Apply for Federal Student Aid, TBI in the News, Veteran-Owned Business Directory, Olympic Veterans, Superbowl Fun

It’s that time of year: Complete your 2014-15 FAFSA for Pell grant funds once you have your 2013 income information.  Here’s a quick video to help you at: http://youtu.be/VRyXfUStHO0 If you plan on attending Yavapai College, apply for the YC Scholarships too!  Only go to the official FAFSA website at: https://fafsa.ed.gov/ (there are similar sites that are NOT free and aren't secure.)

More info on Traumatic Brain Injuries at: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/afghan-war-vets-st-louis-researchers-seek-answers-on-head-injuries-1.264223

Another handy bookmark, so you can support or list Veteran-owned businesses in your local area: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/az

It’s Olympic Season!  Here’s some articles to get you cheering for the active-duty and military Veterans on the teams, representing many sports: http://www.army.mil/article/118889/Nine_Soldiers_named_to_2014_U_S__Olympic_Team/ and http://www.paralympic.org/news/usa-announce-para-nordic-skiing-sochi-2014-nominees Here’s the official Olympic site so you know when your favorite competitions will take place: https://www.facebook.com/USOlympicTeam

And just to get you geared up for the Big Game this Sunday (that's the Superbowl, if you aren't a football fan!), here’s one of the ads that is sure to attract some fans: http://youtu.be/uQB7QRyF4p4

GED & CLEP Test Changes, Arizona Stand Down Events, Free Concert, College Goal Saturday 2/22, American Legion Motorcycle Benefit Runs

You may have heard that the GED test has changed significantly this January, here’s a little video about some of the changes in the online version: http://youtu.be/jv885eM9EBA  Yavapai College is a testing site for the GED test (both Prescott and Verde Valley campuses.)   The new GED.com site also has practice tests and employment tips.  There are also changes in how the CLEP (which awards the equivalent of college credit by exam) is offered this year, check it out at: http://clep.collegeboard.org/

Here's a site to bookmark, giving you information on Arizona Stand-Down events, which provide multiple services to veterans: http://www.arizonastanddown.org/ Events rotate throughout the state.

Looking for something to do?  Like music?  Join us for a free Brazilian Guitar Quartet concert on Yavapai College Verde Valley campus (601 Black Hills Drive in Clarkdale) on Feb 5th at 7:30 p.m.

College Goal Saturday is Feb 22 from 2-4 p.m. on the YC Prescott campus in Building 19 – join financial aid experts to help you get your FAFSA filed for next year!  See more at: www.yc.edu/finaid

Plan ahead to join the Wounded Vets Run March 1st, or the Pat Tillman Ride on March 29th with the American Legion Post 117, see poster below or see more at: http://www.theyfoughtweridenational.com/ and http://www.runsandevents.com/index.php/component/ohanah/tillmans-ride-2014

Musicorps, SSVF Housing Programs Expanded, Foster Pet Care while Deployed, Reservists Activated, VSOs Help Veterans Access Benefits

Today’s Video features Musicorps, a group of wounded veterans using music to help heal and uplift, here they sing Cohen's Hallelujah: http://youtu.be/3ppnxofjnn8

VA authorized additional funding for a successful support program for Veterans and their families, see: http://www.stripes.com/news/va-allots-600-million-more-to-veterans-program-1.262025 We have local SSVF programs serving Yavapai and Coconino counties through Catholic Charities in Cottonwood.  Contact them at 855-256-9419 if you are in need of housing or know a Veteran who is at risk.

Here are some great opportunities for families and pet service-providers to help out a military family by caring for their pets while they are deployed – also share with active duty folks that need foster pet care:
• http://dogsondeployment.org/
• http://guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org/
• http://www.netpets.com/
• www.OperationNobleFoster.org (cats only)

Military Factoid from the RAO Bulletin: Almost a million reservists have been activated for duty in the years since 9/11/01 (887,478 according to the DoD), with the current total activated at 44,347.  Though all reserve branches are represented in those totals, the majority of activations were in Army National Guard and Reserves.  Thanks to all who have served in all our military branches.

Veteran Serving Organizations (VSO) perform advocacy and assist Veterans in preparing claims and appeals for the VA.  Some of these include the VFW, DAV, and American Legion, and now the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA.)  If you need help accessing VA services or have questions about your eligibility, please contact your local VSO.  Local Note: The City of Sedona and VFW will offer Veterans free assistance on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Sedona City Hall.  VFW Post 7400 Service Officer Ed Uzumeckis will assist Veterans, or their widows and orphans with obtaining services.

Study Strategies, Veteran-Serving Charity List, SVA Scholarship Links

At Yavapai College, classes began this week, and the Learning Center shared this great student video about how to get better grades:  http://youtu.be/I54L2-zn2gE This info is always timely for students of all levels.

Questioning which Veteran-serving charities you can trust?  There are good review sites for charities in general, but here’s one that is for Veteran and military-related non-profits only at: http://thepatriotsinitiative.org/the-directory/patriots-initiative-directory/

Several scholarships were announced in the SVA newsletter (a good subscription to have, see http://studentveterans.org/) including:

• The Rockwell Collins-SVA Wounded Veteran Scholarship will award five (5) scholarships to wounded student veterans in the amount of $5,000 each. Deadline is February 28, 2014.   
• The SVA-NBCUniversal Scholarship will award two (2) $12,000 scholarships to veterans pursuing degrees in film, television, media, or communications. Deadline is March 14, 2014.
• The Disney-SVA Scholarship will award three (3) scholarships at $10,000 each to student veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).  Deadline is April 01, 2014.

Resources for Your Next Career Steps in 2014

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today’s Inspiring Video is about transitioning out of the military into a meaningful job in civilian life at: http://www.today.com/video/today/53520532#53520532

If getting a new career is on your to-do list for 2014, here are some helpful resources:
• http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/best-veterans-jobs-2013 Not a surprise: The top 10 careers for Veterans that they mention are all hands-on/action-oriented, they are also well-paid.  Also see the side tab for Veterans with helpful articles.
• http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/09/17/top-paid-jobs-post-military-service/ This is another bunch of tidbits about well-paid jobs, but really, it’s most important for you to like what you do…so choose a good match for your skills and life goals.
• If you don’t have a clear idea of your best career match, there are some free skills assessment/career exploration sites, like: http://www.skillcow.com/
• Or if location is your priority, check out: http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/11/01/the-best-places-for-veterans-2013/ and see the careers/jobs that are available in your desired location.
• Maybe you’d prefer to be your own boss?  There are lots of resources for Veteran entrepreneurs, like: http://www.entrepreneur.com/veterans/ and http://www.score.org/topics/veteran_guards_reservists and http://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned
• And if education and training are needed to get you to your next step, Veterans Upward Bound can help you be prepared for a successful college or technical program.  See more about our free services at www.yc.edu/vub

Pets for Patriots in Northern Arizona, Anger and Brain Injury, Insomnia and Veterans, VFW Facebook Town Hall Jan. 16th

Northern Arizona now has a Pets for Patriots approved shelter!  The Verde Valley Humane Society located at 1520 W. Mingus Ave. in Cottonwood will assist in matching Veterans and military families with a homeless animal in need – a win-win situation!  The families receive coupons for pet supplies, discounted adoptions and training assistance – and of course, unconditional love.  See more at: http://www.verdevalleyhumanesociety.org/ and http://petsforpatriots.org/ or read great stories at: http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/category/stories/

Unsure if anger is related to a Brain Injury, or other condition?  Here’s a blog post from Dr. Amen about the difference: http://www.amenclinics.com/dr-amen/blog/2014/01/behavior-problems-or-brain-trauma-week-4-of-7-temporal-lobe-add/

Not getting enough sleep?  You aren’t alone.  Insomnia is one problem experienced by many Veterans; one report shows that four times more Veterans complain of insomnia than the general population.  Here are some good articles with more information about insomnia: http://valleysleepcenter.com/blog/veterans-suffer-from-sleep-disorders-four-times-more-than-non-veterans/ and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/20/insomnia-health-problem-study_n_1217093.html

Learn more about GI Bill benefits for education and how VFW can help student Veterans at this 'Facebook Town Hall' on January 16th at 3 p.m. CST (2 p.m. Arizona time.)  See more at: https://www.facebook.com/VFWFans

Welcome Home, Jan 11 Cottonwood Homes For Our Troops Event, Patriot Fleet CDL Training, Korean Book for Veterans, Scam Alert, Creating Your Job

The Video of the Day is about happy homecomings: http://youtu.be/RKBcs9tNWg8

Want to start of your New Year with a good deed for a local wounded warrior? Then here's just the ticket: Jan 11, volunteers will be helping with the landscaping on the Homes For Our Troops adaptive home for Sgt. Jordan Maynard in Cottonwood. You could enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather and get a little exercise too!  See more event details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/262165770603954/?source=1

Veteran-Friendly Employer: If you are interested in being trained as a commercial truck driver, RAO bulletin reports that Crete Carrier has a VA-approved training course, and has 30% Veterans in its workforce already – sounds pretty Veteran-friendly!  To learn more about Crete Carrier Corporation’s career opportunities for current and former military members, visit http://www.wehireveterans.com. For specific questions concerning the on the job training truck driving position, call the Driver Development Fleet department at 800-998-9121. You can also join the conversation on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thepatriotfleet

The Republic of Korea has printed a commemorative book marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, which is offered for free to Korean War Veterans as a gift of gratitude.  The RAO Bulletin reports that nearly 1.8 million Americans served in Korea from 1950-53, over 36,000 were killed.  The commemorative book can be downloaded at: http://www.remembermyservice.com/Downloads/Korea-Reborn-Book-Preview.pdf or states have been given hardbound copies for distribution. For more about how to receive a copy in Arizona, see: http://www.azjournal.com/2013/11/15/south-korea-offers-gift-to-korean-war-veterans/

Scammers create fake business accounts using real business logos, hide hacking software in shortened url addresses, and more nefarious tactics.  To protect yourself, see the BBB Scam Stopper at: http://www.bbb.org/council/bbb-scam-stopper/

Stumped on how to start creating your next steps?  Here’s a how-to about how to create your next job opportunity in 5 steps: http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Job-for-Yourself

Phoenix Veteran Homelessness, Informed Voting, Veteran Discounts, TBI and PTS Study, Retiree Appreciation Day

A recent article claims that Phoenix is the first city nationwide to ‘eliminate chronic Veteran homelessness’ thanks to a pre-Christmas push from the City Council.  See more at: http://triblive.com/usworld/nation/5292621-74/veterans-homelessness-homeless#axzz2pHMVYMWk

Here’s a link to help you be an informed voter: http://billmoyers.com/2014/01/03/four-surefire-tips-for-following-the-money-in-your-state/

Here’s an interesting site that lists military and Veteran discounts (this one is for cell phone service, but there are many other discounts listed): http://militarybenefits.info/veteran-military-cell-phone-discounts/ Buyer Beware note: Always do your research to be sure the deal is real.

The RAO Bulletin reports that up to 20% of service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan “come home with a blast-related concussion or post-traumatic stress or both” and that TBI doubles risk of PTS.  For more information: The article references a clinical study in the December 11, 2013 JAMA Psychiatry Journal, and a Los Angeles Times article at: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-ptsd-tbi

Retiree Appreciation Days are events that inform military retirees of updated information, provide benefits such as medical check-ups or ID card renewals, and foster camaraderie.  An Arizona event is currently scheduled: AZ Army National Guard Phoenix, AZ on 22 February, Contact info: 602-267-2545. Notes: To view retiree information and to RSVP for attendance at the 2013 AZARNG Retiree Appreciation Day, go to https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=104790&k=0361460E7257 or call MSG Scott Kiffe, RSO, at (602) 267-2545. For planning purposes, please RSVP no later than 15 February 2014. All AZARNG retirees and their spouses are encouraged to attend this event to receive valuable information, updates on the AZ National Guard, and enjoy the company and camaraderie of other retirees. View flyer at and http://www.azguard.gov/RETIREEFlyer-2014.pdf A full schedule of RAD events is available at: http://www.hostmtb.org/RADLIST-2014.txt

College Resolutions, Veterans' First Civilian Jobs, ODU & Millionth GI Bill, K-9 Care

Happy New Year!  If coming to college is on your Resolution list, let Veterans Upward Bound help you get off to a great start.  Check us out at: www.yc.edu/vub

After Service: Stripes reports on a survey of Veterans’ first jobs after their military service at: http://www.stripes.com/news/survey-aimed-at-understanding-veterans-first-civilian-jobs-1.257907

Kudos to Old Dominion University, which has locations at our Yavapai College Prescott and Verde Valley campuses, for their support of Veterans noted in this recent Chronicle of Higher Education article at: http://chronicle.com/article/As-GI-Bill-Reaches-Milestone/143597/?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en The article also applauds the GI Bill’s millionth recipient!

Top Dogs: If you were wondering how the four-legged members of our military receive their healthcare, here’s an informative article on the premier dog hospital in Germany: http://www.stripes.com/news/dog-center-europe-treats-soldiers-the-canine-kind-injured-in-war-1.258959

K-9 gets water therapy post-injury. Photo: Stripes.com