One of the Biggest Battles That A Soldier Faces is Fear

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Military news…

The Pentagon is now calling Russia an ‘acute threat’


‘Russia poses acute threats, as illustrated by its brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.’

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Ukraine crisis aside, China remains the ‘primary challenge’ for the US, experts say

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.

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NATO steps up defenses over concerns Russia may use chemical attacks
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.

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North Korea’s latest launch may be a ‘new type’ of intercontinental missile

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.

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Review of suicide among troops to focus on Army bases in Alaska, South Korea

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.

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US general: Ukraine resistance highlights need to prepare

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.

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Biden on Russia’s Putin: `This man cannot remain in power’
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.

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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.

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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?   

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Checking in on you. How are you doing? Did you face some fears while in the military?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 14,200 veterans on this site who have your back.

Here is what I am asking you to do…please share this site with as many other veterans as you can. It has helped so many.

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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 highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until they know you are OK.

1-800-273-8255…texting 838255.

______________________________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

________________________________________________________________

+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.

Ukrainians Are Patriots, and Battling Hard For Their Country.

+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.

________________________________________________________________

Military news…

Urban warfare expert offers Ukrainians tips on battling Russians in close combat

“Urban combat is the great equalizer.”

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Ukrainian troops behind ‘Russian warship, go f—k yourself’ rallying cry are still alive

‘We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well with them!’

(Everyone thought they were killed by a Destroyer of the coast.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Why a no-fly zone over Ukraine would have devastating consequences

A no-fly zone is not an easy button.

(Russia would consider it an act of war the no fly zone was in acted.)

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I promised you another excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the military: In and Out of the Trenches of life. here it is.

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Appendix

Resources for the Military

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.military.com – Best military link there is. Highly recommended.

http://www.maketheconnection.com – Connect with family and friends here, and it is also full of helpful information for the military.

http://www.militaryonesource.com – Full of helpful thoughts and ideas that cover most problems the military may face.

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://veteransunited.com – Home loans for veterans.

http://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com – Quick small personal loans from $1,000to $10,000.

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.benefits.va.gov/homeloans – Covers all phases of home loans including refinancing, help for disaster relief, etc. Good site.

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.

http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/military/critical-need.aspx – Direct article of the American Psychological Association dealing with suicide.

http://utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/26/mental-health-support-online-for-military-spouses/ –  Excellent article for spouse of deployed military who need mental health help. I highly recommend this link.

Burial benefits

http://explore.va.va.gov/memorial-benefits – Complete coverage for burial. Highly recommend this link for those seeking help.

http://www.neptunesociety.com/veteran-cremation – Cremation specialists.

http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial/burialallowance.html – Taken from www.military.com but is specific about burial allowances and fees that could be paid to the families.

(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.military.com/jobs – Here is that great site again. It has a page just for finding jobs.

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://jobcenter.usa.gov/resources-for-veterans – Good site to look at the jobs and how to find them.

http://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/resources.asp – A pretty complete list all of the veteran connect sites that help with jobs.

http://www.militaryconncetion.com – Good site that lists many types of jobs and helps with contacting employers.

Job hunting for spouses

http://www.operationwearehere.com – Excellent site for spouses to find out how to do résumé and job hunt. Highly recommended.

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.trident.edu/marketing/veterans-benefits – Trident University was rated as the most affordable online college. There are many online courses to choose from. Good choice.

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.ptsd.va.gov/professional/web-resources/military-resources.asp – Dedicated totally to help veterans with PTSD. Highly recommended. This is a page from the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

http://www.afterdeployment.dcoe.mil – More help with PTSD and other mental health issues.

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.

Help with money and investing

http://www.themilitarywallet.com/benefits-for-military-veterans/ – Great site to find out about discounts, investing, taxes, total list of benefits, etc. Highly recommended.

Connecting with other military people you have met

https://www.vetfriends.com/?source=bingvetfriends – Find buddies you had while in the military.

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.survivingdeployment.com – Great site to help families who have faced deployment.

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.

Housing allowance and benefits

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil – This is a site to check on how to get housing allowance, per diem, etc.

http://www.myarmybenefits.us.mil – Another good site to check on what benefits you deserve.

Blind veterans

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.

Social networks

www.rallypoint.com/join/spc-douglas-bolton 

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 top five. No recommendations. Check them out on your own.

Twitter (Many military connections here. You just have to search.)

Instagram

LinkedIn (Business connections)

Pinterest (Pictures)

Goggle +

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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.

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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.

(Just do it.)

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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 highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will no hang up until they know you are OK.

1-800-273-8255…texting 838255

______________________________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

_______________________________________________________________

+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 Military News is Full of the Threat of War in Ukraine.

+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.

________________________________________________________________

Military news…

Army general cleared to retire after soldiers reported hostile workplace in climate survey

An official investigation found she “violated the standards” in Army regulations.

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Attack helicopters, F-35s, hundreds of US troops repositioned in Europe as Russia moves into Ukraine.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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 highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will no hang up until they know you are OK.

1-800-273-8255…texting 838255.

________________________________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

________________________________________________________________

+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.