Veterans Battle the Change to Civilian Life

This is not a new subject. Most veterans struggle when they first get out. It is too difficult the “blend,” into society. They are use to so much structure.

I have talked to many of them while I have writing my book, Signs of Hope for the MIlitary: In and Out of the Trenches for Life.

A common thread is that they fear the unknown. They had set schedules while serving, and then they are turned loose into the private sector.

A horrible statistic is that 22 veterans/active duty soldiers take their own lives every day. Not every month, every day!

Much of this is because a soldier comes out into to the real world, and feels he/she has to be tough. Many do not seek help because it may show they are weak.

What do we do to help them?

There is a 24/7 emergency number to call for help. Please use it if you need it. The number is (877-247-4645).

Where can they go to get help with other matters in their lives, like job searches, mental health, etc.

I am a board member for the following resource you need to check out: http://victory forveterans.org. Check out the site and find many things you may need for help.

We do everything we can to help each veteran. We put flowers on every veterans graves on Memorial Day; We go on trips around the United States to make people aware of the needs for veterans; We own a military museum in Casper, Wyoming with all the proceeds helping veterans, and much more. Check out the site.

Another place that will help, are the VA centers. They help you with cheaper prescription prices, and doctor care. There are VA facilities in every state. Look up the ones for you state.

There are many more things that be helping you. I will be sharing those with you in future posts.

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Up Date on the progress on my new book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

I am in the final stages of finishing the book. All I have left is a few more interviews with veterans. This has been my favorite part of putting this book together. I have had an interview and then went home crying. I have had interviews that got me laughing.

On my next post I will select an interview to give you a sneak peek. I will not share an interview every post. I would rather you see it in print than through this medium.

What’s Next?

I have several publishers interested. Now it is up to me to select one is best for me, and does a great publishing the book.

I’ve just started this week to investigate each company that is interested. I found one that doesn’t charge shipping to send me the books. That is huge, but I am very careful, and will keep checking every one out.

Keep in Touch

If you want to see the progress or see some interviews directly from the book, all you have to do is subscribe at the top of this page. If you do, all future posts will go directly to your inbox.

Those of you who are a veterans, or a family member of a veteran. God bless you!!

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Be Thankful for Your Freedoms Given to you by the Military

It is Memorial Day, and I am so thankful for the sacrifice that the men and women have gone through to make my world free, and so wonderful.

I am a veteran myself. I served in Korea. I know the trials service men and women go through.

The loneliness of being away from home. The unknown factors of each day. But I am proud that I took the step and enlisted. It helped me be  a better man today.

My son is also in the military. He is a career soldier. He served two tours in Iraq, and is now a full Bird Colonial. I am extremely proud of him.

I would be very wrong if I didn’t mention that I have other family members that have served in the military. My brother was in the National Guard, and two of my uncles were in WWII. They both were wounded in the battle.

Think about what we wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the efforts of  the people went that extra mile to serve their country. Thank someone you know right now that served.

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One of the sad parts of the military is that the suicide rate is extremely high in the military. I mentioned some reason that may be a problem in my introduction. Too many hours alone, and facing fear each day.

My quest is that I be able to reach out to the service men and women through my book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” By being there and knowing what they go through I think the book may enlighten them and hopefully give them hope.

If you some good connections in the military that could help me set-up a signing on a base somewhere. I would be more than happy to hold one, and give a portion to a fund that supports the families of the fallen soldiers who took their own lives.

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You can check the book out first by going to the top of this page and clicking on “Bookstore.” When you do, there is a description there plus a picture of the cover. If you need some endorsements, there is also a tab that says “endorsements,” at the top of this page. There are endorsements there from all over the United States.

I hope you at least check the book out. I think it can be a life changer for many.

 

What do you Want to Accomplish in 2011?

I told you in my last post that I will be starting up a new series of posts that talk about, “Becoming Famous Before you are Famous.” It will be excerpts from my book of the same title.

I have been busy arranging signings for the new year. I just finalized a signing for April 16th at Border’s Books on Lancaster Drive in Salem, Oregon from 2-4 P.M.

I will also be scheduling two signings at Eola Hills Winery in Rickreall, Oregon for Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day. Those signings do not have times yet, so be checking this site for more information.

I will be signing books at the Oregon State Fair next fall for seven days in a row.

My book will be in many more stores in Oregon soon as well. That is the top priority for me in 2011. I will be contacting any stores that carry books or gifts.

You can order a book right from this site by clicking on the Bookstore tab above. It will direct you from there. If you order from this site, you will be mailed a copy of the book with a personal note, and autograph. That will not happen at any other outlet you can get books from.

I am also on www.Amazon.com, www.Christianbooks.com, and  www.Barnes&Noble.com sites.

The thought of the day….

It is a new year. What do you want to accomplish in 2011? How about finding new ways to serve the Lord? I know, you serve Him daily now, but what new things could you do to serve Him even more?