Thursday, November 29, 2012

VRAP, Financial Empowerment, In Remembrance, Vet Health Studies, Local Contacts


Video of the Week: A short explanation of the VRAP program for unemployed veterans is at: http://youtu.be/AAs8JZQCa5A

Free Financial Empowerment workshops are offered - Get your year off to a good start by learning how to build or repair credit, manage debit/credit cards, and choose good financial options.
Cottonwood: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-8 pm at Catholic Charities at 736 N. Main St.  The December dates are: December 5, 12, and 19th; January dates are: January 9, 16, and 23.
Prescott: Three-part workshop begins the first week of January, call for details 928-778-2531.
Also available are: advanced 12-part Getting Ahead workshops beginning in January, free tax preparation help, and opportunities to become a financial education volunteer yourself.  Catholic Charities provides free services throughout Arizona to anyone in need, for more information on their initiatives and locations, see: http://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/HomePage.aspx

The In Remembrance site (http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/soldier/home.aspx) is a place to honor those who gave their all in service of their country.  You can search by state or branch of service to locate specific records, create/view photo tributes, or see stories of local heroes like:
Gunnery Sgt. Edward Reeder of Camp Verde at: http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/soldier/3097990
or Pvt. Reece Moreno of Prescott at: http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/soldier/20084877
or sign the guestbook of Pfc. Tenzin “Josh” Samten of Prescott at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/azcentral/guestbook

New studies seek to find more effective treatments: For PTSD, a clinical trial is open in Houston, see details at: http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Returning_Combat
For Gulf War Illness, see: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/26/gulf-war

Important local contacts for Veterans:
James Ramm serves Northern Arizona Veterans through the DES offices, helping Veterans locate jobs or prepare for employment, or apply for VRAP.  He can be contacted at 928-277-2718 or jramm@azdes.gov
Jeffrey Timm and Brian O’Neil are VA Benefits Counselors with Arizona Department of Veterans Services; they can help navigate benefits, disability, and compensation questions.  They can be reached at 928-443-0167, x1 or x3.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Healing, Code Talkers, Broken Places, Veteran CNN Hero


In the interest of stress-reduction for those of you doing final projects and preparing for exams, check out the Video of the Week!  Disco dancers have nothing over this Australian spider: http://youtu.be/E-nmeYirsvA

Event reminder: Tonight (Tuesday 11/27) is the presentation “Two Stories - Still Healing” by two OIF/OEF veterans at the ERAU Chapel (3700 Willow Creek Rd. in Prescott) from 6:30-8:30 pm.

According to Military.com, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, “the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence History Office hosted a presentation on the Native American Code Talkers of World Wars I and II. Their code is said to be the most ingenious and successful, being the only code in military history that is unbroken. For more information, visit the Smithsonian Institution website, the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture website, and the official website of the Navajo Code Talkers.”

Yavapai College’s Fast Track Management Certificate has evening courses beginning on both Clarkdale and Prescott campuses (and online) in January.  This series of eight accelerated courses is designed to give you skills for employment or advancement, and builds on leadership skills most military veterans already possess.  For more information on this popular program, see: www.yc.edu/fast-track  Registration is open now for all YC Spring courses and for the VUB pre-college free modules.

Strong at the Broken Places,” refers to a new initiative to recognize inspiring veterans who have overcome obstacles during their transition to civilian life.  See their stories, or share your own, at: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20121126a.asp

Army Veteran Mary Cortani is among CNN Heroes 10 finalists this year!   See the inspiring stories of the finalists, and vote for your favorite at: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/20/world/cnnheroes-top-10   Mary’s story about her non-profit project matching needy dogs with veterans and providing 'team training' is at: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2012/06/07/cnn-heroes-cortani.cnn  Winners will be announced Dec. 2nd.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Military Family Tribute, Grant for Homeless Vets, ERAU Presentation, Loneliness, POW/MIA, Small Business Saturday



In honor of Military Family Appreciation Month (or anytime) this tribute and the photo contributions are a must-see at: http://ashleighbaker.net/2012/11/this-is-to-you-the-military-wife/ (Photo from Ashleigh's blog)

The VA has a program that helps homeless/near homeless veterans and their families by working with local non-profit agencies.  Last year, Southern Arizona received a SSVF grant through the Red Cross to help 800 families.  The 2013 grant applications are available now, with a deadline of February 1.  For more information, please see: http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp

A presentation by two veterans dealing with the aftermath of their deployments and the physical and spiritual healing paths they’ve traveled is: “Two Stories – Still Healing” on Tuesday, November 27th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  Support the ERAU Student Veterans Organization and honor our military and their families by attending this moving presentation, open to all.  Location: Haas Chapel – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University 3700 Willow Creek Rd in Prescott.

Jeff had a unique way of dealing with his loneliness: he gave the world his phone number.  Here’s the result of that healing experience at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18803128  Connecting with others is a great mental health strategy - would you be as bold as Jeff?

Over 82,000 Americans serving in foreign wars have not been accounted for and are listed as MIA/POW, leaving their families with unanswered questions. Maybe you wore a POW bracelet, and want to send a message of encouragement to the family via the Missing Personnel Office?  If you’d like to learn more about the missing, here’s a helpful link at: http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/

As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, a special note of gratitude goes to the military families, active duty and veterans among us, and to our VUB students!  If you are one of the many that sees Thanksgiving weekend as the prelude to the holiday shopping season, Small Business Saturday is Nov. 24 – shop local, and why not check out the Veteran-owned businesses near you at: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Rural Health Day, VOSB, Veteran Job Resources, Women Veterans' Organizations


November 15 is National Rural Health Day, according to the Veterans Health Administration.  The VHA has a rural health newsletter that shows many of their initiatives to support veterans’ health in areas that do not have a VA Hospital or Community Based Outpatient Clinic, such as partnerships with local health providers, training for local communities, and more.  See their November newsletter at: http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/news/

Here’s the Video of the Week at: http://youtu.be/C5KbfN_20MU about the Yavapai College Small Business Development Center and how they can help you be successful in your own business.

Did you know that 10% of American small businesses are veteran-owned?  Veterans are 45% more likely to own their own business than non-veterans.  There are 2.4 million VOSB (Veteran Owned Small Businesses) with $1 Trillion in receipts, according to the RAO Bulletin highlight.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) assists veterans with training, mentoring, and access to funding through loans and government contracts.  Even before separation, active-duty military members have benefited from educational opportunities too.  For more information, don’t forget your Arizona Small Business Development Center (see: http://www.azsbdc.net/) or local Chamber of Commerce, or see the SBA at: http://www.sba.gov/vets

Business News Daily discusses the increase in veteran jobs available and a newly launched website to help veterans find jobs and/or start their own business at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/3406-website-helps-vet  Another article suggests 50 skills you want to list on your resume at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2135-job-skills-resume.html

The RAO Bulletin highlighted many women veterans’ organizations, representing different branches of service, profession, or service era.  Kudos were also given to two all-women American Legion posts in Kansas, who are addressing the differing concerns of women veterans, like childcare during VA healthcare visits and the changing roles of women in the military.  Here are some of the organizations mentioned:
Navy - http://www.anwna.com/
Retired Army Nurses - http://www.militaryrn.com/ranca.htm
Vietnam Women Veterans - http://www.spencergroup.net/vwv/  
Marineshttp://www.womenmarines.org/

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

National Roll Call, Get Skills to Work, VUB Free Modules, Perfect Major


The National Roll Call program was held at 92 campuses and communities this past week, to honor the names of our service people who have given their lives during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  At the Verde Valley campus ceremony (photos above), the Rimrock High School Color Guard presented the flags, then County Supervisor Chip Davis and Dean Perey began reading, followed by students, employees, and community members, until the last name was read.  The ceremony and moment of silence were timed with the Prescott campus and campuses nationwide.  Thank you to all who participated at these events.

Get Skills to Work is a program to match military skill sets with manufacturing jobs and energize American industry. See the Video of the Week at: http://bcove.me/mym3ilgv and the homepage at: http://www.getskillstowork.org/  A more detailed video about the skills program can be found at "Right Skills Now" at: http://youtu.be/lUaiKRDLUBY

You may have heard the term “military-friendly” employer – here’s a searchable website that puts those employers at your fingertips: http://www.militaryfriendly.com/ 

Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound is registering for our Spring session of free pre-college modules, including our Math Insanity accelerated course January 2-7, and courses in Veteran Student Success, College Writing Skills, Spanish, Literature and more (Jan. 14-Mar. 8.)  See www.yc.edu/vub to see if you qualify.

Happy 237th birthday to the Marine Corps!

Cenage posted this article with good links for students who have trouble selecting a major: http://www.cengagebrain.com/blog/2012/10/picking-the-perfect-major  The most valuable tip in here is that your major doesn’t define you or your career, you do (skill set, experience, education – the whole package.)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Veterans, Military Spouses, MST Support



Veterans Day:  Who are our veterans?  This Veterans Day, take a moment to pause and reflect on our veterans and active duty military members, and their families!
As of 2011, there were 21.5 million veterans in the U.S., of those: 1.6 million were female, 17.2 million were Caucasian, 2.3 million were African American, 1.2 million were Hispanic/Latino, and slightly under half a million were either native American, Pacific Islander, or Asian.
There were 9.2 million age 65 or older, and 1.8 million under age 35.
Time of service: there were 7.5 million Vietnam era, 5.1 million Gulf era (1990-present), 2.4 million Korean era, 1.8 million WWII, and 5.4 million served in peacetimes.
Where they live: the states with highest numbers of veterans are California, Florida, and Texas; but the highest percentage of state populations that are veterans are Alaska (14%), Maine, Montana, Virginia, and Wyoming (12% each.)
(Facts are from: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts)

Military spouses may uproot themselves and their children every time their spouse is relocated or deployed; if they are in a profession that requires credentials like a nurse, teacher, or a real estate broker, that causes problems.  Becoming credentialed in a new state costs money and time before the spouse can become employed, causing a hardship on the family that is already giving so much.  Joining Forces has asked every state to pass legislation to ease this re-credentialing burden, and Arizona does!  To see how your state measures up, see: http://www.militaryfamily.org/feature-articles/26-states-support-military.html  To learn more about Joining Forces, see their blog at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/blog

The VA has posted helpful information for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) at: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Veterans Day, Animal Heroes, Arlington App




Veterans Day is coming up – how does your community or family commemorate this day?  The Video of the Week is about five years old now, but it reminds us to give thanks to those who serve and their families, see it at: http://www.military.com/video/forces/tribute/thank-you-to-our-military/658468531001/  The Photo of the Day (above) is from Military.com, a father grieving at the 9/11 memorial for his son.  Military tribute videos and photos can be uploaded to Military.com by private citizens, like this one was - why not do one yourself?
Here are some other ideas:
National Roll Call honors the names of the fallen, read in communities across the nation – Yavapai College will have ceremonies on Prescott and Verde Valley campuses on Friday, Nov. 9th beginning at 7:30 a.m.  Contact Bob Hoskovec for more information or to volunteer at 928-776-2148.  If you live elsewhere, search online for “National Roll Call 2012 locations.”
Here’s an invitation to stay for free at 1,000 Inns: http://play.lifegoesstrong.com/article/veterans-day-2012
Free or discounted meals and services are listed at: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/
Interview a veteran family member or friend, visit your local senior facility and thank a veteran, or send a ‘thank you card’ through the USO at: http://www.uso.org/

Animal Heroes: If you are an animal lover or have worked with a four-legged partner, this article from Stars & Stripes is for you: http://www.stripes.com/news/new-us-monument

Military history buff?  Interested in genealogy? Then the new searchable Arlington Cemetery apps are a goldmine for you at: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/GraveSiteLocator/GravesiteLocator.aspx  You can take a virtual tour with historical notes about interred veterans, or search for a gravesite by name.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Vote!



It's election day!  This photo was from Facebook.com/votevets, and reminds us all that voting is an honor, a right, a privilege, and is hard won by the efforts of generations of Americans who believe in the process of democracy.  To learn more about the quirks and history of election day, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_Day_%28United_States%29
For active-duty military, there are special efforts to make sure your vote is counted.  For more details, see the article at: http://www.military.com/spouse/military-relocation/  And there are also special efforts for those families affected by the recent SuperStorm Sandy, see: http://myfox8.com/2012/11/06/sandy-survivors-face-voting-and-another-storm/

Monday, November 5, 2012

Military Family Appreciation, Lowest Veteran Unemployment, Team Rubicon, Greyhounds for Veterans



According to the Facebook site, The Inside Battle, November has been designated as Military Family Appreciation Month, with a different military family photo (like this one from their site) being posted every day of the month.  Send in yours or check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/TheInsideBattle and read more about the history of the Presidential Proclamation which began in 1993, at: http://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month 

Stars & Stripes reports that veterans' unemployment in October hit the lowest level in the last four years (6.3%), see the article at: http://www.stripes.com/blogs/the-ruptured-duck/the-ruptured-duck-1.160117/veterans-unemployment-drops-to-lowest-rate-in-four-years-1.195646

Team Rubicon, a non-profit comprised entirely of 4,000 volunteer veterans, has helped with search, rescue, and emergency management in over 50 disasters since it was created in 2010. See the full story about their efforts during Sandy at: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/01/14838500-war-veterans-hit-sandys-front-lines-for-rescues-cleanup?lite

Proudarmymomvv highlighted a special website about rescued/retired racing greyhounds being given to veteran families at: http://www.purpleheartgreyhounds.org/  To learn more about this rescue organization, see the video at: http://youtu.be/gxRbPFtNKQk and don't forget our local greyhound rescue efforts such as Verde Valley Greyhounds (see: http://campverdebugleonline.com/49499.35) or Greyhound Pets of Arizona (http://www.gpa-az.com/index.html) for adoptable dogs.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Resumes, Veteran Graduation Rates, Hurricane Heroes, Job Fairs


The Video of the Week is about writing an effective resume by Ranger Up, at: http://youtu.be/-UouHxPNFFs

The Student Veterans Association has learned that previous reports about low graduation rates of student veterans has no factual basis.  The figures were reported in newspaper and TV articles (and re-shared here), but could not be tracked by SVA to verifiable sources, see the article at: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=p7yorrcab

Veteran heroes in Superstorm Sandy aftermath use their military skills, see the article at: http://nbclatino.com/2012/11/02/mission-possible-for-hurricane

VetJobs is pleased to announce the final in a series of virtual Career Fairs for 2012 co-hosted with PSI. The Virtual Career Fair will be open November 1st thru the 15th, with early registration for veterans.  This Job Fair is open to The United States Military Family.  The Job Fair site is now open for early posting of resumes. The career fair starts on November 1st. To access the career fair to post a resume or apply for jobs (starting 11/1), go to www.vetjobs.com, then to Search Jobs and click on the Career Fair advertisement.

November 7 is another big day for Veterans Jobs Fairs in Prescott, Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Parker, Casa Grande, Sierra Vista, and Nogales by the US Chamber of Commerce.  Check out location details at: http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/events