Friday, August 30, 2013

50th Anniversary of The Dream, Art and Healing, Creative Art Video Lessons, Happy Labor Day Weekend


This week was the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous I Have a Dream speech, and you can see it at: http://youtu.be/smEqnnklfYs History buffs can find a bonanza of videos and documentaries on the Internet; in fact, YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine in the world now.

Artistic expression is gaining popularity with many Veterans – whether it is music, dance, visual arts, creative writing, or just learning a new hobby.  Here’s one video that gives a nice overview of the connection between art and healing: http://youtu.be/vwRQ5xRO3eI

If you found that interesting, then here’s a Video Fest for the Labor Day Weekend – Are you looking for a creative outlet?  Thinking of learning something new to express yourself?  Here are some great examples, use these as a starting place to find your own talents – enjoy:
Speed Painting: http://youtu.be/golBymjXor4
Sand art: http://youtu.be/aU20Kekztto
Learn to play guitar: http://youtu.be/7dXUW2wBS3I
Ceramic lesson: http://youtu.be/8qfQG37Hlxo
Spoken word poetry: http://youtu.be/D1ZBhEP42aw

Or if you just want a good laugh for the weekend, try this one: http://youtu.be/o5BJDuOKz6k

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Warrior Canine Connection, Veterans Courst, Take Classes for FUN, Caregivers for Veterans Course





















Today’s Video is about how service dogs can help Veterans deal with a variety of transition and healing issues at: http://youtu.be/3v8sGni_4uU and the full story: http://www.stripes.com/news/the-goal-understanding-how-furry-friends-ease-ptsd-tbi-1.237004

Veterans Courts are popping up in many states, to address the complex issues that Veterans face when they return to civilian life – see one of their success stories at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/pa-veterans-court-grads-honored-for-battling-through-depression-addiction-convictions-1.237674

If you’d rather take classes for fun, try the non-credit courses that are offered through Yavapai College in the Prescott, Sedona or Verde Valley area.  Here are some examples of topics: Amazing Women Past & Present, Green Home Building, Marriage Communication – see more at: http://www.campusce.net/YC/category/category.aspx?C=&S=40

Are you a caregiver for a Veteran?  The VA offers a free six-week online course for caregivers designed to reduce caregiver stress at: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/August/Are-You-a-Caregiver-for-a-Veteran.asp

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Veterans Benefits Video, Korean War Veteran's Remains Identified, Therapy Dog at VAMC, Arizona Veterans Magazine, Veterans Pay In-State Tuition in AZ


Here’s a short video reminder for newly discharged Veterans about some of the many Veterans benefits that are available, including health care, education, and home loans at: http://youtu.be/dJneXGf5GAc

Rest In Peace: The remains of a Korean War Veteran are identified and buried with full military honors, over 60 years after he was killed in action, bringing closure to his family, at last.  See the story at: http://www.nwherald.com/2013/08/23/korean-war-vet-getting-military-burial-63-years-later/ahtacua/?page=1

Full-time Therapy Dog at VA Hospital: Meet Semper Fi, a lab/beagle mix, who brings joy to Veterans at the Salisbury, NC VAMC Hospice House.  See the full story at: http://www.salisbury.va.gov/SALISBURY/features/Hospice_therapy_dog_ready_for_full_time_duty.asp

Arizona Veterans Magazine is a Facebook site that posts resources and event information that may be of interest to Arizona’s 700,000 Veterans at: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaVeteransMagazine

Arizona is one of 21 states that have provisions allowing recently discharged Veterans to pay in-state university tuition, according to: http://www.kjzz.org/content/1308/student-veterans-face-excess-tuition-costs

Friday, August 23, 2013

VA Adaptive Housing Grants, Tinnitus, First Online Impressions, Blog Following


Today’s Video is about the VA’s adaptive housing grants for disabled Veterans, at: http://youtu.be/AKZjGmvJJ6c You can find out more about this program at: www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/adaptedhousing.asp

Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common disabilities of Veterans.  If you suffer from ringing in the ears, here is an organization that shares news and resources, at: http://www.ata.org/action-alliance/support-for-veterans

Setting yourself up for a good semester starts by being prepared, and giving a good first impression of yourself in the classroom, whether it is in-person or online.  Here’s a few tips at: http://blog.cengage.com/?top_blog=tips-for-students-put-your-best-foot-forward-in-your-online-classes

Be In-the-Know: If you’re interested in anything, there is probably a blog about it (a blog is an online journal, often with multiple contributing authors.)  It’s easier to stay current with research and news if you can pick a few favorite sources, and get on their e-mailing lists.  You can do similar things with Facebook ‘likes’ and YouTube channel ‘subscriptions.’  Here’s some interesting general sites:
http://www.beinghuman.org/ Writers discuss topics like emotions, brain health, culture.
http://studentveterans.tumblr.com/ Student Veterans of America shares news and ideas.
http://www.happiness-project.com/ Need to read something uplifting, try this one.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Today's Hero is Tuff, Warrior Gene, Veterans Homelessness Declines, Insomnia App


Today’s Hero – Please remember this name: Antoinette Tuff and see this Video at: http://www.ajc.com/videos/news/bookkeeper-talks-about-coming-face-to-face-with/v9ZDr/
This woman deserves a medal.  Read more at: http://www.policymic.com/articles/60379/antoinette-tuff-meet-the-woman-who-prevented-a-mass-school-shooting-yesterday

Do you have the Warrior Gene?  Are you more prone to taking risks, being angry, or being an aggressive driver?  While having a gene does not excuse bad behavior, it may be worth reflection on the why behind it – see more at: http://intentblog.com/3-ways-to-overcome-angers-pervasive-nature/

The good news: a 17% drop in Veterans’ homelessness rate.  The bad news: There’s still 62,619 more homeless Veterans out there.  Along with many other non-profit and government programs, VA & HUD have new initiatives that may help with housing and clinical services, read more at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/08/21/va-and-hud-announce-funding-for-homeless-veterans/

Insomnia?  There’s an app for that.  An estimated 75% of Veterans suffer from occasional insomnia (the numbers are much fewer for the general population.) No kidding about the app; see it at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10086/trouble-sleeping-va-has-an-app-for-that/

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Readjustment to Civilian Life, Veteran Hiring Preference, MOAA & Personnel Costs, Mental Illness Stigma, State Veterans Benefits


Today’s Video is about readjusting to civilian life, taking advantage of resources, and challenges of being student Veteran at: http://youtu.be/ZyHV2ToBsnQ

What does a Veteran Hiring Preference mean to you?  Military.com gives a few pointers at: http://www.military.com/military-report/veterans-preference-when-hiring?ESRC=miltrep.nl

Military.com provides a link to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and their recent video about reports of personnel and health care costs at: http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2013/08/debunking-the-claims-of-skyrocketing-personnel-costs/

Discussions about mental illness, stigma, and labels bring opinions out in the open at: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/arthur-gallant/mental-illness-stigma_b_3777371.html

Does your state offer any military benefits to Veterans?  Check out the link on Military.com to see if your state does at: http://www.military.com/military-report/state-veterans-benefits-081913?ESRC=miltrep.nl And here’s what Arizona offers Veterans, including info about discounts and Veteran license plates: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/arizona-state-veterans-benefits.html If you are a 100% Service-Connected-Disabled Veteran, your Arizona State Park pass is free, here’s the application: http://azstateparks.com/Giftshop/DV_annual_pass.pdf

Monday, August 19, 2013

Non-Traditional Uses for GI Bill Benefits, Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs, VA Healthcare Eligibility Deadline, Ancestry Webinar


Today’s Video: The American Veteran is a video series about different resources and personal stories of Veterans.  In this episode, student Veterans who are utilizing GI bill benefits for art school highlight the non-traditional uses of the GI Bill training portion are interviewed at: http://youtu.be/eUZzz7OmlFU The Department of Veterans Affairs has its own YouTube channel that you can subscribe to for updates and several video shows, at: http://www.youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairs?feature=watch

According to the RAO Bulletin: “The National Defense University Foundation (NDUF), in Washington, D.C., is offering to put veterans with young businesses or ideas for new businesses in touch with investors willing to put up money to get the ventures off the ground.  Leading up to that event will be the NDU Foundation Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs, a series of training sessions where entrepreneurs can learn how to develop business plans and recognize the challenges and opportunities of start-up ventures. Interested veterans can register for the Veterans Venture Forum and the boot camp at
http://veteransventureforum.eventbrite.com

Don’t miss your deadline to apply for VA healthcare; according to a VA press release, “Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for 5 years from the date of discharge or release.”  See more at: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/returning_servicemembers.asp

Are you interested in your ancestry?  It’s become a popular hobby, and the National Archives has a webinar with speakers on various topics, on September 3 & 4.  See more about it at: http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/know-your-records/genealogy-fair/

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Education Focus: Arizona Transfer, Veterans Upward Bound, Education Insider Resource List, Diploma Mill Scams


College-Bound?  If you’re considering going to college in Arizona, a website called Arizona Transfer has valuable information for Veterans at: http://www.aztransfer.com/aztransfer/veterans/index.html

And don’t forget the Veterans Upward Bound programs, for the Northern Arizona Region that’s here at Yavapai College at: www.yc.edu/vub We’re currently accepting students for the upcoming year – get off on the right foot so you are successful in the college of your choice!  You can learn the ropes, get help applying for schools, apply for financial aid and GI Bill benefits, ask about majors/degrees/certificates, or just get a little more confidence by refreshing your study skills, computer abilities, or math/writing/science.  Not in Northern Arizona?  There are VUB programs in most states - check your local college or university's website to see if they have a program near you.

For a veritable bonanza of bookmarkable resources for the college-bound Veteran, check out the Military.com Education Insider article at: http://www.military.com/education/keys-to-success/resources-to-ensure-student-success.html?ESRC=education.nl

Military.com Tips: Avoid finding yourself with a worthless degree and a big bill, learn how to tell a legitimate degree-granting institution from a ‘diploma mill’ at: http://www.military.com/education/finding-a-school/fraudulent-degrees-are-big-business.html?ESRC=education.nl

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Hire America's Heroes, TBI/PTSD Study, 2013 Veterans Benefits Handbook, Marine Tips for Job Seekers, Empathy Building


Hire America’s Heroes is highlighted on the Pentagon Channel in this video, along with a brief mention of a new TBI/PTSD study, at: http://youtu.be/RJwVLHdwYyM The Pentagon Channel features video briefings and current news, and you can subscribe to updates - Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Marines, Reserves, Army, and the DoD also have official channels at: http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePentagonChannel

The 2013 Handbook for navigating the complex world of Veterans Benefits is described here: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9971/learn-your-benefits-vas-2013-benefits-book-now-available/
Bookmarking the actual online indexed report may save you some time when looking for information on pensions, home loan guaranty, disability, health care, facilities, education benefits or transition assistance at: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp

If you or someone you know has been searching for a job for a while, it can be discouraging – but here’s a well-done article about what job seekers can learn from a Marine: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.  See the full article at: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/07/10/what-professionals-can-learn-from-us-marines/

School is starting around the nation, and whether you are a parent/grandparent of a school-aged child or are a college student yourself, there is one school supply everyone needs: Empathy.  See the article about how to build it in yourself or foster it in others at: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/empathy-back-to-school-supply-homa-tavangar

Monday, August 12, 2013

8 Keys to Veteran Student Success, Is Counseling Appropriate?, Airport Security Relief, Virtual Career Fairs, Stress Redux

The 8 Keys to Veteran Student Success (according to http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2470) are:
1. Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for Veterans.
2. Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
3. Implement an early alert system to ensure all Veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
4. Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all Veterans, together with the creation of a designated space (even if limited in size).
5. Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for Veterans.
6. Use a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on Veterans, including demographics, retention and degree completion.
7. Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to Veterans.
8. Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for Veterans.

**Veterans Upward Bound works directly with student Veterans to help them learn the ropes, find out more about our Northern Arizona program at www.yc.edu/vub

A lot of people have concerns over whether counseling will help them or a family member.  If you need help deciding whether therapy might be a good option, read more at: http://blogs.psychcentral.com/caregivers/2013/08/when-should-you-worry-about-mental-health-treatment/

Wounded Veterans may have an easier time making it through airport security when they travel, according to: http://first2board.com/travelblawg/helping-heroes-fly-act/  “Iraq war veteran and democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii introduced and sponsored the “Helping Heroes Fly Act“ bill, with Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire leading the Senate effort, in March 2013.  On Friday, President Obama signed it into law.  The goal of the new law is to make it easier for wounded or disabled members of the military and veterans to get through airport security screening.”

Free Veterans Virtual Career Fairs are offered through Monster.com, for more info, see: http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/web/prefair/index

According to Military.com “Moving Forward, at www.startmovingforward.org, is designed to teach problem-solving skills to the military community to address stress.”  See the brief article at: http://www.military.com/military-report/new-website-teaches-coping-skills?ESRC=miltrep.nl

Thursday, August 8, 2013

My American Dream Contest, Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound, Military Dog Reunion with Handler, Retroactive Benefits Offered for Complete Disability Claims

My American Dream Contest: “National Disability Institute is proud to announce the launch of its third annual My American Dream – Voices of Americans with Disabilities Video Contest!  We want to hear from individuals with disabilities across America about their dreams and the steps they are taking to achieve them. Whether it’s landing a dream job, owning a home, going to college, starting a business or taking steps toward financial independence, we encourage people with disabilities to share their goals and show that all Americans want the same thing—a piece of the American dream.”  See more at: http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2013/08/05/share-your-american-dream-for-the-chance-to-win-1000-a-tablet-and-a-mentor/

Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound is in the news: http://verdevalleynews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=55506&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1190&S=1

The story of Two Veterans & Two Military Dogs: Here’s a sweet reunion story about a military dog and his former handler finding each other, with the help of another Veteran and social networking: http://www.examiner.com/article/marines-selfless-act-giving-adopted-mwd-back-to-the-original-handler

The VA has a new tactic to help resolve incomplete disability claims, a carrot – read more at: http://www.stripes.com/news/va-offering-retro-benefits-to-encourage-use-of-developed-claims-1.233528

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Coast Guard 223rd B-day, Military.com e-Newsletters, Vets & Teens Save Coral Reefs, Hire Patriots


Today’s Video celebrates ‘Coasties’ - Happy 223rd Birthday, Coast Guard: http://youtu.be/JrxfgpLwTOE

If you’d like to stay up on military related news, Military.com has a wide selection of free e-newsletters that you can choose from at: http://www.military.com/LeadForms/NewsLetterSignup?newsletter=8 Selected topics include: Money Matters, Deals & Discounts, Spouse & Family, Career/Job, Education Insider, and the Veterans Report.

Veterans team up with teens to save endangered coral reefs off the Florida coast, see the article at: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130805/NEWS/130805006/Veterans-youngsters-work-save-coral?nclick_check=1

Community solutions for Veterans, one day, one job, one Veteran at a time: http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/03/19836188-helping-veterans-find-work-off-the-battlefield?lite and here’s the site that is referenced: http://hirepatriots.com/ with job and career help exclusively for Veterans.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

VA Home Loan Guaranty Info, Veterans Homelessness Grant Received, Financial Training, Agriculture Careers, Happy 100 Pets for Patriots, Clickjacking Scams

Don’t forget the home loan part of the GI Bill: Veterans utilized VA Guaranteed Home Loans to the tune of $119 Billion in 2012, according to the RAO Bulletin.  More tidbits from RAO’s Bulletin: VA loans have been used by veterans 20 million times since 1944, banks offer the loans which are then guaranteed by the VA, and there are currently five VA loan guaranty programs:
1. Purchase Loans, for the purchase of a new home
2. Cash-Out Refinance loans, for taking cash equity from your owner-occupied home
3. Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL), for lowering your existing VA mortgage rate. Refer to http://themortgagereports.com/10592/va-streamline-refinance for more info on this.
4. Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program, for purchase, construction or improvement of homes
5. Adapted Housing Grants, for veterans with permanent and total service-connected disability

Catholic Charities received a grant to help Northern Arizona homeless or near-homeless veterans – see more at: https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/catholiccharities/donations/servicesforthoseinneed/povertyreduction

Here’s more details on the Financial Empowerment and Navigator Programs at Catholic Charities, which helps clients build a sustainable future for themselves.  Classes are forming throughout Northern Arizona: https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/servicesforthoseinneed/refugeeresettlement/ServicesForThoseInNeed/PovertyReduction/FinancialEmpowerment

If you’re interested in a new career in agriculture, or expanding what you already know about food production, here are two sites that might be helpful to you: The Farmer Veteran Coalition at https://www.facebook.com/farmerveterancoalition and Beginning Farmers (who offer tips and events) at http://www.beginningfarmers.org/new-and-young-farmers-upcoming-events/

Happy 100th Life, Pets for Patriots!  See the scoop at: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/pets-for-patriots-reaches-100-adoptions/

Before you click: check out this new site from the Better Business Bureau that warns you about ‘clickjacking and likejacking’- scams that infiltrate your computer when you hit Like on Facebook, or click on a link offering some contest or prize.  See it at: http://www.bbb.org/scam-stopper/

Four-legged Miracles, Women Veterans' Homelessness, Coast Guard Testimonials, VA Rural Healthcare, Free Financial Coaching Available

Whenever you’re having a down day, here’s an inspiring video involving several miracles, and the importance of having faith in yourself: http://youtu.be/IFPnwpkGioc

Cleveland.com reports that “In recent years, women veterans have been showing up at homeless shelters in increasing numbers, despite declines in the homeless population nationwide.” Read more about why, at: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/07/more_women_veterans_joining_ra.html

The Coast Guard Compass is running a series of blog posts from members about Why I Serve, check them out at: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/

Read more about how Veterans with VA Healthcare meet the Affordable Care Act requirements at: http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/news/page2.asp and you may want to bookmark the VA Office of Rural Health newsletters or get on their mailing list, so you can get all the latest news.

Catholic Charities has a personal financial coaching program, called Navigator, which can help you build a budget, learn tips on credit/debt, discover resources, and build your credit.  The program is now available in the Northern Arizona region at these offices:
Prescott 434 W. Gurley Prescott, AZ  928.778.2531 ext. 54023
Flagstaff 460 N. Switzer Canyon #400 Flagstaff, AZ 86001  928.774.9125 ext. 53119
Cottonwood 736 N. Main Cottonwood, AZ 86326  928.634.4254 ext. 54119