50th Anniversary of The Dream, Art and Healing, Creative Art Video Lessons, Happy Labor Day Weekend

This week was the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous I Have a Dream speech, and you can see it at: http://youtu.be/smEqnnklfYs History buffs can find a bonanza of videos and documentaries on the Internet; in fact, YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine in the world now.

Artistic expression is gaining popularity with many Veterans – whether it is music, dance, visual arts, creative writing, or just learning a new hobby.  Here’s one video that gives a nice overview of the connection between art and healing: http://youtu.be/vwRQ5xRO3eI

If you found that interesting, then here’s a Video Fest for the Labor Day Weekend – Are you looking for a creative outlet?  Thinking of learning something new to express yourself?  Here are some great examples, use these as a starting place to find your own talents – enjoy:
• Speed Painting: http://youtu.be/golBymjXor4
• Sand art: http://youtu.be/aU20Kekztto
• Learn to play guitar: http://youtu.be/7dXUW2wBS3I
• Ceramic lesson: http://youtu.be/8qfQG37Hlxo
• Spoken word poetry: http://youtu.be/D1ZBhEP42aw

Or if you just want a good laugh for the weekend, try this one: http://youtu.be/o5BJDuOKz6k

Warrior Canine Connection, Veterans Courst, Take Classes for FUN, Caregivers for Veterans Course

Today’s Video is about how service dogs can help Veterans deal with a variety of transition and healing issues at: http://youtu.be/3v8sGni_4uU and the full story: http://www.stripes.com/news/the-goal-understanding-how-furry-friends-ease-ptsd-tbi-1.237004

Veterans Courts are popping up in many states, to address the complex issues that Veterans face when they return to civilian life – see one of their success stories at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/pa-veterans-court-grads-honored-for-battling-through-depression-addiction-convictions-1.237674

If you’d rather take classes for fun, try the non-credit courses that are offered through Yavapai College in the Prescott, Sedona or Verde Valley area.  Here are some examples of topics: Amazing Women Past & Present, Green Home Building, Marriage Communication – see more at: http://www.campusce.net/YC/category/category.aspx?C=&S=40

Are you a caregiver for a Veteran?  The VA offers a free six-week online course for caregivers designed to reduce caregiver stress at: http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2013/August/Are-You-a-Caregiver-for-a-Veteran.asp

Veterans Benefits Video, Korean War Veteran's Remains Identified, Therapy Dog at VAMC, Arizona Veterans Magazine, Veterans Pay In-State Tuition in AZ

Here’s a short video reminder for newly discharged Veterans about some of the many Veterans benefits that are available, including health care, education, and home loans at: http://youtu.be/dJneXGf5GAc

Rest In Peace: The remains of a Korean War Veteran are identified and buried with full military honors, over 60 years after he was killed in action, bringing closure to his family, at last.  See the story at: http://www.nwherald.com/2013/08/23/korean-war-vet-getting-military-burial-63-years-later/ahtacua/?page=1

Full-time Therapy Dog at VA Hospital: Meet Semper Fi, a lab/beagle mix, who brings joy to Veterans at the Salisbury, NC VAMC Hospice House.  See the full story at: http://www.salisbury.va.gov/SALISBURY/features/Hospice_therapy_dog_ready_for_full_time_duty.asp

Arizona Veterans Magazine is a Facebook site that posts resources and event information that may be of interest to Arizona’s 700,000 Veterans at: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaVeteransMagazine

Arizona is one of 21 states that have provisions allowing recently discharged Veterans to pay in-state university tuition, according to: http://www.kjzz.org/content/1308/student-veterans-face-excess-tuition-costs

VA Adaptive Housing Grants, Tinnitus, First Online Impressions, Blog Following

Today’s Video is about the VA’s adaptive housing grants for disabled Veterans, at: http://youtu.be/AKZjGmvJJ6c You can find out more about this program at: www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/adaptedhousing.asp

Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common disabilities of Veterans.  If you suffer from ringing in the ears, here is an organization that shares news and resources, at: http://www.ata.org/action-alliance/support-for-veterans

Setting yourself up for a good semester starts by being prepared, and giving a good first impression of yourself in the classroom, whether it is in-person or online.  Here’s a few tips at: http://blog.cengage.com/?top_blog=tips-for-students-put-your-best-foot-forward-in-your-online-classes

Be In-the-Know: If you’re interested in anything, there is probably a blog about it (a blog is an online journal, often with multiple contributing authors.)  It’s easier to stay current with research and news if you can pick a few favorite sources, and get on their e-mailing lists.  You can do similar things with Facebook ‘likes’ and YouTube channel ‘subscriptions.’  Here’s some interesting general sites:
• http://www.beinghuman.org/ Writers discuss topics like emotions, brain health, culture.
• http://studentveterans.tumblr.com/ Student Veterans of America shares news and ideas.
• http://www.happiness-project.com/ Need to read something uplifting, try this one.

Today's Hero is Tuff, Warrior Gene, Veterans Homelessness Declines, Insomnia App

Today’s Hero – Please remember this name: Antoinette Tuff and see this Video at: http://www.ajc.com/videos/news/bookkeeper-talks-about-coming-face-to-face-with/v9ZDr/
This woman deserves a medal.  Read more at: http://www.policymic.com/articles/60379/antoinette-tuff-meet-the-woman-who-prevented-a-mass-school-shooting-yesterday

Do you have the Warrior Gene?  Are you more prone to taking risks, being angry, or being an aggressive driver?  While having a gene does not excuse bad behavior, it may be worth reflection on the why behind it – see more at: http://intentblog.com/3-ways-to-overcome-angers-pervasive-nature/

The good news: a 17% drop in Veterans’ homelessness rate.  The bad news: There’s still 62,619 more homeless Veterans out there.  Along with many other non-profit and government programs, VA & HUD have new initiatives that may help with housing and clinical services, read more at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/08/21/va-and-hud-announce-funding-for-homeless-veterans/

Insomnia?  There’s an app for that.  An estimated 75% of Veterans suffer from occasional insomnia (the numbers are much fewer for the general population.) No kidding about the app; see it at: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/10086/trouble-sleeping-va-has-an-app-for-that/

Readjustment to Civilian Life, Veteran Hiring Preference, MOAA & Personnel Costs, Mental Illness Stigma, State Veterans Benefits

Today’s Video is about readjusting to civilian life, taking advantage of resources, and challenges of being student Veteran at: http://youtu.be/ZyHV2ToBsnQ

What does a Veteran Hiring Preference mean to you?  Military.com gives a few pointers at: http://www.military.com/military-report/veterans-preference-when-hiring?ESRC=miltrep.nl

Military.com provides a link to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and their recent video about reports of personnel and health care costs at: http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2013/08/debunking-the-claims-of-skyrocketing-personnel-costs/

Discussions about mental illness, stigma, and labels bring opinions out in the open at: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/arthur-gallant/mental-illness-stigma_b_3777371.html

Does your state offer any military benefits to Veterans?  Check out the link on Military.com to see if your state does at: http://www.military.com/military-report/state-veterans-benefits-081913?ESRC=miltrep.nl And here’s what Arizona offers Veterans, including info about discounts and Veteran license plates: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/arizona-state-veterans-benefits.html If you are a 100% Service-Connected-Disabled Veteran, your Arizona State Park pass is free, here’s the application: http://azstateparks.com/Giftshop/DV_annual_pass.pdf

Non-Traditional Uses for GI Bill Benefits, Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs, VA Healthcare Eligibility Deadline, Ancestry Webinar

Today’s Video: The American Veteran is a video series about different resources and personal stories of Veterans.  In this episode, student Veterans who are utilizing GI bill benefits for art school highlight the non-traditional uses of the GI Bill training portion are interviewed at: http://youtu.be/eUZzz7OmlFU The Department of Veterans Affairs has its own YouTube channel that you can subscribe to for updates and several video shows, at: http://www.youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairs?feature=watch

According to the RAO Bulletin: “The National Defense University Foundation (NDUF), in Washington, D.C., is offering to put veterans with young businesses or ideas for new businesses in touch with investors willing to put up money to get the ventures off the ground.  Leading up to that event will be the NDU Foundation Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs, a series of training sessions where entrepreneurs can learn how to develop business plans and recognize the challenges and opportunities of start-up ventures. Interested veterans can register for the Veterans Venture Forum and the boot camp at
http://veteransventureforum.eventbrite.com”

Don’t miss your deadline to apply for VA healthcare; according to a VA press release, “Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for 5 years from the date of discharge or release.”  See more at: http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/returning_servicemembers.asp

Are you interested in your ancestry?  It’s become a popular hobby, and the National Archives has a webinar with speakers on various topics, on September 3 & 4.  See more about it at: http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/know-your-records/genealogy-fair/