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Military Connection: Meet the Navy’s Newest Ships: By Debbie Gregory

July 2, 2014/in Military

In 2008, the first of the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) was commissioned. Each class of U.S. Navy ship takes its name from the first ship of that class. So the Freedom Class got its name from the USS Freedom (LCS-1).

The term “Littoral” refers to an area close to shore. So the LCS ships are designed to be fast and versatile, able to function in a variety of missions. While not equipped with the massive fire power of cruisers, destroyers or frigates, these new ships may take over roles of slower minesweepers and amphibious assault ships. LCS’s are smaller than U.S. Navy frigates, and their angular designs are intended to give off less of a radar signature.

Interestingly, the U.S. Navy simultaneously unveiled two classes of LCS’s, the Freedom and the Independence classes. Freedom Class ships were designed and built by a team headed up by Lockheed Martin. The USS Independence (LCS-2) was designed and built by a team headed up by General Dynamics. The two classes look very different from each other.

Originally, the Navy was supposed to select one design and one design team to contract the building of 52 LCS’s. Due to budget cuts, the number of ships was reduced to 32. The two competing teams lowered their costs, eventually allowing for the compromise of contracts of ten LCS’s to be built from each team. The odd numbered ships would be Freedom Class, and even number would be Independence Class.

Currently, there are four LCS’s in service. There are two Freedom Class ships, the USS Freedom (LCS-1) and the USS Fort Worth (LCS-3). And there are two Independence Class ships, the USS Independence (LCS-2) and the USS Coronado (LCS-4). More ships of both variants are on the way, including the USS Milwaukee (5), Jackson (6), Detroit (7), Montgomery (8), Little Rock (9), Gabrielle Giffords (10), Sioux City (11), Omaha (12), Wichita (13), Manchester (14), Billings (15), Tulsa (16), and Indianapolis (17).

The Navy warships appear to be getting leaner and faster. But not to worry, these speedy new LCS’s, as well as the aircraft carriers, still require support from cruisers, destroyers and frigates.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Meet the Navy’s Newest Ships: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Older Veterans Compete: By Debbie Gregory

July 1, 2014/in Military Veteran

By Debbie Gregory

Let the games begin! On June 29, 2014, the National Veterans Golden Age Games commenced in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A total of 740 Veterans, all over the age of 55, are competing, representing 40 U.S. states.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games were designed to improve the quality of life for older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. The primary objective of the competition is to promote health, wellness, and disease prevention in older Veterans and civilian seniors as well.

The Games serve as a qualifyer for competing in the National Senior Games,where participants engage in events that include golf, air rifle, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, badminton, checkers, dominoes, nine-ball, shuffleboard, swimming, and table tennis. The track and field events include discus, javelin and shot-put.

Many of the Veteran athletes have been taking part in the VA affiliated games for years. Their participation, as well as the camaraderie among the contestants, contribute to the Veterans’ health, and serves as great entertainment for the spectators. Many of these Veterans have served gallantly in combat, and that winning spirit never dies.

The medal ceremony and closing ceremonies will be held on Wednesday July 2nd.

Military Connection would like to thank all the Veterans who are competing in the National Veterans Golden Age Games for their military service,. and we wish them luck and success in their events.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Older Veterans Compete: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Huge Event for USO: By Debbie Gregory

July 1, 2014/in Charity

By Debbie Gregory

Los Angeles area radio station K-EARTH 101 (101.1FM) and the world famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood are hosting an event to benefit American service members through the Bob Hope USO.

The event will include a radiothon, online auction and comedy festival on July 3^rd. Broadcast live from the Laugh Factory over the airways on K-EARTH 101, performance by celebrity comedians include Jon Lovitz, Paul Rodriguez, Richard Lewis, Tom Arnold, Whitney Cummings, and more! There will be other surprise celebrity guests and participants from the Huntington Beach Independence Day Parade.

While the event promises to produce a lot of laughs, the ultimate goal is raising funds for active duty service members. Julien’s Auctions of Beverly Hills will be holding an online auction as part of the fundraising efforts. The auction can be found at www.julienslive.com, and will run through July 14th.

USO supporters can make secure credit card donations online any time at www.bobhopeuso.org or by sending checks, made out to Bob Hope USO, to 203 World Way, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90045. During the radiothon, donations to the Bob Hope USO can also be made by calling 1-800-USO-0101 or texting “USO” to 56512.

The event is chaired and hosted by K-EARTH’s own Gary Bryan, with support from Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada, and entertainment industry leader Jimmy Honore.

Proceeds will be used to benefit the 130,000+ troops who visit the Bob Hope USO centers in Los Angeles, Ontario and Palm Springs International Airports, and soon, at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. USO airport facilities offer a haven for service members in transit, and give troops the means to stay connected with the families they leave behind. The USO also assists service members with their transition back to civilian life and provides support to the families of fallen heroes.

Military Connection has been a long-time supporter of the Bob Hope USO, and an ally in their cause to serve those who serve. We invite service members in the LA area to email [email protected] to get their complimentary tickets for the event at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. The event will take place from 6:00 am until 10:00 am on Thursday July 3, 2014.

We encourage everyone to contribute to the Bob Hope USO’s cause by participating in the online auction or by donating what they can.

For more information about the event or to donate go to www.bobhopeuso.org. To learn how you can help the Bob Hope USO through donations, sponsorships or other activities, contact USO Executive Director Bob Kurkjian at (310) 645-4710.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Huge Event for USO: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: CA Colleges Suspended: By Debbie Gregory

July 1, 2014/in Education

By Debbie Gregory

Since its implementation in 2009, more than a million Veterans have utilized the Post-9/11 GI Bill. There are still hundreds of thousands of Veteran college students currently using their GI Bills and millions more current and future service members that will utilize their education benefits. With so many Veterans using their education benefits, measures and standards are in place to protect Veterans and ensure that they are getting the education they earned through their military service.

The California State Approving Agency for Veteran Education (CSAAVE), which operates under the California Department of Veterans Affairs, is the overseer of standards for colleges, universities and vocational schools accepting GI Bill Tuition funding from Veteran students in California.

As part of their duties, CSAAVE has issued a “notice of Suspension” to all Wyotech, Heald and Everest colleges in California, owned and operated by Corinthian Colleges, Inc. The notice prohibits the schools from future enrollment or reenrollment of Veteran students through the GI Bill.

CSAAVE initiated the suspension as a result of a set of plans made by Corinthian Colleges, Inc. Company representatives filed documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, stating they intended to sell some of their schools. Corinthian Colleges, Inc. also filed a plan with the U.S. Department of Education that provides a “teach-out” plan for students currently enrolled in their programs, if and when any of the schools are sold or closed.

Because of Corinthian Colleges, Inc.’s two filings with federal government agencies, officials at CSAAVE and CalVet felt it best to be proactive, rather than wait until Veteran students found themselves without a school to use their GI Bill benefits.

As it stands, the schools have 60 days to correct the discrepancies and comply with CSAAVE policy and directives. They must also provide CalVet with verifiable documentation that demonstrates compliance with acceptable standards. CalVet staff is working very closely with the schools, as well as other state and federal agencies, in order to minimize the impact of this suspension on the veterans.

Veteran students in California who were considering using their GI Bill benefits at any of these schools should consider other options.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: CA Colleges Suspended: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Likely Nominee for VA Head: By Debbie Gregory

June 30, 2014/in Veteran News

By Debbie Gregory

After Eric Shinseki resigned as secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on May 30, the Obama administration has been looking for another strong leader to head the VA. Former USO head Sloan Gibson has been interim secretary for the past month. Many speculators believed that Gibson could have been given the nomination to permanent secretary. But now, it has been reported that President Obama will nominate Robert McDonald.

McDonald is a West Point graduate and a Veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served for five years, reaching the rank of Captain (O-3). During his time spent in the Army, McDonald served in the 82^nd Airborne Division, and completed his MBA at the University of Utah.

Upon separating from the Army in 1980, McDonald was hired by consumer industry giant Procter & Gamble (P&G). During his time with P&G, McDonald climbed the executive ladder and gained experience is numerous positions, among them brand manager for Tide, head of laundry division for Canada and Asia, general manager of Philippines operations, and president of Japan operations and Global Fabric & Home Care. He ultimately became the Chief Executive Officer in 2010, retiring on June 30, 2013.

Critics of the administration’s choice of McDonald for VA secretary may argue that McDonald’s retirement from P&G was not voluntary. But they should take into consideration thatin today’s cut-throat business world, keeping the top spot in any company is not a forgone conclusion. The Obama administration was lucky to find a Veteran with so much experience.

After the official nomination, expected on June 30, 2014, McDonald will have to receive approval from Congress before he can assume his role as VA secretary. McDonald has been a steady Republican donor, so many speculate that he will be approved despite his inexperience with government administration.

So, a year to the day from his P&G resignation, Bob McDonald is expected to receive the official nomination from the White House for the VA secretary position. McDonald will have his work cut out for him, as the turmoil from the VA scandal is still lingering. McDonald will be expected to produce significantly improved wait times and expedience of care within the VA healthcare system.

For the sake of our Veterans and their families, we at Military Connection hope that McDonald will be successful.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Likely Nominee for VA Head: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Don’t Tread on Me, First Navy Jack: By Joe Silva

June 30, 2014/in Archived Blogs

The U.S. Navy is a fighting force that honors many traditions. It used to be that approaching ships would discharge their cannons to render themselves helpless as a show of respect and friendship to senior ships and shore batteries. Today, American warships still render gun salutes as a sign of respect. The Navy also connects with its revolutionary roots by flying the First Navy Jack.

A jack is the flag flown from the bow of a naval vessel. For many years, the Jack of the United States was a blue flag with five-pointed white stars, representing each state of the United States.

The First Navy Jack, often called the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag is a flag that has thirteen alternating red and white horizontal stripes, and a fully extended rattlesnake with the words “DON’T TREAD ON ME” displayed bellow the snake. The jack pays homage to the fighting spirit of America’s Navy. The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies, and the rattlesnake, indigenous to the Americas, was a symbol of the American resistance to British rule. The words offer a warning that like the rattlesnake, America’s Navy is not to be trifled with.

While there is little evidence that the snake and the motto flew on Continental Navy ships during the Revolutionary War, they absolutely flew jacks with the thirteen red and white stripes. The First Navy Jack, as it looks today, was most likely not flown officially until 1976, to celebrate America’s bicentennial. Then, the Don’t Tread On Me jacks flew on U.S. Navy ships for one year.

But as a Navy order, all U.S. Navy warships began flying the First Navy Jack both in port and while underway, beginning September 11, 2002. The change in jacks was intended to inspire American sailors, and to remind foreign enemies that they will get bit if they attempt to tread on the American way of life.

As part of the Navy, the U.S. Navy SEALS wear the First Navy Jack as patches on their uniforms. As of September 2013, the Navy expanded the usage of the “Don’t Tread on Me” patch to allow SEALs to wear their patches, now a SEAL tradition, while in the United States, as opposed to just while deployed or in pre-deployment training.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Don’t Tread on Me, First Navy Jack: By Joe Silva

Military Connection: LA Mayor Vows 10K Veteran Jobs: By Debbie Gregory

June 29, 2014/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory

Recently, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the launch of a multi-agency program designed to assist Veterans. The L.A. area is home to approximately 330,000 Veterans. Veterans in Los Angeles have experienced a decline in employment prospects, with the local Veteran unemployment rate up to 15%. The mayor’s plan pledges to secure 10,000 jobs for Veterans by 2017.

The plan is called the 10,000 Strong Initiative. It involves over 100 major employers including the Walt Disney Company, Dream Works, Bank of America, Health Net, Verizon, USC, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Coca-Cola.

Under the plan, the city of Los Angeles will commit $9 million over the next five years. The money will go to connecting Veterans with sustainable employment. The mayor wants the initiative to ensure that Veterans will account for at least 10% of those being served at L.A.’s new workforce development centers, which are set to open in July.

“Our troops are finally returning home,” Mayor Garcetti said at the launch of the 10,000 Strong Initiative. “They need more than a smile and a hug. They need housing. They need jobs. They need full integration back into civilian life.”

Mayor Garcetti might know a thing or two about service members. He is a lieutenant (O-3) in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Garcetti’s 10,000 Strong Initiative is also being supported by several government agencies, including the LAPD and the LAFD, Los Angeles County, Metro, and the Department of Water and Power.

The 10,000 Strong Initiative is a good plan that if correctly executed, could have a major impact on the Veteran community of Los Angeles. While 15% of local Veterans are unemployed, there are countless more who are underemployed. Veterans deserve the chance to earn a sustainable income. They deserve meaningful employment and not just jobs. The idea that 10,000 Los Angeles area Veterans are being given the chance to provide for their families through this initiative should appeal to anyone who feels that we need to take care of those who have served.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: LA Mayor Vows 10K Veteran Jobs: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Pentagon Names New Commanders: By Debbie Gregory

June 28, 2014/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie GregoryOn June 24, 2014 the Pentagon announced three nominations for major positions around the globe. Army General John Campbell has been nominated for head of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Navy Admiral Bill Gortney has been nominated to take over command of the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and also head up the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Army Lt. General Joseph Votel has been nominated to take the reins of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Gen. Campbell, the son of an Air Force Senior Master Sgt., put on his fourth star in March of 2013. Gen. Campbell has been serving as the Army’s Vice-Chief of Staff since 2011. Gen. Campbell already has combat experience as commander of the 101^st Airborne in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. As the new head of ISAF, Gen. Campbell will be in command of 9,800 U.S. forces and as many as 4,000 NATO forces. He will be responsible for maintaining targeted counter-terrorism missions, and training Afghan forces. Gen. Campbell will be replacing Marine General Joseph Dunford, who will become the next commandant of the Marine Corps.

Adm. Gortney has combat experience as a naval aviator. Adm. Gortney has served as commander of a carrier strike group, as well as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet. The later is responsible for all U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and portions of the Indian Ocean. Many have speculated that Adm. Gortney was on track to become the Chief of Naval Operations, which is the most senior officer in the Navy. While taking dual leadership roles as commander of both NORTHCOM and NORAD is a step up for the admiral, it may affect his chances for an eventual CNO nod. Admiral Gortney will be replacing Army General Charles Jacoby.

Lt. Gen. Votel will be promoted to 4-star General, and will take over as commander of USSOCOM. Gen. Votel will be replacing Navy Admiral William McRaven, who is retiring. Gen. Votel is currently the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, where he also succeeded Adm. McRaven in 2011.

Military congratulates these officers on their prestigious appointments, and thanks them for their service.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Pentagon Names New Commanders: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Army Pink Slip: By Debbie Gregory

June 27, 2014/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory

After more than a decade of bulking up its ranks, the long awaited drawdown of the U.S. military becomes a reality this week for officers serving in the Army. This week approximately 1,100 captains (O-3) and 500 majors (0-4) will be notified that they will be involuntarily separated from the Army.

As planned, the Army’s officer separation and early retirement boards convened their review of 19,000 active duty officers to make their selections. This week approximately 1,600 active duty officers, most of whom likely have combat- command experience, will be asked to leave the Army.

At the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army boasted around 570,000 soldiers, and has trimmed down to about 510,000 over the last few years. The current round of cuts, which included the notification of 500 enlisted soldiers selected early this year for separation, are intended to slim the Army’s ranks to a force of 490,000. For this to happen, many more active duty soldiers will be asked to involuntary separate.

But eventually, the Army could get even smaller. Many members of Congress want to reduce the standing Army to a force size of 450,000. Due to budget cuts and the wind-down of the war, this may come to pass.

The 1,100 captains and 500 majors who are getting their notices this week will not be immediately pink-slipped. They will have until April 1, 2015 to get their finances in order and prepare for their civilian lives.

Military Connection would like to thank all members of the U.S. military for their service, and hopes that when it is time for them to transition out of the military they will take advantage of the information and resources available at www.militaryconnection.com.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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: Army Pink Slip: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Veterans at Risk: By Debbie Gregory

June 27, 2014/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory

Attention service members and Veterans who:

Served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Desert Shield or Desert Storm
Were stationed in Djibouti after September 11, 2001
Served in Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990

You may have been exposed to fumes and particles that could lead to serious health concerns. Toxins from crushed and burned metals, fumes from garbage burned in open pits or bacteria that may have been inhaled with dust during tours of service, putting you at serious risk.

For example, at Joint Base Balad in Iraq, an estimated 240 tons of garbage, including metals, Styrofoam, rubber and medical waste were burned in an open burn pit daily, located only a mile away from where American service members were living.

Exposure to airborne particles can lead to foreign pollutants entering into the nose and throat, and potentially being inhaled deep into the lungs. Toxins in the lungs, including soil, dust, metals, chemicals and acids have led to respiratory problems and other major health concerns, and can potentially be fatal.

In February, 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opened a Burn Pit Registry to anyone who believes that they may have been exposed to burn pit toxins during tours at the aforementioned locations. After signing up for the registry, Veterans may request a free medical exam.

The registry is part of the VA’s action plan to develop a standard screening and evaluation of service members and Veterans with respiratory complaints after deployment, in order to improve care for Veterans.

The staff at Military Connection urges every service member and Veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti and Southwest Asia during the eligible time periods to make sure that they were not exposed to airborne particles that could endanger their health.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & 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.