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Is it better to launch a major one-off event to help individuals find work or establish a long-term program that will connect people with jobs over time? The answer will vary by time and place, and there is room for both kinds of efforts. Notably, programs of each type are springing up specifically to help the military community.

These projects are rendering a valuable service, as it's worrying to think of veterans coming back from active duty but being unable to connect with companies that can use their unique and effective mix of discipline and skills. Below are one example each of a long-term career program and a one-time job fair to serve as inspiration for those planning to use such services – or operating them.

Tech program in Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia, is home to a new partnership in which two local organizations and the city government team up to help veterans access one of the most promising and in-demand sectors of the job market – information technology. Local TV station WAVY reported that the initiative, dubbed TechForce, involves training for post-9/11 veterans or their spouses. During the program, participants will receive a salary as they learn about popular IT topics such as cybersecurity for Cisco networks and administrating Windows servers. They can even receive certification as Microsoft Technology Associates.

Currently employed vets can take the program as well, but their roles must make them less than $13 hourly, WAVY explained. The initiative is all about helping military members move up into tech-focused roles. With so much demand for workers in these professions today, the focus area is well chosen.

"The City of Norfolk has proven its commitment to veterans with its innovative initiatives, and we are happy to contribute to the successful programming from the City." said Anthony Dale, CEO of Social Impact Collective, one of the organizations assisting Norfolk with the program.

Career fair in Cincinnati
Exemplifying the one-day event version of a career program, RecruitMilitary and Disabled American Veterans recently teamed up for a veteran-focused hiring fair. Journal-News reported that the gathering took place at Great American Ballpark, where the Cincinnati Reds ply their trade. The fair catered to both veterans and current military members, including National Guardsmen and those serving in the Army Reserve. Also, like the Norfolk program described above, military spouses were allowed to participate.

"Just last year, 56 percent of veteran job seekers expected to secure an interview as a result of their participation in a RecruitMilitary job fair and employers were expected to extend as many as 38,700 interviews and more than 12,000 job offers," the organization's CEO Peter Gudmundsson told the news provider."

Every community has its needs
Wherever veterans settle after they leave the military, they'll be on the lookout for good jobs. The organizations behind career fairs and employment training programs understand these needs and set out to ensure employers connect with great candidates. There's no need to choose which kind of process is better able to prepare individuals for the workforce, as they can all coexist across the country, with vets picking the programs that interest them.

There's more than one way to find housing for veterans who have fallen on hard times, and the right move for a particular community will depend upon its needs, geography and local government strategy. Efforts can be backed by local agencies, a part of federal programs or initiated by small-business owners in the region, and comprise anything from vouchers to whole new housing units. Several communities across the nation have already seen success, and their efforts can serve as models and inspiration for other towns and cities with similar needs.

Rate falls in Hawaii
According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, the Hawaiian island of Oahu has seen veteran homelessness decline in two important ways. There are far fewer vets without housing as of August than there were at the beginning of the year, and the rate of these individuals becoming newly homeless also fell. Those dual declines put Oahu in rare company, making it one of five regions vying to set a new standard for housing the veteran population. Nate French of nonprofit Community Solutions explained that a joint effort involving multiple agencies is responsible for the improvement.

"You have such deep engagement from the state and city and VA," French said, according to the news provider. "We don't see that in every community. You have all the right people at the table. … And it's not just token leadership."

The observed rate of homelessness on the island is down 44 percent in six months, based on periodic checks by local social workers. The Star Advertiser explained that at the beginning of the year, there were 329 vets known to be living without homes on the island. As of August, the number was 183. And with the average number of veterans losing their homes falling from 24 per month in January to 21.5 in August, it's clear that progress is being made.

French explained to the news provider that Oahu might soon reach "functional zero," which is when the number of vets receiving homes each month is equal to or greater than the amount still living without. He specified that Chicago, Tucson, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., and Riverside County, Calif., are the other top-performing regions.

New apartments in Philadelphia
The above example shows the results of cooperation between government groups, but what does a mass housing effort for vets really look like? A recent demonstration comes from Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Housing Authority and a project called HELP USA have created many apartments for homeless veterans in a historic building that previously served as a school. According to the Philly Voice, there will be 37 units available.

The news provider added that Philadelphia, like Oahu, has drawn high praise for its ability to actively create housing units for those who need them. From 2013 through 2105, the city housed 1,390 homeless vets permanently. The new apartment building project provides a valuable use for real estate that was sitting vacant for decades waiting for the right developer to do something with it. Once finished, the new development will offer career counseling and health services in addition to safe, clean living spaces.

In the past few years, efforts on the part of state and federal lawmakers to help veterans in many walks of life have become more noticeable. Thanks to many returning from engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, the issues former service members face when they get home have become a lot more pressing. With this reality in mind, many legislators now want to do more to help the cause.

The effort to get more assistance for veterans upon their return from service includes passing a new budget for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to Dora Vasquez-Hellner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Westerly, Rhode Island. As with many issues now facing the U.S. Congress, progress on passing that bill has been slow, and 70 members of the VFW's national legislative committee recently met with Congressional leaders to urge a more expedient process.

What's the holdup?
Unfortunately, it seems that the game of politics leaves many veterans in the lurch because Congress likely won't vote on the new budget until after the election in November, the report said. This delay comes in part due to the fact that the Budget Control Act does not allow for Congress to continue funding important government initiatives like the U.S. Department of Defense and the VA even as other budget issues are hammered out. Veterans organizations say movement on the initiative is vital to ensuring everything runs as smoothly for former service members as possible going forward.

"I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in the 114th Congress," VFW Commander Brian Duffy told lawmakers, according to the report. "Both the VA and the VFW have point-blank told Congress what the department needs to better serve veterans, yet it appears every funding bill is going to be tabled until after the November elections, which means another continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government that does little to strengthen national security or bolster the VA's programs and services for veterans."

Another push for more help
Meanwhile, another issue for veterans recently caught the attention of federal lawmakers and veterans' organizations, according to Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the American Humane Association, writing for the political news site The Hill. A restaurant in Atlanta denied a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder entrance because she wanted to bring in her service dog. This situation was partly due to the fact that there is no federal certification program for service dogs that help people with PTSD.

A recent meeting of leaders from a number of different industries attempted to shed light on this issue, the report said. A poll by American Humane found more than 1 in 3 workers at various types of businesses sometimes think animals brought into their businesses aren't legitimate service dogs, and nearly 3 in 5 said this perception is because the person didn't have any outward appearance of a disability.

Veterans with PTSD, or any other disability, face so many hurdles in their lives that adding more on top of those challenges doesn't seem fair. For this reason, there are plenty lawmakers can do at the state and federal levels to address those needs and make sure former service members face as little difficulty as possible.

A problem like post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans isn't going to vanish overnight. PTSD has been a scourge of military personnel since before it received its official name, and it's worth expending virtually any amount of resources to push back against it. Only a concerted effort from dedicated individuals and organizations both within and outside of the government can finally turn the tide on the mental health problems that are threatening the armed forces community.

First dedicated facility
It's now well known that PTSD, substance dependence and other mental afflictions are common dangers for those in dangerous and stressful occupations, including military and first responder roles. To combat these issues, a new facility called Warriors Heart has opened its doors in Bandera, Texas. Local news station KENS 5 recently highlighted the fact that the 543-acre treatment complex is the first of its kind to cater solely to the military and first responder communities.

The founders of the new facility told KENS 5 that they are interested in setting up a private space where patients can bond and begin to overcome their afflictions, removed from the pressure that comes with explaining to the world at large what they are going through. The news provider noted that programs at Warriors Heart are comprehensive, each lasting a minimum of 28 days.

"We do animal assisted therapy with dogs, we have a metal shop where the guys can go and pound metal. They make tomahawks through a foundation called Mission 22 or Elder Heart. They do a lot of intensive group work, individual therapy," Warriors Heart co-founder Lisa Lannon said.

Making sure these treatments are available to patients with limited means is an important step. KENS 5 explained that Warriors Heart has applied for Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation. That isn't the founders' only plan to give financial aid to prospective enrollees. There is currently a scholarship program, as well as a nonprofit that accepts donations. The organization is already serving patients but has plans for a grand opening ceremony in October. It also operates a crisis hotline that is active.

Medicinal trials underway
While organizations provide aid through treatment and therapy, drugmakers are also making progress on medicines that can have a real effect on PTSD symptoms. WNDU noted that TNX-102 SL is the latest drug to offer hope of relief. Marine veteran Mark Bratton explained that his time in the trial has seen his state of mind improve. His self-image has recovered from the depths it reached when his PTSD symptoms were at their worst.

According to WNDU, the process to get the new medicine on the market will take approximately three years. More trials are planned for next year, and researchers have high hopes they will prove as effective as the previous round. In the fight to help veterans survive their PTSD symptoms, doctors need a wide variety of options. Between medicines and therapies, they are gaining more potentially useful techniques every day. Tireless efforts to fight this health crisis are paying off.

Chairman & President’s Message

As your Association approaches its 70th anniversary, it has never been as financially strong or better prepared to support you and your family. With our low-cost life insurance coverage, underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company, unique features like no combat or terrorism exclusions, and an emergency death benefit of up to $15,000, we are here when you need us.

As we reflect on our upcoming anniversary, we are proud to be a part of an organization whose noble mission of serving those who serve this great nation has not changed in 70 years, and we’re confident we’ll be here to serve many future generations of AFBA members.

From workplace to war zone, we stand behind you.
Recently, our senior staff, Board of Directors, and I took an opportunity to formally express our organization’s value proposition. We believe the language below reflects our heritage and captures what makes us a vibrant organization for today’s members while also guiding us into the future. We hope you feel proud, as we do, to be a part of this organization.

Expressing the value we provide to our members:
We are a mission-driven enterprise founded in 1947 with the support of General Eisenhower to protect military families. While we have grown considerably from our first offices in the basement of the Pentagon, we will never be too large to forget that we are here to serve with integrity by offering flexible, customized insurance solutions. Today, it is our privilege to serve those who serve our great nation in the armed forces, as well as first responders, federal government and department of defense employees, and all citizens of this great nation.

Veterans Day
We want to express our gratitude to all the men and women who have served in the armed forces. AFBA salutes and thanks all veterans. Our office will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11.

Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary
December 7th marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Our association will be paying its respects in a special publication “Pearl Harbor: 75th Anniversary – Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” that will chronicle this historic moment and examine the lessons learned plus the military and technology tactics which emerged as a result. We’re happy that AFBA is a part of this historic and patriotic effort.

Additional Highlights
As you read through the newsletter, you will see detailed updates, including how we support our members, our recent sponsorship of a special program, 9/11 Inside the Pentagon, highlights of our enhanced Member Portal, and an article on cyber security and terms with which you should be familiar. As always, we have included additional information on valuable member benefits.

Thank you for your support of AFBA. We hope you enjoy your Fall Newsletter. On behalf of all AFBA staff, have a safe and happy holiday season.

Our number one mission is to serve our members. That can mean different things depending on the day – it means showing we care in the midst of a disaster or delivering new processes to make it easier to do business with us. This year, we have had many opportunities to do both.

Here When You Need Us

We have seen extreme weather hit parts of the country causing extensive damage to property and major disruptions to people’s lives. It’s at times like these that we can show our members that we care by providing some relief in the midst of disaster. Due to flooding disasters in WV, MD, LA, IN, IA, and SC we suspended termination of life insurance policies for a period of time, giving people more time to submit their payments without fear of losing coverage. When disaster strikes, we don’t want you to worry about losing your valuable life insurance coverage with so much else on your mind. These important messages are posted on our website at www.afba.com.

Enhanced Member Portal

In mid-October we launched the newly updated and redesigned Member Portal, a secure, online platform which gives you 24/7 access to important policy information. In addition to improved layout and design, you will notice we have also added new functionality. We are working on adding new features in the coming few months and will share those updates in our next newsletter.

Go Green!

Paperless Billing Benefits
Using the online services of AFBA’s website for paperless bill viewing and electronic bill payment not only has environmental benefits, it will save you money on postage and provides round the clock access to your billing status. To sign up, update your profile at www.afba.com or call
800-776-2322.

Thank You for Your Patience

We appreciate your patience and understanding in mid-September when our phone lines were down due to a vendor hardware issue. Our IT team worked with our vendor around the clock to address the problem, and our customer service representatives implemented an ingenious back up plan to answer your calls on their cell phones until the issue was resolved. Again, we thank you for your patience during that time.

Help Us Better Serve You

We continually seek new ways to improve our products, member benefits, and member services. The best way to do this is to ask the experts – you, our members. Please
click here to complete a quick survey. Upon completion of the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift card. We appreciate your participation and value your feedback. We hope this survey will help us meet your expectations and improve our overall service to our members and their families.

Social Media

Do you follow AFBA on Facebook and Twitter? If not, you’re missing out on interesting articles, videos, and infographics on a variety of topics. We focus on matters important to our members, particularly, veterans and first responders, but there are also general-interest posts on resume writing and life insurance education. Friend us, connect with us, follow us!

Veteran’s Day

Since its inception following World War I, Veterans Day has evolved over the years in name, date and traditions, but the purpose of the holiday has always been to honor the men and women, living and dead, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. November 11 marked the end of World War I and its significance helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Children’s Protect – Launched in August

Your young children or grandchildren mean the world to you. And you want nothing more than their happiness, safety, and well-being. There is an important thing you can do today to protect them for years to come. You can provide life insurance protection and guarantee their insurability regardless of future health changes. Our updated product launched August 1. $50,000 of life insurance is available for $8 per month until age 44.

Better Alternative

For active duty military, retirees, and separates, you can provide the protection and peace of mind your loved ones deserve at affordable rates with the Better Alternative term life insurance. With no war or terrorism exclusions, you can secure as much as $400,000 worth of coverage. If you’re under age 50 and don’t use tobacco, you can get $100,000 worth of coverage for $8 per month with no medical exam.

Call 800-776-2322 or go to www.afba.com for more information on any of these products.

Sometimes information security can be confusing. Even some of the terms themselves can easily be misunderstood. To help, this is a list in alphabetical order, of the most commonly used information security awareness terms and what they mean in every day terms.

Anti-Virus
A security program that can run on a computer or mobile device and protects you by identifying and stopping the spread of malware on your system. Anti-virus cannot detect all malware (see definition further down), so even if it is active, your system might still get infected. Anti-virus can also be used at the organizational level. For example, email servers may have anti-virus integrated with it to scan incoming or outgoing email. Sometimes anti-virus tools are called ‘anti-malware’, because these products are designed to defend against various types of malicious software.

Drive-by Download
These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in your browser or its plugins and helper applications when you simply surf to an attacker-controlled website. Some computer attackers set up their own evil websites that are designed to automatically attack and exploit anyone that visits the website. Other attackers compromise trusted websites such as ecommerce sites and deploy their exploit software there. Often these attacks occur without the victims realizing that they are under attack.

Exploit
Code that is designed to take advantage of a vulnerability. An exploit is designed to give an attacker the ability to execute additional malicious programs on the compromised system or to provide unauthorized access to affected data or application.

Firewall
A security program that filters inbound and outbound network connections. In some ways you can think of firewalls as a virtual traffic cop, determining which traffic can go through the firewall. Almost all computers today come with firewall software installed. In addition, firewalls can be implemented as network devices to filter traffic that traverses through them.

Malware – Virus, Worm, Trojan, Spyware
Malware stands for ‘malicious software’. It is any type of code or program cyber attackers use to perform malicious actions. Traditionally there have been different types of malware based on their capabilities and means of propagation, as we have listed below. However these technical distinctions are no longer relevant as modern malware combines the characteristics from each of these in a single program.

AFBA Scholarship

Since 2004, the Charles C. Blanton scholarship has been available to candidates for use towards an undergraduate degree at an accredited college of up to $10,000 per family per year for a maximum benefit of $40,000 for college tuition and fees. The scholarship is provided to the surviving spouse or children of an insured AFBA member who dies as a result of combat or a first responder who dies while involved in operations at the scene of an incident. 124 families are now eligible for this program.

Consider Long Term Care Insurance

Put off by the complexity of this type of planning? Experience the AFBA Long Term Care Insurance Program. We selected LTCI Partners, LLC, to help members with this planning. In a simple conversation they can help personalize a plan so you own meaningful benefits that fit your budget. They shop and compare rates with numerous leading companies – including plans with special AFBA member pricing. Read more>>

LTCI Partners will find the plan that helps deliver the best results for you. They can also provide comparisons to other programs targeted to veterans and won’t hesitate to recommend another program if it better serves your needs.

Special Discounts for AFBA Members from GEICO

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states.

GEICO contracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a special discount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, One GEICO Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2016.

PenFed Mortgages: Helping AFBA Members Do Better

Whether you are in the market to purchase a new home, need an equity line of credit, or want to refinance your mortgage, PenFed’s mortgage lending programs will match your needs and budget.

Consider a Fixed Rate Mortgage with PenFed. Competitively priced rates, combined with our easy online application and our free 60 day rate lock on home purchases with a ratified sales contract and refinances, make these programs an attractive choice for doing better financially.

PenFed’s Adjustable Rate Mortgages [ARM] are straightforward programs that get frequent industry recognition. Our adjustable rate mortgages are available for home purchases and refinances.

Take a look at what PenFed offers and decide which program is right for you. Visit PenFed.org/AFBA or call 800-247-5626 to learn more.

AFBA Members are Invited to Apply for Auto Loans from PenFed

As the economy continues to improve nationwide, more companies look to hire well-trained workers who can help them for years to come. And one area where many such businesses now turn toward with greater frequency is veterans, who likely developed a lot of skills that are applicable to the working world during their time of service.

One industry in which this kind of hiring effort has become quite popular in the past few years is the tech sector, where companies are always on the lookout for highly talented employees, according to a report from TechCrunch. Veterans, especially those whose job during their service was to work with computers, can prove valuable assets to any tech company, but there is still some disconnect regarding how both sides of this equation work to fill each others' needs.

Working toward a solution
Organizations such as VetsinTech work to bridge the gap between tech companies and veterans who would make good job candidates, the report said. Some experts have noted companies sometimes tend to lean away from hiring veterans even if these individuals are qualified to do a job, and the tech sector is no different.

To that end, what VetsinTech does to organize job fairs, training classes, hackathons, and more can show both sides getting vets working for tech firms en masse is not only feasible, but also a good idea. And with as many as 1 million veterans coming into the workforce in the next five years, the organization is also dedicated to teaching veterans about the value of entrepreneurship so they can work for themselves if they want.

One major resource now gone
One recent news story came as a big worry to many vets trying to bolster their skills as they enter the workforce again, according to a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. In early September, ITT Technical Institute, which has a long history of recruiting and training veterans, announced that it was shutting down effective immediately. That move left some 12,000 former service members in the lurch when it came to everything from tuition and housing benefits to something as simple as getting their course transcripts.

"There's nothing the VA can do, it needs Congressional action," U.S. Rep. Gene Green, who represents part of Houston, told the station. "A veteran shouldn't be punished for going to a school that has been in business and all of a sudden it didn't want to comply with the rules."

Problems related to finding steady, well-paying jobs are real for many veterans. As such, the sooner companies and organizations can get out in front of the veteran hiring trend, the better off all involved will be going forward. It's nearly impossible to overstate how important having a steady job is to keeping former service members happy and healthy in their lives.

Dealing with the stress and other serious ailments that can follow veterans home from active duty is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a society. Military members put their lives on the line to perform important tasks, and it's unacceptable to abandon them after their time in the service is done. Programs that can provide aid and comfort are numerous and take many surprising forms. Not all therapeutic measures have to be carried out in a clinical setting: Around the country, there are groups using art and performance as ways to help veterans get more out of life.

Ancient theater texts remain relevant
The New Yorker recently profiled Theater of War, a group that has been touring since 2008, using classic Greek drama to reach out to veterans, with a special emphasis on those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder or other afflictions. Sophocles' tragedies, written millennia ago, hold a rare relevance for today's military members. Hundreds of shows have taken place, some for active duty personnel and others for veterans. Venues range from military bases around the world to a veteran-focused homeless shelter on Long Island.

According to the magazine, discussions with the audiences after the performances have shown just how deeply individuals have been moved by the works. Vets find the courage to speak about the difficulties they have endured, even if the memories and emotions are hard to address. Actor David Strathairn recalled an instance in which an audience member handed the cast a note stating that seeing the performance had helped him deal with suicidal thoughts, literally saving his life.

Director Bryan Doerries, founder of Theater of War, explained he has many high-profile actors on call to read parts in the plays. They serve on a volunteer basis and include such Hollywood mainstays as Jesse Eisenberg, Frances McDormand, Martin Sheen and Paul Giamatti.

Art and music become transformative experiences
While simply engaging with art can have powerful therapeutic effects, there is something to be said for arts programs that seek to teach veterans to create their own works rather than audience members. The San Diego Union-Tribune recently spotlighted instruction events and classes designed with military members in mind. The Veterans Initiative in the Arts, a California Arts Council program, funds eight such projects. These range from Combat Arts, a Museum of Contemporary Art project that will create a mural in the San Diego community, to a music therapy session called Semper Sounds.

The connecting thread between the visual arts and music programs is that they allow individuals to get a hands-on link to creative work. Sometimes, this represents reclaiming a previous passion, such as when a Semper Sounds member who had suffered severe trauma sang again after years away and used the experience to rebuild her own sense of self-worth.

The concept of using visual art, music and theater as healing tools for veterans in need of attention has shown powerful results in many instances. The huge range of art forms available to such programs means that it's possible to start one anywhere and begin to make a difference.

Veterans groups and organizations help military personnel take care of their own. This is an important effort, ensuring that vets don't fall through the cracks and are taken care of after they leave the service. This kind of attention even continues when veterans pass away. In some cases, there wouldn't be a proper burial or honors without the actions of patriotic groups dedicated to acknowledging those who have gone before. Thankfully, such organizations exist. Their efforts cover a range of situations, and two examples can be found below. It's reassuring to know that those who have died are not forgotten.

Ensuring a proper burial
In Copperas Cove, Texas, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient James Cogan died in early September. Funerals can be expensive, and his family could not afford a burial. According to the Killeen Daily Herald, the resolution to the situation came from Eddie Bell, a Korean War veteran and the state president of a nonprofit group setting aside money to ensure former military members never go without a dignified burial. Scott's Funeral Home helped the organization by lowering the price of the service from approximately $10,000 to $3,500.

The newspaper reported that Bell's group, the Texas Korean War Veterans Association, operates a fund specifically for funeral expenses. Cogan's case is not the first in which the organization had to step in to pay for a service. When veterans service officer Willie Browning passed away, there was no way to pay for interment without the nonprofit taking action. Bell explained those interested in helping can donate to a local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.

Purple Heart recognition after 32 years
Another example of honoring a Purple Heart recipient comes from Natick, Massachusetts. In this case, Sgt. Donald Mackenzie's grave did not bear mention of the medals he earned, according to WPXI. The lack of a commemorative plaque first came to the attention of Jeff Campbell, Mackenzie's nephew. Now, working with the Natick Veterans Affairs office, mentions of Mackenzie's two Purple Hearts will be added to the headstone. Paul Carew of the VA stated that such recognition is deserved, but sometimes overlooked if people don't visit graves.

The news station reported that Campbell is especially eager to have his uncle's military service honored due to the extreme hardships he faced, both in combat and following his discharge. During wartime, he narrowly avoided capture in an engagement that killed many of his fellow servicemen. Upon his return home, Mackenzie suffered through homelessness and substance abuse.

Recognition goes on
When veterans pass away, their sacrifices and stories may be forgotten without the efforts of veterans groups and surviving family members. Those who ensure memories live on and honors are bestowed are doing a service to those who have gone before. Purple Heart recipients who have suffered in service of their country remain in these individuals' thoughts, which has led to the creation of lasting monuments for others to visit.

Organizations devoting time and funds to help veterans re-acclimate to civilian life are performing important roles, whether they originate in the public or private sectors. Many times, worthy efforts are created by alliances between government and business interests. A recent example of one such project comes from the National Park Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Park Service. This group has partnered with aerospace company Boeing to launch a multi-faceted initiative to connect military personnel with U.S. national parks, with staff members and volunteers working hard to keep these spaces looking their best.

Natural wonders restored to health
The National Park Foundation, in its announcement of the new initiative, stated that the launch took the form of a beautifying effort for a park with a proud military history. Fort Battery Ricketts Park near Washington, D.C., was constructed during the Civil War as a defensive fortification. Working with nonprofit The Mission Continues, more than 100 volunteers including veterans and Boeing personnel set to work renovating the park, which hasn't seen heavy use in recent years.

The cleanup in Fort Battery Ricketts Park is only the first of many projects planned by The Mission Continues and the National Park Service. The organizations hope to spread across the country, both creating roles for veterans and inviting volunteer workers in their continued efforts to beautify and maintain national parks and other protected and listed landmarks.

The program is especially aimed at younger veterans who have served in the years following the September 11 attacks. The 15th anniversary of that tragedy was intentionally chosen as the launch date for the project, with the upkeep of the park near Washington, D.C., carried out in honor of the military personnel who have spent the past decade and a half serving their country.

"I'm very proud that we have developed such a strong partnership with our veteran community. Veterans represent many of the ideals the National Park Service holds near and dear; serving our nation and preserving our country's resources," explained National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.

A big year for national parks
The National Park Service is in the midst of its own push to get American citizens from all walks of life engaged in nature and interested in their country's preserved spaces. PRI columnist Jonathan Kealing recently described the efforts to reach out to younger people especially and get them more involved. This is the centennial year for the park system, founded in 1916 with the aim of protecting Yellowstone National Park. There are now 59 parks, and the organization's director, Jonathan Jarvis, told the author that the project is nothing without its contributors – the American taxpayers.

Efforts to connect with veterans could be beneficial for the park system and the military members themselves. Keeping natural wonders looking their best and engaging returning military members are equally important tasks. With 100 years in the books, the National Park Service can use the dedication and efforts of vets to keep itself strong.

The National Guard's place in the armed forces, with members simultaneously serving in civilian roles and standing ready to be called, creates its own unique dynamic. It's important that any discussion of relationships between military branches and the population as a whole includes guardsmen and their communities, especially employers. Keeping the bonds between military personnel and their workplaces strong is important to the men and women who serve.

Base outing for employers
The Bismarck Tribune recently highlighted an outreach program by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense initiative meant to "promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers." In this case, managers from several companies ended up touring the North Dakota National Guard Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton.

The trip was meant to thank the employers for their flexibility, because when they hire National Guard or Reserve members, they do so with the knowledge that their employees may be called up in times of crisis. According to the Bismarck Tribune, several of the individuals taking the tour were recipients of the Patriot Award. This means they have made helpful accommodations to ensure there is no conflict between work responsibilities and leaving for deployment. Leaves of absence with no negative consequences let people fully embrace their roles as both military member and civilian.

The newspaper explained that the supervisors learned where their workers go when they are on duty and what being a member of the Guard entails. They also received a helicopter ride from Grand Forks International Airport to Camp Grafton, getting a bird's-eye view of the facility. The base is primarily meant to train military engineers, and their duties include everything from construction to demolition. Maj. Raymond Ripplinger told the news provider that culinary specialists and officer candidates also receive instruction at Camp Grafton.

Award for outstanding supervisor
A Globe Gazette report from Mason City, Iowa, provided a clear example of what it takes for an employer to win a Patriot Award. In this case, Jeremiah Steinberg received the honor after ensuring Master Sgt. Robert Dean his duties at Mercy Medical Center would be fully covered while he served in the Iowa Air National Guard, and that the role would still be his upon his return. Dean explained this gave him great peace of mind, allowing him to train secure in the knowledge that he and his family would not have to worry while he searched for a new job. The news source explained that Dean's tour of duty was nine months, no small amount of time. Ensuring that it was no barrier to his staying with the medical center earned Steinberg his award.

Companies with National Guard and Reserve members among their ranks can emulate the above examples and show their workers they are welcome, even if service has to interrupt their everyday duties. The gratitude they receive will show they've done the right thing.