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Steve Roderick
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EDITORIAL DEPT.
Toni Hedstrom, Managing Editor Editor@FireWatchMagazine.com | 813-489-4792
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Vanessa Martin
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November 2024 brings us to the 60th Presidential Election of our country’s young life.
This election year finds us more divided than ever. Outside of the polarized policies, it is important for us to remember who gives us the right to vote and voice our opinions freely without fear of repercussions—our service members.
When speaking to the veteran community, they, more than most, respect our right to free speech. As witnesses, they understand what the world is like without that right. American Citizens are blessed, lucky, and empowered – if we utilize the power, and we can utilize that power through our vote.
With Thanksgiving, November is always about gratefulness. In an election year, gratefulness means so much more. Be grateful that each of us has the power to vote, and then get out there and vote.
Sincerely,
Toni Hedstrom, Managing Editor
The 2024 presidential election takes place on November 5th.
In 1845, Congress passed a federal law declaring the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November as Election Day. Why?
November was chosen out of respect for the time it took to vote. In the 1800s, many citizens were farmers who had to travel several days to reach their polling place. With the harvest season-ending, November seemed the fairest month.
February 1870: The U.S. Congress passes, and the states ratify the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting African American men the right to vote.
August 1920: The 19th Amendment was adopted, granting women from every state the right to vote.
July 1971: The 26th Amendment reduced the voting age in the United States from 21 to 18 years of age.
By Toni Hedstrom
This year, we will celebrate Veterans Day less than one week after the Presidential Election on Tuesday, November 5th. While the observance of Veterans Day is important every year, in an election year, it carries even more significance. As each of us find our way to the ballot box to cast our vote, we should take a moment to recognize our right to do so, without fear of persecution, is provided under the U.S. Constitution and protected by the very souls we celebrate each Veterans’ Day. Many of whom have borne witness to civilizations within undemocratic systems absent of a vote, or a voice.
“Many Americans understand that democratic values must be protected and passed from one generation to the next, and few take this obligation more seriously than the men and women who have sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and placed their bodies in harm’s way in defense of the nation. The spirit of service to the country does not end when one leaves the military, and most veterans believe it is their duty to continue to protect American democracy as engaged citizens.” – Brookings Office of Communications (1)
While our service men and women are equipped with battle plans and weapons to defend democracy, civilians are equipped with voting rights, a significant tool, that through its use, also defends our constitution. There are responsibilities associated with U.S. Citizenship and they include paying taxes, obeying laws, attending school, and voting. To abdicate the responsibilities of citizenship devalues the very democracy our service men and women have fought for. That being said, the very act of voting pays homage to the sacrifices made on our behalf by America’s service members.
We need to start with Civic Education in our Schools to teach what the constitution means. – Gen. Tony Zinni
Participation in our democracy is not just a right, it is a responsibility.
– Sec. Sean O’Keefe
(1) To view the How veterans can protect American democracy panel discussion 8/24/2021 https://www.brookings.edu/events/how-veterans-can-protect-american-democracy/
It had been over 100-years since a named storm had a direct hit on Tampa Bay. But, in the early days of October 2024 many Tampa area residents remained glued to TVs and radios as Milton made its way across the Gulf of Mexico with what seemed to be a direct path to Tampa. We asked ourselves, could this be the one?
The forecast for Milton was just about useless, no one knew exactly where the large storm would hit. But what most meteorologists agreed on was it would be bad for Tampa Bay. Our area had not yet recovered from Helene, a large storm that passed along Tampa Bay’s west coast just days before Milton’s projected arrival causing historical flooding and damage. Losses from Helene lay gathered on curbs and corners across the region set to be dangerous projectiles upon Milton’s impact if not hurried away to landfills.
The potential losses from a Milton direct hit to Tampa Bay in lives and property, were incomprehensible. Luckily, the recent experience of Helene encouraged most to evacuate as instructed. The emotions surrounding the act of leaving your home unsure if you would ever return weighed heavy upon thousands, but they were made safe through evacuation.
In the days before Milton’s arrival over social media waves and water cooler conversations were mentions of an Indian blessing that would keep any storm away from Tampa Bay. It was something worth believing and a sadness seemed to surround the tale in the knowing it was about to be made
By Toni Hedstrom
untrue. One longtime resident of Tampa Bay said calmly when asked if she felt safe before the storm, “A hurricane will never pass over Indian burial grounds.” But the legend was certainly doubted as the massive category 4 storm continued its track to Tampa Bay.
As the hour of landfall grew closer, there seemed to be a slight chance the storm would impact just south of Tampa Bay. This small adjustment to the storm’s track would make all the difference in the world as it would eliminate the severe surge that had been expected along Tampa Bay’s west coast. Could it be that another storm would take a last-minute turn and once again avoid a Tampa Bay direct impact? By the late hours of October 9th, many had already lost electricity, and it was clear there would be impacts from the storm, but not a direct hit. The magic of the Tocobaga Tribe Lore jumped back into life where you could almost imagine a sweeping breath wind pushing the monstrous storm away from the Bay.
The Tocobaga Tribe Lore
It is said the Tocobaga Tribe mounds were used as temples, homes, and burial grounds with the oldest remaining mound located near Old Tampa Bay. Locals claim the tribe had blessed the mounds for protection from hurricanes and other hazards. It seems the turn of Milton can be further proof of the legend’s validity.
You can visit the Tocobaga Temple Mound located in Philippe Park at 2525 Philippe Pkwy. Safety Harbor, Florida.
By Toni Hedstrom
DEMOCRACY: A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.1
REPUBLIC: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.2
Who we are and who we were meant to be in the drafting of the Constitution of the United States appears grayer than ever in the 21st century polarized society we live in. Most of us have grown up believing that our voices matter and that we can make a difference in our country’s direction through voting. However, trust is breaking, with American society increasingly choosing political parties over true policy choices.
To begin this study, we must identify who ‘we’ are as stated in the Constitution. Ironically, the original text of the
constitution never mentions the word democracy, a realization noted by Essayist Jay McConville in his essay, “Republic or Democracy?”3
“The original text of the United States Constitution never mentions the word democracy, and only mentions republic as a form of government once in Article IV, Section 4, where the clause refers to the states and not the federal government itself,” McConville writes.
History shows that our founding fathers found fault in the Constitution, and all who signed it did so with some level of compromise. What had been written was deemed “with all its faults” better than likely alternatives.
Thus, our constitutional foundation is imperfect and held together with hope and the belief that we, as a nation, could maintain some sort of national cohesion and consensus.
In an article entitled “Perspectives on the Constitution: A Republic, If You Can Keep It” Richard R. Beeman, Ph.D. writes, “This national cohesion is represented by a common language; a solid belief in the principles of English common law and constitutionalism, a widespread commitment (albeit in diverse forms) to the Protestant religion; a shared revolutionary experience; and, perhaps most important, an economic environment which promised most free, white Americans if not great wealth, at least independent sufficiency.”
Thankfully, our country, during its young life, has managed to acknowledge all American citizens as deserving of this promise, not just free, white Americans.
In 21st century America, these principles are tearing us apart. Our common language is in question, our principles
of common law are diverse, the emphasis on religion has been lost by many, twisted into a perverse preference for theocracy by others, and we have very different concepts of “revolutionary experience.”
Most scholars believe America is a true republic managed by democratic policy. We, the people, have the right to vote on government and policy matters, but mostly at our local level. For higher government, we vote for representatives to take our positions. Thus, many citizens always feel their voices have not been heard.
Understanding where and how Americans receive the information needed to make informed decisions in policy through voting is a fearful concept. Our country’s news sources have become overwhelmingly polarized. The news is presented from a perspective of personal ideology, lacking unbiased reporting of facts.
This has exacerbated the deterioration of trust the public once held in its news sources. Now, instead of unbiased news, Americans choose their “team” by choosing their news source. In other words, we can tune in to the channel that tells us what we want to hear, not what we need to hear. This is called “confirmation bias”, and it’s a term you’ve probably heard thrown around a lot lately.
Benjamin Franklin, in signing the Constitution of the United States, was concerned about preserving the union. He and others foresaw the challenge of keeping the union together.
Jay McConville writes, “To keep the union together required a structure that limited conflict and cooled the passions of the mob yet provided ample enough rights and liberties to both the citizens and to the former colonies to make them support and adhere to the union.”3
Yet, just 85 years after the ratification of the Constitution, the United States would break into a deadly civil war over the inability to please polarized ideologies.
How do we keep the American dream alive and maintain our sense of “We the People” in the current polarized environment?
It starts with being informed, which is a responsibility each American citizen holds. We must look beyond the headlines and attempt to understand our political candidates’ bigger picture and direction. We must ask and understand what they will do on our behalf in this Republic we have built.
1 2 Definitions from Oxford Languages
3 https://constitutingamerica.org/90day-fp-republic-ordemocracy-classical-history-republican-governing-as-adoptedunited-states-american-revolutionary-war-guest-essayist-jaymcconville/#_ftn4
4 https://constitutioncenter.org/education/classroomresource-library/classroom/perspectives-on-the-constitution-arepublic-if-you-can-keep-it
Children need adults who will guide them and talk about selfdiscipline, commitment, and service. In other words, children need veterans!
Yes, this is a parent’s job. But many children don’t have a consistent parental influence. Teachers often fill that void. But you can help.
Our youth should learn about sacrifice and service from those who have experienced both.
I recommend substituting a few weeks in various classroom settings across grade levels, content areas, and communities to see if teaching is a good fit for you.
If teaching, or even substituting now and then is too much, be a mentor to just one or two students, a weekly reader, or a guest speaker.
November presents the best opportunity to get started. The Great American Teach-In occurs each November and schools, especially elementary and middle, are always clamoring for guest speakers.
This year, the Great American Teach-In is observed on November 13th, 2024, in Pinellas, November 20th, 2024, in Pasco County Schools, and November 21st, 2024, in Hillsborough County Schools.
Reach out to the district’s volunteer coordinator to learn how to register as a speaker.
What does military veterans have to share with students? A lot!
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:
• Prepare a presentation with age-appropriate images. Include foreign landscapes, living quarters, and service members in formal and relaxed settings. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.
• Wear your uniform, or bring one, along with other symbols of service.
• Ask students to put away phones and headphones. Encourage compliance based on integrity and respect.
BY KRISTY VERDI
• Give a brief overview of the U.S. military. Explain your rank, what that means, and the tasks performed in that position. Students always want to know what stripes mean.
• Talk about video games (good and bad). Video games about war are not reality and while youth can build skills with some gaming activities, being physically fit is just as important.
• Define military jargon and acronyms, like MREs (bring one for entertainment!). Have a military vs. education showdown with the teacher for fun.
• Do not let the presentation get political. Instead, remind students about the importance of being an educated voter.
• Talk about the sacrifices veterans make and why you chose to serve. Talk about core values, and the bond that develops between members of a unit.
• Explain how to recognize a veteran, how to greet them, and how to thank them for their service. Do the same for Gold Star Families.
• Explain PTSD, the veteran suicide rate (upper high school grades), and that it is important to treat combat veterans with respect, time, and space.
• Encourage youth to support troops currently serving with cards and care packages.
• Encourage students to volunteer for veteran organizations, especially high schoolers looking for opportunities for community service hours.
On Veterans Day, veterans receive thanks in many ways (parades, free meals, etc.). Check local schools. If a school is hosting a ceremony, plan to attend. It will be amazing, and it might lead to a new form of service, whether as a speaker, a tutor, a mentor, a substitute, or even a teacher.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kristy Verdi is the Executive Director of Learn and Serve Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
Join Veterans and our families on the 4th Monday of each month
5pm Auxiliary • 5pm Riders • 6pm Sons • 7pm Legion
Club House at Plantation Palms Golf Club 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd. Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
ALL LEGION MEMBERS RECEIVE A PLANTATION PALMS GOLF CLUB SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP
For details about membership contact Don Hinst, Commander Post 108 813-845-9108
ELEVATE CABO E-BIKE RAFFLE TICKETS $20 EACH
Help Raise Funds for American Legion Post 108 Community Programs
DRAWING WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 7, 2024 AT PLANTATION PALMS GOLF CLUB (Bike sponsored by Good Guys Golf Carts)
Scan for Details
Please Contact Post Commander Don Hinst 813-786-4965
By Toni Hedstrom
Hurricane Relief Notices from DisasterAssistance.gov
There are programs available to help with those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and or Milton. For a full interactive list visit www.disasterassistance.gov/information/veterans
After a disaster, if you’re a veteran, you can find help and support through the VA and other resources on this page.
If you are a Veteran in crisis – or you’re concerned about one – free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available by phone, text, or chat:
• Dial 988 then Press 1
• Send a text to 838255
• Support for deaf and hard of hearing: Call 1-800-799-4889.
To contact the VA with questions or for information, you can use either of the following to reach us:
• MyVA411 main information line: 1-800-698-2411, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also visit any VA facility to get help. To speak with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) about any of the resources in this section, please call:
• 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Were you not able to get a benefit payment after a disaster?
If you or a beneficiary weren’t able to get a benefit payment after a disaster, call our National Call Center. We can guide you on how to request a one-time special payment if you have a financial hardship.
• 1-800-827-1000
If you need help making your mortgage payment after a disaster, VA can help. We can do the following for you:
• Ask loan holders to put a 90-day freeze on foreclosure.
• Encourage holders to waive late charges.
VA may also be able to work with your servicers or loan holder to apply pre-payments already made to your upcoming payment.
If you are a displaced Veteran and receive employment services from the VA, you may qualify for two additional months of Employee Adjustment Allowance (EAA).
The VR&E program also provides eligible Veterans with independent living (IL) services. This can help you function independently within your home and community
1-877-827-3702
If your home was adapted through the VA Specially Adapted Housing program, other assistance may be available to you. We may help fund repairs if a disaster damaged or caused the loss of your adapted home. Any new assistance will be based on repair costs your insurance doesn’t cover and any previous assistance you got from FEMA for the home.
1-800-827-1000
If a disaster caused the loss of a previously adapted automobile, you may qualify for assistance. Your insurance must not cover the damage.
After a disaster, the VA can assist with your VA pension or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments. You can do any of the following to keep your payments on schedule:
• Update your physical and mailing address.
• Change your contact information.
• Set up or make corrections to your pension or compensation direct deposit. You can also visit your local VA Regional Benefits Office for help
By Josh Porthouse
What does 501c(3) actually mean? Or why does the IRS incentivize donations to lower your taxable income? To answer those questions, let’s first clarify what we’re discussing.
The Internal Revenue Service is a collections arm of the Department of the Treasury, which is a primary office of the executive branch of the U.S. government. In the true fashion of delegation, the Department of the Treasury handles money and finance matters for the U.S. government efforts to better society with as wide a net as possible.
Receiving approval and derivative authority from various committees on Capitol Hill, the Department of the Treasury must ensure that it can replenish its expenses. Collecting income taxes, among others, is one of those remedies.
All American citizens meeting certain criteria pay into certain projects for the greater public good, like infrastructure, education, science, or public safety initiatives. Within that framework, the federal government authorizes state governments to additionally collect taxes balanced via IRS efforts, i.e., state and federal taxes once yearly.
As we pay our taxes between January 1st and April 15th, with some exceptions into September, we are informing the various committees and subcommittees in Congress how best they can budget for the following fiscal years.
They can also better identify how money moves around the country over time to forecast better and allocate resources for federal projects and payouts. States then assume the remaining budgetary considerations. Where they fall short, they outline parameters for private sector initiatives to maintain certain aspects of society.
When an entity (an organization or an individual) pays taxes, they are, in effect, paying to contribute to the greater public good related to safety, security, and stability for the American people.
Border security becomes more apparent because U.S. government allocates and budgets off taxpayer data, not burdened cities resulting from excess budgetary burdens. When organizations offer a purpose that alleviates that burden of finance, the IRS is authorized to collect less money from those contributing individuals. The purpose of the expense has already been alleviated.
That’s what a tax-exempt status means: instead of that amount of money being counted as income for taxable purposes, it reduces the amount of taxable income for that person—the amount is exempt from factoring into income tax collection.
Certain criteria must be met and maintained for that organization to maintain that recognition as a tax-exempt entity. The IRS website specifically qualifies organizations based on section 501 and either paragraph (c)(3) or (c)(4) as nonprofit and not-for-profit entities.
The revenue taken in by the organizations as donations, grants, or other income cannot serve a private individual or private shareholder. Among other considerations to consider before applying and filing, veterans must educate themselves on the processes, properties, and potential of small businesses and nonprofit factors.
Starting points include IRS.gov, Small Business Administration, Veterans Administration, YouTube, and first-hand accounting.
The Question: What are the biggest challenges veterans face when starting a non-profit?
Answer 1: This is conjecture on my part, however, I would assume the generalized lack of knowledge of all the ins and outs, the policies, procedures, and day to day managing of that type of organization is something that most veteran’s don’t have experience with.
In addition to that, most veterans are less comfortable with the politicking required for a non-profit to be successful, as well as the other aspects of having a successful non-profit. Ultimately, I think the biggest obstacles would be that of education, familiarity, and general knowledge of the arena.
— R. Lee, USMC
Answer 2: Starting a non-profit can be challenging for veterans due to several factors. Veterans might struggle to navigate the complexities of establishing and managing a non-profit organization without the clear hierarchies and procedures they were accustomed to in the military.
Securing funding can be a major obstacle. Aligning with a professional who understands funding options like grants and loans is helpful, but acquiring personal knowledge of fundraising and donor relations is also important.
Veterans tend to deeply understand their community’s needs. However, they may struggle to articulate their vision and create a compelling mission statement that resonates with potential donors and supporters. A quick study of business plans and marketing will help to effectively promote their non-profit and engage with the community.
It always helps to establish partnerships and collaborations with other organizations. Most importantly, maintaining a work-life balance will help sustain the necessary energy and focus to grow their non-profit. However, veterans can overcome these obstacles with the right support and resources and make meaningful contributions to their communities through non-profit work.
— D. Rawlins, USAF
Answer 3: Veterans often face unique challenges due to their transition from military service to civilian life. Veterans have extensive leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Translating these skills into the nonprofit sector can be challenging, as well as fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and compliance, which may not align directly with military experience.
A strong civilian network is crucial for building relationships with donors, partners, and volunteers. Navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks, obtaining a 501(c)(3) status, understanding tax laws, and adhering to state and federal regulations may require assistance.
Recruiting, managing, and retaining volunteers is different from leading a team in a military context. Veterans may face ongoing mental health challenges, such as PTSD, which can make the stressful and demanding environment difficult to manage.
Startups can be all-consuming, struggling to balance their personal well-being and the demands of building an organization. Nonprofits begin with a deep passion for a cause, but translating it into a clear, actionable mission may be difficult. A well-defined mission is essential for attracting supporters and guiding the organization’s activities.
As the nonprofit grows, there may be a struggle with scaling operations, managing a larger team, and adapting to new challenges while staying true to the original mission. With the right support and resources, veterans can successfully transition into nonprofit leadership and significantly impact their communities.
— D. Hinst, USN
EDITOR’S NOTE: Josh Porthouse is currently a Marine Corps Reservist with 14 years on active duty and host of Transacting Value podcast. As a Team FireWatch Veteran Voices Contributor, Josh works alongside other veterans to bring a personal perspective to relevant topics for today’s active-duty and veteran service members.
BY CHRIS “RANGER” GAY
Happy Thanksgiving to all my military folks and those that support us. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I always like to reflect on what I am truly thankful for.
First and foremost, that I can live freely in the greatest country on the planet. After having traveled all through Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, I can honestly say no other country on earth enjoys the freedoms that we have.
Some other things I am truly thankful for, the fact that I can write this article with no worries about what my government will say about it. That I can not only own a firearms store but can own as many firearms as I want with few limitations (I am still a little pissed that there are any restrictions on which firearms I can own).
I am thankful that I can go earn a living any way that I wish. In some countries, whatever your parents do for a
living is what you will be doing for a living. Not necessarily a rule but it is their culture to do so. So, I am very thankful that I was able to do whatever my heart desired when I entered the workforce.
I am thankful that I was able to start my own business and make it thrive without having to get government permission to do so. Granted, I own a business in the most regulated industry there is, but I was still free to start this venture without many obstacles. I am also thankful that my customers are free to come in and learn, touch, hold, and purchase the firearms in which they are interested. They can purchase as much ammo, parts, or accessories as they wish.
I am thankful for the time being, that we are free to build a firearm if we want. This may change in the future, but for now you are able to purchase the parts you need, or mill them yourself, to assemble and use your own firearm.
I am thankful that I do not need any special permission to go to the range and practice shooting my firearm.
And finally, I am thankful for my friends, customers, and family. All three hold a special place in my heart for varied reasons. I have friends that enjoy the same things I do, and
we love to get together. I have customers that educate me (at least as much as I educate them) on all thing’s firearms. And my family gives me the peace and joy that I am doing all of this for a reason.
Ted and I are both extremely thankful for our military careers that molded us into the people we are today and have shaped us into contributing members of our society (for those that have known us for a long time, that last part was not a given until our military time).
So, from us to all of you, celebrate your freedoms and do not forget to be thankful for what you have. Even though it may be difficult to see at times, we are living in the freest place on earth, so enjoy your family and make sure you take a moment to remember all of those that are on the front lines keeping us free!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Chris “Ranger” Gay is a U.S. Army veteran and the owner of 2nd Amendment Armory in Brandon, Florida.
By Josh Porthouse
Do people still “thank their lucky stars to be living here today”? Definitely, at least, I think so. Don’t they?
Lee Greenwood said “they” can’t take away that the flag still stands for freedom. It’s strange to think that it only took forty years for the referenced “they” to make a pretty good claim to doubt that. Think about it, if you’re a millennial like me, 1984 means nothing to you. To our parents, Reagan was seeking re-election and at that year’s Republican National Convention, the party prominently and publicly attempted to rally the citizens of the United States under a common spiritual revival with the words “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.”
But what does it really mean to be an American? Is an American a person who swears allegiance to America? No, that can’t be right. We don’t all do that anymore, which doesn’t change our American status. To be a Citizen of America, then? Well, I suppose that can’t be accurate either. If it were, “American” would still be a noun instead of an adjective. We wouldn’t have to punctuate “American” with words like “citizen,” “patriot,” or “supporter.” What is it then? What does it mean to be “American”? Likewise, what is a “patriot,” and when did it become such a divisive reference? These and other statuses are actually in the eye of the beholder, as is the perception of that status symbol or reference by like-minded people. In this application, there’s another word for that: culture.
I have a theory. It comes down to a lack of self-awareness and identity. Who are we once our roles in society have changed? As service members, we stood along the bank, keeping watch to protect our country from
all enemies, foreign and domestic. Now, our indoctrinated brains have become inculcated with duty, service, honor, courage, and commitment. Pride, integrity, self-sacrifice, teamwork, and spiritual refinement became hallmarks of our twenties. You can’t unlearn that.
Can you stand in front of an ideal that challenges that perspective? Can you articulate why we are in a clash of wills in defense of its meaning? Our values breed self-awareness or, at minimum, critical thought. Values exercised over time get tested, and that is how we build resilience, independence, and awareness. It’s how we callous weakness into strength as it leaves the body. It’s why we all stood on yellow footprints, no matter the boot size or print color.
As for patriotism, it isn’t political; it’s politicized. It is not about religion, speech, assembly, orientation, cause, or party line. It’s about character and the spirit of our nation. In spirit, we defend inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In culture, our like-minded beliefs and ideologies. Every other military member or militiaman I’ve worked with or fought against had that in common. We defended our cultures for the safety, security, and sanctity of our respective ways of life for our posterity. The American flag is a symbol of our culture. It’s our national branding to the rest of the world.
You’ve seen popular brands’ reputations impacted in American society because of the ideals their company leaders set forth as company position or mission. The American brand is not immune. Our nation’s brand has been corrupted by a perceived lack of character, identity, awareness, and dignity by some of its populus. In a recent complaint against a Licensed Real Estate Agent who had listed and marketed a home, the complainant buyer/consumer claimed to feel ‘unwelcome’ to view/purchase a particular home because the photos represented online included an American Flag mounted on the home. The complainant argued that the flag’s visibility made her feel unwelcome because of her race.
I’m unsure when our character, values, or worth became the point of aim against the American Flag. I don’t know whose sight picture included our national identity as the point of impact. But our nation’s culture isn’t broken. We are still great. Even if it is poorly articulated and popularly divided, America’s spirit still exists.
I only know one thing for certain. We, as Americans, with pride in every American heart, are still the Minnesotans, Tennesseans, and Texans living in places like Detroit, New York, or L.A. and still proud to stand and say, “God Bless the USA.”
By Kurt Waterstradt
There’s absolutely no easy or gentle way to say this. We got problems. The whole world, no matter where you call home, has big, big problems.
It’s not like the problems in the east don’t affect the west or vice versa. In the always connected, global human existence, our problems seem to grow in breadth and complexity threatening to wear us down and shatter our existence.
That’s the bad news.
Now, take a deep breath and let it all go, because there’s good news.
You have the power to change it! Yup, that’s right, you! You can stoke the fires of hope and have a real impact.
This solution to the anxiety-inducing cascade of problems feels myopic, I know, but it’s true. Does it help knowing we’ve always struggled with this knowledge?
Robert F. Kennedy spoke about it in 1966, “First, is the danger of futility: the belief there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the
world’s ills, against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence.”
That was 58 years ago. Wisdom is knowledge’s ability to transcend time and boundaries. It’s easy to read those words and think nothing has changed, but Kennedy goes on to say, “Yet many of the world’s greatest movements, of thought and action, have flowed from the work of a single man.”
You’re in pole position to help everyone simply through consistent small acts over time. This isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective.
Too often the word “revolution” is thrown around, but this doesn’t really solve problems and, more often than not, it leads to tougher, more virulent times. History is littered with ugly, tragic echoes of what revolution really looks like and we shouldn’t add to that.
The true challenge of your efforts is potentially never experiencing the results. I believe this is the needed addition to Kennedy’s address. When effort doesn’t seem to yield immediate tangible change, it feels easier to shrug your shoulders and move on, which only guarantees nothing will change for the better.
American author D. Elton Trueblood provides the key to unlocking your power and embracing your agency. He said, “It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people he may never meet.”
You have this nobility, as do I, as does everyone else. Make this the seed of your intention. Allow this to guide your actions, no matter how seemingly small.
The act is also the result. Let go of any inherent expectation. An action that’s tethered to an expectation diminishes the purity and goodness of the action. Let the action be enough.
Find a cause you care about and take action. Every action is a seed, whether it’s a conversation, writing a letter, attending an event, or volunteering your time, each act is you exercising your power.
If we each embrace our power, the forest we produce will shade generations.
By Mary Peter
It’s a pretty good lesson in life to avoid judging anything based only on what you may have seen or heard. That’s why some of the common misconceptions about service dogs and the veterans they serve is worth discussing.
For those who are blind and need a guide dog, a “seeing eye” dog, the breeds most often accompanying them are Labradors, German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers. And while certain breeds are more commonly chosen than others, many of us, including dog owners as well, mistakenly believe that those are the only breeds that could possibly be true service dogs.
As a Certified Master Dog Trainer (CMDT) with 30-plus years of training nearly all breeds for both family pets and professional investigations (scent detection work with federal & state law enforcement agencies), I assure you that there are a great many breeds that are capable of being trained as service dogs.
For veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Military Sexual Trauma (MST), it’s all about the nose. The innate ability of some canines across all breeds to alert to the scent of adrenaline/cortisol and take action for their veteran is not found in most dogs. But trust me when I tell you we find it in all shapes and sizes, even in mutts.
With that skill and proper training we’re able to match veterans with their K9 partners and together they develop an extraordinary bond. Our veterans could be accompanied by Labradors and Border Collies, Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Schnauzers. Sadly, when the dog is a small breed, our veterans often hear ignorant remarks, like, “That doesn’t look like a service dog,” and “What can that dog possibly do for you?”
And yet, a dog as small as a Chihuahua or Yorkie is more than capable of taking action to get their veteran out of a nightmare or flashback and redirect their attention to the present.
“You look like you’re okay, what do you need a service dog for?”
Think twice. Much of the public are not only mistaken about canine characteristics and capabilities they are often mistaken about veterans as well. Some have the audacity to judge a veteran only by his or her appearance, uttering the question above.
Sadly, such intrusive and thoughtless remarks are made with alarming frequency, especially to younger veterans who may not use prosthetic devices or appear to have severe physical injuries. Comments such as these only add to the anxiety, stress, and frustration of veterans struggling with PTSD and other disorders whose scars are not visible.
It is a cruelty to these veterans when they are asked to justify themselves and their need for a service dog, as if their military experience does not measure up to those with noticeable injury.
Let’s be better. Let’s stand up for veterans and their service dogs.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mary Peter is the founder and executive director of training operations of K9 Partners for Patriots, a nonprofit dedicated to veteran suicide prevention, based in Brooksville, Florida.
BY: KEN SMITS
Sergeant Billings calls the team together. We were in a fix with no radio and eighty percent of our grenades gone. Eight hundred rounds of 5.56 mm and one thousand rounds of 7.62 mm have been fired up. Still, the team’s morale is excellent. We’re ready to continue with the mission.
We move out leaving the VC and NVA bodies next to the trail. The location of the dead is marked on our maps. Since we don’t want to carry the extra weight, Smitty uses a half-pound of plastic explosives to destroy the enemy weapons. Billings instructs us to leave nothing for the Dinks.
After twenty minutes we’re finally cleared of the ambush sight. The atmosphere was once again incredibly pure. The odor of fresh leaves, the acrid smell of humus, and the sweet aroma of wild, exotic flowers blend to create a refreshing jungle fragrance.
I force myself not to scratch the throbbing ant bites. Without thinking, I’ve ripped the tops off many of the festered welts.
Off in the distance, a woodpecker taps busily. Several small black monkeys with flesh-colored faces and white beards scurry from limb to limb. My pulse has returned to normal, relieved the jungle sounds have returned.
But … something’s wrong.
The hair on the back of my neck stands up. I stop, putting up my clenched fist. Everyone goes to their knees searching the jungle on both sides of the path.
“What’s wrong, Clint?” Billings asks in a soft whisper.
“I’m not sure, Sarge.” I glance at him for just a second before shifting my eyes back to the jungle. “Something doesn’t feel right. I don’t know, maybe it’s nothin’.”
Blackbirds with bright yellow stripes sit chirping in the brush. Enormous cypress trees with mottled gray trunks line both sides of the path. The area between them is packed with thorn-covered vines and stalks of tan, brown, and green bamboo. Four tiny blue and green birds fly by several times as if playing follow the leader. Nothing appears out of place.
“Maybe it’s the Big Bad Wolf,” I whisper.
“Well, let’s hope he’s not eating Little Red Riding Hood,” Billings smiles and slaps me on the helmet.
As we begin to move on, a single muffled gunshot rings out. Billings and I return to a one-knee position, our weapons pointing toward the sound. Ka! Ka! Ka!
The monkeys screech and scurry away. We watch and listen for a minute or two.
“Take two guys and check it out,” Billings commands in a whisper. He grabs my arm. “And for God’s sake, be careful.”
“Roger that, Sarge.” I wave at Tex and Stoney, pointing towards the area the sound came from. Cautiously, we work our way through the thorn vines and bamboo. My body tenses. For the first time, I notice the jungle has become distressingly quiet. The monkeys and birds seem to have moved to a safer place. The barbed vines slash at my ant bites and snag my fatigues and equipment. Blood trickles down my arm, dripping crimson dots that stain our way. Fifteen feet into the jungle, I observe a clearing with a huge gray rock formation sitting in the middle.
Stoney stops, raising a clenched fist. I push aside some four-foot ferns with the barrel of my rifle. Two VC guerrillas lie next to the gray, moss-covered rock. We suspiciously approach them, weapons at the ready. It’s clear they’re dead.
The stench practically chokes me.
I push his lifeless mass into a sitting position, pressing it against the rock. A pistol lies on the ground between his legs. Self-inflicted. I allow the body to fall back across his legs.
We grab up weapons and anything that could be used as intel. I remove the four second delay from one of my grenades. I place the grenade on the lap of the VC, slumped by the rock, covering the spoon with his hand. I carefully slide the pin out.
We move back to the trail leaving what’s left to the jungle creatures.
BY CPL HPG
Recognizing video game addiction in your child can be challenging but crucial for their well-being. Here are some key signs to watch for:
1. Behavioral Changes
• Preoccupation: Your child seems constantly obsessed with gaming, talking about it excessively, and thinking about it even when not playing.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring chores, homework, or other responsibilities in favor of gaming.
• Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as sports, hobbies, or socializing.
2. Physical Symptoms
• Sleep Issues: Experiencing irregular sleep patterns, staying up late to play, or being excessively tired during the day.
• Health Problems: Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or repetitive strain injuries from prolonged gaming sessions.
• Neglecting Hygiene: Poor personal hygiene or irregular eating habits due to time spent gaming.
3. Emotional Indicators
• Irritability or Anxiety: Becoming irritable, anxious, or aggressive when unable to play or when asked to stop.
• Mood Swings: Displaying sudden mood changes, particularly after playing or when access to games is restricted.
4. Social Impact
• Isolation: Preferring to spend time alone gaming rather than with family or friends.
• Declining Academic Performance: Grades dropping, missing assignments, or receiving negative feedback from teachers due to gaming.
5. Time Management
• Excessive Playtime: Spending an increasing amount of time gaming, often at the expense of other activities.
• Inability to Reduce Time: Difficulty stopping or reducing gaming time despite wanting to or being asked to.
6. Financial Concerns
• Spending Money: Unexplained spending on games or in-game purchases, sometimes without parental permission.
7. Deception
• Lying About Gaming: Being dishonest about the amount of time spent playing or attempting to hide gaming activities.
If you observe these signs, it may be time to have a conversation with your child about their gaming habits and consider seeking professional guidance if necessary.
Join our FireWatch gaming community.
Quiet by Susan
Cain
Are you quiet? Do you enjoy solitude? Do you feel misunderstood because of it? Susan Cain explains how introverts, in a society that often values extroverts, significantly contribute to all aspects of society. Through her superb research and writing, you’ll cultivate a better understanding and appreciation for the unique strengths of introverts. - #TeamFireWatch, Kurt Waterstradt
Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols
Have you ever immediately felt calm around water or filled with joy as you plunge into the ocean? There’s a reason why, and Nichols explores how aquatic environments promote relaxation, creativity, happiness, and water’s profound impact on our well-being. - #TeamFireWatch, Kurt Waterstradt
The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
Myths, legends, symbols, and perhaps largely misunderstood by modern times. Pillage and plunder weren’t the heart of pirates. Colin Woodard chronicles the rise and fall of the pirate haven in the Bahamas during the early 18th century, exploring the lives of infamous pirates and their impact on commerce, politics, and society in the New World.
-#TeamFireWatch, Kurt Waterstradt
Patient Zero: A Joe Ledger Novel by Jonathan Maberry
Follow along as the Department of Military Science (DMS) and hero Joe Ledger work to stop a group of terrorists hellbent on releasing a dreadful bioweapon that can turn ordinary people into Zombies. “When you have to kill the same terrorist twice in one week, there’s something wrong with your world.” -#TeamFireWatch, Toni Hedstrom
Heads I Win Tails You Lose by Patrick H. Donohoe
In Heads I Win, Tails You Lose, CEO and financial strategist Patrick Donohoe shows you how to embrace a new way of thinking, sharing with you financial secrets used by the wealthy to navigate the rapidly changing economy as well as financial options to help you win no matter what and reach the true American Dream: financial freedom.
-#TeamFireWatch Josh Porthouse
The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life by Boyd Varty
Know how to navigate, don’t worry about the destination, and stay alert. These are just a few strategies that contribute to successful lion tracking and a life of fulfillment. When we join Boyd Varty and his two friends tracking lions, we are immersed in the South African bush, and although we learn some of the skills required for actual tracking, the takeaways are the strategies that can be applied to our everyday lives. -#TeamFireWatch, Steve Roderick
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a time to reflect on all we have to be grateful for. It is a noncommercial holiday filled with family and friends, making it special. I love everything that goes into preparing for Thanksgiving. The meal planning, traveling, and having guests in our home all combine to add a special element unique to Thanksgiving.
I began cooking a full Thanksgiving meal when I was fourteen and have done it every year since. My standard dishes are eggplant casserole, squash casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, candied yams, and turkey gravy. Every year, I add a dish or two that I think will be interesting for my guests. My Thanksgiving lasagna is always a hit!
Like most people, I started cooking my turkey in the oven. I basted, roasted, and used oven bags and various methods in an attempt to achieve the perfect oven-baked turkey. It wasn’t until I got my first smoker that I achieved turkey nirvana. It took several years, but now I produce a delicious smoked fall-off-the-bone turkey. The downside is that there are never leftovers of my smoked turkey.
PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE TO FOLLOW THIS RECIPE STEP BY STEP.
As veterans transition to civilian life, understanding and managing credit is crucial for financial stability. Credit affects many aspects of life, from renting an apartment to securing a mortgage or starting a business.
Credit is your financial trustworthiness, measured by your history of repaying debts. Your credit history is compiled into reports by three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These reports generate your credit score, typically between 300 and 850.
Good credit opens doors to better financial opportunities, such as:
• Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.
• Easier approval for rental applications and mortgages.
• Better insurance rates.
• Higher chances of business loan approval
For veterans, good credit is especially important when applying for VA home loans or seeking employment in the civilian sector.
Pay bills on time: Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score.
Keep credit utilization low: Aim to use less than 30% of
your available credit. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, try to spend under $300.
Maintain a mix of credit types: Having both installment loans (e.g., car loans, mortgages) and revolving credit (credit cards) can improve your score.
Limit new accounts: Opening too many at once lowers your average account age and can trigger multiple hard inquiries.
Regularly check your credit report: Look for errors and dispute inaccuracies.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers protections like interest rate caps for active-duty personnel.
Some lenders provide credit-building products specifically for veterans.
The VA offers financial counseling to help veterans manage credit.
Understanding and managing your credit is vital in the transition to civilian life. By following good credit habits, you can pave the way for financial success and make the most of the opportunities available to veterans.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sara Bachelder is a retirement planning specialist trained under Shirley Luu, a nationally recognized expert in financial planning. Sara provides personalized guidance on maximizing military retirement benefits, optimizing TSP investments, and integrating other sources of retirement income. Her goal is to empower veterans with the knowledge and strategies necessary to achieve true financial freedom.
The dictionary defines “Perspective” as the way we mentally arrange a subject, or a point of view. In other words, perspective is the lens through which we see the world.
Consider this: every experience you have ever had—every sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—contributes to the unique filter through which you view everything around you. Everything you experience actively shapes your interactions, decisions, and overall mindset.
When we are young, our perspective is like a rough sketch, continually refined by the influences of experiences, family, friends, teachers, and anyone who imparts their wisdom or opinions (whether solicited or not).
As we grow older, we start to grasp the power we have to mold our perspective.
Sadly, many people never fully realize this power. Instead, their worldview is curated by a relentless barrage of external stimuli: social media, email, chat rooms, TV news, headlines, and the constant stream of information from search engines, and digital platforms like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and X.
Each bit of information adds another layer to their perspective, often without them being aware of the cumulative effect.
Here is where you come in: it’s time to take back control.
Start by evaluating the external influences you encounter each day. Take a step back and assess your daily interactions and the surrounding noise. Identify what is unhelpful or detrimental to your well-being and make a conscious effort to minimize or eliminate those sources.
By actively choosing what feeds into your perspective, you are effectively steering your life in the direction you want it to go.
Taking control of your perspective is not just about personal empowerment, it’s also about setting a positive example for those around you, especially your children.
Your perspective influences not only how you see the world but also how others, particularly the younger ones in your life, will come to see it. By fostering a perspective grounded in positivity and intentionality, you are helping to shape a healthier worldview for them as well.
So, take charge today. Reclaim your perspective by filtering out the negativity and distractions. Focus on what truly enriches and supports your growth. By doing so, you will not only enhance your own life but also become a beacon of positive influence for those who look up to you.
Your perspective is your power. Use it wisely to create the life you want and to guide others towards a brighter, more empowered view of the world.
By JC LaVerde
Men and women who wear uniforms for a living are typically in the spotlight. Some enter spotlight careers as a last resort, some for a sense of adventure, and some because these jobs provide a reason to put forth effort in a chaotic world: to serve and protect.
For those in uniform, bearing witness to human suffering comes at many levels, from a stubbed toe to a devastating bullet wound, or suicide. These traumas are daily occurrences on shifts and deployments.
Sometimes, personal reaction is put on the back burner while attempting to keep their psyche out of range of direct contact. However, they may still get struck by the shrapnel that shows itself as a distant memory of the faces of the kids, mothers, and fathers who have endured something no human should.
If these careers harden a person to the trauma of others, are they indeed hardened or just better deflectors of pain? Most will tell themselves they must be fine if their work or those they work with are unaffected. But there is still the damn shrapnel.
The Oxford Dictionary defines adventure as “an unusual, exciting, typically hazardous experience or activity.” First responders and service members may choose their occupations out of a longing for adventure, but it is crucial to remember that the job has hazardous aspects that cannot be taken lightly.
Entering these spotlight careers with an adventurous spirit is essential if we can manage the shrapnel wounds acquired during our daily duties. Regardless of our choices, our decisions should be made with passion and love; any other reason will be dull and empty.
Happy retirement class of ’24!
By KeishaMarie Douglas
Being young and naïve, as a young Airman, Veterans Day was just a day off to sleep in. Everyday going to work felt like a regular job and coming back home to the dorms to finish my CDC’s (Career Development Courses) while partying on the weekends.
Life, at that time, was just wash, rinse, and repeat … until September 11th.
After that life-changing event, everything was brought into perspective, and I understood, then, what we were doing.
Those of us who wore the uniform felt a renewed sense of pride. Now our purpose was clear: to defend the freedom of this country.
Being deployed and witnessing how others live around the world truly hit home—it’s a stark reminder that we’ve got it good here in the United States.
Looking back, we sacrificed a lot for this country. I believe that every day should be Veterans Day, or perhaps we need to be appreciated and thanked more for what all we’ve done. Do we need more discounts in more places? Sure, why not. Offering
Air Force Veteran Beverly Sheffield’s biggest gift was the gift of giving. She had dreamt of opening a Christian Preschool. Through her generosity, Harvester Sheffield Christian Preschool is here with a pledge to teach the love of God to our children and to strengthen our community spiritually through the families we serve.
discounts and free meals on November 11th is nice, but let’s be real, true respect for service women goes far beyond a one-day gesture.
We’ve faced the unimaginable, raised families in conditions most people can’t even begin to comprehend, and done it all while serving this country. It’s time for more than just a pat on the back; we deserve genuine compassion and recognition every single day.
At the end of the day, as a human race, we should be grateful for our freedom and show more humility toward others.
The Jax Team
813.505.7794
Florida Executive Realty
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Keller Williams Realty – New Tampa It’s about more than buying/selling real estate. It’s about Self-Worth, Empowerment, and Peace of Mind.
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