Navy Reunion, Tribute Rides in AZ, Jobs for Seniors, Government Watch Site, Homes For Our Troops Map

Today’s video: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Navy-Siblings-Reunite-After-30-Years-Apart/225587132
A great reunion story, Navy style: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Navy-Siblings-Cindy-Murray-Robert-Williamson-Reunited-After-30-Years-Apart-225604592.html#ixzz2gNuY6vRR

If you are interested in Tribute Rides and Veterans Charity Events, check out this page: http://www.aztributerides.com/

If you’ve retired and are considering going back to work part- or full-time, here’s an article about great jobs for seniors: http://www.housingforseniors.com/Articles/Five-Great-Jobs-for-Retirees-293.html

Wondering what your representatives are doing on a national or state level?  Here is an interesting webpage that consolidates public information in a user-friendly manner on bills pending, voting records, members and committees at: https://www.govtrack.us/ Fair warning: Just like with the TV or Internet news programs, there is no guaranty that the private organization that compiles this research, which is funded by advertising dollars, is bias-free or not connected to any lobbies related to initiatives.  This is just one more source of information that allows you to track certain bills/votes without having to watch quite so many commercials.

There are two Homes For Our Troops adaptive homes being planned in Yavapai County, check out this interactive map at: https://www.hfotusa.org/map to see progress around the country on homes for wounded warriors.

Normandy Tribute, Affordable Care and Veterans, The 1% Team, Out-of-this-World Presentation, VUB Science Module

A poignant reminder of the loss of life at Normandy in 1944 was stenciled on the beach on International Day of Peace, at Arromanches, France.  See more at: http://now.msn.com/bodies-drawn-on-normandy-beach-to-commemorate-d-day-deaths-on-international-peace-day

Details about what Veterans need to know about the VA and the Affordable Care Act prior to the October 1 launching are at: http://www.va.gov/health/aca/

Heart Warming Solutions: You’ve heard that expression (maybe even cringed at it): “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Well, this family turned a cancelled wedding into an unforgettable meal for 200 homeless folks, see more at: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/family-hosts-200-homeless  What a great way to turn sadness into service.

This article does a good job of putting a face on Farmer Veterans. Since Farmers and current military each make up only 1% of our population perhaps this is a case of career matchmaking?  See more at: http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/articles/veteran-farmers/

If you are a science (or science fiction) buff, here is a great presentation by Professor Sara Seager of MIT about the search for habitable planets at:

If that gets you interested in learning more about the sciences, Veterans Upward Bound offers eligible Northern Arizona Veterans a free pre-college module that combines aspects of biology, chemistry, physics and math.  Check out our program at www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7686 for more information.

University Transfer Day, Small Businesses Hire, Adaptive Sports, Stand Downs, Pets for Patriots

Jump start your dreams!  Wondering what your next educational steps might be? It’s never too early to begin your planning.  University Transfer Day is coming to Yavapai College, where over a dozen representatives from schools in Arizona (and beyond) will show you what they have to offer: October 2 on Verde Valley Campus (601 Black Hills Drive, Clarkdale) or October 3 on Prescott Campus (1100 E. Sheldon.)  More support for transfer students is available on Yavapai College’s Transfer Resources webpage at: www.yc.edu/transfer

Hiring Veterans Is Not Charity – an excellent title to this Huffington Post article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-justice/hiring-veterans-is-not-a-_b_3955182.html  According to the article, 64% of new jobs are created by the 23 million small businesses. Entrepreneurs appreciate Veterans’ problem solving and project management experience; so maybe your next applications should target smaller organizations?

Adaptive sports are popular not only to injured Veterans, but to our aging population that needs new ways of staying active.  Everyone needs exercise to stay at their peak physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Here’s a comprehensive article about some extreme adaptive sports in Lower Extremity Review at: http://lowerextremityreview.com/cover_story/taking-an-adaptive-path-to-active

Stand Downs for Homeless Veterans include public health screenings, resources, and much more.  See the article at: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/September/Stand-Downs-VA-and-Partners-Helping-Homeless-Vets.asp Stand Downs were created by Vietnam Veterans in 1988 and efforts have grown every year – the VA participates, but it is volunteers and local organizations that make these events so effective.  This past year, almost 50,000 attended.

Dog Tags: Here’s another heart-warming story from Pets for Patriots about the four-legged antidote to multiple deployments for one Veteran: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/after-ied-blast-and-ptsd-combat-veterans-best-medicine-is-adopted-dog/

Learn Winemaking, SCORE Events, Business Assistance Center, SBA Veterans Initiatives, DREAM Job Fair, Google Scholarship

viticulture from Cronkite News on Vimeo.

This is a great program for Veterans who seek an outdoor job helping to grow grapes or make wine, or want to open a small winery themselves - an industry that is growing in the Verde Valley (pardon the pun!)   This clip from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU looks at Yavapai College's "grape to glass" Viticulture and Enology program on the Verde Valley campus: http://vimeo.com/74413279#at=0

Free events for small business owners are listed at: http://northernarizona.score.org/ Services of SCORE include workshops and mentoring for business owners.

In the Verde Valley, the local Business Assistance Center can also help with services to small businesses – see them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/vvbac  Check your community for a BAC or Small Business Development Center near you.

One of the best repositories of advice and funding information for Veteran small business owners is the Small Business Administration at: http://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned where you can sign up for e-mail newsletters, or like them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SBAgov  Here’s more about an initiative to increase access to small business loans: http://www.naggl.org/Content/NavigationMenu/InTheNews/OperationVetAccess/Operation_Vet_Acces.htm

October is Disability & Rehabilitation Employment Awareness Month (D.R.E.A.M.): Employers and individuals seeking jobs are invited to a D.R.E.A.M. Job Fair on October 9, from 9:00-1:00 at Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus (601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale.)  For more information, contact Melissa Kramer at 928-634-1397 or dreamjobfair@gmail.com

From SVA: “Google has partnered with us to provide the 2014 Google SVA Scholarship! If you're a student veteran pursuing a degree in Computer Science or related fields, you could be eligible for $10,000 to fund your education. You'll also be invited to Google's 2014 Summer Annual Scholar's Retreat, as well as automatically considered for summer internship opportunities with this innovative and exciting company.” Check out this link for the application details: http://studentveterans.org/component/content/article/15-scholarships/49-2013-google-sva-scholarship.html

Free Local Events: Senior Expo, Thunder Valley Rally, Recovery Celebration, Fall Festival, Verde River Days

Sunflowers at Slide Rock State Park, courtesy of Friends of Slide Rock State Park Facebook

It’s such a busy weekend for free events in the area, that we’ll just give you a quick recap:

Today 9/20 is the Free Senior Expo in Prescott at Yavapai College (1100 E. Sheldon) – there will be vendors, services, products, resources, workshops for seniors and caregivers, and networking.

This weekend (Fri 9/20-Sun 9/22) in Old Town Cottonwood is the Thunder Valley Rally for motorcyclists with free concerts, poker runs, and fundraising for wounded Marine Sgt. Jordan Maynard’s adaptive home to be built by Homes For Our Troops.

Saturday 9/21 is the Recovery Celebration in Garrison Park in Cottonwood from 11:00-1:00 – free lunch, concerts, resource booths, and fun for the whole family.  Garrison Park is on the corner of Mingus Ave. & Brian Mickelson Pkwy.

In beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, Friends of Slide Rock State Park will host the Fall Festival 9/21 from 10-3, with fun for the whole family.  Demonstrations, local historical lore, presentations, nature’s beauty and LOTS of apple delicacies for sale (pie, cupcakes, cookies, breads – you name it!)  Slide Rock State Park is easy to find on Hwy 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.

Can't make it this weekend? Well, you're in luck, because next weekend (9/28) is Verde River Days at Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood - free park entrance, fishing, demonstrations, vendors, bird watching, and you guessed it: a great time for the whole family.

Take a moment to drink in the beauty of Northern Arizona - the weather is perfect!  Taking time to get outdoors is great for your physical, emotional, and mental health - enjoy a sunset (or sunrise), take a walk, or have a picnic.  Happy Autumn!

From Homeless to World Fame, Technology Assists Job Seekers, Upgrade Computer Skills with VUB, Free Jazz Concert

Seems like time for a little pick-me-up Video of the Day from CBS Sunday Morning: This one is about a small town hero, who lifted the spirits of the community when times were tough.  And he happened to be an abandoned cat, adopted by the local library, and named Dewey: http://youtu.be/G8nSg8oxrfA  He’s world famous now, and has a best-selling book – a nice success story for someone who had a rough start in life.

If you’re looking for a job, here are a few ideas of how to use technology as your ally: http://mashable.com/2013/09/15/veterans-jobs/

If you're not confident in your computer skills, there are ways to improve them!  If you are a Veteran in Northern Arizona, our Veterans Upward Bound free pre-college program can help you learn more, and prepare you for obtaining a college certificate or degree (which will help improve your resume too!)  Check us out at www.yc.edu/vub or call 928-717-7687.

Free Jazz Concert October 5th at 7:30 at the Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus in the newly dedicated Charles Mabery Pavilion, 601 Black Hills Dr. in Clarkdale.  It will feature Sara Gazarek - see more about her at: http://www.saragazarek.com/  - come join us for our very first outdoor concert in the Pavilion!

Supporting Those Who Serve: Red Cross Holiday Card Guidelines, Care Package Ideas, Toys for Tots

Today’s Video is about sending your thanks and greetings to soldiers here and abroad, those who are wounded, and those whose loved ones are serving now: http://youtu.be/cnlN530_tIU  Although it seems way too early to be thinking about the holiday season, if you are shipping overseas, you'll need to plan ahead.

If you’d like to send one holiday greeting (or many) for wounded soldiers: http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes The deadline for having cards to the P.O. Box is December 6th. Holiday cards received after this date cannot be guaranteed delivery.  Here are some excerpts from this site, if you would like to organize a card-signing party, or send them yourself:
Card Guidelines:
Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country.
Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process:
• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.
All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

If you’d like to send a care package to a deployed solider or support a military family in some way, Operation Homefront received a high rating from Charity Navigator, see them at: http://www.operationhomefront.net/  Another site with high ratings is: http://adoptaplatoon.org/site  Always check out charities you plan to support with a ‘charity watchdog’ organization and make sure your donations support what you intend.

Or if you’d like to support your local Toys for Tots (supported by the Marine Corps Reserve) see:
• Prescott http://prescott-az.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx
• Flagstaff https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flagstaff-Community-Toys-For-Tots/155129664505635
• Verde Valley http://cottonwood-az.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx

POW/MIA Recognition Day, Happy B-day Air Force, Condolences, Veterans History Projects

For more information on POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 20th, please see: http://www.veteransresources.org/2013/09/powmia-recognition-day-ceremony-air-force-memorial/#.UjeP6j8qN5Y or http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/pow_day/

September 18, 1947 is the Air Force’s official birthday – see more about their history at: http://www.military.com/air-force-birthday?ESRC=mrvr0916.nl

At Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound, our thoughts go out to victims and their families of the Washington D.C. Navy Yard shootings, and those of the massive floods in Colorado.  If you, or a loved one, have been affected by recent tragic events, please seek help through local professionals and your support network.  Witnesses and responders may be affected by Vicarious Trauma also, and here is a good article with suggestions at: http://www.wendtcenter.org/resources/for-professionals.html

Veterans History Projects: Here’s an example of the Sedona Veterans History Project, where volunteer-veterans are videotaped giving their oral histories about their military service.  See the video at: http://youtu.be/8G9qrOPwm8A Here are two Veterans History Projects in Northern Arizona: Sedona at: http://www.sedonalibrary.org/veterans_history.php and Prescott at: http://prescottvetinterviews.org/about.html  If you’re in other areas, check your local library or Veterans organizations for a Veterans History Project near you – and preserve your experiences for future generations.

Kilroy Was Here, Low-Income Housing, Free Retreat for Wounded Warriors, AZ Veterans Services, Disney Hiring Heroes

Did you ever wonder about the funny little cartoon “Kilroy Was Here” left by GIs and others all over the world (and reportedly on the moon too)?  You’ll know-it-all after reading this informative military trivia article from the RAO Bulletin: https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.veteransresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Mil-Trivia-Kilroy-Was-Here.pdf

Also from the RAO Bulletin, a handy search engine for low-income housing for families and seniors is at: http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/index.cfm There are several other tips located in the RAO Bulletin, including vouchers for rental assistance – read the current issue here: http://vets4vets.zymichost.com/Bulletin%20130915%20PDF%20Edition.pdf and consider getting on their free e-mailing list for bi-monthly summaries of issues related to veterans (health, discounts, POW news, military trivia – something for everyone.)

RAO also highlighted a new program that open this month: “Boulder Crest Retreat for military and veteran wellness is the first country retreat established to provide free respite, activities and programs for our nation’s seriously wounded warriors and their families to reconnect and recover during their recovery and rehabilitation.”  To see more or make reservations, check out: http://book.bouldercrestretreat.org/

Arizona Department of Veterans Services (Hint: bookmark it!) pamphlet for Veterans is at: http://www.azdvs.gov/Departments/VSD/Veterans%20Guide.pdf  Learn more about Veteran license plates, discounted fees, benefits regarding property tax and vehicle licenses, etc.

Disney makes news for its Heroes Work Here program, and sharing it for free with other businesses at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/disney-offers-free-veterans-institute-workshop-to-encourage-and-support-hiring-of-military-veterans-2013-09-10 Their Veterans Institute one-day workshop for businesses is the result of their surpassing (and now doubling) their goal for hiring Veterans.  Go Mickey!

9/11: Never Forgotten, Honor Walk, Five Hot Jobs for Veterans, Health Rankings

Never Forgotten: 9/11/01 - 9/11/13 

We remember, with gratitude, the victims and their families, our military and their families, our first responders and their families - always.

Above photo by Michael Costolo: “Every year on 9/11 the Bedford, NH FD puts its big flag on its ladder truck out over NH Route 101.” From NowPublic Photo Archives http://www.nowpublic.com/world/911-image10#ixzz2ebnagFAC

From www.honorwalk.com: “Honor Walk Foundation is proud to bring the local business community together to help these dedicated young men and women thrive as they return to civilian life. In the coming years over 150,000 service men and women will stand down in Arizona and bring back to their communities the skills they learned serving their country, including teamwork, leadership and discipline.” See more at: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/20130522helping-arizona-veterans-find-employment.html

Military.com discusses five jobs ex-military may be interested in pursuing: http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/hot-jobs-for-former-military-personnel.html?comp=1198882780881&rank Veterans Upward Bound can help you begin your journey toward any of these – see our pre-college program information at: www.yc.edu/vub

How healthy is your state or county?  Here’s a great repository of health related statistics to find out how your community ranks: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/  If health is one of your interests: Their blog highlighted an Arizona Business Coalition on Health discussion of Employee Wellness at: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/blog/discussing-employee-wellness-larry-aldrich-executive-director-arizona-business-coalition-health

PTSD Service Dogs, Backyard Conservation, Memory Games, WWII Mystery Solved, Suicide Prevention Month Resources

Nbcnews.com highlights service dogs for PTSD, more success stories – there’s even one with a Labradoodle (not your traditional service dog!) at: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/08/20387305-dogs-help-stressed-us-military-veterans-cope-with-civilian-life?lite

Veterans learning farming is a popular and healing trend, but there are also other ways to get your hands in the dirt, and reap some health benefits if you don’t plan on planting edibles: http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/09/09/conservation-work-has-a-place-in-your-backyard/

How often do you say “Now where did I put that?”  Memory games to help exercise your brain are discussed on Dr. Oz’s blog at: http://www.doctoroz.com/exercise-your-brain#cmpid=em090513

Stripes.com tells the story of two families and closure from WWII, so many years after a mystery began, at: http://www.stripes.com/news/family-of-wwii-soldier-discovers-haunting-story-but-finally-finds-closure-1.238584

September is Suicide Prevention Month: September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day – see more about resources and events at: http://www.sprc.org/  And Military.com highlights some surprising facts about military suicides at: http://www.military.com/topics/military-suicide/?ESRC=mrvr.nl

Hold the date: A Job Fair is being planned for October 9th in the Verde Valley - stay tuned for more details.

Hero Highlight, SVA Employer Webinars, Women Veterans Homelessness, Suicide Prevention Month, Tips for Unemployed Veterans, Student Veteran Transitions

Celebrating heroes who keep giving service: Video of former Marine, Wen Jones, who rescued a teen and his father as they were bullied and assaulted by three thugs at: http://youtu.be/wCw5506YZyY  The teen's father was right - Wen is a hero!

Student Veterans of America (SVA) Announcement: SVA is pleased to kick off the 2013 Fall Semester with 3 employment-focused webinars from our corporate partners: PNC Bank, Accenture, and Microsoft.  Each company's webinar is specifically for student veterans to provide an overview of their corporation, the internship opportunities available, and to discuss applying for full-time positions.
All student veterans are invited to attend the webinars by clicking on the links below:
• PNC Bank - Sept. 10th from 3:00p to 4:00p ET (https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/708661207)
• Accenture - Sept 17th from 5:30p to 6:30p ET (https://www3.gotomeeting.com/join/527862726)
• Microsoft - Sept 18th from 5:30p to 6:30p ET (http://microsoftstudentvets.eventbrite.com)
These webinars are part of SVA's Student Veteran Success Corps (SVSC), which connects top companies with SVA chapters nationwide. If you represent a company and are interested in joining the SVSC, please contact matthew.feger@studentveterans.org

Post Script: Last post, the Video about women Veterans’ homelessness referred to some collaborative efforts in Arizona to raise awareness – here’s that site for more info: http://blisteringatthemargins.com/

Continuing September’s Suicide Prevention month theme, here’s an article in Military Times by Defense Secretary Hagel at: http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130903/NEWS/309030010/Hagel-Getting-mental-health-help-shows-courage-honor-integrity-

Tips for unemployed Veterans are on the VAntagePoint blog at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10148/im-a-vet-im-unemployed-now-what/

Student veteran transitions are highlighted in this Policymic article at: http://www.policymic.com/articles/61983/while-college-students-talk-frat-parties-some-veterans-are-just-struggling-to-adjust  Hint: It's not just the inane conversations of inexperienced youth that student Veterans are concerned with as they transition to school - there are some good tips for faculty, colleges, and every student in here too!

Homeless Women Veterans Awareness, Suicide Prevention Month, Misleading Health Foods, Nerd Fitness

Today’s Video Highlight: A woman leaves her comfortable life behind, to raise awareness and funds for women veterans’ homelessness at: http://www.azcentral.com/video/2636509065001

September is Suicide Prevention month: According to the PVA “If a veteran you know shows Signs of Crisis, such as: hopelessness, anxiety, withdrawal, or other signs, trained professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line—many of them veterans themselves—are ready to listen. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”  See the full article at: http://www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E&b=6350111&ct=13256843&notoc=1

Here's a list about misleading foods that we may assume are healthy, when they aren't,  from Dr Oz's free health blog at: http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/10-foods-you-think-are-healthy-arent#

There are lots of health-related blogs, here’s one with a twist – if you’re not the stereotypical fitness fan, who has all the trendy gear and knows exactly how many calories they consume and burn, you might like Nerd Fitness at: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/