Independence Day Celebrations, Army Veteran Saves Beagle, Job Resources, Brewery Helps Vets, Wounded Warrior Softball

As we approach Independence Day, here’s a list of military & Veteran discounts: http://www.military.com/independence-day/4th-of-july-discounts.html and a gentle reminder that not all Veterans appreciate the loud sounds of fireworks.  ABC News shared a story and video above last July at: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/4th-july-fireworks-nightmare-shell-shocked-war-veterans/story?id=19554318.  Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday – celebrate however you please.

Good deed: An Army Veteran’s emergency medical training kicked into overdrive, when Aaron Schneider ran across a busy highway to save the life of an injured Beagle.  See more at:  http://goo.gl/xrQgrm

Highlighting this career resource again, for those seeking employment: http://veteranjobs.stripes.com/

Red, White, and Brew is just in time for Independence Day - a micro-brewery business that hires Veterans and donates to Veterans rehabilitation programs!  See more at: http://goo.gl/zZjrZv

How about a nice summer softball game, mentoring youth?  Now, make it a softball game pairing wounded warriors and children who’ve lost limbs…check out this great match at: http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/making-a-difference/home-run-kid-amputees-play-ball-wounded-warriors-n138481

Virtual Vacation, Verde Valley Archaeology Free Event, Educational Resources for Veterans, Money Tips for Students

Need a virtual vacation?  Tour the Grand Canyon at: http://youtu.be/p2X4U1mQzoE

Local Free Event for Families: The Verde Valley Archaeology Center presents the free Grand Opening of their Children's Discovery Area on Saturday June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is located at 385 S. Main St, Camp Verde. The Children's Discovery Area will provide kids of all ages the opportunity to learn about the prehistoric past of the Verde Valley in fun and interactive ways. The first 100 kids will receive a Junior Archaeologist badge and a copy of the Center's Kid's Guide to Archaeology.  There will be free face painting starting at 11 a.m. Uqualla, a member of the Havasupai Tribe in the Grand Canyon, will perform storytelling. For additional information, contact the Center at (928) 567-0066 or see: http://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/

Are you wondering what educational resources may be available to you or your family?  The National Council of Higher Education Resources provides a list for service members/Veterans/families at: http://www.ncher.us/?page=e2149 and the Federal Student Aid site has more at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/military

Show Me the Money: There are lots of money-related blogs, but this one is especially for college students!  Check it out at: http://blog.saltmoney.org/ Recent posts include tips for buying a car, what to do at a career fair, a primer on student loan changes, and a list of scholarships due in July.

Happy Birthday Army & Happy Father's Day

Happy 239th birthday to the Army (June 14th) and Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  Have a great weekend!

Overcoming Adversity, Sharecare, Habitat for Humanity Veterans Build, WWII Remembrances

Here’s an inspiring story, especially for anyone facing a health challenge or overcoming a personal obstacle to their goals: http://youtu.be/bX32U_hfri4  It adds a different perspective to everyday problems.

Health Information: If you are interested in improving your health, or have some health questions, here’s a new site that might be worth looking into (even has a mobile app): http://doctoroz.sharecare.com/

Nationwide, more than 1.5 million Veterans’ households pay more than 50% of their income for housing. So, Houston-area veterans, including members of The Mission Continues 1st Platoon Houston are stepping up to assist their neighbors through Habitat for Humanity's "Heroes for Heroes Veterans Build."  Learn more about the project at: http://bit.ly/1uFpwZV  To learn more about volunteering for, or getting a home through Habitat for Humanity, check your local group. In Cottonwood: http://vvhabitat.org/ and in the Prescott area: http://prescotthabitat.org/ Don't forget to ask if they have a Heroes for Heroes program that builds homes for Veterans!

Over the 70th anniversary of D-Day this weekend, some amazing original footage was shared from WWII. To learn more about what really happened, see some at: http://youtu.be/PjCR9YrU2Q0  The National WWII Museum reports that 555 WWII Veterans die each day; these elders have so many important memories to share.  Among recent losses of WWII heroes were Navajo Code Talkers Chester Nez and Sydney Bedoni – condolences to their families.  We may never know which of our family members’ lives were saved in WWII battles by the Navajo Code...we all owe them a debt of gratitude.

Wild Careers, Self-Employment Workshops, Saving Money, Military Deals & Discounts

Are you interested in nature and wild animals?  Have some time to volunteer?  E-mammal is an effort to track wildlife in open spaces, to take a snapshot of what animals are there.  Motion activated cameras are set and monitored by volunteers.  If the idea of animals taking selfies interests you, check out this video from the Smithsonian at: http://youtu.be/QpVkACQfJeI Who knows: It may lead to a new career in the wild for you?

Some figures show up to 45% of Veterans want to start their own business.  Free workshops for people interested in starting or improving their own small business are offered by the Business Assistance Center in Cottonwood.  On June 17th from 2-5, a Business Start-Up Lab will cover topics like start-up costs, legal issues, and marketing – call 928-340-2740 to reserve your spot and get directions, or check your local Small Business Development Center for more information for your location.

How to Save Money: There are all sorts of lists out there, here’s one on the 30 Best Money Saving Tips for College Students at: http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/3968-30-money-saving-tips-for-students  Fastweb also has a lot more tips for students, how to find scholarships, explaining grants and loans and much more.

Did you know that Military.com actually has an e-newsletter dedicated entirely to Military Deals and Discounts?  You can sign up for e-delivery or just browse when you are looking for a deal at: http://www.military.com/discounts

Memorial Day Run for the Wall, Six-Word Memoirs, Finance Concerns, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Free Museum Admission

POW-MIA Awareness Conference and the Run for the Wall cross-country motorcycle ride highlight Memorial Day’s purpose – see more at: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans-on-cross-country-ride-to-raise-awareness-to-jpac-problems-1.284022

Six-Word Memoirs are amazing - and covey a feeling in only six words.  Here's an example: "Soldiers deserve more than a barbecue." There’s a Six-Word contest for Memorial Day, read more about it at: http://www.sixwordmemoirs.com/story.php?did=492285

Financial troubles are faced by a growing number of Veterans, see: http://www.stripes.com/news/financial-dangers-threaten-servicemembers-off-the-battlefield-1.284334

The Challenged Athletes Foundation highlighted Marine Sarah Rudder, and her challenge post-injury at the Pentagon on 9/11/01.  You can find out more about CAF at: http://www.challengedathletes.org/ and read more about Sarah’s story at: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152098646982555

Free museum admission for Veterans and servicemembers from Memorial Day through Labor Day, see: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/more-than-2-000-museums-to-offer-free-admission-for-servicemembers-1.284216

Northern Arizona Veterans Upward Bound 

honors all Gold Star Families on Memorial Day, and every day.

Photo courtesy of Arlington National Cemetery Facebook

Vietnam War Turns 50, Pets for Patriots in Northern AZ, Troops2College, Steps to Recovery Homes

It’s hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the Vietnam War…Stripes has been running a great series of articles, videos and photographs on ‘Vietnam at 50’ – see it at: http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/vietnam-at-50

Veterans and military families in Northern Arizona, if you are thinking of adopting a pet, here’s a great way to get some discounts on pet supplies, adoption fees, and veterinary costs through Pets for Patriots, a national non-profit organization working with shelters in many states.  Read more at: http://verdevalleynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=60215

Bookmark Alert: Here’s a handy blog for student veterans with all sorts of tips and ideas called Troops2College at: http://troops2college.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-happens-if-i-drop-or-fail-class.html

Steps to Recovery Home is having a fundraising bake sale/car wash for substance abuse awareness on May 17th at the Walgreens parking lot (89A & Main St.) in Cottonwood.  Spread the word!