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Twin Vets Continue Their Service

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twin vets

By Debbie Gregory.

You’re not seeing double when you visit the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS.)

VA employees Judith Ruiz and Yolanda Ruiz-Isales are identical twins. But the similarities don’t end there: both had 27 year nursing careers, both attained advanced degrees in nursing management, and both completed officer training courses.

The sisters also followed similar career paths. Judith is the Admissions Intake Coordinator for Polytrauma, while Yolanda is the Nurse Manager for the Outpatient Surgical Specialty Clinics.

The desire to serve came to the sisters when they were young girls. They had an aunt who was an Army nurse during the Korean War.

The sisters found themselves together several times at officer training, Walter Reed, Korea and in graduate school.

Yolanda attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Judith did her fellowship at the Army Environmental Policy Institute.

Their first-hand knowledge of military systems and culture came in handy when they transitioned to their VA careers. That knowledge and experience is being utilized to train and mentor their fellow nurses and VA employees.

The twins found their work at the STVHCS satisfying. Having previously worked with physical therapists and occupational therapists, Judith was a natural fit for the polytrauma unit. She takes pride in the impact that she has not only on patients but their families. “The family members realize that I am an advocate for them,” said Judith.

The Ruiz sisters said it is different when one Veteran assists another. Both Judith and Yolanda say serving Veterans is simple. “The Veterans need to feel like there is someone connecting them to this very large and complex healthcare system,” Yolanda said. “But you have to instill that mindset and you have to live that culture every day…that’s leadership!”

The sisters are a shining example of what great employees veterans are. When employers hire veterans, they are not only doing the right thing, they are also gaining loyal, skilled and valuable employees.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Tech Companies Set High Veteran Hiring Expectations

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space jobs

By Debbie Gregory.

Matching up veterans and transitioning service members with tech jobs makes sense, since many of those who have served have already utilized tech-related skills.

To that end, tech giants like Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and EMC pledged to hire 1,000 to 3,000 veterans and military spouses over the next five years. Additionally, GoDaddy and Seagate Technology have pledged to hire 200 to 500 veterans.

Joining Forces, the national employment and career development initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden now has five years of success. The program has resulted in 1.2 million veterans and military spouses receiving jobs and training.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, whose company pledged to make 25,000 veteran and military spouse hires said, “”We’re constantly looking for leaders who can invent, think big, have a bias for action, and who want to deliver for customers.” Bezos added, “Well, those principles look very familiar to the men and women who served our country in the armed forces. And also their spouses. These guys work hard and have lots of skills.”

SpaceX has a solid reputation when it comes to employing members of the military, and has been named one of the 10 best companies for veterans in the country. The company boasts a high percentage of recent hires who were veterans, as well as a 95% retention rate among hired former service members.

This talent pool has also worked in the most challenging and stressful environments imaginable.

At MilitaryConnection.com, we offer a multitude of resources for veterans and military spouses who are seeking employment, including our Virtual Job Fair and our Job Board.  We also spread the word to employers about the tax credits available to employers who hire veterans.

We salute and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Guard Your Mind and Body during PTSD Awareness Month

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guard your health

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a great opportunity to raise public awareness about PTSD, a behavioral health concern that impacts the lives of many Americans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that PTSD affects:

  • 11 to 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
  • 12 percent of Gulf War Veterans and
  • Approximately 30 percent of Vietnam Veterans

For those affected by a behavioral health concern, everyday tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming, but exercise can help. Incorporating regular physical activity can alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by improving behavioral health, boosting moods, and improving sleep quality.

No matter your age or fitness level, regular exercise can positively impact both your mind and body. Working out releases endorphins, those “feel-good” chemicals that trigger feelings of happiness. Walking, jogging, swimming, biking, and other forms of exercise can help those with PTSD by providing a distraction from painful memories and reducing physical tension.

Regular exercise can also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, helping you gain confidence as you achieve your fitness goals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults get 150 minutes of exercise each week, which is just a little more than 20 minutes a day.

There are a number of ways to achieve 20 minutes of daily exercise:

  • Take a brisk walk with friends or family members
  • Squeeze in a short online workout video, like Guard Your Health’s free #WarriorReady workouts
  • Go for a jog around the neighborhood

When taking control of your health, find a routine that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sound sleep patterns. Exercise can also be a valuable addition to a behavioral health treatment plan with guidance from a healthcare provider.

Remember, if you are struggling with a behavioral health concern, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is only a phone call or text away. Dial the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1), or send a text message to 838255 for immediate help.

Guard Your Health is a health and medical readiness campaign for Army National Guard Soldiers and their families sponsored by the Army National Guard Chief Surgeon’s Office. Guard Your Health provides Army National Guard Soldiers with the information, motivation, and support to overcome challenges and make healthy decisions for themselves, their families, and their units. To learn more about improving your health, visit the Guard Your Health website, like “Guard Your Health” on Facebook, and follow @ARNGHealth on Twitter. For more tips to max your APFT and stay mission ready, subscribe to FitText, Guard Your Health’s text message program, by texting FIT to 703-997-6747.

Citation Guide

Breene, Sophia. “13 Unexpected Benefits of Exercise.” Greatist, 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 19 May 2016.

“Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms.” Depression (Major Depressive Disorder). Mayo Clinic. Web. 19 May 2016.

“How Common Is PTSD?” PTSD: National Center for PTSD. US Department of Veterans Affairs. Web. 25 May 2016.

“How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?” Physical Activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 04 June 2015. Web. 20 May 2016.

Khazan, Olga. “For Depression, Prescribing Exercise Before Medication.” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 24 Mar. 2014. Web. 20 May 2016.

“Mental Health By the Numbers.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Web. 18 May 2016.

“Physical Fitness Training Year-Round Boosts Resilience.” Real Warriors. Web. 18 May 2016.

Weir, Kirsten. “The Exercise Effect.” American Psychological Association. Web. 20 May 2016. December 2011, Vol 42, No. 11.

Veterans Continue to Serve by Running for Elected Office

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running

By Debbie Gregory.

Throughout American history, there have been notable American political leaders who have served in the military. Veterans possess many qualities our country and communities need in our civic and political leaders: a commitment to serve, outstanding leadership experience in the face of adversity, familiarity with diversity, and a first-hand experience of foreign policy decisions.

A new study by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has taken a comprehensive look at veterans’ political involvement on a state level. Surprisingly, despite years of declining veteran representation in Congress, potential candidates for national office may be on the uptick.

The research revealed that roughly one in seven lawmakers serving in state legislatures is a veteran, totaling more than 1,000 former military members nationwide.

Rebecca Burgess, manager of AEI’s Program on American Citizenship and the report’s author, said “I think it’s fair to think that we’ll see an increase in the number of veteran candidates at the federal level in coming years. For some, state offices are like getting their feet wet.”

New Hampshire boasts the highest veteran representation in a state legislature at 23%. followed closely by Nevada, Alabama, North Dakota and Tennessee. Surprisingly, California, the state with the largest veteran population, is in the report’s bottom five with single-digit veteran representation in its state legislature.

One explanation for the low numbers could be that veterans who have spent their early professional years moving around, often making less money than their civilian counterparts, might not have the political networks and financial resources to make a run. Nonpartisan group Veterans Campaign encourages, mentors and prepares veterans for a “Second Service” in civic leadership.

Approximately 14 percent of the almost 7,400 elected individuals nationwide have served in the military.

The most important takeaway is that many veterans are continuing their service in elected office. Many of them just don’t have the national platform or attention, at least, not yet.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

On-The-Job Training and Apprenticeship Opportunities for Veterans

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onthejobtraining

In today’s competitive job market, those seeking employment must create their own career paths by seeking out opportunities to develop skills and experience.

Both on-the-job (OJT) and apprenticeship training programs are available for Veterans using their VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These programs allow Veterans to learn a trade or skill through training on the job participation rather than attending formal classroom instruction.

The programs offered typically include a training contract for a specific period of time with an employer or union. At the end of the training, a job certification is issued or journeyman status achieved.

While most Veterans receive a salary from the training employer or union during training veterans can expect that as their skills increase, so may their salaries. GI Bill payments are issued monthly after VA receives certification of hours worked from the employer or union.

There are a wide variety of on-the-job and apprenticeship opportunities available to veterans. Unfortunately, these programs are not available to active duty service members or spouses using a transferred benefit.

Although the participation requirements are the same for all GI Bill programs, the payment amount varies depending on the program. View the payment rates for your GI Bill program.

Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients. The payment rates are as follows:

  • You will receive 100 percent of your applicable MHA during the first six months of training in these increments: •80 percent of your applicable MHA during the second six months of training
  • 60 percent of your applicable MHA during the third six months of training
  • 40 percent of your applicable MHA during the fourth six months of training
  • 20 percent of your applicable MHA during the remainder of the training
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients will also receive up to $83 per month for books and supplies.

All other GI Bill programs. For all other GI Bill programs, the payment rates are as follows:

  • 75 percent of the full-time GI Bill rate for the first six months of training
  • 55 percent of the full-time GI Bill rate for the second six months of training
  • 35 percent of the full-time GI Bill rate for the remainder of the training program

Employers interested in participating in this program should review the Understanding On-The-Job Training & Apprenticeship Approval Guide. Employers can also contact their local State Approving Agency to determine which programs Veterans should enroll in to maximize their VA educational benefits.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve,  and their families.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance for Those Who Serve

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taxes

By Debbie Gregory.

The bad news is that the tax deadline will be here before we know it. But the good news is that not only do we have until April 18th to file instead of April 15th (due to the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C., falling on Friday, April 15) there is free tax preparation assistance available to veterans, seniors, and low-income earners.

The IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are available to taxpayers who earned less than $54,000 in 2015. All tax returns completed through VITA are prepared by IRS certified volunteers, so you can feel confident your tax return is accurate. Even better, there are over 12,000 convenient locations across the country. To find the VITA location nearest you, enter your zip code into the easy-to-use VITA/TCE Locator at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.

Another free service is MyFreeTaxes, managed by the United Way, with assistance from legacy partners, National Disability Institute and Goodwill Industries International, and  sponsored by the Wal-Mart Foundation. MyFreeTaxes operates the only free online tax preparation and filing assistance platform available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.. The services are available to those who earned $62,000 or less in 2015, allows qualified Veterans, active-duty military, their families and all other qualifying taxpayers to file both a federal and state tax return, absolutely free. In addition to e-filing, MyFreeTaxes also provides in-person help to individuals and families earning $20,000 or less in 2015. For more information, please visit: www.myfreetaxes.com.

The IRS.gov/FreeFile allows taxpayers to choose from a variety of industry-leading tax software options in order to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost. If you earned $62,000 or less last year, you are eligible to choose from among 13 software products. If you earned more, you are still eligible for Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms.

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

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TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

Special offer for OEF/OIF Veterans in San Diego, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and New York City

“After my first week of meditation I was able to sleep. My day to day functions became clearer. My depression has improved daily and my aggression has vanished. It’s like I was living in a fog of war and TM cleared the fog, allowing me to see things clearly.”—OEF Vet

Veterans of OEF/OIF are now eligible to receive a full scholarship to learn the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation technique—TM. Published research has shown that the benefits of regular TM practice include:

  • Reduction in PTSD, anxiety and depression
  • Decrease in insomnia
  • Improved quality of life
  • Reduced use of psychotropic medication

Veterans can learn this simple and powerful technique through a four-day course, consisting of a 90-minute class each day. The technique is practiced for 20 minutes, twice a day, sitting comfortably in a chair, and requires no change in beliefs or lifestyle. Classes are available in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC.

Full scholarships for OEF/OIF veterans are available through a grant from David Lynch Foundation. If you are interested in learning, please contact Kathy Connor at Kathy@davidlynchfoundation.org or 212-644-9880 ext. 209 as soon as possible. The funding for these scholarships is limited, so please apply soon to take advantage of this special opportunity.

For More Information Go To:

www.davidlynchfoundation.org/military

VA Announces Positive Changes for GI Bill

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According to a recent story in Army Times, The Veterans Affairs Department has announced that it plans to implement an automatic system to better facilitate the processing of GI Bill benefits claims. Since the bill was enacted in 2008 and the VA began dispersing benefits, it has stumbled upon several obstacles, including delayed processing times. According to VA education service director, Keith Wilson, processing times of Post-9/11 GI Bill claims takes so long (averaging 82 minutes) because applications “require manual processing using four separate IT systems that do not interface with each other.”

The implementation of an automatic processing system would minimize the amount of human hands that handle each claim. The electronic system would process claims in 15 to 20 minutes and produce even more accurate results than previously recorded. The new system is set to be installed in a series of phases to easily transition the procedure.

Subsequent phases will be integrated into the system in the following months of September and December and will culminate in a nearly-fully electronic processing system.

For more information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including eligibility, requirements and processing procedures, visit MilitaryConnection’s GI Bill information page.

Questions? Concerns? I want to know! Email me at inquiries@localhost and tell me what’s on your mind!

Thanks for reading!

Katy Cryns


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