Happy Independence Day, Stress Management, Safe Celebrations, Coast Guard Highlight, Veteran eMentor Program

Today’s Video is about Stress Management Techniques at: http://youtu.be/15GaKTP0gFE

What’s your town doing to celebrate Independence Day?  Many towns have parades or events, and some families prefer to have a BBQ or just chill.  Some people and pets are sensitive to the sounds of fireworks, so prepare in advance with earplugs or a secure indoor location.  In Cottonwood, the local transit service is running for FREE to celebrate (see: https://www.facebook.com/CityOfCottonwoodAZ) and check your local paper to see what’s coming up near you.  Remember that fire restrictions are in effect, and each municipality has different rules for fireworks.  Stay safe, cool, hydrated, and enjoy!

Coast Guard Highlight: This is a well-written article involving two young Coastguardsmen, one who died in service to his country, and another who honored his memory, as Bruckenthal Hall was dedicated in Feburary: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2013/02/he-is-our-hero-we-are-his-legacy/

Military Trivia Quiz: Which two branches of service do not pre-date the Declaration of Independence?

Our friends at the RAO Bulletin shared the Veteran eMentor Program: The Veteran eMentor Program leverages the internet to create a dynamic information sharing, learning and support community that extends far beyond the veteran's current network. Protégés can receive personalized career guidance, advice, support and inspiration from more experienced veterans, career mentors and veteran-friendly employers.  There are no fees or costs associated with this program.  If interested go to http://ementorprogram.org/registrations/join_request and complete the online request form to participate as a protégé or a mentor.

The Secret of Service, Career Crystal Ball, Wilderness Firefighting Internships in Northern AZ

Today’s Video is about the healing power of service: http://nation.time.com/2013/06/20/can-service-save-us/

You’ve seen the headlines about wonderful Veterans’ groups like Team Rubicon and Mission Continues, and you know they do great things for people in need and for victims of natural disasters – but did you know these Veterans have discovered a secret?  It’s not a new prescription, or type of psychotherapy to get through depression or PTSD: Serving others can uplift you.  Read more at: http://nation.time.com/2013/06/20/can-service-save-us/ This is also why animal rescue programs like Pets for Patriots have hit a popular chord: people want to help, to have meaning in their lives, to make a difference.  Find a local volunteer program, and give your time – try it out, to see if you will feel better too.

Looking for a crystal ball that will magically tell you which career will be the best choice for you?  Well, this may not be magic, but it does give you a data-based tool, showing you what Associate degree and certificate graduates from California community colleges are paid in selected fields two and five years after graduation – which might give you some insights for your own career decisions.  There are some surprises!  Take if for a free test drive at: http://salarysurfer.cccco.edu/SalarySurfer.aspx

Training Opportunity: Student Conservation Association has internships for recent era veterans (age 21- 35). Veterans will serve in teams of 5 with other veterans from across the US and military branches. We are seeking to place 20 veterans to serve alongside the US Forest Service in the capacity of wild land firefighting and fire management in AZ & SD. This program is designed to build a direct pathway to provide veterans with necessary experience and certifications to pursue a career within the US Forest Service.  Further information regarding the program goals and member experiences can be found by clicking the following link: http://thesca.org/serve/internships/special-programs/veterans-programs

Requirements:
*age 21- 35
*physically able to perform the task
*honorably discharged
*able to function in a group of other veteran team members from across the US and military branches *provide copy of DD214

 If interested:
1) Email your interest to dwyatt@thesca.org
2) Visit http://www.thesca.org and complete the online application

Summer vacation plans?  Check out free passes to area attractions at: http://www.military.com/military-report/seaworld-busch-gardens--more-free-for-military-062413?ESRC=miltrep.nl and you can sign up for alerts regarding future active-duty, reservist or veteran discounts via Military.com – membership is free.

Veterans Help Design Assistive Tools, GI Bill B-day, Veterans' Substance Abuse Study, Memorial Wall Keeps Growing

Today’s Video is about the team approach to developing assistive technology at: http://youtu.be/TAxIN91oDEg

Auburn University students in industrial design and rehabilitation work with Veterans to design assistive technology, see the full article at: http://ocm.auburn.edu/featured_story/assistive_tech.html#.Uch8sJwUxCN

Student Veteran Graduates: The SVA invites you to celebrate the 69th Birthday of the GI Bill by sharing your graduation stories and photos to photo@studentveterans.org with a short caption about what your diploma means to you, or tweet at @studentvets with the #GiBillGrad.

The University at Buffalo received a $2.3 million dollar grant to study factors contributing to why veterans are at greater risk of substance abuse, see the full article at: http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/blog/morning_roundup/2013/06/ub-to-study-substance-abuse-among-war.html

The Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel in San Francisco began their memorial wall for fallen soldiers a decade ago, and it keeps growing and outgrowing its space, see the article at: http://www.stripes.com/living-memorial-outgrows-space-in-somber-reflection-of-the-wars-toll-1.226271

GI Bill Reinstatement, SVA Graduation Rate Testimony, Charlie Mike, Degree Choices, Civilian-Military Divide

According to Military.com, a proposed new bill may reinstate expired GI Bill benefits for the two million veterans that paid into the Montgomery GI Bill, but didn’t meet their 10 year time limit.  See more at: http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2013/05/bill-would-restore-gi-bill-for-older-vets/?ESRC=education.nl

SVA Director, Michael Dakduk testified before Congress today about their project to verify accurate statistics on Student-Veteran graduation rates (and dispute exaggerated failure rates), see more at: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102247846799-570/SVA_Testimony_HVAC_June2013.pdf

“Charlie Mike” = Continue the Mission:  Forbes Magazine’s article on hiring veterans, retraining initiatives, and the leadership skills Veterans bring to any workplace is excellent at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/netapp/2013/06/17/hire-a-veteran/ It also reminds us that Veterans are trained to expect and overcome obstacles to completion of their mission, the ultimate test in problem-solving under stress.  Once they are separated from service, their mission is to be successfully employed. Let’s all help with that.

Military.com provides some excellent questions to help you choose your degree at: http://www.military.com/education/getting-your-degree/a-guide-to-selecting-your-degree.html?ESRC=education.nl

Stripes.com shares results of their survey of what the “civilian-military divide” means at: http://www.stripes.com/what-is-the-civilian-veteran-divide-to-you-readers-respond-1.226425

Action Alert for Cottonwood Marine: June 22, Prescott Doce Fire Links

Video of the Day: http://youtu.be/uTm_s_blfdM  See the Maynard family and the plans for the Homes for Our Troops home in Cottonwood.

Action Alert:  June 22 at 10 a.m. in Cottonwood, Homes for Our Troops will begin the building of a home for Cpl. Jordan Maynard, who lost both legs to an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan.  Please see project details, show your support for Sgt. Maynard and his family at the groundbreaking, or join the build team: https://www.hfotusa.org/maynard  RSVP to Doreen Lewis dlewis@homesforourtroops.org for the groundbreaking or to donate/volunteer.

Many thanks to the firefighters who are working on the Doce fire near Prescott.  Our Yavapai College campus in Prescott is one of the emergency shelters for those who are evacuated currently.  Our thoughts are with you all.  For current news on any Arizona wildfire, this is a good site to bookmark in case you ever need it at home/work/mobile: http://inciweb.org/ To check on loved ones, or donate to relief efforts for this wildfire, please see: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Grand-Canyon-Chapter-Opens-Shelter-in-Prescott-After-Wildfire

Pet Stories, Yoga and Veterans, Gulf War Syndrome News, NAU-Yavapai in Prescott Valley

Can’t resist some more feel-good stories about veterans and pets: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/military-family-on-the-brink-united-by-a-rescue-dog/ (photo above is Anna and Duke from Pets for Patriots) and http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/09/18867076-battle-buddies-rescued-dogs-rescue-soldiers-from-scars-of-ptsd?lite

According to the L.A. Times, yoga helps veterans with pain and more: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-yoga-veterans-20130617,0,566839.story   *Blogger’s note: Yoga is not affiliated with a religion – it is a meditative practice with physical poses and concentration on the breath that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of religious beliefs.  No fancy outfits, no competition to turn into a pretzel, no requirement to be a vegan – just good stretching and a time to decompress and focus on wellness.  To see what yoga is about, check out YouTube's free classes for beginners to see if it is right for you.  Here's a sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o0kNeOyH98

A new study states that 21,000 of the Gulf War veterans may have experienced one of two distinct types of Gulf War Syndrome, as indicated through new brain scans: http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2013/jun/15/brain-scans-lead-discovery-two-types-veterans-suff/

University Highlight: NAU-Yavapai is a unique learning opportunity in Prescott Valley, with the lowest tuition rates of Arizona public 4-year universities, and is Veteran-friendly. They offer a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, utilizing 10-week sessions of hybrid courses, and the application fee is waived for Veterans.  Degrees include: Applied Human Behavior, Entrepreneurship, Community Development and Sustainability, and Service Industry Management.  Though they have flexible program start dates, if you want to start in Fall, apply by July 1.  To learn more, see: http://yavapai.nau.edu/ or call 928-775-4567.

Dogs Teach About Life, Transition Tips, US Vets Prescott Career Center Opens June 14

Video of the Week reminds us to Savor Every Moment: http://youtu.be/O0iRYycmlOI
Find joy and live it.

If you thought you’d heard everything about career advice, guess again: Career advice from the dog is at: http://chronicle.com/blogs/onhiring/canine-career-tips/39035  I am convinced that the author has something when he says, “likeability trumps ability…” especially when he adds that pet dogs are everywhere, but wolves are declining.  It’s something to ponder, if you are job searching, career changing, or recreating your employment persona.  Woof.

And if your career has really ‘gone to the dogs,’ why not learn more about the Canine Management opportunities at Yavapai College – in the interest of the four-legged theme, check this out: http://www.yc.edu/webtools/apps/opi/news/highlight.asp?hid=2772

Military.com has an excellent article about the benefits of obtaining a degree to help prepare for the transition from military life, which is a timely topic amid drawdowns due to sequestration and reductions of force.  “Saint” learned of his upcoming involuntary separation, and took steps to take advantage of Tuition Assistance, read more at: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/after-the-firefight-the-employment-battle-begins.html?ESRC=education.nl Already out of the service and beyond time limits for your GI Bill Education benefits?  No problem, check out Veterans Upward Bound’s free pre-college modules to get you started at: www.yc.edu/vub

U.S.VETS Prescott will be unveiling their new Veteran Career Center on Friday, June 14. The public is invited to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House starting at 10:45 a.m. at 917 E. Gurley Street in Prescott. You’ll have an opportunity to tour the site and meet some of the veterans, as well as learn more about how U.S.VETS has been providing services to at-risk veterans in our community for the past 10 years and how you can help support veterans in our local community. Their mission is ‘The successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.’ For more info visit www.usvetsinc.org or call Barbara Mikkelsen at (928) 583-7678. (Supplied by Debbie Stewart’s Nonprofit Network newsletter)

Career Opportunities in Sustainability, Veterans in Congress, Job Hunting 101 Workshop in Prescott Valley

Hot topics = Emerging careers: Sustainability is a buzzword you hear in a variety of contexts, and it is an emerging career field that Veterans may want to take a second look at, due to its projected growth and its cutting edge opportunities.  For a primer in what ‘sustainability’ means, here’s a good webpage: http://theregenerationroadmap.com/news/ and there are many colleges featuring degrees in this area, including our local NAU-Yavapai at: http://blog.yavapai.nau.edu/?page_id=887, Prescott College at: http://www.prescott.edu/explore/campus-and-fieldstations/departments-and-offices/sustainability/sustainability-studies.html, and ASU at: http://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/  If you are a Northern Arizona veteran who would like help reviewing your educational options, please contact the Veterans Upward Bound staff at 928-717-7687, or www.yc.edu/vub for more information about our free services.

The Washington Times has an interesting article about Veterans’ service in Congress at: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jun/5/veterans-who-take-the-hill/

Job Hunting 101 Workshop Information, Courtesy of Debbie Stewart: NEW HORIZONS INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER in Prescott Valley will offer ‘Job Hunting 101’ – a series of three free employment services workshops (it’s important to participate in all 3). June 10 from 9-noon will be Basic Job Skills Workshop. Identify your skills and jobs that interest you, and learn job hunting basics in the current job market. Noon-1 p.m. is lunch  - feel free to bring your own lunch to eat in the Community Center. June 10 from 1-3 p.m. will be Interview Skills: The do’s and don’ts of interviewing, participate in a mock interview to hone your interviewing skills to maximize your employment search effectiveness. June 12 from 9-Noon will be Resume Writing: Covers three types of resumes - Functional, Chronological, and Combination. Assistance to help you find and create the correct type of resume for your job search. Location: NHIL, 8085 E Manley Drive in Prescott Valley. For more info or to register, contact Deborah at (928)772-1266 Ext. 301. For more info on NHIL, visit www.newhorizonsilc.org

Pets for Patriots, Sasebo POW Returns, VUB Free Summer Classes, Veteran Entrepreneurs, Sedona Veterans Memorial

Today’s Video is another inspiring story of mutual rescue from Pets for Patriots: http://youtu.be/VG5o3JWBkqU The only tough part with this story is figuring out who is the hero – I guess all of them are…

POW returns to Sasebo after 70 years: http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/former-wwii-pow-returns-to-scene-of-imprisonment-after-70-years-1.223297  An amazing story of survival and overcoming the odds...and a reminder about the sacrifices made by our military families.

The Veterans Upward Bound Summer Session begins today – if you’re a veteran in Northern Arizona, and want to further your education for free, check out our info at www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7687.

Here’s an article in Time.com about the growing trend to become self-employed after military service: http://nation.time.com/2013/05/22/from-battlefield-to-business-success/  There are a lot of resources to help veterans make that transition to business-owner too!

Sedona veterans are honored with a memorial, opened this past week: http://www.redrocknews.com/City-News/sedona-unveils-new-veterans-park.html