Tag: Navy

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Five Reasons Why I Joined the Military

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Military news…

16 years after pulling his soldiers out of a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

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The Air Force relieved an officer of command who served separation paperwork to an airman in a mental health clinic for treatment after a suicide attempt.

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The Navy SEAL who died on Tuesday after sustaining injuries during training over the weekend was also a father, a football coach, a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and the commander of SEAL Team 8.

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In a heartbreaking moment on Monday, a lone military spouse stood before senior Navy leaders and demanded honesty regarding the water contamination at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

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Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, may have once again broken military rules on political activities by making a video in which she wore her military uniform while accusing “self-serving politicians” and others of wanting to start World War III.

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‘Dec. 7, 1941, changed our lives’: Scores of WWII vets venture to Pearl Harbor on attack’s 80th anniversary

More than 2,300 people died in the surprise attack, during which Japanese planes struck all military bases on Oahu, prompting America’s entrance into World War II.

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‘The water was on fire’: 100-year-old Illinois native survived Pearl Harbor, one of few left alive.

Sterling Cale, who turned 100 recently, is one few remaining survivors of attack. At the 80th anniversary of the bombing, it’s worth recalling his story and honor his urging to keep alive the legacy of Pearl Harbor.

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Some thoughts on why I enlisted into the Army.

  1. I had been struggling in college, because I wanted to have a good time and not study. I met with two buddies and we decided to enlist under the buddy program.
  2. We were together during basic training, but separated during MOS training.
  3. I had my basic training at FT. Ord, Cal. My next stop was Ft. Devens Mass, and then it was off to Ft. Gordon, GA. There I got my radio/teletype operator training.
  4. Then I was deployed to South Korea. After that I was sent to FT. Bragg NC.
  5. The experiences was amazing for me. I had never left my home state before joining, and then I was sent all over the United States, and to foreign countries. I grew up a lot, and gained much confidence.

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I have done a little more on my book. It is close to being finished. When it is, a publishing company is ready to print my book. Come back often to see the progress. Better yet…go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox.

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

FEAR NOT!

There are over 13,445 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.

___________________________________________

+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!

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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.

Posted on

Do You Need to be Tough to be 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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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES!!

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Military news…

U.S. Bank is proud to honor military veterans. We’re committed to helping you reach your financial goals during and after your military career. That’s why we offer competitive rates on VA home loans so you can buy a home or refinance with little or no down payment.

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The Air Force has relieved a colonel at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma who berated his airmen for not flying a training mission in dangerous conditions.

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No, the Marine Corps is not offering backseat rides in F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets for Marines who re-enlist.

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While we’re fact-checking, the British press may have to correct its claims that British Royal Marines wiped the floor with their American counterparts during an exercise last month, writes retired U.S. Marine Col. Andrew Milburn, who was actually at the exercise.

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Housing veterans living on the streets in LA could spark momentum nationwide, VA secretary says
VA Secretary Denis McDonough, who spoke at the National Press Club, said the VA succeeded in its goal of getting all homeless veterans living in the area known as “veterans row” in Los Angeles into housing by Nov. 1.
Former Marine in Russian prison goes on hunger strike over rights violationsFormer U.S. Marine Trevor Reed, jailed in Russia for nine years after being convicted over a drunken 2019 incident he did not remember, declared a hunger strike to protest violations of his rights in prison, according to his family and lawyers.

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Law saves the day, Army defeats Air Force in OT

Jordyn Law recovered teammate Christian Anderson’s fumble at the goal line for an overtime touchdown and Army defeated Air Force 21-14 on Saturday.

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Yes I have another excerpt for you from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trecnches of Life. . Aren’t I nice? 🙂

Do I Need to Be Tough in the Military?

I spent twelve hour days on hill 468 in Korea. (That’s the number I remember. Each hill was numbered.) You were up there alone to run the whole operation. I worked in a 2 ½ ton truck with a radio shack placed on top of it.  You were closed into a little area where you could reach both walls from where you sat. The shacks were only about eight to ten feet long.

If you had trouble with claustrophobia, this was not the job for you.

One night everything came to a stop. The generator had stopped. I went out to check and it was out of gas. I had to climb up on the generator to put more gas in. I was doing just fine until I slipped. I started to fall off the generator. I grabbed the first thing I could. Unfortunately it was the extremely hot manifold. It burnt the whole palm of my hand.

There was not one person to take my place, as the soldier who was my replacement was on leave. I had to operate the radio system with my hand wrapped in a cloth, and I was in severe pain.

I could have radioed down to the base, but you were supposed to be a soldier first and a cry baby later. I finished the night. Luckily I only had about three hours to go when I had my accident. I was off duty for over a week while my hand recovered.

Have you had a sudden incident change your path? Did you feel like crying out for help, but didn’t think you should because of how tough we as soldiers are supposed to be?

I am sure many of you have while you were in the service, or are still there.

What do we do about this?

I am convinced now that there is no shame in seeking help. There is no time when you should ever feel that your integrity will be hurting if you seek help for something.

It could a minor injury or it could be harassment. It could that you need to see a counselor for some issues you are going through.

The tough guy/gal theory has no place in the military. It is good to be tough when you are in a trench fighting for your country, but when you need some special help, get it.   

Don’t let the rigors of daily military life drag you down like a huge magnate. Seek help for whatever you think you need help with. 

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Be sure to come back and 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 your inbox.

Bed check… How are you doing today?Does the world seem dark and dreary? Would you rather stay in bed all day to avoid thiss earth?

FEAR NOT!!!

There ar eover 13,350 fellow veterans subscribed to the site who have your back.

But…if it is just too dark and dreary, GET HELP!

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

1-800-273-8255…texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

___________________________________________

+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.