Category: you served your country

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There is Hope for Those Military Who Have Come Home Battling PTSD, War Wounds, Etc.

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Military news…

Guantanamo Bay prison has outlasted the War in Afghanistan and it’s not going anywhere.

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The best part of the Army-Navy game on Saturday took place off the football field, when the victorious midshipmen put the youngest son of fallen Navy SEAL Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois in the middle of their celebration.

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The Marine Corps has released the service records of two former special operators who are accused of taking part in a kidnapping and murder scheme that eerily resembled a military operation.

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The Navy has little direct evidence tying an accused sailor to a fire that destroyed a $1.4 billion warship last year, But that did not stop prosecutors from calling several witnesses to talk about how he could be a cocky braggart at times.

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Nearly 17 months after a training accident that cost the lives of eight Marines and one sailor, the Marine Corps announced that it will no longer include its aging fleet of amphibious assault vehicles for regularly scheduled deployments or for waterborne training

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America’s three newest Medal of Honor recipients have very different stories, but there are a few things all three share: a relentless focus on the mission, an undying loyalty to the soldiers they served with, and an unhesitating willingness to sacrifice themselves for others.

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“Because people don’t like you doesn’t mean you did what the government has accused him of … In fact, it makes you a target.” That’s from Gary Barthel, the defense lawyer for Seaman Apprentice Ryan S. Mays, the sailor who the Navy has accused of setting the fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard last year.

“You’ve seen this airplane come and go countless times since the beginning of the deployment but this time your name is on the manifest. It is your ‘freedom bird.'” That’s from Jonathan Lenz, who wrote about the emotional roller coaster of finally going home after a deployment.

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I have been sharing endorsements for my new upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. It will be sent to the publisher in January. Here is another endorsement:

In the current conditions of our military, there is a need to find realistic affordable sources to reach out and help our veterans and current military. Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of life, is that source. Doug Bolton spends many chapters on showing the veterans and military ways to cope in this not so friendly world.  Sadly, he feels and knows of the pain from his volunteer service and sacrifices for our great country first hand. Being a seasoned registered nurse and a battlefield Air Force flight nurse, I have seen many young men and women coming home sick, injured wounded and highly depressed. This book is a must for many. I highly recommend this book without hesitation to all those who have served and currently serving.  I am also advocating for the loved ones and families to read this read, as well.

Colonel Dona Marie Iversen-retired

United States Air Force

NYC, New York

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Checking in on you my friend. How are you doing? Do you have dreams about your service time? Are they nightmares?

FEAR NOT!!

There are over 13,500 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the dreams just too much for you right now, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until the know you are OK.

1-800-272-8255..texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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+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.

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It Can be hard to Make friends While in the MIlitary

+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.

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A video posted online last week shows special operations soldiers dashing from a helicopter to a target house, shooting multiple ‘bad guys,’ and rescuing a hostage in the time it takes most people to tie their shoes.

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Many people believe that opportunity is a combination of luck and preparation. No one embodies that sentiment more than Eddie Rickenbacker, as the next few decades of his life would show.

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DARPA’s solution to the military’s plastic trash problem? Eat it.

Scientists want to turn plastic water bottles into protein powder and gun lubricant.

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In 1999, a toy called the Furby was banned by the NSA, the FAA, the Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, Viriginia, and a children’s hospital in Scotland.

There were preposterous rumors that led to an owl-like robot being dubbed a national security risk and safety hazard .

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Bob Dole: Senator, soldier, veterans’ advocate; ‘an individual of extraordinary will’
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that Senator Robert Joseph Dole died early this morning in his sleep,” according to a statement from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “At his death, at age 98, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 79 years.”
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Russia says US spy planes threaten civil aviation over Black Sea

According to Russia’s civil aviation agency, two passenger planes had to divert and change altitude because a NATO surveillance plane crossed their routes and ignored signals from Russian air safety authorities.

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80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor brings end to victim-identification programOn Dec. 7, the 80th anniversary of the attack that plunged the United States into World War II, the last of the remains that could not be identified will be reburied in Honolulu’s National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific known as the “Punchbowl.”
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I will share another excerpt for you, from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the trenches of Life. Not many left, so come back to see what is left. 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.

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It’s Tough Being the New Kid on the Block

After basic training I was accepted into the Army Security Agency, which is a unit of soldiers who, in my case, monitored radio/teletype transactions to make sure there were no breaches of security.

I was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for my training for that. I was separated from my two buddies there. I began to feel the loneliness again. Yes, there were hundreds of other soldiers just like me, but they weren’t from my home area. They were from all over the United States. They all had their own ways to approach people. Some didn’t want to have anything to do with the people around them.

I didn’t see why it was happening, and went out of my way to “cross the center line,” to the other side to get acquainted with them. I made some good friends on both sides, and didn’t get in trouble for doing it from either side.

Do you have family members, or fellow soldiers that you feel are isolating themselves from you? Are there those who want to be alone, and not mix with others?

I have felt that while I was stationed in Korea. There was a breakdown of short timers, (those with a month to go or less,) new guys who were “outcasts,” until they proved themselves, and the regular group who were in between.

I went through all three stages while I was there. However, I couldn’t let myself treat the new soldiers as outcasts. I learned that my first week there myself.

I was just settling in when two guys came walking up to me in my Quonset hut, (metal shelter.) They were both big and strong looking guys. One was African American, who looked like a linebacker, and the other was “tall drink of water,” from Texas.

I was every worried as they came towards me. Why would they fool around with a “newsikky,” (new guy) like me? They both had smiles on their faces and shook my hand. They greeted me like I was somebody important.

I figured they were the welcoming committee, but they weren’t. They were just two soldiers who had gone through the gauntlet like all new soldiers had to do, and they had decided that they would make sure no one else had to.

That was the one main factor that helped me cope while I was in Korea. I became very good buddies with those two guys. (Besides they were big and tough and they protected me!) They set the pattern that I used the whole time I was there. I felt it was my duty, because of these two men, to make the new soldiers feel welcome.

If you have been through some feelings of rejection in your world, reach out to someone who is in the same boat as you are and help them cope. Be like my two “angels” who came to make me feel welcome, and make others around you feel important and special.

You will not only feel good about what you are doing, but you will help someone who is struggling a great deal.

IWILL

There are times when you have “down time,” in the military. Use that time to get to know some of the soldiers that don’t seem to have any friends. It may seem uncomfortable at first, and they may reject you, but they will never be the same. They will know that someone cares, and they will walk a little taller.

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Checking in on you my friend. How are you doing? Do you have dreams about your service time? Are they nightmares?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 13,440 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the dreams just too much for you right now, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until the know you are OK.

1-800-272-8255..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.

Posted on

Endless Resources For Veterans, in an Upcoming Book.

+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…

The Army is conducting an inquiry into Army helicopter pilots who performed a football game flyover practically inside the stadium.

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is counting on the troops’ love of pay and benefits to motivate Oklahoma National Guardsmen to finally get the COVID-19 vaccine.

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“After working there for six months, I still don’t know what the non-profit does to help veterans.” That’s from a former employee of The Academy of United States Veterans, a non-profit that might not be as great as it appears to be.

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A Marine recruiter has been arrested after allegedly inappropriately touching and grabbing two women in Ohio.

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The Navy doesn’t know why the water on a major base smells like fuel and has no idea when it’ll be fixed.

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Ok! I will listen to you and share another excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. You weren’t very happy when I missed a couple of posts.

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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

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.

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

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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In my opinion this part of the book is worth the price by itself. Everything you need to help you in your civilian life. I will share another excerpt in my next post, so keep coming back. Better yet...go o the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will directly to your inbox.

____________________________________________

Checking in on you my friend. How are you doing? Do you have dreams about your service time? Are they nightmares?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 13,440 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the dreams just too much for you right now, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until the know you are OK.

1-800-272-8255..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.