Military Connection Archives

Military Connection: You Still Have “The Power of 1” By Debbie Gregory

November 6, 2014/in Archived Blogs

In September, Military Connection announced the launch of “The Power of 1,” a campaign administered jointly by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The idea of the Power of 1 emphasizes the belief that one person has the power to recognize warning signs, intervene, create a dialogue, or make a phone call to save someone in crisis. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. It only takes one person or one single action to save another person’s life.

But as one suicide by a Veteran or member of the military is one too many, it is necessary to keep reminding those in crisis about the peer support and resources offered by the VA and the DOD.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in America among all ages and ethnicities. And it is unbearably high in military and Veteran communities. But by using the mentality instilled in service members since boot camp to look out for their comrades, the Power of 1 campaign is hoping to sharply reduce the number of suicides among active and former military members. It’s just a matter of looking out for one another.

Some indicators that your buddy may be considering suicide include talking about suicide, making plans, stockpiling medications, and withdrawing from people and activities that were previously enjoyable. People at risk for suicide could also be going through the loss of a loved one, relationship issues, financial difficulties, drug/alcohol problems, legal trouble, medical problems and more.

The Power of 1 campaign is designed to empower individuals who see these indicators, and give them the tools to help, and possibly save a life, just as they would have done in combat. The campaign encourages those needing help, or witnessing comrades in crisis, to utilize the many resources available, such as chaplains, military family life consultants, mental health clinics, peers, community support organizations, Vets4Warriors and especially the Military/Veterans Crisis Line.

When people call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, and press 1, they can have a confidential conversation with a peer counselor specifically trained to deal with any crisis or stresses the service member, Veteran, or family member may be facing. Calls to the crisis line are free, confidential, with trained professionals 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: You Still Have “The Power of 1” By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Immigrant Enlistment Suspended: By Debbie Gregory

November 5, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Last month, the Pentagon announced that it would allow “illegal immigrants,” meaning those without legal citizenship status, to join the U.S. military. But as of October 23, 2014, that program has been suspended.

The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program had allowed non U.S. citizens to enlist in the U.S. armed forces, as long as they possessed a skill that was deemed “vital” to a branch or its mission. Usually, these skills included fluency in a “vital” language, an advanced engineering degree, or experience as a healthcare professional.

Last month, the plan was to expand the MAVNI program to include undocumented immigrants who fell under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative. This announcement was met with a lot of passion from Americans, both from those in favor and those opposed to the expansion of the program.

Now, the official word from the Pentagon is that the program is on hold while recruiting officials can sort out a process for accurately screening MAVNI candidates.

The MAVNI program was created by the Army in 2008. The intention of the yearlong pilot program was to recruit documented immigrants with specialized skills in military occupations where there was a vital need and, in turn, offer the immigrants an expedited path to U.S. citizenship. Since inception, more than 2,900 recruits have enlisted in the military through the MAVNI program.

The program ran until 2010, when it slowed due to lack of need and the impending downsizing of forces. MAVNI restarted again in 2012, with authorization to run for an additional two years, with a 1,500-person cap. The program was set to expire September, 2014, but the program was extended through fiscal 2016. At the same time, it was extended to undocumented immigrants. But for now, the entire MAVNI program is on hold.

Officials from the Pentagon expect the MAVNI program to reopen by late November for all applicants with legal immigration status. Currently, there is no timetable for renewing the expansion of DACA beneficiaries and other applicants without legal documentation status.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Immigrant Enlistment Suspended: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: “Shark Tank” Veterans Episode: By Debbie Gregory

November 5, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Since 2009, hundreds of entrepreneurs have braved the waters of ABC’s “Shark Tank” for a chance to sway the panel of sharks to invest in their business or product. Just in time for Veterans Day, 2014, the reality show will be airing an all-Veterans episode.

As most people know, “Shark Tank” is a reality television show that allows entrepreneurs to make a sales pitch to a panel of established tycoons, called sharks, in the hopes that the sharks will invest in their business or product. The sharks can choose to make investment offers to the contestants or opt out on a deal. But sometimes, the sharks offer deals that are like a feeding frenzy. Contestants should beware when the sharks start circling.

Many clever products and brilliant business people have appeared on the show and made big deals, but for most episodes, the sharks are the stars. The current list of sharks include: Kevin O’Leary, a financial investor who made it big after selling his software company, Daymond John, founder of the FUBU clothing brand, Barbara Corcoran, a New York real estate mogul, Robert Herjavec, who founded two successful internet security companies, Lori Greiner, the “Queen of QVC,” and Mark Cuban, software tycoon and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, arguably the most recognizable shark.

Veterans and fans of the show won’t want to miss the episode that airs on Friday, November 7. For once, the sharks will not be the stars of the show, instead, Veterans will steal the spotlight. A Marine from Columbus, OH, an Army Captain from Louisville, KY, and a Navy SEAL from Tucson, AZ will attempt to capture the sharks and earn money for their businesses.

This special episode of Shark Tank is a great way to show Veterans how entrepreneurship can be a viable option for them after they separate from the military. The all-Veterans episode also gives the show’s viewers further insight into the struggles that Veterans have transitioning when their service to their country is through.

Be sure to check your local listings for ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: “Shark Tank” Veterans Episode: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Marine Freed from Mexican Jail: By Debbie Gregory

November 4, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Service members, Veterans and patriots around the country are celebrating the return of Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi to U.S. soil. Late Halloween night, Sgt. Tahmooressi was allowed to return to his country after being imprisoned for 214 days in Mexico on weapons charges.

Last March, Tahmooressi was arrested in Tijuana, Mexico in possession of a .45 caliber pistol, a 12 gauge shotgun and an AR-15 rifle. Tahmooressi claims he simply made a wrong turn, and ended up on the wrong side of the border. But in Mexico, possession of such weapons is a federal crime. The country has been tightening up its border security to stop the flow of weapons from the U.S. that are being used against their police by drug cartels. Based on the Mexican judicial system, if convicted, Tahmooressi faced a minimum of seven years in prison.

Sgt. Tahmooressi served two tours in Afghanistan. He had separated from active duty in 2012. Just days before his arrest in Mexico, Tahmooressi had been diagnosed with PTSD, and had begun receiving treatment in San Diego.

For the entire seven months that Tahmooressi was detained, his mother, Jill Tahmooressi, was an unwavering advocate for her son. She was able to drum up thousands of supporters, including several high-level politicians, and even Veteran/Talk Show Host/Advocate Montel Williams to petition for her son’s release. These allies may have been part of the reason why the Mexican government ordered Tahmooressi’s release.

Reports as late as the morning of his release painted a dismal future for Tahmooressi. News articles reported that the judge could take as long as a week to make a decision, or even postpone the process for several more months. But essentially, the prosecution dropped the charges against the Marine reservist. A psychiatrist hired by the Mexican Attorney General’s office concurred with the opinion that Tahmooressi was indeed suffering from PTSD and required treatment. The Marine sergeant was released in order to receive the psychiatric treatment that his condition required.

Upon his release from Mexican jail, Tahmooressi was transported across the border and back into the U.S. He was immediately taken to a private jet at a small airfield near San Diego. The free Tahmooressi boarded a plane for Florida…. and home.

Neither Sgt. Tahmooressi nor members of his family have yet spoken to the media. The Marine Veteran will spend some time “decompressing” after his long incarceration, and undergo treatment for his PTSD

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Marine Freed from Mexican Jail: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Oak Ridge Boys Combat PTSD: By Debbie Gregory

November 4, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The American Legion National Headquarters recently announced the organization’s partnership with country superstars The Oak Ridge Boys.

The American Legion is America’s largest Veterans service organization, with nearly two and a half million members. The Legion exists to support the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Part of the organization’s function is to raise awareness for Veterans in areas such as benefits, legislation, education, and treatment for ailments that are prevalent among the Veteran community, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In an effort to reach more Veterans and inform the public about PTSD, the American Legion is partnering with Grammy Award-winning singing group, The Oak Ridge Boys. The legacy of the group dates back to the 1940’s, with all current members performing together since the 1970’s. The group consists of lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden. Besides winning Grammy Awards, The Oak Ridge Boys have won CMA and Academy of Country Music Awards. They continue to tour the country, performing such country and gospel favorites as “Elvira, “GI Joe and Lillie” and “American Made.”

The Oak Ridge Boys have agreed to participate in a national awareness and fundraising campaign to support the detection and treatment of mental health issues in Veterans, including PTSD.

Joe Bonsall, a member of The Oak Ridge Boys since 1973, wrote the inspirational song that was biographical about his Veteran parents, titled, “G.I. Joe and Lillie.” Bonsall’s parents were both World War II Veterans. His father spent much of his life living with the emotional scars of war.

Growing up, Bonsall experienced firsthand how mental health issues can affect a Veteran family, making The Oak Ridge Boys fitting allies for the American Legion.

“Uniting with the American Legion to raise awareness of those who are suffering, as my father did, is work we are proud to champion.” Bonsall said.

The American Legion estimates that around 20% of Veterans from the wars in Iraq and Iraq will face varying degrees of PTSD. The organization has been working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, several research institutions, as well as individual Veterans who suffer from PTSD, as part of their effort to find solutions and treatments for those who suffer with TBI and PTSD.

The inclusion of The Oak Ridge Boys will help take the American Legion’s fight to an additional front. As part of the battle plan, this alliance will reach more Americans and help more Veterans and Veteran families afflicted with the invisible wounds of war.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Oak Ridge Boys Combat PTSD: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: New Social App for Veterans: By Debbie Gregory

November 3, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Over 8,000 Veterans commit suicide each year. That statistic averages out to 22 Veteran suicides every day. While suffering the loss of a comrade, a group of Veterans developed a new app designed to prevent other Veterans from taking their own lives.

In 2011, just a few months after separating from the Marine Corps, Sergeant Clay Hunt took his own life. Sgt. Hunt was battling with PTSD and depression. Jake Wood, who served with Hunt, attended his funeral in Houston. Wood learned that three other Marines from their unit lived near Hunt without knowing it, and without knowing how much he was struggling. Wood couldn’t help but think that if his comrades had known how close Hunt was, perhaps they could have helped him.

Wood partnered with fellow-Veterans Anthony Allman and William McNulty to create POS REP, an app that uses GPS data on your smartphone to let Veterans know when their comrades are nearby. The intention of the app is to let Veterans know that they are not alone, there are other Veterans near them who may be struggling with similar issues.

“POS REP” is military jargon for “position report.” POS REP the application is a social networking app that alerts users when they are in close proximity to a fellow Veteran, or a career or resources center for Veterans.

The app is equipped with radar function that locates other users and resources near you, and also allows you to “pop a flare” to alert the other user that you are there. The app also offers a SITREP function, allowing open chats and posts from Veterans in your area of operation. POS REP allows users to squad up with their service buddies after they transition out. The app gives users a way to display their service accomplishments and organizations through its SRB function. And the Chat function allows for private conversations between individual users, squads and Rally Points.

The POS REP application is currently available for iPhone users through the Apple App store, and will soon be available for Android users as well. No Veteran should ever feel alone, and with the POS REP app, they won’t have to.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: New Social App for Veterans: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: DOD Reviews Nonprofit Policies: By Debbie Gregory

November 3, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The Defense Department (DOD) has announced that it will be reconsidering the current measures that thwart efforts made by well-intentioned nonprofit groups.

Every year, thousands of military families receive support from nonprofit organizations. The overwhelming majority of nonprofit organizations are above board, known and respected for the work they do for service members and their families. With that said, there are some organizations that have turned out to be fraudulent or outright scams. The DOD, and each branch of service, have been forced to try to find a way to protect service members, while still allowing them to receive the support they need.

Previously, there has been a history of inconsistent policies concerning nonprofit organizations on military installations. While a nonprofit organization may hold an office space on one base, its representatives may not even be permitted access to another installation within the same branch of service.

There have also been occasions where Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) officials on certain installations have asked nonprofit organizations to pay hundreds of dollars to set up a table at an on-base event. Many organizations, especially the local ones that can have a huge impact in their communities, can’t afford to pay the “entrance fees” just to spread the word about how they can help.

What the DOD is realizing is that service members need access to the support that these organizations can provide. And the department is trying to facilitate better conduits for these service members to receive the help that they need.

In 2013, DOD Secretary Chuck Hagel enacted a policy which allowed enlisted service members in pay grades E-6 and below to accept gifts valued at more than $20 from charitable and Veterans’ service tax-exempt organizations. An earlier restriction prohibited service members and military families in need from accepting provisions from nonprofit organizations, including holiday gifts, food and clothing.

Of course Mr. Hagel and the DOD are not about to direct the branches of the military to simply grant access to anyone claiming to represent a military-friendly nonprofit organization. But they are in discussions as to how to eliminate as many obstacles as possible that bring the provisions and beneficial programs these organizations provide to the service members who need them.

The DOD and each service branch are in the process of reviewing current policies regarding nonprofit organizations in order to give them more consistency. While it is not a formal review, it should pave the way for better access to provisions offered by military friendly nonprofit organizations, while protecting service members and their families.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: DOD Reviews Nonprofit Policies: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Marine’s Death Reclassified: By Debbie Gregory

November 2, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Marine’s death reclassified as first casualty of “Operation Inherent Resolve.”

Cpl. Jordan L. Spears, from Memphis, Indiana, was lost in the Persian Gulf on October 1, 2014. He was serving as a Crew Chief on an MV-22B Osprey, assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, supporting the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The Osprey was attached to the USS Makin Island (LHD-8). Shortly after takeoff from the amphibious assault ship’s flight deck on October 1^st, the Osprey nearly crashed. Cpl. Spears and another crew member bailed out of the aircraft and into the waters of the Persian Gulf. The pilots were able to regain control and land safely back on the ship’s deck. Search and rescue operations were able to safely recover one crew member, but Cpl. Spears was never found. Initially, Cpl. Spears’ death was deemed by the Department of Defense (DOD) as a non-global war on terror casualty.

On October 28^th, a review of the incident led to an reclassification of Cpl. Spears death as in support of the U.S. military’s efforts against the Islamic State, making Spears the first official casualty of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Unfortunately, the DOD has already identified a second casualty of Operation Inherent Resolve. Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal died on October 23^rd in Baghdad in a noncombat incident. Lance Cpl. Neal was a mortarman with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, an infantry unit out of Twentynine Palms, California.

As a nation, we send our condolences to the families, friends and comrades of Cpl. Spears and Lance Cpl. Neal, and to the entire U.S. Marine Corps. Let us hope that these two Marines remain honored members of a short list.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Marine’s Death Reclassified: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Veteran Art Festival: By Debbie Gregory

November 1, 2014/in Archived Blogs

This week, the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is hosting the 2014 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Over 100 creative Veterans from across the country and all branches of service have been selected to display their talents for the event.

The 2014 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is being presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Legion Auxiliary. The festival is intended to showcase the artistic talents and achievements of Veterans in art, dance, drama, music and creative writing. For the festival, contests were held among VA medical facility patients. The winners of these competitions were all invited to participate in workshops, rehearsals, and collaborative sessions that culminates with the exhibits and a stage show at the festival.

VA medical facilities integrate creative arts into many of their recreation therapy programs. An annual competition in various art forms recognizes the progress and recovery made through therapy, and raises the visibility of the creative achievements of our nation’s Veterans after disease, disability or life crisis.

Over 3,500 Veterans participated in regional competitions in 53 different categories, which resulted in the selection of national winners. From the collection of winners, approximately 120 Veterans were selected to be showcased in the 2014 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

The festival runs now through Sunday, November 2^nd The art exhibit runs each day of the event from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM, with the stage show starting at 2:00 PM. The event is being held at the Milwaukee Theatre located at 500 West Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required for the stage show. Anyone interested in attending the show must call (414) 389-4099 for complimentary tickets.

Veterans and fine art lovers near the Milwaukee area should head down to the 2014 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival this weekend and take in the creativity and culture of Veteran artists.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Veteran Art Festival: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Bin Laden’s Shooter Unmasked: By Debbie Gregory

October 31, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Superheroes are often disguised in order to protect their identities. Should the former Navy Sea, Air, Land (S.E.A.L.) Team 6 member who supposedly fired the kill shot on Osama Bin Laden reveal his identity?

Currently, a two-part documentary entitled, “The Man Who Killed Osama Bin Laden” is scheduled to air on FOX News Channel on November 11^th-12^th, at 10:00 PM Eastern. It has been publicized that the former S.E.A.L. Team 6 who fired that fatal shot on May 2, 2011, is going to reveal his identity on the two-day special.

The documentary is supposed to give viewers the inside story of the events that led up to the operation on the compound in Pakistan where Bin Laden was residing, as well as a firsthand account of the mission itself.

The “shooter” was interviewed by Esquire magazine in 2013, but kept his identity secret. With the making of this documentary, many Americans, especially those from the military and Veteran communities, are left wondering whether the “shooter” should reveal his identity.

First, there is the safety concern. Will this Veteran ever be safe again if his identity is revealed to the world? The answer is, probably not. Every extremist group and lone wolf looking to score points with al-Qaida will be gunning for this man for the rest of his life. Even if this retired Navy SEAL feels like he can protect himself, unfortunately, he most likely won’t be able to protect those close to him for long.

Next, there is the question of legality. This Navy Veteran should still be bound by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that he would have signed while still active. NDAs are sworn statements where service members promise that they will not disclose information that is sensitive to national defense.

Let us hope that this Veteran is not endangering himself, his loved ones, or national security through his participation in the documentary. It would be a shame to see a Veteran be targeted or incriminated for any reason.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.