Tag: national Guard

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Not all days Were Bad. Some were Fun in the Military

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Military news…

USS Constitution Has Its First Female Commanding Officer in Its 224-Year History 

Cmdr. Billie Farrell on Friday became the first female to captain the USS Constitution in the historic warship’s 224-year history.

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Alexandria VA Hospital Unveils New Statue Recognizing Women Veterans

A new statue recognizing women veterans was unveiled at the Alexandria Veterans Affairs hospital campus in Alexandria, Louisiana.

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‘Atomic Veterans’ Finally to Get Commemorative Service Medal

After years spent fighting for recognition, veterans who worked on the US nuclear program will be eligible for a new medal.

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Vietnam Veteran Takes Flight in World War II Aircraft in Mesa

Retired Col. Richard “Dick” Toliver took to the skies the “Amazing Grace” aircraft.

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Meet the US Soldiers Aiming for Olympic Gold in the 2022 Winter Games

They’re already serving their country in the Army. Now, four US soldiers will also be representing their country at the Winter Olympics.

Spc. Frank Del Duca and Spc. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor have been selected to join the U.S. Men’s Olympic Bobsled Team, while Sgt. Emily Sweeney and Airman 1st Class Kelly Curtis will go for gold in luge and the skeleton, respectively.

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Here is another excerpt from myupcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

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I Hope I Can Swim!

There weren’t always serious times in the military.

One day after we were done with shooting at the range in basic training, the regular platoon leader had to go to headquarters, and he asked a Warrant Officer to march us back to the buses.

The Warrant Officer had never led a march before and it was very clear that he was not in control. The men whispered to each other that we needed to follow his commands completely, but only if they were Army regulated.

Well, the Warrant Officer had no idea what the Army regulations were for marching troops, so he just told us to start marching. We didn’t move. He shouted, “Let’s go!” We still didn’t move. Then a passer-by soldier told him the wording was “Forward march!” 

He said “Forward march!” We started marching. He wanted us to do a turn at a street corner, and said “Turn right!” We kept going straight. He was heading us toward a boat ramp leading down to the ocean. He saw what was happening, and yelled, “Stop!” We didn’t stop! He shouted “You’re going into the water, stop!”

By this time the front of the platoon was in the edge of the ramp and had water over their boots. He was again getting desperate. He ran over to some other soldier watching “the show,” and begged them to tell him what he is supposed to say. He said yell, “Platoon halt!” He did, but by that time there were some men swimming, and laughing I might add.

The platoon leader didn’t get mad when he heard what happened. He even chuckled to himself, and then he called the Warrant Officer to apologize.

Have you ever gotten confused with some orders you have received in the military? Were they in such a way that you had to question them? Let me tell you that it is OK to question a command or orders if you stay with the guidelines of the Army manual.

If an officer asks you to do something you aren’t comfortable with you could say, “No disrespect sir, but could you explain that order to me?” You could also say, “I would like to say “Respectively sir that I will do what you say, but I am not comfortable doing it.”

Any good officer will not chew you out for statements like that. My son, who was a colonel, had times when he had to give soldiers commands, and I am sure if they questioned him, he didn’t punish them or he didn’t become angry. I met many of his soldiers when I visited him on base, and every soldier I met said that my son was a soldier’s soldier. Meaning, they knew he was in charge, but they also knew that he would listen to them if they had a disagreement.

In your life it is wise to be open to others who may disagree with you. It may make you uncomfortable, but in the long run, the other person will respect you for listening to them even if you stick to what you first advocated.

IWILL

It is so easy to demand things for yourself, but that approach may only lead to the loss of friends and family. The “my way or the highway,” philosophy doesn’t seem to fit well with most people.

Think about this

Isn’t it sad that when someone tries to “bully,” someone into agreeing with them, it only hurts them?

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That was of the fun times in the military,but we all know there were not so fun days. Come back often to see more excerpts. Better yet…go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to you inbox.

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Checking in on you…How are you doing? Are you struggling with memories?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 13,825 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.

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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 yournbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.

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Alcohol Abuse is very Common in the Military

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Military news…

A memorial for the Global War on Terrorism may still be a long way off, but it has taken an important step towards its eventual completion.

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Facing It. “The Harder I Held on, the Further I Felt From Home.”

Drew Pham grieves for the family of the man he killed at war. His peers and commanders told him it was a good kill, but how can a kill be “good”?
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Air Force Discharges 27 For Refusal to Get COVID Vaccine

The Air Force has discharged 27 people for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, making them what officials believe are the first service members to be removed for disobeying the vaccination mandate.

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Guardsman in Jan. 6 Mob Gets Probation, Still Serving in the Guard

A Wisconsin National Guard soldier was sentenced in federal court Dec. 10 to two years of probation and $1,500 in fines and restitution on one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

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Kentucky National Guard Soldier Returns to Hometown For ‘Deeply Personal’ Mission Following Tornadoes

Kentucky National Guardsmen uncovered the state and U.S. flags while clearing debris last week at the County Courthouse destroyed by a tornado in Mayfield, Kentucky.

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103 Marines Already Separated For Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine

At least 103 Marines have been separated from the Marine Corps for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the service said Thursday.

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Army veteran, hit man in killing of Navy officer, awaits new sentencing hearing on death row

Army veteran David A. Runyon, convicted of being the hit man in a murder-for-hire slaying of a Navy officer, was sentenced to death in 2009, but in December 2020 a panel for the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered that the case be sent back to Norfolk for a hearing.

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Another excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of life.

Not too many left before I stop sharing, so come back often to chek this site out. Better yet… Go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts go directly into your inbox.

JUST DO IT! 🙂

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Just One More Drink!

I knew some men who were lost in the drinking world. They couldn’t put that glass down. When they drink they would drink to the last drop, not wanting to waste any of it, like a soldier on the desert getting the last drop out of their canteen. 

Alcohol abuse is common in the military. I was a naïve and unknowing boy when I went into the military. I hadn’t done any drinking of any kind. I was right out of high school. 

But once I got to Korea I met some veterans of another kind. They were veteran drinkers.

They wanted me to go with them to the base tavern. I resisted for a while and they kept after me. I finally went with them one night. It was the end of the month, and they were having drinks for ten cents each. I think they said they try to clear out all the booze at the end of the month, because a new shipment was coming from the main land.

Ten cents? Wow! I thought. This is too good of a deal to pass up. I was nearly broke, but I had a couple of dollars. That could buy me twenty drinks. (What a deal!)

I was with two soldiers that I befriended when I got there. One was an athletic looking guy, and the other was a “tall drink of water,” from Texas.

They showed me that they loved to drink. I decided to have my first drink. I asked them what drinks were good. They told me the Zombie drink was especially sweet, and tasty. I had no idea what kind of drink it was. (I should have known just from the title of the drink!) They each also ordered one. They brought the drinks to our table.

The Zombies were huge. They were in a tall glass and had a murky green and brown look to them.

My friends (?) said “Let’s have a drinking contest. Let’s see who can finish their drink first.” I fell for the trap. We all held the glasses to our lips and one of them yelled “GO!” 

I had two gulps down before the burning sensation in my throat started. I thought I had swallowed a nest of yellow jackets! I coughed, and tried to standup.

They guys pulled me back down and said, “You aren’t finished yet. Keep at it.” I wanted this experience to end so I kept drinking. I remember about four gulps, and then everything went black. I was having a black-out.

I didn’t remember the whole rest of the evening, and woke up the next morning lying next to a big truck and having dry heaves. There had to have been people walking by the spot where I was, but no one helped me. They probably just said, “Oh, there is another recruit who just got in.” 

It took me several days to get my life back to a livable state. I had to go to the infirmary to get some medicine to help, and the doctor just laughed and said, “You must be a new guy.” 

So what did I learn from that?

  • Things aren’t what they seem.
  • Friends you are supposed to trust aren’t always good friends.
  • If something looks like it may be wrong, it probably is.
  • You don’t have to do things to empress anyone to make them like you.

Now days, I have a beer once and a while, but I never overindulge. It just doesn’t make sense to me to be drinking just to get drunk. I used to think that non-alcoholic beer was a joke. I also thought, if I am going to drink beer I am doing it for the buzz, not the taste. Now I enjoy the taste, and feel that once I have quenched my thirst that is all I need.    

How about you? Do you struggle with drinking too much? I know it is possible in the military to have down times, lonely times, depressing times, drinking with buddies, where you seem to be attracted to alcohol, because it is needed to drown your sorrows in it.

I suggest to you that the opposite should be true. We shouldn’t be going to the one thing that could give us more depression. We shouldn’t be going to the one thing that could cause us to stop thinking clearly, which is dangerous when you are depressed and lonely.  

During your moment of depression you should be thinking as many positive thoughts as you can. Push out all that garbage out of your brain. Talk to friend. Let them know you are feeling down. Don’t go to alcohol to try to hide your pain. It may cause you more.

IWILL

If we can keep our minds clear of all the negativity around us, we have a much better chance of fighting off the dark side that is trying to cause us pain. We should never, ever think we need alcohol to free us of the mental pain.

Think about this

Isn’t it interesting how we think we are sad, and yet we have so many people around us who want to help?

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Checking on on you. Have things gone wrong from you drinking too much?

FEAR NOT!!

There are over 13,590 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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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.

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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.