Veterans Rebuilding Salmon Habitat, Heal! Project about Therapy Dogs, Memorial Day at 3 p.m.

Fishing for employment? Do you love the outdoors? Here’s an opportunity with NOAA to help rebuild salmon habitat and learn environmental restoration skills, see the video at: http://youtu.be/zM4TENrPs08 and the website at: http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/

Read about and scroll through the photos from “Heal!” about providing therapy dogs to veterans at: http://healveterans.com/  Mary Cortani, who is the founder of Operation Freedom Paws, was a 2012 CNN Hero.  Here’s an excerpt: "Nine days ago a Veteran and his wife walked into Station 55 for their interview… His body language was tight, distraught, stressed and a bit desperate. His eyes were focused on the ground and filled with tears. He and his wife were looking for anything that would help reconnect them and their three young children; rebuild their family... Last night at training class, just nine days later, his body is full of joy, his smile is ear to ear, his eyes sparkle and he is reconnecting with his whole family! Miracle drug? NO! New therapy treatment? NO! The answer, the love and loyalty of a ten month old puppy saved from a shelter, raised and provided by Operation Freedom Paws (OFP), a service dog." - Trudi Souza, Volunteer

We Remember: at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, May 27th, there will be a national pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers and their families, in the service of their country. Memorial Day thoughts from the VA, http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/May/Memorial-Day-When-America-Remembers.asp And if you want to teach children about Memorial Day, here’s a site with crafts and activities: http://shine.yahoo.com/7-ways-remember-veterans-memorial-day-weekend-215700329.html

Run for the Wall, VA Peer Support, Brain Research News, VRAP

Photo courtesy of www.rftw.org 

The Run for the Wall is a cross-country motorcycle ride all the way to the Vietnam Memorial Wall, but it is also an opportunity for healing, connection, camaraderie, reunions, and much more.  The Run began as an annual event in 1989 to “ride for those that can’t.”  Check out the progress of this year’s run, which began May 15, and will end in D.C. May 24: http://www.rftw.org/

Veterans are sought to become Peer Support Specialists through the VA, to help other Veterans make the transition to civilian life.  See more at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9368/help-fellow-veterans-become-a-va-peer-specialist/

Links between Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, and Veteran suicides are not surprising.  What may be surprising is that these issues have been around a very long time, and effect not only Veterans, but generations; suggesting that the ‘good war’ is a myth.  See more at: http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/05/17/traumatic-brain-injury-PTSD-impact-on-veterans  Evolving research on the effects of PTSD on regions of the brain connected with fear/anxiety is discussed here: http://scienceblog.com/63207/for-ptsd-combat-vets-fear-circuitry-in-the-brain-never-rests/

VRAP Anniversary and Deadline for Applications: VRAP has 90,000 slots to fill before September 30, 2013, with final payouts by March 2014, unless an extension is granted.  See more details at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9434/celebrating-one-year-of-vrap/

Memorial Day, Guitars for Vets, Discounts for Veterans

A woman places flowers on the gravesite of a soldier killed in action in the Iraq War. (Photo Credit: Mike Theiler/epa/Corbis)

Memorial Day began after the Civil War (originally called Decoration Day) to honor soldiers who had died during the war on both sides; it now encompasses remembering all wartime casualties, according to the RAO Bulletin at: http://vets4vets.zymichost.com/Bulletin%20130515%20PDF%20Edition.pdf   Per RAO, Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring all those who have served, while Memorial Day is reserved for remembering those military members who died during war times.  The tradition of visiting relatives’ graves is still common, as are parades, picnics, and family reunions over the long weekend that marks the unofficial beginning of summer.
If you’re curious about the sacrifices that Arizona’s families have made, here are a few resources: http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/veterans/azwardead.html, http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/Arizona%27s_War_Dead:_WWI,_WWII,_Korea,_Vietnam,_Southwest_Asia and http://apps.washingtonpost.com/national/fallen/maps/states/

The healing power of music is highlighted in Military.com this week with their information on Guitars for Vets, a program that provides music instruction and guitars to veterans.  For more Information, visit the Guitars for Vets website at www.guitars4vets.org and the Les Paul Foundation website at www.lespaulfoundation.org

Memorial Day discounts for Veterans are shown on Military.com at: http://www.military.com/memorial-day/memorial-day-events-and-discounts.html?comp=7000023035144&rank=1

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.  ~Joseph Campbell

Fly Fishing, Bike America, National Veterans Small Business Conference, Expanded Healthcare for Veterans

Photo credit: www.steamboatspringsflyfishing.com 

As we kick off the summer season, here’s a nice article on fly fishing, veterans, and job hunting - no kidding, he brings it all together:  “Looking for work can be a lot like fly-fishing. You don’t catch a fish with every cast, but as your skills and presentation improve, so do your chances of hooking into and eventually landing one. Another similarity is that coaching and mentoring will develop that skill set faster than trial and error.”  Whether you catch any fish or not, a day in nature, relaxing and enjoying the scenery is good medicine for everyone.  See the full article at: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/05/14/how_fishing_helps_veterans_heal_--_and_land_jobs_118340.html

Raising awareness is something the Student Veterans of America (SVA) does very well – see the Bike America project at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bike-America-Student-Veterans-Ride-For-Education/431510006930184?fref=ts and read about the surprise from MTV at: http://www.mtvu.com/shows/nick-cannon-surprises-student-vet-for-todays-random-act/

Veterans interested in starting their own small business may want to check out the National Veterans Small Business Conference in St. Louis in August at: http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/

Veterans may want to start investigating their expanded health care options, so they can make informed choices as the Affordable Care Act becomes available.  According to the RAO Bulletin, “veterans who were honorably discharged after being on active duty for at least two years may qualify for VA health services.”  They report that many veterans may be eligible for multiple types of coverage, and currently 10% of veterans under age 65 are uninsured.  See more at: http://vets4vets.zymichost.com/Bulletin%20130515%20PDF%20Edition.pdf

Overcoming Crisis of Faith, Job Resources, VE Day, Prostate Cancer & Agent Orange, Prescott Vets Helping Vets

The Video of the Day tells the story of a Navy Chaplain whose deployment in Iraq resulted in his own crisis of faith and PTSD recovery.  See his heartfelt and helpful advice to others at: http://youtu.be/2xt2EaRmEOM

Job Resources from Stars & Stripes: http://veteranjobs.stripes.com/ You can search for jobs by type, location, employer, and check out when a Job Fair will be near you.

Stars & Stripes highlights Victory in Europe Day (May 8th) with its ceremony, and its stories – an article full of history and perspective at: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/wwii-veterans-mark-victory-in-europe-day-at-memorial-1.220152

Vietnam Vets: Deadliest form of Prostate Cancer now linked to Agent Orange.  If you or someone you know may have been exposed to Agent Orange, please read the details in this CBS report: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57584205/agent-orange-exposure-linked-to-deadliest-form-of-prostate-cancer-in-vietnam-war-vets/

Reminder: Local Student Veteran, Lance Whitford, plans to walk from the Phoenix VA to the Prescott 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/

Ballad for Veterans, Job Opening Info, 1 Student Veteran

Today’s Video honors veterans and their families, and encourages us to help ourselves and each other, with a beautiful ballad by Scott Steele at: http://youtu.be/1Mfa2xFUOKc

Job Opening Resources: If you’re looking for a federal government job, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/ and http://www.fedshirevets.gov/ to get the latest on job openings, nationwide.  You can create an account to send you updates on the particular type of job you want.  When searched by zip code, there were four pages of jobs with the Forest Service and National Park Service locally.  Careers with the VA are listed here: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/VACAREERS/ and the trend in hiring vets in the railroad industry is discussed here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/railroads-hire-veterans-returning-war-19148611#.UY1nosqiJR0

The VFW and SVA have partnered to help veterans understand their benefits or find out more about backlogged claims at by e-mailing: 1studentveteran@vfw.org  A representative will respond within 24 hours.  Read more at: http://studentveterans.org/index.php/media-news/104-vfw,-sva-launch-new-initiative-to-help-student-veterans.html

War Memorial for Middle East Conflicts, War History Online, Post-deployment Car Accidents, VUB Free Pre-College Summer Modules

The Video of the Day is about an unsung hero: Illinois Valley Cellular, who has provided a space and a memorial for Middle East casualties.  This is a powerful video, not only about the memorial, but about the families and the motorcyclists that gather every year to pay their respects, please share it: http://youtu.be/WEPBQGu74oo or http://politicaldoo-doo.blogspot.com/2013/05/freedom-isnt-free-war-memorial.html

War History Online highlights the story of Charles Brown and Franz Stigler, pilots whose fate was woven together through an act of grace between ‘enemies.’  See more of their encounter in 1943, and later in life, when they became like brothers, before they both passed away: http://www.warhistoryonline.com/featured-article/amazing-interviewed-bf-109-pilot-franz-stigler-and-b-17-pilot-charlie-browns.html

Post-deployment car accidents claim the lives of too many veterans, learn why, and how to protect yourself, at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/motor-vehicle

Not sure if you’re ready to pursue a college certificate or degree?  If you’re a veteran in Northern Arizona, check out the Veterans Upward Bound program and our summer free pre-college modules and services that will get you fit for duty, as a student veteran!  See us at www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7686.

Tribal Elder & WWII Veteran Honored, Student Veteran Graduate, Prescott Family Expo, Financial Strains for Veterans

The goal of the American Warrior non-profit organization is to help WWII veterans get a chance to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington D. C.  Earl Roy Colebut is one of those 100 veterans recently honored for his service at the Connecticut Day of Honor, after his tour of the memorial.  Mr. Colebut is a Mashantucket Pequot tribal elder, see his story and video at: http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/05/05/mashantucket-pequot-tribal-elder-and-world-war-ii-veteran-honored-149207  and http://youtu.be/3M_pB_z0kaM

Here’s an inspirational student veteran story from Stars & Stripes: Jeff Patrick has done 22 years of military service, including four tours in Iraq, survived cancer, and is a father of six children – and is graduating this month with his degree in nursing.  He will be an emergency room nurse in his new mission – read more at: http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/after-four-tours-to-iraq-retired-navy-corpsman-to-become-er-nurse-1.219602

Yavapai Regional Medical Center is partnering with Prescott Gateway Mall to present the second annual Celebrate Life Family Expo on Saturday May 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is intended to educate residents about organizations that provide health and wellness resources. Families with children, older adults, and veterans will enjoy activities, exhibits, demonstrations, health screenings and tips for creating a healthy lifestyle. For more info, contact YRMC Community Outreach at (928) 771-5738.  (Thanks to Debbie Stewart for this information!)

Coping with post-service unemployment and financial strains are discussed in this NBC article: http://inplainsight.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/04/17987594-financial-strain-pushes-many-veterans-to-the-breaking-point?lite  Financial Education is available, for free, through many online sites (like http://www.feedthepig.org/), community agencies (like Goodwill and Catholic Charities) and through Veterans Upward Bound – you can improve your financial outlook; if you need help, please ask.

Military Appreciation Month, Women Veterans Hotline, Homeless Veterans Group, ACE, VRAP

May is Military Appreciation Month: See more about appreciation efforts, or check out your home town's plans at: http://www.military.com/military-report/may-is-military-appreciation-month?ESRC=miltrep.nl or http://www.nmam.org/  Thank you to all our veterans for their service!

Women Veterans Hotline: VA Launches Hotline to Answer Questions on VA Health Care and Benefits for Women Veterans: 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)

Homeless Veterans Treatment Group in Prescott – will meet every Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the VAMC Building 78, Room 203 at 500 Hwy 89.  Any homeless veteran is welcome to drop-in.  Topics will adapt according to group needs each meeting, and may include substance abuse, depression, skills to enhance work options, etc.  Contact Ruth at 928-445-4860 x5286 with questions.

ACE: Do you have military experience that might count for college credit?  ACE can help colleges and universities attract adult learners, translate their prior learning experiences into college credit, and move them towards degree completion.  More than 2,300 colleges and universities rely on ACE credit recommendations presented in military transcripts.  See: http://www.acenet.edu/news-roo%20m/Pages/Military-Guide-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx

VRAP, the retraining program intended to help unemployed veterans has over 60,000 slots left to fill by October 1, according to the RAO Bulletin & Huffington Post.  Part of the difficulty may be with the structure of the program, which won’t allow for any remedial courses to be paid for through the program – consequently, many veterans become discouraged and fail.  A recent proposal to extend the program’s payout period through March 2014 by three months may also allow more students to finish a program or semester they have already started.  See the RAO Bulletin at: http://vets4vets.zymichost.com/Bulletin%20130501%20PDF%20Edition.pdf  Free Summer VUB pre-college modules may help VRAP students feel more prepared for Fall classes - contact us at 928-717-7686 or see: www.yc.edu/vub