Miracles & Transformations, Good Deeds, What Motivates Achievement, Honoring Veterans, Holiday Wishes

Another inspiring TED Talk is today’s Video: A miraculous survival sparks a transformation at: http://youtu.be/8_zk2DpgLCs

From the VA Rural Health Newsletter “On October 26, 2013, Green Cactus Project volunteers from the Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada, Home Depot Stores in Mohave County Arizona, Vets2Vets, and other supporters came together for Make a Difference Day 2013 to aid elderly Veterans, people with disabilities, and families scattered across the rural desert communities of the American Southwest. This vast desert landscape, where summer temperatures can reach up to 126 degrees, is dotted by mobile homes, many of them old and in need of repair. In Mohave County Arizona and Southern Nevada the land area in square miles is 14,320 with 15 persons per square mile, and a total population is 204,330. One out of 6 is a Veteran from present and past wars.” See more at: http://www.amceoinc.org/id7.html or for the full VA Rural Health Newsletter: http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/docs/news/ORH_The_Rural_Connection_Newsletter_Dec2013.pdf#page=8

What motivates us to achieve: http://youtu.be/0CJ8g8w1huc Also highlights the need for more students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math fields), and the ever-evolving computer field.

Let’s finish off 2013’s posts with a well-done compilation video dedicated to those who have served: http://youtu.be/r2RwRi2TjA0

Yavapai College will be closed for the holiday break from Dec 19-Jan 1, so we’ll be taking a little break in posting.  If you’re thinking about continuing your education in the New Year, contact VUB for help in getting a great start at www.yc.edu/vub or 928-717-7688.  We wish you the very best during the holiday season – which can be stressful for many – so please reach out to your family, friends, and fellow Veterans and let them know you care.

30-Day Challenge, Bicycling for Veterans Organizations, Choosing a Major, Moving Forward, Happy Dogs

Video of the Day suggests that we break out of our routine and try something new for 30 days – it’s an alternative to the usual New Year’s Resolution: http://youtu.be/JnfBXjWm7hc

Got inspiration?  He’s a comedian, a paralympian, a war hero…A former Marine who lost both legs in Afghanistan is bicycling across the country to raise funds for Veterans’ charities, see more at: http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-double-amputee-biking-across-us-to-raise-money-for-veterans-1.257383

Cenage Learning gives some tips for how to choose a college major at: http://blog.cengage.com/?top_blog=tips-for-students-choosing-a-college-major-that-fits-your-career-goals

A new web resource was shown in the VA Rural Health Newsletter, and is located at: http://startmovingforward.org/  This site has stress tests and tips on how to manage stress, how to relax, and problem solving techniques all geared to help you overcome life’s challenges – handy for college students, Veterans, or anyone with a busy life!

Pets for Patriots shared a sweet set of photos of dogs on their rides home from the shelter to their forever homes – sometimes, you can tell it is their first car ride ever!  It’ll make you smile, or maybe even shed a tear…Check it out at: http://buff.ly/1fcfHdV or see the Pets for Patriots Facebook site at: https://www.facebook.com/petsforpatriots

USAF Band Flashmob, Clinton Global Initiatives U, Google/SVA Networking Webinar, Healing Alternatives for Veterans, Golden Knights Heroism

Today’s Video: If you enjoy the unexpected, you’ll enjoy the USAF Band flashmob performance in the National Museum: http://youtu.be/gIoSga7tZPg

Learn more about the Clinton Global Initiatives University and the search for tomorrow’s leaders: “President Clinton will host the seventh meeting of CGI U from March 21-23, 2014 at Arizona State University. The CGI U 2014 application is now available at the links below. The final application deadline is January 17, 2014. To be considered for admission, all applicants are required to make a Commitment to Action.”

Google and SVA are teaming up to offer a webinar on improving your networking skills on Dec 18th at 8 p.m. EST – “Student Veterans of America and Google's Student Outreach Team want to help you improve your networking skills! Learn how to cultivate and then invest in a strong network by viewing the Google Networking Webinar. So, mark it on your calendar!”  Register at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/623889494

Healing Alternatives: This documentary explores alternative avenues being taken by post 9/11 Veterans to recover from their service time injuries, see: http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2013/11/news21-documentary-explores-alternative-paths-to-recovery/

Stripes.com featured this story of two Army Golden Knights and their struggle to survive a harrowing parachute accident at: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/with-parachutes-tangled-golden-knights-make-split-second-decision-to-save-life-1.257156

Wreaths Across America Arlington Trek Begins

The annual wreath trek to Arlington began Dec 8th in Harrington, ME and will arrive (weather permitting) with a volunteer escort, including the Patriot Guard Riders, at Arlington, VA on Dec 14th.

A friend sent in this info: “Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but arranges the trucking to Arlington as well. He's done this since 1992. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Please share this with everyone on your address list. You hear too much about the bad things people do. Everyone should hear about this.”
This program has grown and been emulated in many states since it started, and many volunteers and donors help out.  If you'd like to learn more, Worcester Wreath: http://www.worcesterwreath.com/ is the business site, or the Wreaths Across America site is: http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/  Interested in helping out: check out their blog at: http://networkedblogs.com/RrfNf
It’s nice to hear about great folks like this - maybe it'll inspire someone else to start their own tradition to honor Veterans and military families in some way.

Free Lessons in Computer Coding, Stripes Heroes and Villains, KPHO Series on Arizona Veterans, ADOT News for Veterans

Today’s Video is about how people of all ages, all over the world, are learning to program computers for free by doing ‘an hour of code.’  See it at: http://youtu.be/FC5FbmsH4fw This week is Computer Science Education week, sponsored by many non-profit organizations, including http://code.org/ which will teach you how to code online for FREE.  You can also get free computer coding lessons at: https://www.khanacademy.org/hour-of-code/hour-of-code-tutorial/v/welcome-hour-of-code or at: http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/hour-of-code.html

Stripes.com has a variety of pages on their website, including a summary of 2013 Heroes at: http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/heroes and the Stolen Valor page where you can read more about efforts to ensure those who claim military service or awards are accurate at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/stolen-valor

This recent series on Arizona Veterans by KPHO TV shows some of the hardships and resources available to Veterans in the state at: http://www.kpho.com/story/24000083/programs-aim-to-give-addicted-az-vets-hope

ADOT news regarding Veteran license plates, waiver of skills test for qualified Veterans applying for commercial driver’s licenses, and handy links to AZ511 (road conditions) and Arizona Highways magazine are all located at: http://www.azdot.gov/media/News/news-release/2013/12/06/adot-remembers-pearl-harbor-and-recognizes-arizona-veterans

Unmanned Aircraft Program, Veterans Resource Center Grand Opening in Prescott, ODU: a Top Choice for Veterans

Drones in the news: Amazon has been working 'outside the box' to deliver packages via drone, see more at:
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/with-prime-air-amazon-plans-to-deliver-purchases-via-drones-1.255601

Amazon’s proposed unmanned drone delivery service sparked a lot of interest this week.  If you were wondering where to find out more info about this growing field, Yavapai College has an unmanned aircraft concentration in their aviation degree, see more at: http://www.yc.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/associate-of-applied-science---aviation-technology/119  “The Aviation Technology degree program prepares students for careers in aviation as helicopter  or airplane pilots, flight service specialists, dispatchers, instructors, and unmanned aircraft operators. The degree also prepares students for the entrance exam into the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City.”

Northern Arizona Veterans Resource Center (NAVRC) will hold a Grand Opening on Monday, December 9, with an open house at 240 S. Montezuma Street, #101, in Prescott from 2-5 p.m. and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m.  Congressman Paul Gosar will give the keynote address.  The public is invited to join in the celebration, meet the Congressman, and learn about the issue of veteran homelessness. NAVRC is a division of Veterans Resource Centers of America, which has been serving veterans for 41 years.  In Arizona, offices in Prescott, Flagstaff and Bullhead City opened on October 1st, with a mission of rapidly re-housing homeless veterans and preventing veterans from falling into homelessness.  Case managers work closely with each veteran household (individual or family) to identify needs and goals, resulting in a comprehensive step-by-step plan to overcoming homelessness.  NAVRC can often supplement this plan with temporary financial assistance, such as a check written to a landlord or utility company. Contact Tom Isakson for more info at: tisakson@vetsresource.org or (928) 776-0766.  Thanks to Debbie Stewart’s Non-Profit Newsletter for this info, see more at: http://www.nonprofitnet.com/Newsletter/present%20newsletter/

Highlighting some of your local choices for Bachelor’s degrees: Old Dominion University (ODU) is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, and was a pioneer in distance education for active duty military by satellite broadcasting classes to Naval ships. They offer 70 distance learning degree options, and have local campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, at Yavapai College campuses. ODU is 30th among four-year schools in a recent ranking of the nation's 120 Best Colleges for Vets by the national publication Military Times - See more at: http://www.odu.edu/news/2013/11/best_for_vets#sthash.Us1hAN6w.dpuf   For more info, contact local site directors in Clarkdale: Ruth Gallegos @ 928-649-4481 or rgallego@odu.edu, or Prescott: Nicole DeGrouchy @ 928-445-4616 or ndegrouc@odu.edu

USAA Healthcare 101, Veterans Priority of Service, Career Tips, Helmet Legacy, Stress Management

Here’s a helpful explanation from USAA about the new healthcare act and potential impacts on military families and veterans at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2013winter/#/14  It includes resources, tips on how to determine your coverage needs, and questions to ask.

Veterans may be able to receive a variety of supportive services to help find a job through AZ Department of Economic Security.  See if you are eligible for “Veterans Priority of Service” at: https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=258&id=4757

Here’s a list of growing careers – is one of them your next step?  See: http://education-portal.com/cm/25_Growing_Careers_Fields_You_May_Not_Have_Considered.html  and if you need more information on career options that don't require a Bachelor's degree, here’s another good article: http://education-portal.com/cm/Five_2-Year_Degree_Jobs_That_Pay_More_Than_Those_Requiring_A_Bachelors.html

Information Technology careers are one of the hot fields for Veterans.  Check out this Veteran’s bird’s eye view at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/11/19/guest-blog-how-i-transitioned-high-tech-job-after-20-years-military

Military history moment: If carrying beer in your helmet to wounded soldiers sounds intriguing to you, check out this WWII story at: http://www.stripes.com/news/former-paratrooper-recalls-wwii-incident-that-led-to-beer-fame-1.254178

Tips for college students on how to manage stress are at: http://blog.cengage.com/?top_blog=tips-for-students-managing-and-avoiding-stress-in-college  How many of these do you already do?

Veterans Treatment Courts, Mine Tech Preview Day, SVA in AZ, EMDR for PTSD, Verde Valley Supportive Services for Veteran Families,

Discover what a Veterans Treatment Court is at: http://www.justiceforvets.org/what-is-a-veterans-treatment-court and then see if your local area needs one (there are locations in Phoenix and Tucson currently.)  See a recent interview about the nationwide efforts to create Veterans Courts at: http://www.justiceforvets.org/media or above.

Are you looking for a well-paid career? Interested in technology and hands-on careers? Interested in scholarships and internships? Then check out the Preview Day on December 14th at Yavapai College CTEC campus and learn about diesel, electrical instrumentation, and industrial plant technology careers in mining - make your reservation with Stephanie before December 11, at 928-717-7107.

Student Veterans of America is coming to Arizona for their national conference!  Join other student Veterans from schools across the country to network at the SVA conference entitled “Pioneers of Change” on Jan 2-5 in Scottsdale.  See more details at: http://www.studentveterans.org/on-campus-veteran-support-group/programs/national-conference.html

There have been some recent articles about EMDR being used successfully for Veterans with PTSD, as an alternative to talk-therapy, prescription drugs, or other methods.  EMDR is short for: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – if you want to learn more about it, here is an interesting article from WebMD at: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/emdr-what-is-it

Staff from Supportive Services for Veteran Families (a grant-funded program at Catholic Charities) were interviewed on Verde Valley TV on Inside Cottonwood by Mayor Diane Joens about their services in the Verde Valley to help Veterans break out of poverty or homelessness.  See the episode online at: http://youtu.be/qtLbNN2yErc

Happy Thanksgiving, How to Stretch Your Food Dollars

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, with extra gratitude to all Veterans and current military!

Military.com shows a variety of discounts for military and veterans at: http://www.military.com/discounts/

Here’s a timely cheat sheet about how to stretch your food dollars farther

National Rural Health Day, SVA Shares Facts, Links to Help Student Veterans, AZ Dept of Vet Services Employment Survey

“National Rural Health Day events help bring attention to rural America, putting the spotlight on the many positive aspects of rural life as well as the health care needs of those living in rural communities. We at VA have the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure all Veterans, regardless of where they live, have access to the high quality health care they have earned.”- Secretary Eric K. Shinseki  See more about Rural Health at: http://celebratepowerofrural.org/ or http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/

The Student Veterans of America (SVA) is doing a great job at sorting through statistics to find out the truth about Student Veterans.  Here are some of the latest factoids they have shared: 85% are over 24 years old, 47% have a family, 27% are female  (from http://studentveterans.org/index.php)

Veterans may find these links on our YC Veterans Services webpage helpful to navigate through all of the different VA and educational benefits, see: http://www.yc.edu/v5content/veterans/links-forms.htm

Arizona Department of Veterans Services is seeking feedback from employers, employment services, and job-seeking Veterans in order to develop their plan for the upcoming year.  Have your say in that plan!  See their explanation at: http://www.azdvs.gov/ or go straight to their survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013AZEmployment

Helping Verde Valley Veterans, NAU Tops Veteran-Friendly List, Veteran Jobs Bank, Outdoor Jobs for Veterans, Hot Job List

Great news for Veterans in the Verde Valley: The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program will be operating at Catholic Charities in Old Town Cottonwood, offering a variety of services aimed at helping Veterans at risk of homelessness.  Case managers will help Veterans with their urgent needs and craft an individualized plan to help create long-term housing and employment stability.  Toll-free phone: 855-256-9419, e-mail: svvf@cc-az.org, or webpage: http://catholiccharitiesaz.org/ServicesForThoseInNeed/VeteranServices.aspx  

Congratulations to NAU for being recognized for their efforts on behalf of Veterans!  NAU was named the Top AZ School for Veterans: Don't forget, NAU is available online, in-person in Flagstaff and multiple locations around Arizona, and at NAU-Yavapai in Prescott Valley.  See the whole story at: http://news.nau.edu/northern-arizona-university-named-best-college-military-vets/

Reminder about the Veteran Jobs Bank at: http://www.veteranjobsbank.com/  This site is a great tool for searching for a good job opening that's a match to your skills - they also have a Facebook site that you can Like and stay current on some tips/tools/strategies to get hired.

The Grand Canyon News highlighted the Park Service’s Veterans in this photo at: http://grandcanyonnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=10671
Can you imagine a more beautiful place to work in Arizona (or anywhere)?  Outdoor work is ideally suited to many Veterans, check out the list of popular post-military-service careers at: http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/articles/13797-lose-the-cubicle-govcentrals-best-outdoor-careers  or the ‘hot job list’ at: http://content.gijobs.com/hotjobs  No matter what career you plan on pursuing, Veterans Upward Bound can help get you started on your path.  See our services at: www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7686.

Chester Nez Code Talker, TBI College Tips, Military Records, SVA Conference in AZ, Groundbreaking Wine Center, Mine Tech Preview Day

In Today’s Video: WWII Hero Chester Nez, speaks of his experience as a Code Talker at: http://youtu.be/geczhEC3Z4Y The Navajo code was never compromised or cracked.

Traumatic Brain Injuries are one of the most common injuries of today’s Veterans.  Here is one downloadable guide that may help college-bound Veterans with TBI with some of the challenges for learning at: http://www.dvbic.org/material/back-school-guide

Curious about what military records are maintained or accessible? Here's the website with all the details: http://www.archives.gov/research/military/veterans/online.html

The Student Veterans of America (SVA) has a blog you can follow for updates on student veterans issues at: http://studentveterans.tumblr.com/ and they have a conference coming up in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 2-5 entitled: Pioneering Social Change.  See more at: http://www.studentveterans.org/on-campus-veteran-support-group/programs/national-conference.html

Reminder that tomorrow is the groundbreaking event: The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Southwest Wine Center at the Verde Valley campus of Yavapai College is November 19th at 2 p.m. at 601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale. See what’s happening in this growing local industry & program for YC at: http://southwestwinecenter.org/

Are you looking for a well-paid career? Interested in technology and hands-on careers? Interested in scholarships and internships? Then check out the Preview Day on December 14th - make your reservation with Stephanie at 928-717-7107.

Soldier's Best Friend, AZ Earn to Learn, Google Grants for SVA & VFW, Veterans Writing Project

CBS 5 - KPHO
Soldier’s Best Friend is an Arizona non-profit organization that helps match Veterans with rescued dogs, and they were featured last night on KPHO news.  See more of how the pairs help each other heal and adjust to their new lives at: http://www.kpho.com/story/23961891/arizona-veteran-is-paired-with-dog-he-believes-saved-his-life

How would you like to earn $8 for every dollar you save?  AZ Earn to Learn is a program supported by AZ public universities, grants, and matching donations that is dedicated to helping low-income students afford a quality education that will help them break the cycle of poverty.  Through financial education, a structured monthly savings plan, financial coaching, and scholarship assistance, students may receive up to $4000 in matching funds.  Find out more at www.AZEarnToLearn.org and take the short survey at www.participantsurvey.org to see if you qualify by November 15.  Learn life-long good financial habits and get funding for college!

Google has awarded multiple grants to SVA, VFW, and other organizations to determine college completion rates for Veterans and policies that help improve those rates – see more at: http://www.google.com/giving/global-impact-awards/veterans-global-impact/

Share your story: The Veterans Writing Project offers seminars and a handbook for Veterans to help develop their stories, poems, and narratives about their experiences.  Part of the goal is to document the stories, part of it is to heal wounds through storytelling, and part of it is to inspire a new crop of writers.  See more at: http://veteranswriting.org/, or their journal at: http://o-dark-thirty.org/

Team Rubicon, Good Deed Day, Operation Deep Freeze, Wellness Resources, ASU Pat Tillman Veterans Center

The story of Team Rubicon and one Marine’s experience with his efforts in overcoming the wounds of war is found in this TED Talk… http://youtu.be/l6Zf-kWhuU8  Team Rubicon, the Veteran-led emergency response team, is currently responding to the typhoon in the Phillipines - see more at: http://teamrubiconusa.org/

In the Verde Valley: Community Service “Good Deed Day” is November 17th, with indoor and outdoor projects needing volunteers to do everything from painting and yard work, to sewing and crafts, to card writing and gift bag assembly for Veterans.  Each year over 350 Verde Valley participants complete 240 projects with 8400 hours of good deeds.  See: www.mitzvahdaysedona.com and call 928-649-0135 or email Barbara Litrell to sign up at: blitrell@aol.com

In the Prescott area: OPERATION DEEP FREEZE is an emergency winter shelter, operated by the Coalition for Compassion & Justice. The shelter opens when the overnight temperature is predicted to be 25 degrees or colder. Guests can come to Open Door between 5-8 p.m. They will receive a hot meal, perhaps watch a couple of videos, then bed down on the floor. All guests will leave by 8 a.m. CCJ can use commercially prepared dinners, like pasta or pizza to serve 25-30 people. If you, your business or club would like to provide dinner one night, contact Open Door at 928-776-0353 for details. Location is 505 W Gurley, within the Prescott United Methodist Church – thanks to Debbie Stewart for providing this information.

One of my favorite Stress/Wellness resources is this site with videos, articles, and little quizzes to help me stay mindful that wellness is a full-time job: http://worksmartlivesmart.com/stress-wellness-resources/  See if you find it useful too, and share your favorites.

ASU showcases their services for Veterans at this site: https://veterans.asu.edu/ Learn more about the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, Veterans Week events Nov 11-16, scholarships and ASU Student Veteran leaders.

Marine Corps Birthday, Veterans Day, Homeless Veterans Resources, Art Show, Gettysburg Events, Southwest Wine Center

Today's Video: Here’s a well-done Tribute Video called Distant Shores, with great photos of several war memorials and Honor Flights, shared by Ed Donegan at: http://youtu.be/F2BGvjCynPY

Happy 238th Birthday, Marine Corps!  And to all Veterans and military families, thank you for your service and enjoy your Veterans Day holiday.

How do you commemorate Veterans Day?  Some ideas: attend community parades/events, family gatherings, give/send thanks to military families, do community service, interview a Veteran, visit a museum…

Prescott has a new resource for homeless Veterans, see more at: http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubsectionID=1&ArticleID=124969 According to the Courier, “The local NAVRC at 240 S. Montezuma St., assists veterans and their families with a variety of needs including rent and utility payments; employment training, and case management services, said Arizona site director Tom Isakson.” For more info, call 928-776-0766.  In the Verde Valley area, Catholic Charities also works with Veterans homelessness issues, see: http://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/

Here’s some November Happenings at Yavapai College:
• Student art will be displayed in our Verde and Prescott Art Galleries Nov 8-Dec 14, with receptions from 5-7 p.m. at Verde Gallery on Thursday on Nov 14th, and on Prescott Gallery on Nov 15th.  See the great work our art students can create!
• Nov 12-17th The Gettysburg Symposium on the Verde and Prescott campuses will feature our faculty, movies, and music of the Civil War era.  Great topics by our fabulous faculty – check out the schedule online at http://www.ycpac.com/portfolio/gettysburg-symposium-lecture-and-film-series/
• Got Wine?  The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Southwest Wine Center at the Verde Valley campus of Yavapai College is November 19th at 2 p.m. at 601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale.  See what’s happening in this growing local industry & program for YC at: http://southwestwinecenter.org/
• I encourage you to stay current on college events (all of the above are free!) through the webpage www.yc.edu or the YC Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCollegePrescott (Hint: Student Life/Campus Activities, Performing Arts Center (PAC), and Learning Centers also have their own Facebooks!)

TBI & Brain Scans, Veterans Day, End of Life Issues for Veterans, Student Video Contest, National Roll Call 11/8

Today’s Video is a TEDx talk by Dr. Daniel Amen (a Veteran himself) at: http://youtu.be/esPRsT-lmw8 The talk has excellent information on Traumatic Brain Injury, hope for improving brain health, and SPECT scans for use in help with diagnosis of a variety of conditions.

Veterans Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have served bravely on behalf of our country.  Learn more about it at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10677/coming-together-to-honor-our-veterans/

End of Life Issues for Veterans: We don’t like to talk about it, but here’s why we should.  According to the RAO Bulletin, “…26 million veterans are living in the United States today. Twenty-five percent of all deaths in the U.S. are veterans and more than 1,800 veterans die each day.  Although these statistics may be surprising, what is even more staggering is the fact that only 33 percent of veterans receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs…. Each veteran’s war experience is different and should be treated delicately, without prior assumptions. It is very important for the community, families and caretakers to be aware of the differences and sensitivities that veterans experience at the end of life. For more information visit www.WeHonorVeterans.org” RAO credited Laura Semmler, Mission Home Health Director, for this information.

Student Video Contest: The race to capture the video stories of WWII Veterans is on at: http://www.ihistoryprojectww2.org/

All the public is cordially invited to attend National Roll Call, this Friday on Prescott and Verde Valley campuses of Yavapai College.  Readers are still being sought for the Verde Valley event, please contact Bob Hoskovec at 928-776-2148 to volunteer for a 15-minute reading slot, if you are available.  At this event, readers state the name and rank of each soldier lost in the Iraq & Afghanistan wars – it is a solemn occasion to remember the sacrifices of military families.  Prescott event is in room 19-147, Verde Valley is in M-137 – both begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until the last name is read.

Atomic Women, Vietnam at 50, Life Saving, Caller ID Spoofing Scam, Veterans Day Discount List

Reading recommendation: If you think that invisible towns and the girl-next-door being a secret agent are the stuff of fiction, read The Girls of Atomic City, by Denise Kiernan.  This is the true top-secret story of Oak Ridge women during WWII that enabled the dawn of the Atomic Age.

Stars & Stripes is running a series, and seeking your stories, on “Vietnam at 50” at: http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/vietnam-at-50

Here’s a well-deserved happy new beginning for one Afghan interpreter from CBS news: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57609947/afghan-interpreter-janis-shinwari-spent-years-helping-save-american-lives-now-u.s-soldier-matt-zeller-saves-his/

The RAO Bulletin noted that Caller ID spoofing is on the rise: This is where your caller ID says it is the Sheriff’s office, Immigration Department, a bank or local utility company – but it’s not!  Never give your personal info, bank info, credit card #, or send money orders based on a phone call.  Check out the scoop first, and see: http://www.bbb.org/scam-stopper/ for more info on the latest scams.

Veterans Day Deals and Discounts – check out this listing of special deals for Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans Day (some are for every day!) at: http://www.militaryconnection.com/deals.asp#vetdaydeals

VA Claims Update in Cottonwood 10/31

Here's a mini-post that couldn't wait:

Veterans Claims Backlog info: Hot off the Press via Mayor Diane Joens:

COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
WHO: McCain staff, representatives from the Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Veterans Service Officers (VSOs)
WHAT: Veterans informational forum on the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) process
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. PT
WHERE: Veterans of Foreign Wars 7400
705 East Aspen Street
Cottonwood, Arizona 86326

Veteran-Owned Small Business News, Networking for Jobs, Tuskegee Airman Turns 104, Mental Health T-Shirt Contest, Government Social Media List

Today’s Video is about Veteran Owned Small Businesses and the networking potential for government contracts at: http://youtu.be/pYTD8LSAJ8w

Another opportunity for Veterans seeking employment opportunities to network with companies that are hiring – check out: http://www.vtx.jobs/  This group of 100+ employers met their goal to hire 100,000 Veterans ahead of schedule – seven years ahead!

Oldest living Tuskegee Airman, Walter Crenshaw, turns 104: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/oldest-living-tuskegee-airman-walter-crenshaw-celebrates-104th-birthday-1.249610

A t-shirt design contest seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues, submission/voting deadline is 11/15.  “Design an iconic t-shirt to inspire those going through a difficult time and/or to promote a message against mental health stigma.  Why? An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older - about one in four adults - suffer from a diagnosable mental illness in any given year.  However, stigma surrounding mental illness is a major barrier that prevents people from seeking the mental health treatment that they need.”  See more at: https://www.goodjoe.com/contests/263-design-for-a-greater-good-don-t-overlook-mental-health

Want to get connected with the latest news?  Here’s a handy guide of government social media sites: http://www.va.gov/opa/socialmedia.asp

Call for Volunteers to Read Names of the Fallen: National Roll Call Events on Yavapai College Prescott & Verde Campuses

National Roll Call is an event on November 8th on Prescott and Verde YC campuses.
This is a very formal, solemn, and emotional event, reading the names of soldiers who have died in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and is held on college campuses and in communities across the nation.

• Students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members are invited to sign up to read names in 15-minute blocks. 
• To sign up for reading time slots, contact Bob Hoskovec at 928-776-2148 or bob.hoskovec@yc.edu asap and let him know which site you will be attending.  
• The Verde event will be held in room M-137 (601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale) and Prescott event will be in room 19-147 (1100 E. Sheldon in Prescott.)
• Please join us to read and/or to honor the fallen.

I Am Unstoppable, Volunteer Opportunities & Resources, Family History, Best TED Talks, K-9 Hero Saved

Amazing video called I Am Unstoppable, from The Weather Channel Films, about Veteran Melissa Stockwell who has gone from Wounded Warrior to Olympian.  See her inspiring story at: http://www.weather.com/weather-films/shows/i-am-unstoppable/ep04.html?hootPostID=657894b7fd1ab64dea5637db8ba78524

If you are looking for some way to become involved in your community as a volunteer or want to spread the word about some excellent resources, I’ve posted some opportunities from a Volunteer Fair yesterday for the Verde Valley on our Facebook site at:  https://www.facebook.com/NAZVUB  Not in East Yavapai County?  No problem, similar services are available in most communities – these will give you some ideas of where to start looking.

More and more people want to document their family’s past or research their ancestors, this article provides information on some Internet-based archive options at: http://www.housingforseniors.com/Articles/6-Websites-to-Help-Preserve-Your-Family-s-History-Online-294.html

The ‘Best TED Talks for People Over 50’ really has something for everyone at: http://www.nextavenue.org/blog/11-greatest-ted-talks-anyone-over-50 check them out to learn something new and keep your brain active.

Life Savers: Great story about a K-9 hero being saved by the same soldiers he had saved when deployed in Afghanistan, shared by our friends at Pets for Patriots: http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2013/10/22/community/local_veterinary_trauma_center_saves_k_9_war_hero/

Catholic Charities Veterans Homelessness Program, National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, Family Caregivers, Disability 101, Ms. Veteran America

Catholic Charities’ Veterans Homelessness program in Yavapai and Coconino counties makes the news at: http://www.catholicsun.org/2013/09/19/over-the-moon-vet-gets-a-second-chance-at-life/

Wow - The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival winners are featured in this slide show: http://www.flickr.com/photos/veteransaffairs/sets/72157635291542430/

Do family caregivers live longer?  You might assume that more stress and demands on time and emotions would damage their health, but check out the report at: http://blog.aarp.org/2013/10/16/sally-abrahms-caregivers-live-longer-oh-no-they-dont-which-is-it/   AARP also offers a free health e-newsletter, if you are interested.

If you or someone you know is disabled, navigating the rules can be difficult.  But here is a helpful site to explain more about how folks on disability might be able to transition to working part- or full-time.  See it at: http://az.db101.org/

The new Ms. Veteran America winner, Staff Sgt. Allaina Guitron, pledges to increase awareness and resources for women Veterans’ homelessness.  The pageant raised $90,000 for Final Salute, a non-profit organization helping women Veterans (http://www.finalsaluteinc.org/)  See her story at: http://www.ketknbc.com/news/good-news/new-ms-veteran-america-is-driven-to-help-homeless

Adopting a Pet, Operation PAVE Expands Employment Opportunities, Becoming a Student Veteran, Grand Canyon Restoration

Five questions anyone considering adopting any pet or service animal should ask themselves first are discussed in this article: http://www.anythingpawsable.com/before-partnering-with-a-service-dog/ Of course, looking into the loving eyes of a pet may make those questions a little blurry!

Paralyzed Veterans of America has partnered with AmeriCorps and the Points of Light Foundation in an effort to expand the reach of vocational assistance and support to all veterans through Operation PAVE (Paving Access for Veterans Employment). See the full article at: http://www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E&b=6350111&ct=13371581&notoc=1

If you’re a Veteran, thinking of going to college, or trade school, you aren’t alone.  Here’s a recent article in NPR about the changing face of Student Veterans: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=236259368  

If you are wanting to get ahead, and use your GI Bill benefits to the greatest extent, the Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound free preparation will help you.  If you are nervous about getting started, and feel ‘out of the academic groove’ because it has been a while since you were in school, our specialty is our VUB modules for math, writing, science, computers, and more.  And if your GI Bill benefits have expired, no worries, our program is free and we’ll help you navigate college and federal financial aid applications – we’ll teach you the ropes of higher education.  Let us serve you!  Check out our program at www.yc.edu/vub

Do you like growing things?  This sounds like the best job: Growing plants for the Grand Canyon restoration program – could the scenery get any better?  Check it out at: http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/10/21/one-seed-at-a-time-plant-materials-center-in-los-lunas-new-mexico-helps-restore-the-grand-canyons-south-rim/

Life Blood, Free Leadership Event, YC Viticulture on TV, Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair, Healthcare Fact Checker, Twila Adams Inspires

The Video of the Day: Did you ever wonder how wounded combat soldiers come to receive life-saving blood donations while far away?  This is a real eye-opener about how blood donations travel across the globe to soldiers-in-need.  See the video at: http://youtu.be/f9COSiIH5O4 And thank a blood donor (or be one.)

Veterans who left the military within the last two years: Are you interested in leadership opportunities to help you advance or transition successfully into a civilian career?  Applications for this free leadership weekend event are due October 28th – check it out at:  http://www.pdinh.com/lib/LDP.html

The Viticulture and Enology (grape growing and wine making) program at the Verde Valley campus of Yavapai College has made it to TV!  Check out the PBS Horizon show, and meet the program’s director, Nikki Check (who is also Jerome’s mayor) at: http://www.azpbs.org/arizonahorizon/detailvid.php?id=14617

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is having a Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair in Scottsdale on October 22, for Veterans, active duty, military spouses and reservists: http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/scottsdale-az2

Fact Checker: If you’re a Veteran who doesn’t qualify for healthcare through the VA or prefers not to use it, WebMD has a helpful site to explain the new healthcare myths and facts, you can find it here: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/ Not sure if you qualify for VA healthcare?  Check out this handy resource page: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/veterans.asp

Today’s inspiration is a female former Army Sergeant who survived deployments in the first Gulf Wars only to be paralyzed by a car accident after she was back home.  Twila Adams will inspire everyone to keep pushing past their own limitations at: http://www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJL

Free Finance Class, Retiree Assistance Bulletins, Who is a Veteran, Money-Making Tips, RIP MSgt Oresko

Free Financial Education Class in Cottonwood: EmpowerU will be offering our free 3 hr. Financial Foundations class on Wednesday, October 30th from 5:30-8:30 pm. The class covers financial recovery, budgeting and expense tracking, spending, understanding your credit report and financial goal setting. Participants can call Stephan at 928-634-4254 to register and for class location details.  If you live in other areas, check out the schedule for other free classes and events at: http://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/

Veteran Bookmark Suggestions: Retiree Assistance Office Bulletins are produced by James Tichacek at: http://vets4vets.zymichost.com/rao.html  The Bulletin is published on the 1st and 15th of each month as a service to all veterans.  Distribution in a blog format is by Michael Isam via his forum, Veteran's Today! at http://w11.zetaboards.com/CFLNewsChat/forum/27519/  The Bulletins include news, resources, updates on POW/MIA issues, health information, benefit tips, and even military history notes.

The current RAO Bulletin addresses the issue of Who Is A Veteran – which is not as simple of a question as one would think.  Here’s some highlights of the definition from the article: “a former or retired member of the United States Armed Forces, one discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, Guard and Reserve members if disabled by injury or disease during active duty, or a veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’"

Do you want tips on how to save or make money?  Here’s a good source for some at: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2013/09/16/50-ways-to-make-a-fast-50-2/ and you can sign up for a free e-newsletter and receive even more ways to save/get cash at: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/author/angelacolley/

RIP – Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, the oldest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, died this month at age 96.  In 1945, Oresko showed uncommon bravery during the Battle of the Bulge; see his story at: http://youtu.be/fD1bg5dMDUs

VFW Mane Event, Give an Hour, Twitter Feeds for Veterans, Veteran Job Center, In-State Tuition Map

VFW Mane Event: See the video about NFL Star Troy Polamalu’s challenge to others to raise awareness of Veterans issues at: http://youtu.be/JPNJ1fhHFR8 To see more about the VFW services, see their website at: http://vfw.org/

Walking the Talk: Give an Hour was created in 2005 by clinical psychologist, Dr. Van Dahlen, who believed that mental health professionals would be willing to volunteer their time to help Veterans who didn’t want to use/or were not near VA mental health services.  Her volunteer-staff of 14 people (mostly military spouses) have created a network of 6,000 mental health professionals around the country, who have given 400,000 hours of their professional time.  See more at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/howardhusock/2013/10/07/not-from-the-government-here-to-help-4-giving-an-hour-for-troubled-vets/ To connect with Give an Hour, see: http://www.giveanhour.org/

If you are a Twitter follower, Stripes has issued its list of Top Twitter feeds for Veterans at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/the-veterans-twitterati-project

Reminder about Stripe’s Veteran Job Center at: http://veteranjobs.stripes.com/ It lists current job openings, organizations with Veteran hiring preferences/military-friendly/military-spouse-friendly policies, job fairs, featured jobs, and some career search resources.

The Virtual In-State Tuition Map was a collaborative project between the Student Veterans of America, VFW, and American Legion and was officially launched this morning.  The map indicates which states (green) have legislation or higher education policies allowing Veterans (and sometimes their family members) to pay in-state tuition rates, which is helpful to those making educational decisions.  Arizona is green!  States with pending legislation (yellow) and those who do not show significant movement toward this policy are shown in red, with details.  Check out the map at: http://www.studentveterans.org/what-we-do/in-state-tuition.html

Where Soldiers Come From, Troops in Afghanistan, VA Regional Office Closure Status, SVA In-State Tuition Map

Above: See the trailer for Where Soldiers Come From.

Where Soldiers Come From is an independent film about small town friends that enlist together, before, during and after deployment.  The film is available for community screenings at: http://www.screeninghq.org/films/details/92/where-soldiers-come-from

Remembering the 54,000 troops still fighting in Afghanistan, and the military families that support them, twelve years later: http://www.stripes.com/with-little-fanfare-afghanistan-war-drags-into-13th-year-1.245181

VA Regional Offices: Check out the impact of the delay in funding to your local VA offices before you make a trip or call at: http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20131007/NEWS05/310070042/VA-furlough-7-000-employees-close-regional-offices Most hotlines and toll-free numbers remain active, except for the GI Bill benefit lines.

The Student Veterans of America are making college a little bit easier to navigate with their latest tool to determine which states charge in-state tuition for Veterans.  More details are available at their website at: http://www.studentveterans.org/

Women in the Military, Arizona Free Events this Weekend

An Inspiring Video about women in the military: http://youtu.be/SpofBhYTNPU#aid=P9epFBJs5dg and the challenges they face.

More true stories of women Veterans, and resources for support, can be seen at: http://maketheconnection.net/

A great article about the history of women in the military is at: http://www.veteransunited.com/life/militarylife/your-mother-wears-combat-boots-and-thats-ok/

Happy Friday!  Here are some fun things to do this weekend in Northern Arizona:

• If you’re in the Verde Valley, there is a free concert by the Sara Gazarek jazz trio tomorrow (10/5) at 7:30 at the Yavapai College Pavilion (601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale)
• Free Artists’ Studio Tour this weekend in Prescott, info at: http://www.prescottstudiotour.com/ 
• Farmers Markets (Prescott, Chino Valley & more) are at: http://www.prescottfarmersmarket.org/

Government Shutdown & Veterans, Newman's Own Grants, Retiree Appreciation Days, Veterans Crisis Line, Tutoring

The official word from the VA on how the government shutdown will affect Veterans is at: http://www.va.gov/opa/appropriations_lapse_plan.asp  Lots of rumors and constant updates are flying.  Our Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound program is operating as normal.

The Newman’s Own Foundation is dedicating $7 million to veteran-serving non-profit organizations through a grants process: http://newmansownfoundation.org/news/newman-s-own-foundation-awards-7-million-in-grants-to-military-service-organizations/ Several competitions opened yesterday, including CrowdRise, a matching fund program that the Student Veterans of America (SVA) is participating in (see more at: http://www.crowdrise.com/ThoseWhoServeChallenge)

According to the RAO Bulletin: Retiree Appreciation Days (RAD) are a great source of information and services for retirees and their family members.  In general, they provide an opportunity to renew old acquaintances, listen to guest speakers, renew ID Cards, get medical checkups and take advantage of lots of other retiree related services.  Based on the extent of the government shutdown, some planned events may be rescheduled, please call the office listed, prior to attending any event.  The next planned events in Arizona:
• ARNG Phoenix, AZ on October 26, contact 602-267-2545.
• Luke AFB, 56th Fighter Wing Retiree Appreciation Day, Saturday, Nov 2, 2013, Club Five Six 0800-1200. Scheduled events: * Flu Shots, Health Education Booths, VA -Federal & State Information and Refreshments For more information, visit http://fightercountry.org/56mdghealthfair or contact RAO at 623-856-3923 or rao@luke.af.mil

Update on the Veterans Crisis Line, also from the RAO Bulletin: “The caring professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Many of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what Veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges Veterans of all ages and service eras face. Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 890,000 calls and made more than 30,000 life-saving rescues. In 2009, the Veterans Crisis Line added an anonymous online chat service and has engaged in more than 108,000 chats. In November 2011, the Veterans Crisis Line introduced a text-messaging service, and has since responded to more than 10,000 texts—providing another way for Veterans to connect with round-the-clock support. Vets can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or chat 24/7/365 online at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx or send a text message to 838255.”

If you, or your children, want some tutoring support in school, here is a listing of a variety of programs for all ages (some of which are free) at: http://www.howtolearn.com/best-websites/Top-101-best-tutoring-websites-october-2013/

Navy Reunion, Tribute Rides in AZ, Jobs for Seniors, Government Watch Site, Homes For Our Troops Map

Today’s video: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Navy-Siblings-Reunite-After-30-Years-Apart/225587132
A great reunion story, Navy style: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Navy-Siblings-Cindy-Murray-Robert-Williamson-Reunited-After-30-Years-Apart-225604592.html#ixzz2gNuY6vRR

If you are interested in Tribute Rides and Veterans Charity Events, check out this page: http://www.aztributerides.com/

If you’ve retired and are considering going back to work part- or full-time, here’s an article about great jobs for seniors: http://www.housingforseniors.com/Articles/Five-Great-Jobs-for-Retirees-293.html

Wondering what your representatives are doing on a national or state level?  Here is an interesting webpage that consolidates public information in a user-friendly manner on bills pending, voting records, members and committees at: https://www.govtrack.us/ Fair warning: Just like with the TV or Internet news programs, there is no guaranty that the private organization that compiles this research, which is funded by advertising dollars, is bias-free or not connected to any lobbies related to initiatives.  This is just one more source of information that allows you to track certain bills/votes without having to watch quite so many commercials.

There are two Homes For Our Troops adaptive homes being planned in Yavapai County, check out this interactive map at: https://www.hfotusa.org/map to see progress around the country on homes for wounded warriors.

Normandy Tribute, Affordable Care and Veterans, The 1% Team, Out-of-this-World Presentation, VUB Science Module

A poignant reminder of the loss of life at Normandy in 1944 was stenciled on the beach on International Day of Peace, at Arromanches, France.  See more at: http://now.msn.com/bodies-drawn-on-normandy-beach-to-commemorate-d-day-deaths-on-international-peace-day

Details about what Veterans need to know about the VA and the Affordable Care Act prior to the October 1 launching are at: http://www.va.gov/health/aca/

Heart Warming Solutions: You’ve heard that expression (maybe even cringed at it): “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Well, this family turned a cancelled wedding into an unforgettable meal for 200 homeless folks, see more at: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/family-hosts-200-homeless  What a great way to turn sadness into service.

This article does a good job of putting a face on Farmer Veterans. Since Farmers and current military each make up only 1% of our population perhaps this is a case of career matchmaking?  See more at: http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/articles/veteran-farmers/

If you are a science (or science fiction) buff, here is a great presentation by Professor Sara Seager of MIT about the search for habitable planets at:

If that gets you interested in learning more about the sciences, Veterans Upward Bound offers eligible Northern Arizona Veterans a free pre-college module that combines aspects of biology, chemistry, physics and math.  Check out our program at www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7686 for more information.

University Transfer Day, Small Businesses Hire, Adaptive Sports, Stand Downs, Pets for Patriots

Jump start your dreams!  Wondering what your next educational steps might be? It’s never too early to begin your planning.  University Transfer Day is coming to Yavapai College, where over a dozen representatives from schools in Arizona (and beyond) will show you what they have to offer: October 2 on Verde Valley Campus (601 Black Hills Drive, Clarkdale) or October 3 on Prescott Campus (1100 E. Sheldon.)  More support for transfer students is available on Yavapai College’s Transfer Resources webpage at: www.yc.edu/transfer

Hiring Veterans Is Not Charity – an excellent title to this Huffington Post article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-justice/hiring-veterans-is-not-a-_b_3955182.html  According to the article, 64% of new jobs are created by the 23 million small businesses. Entrepreneurs appreciate Veterans’ problem solving and project management experience; so maybe your next applications should target smaller organizations?

Adaptive sports are popular not only to injured Veterans, but to our aging population that needs new ways of staying active.  Everyone needs exercise to stay at their peak physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Here’s a comprehensive article about some extreme adaptive sports in Lower Extremity Review at: http://lowerextremityreview.com/cover_story/taking-an-adaptive-path-to-active

Stand Downs for Homeless Veterans include public health screenings, resources, and much more.  See the article at: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/September/Stand-Downs-VA-and-Partners-Helping-Homeless-Vets.asp Stand Downs were created by Vietnam Veterans in 1988 and efforts have grown every year – the VA participates, but it is volunteers and local organizations that make these events so effective.  This past year, almost 50,000 attended.

Dog Tags: Here’s another heart-warming story from Pets for Patriots about the four-legged antidote to multiple deployments for one Veteran: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/after-ied-blast-and-ptsd-combat-veterans-best-medicine-is-adopted-dog/

Learn Winemaking, SCORE Events, Business Assistance Center, SBA Veterans Initiatives, DREAM Job Fair, Google Scholarship

viticulture from Cronkite News on Vimeo.

This is a great program for Veterans who seek an outdoor job helping to grow grapes or make wine, or want to open a small winery themselves - an industry that is growing in the Verde Valley (pardon the pun!)   This clip from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU looks at Yavapai College's "grape to glass" Viticulture and Enology program on the Verde Valley campus: http://vimeo.com/74413279#at=0

Free events for small business owners are listed at: http://northernarizona.score.org/ Services of SCORE include workshops and mentoring for business owners.

In the Verde Valley, the local Business Assistance Center can also help with services to small businesses – see them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/vvbac  Check your community for a BAC or Small Business Development Center near you.

One of the best repositories of advice and funding information for Veteran small business owners is the Small Business Administration at: http://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned where you can sign up for e-mail newsletters, or like them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SBAgov  Here’s more about an initiative to increase access to small business loans: http://www.naggl.org/Content/NavigationMenu/InTheNews/OperationVetAccess/Operation_Vet_Acces.htm

October is Disability & Rehabilitation Employment Awareness Month (D.R.E.A.M.): Employers and individuals seeking jobs are invited to a D.R.E.A.M. Job Fair on October 9, from 9:00-1:00 at Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus (601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale.)  For more information, contact Melissa Kramer at 928-634-1397 or dreamjobfair@gmail.com

From SVA: “Google has partnered with us to provide the 2014 Google SVA Scholarship! If you're a student veteran pursuing a degree in Computer Science or related fields, you could be eligible for $10,000 to fund your education. You'll also be invited to Google's 2014 Summer Annual Scholar's Retreat, as well as automatically considered for summer internship opportunities with this innovative and exciting company.” Check out this link for the application details: http://studentveterans.org/component/content/article/15-scholarships/49-2013-google-sva-scholarship.html

Free Local Events: Senior Expo, Thunder Valley Rally, Recovery Celebration, Fall Festival, Verde River Days

Sunflowers at Slide Rock State Park, courtesy of Friends of Slide Rock State Park Facebook

It’s such a busy weekend for free events in the area, that we’ll just give you a quick recap:

Today 9/20 is the Free Senior Expo in Prescott at Yavapai College (1100 E. Sheldon) – there will be vendors, services, products, resources, workshops for seniors and caregivers, and networking.

This weekend (Fri 9/20-Sun 9/22) in Old Town Cottonwood is the Thunder Valley Rally for motorcyclists with free concerts, poker runs, and fundraising for wounded Marine Sgt. Jordan Maynard’s adaptive home to be built by Homes For Our Troops.

Saturday 9/21 is the Recovery Celebration in Garrison Park in Cottonwood from 11:00-1:00 – free lunch, concerts, resource booths, and fun for the whole family.  Garrison Park is on the corner of Mingus Ave. & Brian Mickelson Pkwy.

In beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, Friends of Slide Rock State Park will host the Fall Festival 9/21 from 10-3, with fun for the whole family.  Demonstrations, local historical lore, presentations, nature’s beauty and LOTS of apple delicacies for sale (pie, cupcakes, cookies, breads – you name it!)  Slide Rock State Park is easy to find on Hwy 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Can't make it this weekend? Well, you're in luck, because next weekend (9/28) is Verde River Days at Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood - free park entrance, fishing, demonstrations, vendors, bird watching, and you guessed it: a great time for the whole family.

Take a moment to drink in the beauty of Northern Arizona - the weather is perfect!  Taking time to get outdoors is great for your physical, emotional, and mental health - enjoy a sunset (or sunrise), take a walk, or have a picnic.  Happy Autumn!

From Homeless to World Fame, Technology Assists Job Seekers, Upgrade Computer Skills with VUB, Free Jazz Concert

Seems like time for a little pick-me-up Video of the Day from CBS Sunday Morning: This one is about a small town hero, who lifted the spirits of the community when times were tough.  And he happened to be an abandoned cat, adopted by the local library, and named Dewey: http://youtu.be/G8nSg8oxrfA  He’s world famous now, and has a best-selling book – a nice success story for someone who had a rough start in life.

If you’re looking for a job, here are a few ideas of how to use technology as your ally: http://mashable.com/2013/09/15/veterans-jobs/

If you're not confident in your computer skills, there are ways to improve them!  If you are a Veteran in Northern Arizona, our Veterans Upward Bound free pre-college program can help you learn more, and prepare you for obtaining a college certificate or degree (which will help improve your resume too!)  Check us out at www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7687.

Free Jazz Concert October 5th at 7:30 at the Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus in the newly dedicated Charles Mabery Pavilion, 601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale.  It will feature Sara Gazarek - see more about her at: http://www.saragazarek.com/  - come join us for our very first outdoor concert in the Pavilion!