Hometown Heroes for 2020

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ometown eroes

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 2020

PUBLISHED BY

HELP SUPPORT VETERANS OVERDUE HONOR WILDFIRE SUPPORT

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HOMETOWN HEROES

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NOV. 2020

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4 ways you can help support veterans

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 30% of American military veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder after returning home from combat.

Yet only about 40% of those individuals ever seek help.

Service dogs are proving to help military veterans suffering from PTSD and other post-combat challenges in ways that no other therapy can. Unfortunately, due to the cost and time it takes to train a service dog, less than 1% of those in need can obtain one. Dog Chow is on a mission to help change that with its Service Dog Salute campaign, which supports the care and training of more service dogs for America’s military veterans.

If you’re looking for ways to support veterans in your community and across the country, here are four ways you can help: Get informed Receiving a service dog can be lifechanging for veterans. More than just companions, psychiatric service dogs are specially trained to help veterans live an improved quality of life. They can help ease stress and soothe anxiety through specific tasks like interrupting night terrors, calming panic attacks, reminding a veteran to take medication, providing security and more.

In fact, veterans who utilize service dogs report lower levels of depression and anxiety, fewer hospitalizations and a reduction in medical and psychiatric costs, among other benefits. This is particularly

beneficial for those who struggle with PTSD. Contrary to what many believe, PTSD service dogs are not the same as emotional support, therapy or companion dogs.

Like service dogs for the blind, deaf and physically disabled, PTSD service dogs for veterans must be specifically trained to help their handler perform tasks they cannot otherwise perform on their own.

Buy a bag of Purina Dog Chow Through its Service Dog Salute program, Purina Dog Chow is supporting the care and training of more service dogs for veterans, so that every military hero in need can find a canine hero of their own.

Through Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), for every purchase of a specially marked bag of Purina Dog Chow, Purina will make a donation to its two partnering service dog organizations (up to a total of $100,000).

The donations will be split equally between the Pets & Vets program at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation and Got Your Six Support Dogs.

Over the last three years, Purina Dog Chow has donated over $700,000 to support the training of service dogs for military veterans. If you or a veteran you know could benefit from a service dog, or to learn more, visit DogChow.com/service.

Support veteran service dog organizations It takes on average between one and two and a half years and $25,000 to train and

place one service dog. These costs include specialized training, food, veterinarian services, veteran therapy expenses and more. Especially now, as fundraisers and other events continue to be cancelled, nonprofit organizations that serve our nation’s veterans need help more than ever.

Donating directly to your local nonprofits will help them continue their missions to help these men and women regain their lives through the healing power of dogs.

Support legislation Men and women returning from service suffer from invisible as well as physical wounds. Congress can give veterans the opportunity to utilize the treatments that work best for them.

The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act will create a pilot program in the VA to give veterans access to treatment derived from working with service dogs. The bill would change the existing Department of Veterans Affairs policy to recognize service dogs as a treatment option for PTSD, as well as create a program within the VA allowing veterans to train service dogs for their personal use or for other veterans facing physical disabilities.

The bill has been approved by the House, but still awaits passage in the Senate. To support this legislation, visit dogchow.com/service to send an email to your state senators urging them to pass the bill.

Service dogs for veterans with post traumatic stress disorder are not the same as emotional support, therapy or companion dogs. Service dogs for veterans must be specifically trained so they can meet their owner’s needs.

STOCK PHOTO Hometown Heroes

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Nephews help uncle earn Distinguished Flying Cross and Valor

By Michael S. Hoey CORRESPONDENT

C

aptain Howard Koeppen served as a B-17 pilot in the Eighth Air Force based in England during World War II. Koeppen, who was originally from Walworth, was killed in action in a raid that only recently earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor commendation.

The effort to get Koeppen recognized for his actions came about when, in 2007, his nephews, Michael and David Koeppen began researching the raid that took Howard’s life. Six years ago, they began the effort to get him honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Howard Koeppen was born in Fontana in March of 1917 and his family moved to Walworth when he was 6. He enlisted in the Air Corps on Jan. 15, 1942, attended flight training in Texas, and was awarded his wings on Sept. 5, 1942 at Ellington Field in Texas.

In April of 1943, Koeppen, 26, then a lieutenant, was sent to England to serve with the 379th Bombardment Group (H), 525th Squadron, of the Eighth Air Force. He was the pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, the “Mary Jane II.” He participated in 17 of the group’s first 21 missions.

After being killed on what was called the Schweinfurt Mission, Koeppen was promoted posthumously to Captain by Presidential Proclamation. In addition, he was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart.

Koeppen was buried in Abenheim Cemetery in Germany, close to where his plane went down. After the war, his remains were moved to the U.S. Military Cemetery at St. Avoid, France and in 1949, he was brought home and buried in Walworth.

The mission that took his life was flown on Aug. 17, 1943. Koeppen’s Flying Fortress was among five aircraft assigned as a high squadron. Four of the five aircraft were shot down or disabled

by German fighter planes.

Koeppen’s B-17 suffered large holes in the right wing from which gas came streaming out. The plane’s vertical and horizontal stabilizers were heavily damaged, making the bomber virtually uncontrollable. The oxygen system was shot out and the interphone disabled, making communication difficult.

He ordered the crew to bail out and remained at the controls enabling them to escape. Koeppen was uninjured and could have escaped himself but stayed at the controls because his tail gunner was still firing, unable to receive the command to bail out. Another man was also injured and unable to jump. The tail gunner eventually escaped before the plane exploded, killing Koeppen and the injured man. The eight crew members who survived were captured and became prisoners of war.

Crew provides accounts

Eyewitness statements from the crew helped Koeppen earn the Distinguished

Captain Howard Koeppen (top row, second from the right) was finally decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor in September. He died in World War II in 1943 after ordering his crew to bail out while piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber that was disabled by German fighter planes.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes

Captain Howard Koeppen

Flying Cross.

“The pilot (Koeppen) was fighting the controls as I went past him and he was uninjured at the time. It is our firm belief that he could have escaped. But the tail gunner had no phone working and stayed with the ship, firing his guns until about 1,000 feet. The pilot probably heard this and stayed with the ship to give him a chance as he was the type of man that never thought of himself. The crew was

what mattered to him,” T/Sgt. John Hurlo, Top Turret Gunner recalled.

“Most crew members believe that he sacrificed his life so that all the men would have a chance to escape from the doomed ship. I heartily believe that he deserves at least the D.F.C for his behavior,” Hurlo added. “(Koeppen) gave orders to bail out… motioned for me to leave. Lt. Koeppen was thought to have stayed with the plane by us crew members because Sgt. Posemsky was still in the waist.”—2nd Lt. Harold N. Thompson, Co-pilot explained.

“It has always been my opinion that this is why he (Koeppen) never left the plane. He could not have been sure that everyone got the order to bail out and stayed with the plane to give everyone a chance. I understand that Koeppen was promoted to Captain posthumously.

I think he should have been given the ‘Congressional’ (Medal of Honor).”—T/ Sgt. Floyd K. Borrowman, Radio Operator.

The daughter of S/Sgt. Robert J. Watkins, the Ball Turret Gunner, provided a secondary letter as well.

“My Dad and each of the other crew

members always knew that the reason they were able to return after the war was due to what Howard Koeppen had done on August 17, 1943, and if they were alive today each one would testify to that fact…it is my belief that not a day went by that my Dad did not think of Howard Koeppen and his selfless sacrifice.”— Becky Watkins Custer.

Board agrees on honor

The board that heard the appeal made by the Koeppen family agreed the Distinguished Flying Cross should have been issued.

“After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is this board’s opinion that the decedent is the victim of an injustice,” the decision read.

“In this respect, the Board notes the evidence shows the decedent in the face of certain death sacrificed his own life for his country by helping his fellow crewmembers parachute from the disintegrating plane.

“Upon careful review of the evidence presented, the Board believes the decedent’s gallantry action while

See HONOR, Page 6

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HOMETOWN HEROES

• Honor

NOV. 2020

(Continued from page 5) participating in aerial flight on 17 August 1943, clearly rises to the level warranting award of the DFC with Valor and believes this is the proper recognition for his heroism on this day,” it said.

Family perseveres

Howard’s nephew, Michael Howard Koeppen grew up in Wisconsin, living

in Clintonville and Whitewater before moving to Montana. His father, Donald, Howard’s brother, took a job as a professor at the University of Montana.

Michael became an elementary school teacher and is now retired.

He said his grandparents lived on Main Street in Walworth until they died and raised four children there – Howard, Donald, Melvin, and Lois. Melvin and

Koeppen was buried in Germany but after the war, his remains were moved to France. However, in 1949, he was brought home and buried in Walworth Cemetery.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes

Lois still live in the Walworth area as do two of Michael’s cousins and nephews of Howard, John and Jeff Warfield.

Michael’s brother, David became interested in Howard’s story while reading a book while waiting in an airport in San Francisco in 2007.

Michael said they had heard stories about Howard as kids, but no one in the family knew the full circumstances of his death. While researching it, David met Watkins Custer, the daughter of Turret Gunner Robert J. Watkins. She helped David acquire official military documents, including the eyewitness accounts of what happened on Aug. 17, 1943.

“We believed that Howard Koeppen should have been decorated at the time, had not all of his surviving crew been German POWs until after the war,” Michael Koeppen said.

Michael said no one in the family had researched it, but he and David had the Internet and found that the SchweinfurtRegensburg Mission was a disaster that resulted in 60 aircraft of 376 being shot down or heavily damaged. It was conducted without any fighter escort.

The Schweinfurt portion of the mission was to destroy a local ballbearing works plant, but Koeppen’s bomber was crippled by a German fighter attack and crashed outside Abenhein, Germany.

Michael and David began the effort to get Howard Koeppen the recognition he deserved in June of 2013. Michael said the process was frustrating as the government kept asking for more information and months would pass.

Unfortunately, Donald Koeppen, an

Koeppen’s nephews, Michael and David, began researching the circumstances of their uncle’s death in 2007. Six years later, in 2013, they began the effort of getting him the recognition he deserved for his actions during the flight that took his life.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Hometown Heroes

Army Air Corp veteran himself, passed away during the process just shy of his 97th birthday last January and did not get to see his brother get decorated.

Michael said the family received notification in September that Howard had finally been decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor.

He said it brought tears to his eyes and there will be an official medal ceremony in Montana in the spring.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

James R. Taylor and Sons, Inc. owners Jim and Stevie Taylor (from left) celebrate the complettion of the new roof on veteran Russel Gale and family’s home this year with the employees who worked on the house. The East Troy construction company’s Putting Our Military on Top program, each year, gives away a free roof, free labor included, to a nominated veteran in need of one. To nominate a veteran, visit www.jrtaylorandsons.com after the first of the year.

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County veterans’ office moves to HHS building The Walworth County Veterans Service Office recently moved into the new County Health and Human Services Building on Highway NN in Elkhorn as part of the Walworth County’s ongoing efforts to improve services to veterans and their families.

The new and modern-equipped building houses the all of the county’s Department Health and Human Services divisions and now has dedicated space to serve the County’s veterans as well.

Nathan Bond, the county’s veterans service officer, said he and his staff are excited to be moving to the new location.

“Our veterans and their families will greatly benefit from this move. We will be right next to the Aging and Disability Resource Center and the other division of HHS, which will make coordination of services much easier,” Bond said.

Bond also stated that veterans and their families can continue to expect the same quality level of service and access to him and his staff.

“Please be patient with us as we work through the changes that any move brings – military families a very familiar with the challenges of a move,” he said.

“We will keep our tradition of excellence and people can be confident that the timely and dedicated service they have come to expect will continue.”

A dedication of the Veterans Lounge in the atrium of the HHS building is on hold because of COVID-19 concerns.

For more information, visit www.co.walworth.wi.us and search “Veterans Service Office.”

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NOV. 2020

Badgers provide wildfire support with California Guard

By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza

CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD

It took almost four days for two flight teams from the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion (Assault), 147th Aviation Regiment, 64th Troop Command, to fly their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters more than 1,700 miles from their Madison, Wisconsin facility to Sacramento, California, where they commenced mission support for the Golden State’s recent outbreak of wildfires.

And since that early-September trek, they haven’t really stopped flying, garnering one mission after another to give California Army National Guard aviators – as well as a slew of other firefighting agencies – much needed assistance during California’s worst fire season ever.

“It’s a very rewarding experience when people ask for help and we can go and provide that assistance,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mike Tomblin, 147th pilot in command. “When we got asked, it’s just part of our nature to want to go do it. This helps grow the unit. The number of experiences we get from here certainly helps with our unit back home.”

Shortly after that four-day venture, where they stopped at routed locations

to refuel two UH-60M Black Hawks and recover for the next flight, the team achieved validation from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. CAL FIRE, through the California Office of Emergency Services, is the leading agency in wildfire response.

In less than a week the band of “Badger” brothers were airborne, dropping thousands of gallons of water on the evergrowing Creek Fire in Fresno County.

Their need expanded to the Castle Fire – a section of the SQF Complex Fire in Tulare County, California – where they dumped even more water on the nearby blaze.

“The Wisconsin team has been a true value added to Joint Task Force Phoenix,” said Col. David L. Hall, commander, Cal Guard’s 40th Combat Aviation Brigade and JTF Phoenix commanding officer.

“They were recently singled out by CAL FIRE due to their expertise and seamless integration into the firefighting team here in California. We are lucky to have them out here.”

Being new to the mission in California, there are a number of things this Wisconsin crew has learned, such as flying with a

CAL FIRE military helicopter manager aboard and marking their aircraft with pink electric salmon paint for visibility.

They also bring differences such as flying a 660-gallon firefighting bucket with “long line,” an extended cable that adds distance from their helicopter. Cal Guard Black Hawk aviators use shorter lines, or “belly hooking,” but use longer cables for CH-47 Chinook water buckets.

“We do things differently, such as the long lines under our aircraft, whereas we understand the California Guard doesn’t,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Wickland, 147th pilot in command and a Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, resident. “CAL FIRE guys didn’t know how to utilize us in the beginning, but then they came to appreciate what the long lines bring to the table.”

“Long lines protect us from possible flare ups from the fire,” Tomblin added.

“They also allow us to get into areas where trees might be around them, or stuff like that. We’ve been doing long lines the entire time I’ve been in the Guard.”

California faces its worst fire season ever. Four of the five largest wildfires in

state history occurred this year, all of them happening since July. Hundreds of local, state and federal agencies have responded to this emergency, and neighboring and adjacent states have sent firefighting support – ground crews and extensive aerial support, such as unmanned aerial vehicles – to the fight.

The Wisconsin Guard is one of the furthest east of the states to respond to California’s call.

“For us, our fire season is really short, typically,” Wickland explained. “It’s nowhere near as challenging as what’s out here. We knew that before coming here.

There’s a significant difference as to what we have back home.”

In less than two weeks, the Black Hawk teams combined to drop nearly 80 buckets of water or more than 52,000 gallons on areas too tough for ground crews to reach in Central California fires. They were expected to transfer to Northern California, where more fires have ignited and threatened life and property.

The veteran pilots credited their home

See WILDFIRE SUPPORT, Page 10

An element from the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion (Assault), 147th Aviation Regiment, 64th Troop Command, has assisted battling California’s wildfires since arriving in early September. Pictured from left are: (top) Sgt. Bryson Kamps, Sgt. Timothy Hass and Sgt. Adrianne Maniscalco, (standing) Bobby Drexel, military helicopter manager, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trevor Klock, Sgt. Eric Ireland, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mike Tomblin, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Wickland, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brett Palmer, Spc. Ryan Krummel, Pfc. Daniel Edelson, 1st Lt. Cole Hamilton and Eric McGuire, CAL FIRE, (kneeling) Sgt. Ryan Walczak, Sgt. Zachary Hoy, Sgt. Jake Baranczyk and Sgt. Trevor Zerbe.

STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA Hometown Heroes

HOMETOWN HEROES

Ride of remembrance

The District 1 American Legion Riders take a Memorial Day 2020 ride created to remember those who lost their lives serving the country. Randy Timms said since many parades and ceremonies were canceled because of the coronavirus, members of the Riders “could not see Memorial Day without some kind of tribute.” The group’s route took them through residential areas in Delavan, Elkhorn, East Troy and Mukwonago in an attempt to avoid large crowds from gathering. They are pictured going through Elkhorn and then later, East Troy, where members of the local legion saluted as many bikes were carrying flags.

PHOTOS BY HEATHER RUENZ AND DAVE DRESDOW Hometown Heroes

NOV. 2020

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A day to honor all veterans

• Wildfire support

The month of November is a special time for the nation’s veterans. While Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers and service people, Veteran’s Day, which takes place each November, is an opportunity to commemorate the efforts of all who have been in the armed forces, with a special emphasis on living veterans.

While people are encouraged to thank veterans throughout the year, Veteran’s Day is a particularly poignant time to show your appreciation for the men and women of the military.

Veteran’s Day takes place on Nov. 11 and marks an important moment in history. On Nov. 11, 1918, World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” unofficially ended when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, took place between Germany and the Allied nations on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

World War I ended on paper when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. However, after subsequent wars, including World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ service organizations lobbied for Armistice Day to be revised so it would be more inclusive of all veterans. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to strike the word “Armistice” from the holiday’s name in favor of “Veterans.”

Since then, November 11 has been known

unit, stating a significant number of volunteers responded to the initial request to help California. It came down to bringing experienced pilots to match with knowledgeable crew chiefs and maintenance personnel.

“Without the crew chiefs, there’s no way we can do our missions,” added 1st Lt. Cole D. Hamilton, Wisconsin liaison officer. “Once we get over the drop site or dip sites, they’re the ones really controlling the aircraft. They’re telling you ‘Hey I need you to come left; now I need you to come down five feet; I need you to hold the aircraft where it’s at.’”

Tomblin said this mission is a little personal since his sister, Tamela Murphy, had to evacuate her Scotts Valley, California, home during the CZU Complex Fire a few weeks ago.

She went back to Wisconsin around the same time Tomblin, of Waunakee, got official notification to leave for California.

“Certainly when the call comes, being in the Wisconsin Guard, we want to help,” Tomblin said.

“The biggest thing we’ll bring back is experience,” Hamilton added.

“We’ll be much better an asset for our (Department of Natural Resources) when fires pop up back home and they request assistance from the Guard.”

The two Black Hawks and 15 Soldiers departed for California Sept.

11, and the crews remain on duty.

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The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate its veterans. Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and France also commemorate the veterans of World War I and II on or near Nov. 11 as Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday.

STOCK PHOTO Hometown Heroes

as Veterans Day and has honored veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October for roughly seven years under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating certain national holidays on Mondays. But since November 11 bore such significance, many states disapproved and continued to observe

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the holiday on Nov. 11.

In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed legislation to return the observation of Veterans Day to November 11 beginning in 1978. Should the day fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively, according to History.com.

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Page 11

Time for a financial checkup Changes to military benefits may affect service members, veterans

There have been significant changes to military benefits over the last year affecting pay, retirement benefits, health insurance and GI Bill rules. The changes will affect different service members in different ways, but given that the global pandemic has affected almost everyone’s physical or financial health in some way, now is an important time to re-evaluate your military benefits.

“We usually think about updating our benefits only when there is a life change,” said Russell Simmons, Certified Financial Planner at Charles Schwab and Army Reserve Soldier. “But the pandemic has altered life for many people, so consider the financial implications of your military benefits and any changes you may need to make.”

Simmons offers some easy ways to get started.

Evaluate your financial situation Start by meeting with a Personal Financial Counselor, a resource available to you at no cost while you are serving.

They will help you create a budget, save for large purchases, build your credit, and

plan for the future, including things like determining insurance needs and estate planning.

This is especially important if you’ve had a life change - like a marriage, divorce, children, illness or death. Talking about money may feel uncomfortable, but the effect of not addressing these things can be devastating.

Ask for help

Free help is also available to assist with taxes, individual and family counseling, financial counseling, and other miscellaneous personal needs.

Take advantage of free legal assistance available through the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, such as drafting wills, powers of attorney and living wills. These are services that you would otherwise pay for out of pocket, so don’t leave money on the table. Military OneSource is a free resource to find experts, access financial tools like salary calculators, and find practical advice and information.

The Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program has information, tools and training to prepare you and

your family for your military-to-civilian transition. Transition Assistance Offices are on most military installations in the United States and overseas. Each service branch has its own program.

Understand your benefits

Research what benefits transfer with you after you leave the military, if and when the benefits expire, and what it will cost you to supplement those benefits in civilian life.

Don’t forget to look at your eligibility for VA home loans, Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and Blended Retirement System/Thrift Savings Plan benefits, as well as health and life insurance options. Some benefits can be transferred to your spouse or children, including education benefits.

Plan for retirement

Many people postpone planning for retirement, assuming they have time to plan. Don’t fall into the trap. Even 20 years of service may not get you where you want to be for retirement.

The earlier you start planning, the

better off you’ll be on achieving your specific retirement goals. There are online tools to help you understand your retirement benefits, how much you qualify for and at what age you’ll start to receive retirement income. If you were deployed after 2008, reservists may be eligible to receive benefits earlier than expected.

With the recent revisions to many military benefits, you may find that you are eligible for more benefits and financial incentives than you realized.

But the benefits you have now may not be the same in the future, so it’s important to dedicate time each year to understand any changes (or work with an expert).

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice.

Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc, Member SIPC.

Military benefits vary based on where you are in your military career, and knowing what you should expect can help support your financial plan.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

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After leaving the military, veterans should continue to employ tactics their financial advisors taught them during their service.

Financial advisors say many of them still apply in civilian life.

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Coming home

Tips for your next career move after military service Making the transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging on multiple fronts – and the toughest issue can be figuring out your next career move. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available for veterans and military families coping with the job hunt, moving, handling their finances and more.

As part of Navy Federal Credit Union’s continued effort to help our nation’s heroes get hired, the credit union conducted a recent webinar featuring top veteran employees offering useful advice for getting hired and moving forward in your life after military service.

Bryant Luciano, Recruiter II and a Marine veteran, and Kerry A. FaveroRivera, senior organization development consultant and executive coach, who is a Navy veteran, provide their tips for making the most of this transition.

Start your job search early Both Luciano and Favero-Rivera recommended beginning your job hunt immediately – not waiting until you start your transitioning classes. This will give you the time to figure out what you want to do after your transition and then actively pursue that career.

Prepare yourself mentally Looking for work, especially in a new field, is always daunting.

“Understand that you will get rejected more often than not,” says Luciano, “And know that the job search is hard, but not impossible. Keep going, trust the process and rely on those around you like a

transition officer or recruiter to help you navigate any challenges.”

Use your network Favero-Rivera emphasizes the importance of tapping into your own personal network throughout the process.

“Everyone you know also knows others, so take advantage of that wider network,” she says. “Most people get jobs through word of mouth so by simply talking to others about what you’re looking for, you’re furthering your job search.”

Start by telling everyone you know what kind of work you’re looking for, and your network will start to keep their eyes and ears open for you.

Do your research Luciano emphasizes using careeroriented websites for research, including Indeed and Glassdoor. Decide where you want to live and then explore companies and organizations in that area online.

“Make a list of five companies you want to work for,” says Luciano.

“Research those companies and find out what types of opportunities they have available.”

You may need to find training opportunities or develop skills on the job as you transition into your ideal role. This will open doors to endless opportunities in the long-term. As you work your way to that ideal role, your experience will help you stand out.

“Many companies prefer to hire from within,” confirms Favero-Rivera, “So it could make sense to start a job that only meets some of your needs, but long-

term will be fulfilling and at a company you want to work for. When a job opens up that you prefer, you’ll be in a better position to get hired since you’re already an employee.”

Make the most of veterans’ organizations and programs From highlighting further training opportunities to exploring career options, and helping to improve your resume to broadening your interview skills, there are helpful resources available for veterans.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” says Luciano.

A few helpful programs and organizations for veterans include: • Free career counseling at the VA; • DoD’s SkillBridge Program; • Hire Heroes USA; • Career OneStop’s Veteran and Military Transition Center; • Onward 2 Opportunity through Syracuse University; and • Navy Federal Credit Union’s Transition Kit and Resources.

Translate your military service into civilian terms It is important to create a resume that not only reflects the experience and expertise you’ve gained from your military service, but also sells these valuable skills to a civilian employer in terms they understand. Veterans’ organizations can help you with this crucial step in the transition process.

Factor in the current situation As well as adjusting your job search to

be primarily online during the COVID-19 pandemic, you will also want to ask prospective employers about how they’re coping with current health and safety protocols for employees.

“Make sure the emphasis is on the employee over everything else,” Luciano says. “This will show you that a company’s culture will not only value the work you do, but who you are as an individual too.”

Manage your finances smartly Both experts agree that sometimes you need to take a job just to pay the bills. “In the meantime, continue to explore what and where your best job will be,” says Favero-Rivera.

Here are their best tips for staying on top of finances: • Pay yourself first. “Try to save just a little, no matter what your situation,” says Favero-Rivera. “Your future self will thank you.” Setting up automatic deposits into a savings account with each paycheck is one easy way to save.

• Write down your budget. Use the NFCU Budget Worksheet to help put your budget on paper. “Actually writing your budget down makes it easier to stick to it,” says Luciano.

Build on your training Throughout your transition, continue to employ tactics your financial advisors taught you during your service. According to Luciano, many of them will still apply in civilian life.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

NOV. 2020

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The roles of the different branches of the U.S. military The United States military is one of the most comprehensive, effective and respected armed forces in the world. Without the tireless commitment of military personnel — from the soldiers on the ground to the support staff behind the scenes — America could not be the world power it is today.

Each branch of the U.S. military has a unique mission, and here is a brief rundown of what those missions entail, courtesy of Military.com and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army National Guard – has its own unique mission.

ARMY

The Army is one of the three military departments that reports directly to the Department of Defense. The Army conducts operational and institutional missions around the world, typically handling land-based missions. The Army also guards U.S. installations and properties throughout the world.

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NAVY

Serving to protect the freedom of the seas, the Navy is another branch of the military that reports directly to the Department of Defense. Among its many missions, the U.S. Navy serves to make the seas safe for travel and trade.

AIR FORCE

The Air Force also reports directly to the Department of Defense and trains for and maintains global superiority in air, space and cyberspace. Air Force personnel fly planes, helicopters and even satellites.

MARINE CORPS

The Marine Corps is a component of the Department of the Navy. It carries out global missions on both sea and shore and serves as an expeditionary force. Marines are a rapid-reaction team and are usually the first boots on the ground in a conflict.

COAST GUARD

The Coast Guard safeguards maritime interests through both civil and military missions. The Coast Guard operates around the world and in domestic waterways and ports.

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

The oldest branch of the U.S. military, the National Guard serves as a complementary force to active duty.

Those in the National Guard are trained to be versatile, providing for humanitarian aid, domestic emergencies, combat missions, and homeland security operations.

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HOMETOWN HEROES

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