry helicopters and all kinds of armaments and sail our seven seas with his name on it,” Williams said.

“How can that happen to a little guy like me? Yet it does happen in America, because that’s America.”

recipients don’t shine their medals, Williams polishes his.

Williams will wear his MOH when he attends the commission. While most

visit www.hwwmohf.org.

“I shine it for a reason,” he said. “I keep it shined for those two Marines that sacrificed their lives to make it possible. I wear it in their honor.”

To bring a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument to your community,

Those three words, however, would alter Williams’ life. Until President Harry Truman awarded him the MOH in October 1945, Williams’ plan was to return to farming. Instead, he became a reluctant hero.

“From the minute the medal was presented to me, I took on a new life,” Williams said. “I changed from a country boy to a public figure. It was very difficult for me to make that adjustment. I was very shy, very bashful, backward. I had one year of high school. Speaking before groups of people was absolutely devastating.”

That would change as Williams became an advocate for veterans in West Virginia and throughout the nation. Since the founding of his foundation, Williams has attended nearly every Gold Star Families Monument dedication — 57 of 60 to date. He spent 220 days on the road last year in support of Gold Star family and veterans causes.

On March 7, the last living MOH recipient from the Pacific Theater will travel to Norfolk, Va., for another seminal event, the commissioning of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4), an Expeditionary Sea Base Ship.

“A country boy from West Virginia that never dreamed of ever being in public has a ship that weighs

Mike Moreno CSU Graduate

Transfer Credit for Military Training Serving a military student population of approximately 40 percent, CSU’s dedicated military support staff is comprised of current and former military members who understand the unique needs of these students and their families. Taught by some of the industry’s most distinguished professionals, all of CSU’s programs are designed to be taken at your own pace on your own time.

Our Commitment to Serving Military Students and Their Families Includes: » Tuition Assistance

» Military Training Credits

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ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Military » 877.347.6050 Orange Beach, Ala. | Gainful employment information available at ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Disclosure.

More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at wwww.benefitsva.gov. Paid ad. No federal endorsement of advertiser(s) intended. Any reference to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, products or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the DoD.

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25

Education Off Duty

#365FirstsChallenge pushes users to new experiences

By Marine Reserve Lt. Col. Ann Bernard “When’s the last time you’ve done something new?” I go around constantly asking people — and myself — that question.

You see, I’m the creator of the #365FirstsChallenge, a mission to get people to add first times and new experiences to their lives.

It was while stationed in Germany and traveling all over Europe that I decided to mix being in new places with trying new things. It didn’t take much for me to fall in love with having new experiences because of how alive and renewed they made me feel. After struggles with depression and boredom, it was a relief to feel energized, excited, and motivated by exploring, adventuring, and learning. They changed me, opened up my world, while unfolding a path to a rich life full of amazing stories.

Eventually, I figured out I didn’t need to be on foreign soil to keep having new experiences so I explored what opportunities existed at home, online, or locally.

From kayaking for the first time in Dubrovnik, Croatia to canyoneering and paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland; to windsurfing in Belize and using an air fryer in my parent’s kitchen, or doing archery with my sister and her husband in Foxboro, Massachusetts, recording my first podcast from my kitchen table, and using a waterpick (water 26

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flosser) in my bathroom — I found endless activities, both big and small. It breaks up habits, routines, monotony, and help me constantly learn, grow, and improve.

When I pondered what was next for me at the conclusion of my latest set of mobilization orders, introducing others to the benefits, value, and magic of new experiences felt like the best thing I could offer others.

That’s why I launched #365FirstsChallenge, a free app that

helps users expand their activities and likewise, their life perspective, by exploring new things in categories like volunteerism, games, life skills, dance, foods, music, and travel (to name a few categories).

Users swipe through more than 1,300 “firsts” for those they want to add to their to-do list and then set a timeline for completing them.

Users can also add their own unique items to their list. Once an item is completed, it can be marked as finished, earning badges and trophies, then the accomplishment can be shared on social media.

Aside from the personal rewards and benefits I gained from challenging myself, I also learned through research that new experiences are responsible for helping increase creativity, improving cognitive abilities, enhancing open-mindedness, confidence and spontaneity, and even helping to fend off dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Comfort zones, fears, and being creatures of habit keep us from stepping into the unknown and can put limits on one’s life potential.

We can’t achieve higher levels of success, awareness, health or happiness doing the things we’ve always done. I want to do whatever I can to encourage, motivate, and assist people to reach for those “firsts” and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Serving others began for me when I joined the Marine Corps at 17.

I turned 18 at Parris Island, a few weeks into boot camp, and four years later, I went through Officer Candidate School at Quantico, after being selected for the Meritorious Commissioning Program.

I left active duty after 10 years to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams that were also based on helping people lead better lives.

Unfortunately, three years and a couple of failures later, I was broke, in debt, and basically homeless (foreclosed on my townhouse) due to those entrepreneurial pursuits.

That’s when a friend pointed out I was still in the IRR. We argued about it for a while, but he turned out to be right. It didn’t take much before I was back in uniform on Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) orders. So far, I’ve done another six years on active duty in the last decade, got promoted a few

more times, and was blessed with the opportunity to be stationed in Germany.

I know two things in life: how to be a Marine and how to be an entrepreneur. Being in the reserves has been an excellent way to continue to serve while also pursue other ambitions. I never would’ve found myself in the places and with the opportunities I did, had it not been for continuing my military service.

Now, I’m facing my past failures and engaging back with the entrepreneurial dream because I truly want people to start their own journeys of first times and new experiences.

GET SOCIAL WITH THE

#365FirstsChallenge Website: https://365firstsChallenge.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/365firstschallenge/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/365Firsts1 Facebook: https://facebook.com/365firstschallenge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annbernard/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeFrxgbPxblkhVdZZUTAHpQ #365Firsts Podcast— iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/365firsts-podcast-stories-of-first-times/id1459742335 Google Play: https://podcasts.googl.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly8zNjVmaXJzdHMubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M

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27

Entrepreneur Veterans

A CALL FOR

VETERAN INTEGRA

By Lukas Toth

Your community wants you.

We often discuss the growing divide between veterans and the society at large. There is also no denying that many veterans feel disconnected and isolated from society, contributing to a disheartening suicide rate among those who have served. I will not claim to have a perfect solution to all the challenges facing our veterans, but I do have some recommendations that have helped me.

Veterans and those who serve today have knowledge, skills, and abilities that made them valuable members of their units. Every one of them has worked on diverse teams, solving problems, achieving goals, 28

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and winning under challenging circumstances. Many veterans are expert planners, facilitators, and communicators with many years of experience. Lastly, many veterans are leaders. Leaders who can organize, prioritize, and synchronize efforts.

Even if they only served a brief tour of service, they likely have an insight and understanding of all of the above, that they have continued to reflect and build on since leaving the military.

Every community across the country has a growing demand for these skills. There are also countless civic organizations that are seeing their membership age and active participation decline. There are so many groups available, making it hard to just name a few.

There are countless organizations focused on bringing veterans together, continuing camaraderie many of the members felt in uniform, and channeling the organizations’ efforts to support veterans in need. Organizations like the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Navy League, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America are just a few groups that fall into that category. These groups tell the military’s story every day, while often raising money to support other veterans in the community. These organizations aspire to bring new members into the fold.

Additionally, there is another

are opportunities to engage with fellow citizens through the groups’ monthly meetings, annual events or support charitable endeavors.

N ATION category that allows service members and veterans to leverage their skills to train and develop military or civic minded youth.

Organizations like the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Young Marines, the Civil Air Patrol, and many others can benefit from the experiences of veterans of every rank. Many of these “cadets” are exploring career options and are in need of mentorship as they develop as young leaders. For those still in service, this is a rare opportunity to help the next generation.

One does not have to limit themselves to youth organizations that use a military structure to develop kids. There are many varieties of youth programs in the

community, to include faith-based organizations, troubled youth, and coaching opportunities. You would be surprised how much the kids love to hear about your experience and how the most simple training idea can bring them to life. Personally, I know two 80-plus-year-old veterans who are active volunteers with one youth program, crediting the cadets with keeping them young.

Many veterans may want to either step outside of their military roots or diversify their network. The number of civic organizations in this category are endless. The local Rotary Club, Freemasons Lodge, Knights of Columbus Chapter, Elks Lodge, or Moose Lodge are looking for new members. Typically, there

For those still moving every few years on active duty, you will find that you will pick up with your new chapter, council, club location right where you left off at your last station. You will find friends everywhere you go and the network you build will grow in value as it grows in size. Even as you travel on Temporary Duty from state-to state or country-to-country, you often can plug right into the local community through these organizations.

Community involvement can open doors that you never knew existed and when your time in service ends, it may make your transition to “civilian life” even easier.

The bottom line, your community wants you. I will be honest, some meetings are slow, and it may take a few months to build report as you get to know the organization, but it is worth it. I encourage everyone reading this, in or out of the military, to find an organization and attend a meeting. Go into it with an open mind and let them get to know you. They likely do not need you to swoop in and be in charge, but they may be looking for someone to assist with or manage a project. Take it slow, be consistent and reliable, and before you know it, you will be part of the community. You may find yourself at a Veterans Day parade as an adult volunteer with one organization and as a member of another organization.

Community involvement may not solve every problem with the military-civilian divide, but it will surely not hurt to allow our neighbors to get to know us better. www.reservenationalguard.com

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By the Numbers

United Through Reading connects service members of all branches to their families on the home front, during any military commitment. This resource is the perfect tool during any drill duty, annual training, activation or deployment.

Let’s take a look at UTR’s 2019 impact: Service members

read

57

12,189 books to the families

Yellow Ribbon events were attended

1989:

The year United Through Reading was founded

10,488

volunteer hours were completed

2.4 million+ military family members served since 1989

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www.reservenationalguard.com

Standing with you at every stage. º–––

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