Roger That Newsletter - May 2021

A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR PAGE 10 SALUTE TO OUR PATRIOTS PAGE 12 THE DESIGN CORNER: CREATE STUNNING VISUALS WITHOUT DESIGN SKILLS PAGE 20

VAREP 2021 VAREP FACES IN THE CROWD PAGE 32

POLICY CONFERENCE

SAVE THE DATE!

MAY 2021

VAREP 2021 POLICY CONFERENCE

JUNE 14TH, 2021 VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM

ROGER THAT MAY 2021

VAREP NATIONAL NEWS

A Letter From Our President Dear VAREP Members, I present you “RT – ROGER THAT – MAY 2021” E-Zine Newsletter. This is the best way for VAREP National to communicate happenings within our organization to our membership.

VAREP experienced tremendous growth and recognition in 2020 for the important work that we do. Each of you should be proud and stand tall knowing that your passion to empower veterans to realize the American Dream of homeownership has enabled VAREP to be recognized by key leaders in the real estate, financial, and

E D ITO R I A L PUBLISHER USA Homeownership, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals EDITOR Gretchen Mccroskey C R E ATI V E SENIOR DESIGNER Jesus Lopez GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nick Preston GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN Samantha Ontiveros SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER Francisco Labias

government sectors as the authority on, and voice

WEB DEVELOPER Jake Moya

of, military and veteran financial-literacy

CO NTAC T VA R E P

and homeownership.

•

45 homes donated mortgage-free to deserving heroes across America.

HEADQUARTERS 951·444·7363 info@VAREP.net 495 E. Rincon St., Suite 110 Corona, CA 92879

•

1,500 military and veteran families realized the American Dream of homeownership through

www.VAREP.net

VAREP ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2014 - 2021

our programs and services.

•

20,000 real estate and lending professional were trained as a result of the 80 live events and online membership training.

•

5,000 military and veteran families educated about homeownership, financial literacy, and the VA loan program through the live Veteran Housing Summits events hosted by VAREP local chapters across the country.

•

•

Son Nguyen is the founder and president of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP). Mr. Nguyen creates, implements, and overseas the programs within VAREP including working with government

2,000+ military and veteran families were provided food, utilities payment, rent back payment,

agencies and policy makers to create and reform veteran

basic supplies, clothing, and blankets during the holiday season. This was made possible

housing policy to remove barriers to homeownership.

through our VAREP Cares program implemented by the VAREP local chapters.

He is frequently called upon as a subject-matter expert

$70,000 in the form of housing assistance grants for down-payment, closing costs, and

by government agencies, the real estate industry, the

adaptive needs. This was in partnership with the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).

lending industry, and real estate trade organizations to consult on a variety of veteran housing issues.

HOW TO EXPLAIN WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Mr. Nguyen has more than 19 years’ experience in real estate,

I frequently receive phone calls from our membership on how to explain VAREP as an organization.

public speaking, supplier diversity, curriculum development,

Depending on your audience, you may want to adapt the points listed below to introduce VAREP.

and non-profit management. His record demonstrates

•

VAREP is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization that was founded to directly educate the 1.4-plus million active military and 22-plus million veterans on sustainable homeownership, financial-

• •

innovation and leadership at the highest level.

Mr. Nguyen established VAREP as a housing non-profit

literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity.

for vets, by vets. He believes VAREP’s proactive stance

VAREP is the only organization that educates military and veteran families on the importance

ing homeownership can greatly impact homelessness

of providing financial-literacy education and advocat-

of financial health on the road to homeownership.

among the veteran community, by both reducing the

VAREP is the only organization that educates the real estate practitioner on the important

current epidemic and preventing future occurrences, one

housing-policy and lending initiatives that affect the military and veteran communities.

VAREP Comparison to Other Veteran Nonprofits

veteran at a time.

Mr. Nguyen entered the Navy in 1996 and served as a Radioman on the USS Vincennes (GC-49) and USS

The comparison chart to the right shows that we fill a much needed gap in financial-literacy and

Constellation (CV-64). A proud service-connected

housing components that the other veteran service organizations simply do not offer. In other

disabled veteran, Mr. Nguyen holds a bachelor’s degree

words, we complement them and do not compete with them. Our organization has only scratched the surface of creating awareness and having people rethink how to better serve underserved military and veteran housing needs. To a great 2021...Cheers!

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ABOUT SON

Son Nguyen

VAREP Founder and President

in Public Relations from of the University of Florida and a Master’s in Organizational Management.

VETERAN NON-PROFIT COMPARISON CHART Target Audience

VAREP Veterans = 22+ Million Active Duty = 1.4+ Million

MILITARY WARRIORS FOUNDATION Wounded Warriors OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849

OPERATION HOMEFRONT Active Duty Family of E1 - E6 = 1.1 Million

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT Wounded Warriors OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849

USA CARES Post 9/11 Servicemembers & Family

Financial Assistance

X

X

Emergency Food

X

X

Emergency Home Repair

X

X

Critical Baby Items

X

X

Home and Appliance Repair

X

Furniture and Household Items

X

Local Moving Assistance

X

Apartment Transitional Housing

X

X

Permanent Housing Placement

X

X

Employment Job Board

X

Rehabilitation with Recreational Therapy

X

X

X

X

Peer-to-Peer Counseling

X

Family Support Retreats

X

Peer Mentoring

X

Information Technology Training Academy

X X

X

X

X

X

Community Outreach

X

X

X

Live Community Housing, Financial Literacy, and Employment Fair Outreach Events

X

REALTOR, Housing Professional, and Lender Military and Veteran Certification Course

X

Military and Veteran Friendly Database

X

Financial Literacy Education

X

VA Home Loan Program Education

X

Housing Education

X

Housing Counseling

X

Credit and Debt Management Education

X

Credit and Debt Management Counseling

X

Military and Veteran First Look Affordable Housing Purchase Program

X

Mortgage Free Donated Homes for Wounded Warrior and Spouses of Deceased Warriors

Advocate with a Written Policy Plan

X Military and Veteran Housing Lending Policy

Housing and Lending Policy Conference

X

Military and Veteran Financial Literacy, Housing, and Employment Resource Center

X

X

X

X Wounded Warriors

NOTE: The non-profit comparison chart does not list the national minority real estate trade organizations including AREAA, NAHREP, and NAREB because we are not structurally set up as a trade organization. We have our membership whom we educate to better serve the military housing needs, but ultimately we are all here to serve the military and veteran communities.

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MAY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2021

LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDERS:

PAGE 2

STOP, DROP & PUSH CAMPAIGN

NEXT LEVEL BUSINESS TECH: POINT OF SALE SOFTWARE

PAGE 22

HOW VAREP’S HUD HOUSING COUNSELORS CAN HELP YOU SUCCESSFULLY APPLY FOR A LOAN WORKOUT!

PAGE 24

PAGE 9

A WORD FROM THE ASSISTANT ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR

PAGE 10

SALUTE TO OUR PATRIOTS

PAGE 12

8 FILMING TIPS FOR HAND-HELD CAMERAS

PAGE 28

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

PAGE 16

NEC UPDATE

PAGE 30

FACES IN THE CROWD

PAGE 32

CREATE STUNNING VISUALS WITHOUT DESIGN SKILLS

PAGE 20

2021 NATIONAL EVENTS POLICY CONFERENCE

NATIONAL CONVENTION

JUNE 14TH, 2021 VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM

OCTOBER 10TH - 12TH, 2021 GRAND HYATT MANCHESTER SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

VAREP 2021

S T AY U P D A T E D A T :

S T AY U P D A T E D A T :

HTTPS:// VAREP.NET/POLICYCONFERENCE

HTTPS:// VAREP.NET/NATIONALCONVENTION

POLICY CONFERENCE

SEE PAGE: 12 FOR ARTICLE

4

VE SA E TH !

TE DA

VAREP 2021 POLICY CONFERENCE

JUNE 14TH, 2021 9:30 - 2:00 PST

The conference is filled with educational sessions and town halls to educate attendees on important housing policy, lending initiatives, and economic development affecting the military and veteran communities.

VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM

TO STAY UPDATED VISIT:

HTTPS://VAREP.NET/POLICYCONFERENCE/

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VAREP CURRENTLY HAS

32 CHAPTERS LOCATED IN 18 STATES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES ACTIVE CHAPTERS Alaska VAREP South Central Alaska - Founded on June 23, 2020

Arizona VAREP Phoenix Chapter - Founded on September 3, 2013

Kentucky VAREP Louisville Chapter - Founded on June 14, 2018

Maryland VAREP Annapolis / D.C. Chapter - Founded on August 23, 2018

VAREP Prescott Chapter - Founded on June 27, 2019 VAREP Tucson Chapter - Founded on January 28, 2015

California VAREP East Bay Area Chapter - Founded on August 24, 2017 VAREP Fresno Chapter - Founded on January 30, 2019 VAREP Los Angeles Chapter - Founded on April 23, 2014 VAREP Orange County Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2013 VAREP Riverside Chapter - Founded on June 17, 2013 VAREP Sacramento Chapter - Founded on June 4, 2013 VAREP San Bernardino Chapter- Founded on August 14, 2014 VAREP San Diego Chapter - Founded on July 29, 2013

Colorado VAREP Denver Chapter - Founded on August 14, 2014

Florida VAREP Central Florida Chapter - Founded on April 14, 2015

Minnesota VAREP Twin Cities Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2018

Missouri VAREP St Louis Chapter - Founded on March 10, 2017

Nevada VAREP Las Vegas Chapter - Founded on August 30, 2013 VAREP Northern Nevada Chapter - Founded on March 4, 2015

Oregon VAREP Central Oregon Chapter - Founded on February 12, 2019

Texas VAREP DFW Chapter - Founded on December, 2015 VAREP Houston Chapter - Founded on March 30, 2015

VAREP Miami Chapter - Founded on July 13, 2015

VAREP San Antonio Chapter - Founded on December 10, 2013

Georgia

Virginia

VAREP Atlanta Chapter - Founded on January 22, 2019

VAREP Hampton Roads Chapter - Founded on September 5, 2018

Hawaii VAREP Honolulu Chapter - Founded on April 04, 2014

Idaho VAREP Treasure Valley Chapter - Founded on May 17, 2018

Illinois VAREP Chicago Chapter - Founded on June 21, 2016

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VAREP Northern Virginia Chapter - Founded on May 30, 2018

Washington VAREP Tacoma South Sound Chapter - Founded on December 15, 2014

16 CHAPTERS IN FORMATION Arizona

Massachusetts

Puerto Rico

VAREP Kingman Chapter- Coming 2021

VAREP Boston Chapter - Coming 2021

VAREP Puerto Rico Chapter - Coming 2022

California

New Jersey

Tennessee

VAREP Modesto Chapter - Coming 2021

VAREP North New Jersey Chapter - Coming 2021

VAREP Nashville Chapter - Coming 2022

VAREP San Gabriel Chapter - Coming 2021

VAREP South New Jersey Chapter - Coming 2021

Colorado

New York

Texas

VAREP Colorado Springs – Coming 2021

Florida VAREP Jacksonville Chapter - Coming 2021

Georgia

VAREP Austin Chapter - Coming 2022

VAREP New York City Chapter - Coming 2021 VAREP Hudson Valley Chapter - Coming 2021

Pennsylvania VAREP Philadelphia Chapter - Coming 2021 VAREP Pittsburgh Chapter - Coming 2021

VAREP Augusta Chapter - Coming 2022

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E V SA

E H T

!

E T A D

OC TOB ER 10TH - 12TH 2021 · 10AM -1:0 0 P M P ST

The 2021 VAREP National Convention will educate, develop, and empower current and future leaders within the VAREP organization. The National Convention equips VAREP leaders with the necessary tools to serve the military and veteran housing needs.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA GRAND HYATT MANCHESTER

SEE YOU SOON! 8

STOP, DROP & PUSH

CAMPAIGN Attention VAREP Nation! We have exciting news about a new program that will be rolling out under VAREPCares later this year. The “Calloway Closing Cost Grant”. This program was created in honor of the late Senior Chief Robert Calloway. He was an original VAREPer, a real estate icon and a beacon in San Diego, CA. Senior Chief Calloway is dearly missed by all those blessed enough to have worked with him and call him friend. This grant will now be his legacy to live on. The program is offered to first time veteran and military home buyers, awarding them a $2,000.00 forgivable grant be to be used towards the closing costs.

Full details surrounding the program will be provided when we roll the offering out later this year, so please stay tuned!

We have a new fundraising event to share regarding the Stop Drop Push Initiative.

Nathan Elser out of Las Vegas, NV has committed to raising $15,000 for our veterans by hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania this September 2021. Nathans’s journey is already in progress and being documented on his Facebook page. We ask that you support both Nathan’s efforts and Stop Drop Push Campaign in 3 ways: track his progress and leave an encouraging post, share his page & the link, lastly, please make a donation to support his dedication to the Stop Drop Push Campaign at: https://stopdroppush.org/hike/. If you have an event coming up and would like to turn it into a fundraiser in honor of our initiative, then please contact Tamra Coulter to discuss. We can make a difference together, helping one veteran at a time.

SDP has presented 2 educational webinars yearto-date. The S.A.V.E suicide awareness webinars have been a huge success and our partnership with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs solidifies we are moving in the right direction in creating awareness and support for the 22 a day veteran suicide epidemic. We will be hosting 3 additional webinars on the following dates: May 18th, July 27th and September 14th. Be sure to keep an eye out for the flyers and registration links for these sessions then share on your social media pages, your office, with family and friends. These webinars are presented for anyone that could benefit from this very insightful information, to be used as a tool helping spot the signs of suicide and the necessary steps in helping that person.

So please share the information and encourage everyone to attend.

Last, but not least, we want to congratulate Dex Cajigal on being promoted to Chairman of the Stop Drop Push Campaign. Thank you Dex for answering the call to help with the Stop Drop Push Campaign – we are happy to have you! If you are a past or current VAREP Chapter Director and would like to get more involved in helping us with our mission to eliminate the 22 a day veteran suicides, then please reach out to either Dex Cajigal or Tamra Coulter for more information. Also a special thank you to committee member, Michelle Sweeney, for all she does in supporting our mission.

DCajigal@stopdroppush.net / TCoulter@varep.net

We thank you for your continued support of all our VAREPCares programs, as well as, your continued commitment to assist our veteran and military communities.

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A WORD FROM THE

ASSISTANT ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR

Ernie Gonzales AND THAT’S A WRAP…OR IS JUST THE BEGINNING? The sun has set on the first quarter of 2021 and everyone at VAREP has been busy. With the Covid-19 vaccinations coming out and the states around the country starting to open and lift restrictions, the chapters are also shaking off the winter chill and jumping right into outreach, events and educational classes via Zoom and….IN PER SON!! Yes! As crazy as 2020 has been, the 2021 VAREP year has been full of new beginnings as well. Let’s discover some of them together: • Updated VAREP Mission Statement“Our mission is to improve the lives of service members and veterans through education, housing, and philanthropy.”

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• The VAREP University is now updated and active. You can take the VAREP Suite of the following classes through the VAREP University: Fair Housing, SCRA and MVHC, all in one shot from the comfort of your home or office. The classes are invaluable in assisting the service member and veteran community. Upon completion real estate agents and lenders will receive the logos for the courses for use in advertising your new education completion status and a certificate.

EACH MEMBER IS A VOICE FOR ADVOCACY TO THE MILITARY AND VETERANS IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND WE AT NATIONAL WANT TO PROVIDE VALUE AND THE TOOLS TO ACCOMPLISH THAT MISSION.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR… LET US TALK GROWTH As the 2021 VAREP focus of membership growth continues to be the hot topic both nationally and with the boots on the ground chapter level, VAREP continues to arm the Chapters with the tools to build membership. VAREP cannot survive without its members and value their contributions to serving the veteran community in each location.

At national, we are grateful for the countless hours and ef forts put forth to m oving our mission for ward .

Mem bership grow th is vital as each chapter builds m omentum in their area . VA R EP mem bers have access to logos, training videos and local chapter events. Each mem ber is a voice for ad vocac y to the militar y and veterans in their com m unit y and we at national want to provide value and the tools to accom plish that mission . We encourage current mem bers to talk to their colleag ues about w hat VA R EP can do for them .

The upcoming National Policy conference will again be virtual, however just like in the past year, it will be an amazing must-see event. On June 14th via Zoom and Facebook we will be providing vital information and education about advocacy for veterans on Capital Hill.

We are super pleased that we are planning for the National Conference to be live and in person in San Diego, CA. We will be sending out dates and times, hotel info and more as the weeks come up. We are looking forward to seeing so many of you again in person and hugging and shaking hands or fist bumps.

With all that has happened over the past 13 months, our mission never faltered. Stay at home orders and many restrictions sidelined many members and their families. Our Chapters and Directors maintained focus and continued to be the light in their areas. This says a lot about the chapters, the directors, members and sponsors who stepped up during this global crisis to do what they could for our nations’ heroes.

On behalf of VAREPS’s founder and co-founder, the amazing staff at national, Directors and Committees, we salute you for maintaining the course, leading the charge and continuing to rise above as an organization.

Be Well and Be Safe

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Patriot: A person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion.

In this edition of the RT we wanted to take the time to thank all of the patriots who have given and continue to give their unwavering support and dedication, not only to VAREP but to all of America's veterans and active duty servicemembers.

We know that patriots are a vital component in helping our men and women of the service, and Veteran Service Organizations complete their missions. Without patriots like all of you, the mission would be far less pleasant to complete.

From holiday cards and care packages from family and friends to the amazing and kind gestures of perfect strangers. Today, we salute our patriots!

Patriots are heroes too, and just like our men and women of the service, these hundreds of thousands of amazing men and women come from every race, religion and ethnic group. Their stories and histories are varied, their actions and deeds diverse, leaving their marks on every part of our culture and heritage. They are law officers, politicians, inventors, explorers, artists, activists, writers, business people, and ordinary folks. Some are famous — most are not.

VAREP takes pride in all of the lives that our patriots have touched and improved throughout the years that we have been established. We cannot begin to list all of them here. But, their “legendary” deeds and accomplishments belong in the history books of America. Thank you all for your tireless efforts and sacrif ices.

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THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP VAREP’s Housing Counseling Department is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency providing home buying, credit, budget, post purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling services to Veterans, Active Military and the community nationwide. Over the past year, from January to December 2020, we provided the following housing counseling services:

2021 COUNSELING & OUTREACH STATISTICS

416

inquiries for services

306 84 CLIENTS Counseled

Group Workshop participants from VHS chapter events

222

1 on 1 Housing Counseling clients

Types of Counseling provided

124 27 Pre-purchase Homeownership

Post purchase

29 16 Foreclosure Prevention

Financial Homeownership Sustainability Counseling

26 Credit Counseling

VISIT W W W.VETHOMEOWNERSHIP.COM OR CALL: 888.273.7267

5,500 LMI HOUSING INQUIRIES internet, telephone & community events

1,500 LMI FAMILIES Received Pre-purchase, Credit & Housing Counseling

850 VETERAN FAMILIES Successfully placed in homes through our programs

350 VETERANS Were referred to HUD VASH program

600 VETERANS Engaged in Credit Counseling to improve financial readiness

3,100 VETERANS & SERVICEMEMBERS *Statistics from 2014-2021

Educated on VA Home Loan Benefit, importance of good credit & home buying process through counseling & outreach events

VISIT W W W.VETHOMEOWNERSHIP.COM OR CALL: 888.273.7267

LEGISLATIVE CORNER “To maintain the momentum from the Policy Conference, I have appointed G -II Varrato, Yeimalis Acevedo-Rasmussen, Robbie Grossman, Lynn Jabs, Nacho Castro, Rod Beck, Victoria Blass and Michael Hamilton to form VAREP’s National Legislative Committee (NLC). The NLC’s task is to do the background and heav y-lifting work necessary to move our mission and the bill forward.”

- Son Nguyen, VAREP Founder & President

G-II VARRATO NLC Chairman U.S. Air Force

YEIMALIS ACEVEDO-RASMUSSEN NLC Member Patriot

ROBBIE GROSSMAN NLC Member Patriot

LYNN JABS NLC Member Patriot

NACHO CASTRO NLC Member U.S. Army

DEX CAJIGAL NLC Member U.S. Marines

VICTORIA BLASS NLC Member Patriot

MICHAEL HAMILTON NLC Member Patriot

WHERE DO WE BEGIN? HOW ABOUT, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES TO BECOMING A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED VSO? In the last “Roger That” we reminded you that the 117th Congress of the United States was sworn into office on January 3rd, 2021.

During this Congress, the VAREP NLC will work diligently to have legislation introduced in both the House and the Senate that will grant VAREP a Congressional Charter as a Veteran Service Organization or VSO. While VSOs are essentially a product of the 20th Century, in this article I am going to share with you a brief history of how Veterans Service Organizations were formed way back to the first VSO in 1879 (Navy Mutual Aid Association) up through 2009 (Military Officers Association of America).

The idea of adding a 93rd Congressionally Chartered VSO is quite a challenge, inasmuch as the majority of members of the House and Senate and their staff are totally unfamiliar with the process. Most of the staffers, in all of the offices, in both the House and the Senate were either not even born yet, given the fact that it was 1997 when the Air Force Sergeants Association was Congressionally Chartered, or some of them were in their teen years, when the last VSO was

chartered in 2009. They don't know why VSO's were no longer chartered but rather simply no, “… that is the way things have been for over a decade…”.

As I noted, prior to the charter for the Korean War Veterans Association in 2008 and the Military Officers Association of America in 2009, the last VSO to receive a Congressional Charter was the Air Force Sergeants Association in 1997.

There are over 45,000 VSOs. Only 92 of them have the designation of being Congressionally chartered.

VSOs are listed in Title 36 USC but are not agencies of the United States. The attraction of becoming a Congressionally Chartered VSO is that it tends to provide an indirect benefit to the organizations by way of recognition by the public.

Over the many decades that Congressional Charters have been issued to the 92 Congressional Charters, the public began to perceive that if a VSO was designated as a Congressional Charter, the VSO must have some weight and authority backed by the full faith and confidence of the United States Government. That is totally incorrect. Nevertheless, in 1989 the House Judiciary Committee subcommittee of jurisdiction instituted a moratorium on granting new charters of all types, framed around the idea that the public’s perception was correct and injurious to the public.

The chartering by Congress of organizations as VSO's is noted in Title 36 USC Subtitle II; Patriotic and National Organizations.

The process is divided into three categories.

The first under Subtitle I: Patriotic and National Observance and Ceremonies. Under Subtitle II; Patriotic and National Organizations and under Subtitle II; Treaty Obligation Organizations.

VAREP falls under Subtitle II; Patriotic and National Organizations. As I noted above there are 92 corporate entities currently that have this designation.

Congressionally chartered VSOs do not receive direct appropriations from the Federal Government; they have no federal powers; their debts are not covered by the full faith and credit of the United States and they do not enjoy any form of original jurisdiction in Federal courts.

In fact, up until 1992 the Department of Veterans Affairs had a rule that any VSO seeking free space and telephones in any of its facilities had to have a congressional charter. That is no longer the case.

In 1965 President Lyndon Johnson vetoed a bill that would have authorized a Federal chartered status to the Youth Councils on Civil Affairs.

PRESIDENT JOHNSON SAID IN HIS VETO: “For some time, I have been concerned with the question of whether we are granting Federal charters to private organizations on a case-by-case basis without the benefit of clearly established standards and criteria as to eligibility. Where the civic, patriotic, and philanthropic organizations, can and do, incorporate their activities under state law. It seems obvious that Federal charters should be granted, if at all, only on a selective basis and that they should meet some national interest standard.”

In 1969 President Johnson requested that the subcommittees of both the House and the Senate Judiciary Committees jointly agree to a statement of policy known as the “Standards for Granting

of Federal Charters” . There were five minimum standards that had to be met.

Any private organization petitioning Congress for the purpose of obtaining the status of a federal Corporation shall be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of Congress, but it is an organization which is-(1) operating under a charter granted by a state or the District of Columbia and that it has so operated for a significant period of time to demonstrate its permanence and that its activities are clearly in the public interest; (2) of such unique character that chartering by the Congress as a Federal Corporation is the only appropriate form of incorporation; (3) organized and operated solely for charitable, literal, educational, scientific, patriotic, and civil improvement purposes; (4) organized and operated as a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization: and (5) organized and operated for the primary purpose of conducting activities which are of national scope and responsive to national need, which need cannot be met except upon the issuance of a federal charter.

Over the following next two decades multiple controversies evolved drawing Congress into court battles over issues such as First Amendment rights in the lawsuit in the Supreme Court, Boy Scouts of America v. Dale. Subsequent to that controversy, was a lawsuit involving the American Gold Star Mothers in 2004 and subsequent to that another legal challenge with the National Education of the United States Charter.

So, in 1989 Chairman of the Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Government Relations,

Barney Frank and ranking Minority Member, Craig James, announced that the subcommittee had approved a motion for a “moratorium on the granting of federal charters”.

It was Congressman Frank who asserted, “When I first raised the issue, what is a federal charter?

The answer was, ‘A Federal Charter is a Federal Charter is a Federal Charter... You could make up an organization for the preservation of Albert DeSalvo the Boston Strangler. We would have no way of checking into it”. It was Congressman Frank's belief that committees could be drawn into public disputes touched off by controversial activities or statements by a Title 36 Corporation or employees or members of those organizations.

In the 104th Congress Congressman Frank’s committee reaffirmed the moratorium on chartering Federal VSOs. The committee went on to assert that not-for-profit organizations falsely implied to the public that a chartered organization and its activities somehow carried a Congressional, “seal of approval.”

The VSO moratorium is renewed every Congress primarily by the Judiciary Committees, however even though the moratorium on VSOs has been in place since 1989 7 more Congressionally Chartered VSOs have emerged. In 1990 National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Inc., in 1992 Military Order of the World Wars and The Retired Enlisted Association, in 1996 the Fleet Reserve Association, then in 1997 the Air Force sergeants Association, then again in 2008 the Korean War Veterans Association and in 2009 the Military Officers Association of America.

Some VSOs have made it through Congress as their own line-item bill but most often they are attached to the National Defense Authorization Act. That is most likely where VAREP will find success.

VAREP’s NLC GADs are on a mission to convince Congress that VAREP should become the 93rd Congressionally Chartered VSO. We understand that Congress believes that chartering an organization can lead to mixed signals to the public. It has been argued that some members of the public believe that a chartered VSO has some material Governmental status or that a chartered VSO that becomes a Congressionally chartered VSO signifies the U.S. Government's approval of the corporation’s activities.

Neither of those assumptions are correct or true.

The VAREP NLC fully understands and embraces the uphill climb to discourage aversions to granting organizations, such as VAREP, Congressional VSO status. That is the mission we are on and that is the mission we will succeed at during the 117th Congress and hopefully in the year 2021.

The process is well underway with House Representative Lou Correa and Senator Amy Klobuchar taking the lead on the legislation. Representative Correa hopes to have the VAREP VSO bill introduced on the floor of the House within the next couple of months.

We plan on asking Senator Klobuchar to introduce her Senate Companion Bill at the same time, on the floor of the Senate.

The NLC GADS are already hard at work cultivating relationships with members of Congress in both the House and the Senate in every state. The mission is to introduce the concept of VAREP becoming a Congressionally Chartered VSO and to gain a commitment from every member of Congress to endorse this effort.

Stay tuned and watch this space for a progress report in the next “Roger That” briefing.

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! #IAmVAREP G-II Varrato VAREP National Legislative Committee Director

Design Corner

CREATE STUNNING VISUALS Wit hout

DESIGN SKILLS

If you want really professional looking graphics that you don't have to spend a ton of time working on, thus taking you away from your main business objectives, you should hire a professional designer. But, if you choose to create your own graphics, Adobe Spark and Canava are two apps that will let you design high quality graphics without needing any design skills.

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A FE W HELPFU L TIPS FROM VAREP ’S MARKETING TEAM

Adobe Spark has a ton of cool templates and features that you can use to create stunning graphics for your business. You can create Social media graphics, Webpages, and short videos.

Adobe Spark lets you create graphics from anywhere that you have internet access and you can use your desktop computer, iPad, or even your smartphone to create these graphics.

Graphics made with Adobe Spark

Another app that will help those with little design skills create amazing graphics is Canva.

This online app lets users create everything from social media images and blog covers, to banner ads, and a whole list of other graphics.

It's also a bonus that Canva is completely free of charge. It does have options to pay for added features and assets if needed. With the free version you can: • Choose from over 250,000 free templates • Get access to hundreds of thousands of free photos and graphics • Invite members to your team • Collaborate and comment in real-time and more.

Graphics made with Canva.com

• You can choose from thousands of free templates.

• Access thousands of icons that you can recolor and use in your projects.

• Access thousands of free images, or upload your own.

• Create & access unlimited projects from any where with project syncing across mobile and web.

• Invite others to work on your project.

They have a few different plans to choose from and at different price points so that you can choose the plan that best fits you and your business at the time. The free plan gets you in the door with some pretty cool features.

The only con to working with the free version of Adobe Spark is that it leaves their watermark on your graphics. But, it's not too bad of a trade-off considering you're using the app for free.

The paid versions lets you have everything from the free version, but enhances it with access to more photos, videos and other graphics.

They also add 95GB more cloud storage to the plan as well. But, you should be able to do everything that you need and then some on the free plan.

Using one or even both of these app will definitely allow you to create some really amazing looking graphics to promote your brand or business. using these handy tools will put you in the designers seat and help you build a professional looking image for your brand.

You can check out more information about each of these apps via the websites below.

spark.adobe.com canva.com 21

IT Corner

NEXT LEVEL BUSINESS TECH: Point of Sale Software Take Your Business to the Next Level

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Take your business to the next level with mobile Poin-of Sale software. Point-of-sale (POS) software is continually evolving. Cash registers alone cannot keep up. Brick-and-mortar retailers adopt leaner systems that operate on mobile devices in favor of complex setups costing thousands of dollars. It is not just retail stores interested in POS systems, online store owners and even other small business owners use these point-of-sale solutions. So, what exactly is point of sale software?

What is point-of-sale (POS) software?

Point of sale software is what physical store retailers use to conduct sales in person. It is sometimes a cash register, computer, or even a tablet where cashiers input products, tally the cost and execute the financial transaction.

Most POS software also communicates with inventory levels to keep everything in balance.

Several big stores have complicated and expensive POS solutions, some of which were custom-built for their requirements.

Independent retailers and small business owners are moving away from traditional POS systems and adopting cloud-based point-ofsale solutions.

Types of POS software: Generally, there are two main types of POS software: on-premise and cloud-based. Onpremise POS software requires you to be on location to use it; Terminals are the most common on-premise POS. Cloud-based POS software offers more flexibility, as you can use any connected, compatible device to access the dashboard. Such software is becoming more mainstream—the market was valued at around $1.29 billion in 2019, with an expected growth rate of more than 21.38% through 2026.

You can conduct sales and check in on your business from anywhere is the world. You access it directly from online and often it's compatible with most POS hardware

(cash drawers, printers, etc.) and other tools in your tech stack. This is great if you are a small business that sells in a store and online, along with the occasional in-person event.

What POS software should I use?

Well, the answer to this question is, the best one that works for you and your business.

Although many businesses are choosing to switch over from the traditional Point-of-Sale terminals to the cloud-based software, that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to as well. Take a look at your business and evaluate if this is something that you view as a necessity for you to take your business to the next level. If it's not needed in your business at the moment, don't force it. You can always choose to use this software anytime in the future.

Where can I go to get my mobile POS Software?

There are a few different places where you can go to purchase your POS Software. Be sure to shop around and make sure that the solution you choose comes with all the features and functionality that will best fit your current business needs, and can expand to fit your future business goals.

A few of the more well known companies where you can purchase your cloud-based POS software are Square and PayPal. These two are well known and can offer you a host of good options and features to choose from. If you want to find more, just do a Google search for the term POS Systems or Cloud-Based POS Systems and there will be a whole list of possible choices.

At the end of the day, Clould-Based POS Software is becoming more common among businesses of all types and this kind of technology is something that you can use to catapult your company into the new age of online business.

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HOW VAREP’S HUD HOUSING COUNSELORS CAN HELP YOU SUCCESSFULLY APPLY FOR A LOAN WORKOUT!

"Our counselors are experts in their field and funded through government and private foundation grants to help you and your clients at no cost."

The Colon family was going to lose their home if they weren’t able to pay the lender three months of back payments on their mortgage. (check out their story here: https://www.facebook.com/usahomeownership/ videos/239074221092369) With Mr. Colon being on active duty with the Army and on deployment and the family just having moved to Virginia, they were in a really tight spot and needed help quickly. Mr. Colon found and utilized USA Homeownership Foundation’s HUD Housing Counseling Department, and our team of HUD Certified Housing Counselors were able to step in and help.

This is what we do every day, Vets helping Vets and other servicemembers provide housing solutions.

USA Homeownership Foundation offers no cost rental, credit, foreclosure prevention, and Homebuying counseling and educational workshops. Today, we’d like to provide an overview of what a HUD Housing Counselor does and how we can help our VAREP members be more successful in helping their clients achieve the dream of homeownership, by obtaining, maintaining, and sustaining homeownership.

USA Homeowership Foundations (VAREP’s nonprofit organization) HUD-approved housing counselors provide foreclosure prevention counseling and assistance in applying for a loan modification—all at no cost. If you or your clients are facing a foreclosure, the sooner you talk to a housing counselor, the better. You can have no better advocate if you're trying to work out a loan modification or other loss mitigation option.

What does USA Homeownership Foundation’s HUD Housing Counselor Do? Our HUD Certified Housing Counselor acts as your advocate if you’re trying to avoid a foreclosure, buy a home, resolve your rental issue or improve your credit. Our counselors are experts in their field and funded through government and private foundation grants to help you and your clients at no cost. They’re well trained in the various ways you might be able to prevent a foreclosure and can explain your loan workout options. Your housing counselor can help assess your loan situation and work with your servicer to try to find an option that will keep you in your house.

It might include filing for a forbearance, completing a modification or refinancing your loan. If a client decides they want to sell their home, a counselor will help them apply for a short sale and provide information about this option. If their VAREP member has referred them over to us, we’ll send them right back

to that member, but we do recommend that you keep in touch with your client to stay on top of their situation.

HOW HOUSING COUNSELING WORKS When you contact our Housing Counseling department, you’ll be asked to complete our online intake form and 3rd party authorization form online (www.myhomeownership.org) and then we will schedule a counseling appointment.

During the counseling session, our housing counselor will: Discuss your current financial situation.

Review and evaluate your current spending and income.

Help you to figure out a budget that will set the maximum amount you’re able to pay towards your mortgage each month.

Explore your hardship and the reasons why you fell behind in payments Help you figure out what loan workout options are best for you Create an action plan and recommend next steps.

During the counseling session, the counselor will want to get a handle on your overall financial situation; they'll ask about your income, your debts, your assets, your mortgage, and the value of your home. So, before the appointment, it’s a good idea to gather up information about your finances, including: recent billing statements for your first and any other mortgages current pay stubs and other documentation showing any income you receive (if you’re selfemployed, an up-to-date profit and loss statement) recent tax returns monthly household expenses account balances and monthly payments due on all of your credit cards, student loans, car loans, and so on, and information about your savings and other assets.

Applying for a Modification or Other Option Your housing counselor will assist you with contacting your servicer and requesting a loan modification package. You’ll fill it out and return the forms with the help of your counselor. Then, the servicer will review your income, debt, and hardship to determine whether you’re eligible for a foreclosure avoidance option. If you are approved, your counselor will then review your options and explain the process for completing the terms of the loan modification. If you are not successful, they will review the reason for the denial and try to help you over come it.

Can a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor Always Help?

Housing counselors can do a lot, but they’re limited by the servicer and investor (loan owner) policies, called "loss mitigation guidelines."

These guidelines set out the rules and eligibility requirements for modifications. So, you might not qualify for an alternative to foreclosure, no matter what you or the counselor does. Your housing counselor will be honest and give you their unbiased opinion and go over the best options for you as well as next steps.

"Even if you think you won’t qualify for a modification or other foreclosure alternative or that you can do it yourself, it certainly doesn’t hurt to talk to our housing counselor."

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There are many misconceptions surrounding loan workouts and options, so even if you think you won’t qualify for a modification or other foreclosure alternative or that you can do it yourself, it certainly doesn’t hurt to talk to our housing counselor. In fact, most homeowners are more successful when working with a housing counselor when submitting their loan modification applications simply because counselors know the loan modification guidelines and programs available. The best option is to work with your housing counselor as soon as you know you’ll be having a hardship and way before your forbearance plan ends.

Currently there is a Federal Foreclosure Moratorium until 6/30/21 so all homeowners are protected until that date. Under federal law, and some state laws, a servicer can’t start or continue with a foreclosure while your completed application is pending. You might end up getting a more affordable mortgage payment for the future or qualify for a loss mitigation option that you hadn’t previously considered.

How to Work with USA Homeownership’s HUD-Approved Housing Counselors We encourage all of our dedicated VAREP members and partners to share this information with your clients, family, and friends. You can help us be the boots on the ground to spread the word that our HUD Housing Counseling Department is here to help our communities by providing the following services: Rental Counseling Foreclosure Prevention, Loan Modification, and Forbearance Plans Credit, Budgeting & Financial Management Homebuying, Down Payment Programs and First Time Buyer Loans VA Loans & Certificate of Eligibility HUD Home Buyer Certificate good for 1st Time Buyer Loans and Down Payment Assistance Programs If VAREP members have Veterans, Service Members or Patriots that need any type of rental, foreclosure prevention, Home Buying, VA Loan, Down Payment, Credit, or Financial Literacy counseling please refer them to our Housing Counseling Department to speak with our HUD Housing Counselors.

GETTING HELP FOR YOUR CLIENTS IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

1. Contact Contact our Housing Counseling Department by visiting our website at www.myhomeownership. org click on counseling and complete the online intake forms. And view our short video on Housing Counseling services: http://www. myhomeownership.org/counseling/

2. Call Call our toll free number 888. 273.7267

3. Email Email your request to Mindy Ramlogan , Housing Counseling Administrative Assistant, at mramlogan@varep.net .

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Media Corner

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80% of online content is video, so it’s no wonder why you’d want to grab a camera and film for your business. With filming comes gear: camera, lenses, tripods, gimbals, lights, lenses, etc. The list of gear can be overwhelming, but don’t let the lack of equipment such as tripods, monopods and gimbals stop you from marketing yourself online. A camera and lens is all you need. Follow these tips for a professional, smooth and, most importantly, engaging feel to your video.

1. DON’T BE A GIMBAL. A gimbal is a 3 axis motorized stabilizer which allows the camera mounted on it move and be stabilized independent of the operator holding said gimbal.

This allows for very smooth and long cinematic shots which are more engaging than a static shot.

But you’re not a gimbal, so don’t be a gimbal or try to be a gimbal. By this, I mean don’t try for long continuous shots if you’re filming handheld otherwise you’re in for a long night. Every shake or jitter will be more noticeable and any stabilization you do in post-production will look warped and/or unprofessional.

2. PLAN OUT CAMERA MOVEMENTS BEFORE YOU START FILMING. This may sound obvious, but putting in a little extra time planning your camera movements will make a huge difference. It’s much easier to get smoother shots when you’re able to work and plan with your subject so you’re on the same page. You can communicate what you need your subject to do with their hands and what speed to move.

3. KEEP MOVEMENTS SHORT AND CONCISE. The longer the shot is, the more inconsistency and variation there will be. Not only will keeping your shots short and concise help with keeping your hand-held footage steady, but it will also improve the overall pace and flow of your video.

4. USE FOREGROUND. Having something in the foreground of your shot enhance your camera movement making it appear more dramatic and dynamic.

G REE’’SS E NG R N H O E O T R H " R W " T HIIN GW E NG T H O T NO TTLLE T N I T I L L A HA TH KEE"" K A WIIT A H H W S S A RA MEER CAM

5. AVOID SHOOTING ALL OF YOUR SHOTS FROM YOUR OWN POINT OF VIEW (POV).

Keeping your camera at eye level, POV, results in a lack of variation across all your shots. Instead, get more creative and shoot from low angles, different perspectives or create even more interesting framing and compositions by shooting through objects.

6. REVERSE FOCUS REVEAL. While shooting in a high frame rate of at least 60 frames per second, use manual focus with your shot locked onto your subject. Smoothly pull away taking it out of focus. When editing in post-production, slow down the clip, add stabilization and reverse the speed and this will give you a dramatic focus reveal.

7. WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP YOUR CAMERA COMPLETELY STILL. If a camera movement isn’t working out or it’s looking really shaky, there’s nothing wrong with a stationary shot. If you’re able to get clean static shots, it will look great for establishing a scene or showing close up details of a subject. In addition, you can create a smooth look by adding movement in post-production by using key frames for a zoom in or out effect by using key frames.

8. EMBRACE THE HAND HELP LOOK. There’s nothing wrong with a little camera shake, in fact many of your favorite TV shows have them. It’s an aesthetically pleasing way to immerse the viewer into your story. When filming for the hand-held look, it’s still important to keep your camera steady to ensure you don’t nauseate your audience, but do not fret about a little shake or rawness to your clip.

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JAMIE GARRETT NEC Chair Patriot

JEFF WILSON NEC Member U.S. Army

STEPHEN DEMUTH NEC Member Patriot

JOHN MILLER NEC Member U.S. Air Force

JULIE OWENS NEC Member Patriot

SEAN SELTERS NEC Member U.S. Army

The purpose of the National Education Committee (NEC) is to assist with empowering and preparing all communities for sustainable homeownership through the advancement of knowledge and financial literacy.

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Next month the NEC will have two new committee members as we continue to transition into other areas of VAREP. The current NEC Chair, Scott Robinson, has been a key factor in the growth and success of this organization for many years and will be stepping aside as the NEC Chair for new advancements within VAREP. Scott’s knowledge and vision to educate our Veterans, and the industry that serves them, has advanced the NEC quickly.

He has taught the (MVHC) program more than anyone else in the organization, and his passion and commitment to this organization are truly inspiring. Scott may be leaving the NEC Chair position, however, his mark will forever be on the NEC as their first Chair Person. Thank you, Scott, for your dedication to the mission and your vision to move the NEC into the future.

"2021 HAS ALREADY BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR THE NEC AND WE ARE EXCITED AND READY FOR IMPLEMENTING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TOOLS."

We would also like to thank Art Ramirez, the NEC co-chair as he transitions also. Art has been a long-time VAREP member and an original of the NEC. Art was an integral part of finalizing the Homeownership Education and Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.). He continues to serve the mission as an instructor for the MVHC program in Texas. We are grateful to Art for all his contributions at all levels.

2021 has already been a busy year for the NEC and we are excited and ready for implementing educational programs and tools. The Committee has just completed a training course for our Directors who are on the path to become VAREP Certified instructors for the Military Veteran Housing Certification (MVHC). We are looking forward to seeing them continue the education mission, as local boots on the ground, to the real estate industry about the VA Loan Benefit and further assist our military and veteran communities.

Here is a sample of what the committee is working on for 2021.

MVHC: An updated version of the Military & Veteran’s Housing Certification has been designed for a comprehensive understanding of the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guarantee program. This industry course will be effective in helping serve the housing needs of our Veteran’s.

Financial Zoom Courses in connection with our HUD Counseling Department: • Qualifying for a Loan Modification after Forbearance • Rental Assistance and Repayment Programs

to Avoid Eviction • How to use your VA Loan to Buy a Home • Credit Repair H.E.L.P.: The Homeownership Education and Literacy Program is a National program created for serving Active Duty, Veterans, and their families to bridge the gap of equitable wealth through Homeownership and Financial Literacy Education. This is a HUD certified class featuring Freddie Mac’s Credit Smart modules taught by NeighborWorks America certified instructors.

Fair Housing Course: Designed for a comprehensive understanding of the Fair Housing Act. SCR A: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that will help our members, communities and industry partners understand the protections our Veteran’s deserve.

New and improved Lunch and Learns.

We now offer an educational suite that offers the Fair Housing Course, SCRA and MVHC at our online University that our members and Real Estate Industry at large are able to complete within their locations and schedule that works best for them.

Please be sure to check out the online Education suite at: https://varep.net/university On behalf of the NEC, we want to thank the local chapters, communities, sponsors, and industry leaders for your continued support. YOU are making a difference one Veteran at a time.

JAIMIE GARRETT National Education Committee, Chair HUD Certified Educator Patriot 253-224-8906 31

PROMOTING VETERAN STABILITY TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDE STOP, DROP & PUSH MISSION Our mission is to connect veterans with a network of alternative therapy providers so they can continue the journey of healing and rediscovering purpose.

HISTORY OF THE NUMBER 22 In 2012 the Department of Veterans Affairs released a 59-page report outlining veteran suicide. The report states the number of Veterans who die from suicide each day has remained relatively steady over the past 12 years (ranging from 18 -22 per day).

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY Research has determined that alternative therapy plays an important role in a “whole-body” approach to wellness on the road to recovery for many veterans. Some examples of alternative therapy include: • Animal-assisted therapy • Yoga

• Recreational therapy (martial arts, mountain climbing, rafting, etc) • Mindfulness and art therapy

951-963-9386 | info@stopdroppush.org

www.STOPDROPPUSH.org

FACES IN THE CROWD “Faces in the Crowd” is a handful of responses to an intriguing question...

VAREP Members share their stories of all things VAREP related!

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P E R A V #IAM Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission?

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“Regardless of one's reason for going into the military, its a unique thing to do and a major sacrifice for all to have the freedoms we enjoy. Once I became aware of the need for educating to prevent and to sustain home ownership I was moved to act.

After hearing the hearts of VAREPs Leadership and seeing what they do for those who serve, I was all in.”

WHY I’m VAREP What is unique about VAREP?

“it's focus on veterans.

They educate veterans and real estate professionals on VA loans.”

WHY I’m VAREP Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission?

“To give back, I’m not a veteran and I feel that this is one of the best ways that I can support them.”

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P E R A V M A #I What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow?

“The education of industry professionals would hurt significantly”

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WHY I’m VAREP Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission?

“I’m a veteran, and I come from a family of veterans; I believe that when you pay it forward, it comes back. Also, it just feels good!”

WHY I’m VAREP What is unique about VAREP?

“We tend to focus on the mission instead of changing the intent based on who we are communicating with.”

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“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.”

- George Washington

VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS info@VAREP.net

w w w . V A R E P. n e t

951- 444 -7363