VUB, Educational Benefits, Your Brain on Stress, Sailor & Cat, Sequestration Effects

Military.com featured an article about the Veterans Upward Bound program at: http://www.military.com/education/timesaving-programs/veterans-upward-bound-vub.html?ESRC=education.nl This is a great summary of our services and a chance for us to remind you that another 8-week session begins March 18th, so contact us if you are a Northern Arizona veteran wanting to jump start your academic career.

Military.com also reminds veterans who are no longer eligible for their GI Bill education benefits that there are other avenues of educational support at: http://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/educational-resources-possible-hidden-gold.html?ESRC=education.nl

A recent study shows that stress actually reduces the ‘grey matter’ in your brain, in the area related to self-control.  The more stress you have, the harder it is for you to handle future stressors – but this vicious cycle can be reversed by changing habits.  This finding has implications, and offers hope, for veterans with PTSD, see the article at: http://www.talentsmart.com/articles/Stress-Literally-Shrinks-Your-Brain:-Five-Strategies-for-Reversing-This-Effect-454035964-p-1.html

Here’s a story about a sailor & a shelter cat who found mutual support at: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/navy-sailor-and-shelter-cat-set-sail-for-a-better-life/

If you want to know more about the impending sequestration, Stripes.com has an informative summary of potential effects on veterans at: http://www.stripes.com/va-protected-from-sequester-cuts-but-veterans-will-feel-the-pain-1.209686

Heroes

1968 Dustoff Crew at www.dustoff.net/ankhe-crew-848.htm 

There are many pictures and stories of heroism throughout recorded history – in the worst of times, the human capacity for greatness amazes us all.  This newscast discusses one example of the Dustoff crews in Afghanistan; they are on par with the best of history’s heroes: http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/dustoff-crews-featured-in-documentary  To find out more about when the full documentary will be available, check out Documentarian Patrick Fries’ webpage at: http://www.arrowheadfilms.com/

Funny Pet Tricks, Healthmakers, Veterans Educate Faculty, Muscular Dystrophy

Can’t resist a little Friday humor… So, two dogs go into a restaurant, and…well, let me show you what happened next at: http://youtu.be/EVwlMVYqMu4

If you are interested in personal wellness or what might improve the health care system, here is a webpage with many opinions from a variety of health practitioners, all in short video format: http://www.sharecare.com/static/healthmakers  Like vitamins, best taken in small doses.

Turnabout: Student veterans get a chance to educate the faculty, see the article at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/8835/programs-bridge-the-gap-between-student-vets-and-faculty/ If you are also a student veteran, it is important that your voice be heard on your campus.  You can join a student veterans club, or honors program, any team, or just speak to your instructors one-to-one during office hours or after class.  They need to hear real stories, not just newsbytes and questionable statistics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a website full of information and resources, and here’s an interesting highlight about Muscular Dystrophy and one patient’s experience at: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MuscularDystrophy/  Check out this site if you have questions about environmental hazards, emergency preparedness, healthy living, or current disease statistics.

DAV Welcome to Prescott Dinners, For-Profit School Investigation, Pension Poaching

Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 16, in Prescott will be hosting “Welcome to Prescott” dinners for combat veterans from OEF/OIF/OND to thank you and your family for your service, acquaint you with services available in the area, and welcome you to town.  This month’s dinner will be February 24 from 15:30-18:00 at Sally B’s Restaurant: 7680 E. State Rte.69, in Prescott Valley.  Next month’s dinner will be March 24.  Reservations must be made with Markham Breen at 928-445-4860 ext. 6308 because space is limited.  Please let Markham know your name/ph# and how many adults and children would like to attend.  If your organization would like to sponsor a Welcome dinner for the veterans, or your veteran-serving organization would like to attend, please contact Renee at 928-458-6302.  The DAV is located at 730 N. 5th St. in Prescott, ph: 928-445-7744, e-mail: dav16pct@qwestoffice.net  To learn more about the services of the DAV, see their website at: www.dav.org

MN Attorney General is investigating for-profit colleges' veteran and active-duty recruitment tactics and the impact on the GI Bill and federal loan burden, due to the large percentage of GI Bill funds in MN going to smaller for-profit schools.  Some of these schools are not regionally accredited, so credits will not transfer.  Be careful and check out your options before signing any loan documents or wasting your time and benefits.  See the full article at: http://www.startribune.com/local/191619261.html?refer=y

Fraud Alert: The Federal Trade Commission warns Veterans over 65 that there are scams afoot to poach your pension.  At particular risk are Veterans who are in assisted living situations; scams often involve pressure to restructure assets, purchase annuities, and seek Supplemental Retirement called Aid and Attendance in exchange for fees.  Obtaining benefit request forms and applying are both free; do not pay fees for this service.  See the full article at: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0349-poaching-veterans-pensions or see the Video about how to file a complaint at: http://bcove.me/6l6xcksp

Left Behind, Free Tax Software, Vet Jobs Blog, Senior Resource Expo in Prescott

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: What did you leave behind? Or, what did you bring home with you? It could be a physical item, a lesson learned, friendships, faith?  If you are willing to share your personal stories, see the article at: http://kosu.org/2013/02/iraq-and-afghanistan-veterans-what-did-you-leave

Free TurboTax for military members, according to Military.com: “TurboTax's Military Edition was custom built for military, and now junior enlisted personnel (E5 and below) can file state and federal returns for FREE! Get your biggest refund, guaranteed.”

Some states are looking into easing certification and licensure for certain veterans with expertise, such as medics seeking to work in the medical field.  Illinois’ proposal is explained here: http://jobsforveterans.military.com/1474/illinois-veteran-job-certification/ and more information about veteran job opportunities can be obtained at the Veteran Jobs blog: http://jobsforveterans.military.com/ Posts here include tips on emerging fields and job search tips.

The Senior Resource Expo is coming to Prescott Valley on Friday, March 15 at Liberty School.  There will be guest speakers, and lots of service/vendor tables for you to browse.  Whether you are a senior yourself, or are working with a family member who is, this information may help you. See the flyer at: http://www.seniorconnection.us/Expo_Brochure-2013-03-15.pdf

Wise Choices, Transfer Day, Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Event in Cottonwood, Security Sites & Careers

Today’s Video is the latest in our Veterans Upward Bound YouTube playlists, about how to make wise choices on important decisions, at: http://youtu.be/8DdO2yXZ76Y

University Transfer Day at Yavapai College Verde Valley campus is Wednesday 2/20/13 from 10am-2pm in the Student Lounge in Building F –and- at Prescott campus on Thursday 2/21 from 10-2 in Building 19 Community Room.  In addition to Yavapai College program information, the following university representatives plan to attend: AZTransfer.com, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Grand Canyon University, Midwestern University, NAU- Yavapai, NAU- Prescott, New Mexico State University, Old Dominion University, Prescott College, and University of New Mexico.

The Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home celebration will be in Cottonwood this year on March 30.  If you are interested in being involved in the motorcycle procession, attending, or coming to the event, see their Facebook site at: https://www.facebook.com/Welcome.Home.Vietnam.Vets Please also view the moving tribute Video from 2012 Sedona Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=3730280273970

If you are interested in national security issues or homeland security as a career option, here’s a list of  national security sites on the web, provided to us by James Lincoln.  It covers personal and professional sites related to counter-terrorism, general national security, defense and many other related sites. You can view it here http://www.masterofhomelandsecurity.org/national-security.html

If you have a career interest in homeland/global security, you may also want to check out program offerings from Embry Riddle (http://prescott.erau.edu/degrees/undergraduate/global-security-intelligence-studies/index.html) and Yavapai College (http://www.yc.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/criminal-justice-and-security-certificate/113)  At Veterans Upward Bound, we can help you sort through your career interests and find educational programs that work for you, check us out at www.yc.edu/vub - we have new free college-prep classes beginning in March!

Veterans Job Expo, Tillman Run, Dogs & PTSD

Recruitmilitary.com is preparing for their Veterans Job and Career Expo in Glendale on March 28 from 11-3:00 at the University of Phoenix Stadium.  They’d like to know more about what types of job/career opportunities you want to see at the event, so take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YLC5DVS You can sign up for a free account, post your resume, and surf through veteran-friendly job openings nationwide at their site: www.recruitmilitary.com

We’ve talked about Arizona hero, Pat Tillman here before, but as a refresher: Pat Tillman, ASU graduate and Arizona Cardinals NFL player, left his promising football career to serve as an Army Ranger in the post-911 era.  He was killed in action in 2004, and the Pat Tillman Foundation was created to continue his mission of leadership and service.  The memorial fundraising run is coming up on April 20, see the registration details at: http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/pats-run/race-info/  Participants can walk/run the 4.2 miles (kids have a 0.42 mile fun run), symbolic of Pat’s #42 Sun Devil jersey.  Register early to run as an individual, or create or join a team!

Dog (and cat) owners already know the many benefits of having a pet, but here’s a good article that enumerates the positive outcomes of dog ownership for those with PTSD, at: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/dogs_and_ptsd.asp Keep in mind, that if you are not sure that you are ready for the responsibility of owning your own pet, try volunteering at your local animal shelter to help walk dogs, or socialize cats – providing a valuable service and healthy exercise for both.

On a more humorous note, here’s a fun video about an amazing Arizona dog!  Jesse the Jack Russell Terrier keeps house at: http://youtu.be/LgBKhj48VDY

Pets for Patriots, Mission Redefined, Valor Games, Veteran Entrepreneur, Bowl for Kids

Pets for Patriots highlights a departed hero of WWII in their Video of the Week at: http://youtu.be/lMaMc7D6Nng  Check out their website at: www.petsforpatriots.org and ask at your local shelter or pet rescue organization if they offer any ‘specials’ for veterans.

VA Adaptive Sports program and Mission Redefined: these initiatives seek to help veterans heal from the impacts of their service, whether it is a physical injury, or something less visible, like PTSD.
• The VA is currently referring veterans with PTSD to Mission Redefined, a sports and wellness training program April 14-19 in Ohio.  Expenses for travel/food/training are provided for those veterans referred by their VA, see more information at: http://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/  Hurry, spaces are limited and the deadline has been extended until Feb 18.
• The Valor Games for physically disabled veterans is expanding to more cities in 2013!  See more about opportunities for veterans and volunteers at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/8721/valor-games-coming

PTSD therapy turns into small business for USAF veteran, Jahrod Matlock, who handcrafts unique pens and donates 10% of his profits to the Wounded Warriors Project.  See the print article at: http://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-military-man-turns or the video at: http://www.krtv.com/videoplayer/?video_id=20337 and Matlock's Pentories Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Pentories

Even if you are a terrible bowler, Big Brothers/Big Sisters wants you for their March Bowl-for-Kids fundraising events.  In Yavapai county, bowling locations are in Quad-cities and Verde Valley and team captains are sought now, to gather teams of six for the event.  Call Don for Verde Valley at 928-634-9789 or Teresa for Quad-cities at 928-778-5135.  See their website at: http://www.azbigs.org/

Stress & Change, State of the Union Feedback, 4 Vets Receive Presidential Citizens Medal

I’m always looking for better ways to handle stress!  Kelly McGonigal has some excellent videos on the web (like the one in the last post), and here is one about The Science of Change which is our Video of the Week at: http://youtu.be/bTLkpX2SorA
Here’s a print article in which she talks about her academic work on stress: http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2012/06/27/stanford-health-psychologist-kelly-mcgonigal If her name and voice sound familiar, her twin sister, Jane McGonigal, has been featured on a popular TED talk about using a video gaming approach to life at: http://on.ted.com/McGonigal Both sisters have their PhDs - wow.

Tuesday, February 12th, President Obama will deliver his 2013 State of the Union address, and you can view a live stream enhanced version on http://www.whitehouse.gov/ Before, during and after the speech, you can submit your questions on Twitter using the hashtags #WHChat and #SOTU. Share your ideas and concerns about veterans issues.

February 15th, the President will announce four veterans that will receive the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal, the 2nd highest civilian honor, according to Stripes.com.  Those veterans include Adam Burke, founder of Veterans Farm; Michael Dorman, founder of Military Missions in Action; Terry Shima, executive director of the Japanese American Veterans Association; and Billy Mills, co-founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth.  See the full article at: http://www.stripes.com/four-veterans-among-presidential-citizens-medal

Rewire your Brain, Dustoff Association, Outward Bound, Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Volunteers Needed

Video of the Week is on how to Rewire your Brain to improve your willpower, at: http://youtu.be/0V3va9RgUhA

Call for military supporters: The Dustoff Association is seeking your help in getting their documentary shown on TV.  The documentary is about medevac crews and their contribution to saving lives (risking their own) by getting wounded warriors to medical facilities.  You can ‘like’ their Facebook page and contribute a comment at: https://www.facebook.com/TheDustoffAssociation?ref=nf

Outward Bound is nationally recognized as a program that changes lives through challenge and nature, and they offer a special program for veterans, which includes travel costs.  Read more about this free offer: http://www.outwardbound.org/veteran-adventures/outward-bound-for-veterans-home/

The traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall is coming to Cottonwood from March 28-31.  Volunteers are needed to help greet visitors, locate names on the wall, accept donations for luminaries/neatly write names on them, or help clean up – if you can offer 3-4 hours to help make this event a success, please contact Jim McMeekin at jlmc@commspeed.net and let him know your day/time availability.

Visual Vacation, Veterans Credit Management Basic Training

Today’s Video is about cutting edge panoramic photography, and whether you are photo buff, or love nature, or long for the feeling of flying in a beautiful place, see the introduction by the photographer at: http://youtu.be/B3MaCFj7Cy4 and then...Wow - Take a visual vacation through the unique 360 Degree photos (all in beautiful Utah) at this site: http://www.utah3d.net/

Basic Financial Training for Veterans, a good primer for anyone who wants to build or repair credit:
• Check out the six steps to becoming debt-free at: http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/credit-debt-management and
• The Dos and Don’ts of paying bill collectors at: http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/credit-debt-management and
• How to make 2013 your lucky year at: http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/credit-debt-management/13

Music as Therapy, Active Duty Students, Ticket to Work, Pinkerton Wants Vets

Today’s video is about using music to heal the brain, from the PBS News Hour, at: http://youtu.be/Ketz-mJ-x-Q

A new twist on test anxiety: Here’s an article about the challenges of being an active duty military student, taking college classes in the combat zone puts a whole new perspective on it: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/education/edlife/the-complicated

People receiving Social Security Disability Income may be eligible for the Ticket to Work program, that helps people ease back into the working world.  Here’s more information about recent podcasts and tutorials to help understand that career development program: http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2013/02/04/ticket-to-work

Veteran Talent Wanted is what Pinkerton wants you to know – jobs utilizing military skills are available in this worldwide security firm, see more info at: http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employer/pinkerton/