Veterans Farm, Veterans Well-Being Survey, Vietnam Veterans Wall Photos, Military Credentials

Veterans Farm has produced a short video about how working the land helps veterans heal and find new futures for themselves.  See the Ground Operations website at: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ground-operations-battlefields-to-farmfields?c=activity&utm_campaign=f3fac1e0ad-Meet_a_Farmer_Veteran_4_27_2013&utm_medium=email

Here’s an interesting study done by the Gallup organization, about how veterans rate their personal well-being – and there are some surprising difference between genders and age groups.  Survey data showed that female veterans rated their well-being higher than male veterans and equal to female non-veterans; male veterans viewed their lives in a significantly less positive light than all females and male non-veterans.  Check out the details at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/162035/women-veterans-rate-lives-better-men.aspx

Photos of Vietnam Veterans whose names are on the Vietnam Memorial Wall are sought – if you have a photo, please see this webpage for instructions on how to submit it: http://www.vvmf.org/how-to-submit

Military Skills Credential News: A faster and more efficient program to provide transferable credentials for veterans wanting to transition to high tech jobs is discussed in the Washington Post at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/04/29/first-lady-michelle-obama-to-unveil-vets-program/

Tragedy to Triumph, Vets Support Boston, Volunteer Health Benefits, Tricare Tobacco Cessation, Patriotic Christmas Parade

Turning a personal disaster into an expanding circle of support for others is one way to heal.  See the story of this 17 year old who did just that at: http://youtu.be/Q5SyN3cwNGk

The injuries in the Boston Marathon tragedy are eerily familiar to many OEF/OIF/OND veterans that are recovering from IED blasts…and a resounding voice of encouragement has come from those amputees to the survivors in Boston.  See the inspirational stories at: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-04-22/amputee-veterans-bring-message-of-hope-to-victims-in-boston

The health benefits of giving your time as a volunteer are explored at: http://greatist.com/happiness/health-benefits-volunteering 

According to Military.com, Tricare is making it easier to quit smoking to improve your health and reduce healthcare costs.  “TRICARE has increased tobacco cessation aid for beneficiaries. Tobacco cessation medications and prescription medications now are available to TRICARE patients through military treatment facilities, pharmacies, and TRICARE's mail-order pharmacy program.”  See the full article at: http://www.military.com/military-report/tricare-targets-tobacco?ESRC=miltrep.nl

The Cottonwood 2013 Christmas Parade has a patriotic theme, and Veterans are sought to help plan and/or march in the parade, along with other military representatives.  If you are interested please call John at 928-649-9939 or Coleen at 928-649-8777.

Prescott Vets Helping Vets, National Military Fatherhood Awards, Age of Champions, Student Veteran Employment

Local Student Veteran, Lance Whitford, plans to walk from the Prescott VA to the Phoenix VA May 24-26th to raise awareness of the need for support of the unemployed Veterans housed at US Vets and the VA Domiciliary.  Lance created and funded Prescott Vets Helping Vets, and is registered as a non-profit organization with the State of Arizona.  He hopes to partner with local businesses to provide job placements for subsidized Veteran workers.  If you are interested in walking with him or supporting his mission, see: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prescott-vets-helping-vetsorg/439903579374937 or
http://prescott-vets-helping-vets.org/  Congratulations, Lance!

Learn more about the National Military Fatherhood Award finalists and then go to the NFI Facebook page to vote (daily) for your favorite by May 12.  See the article at: http://www.timesunion.com/business/press-releases/article/Voting-for-National-Fatherhood-Initiative-s-4434368.php

Need some inspiration as you age?  A free screening of the film Age of Champions, about five senior Olympians, will be offered April 18-28 at: http://ageofchampions.org/premiere/

Student Veterans Employment Opportunity – the SVA highlights employers that want you either as a student intern or for career/job opportunities!  See the highlight for Accenture at: http://accenture.avature.net/studentveterans

Healthcare Teamwork, Motorcycle Ride, Prescott Vet Center, Boston's Veteran Responders

Here’s an interesting Ted Talk about healthcare of the future, which is available now, and how we need to be involved in our healthcare as self-advocates: http://www.ted.com/talks/eric_dishman_health_care_should_be_a_team_sport.html

Another heartwarming story from Pets for Patriots about a Bronze Star recipient and his shelter rescue pets: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/long-after-wwii-and-korea-bronze-star-veteran-still-saving-lives/

Motorcycle Riders: Cruizin’ for Critters annual motorcycle run to benefit the Adopt for Life Center for Animals is scheduled for May 4th.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. at 910 Main St. in Clarkdale, AZ – ride begins at 10 a.m. and circles through Northern Arizona, returning to the 10/12 Lounge for live entertainment, lunch, poker run and raffles.

Combat Veterans:  The Prescott Vet Center at 3180 Stillwater Dr. #A is your place to: borrow a book or video, read/watch TV, or relax with fellow veterans in a non-stressful environment with free wireless Internet service.  Counselors are also available for appointments.  Open M, Th, & F from 8-4:30 and T & W from 8-8 – call for more info at: 928-778-3469 or see www.vetcenter.va.gov

Vets to the Rescue: The Boston Marathon bombing shows the skills and the heart Veterans bring to traumatic situations, see the article at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9173/veterans-military-families-among-first-responders-in-boston/

Veterans Expo in Prescott, Discounts for Veterans, Medal of Honor, Words of War Contest, Trauma and Stress Tips

Great outdoor event: Veterans Recreational Expo in Prescott is planned for April 27th at Watson Lake Park, see the video at http://youtu.be/s7QU7t8ixcg  The Veterans Action Leadership Project is sponsoring this day of hiking, kayaking, and rappelling for Veterans, active duty reservists and families, for more information contact Bobby Fields at 928-273-0353 or www.vetsalp.org

Local Discounts for Veterans: In the Verde Valley, did you know that the Adopt for Life Center for Animals is offering a special $10 discount to Veterans for each adult pet they adopt until the end of May 2013?  And the local Paw Boutique that benefits the animal shelter offers a 30% Veterans discount on Saturdays – two ways that Veterans can help out the local homeless animals.  See more about this Cottonwood animal shelter at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adopt-For-Life-Center-For-Animals/232514220161067 or check out your local animal shelter to find out if there are discounts for Veterans – and save a life!

The latest Medal of Honor recipients include Army Chaplain Emil Kapaun, whose remarkable story is worth reading at: http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/kapaun

Veterans: If you have stories of your Iraq & Afghanistan combat experience that you’d like to share, the Words of War Project is accepting poetry and essays for inclusion in a fund raising event for the Headstrong Project by April 23rd.  The entries will be judged and the winner will get an all-expense paid trip to New York City for the event on May 8th.  According to the SVA, “The event will benefit Headstrong Project, Team Rubicon, Team RWB, and Student Veterans of America.  Selected submissions will be edited and published in an e-book.” See these webpages for more information: http://www.getheadstrong.org/ and http:bit.ly/10fPnJf

If you have experienced a trauma, the CDC has these tips for recognizing and dealing with the resulting stress at: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CopingWithStress/

Team Rubicon, Free Resiliency Training Online, SVA Fights for In-State Tuition, Extended VA Healthcare, Americorps Summer Jobs

The Video of the Day is about the inspirational group of Veterans who serve in Team Rubicon, a non-profit team who helps after disasters strike.  Because when it comes to chaos and recovery, this team knows the ropes.  See the story at: http://youtu.be/JvYLUjf2v6M

Very interesting opportunity for military families and veterans – online training for resiliency and what to expect post-deployment is available at: http://www.familyofheroes.com/arizona/

Student Veterans of America news: SVA's executive director, Michael Dakduk, testified on numerous pieces of proposed legislation before Congress on April 10.  “SVA is proud support H.R. 357, a bipartisan bill that would require schools eligible for GI Bill education benefits to give veterans in-state tuition rates regardless of residency status.  Dakduk also testified on H.R. 562, H.R. 631, H.R. 844, H.R. 1305, H.R. 1316, and H.R. 1402.”

The VA discusses extension of health benefits for those that served in combat with OEF/OIF/OND operations at: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/returning_servicemembers.asp

Outdoor Job Opportunity: If you are 18-25, in good health and enjoy the outdoors, Americorps and the Coconino Rural Environment Corps are seeking seasonal workers to help survey and clear invasive species of weeds in the Verde River Greenway.  This job lasts from April to August in Cottonwood, and will involve physical labor, teamwork, camping, and use of computer mapping and GPS devices.  If you are interested, contact Megan Gray at mgray@coconino.az.gov

Solution Focus, National Public Health Week, Antidepressant News, Brain Research

The Video of the Day is about Focusing on Solutions, instead of on the problems in your life: http://youtu.be/rb59hZ02MQc

The first week in April is considered National Public Health Week, and here are some tips from the VA about how to maximize your wellness: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/national-public-health-week.asp

For an enlightening video about antidepressant medications, see this video from the Dr. Oz show, featuring Dr. Drew Pinski and Dr. Daniel Amen at: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/truth-about-anti-depressants#cmpid=em040313

A new focus on brain injury research may have positive treatment protocols for TBI and PTSD – see the article at: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/brain-research-could-lead-to-breakthroughs-for-troops-with-tbi-ptsd-1.214649

US Vets Permanent Housing, Free Tax Prep, Weatherization, Career Planning Workshops, College Cost Info, Loneliness

Many Thanks to Debbie Stewart and her Non-Profit Management Newsletter (http://www.nonprofitnet.com/Newsletter/present%20newsletter/) for the following tidbits:

U.S.VETS-Prescott provides housing and supportive services to homeless and at-risk veterans. They are proud to announce an expansion to their permanent housing program, which includes eight 1-bedroom apartments for single veterans and three 2-bedroom apartments for veteran families. They are now accepting applications for these units. Rent based on 30% of household income. If interested, call Joe Gatens at (928) 445-4860 ext 5906.

FREE TAX PREPARATION is available for low income households through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Locations in Yavapai County include: Prescott - Catholic Charities, 434 W. Gurley., Saturdays 9-4, Wednesdays 5-8 pm.; Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon, Bldg 3, Room 204, Fridays 10:30-3:30.. In Prescott Valley: Catholic Charities, 3044 Tani Rd. on Saturdays 9-4 and Thursdays 5-8 pm. In Cottonwood:  Catholic Charities, 736 N. Main St., Saturdays 9-4, Tuesdays 5-8 pm. You will need to bring Social Security card, photo ID, W2s and 1099 forms, ID for all family members, childcare receipts, #s of childcare provider,  checking account information for direct deposit, and copy of 2011 tax return. For more info: Call 211 or 1-877-211-8661 or go to www.211arizona.org.

NO COST WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM - NACOG (Northern Arizona Council of Governments) is working to provide cost effective, energy saving weatherization services. This service is available at no cost to low and moderate income families in Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai Counties to help reduce utility bills and carbon footprint. Rentals and multi-family units are also included. Application is available at www.nacog.org or call NACOG Weatherization Assistance at (928)774-3759 in Flagstaff.

Catholic Charities is also offering a Career Planning workshop at two locations:
Prescott on Tuesday, April 16th from noon-4:00 at 434 W. Gurley St.  Call Milissa to register by Friday, April 12th at 708-7223.
Cottonwood on Saturday, April 20th from 8:45am-1:00 pm at Methodist Church Verde Hall
901 S 12th St. Cottonwood.  Call Steven to reserve your spot at 634-4254 by Thursday, April 18th.

Confused about college costs and student loans?  The Department of Education has a new tool to help you compare and decide at: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-launches-new-loan-counseling-tools-help-borrowers-manage-th

Loneliness can make you sick: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21517864 There are many ways to combat isolation: joining a club, start walking or do an outdoor activity with others, volunteering - choose one that you enjoy.

Pets & PTSD, Rural VA Healthcare, Veterans Recovery Programs, Facebook Guidelines

Pets & PTSD are in the news a lot; here’s an ABC News video at: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=9042513&pid=9042483 The VA is currently studying whether there is ‘science’ to back up the assertion that pets can help veterans recover or deal with their PTSD symptoms; if so, they may reimburse for costs of pet adoption, training, and veterinary care.  See the full story at: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id=9042483

Rural Veterans are an increasing percentage of those wanting to use VA Health Care, and telemedicine will help with specialty care at Community Based Outpatient Clinics and rural health providers.  Sign up for the free newsletter on Rural Healthcare and see the current issue of the newsletter at: http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/news/

Stripes reports on a growing segment of athletic-based recovery programs for Veterans suffering from substance abuse, PTSD, and other health conditions – see the full article at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/program-helps-veterans-climb-above-substance-abuse-1.214484

The largest growing sector of Facebook users is the Baby Boomers – sometimes to connect with old friends, but often so they can catch up with the younger generation, literally.  Here are some guidelines for how not to be unfriended by your younger family members: http://www.housingforseniors.com/Articles/-Friending--Your-Grandkids--Navigating-the-Social-Media-Minefield-337.html  Remember that social media is viewed by potential employers too, so avoid posting or tagging anything that might embarrass yourself, friends or family in the employment arena.  If you're perplexed about these unspoken rules, check out: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/09/living/real-simple-social-media-job