+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the immediate concern for global leaders, but the U.S. will continue to focus on China and the Indo-Pacific as its most important competitive arena, international relations experts said.
NATO is activating nuclear, biological and chemical defenses in response to concerns that Russia may be preparing a chemical attack on Ukraine, a potential action that the alliance’s top official said Thursday could put neighboring nations at risk.
South Korea answered its northern neighbor’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile test Thursday with a volley of its own as a show of force, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
An independent review ordered this week by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will seek out ideas to stem the increasing number of suicides among soldiers stationed in Alaska and South Korea, as well as some stateside installations.
Ukraine’s stiff resistance to the Russian invasion, which has turned Moscow’s advance into a grinding war of attrition, has underscored the importance to American allies of the need to be prepared for any eventuality, the top U.S. Army commander in the Pacific said Friday.
President Joe Biden on Saturday dramatically escalated his rhetoric against Vladimir Putin, calling for the Russian leader to be removed because of his brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Sitting on a Military Plane Ready to Fly to the Bay of Pigs
I know of some of the fears you face or have faced as a soldier. I have had my share of scary times while in uniform for my country.
I had put in three years of active duty, and was very near to my discharge date while at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. As a matter of fact the discharge date was just days away.
It seemed like a normal day of “putting in your time,” but then there came a sound that I never want to hear again. It was the intercom in our section of the company I was stationed with saying, “This is an alert.” This is not a drill, all personnel report to headquarters for a briefing right away.”
I couldn’t think of why there would be any problems that serious happening, and still thought it was a drill as I ran towards the headquarters building.
When we all assembled, the commander went to the podium and spoke.
“I am here to inform you that all leaves and weekend passes are concealed. We have received a message from the commanding General of the Army to stand by for a possible mission to the Bay of Pigs. This is a very serious mission, which will put you in combat and in harm’s way. Our unit is being deployed, to help monitor the security of the communications while there. We will serve in the field headquarters of the mission. You have about two hours to go home to pack your full field clothes and equipment. Dismissed!”
That was it. No more explanations or chances to ask questions.
I drove home quickly, packed all my gear in a duffel bag.
I got back to the headquarters, and it looked like pandemonium and chaos had sat in, with soldiers running everywhere.
A few minutes later everyone had made it there and we were all in formation. The commander then told us to come to attention.
We all headed to buses that were waiting to take us to the military airport on base. When we got there, we unloaded and marched to the area of several planes. They had us board the planes with full gear and field uniforms on. The pilot came on to tell us that we will be in a combat area when we land at the Bay of Pigs.
I sat down in my area, and was holding my weapon (M-1 rifle) between my legs. I was numb with fear and anxiety. I had never thought I would actually be in a conflict where I could die.
The plane started its engines. The plane shook as the engines roared to get up to the speed they needed to get off the ground. It taxied to the runway and stopped.
Then we waited for the pilot to push the throttle. We sat there for what seemed like hours. I could see the fear, in the eyes in the soldiers around me. I was only about twenty years old then, and began to see my life unfold before me. I had thoughts of not coming back. I had thoughts of my loved ones I would never see again.
The plane was shaking from the vibrations of the motors. I said a prayer because it looked like we were going to take off. The plane was moving. However, it was not going done the runway. It was heading back to the area where we boarded.
The pilot came on the intercom and said that the mission had been aborted, and we were going back to our companies.
I felt such relief along with men and women around me who were yelling for joy. We were safe and heading back to our homes.
I only shared this story because I know some of you have gone through the same thing. You also have been sent into combat, and faced the fear of not coming back. I was very lucky, but many of you actually left the ground in your plane, and headed into harm’s way.
Fear is something that is hard to control. Even the most-brave face it. We all have been there in some capacity.
It could be the doctor’s appointment that has information on your health. It also could be the times when you have to leave your loved ones for any mission. It may be the crises of your marriage when your spouse is tired of going through the pain of wondering if you will come back alive.
Did you know that Jesus faced fear? He even asked God to take away the fear by relieving Him of the cup of the responsibility God had placed on Him. He sweated blood during that prayer. God heard the prayer, but let Jesus go through the fear, pain and agony of going to the cross and dying for you and me.
I am not making it sound like we shouldn’t be afraid. I know we are quite often. I am not saying you are a bad person if you are afraid of something. We all have our spots where we fear the unknown.
I think that is the key. It is the “unknown.” It’s not knowing what will happen next.
What I have learned from so many times of facing fear is that 99% of what we fear never happens. We just need to give the other 01% over to God.
Is it that simple? I can honestly tell you that it is. God has big shoulders. He wants to take the burdens of our day away from us. We just need to depend on Him to keep His promises and know that He will never put us in a situation that we can’t handle with His help.
IWILL
Facing the unknown in life can be very hard. We aren’t built to take on such scary things at times. We just need to rely on God to see us through the dark clouds we face. He knows which way we need to go to avoid harm.
Think on this
Isn’t it interesting that having fear is what we really need to fear?
If you are battling mentally, but you are losing, GET HELP!!
Here is a toll free number that you can call 24/7. There are highlyqualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until they know you are OK.
+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.
+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.
(Everyone thought they were killed by a Destroyer of the coast.)
_____________________
Some US Olympians Enlist to Make It to the Games
Since the Army’s World Class Athlete Program started in 1997, about 60 Winter and Summer Olympians have taken advantage of the opportunity.
_____________________
Thousands of Veterans May See Disability Deadline Waived as Supreme Court Takes Up Case
The justices have accepted a case that could affect veterans who didn’t file within a year of leaving the military and have good reasons for missing their deadline.
_____________________
Ukrainian Navy Says Snake Island Border Guards Still Alive
The 13 Snake Island soldiers, previously reported as killed, “were taken captive by Russian occupiers,” Ukraine confirmed on Monday, Feb. 28.
The following pages are resources for the military and are very extensive in that it covers many areas of a military person’s life. Use this to guide you with whatever help you need. Each site has been individually screened. Be aware that some links may not be in existence since this publication. If some links don’t work below, put them in your browser. They seem to work there.
As you know there are many sources for the military. I have sorted them out and only put in the most important ones for you to use.
Crisis Hot Line: 1-800-272-8255 Texting…838255
This is probably the most important resource you will find. If you are depressed, or know someone who is military who is battling depression, use this hot line to get help immediately. They also have a website: http://www.veteranscrisisline.com
General links that will help you with just about everything:
http://www.militaryfamily.org – Covers some of the unusual aspects of a military life, like help for the kids, and spouses.
http://www.usa.gov/veterans – Help with burial and survivor benefits; employment, health issues, housing help, and getting your documents and personnel records.
http://www.vfw.org – General helping site for many issues a veteran faces. It has lots of discounts as well.
Financial help for loans of any kind:
http://www.veteran.com/va-loan-guide – Very good in explaining why to do a VA loan. It talks about lower rates, lower payments, no money down, etc. Good resource.
http://www.vamortgagecenter.com – Goes deeply into why you should seek a VA loan over a conventional loan; rated for great service in a survey.
http://www.armedforceslaons.com – Another company that makes small loans up to $5,000. You can personalize your loan to fit your needs. No credit; no problem.
http://www.newdayusa.com – You see this a lot on TV. Rear Admiral Tom Lynch (ret.) is the chairman of the company and he is highly respected.
Health
http://www.health.mil – Official website of the Military Health System, and the Defense Health Agency.
http://www.psychiarity.org.military – Excellent resource for those seeking help with any mental health issues. Full of information and other resources.
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp – Great link for mental health. I also like the feature about helping the veteran with burial situations, including burial flags, burial site locations, services, headstones, etc. I haven’t seen any other site that is so helpful with this.
(Again, if any of these links don’t seem to work, put them in your browser. I have been able to get to all of them by doing that.)
http://www.mrfa.org/death.info.htm – This is the best link I have found that gives you detailed information in detail on what to do if your loved one passes away. I highly recommended it.
Disability benefits
http://www.military.com – This is a repeat link from above, but it is a link that has everything, including disability benefits you need as a military person.
http://www.veteransbenefitslawfirm.net/veterans-compensation-benefits – This is a great link for veterans who have been denied compensation benefits. This firm charges only 20% of your lump sum payment that you get at the beginning. Many lawyers will seek monthly payments for the life of the settlement. I am in the process of appealing my denial for compensation right now. I may contact this source myself.
Job hunting
http://www.resumeengine.org – Excellent site for military people seeking help in finding a job and putting together a great résumé. Highly recommend.
http://www.indeed.com/jobs – Another great spot to actually find what job openings there are. You just put in the area where you live and go for it.
http://www.veterans.jobs/jobs/ – A very good site to narrow down openings in your area. It notes the big companies that reach out the most to veterans for hiring.
http://www.hireveterans.com – Great site to find jobs in your area. Lists any state that has openings and what the jobs are. Has the latest news in the business world as far as jobs.
http://www.militaryhealthmatters.com – Not sure how the URL title fits job hunting, but it is another great site for spouses to find help in job hunting. Highly recommended.
Health insurance
http://www.insurance.healthplans.com – This is only needed if your don’t have TRICARE or the Veterans health care program. There is a strict timeline to enroll in this, so be sure to check when you can enroll.
http://www.usaa.com – This site has dental, vision, and Medicare coverage. They also have auto, home, and life insurance.
Life insurance
http://www.benefits.va.gov.insurance – Run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a good site to answer all your questions about life insurance.
Auto insurance
http://www.usautoinsurancenow.com – This is a quote site. I have it going to my home state, but just put in your zip code for where you live and it will show you discounts in your home state. They also have some very good hints on how to save money when getting your auto insurance.
http://www.usaa.com – This site has come up for other categories. A good site with very competitive rates. Go to “insurance,” click on “auto insurance,” and it will take you to that page.
Education
http://www.amu.apus.edu – This is American University. They have an extensive online program just for veterans. I suggest you take courses from this even if you are still in the service. It will prepare you for the private sector. They allow credits for some work experiences.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill – This is one of the most important sites for you if you’re choosing to go to college. The GI bill is a wonderful way to be able to afford college and get your degree. Highly recommended. I used this source myself, and I didn’t have to pay back a dime because I went into education. Check your fields of study to make sure you are OK for not paying back.
http://www.gijobs.com/state-education-benefits-for-veterans – This is a great site for finding education benefits in your home state. It has all fifty states listed and connecting links for you to go to and find military education benefits.
(With any online schooling, be sure the check out their credibility.)
PTSD help
http://www.maketheconnection.net – Wonderful site to find the help you need. When you get to the site, click on “Conditions” and then click on PTSD. You will also see many other issues a veteran may be facing. Highly recommended.
http://www,familyofavet.com – Great help here for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury.)
http://www.usacares.org – A crisis-centered site. Quick help for those in dire need of housing, mental health help, etc.
Veteran care facilities
http://www.topveterancare.com – I recommend for information about assisted living, etc. Put in what type of care you’re seeking and then put in your zip code. It will show you options for your area.
http://www.rallypoint.com/ – Another great site I personally use. I have connected with many military people right in my hometown through this site.
Wounded warrior help for families and military
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.com – This is a nonprofit charity that reaches out to wounded warriors to find help for them in many ways. As with all charities, you may want to check their status as far as integrity, etc. It is always wise.
http://www.uswoundedsoldiers.com – Help specifically for those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan who were wounded. Great help in many areas.
http://www.heartbeatforwarriors.org – A different kind of help with programs like “Back in the Saddle” program for soldiers to feel the comfort of riding, scuba diving where soldiers can move limbs that didn’t work very well before, and morale building programs to help the warrior feel wanted. Highly recommended.
http://www.victoryforveterans.org. This is my favorite, not because I am a board member for them, but how they will help every veteran no matter what their needs are. Highly recommended.
Help for parents in the military with children
http://www.branchta.org – Great site to find assistance for your disabled children if you’re a parent and a veteran.
http://www.militaryfamily.org – This is a wider base type site to help families in many areas like scholarships for spouses, activities for the children of military, adoption, marriage/divorce, survivors, wounded, and caregivers. Highly recommended.
http://www.parentcenterhub.com – Find resources throughout the United States. Just put in your state to find your local Parent Center. They help in many areas.
http://www.militarychild.com – This is a site helping the children in the military to find places to get their education. Due to many new assignments in the family, this is a vital site for the students.
http://www.bva.org – The only congressionally-chartered veterans service organization dedicated to helping with the needs of our blind veterans and their families. Highly recommended.
Welcome-home videos
http://www.welcomhomeblog.com – Yes, you’ve seen those wonderful videos of soldiers returning home to surprise their families. Well, this site has them all in one spot. Get out your hankie and enjoy.
Free books for soldiers
http://www.booksforsoldiers.com – I love this site. It is a place for soldiers to request free books to read. I know the down time a soldier has. I read many books while in Korea. Support this site by donating books, and use this site if you need a book to read. Highly recommended.
Places for women veterans to volunteer
http://www.armywomen.org – Great place to find ways to help others. This nonprofit organization reaches out into the communities and helps like meals on wheels, clothing mending, helping in hospitals, etc.
Help finding a partner for life
http://www.militarycupid.com – Yup! There’s even a site for you to connect with others for dating purposes. It is like the other online dating sites except it concentrates on military people.
This first one is my favorite by far. It is a social network just for veterans. There are over 600,000 members there. You talk about military, not what you had for breakfast this morning. I have made many close friendships there.
In Facebook you just put in the following pages in your search area and they should open up to you:
Navy
Air Force
Army
Marines
National Guard
Navy Seals
Coast Guard
You can also put in a division you may have been connected to like: 1st Cavalry.
Here are some individual sites I have looked up that are very good for veterans:
The Veterans Site
Concerned Veterans of America
Soldiers’ angels
Stop soldier suicide
Hiring our Heroes – great page to go to for help in job hunting
Blue Star Entrepreneurs – another good page to find help in job hunting
Army source one
U.S. Forces Korea
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs
Operation Gratitude – Care packages for the troops. Like the page to show your support and get involved.
Other places in the social networks you can connect to. I am only listing the topfive. No recommendations. Check them out on your own.
Twitter (Many military connections here. You just have to search.)
Now that is severely long, but I want you to see how extensive my appendix in the back of the book is. It covers everything you can think of. Just this alone is worth the price of the book.
Come back often to see more information on the book better yet…Go to the top of this page and click on Subscribe. When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox.
Checking in on you…How are you doing? Are you struggling with memories?
FEAR NOT!
There are over 14,051 fellow veterans here who have your back. (We increased by 56 since Monday. Pretty exciting. )
If you are battling mentally, because of your love for others, but it isn’t working, GET HELP!!
Here is a toll free number that you can call 24/7. There are highlyqualified counselors there to help you, and they will no hang up until they know you are OK.
+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.
+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.
Russian Forces Have Entered Ukraine’s Breakaway Territories, European Officials Say
European officials said Tuesday that Russian forces had invaded the breakaway territories of eastern Ukraine that Moscow on Monday formally recognized as independent, dashing hopes of a diplomatic solution.
_____________________
Nearly a Third of Defense Department Structures Have Exceeded Their Lifespan
Nearly 30% of the Defense Department’s roughly 550,000 structures have exceeded their lifespan, according to a new Government Accountability Office report. In total, the Pentagon faces a $137 billion deferred maintenance backlog.
_____________________
US 2nd Cavalry Troops Deploying to Bulgaria as NATO Reinforces Russia’s Neighbors
A company of troops from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany, were dispatched to Bulgaria to train with NATO allies as a bulwark against Russian troops moving into Ukraine. The U.S. Army also recently repositioned another 1,000 regiment troops to Romania.
_____________________
Navy Fighting Against Surging Russian Disinformation Ahead of Potential Ukraine Invasion
The U.S. military has struggled to push back against Russian-driven narratives flooding the internet in recent weeks, including a false claim a Virginia-class submarine was discovered in Russia’s territorial waters.
______________________
Calm Prevails at Poland-Ukraine Border Despite Growing Fears
Even as Western leaders offered dire warnings that a wider war could be coming in Ukraine, calm persisted along the country’s western border with European Union nation Poland on Saturday.
I am going to pass on sharing an excerpt tonight. I am extremely tired, from a long day trip I took today. There will be another excerpt on Friday. Come back to check it out. Better yet…go to the top of this page and click on Subscribe. When you do all future posts will go directly to your inbox.
Checking in on you…How are you doing? Are you struggling with memories?
FEAR NOT!
There are over 13,905 fellow veterans here who have your back.
If you are battling mentally, because of your love for others, but it isn’t working, GET HELP!!
Here is a toll free number that you can call 24/7. There are highlyqualified counselors there to help you, and they will no hang up until they know you are OK.
+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.
