On Labor Day, when most people are off work, the nation's first responders report for duty like always. It is a busy day for police officers, firefighters and emergency service crews. While they are busy making sure their communities are safe and healthy during the holiday, they often miss out on celebrating with their own families. One chain restaurant has a Labor Day tradition of gratitude. As part of this tradition, the Italian eatery Olive Garden delivered baskets of its food to first responders across the country for the 14th year in a row.
"This is our way of giving back to the people who go out and protect and serve us each and every day," Adam Zimmer of Olive Garden told ABC 22.
Many first responders are used to missing meals with their families because they are busy serving. The first responders interviewed by ABC 22 said that holidays were especially difficult occasions to miss. Olive Garden wanted the first responders to have a chance at a relaxing family meal, even if the men and women could not actually be with their families.
Olive Garden served food to first responders in over 800 cities nationwide and hopes to continue the tradition next year.
The Department of Defense reported that between 1 million and 1.5 million servicemembers will leave the military in the next half-decade. These individuals will need civilian jobs, and Kroger is stepping up to provide them. The grocery chain recently announced that it has a goal to fill 20,000 of its open positions with veterans. According to Kroger's website, veterans and their families will have the opportunity to apply to a number of positions in the different departments in stores nationwide.
Sukanya Madlinger, president of Kroger's Cincinnati/Dayton division, told Journal-News, "Kroger is deeply committed to the nation's veterans and their families, and we continue to seek out opportunities to honor heroes through career opportunities."
Interested veterans and their family members who fit the Kroger profile of "smiling, energetic, friendly and fun people" are encouraged to apply by Sept. 13 at the company's hiring website. They can enter #HonoringOurHeroes into the search box to find the positions available. Any veteran or family member who has submitted an application can report to a local store for an interview on Sept. 15. Applicants should check with their local stores regarding specific interview times.
Every year, thousands of servicemembers enter life after service and begin the civilian job search. Many companies are dedicated to hiring these brave individuals. Among these is British Petroleum. According to its website, BP is a corporate sponsor of Hiring Our Heroes. The U.S. extension of the company has made a commitment to actively recruit and employ the nation's former servicemembers.
BP seems to be sticking to its commitment because the Whiting, Indiana, branch was named a top employer of veterans for the second year in a row by U.S. Veterans Magazine. But the relationship between the Fortune 1,000 company and the nation's veterans is mutually beneficial.
"America's veterans are often ideal candidates for jobs at companies like BP," retired Air Force pilot and director of BP's strategic relationships and veteran outreach Teri Poulton told NWI.com. "They've got the discipline, the maturity and the focus we need to help us keep our commitment to provide the energy America needs."
BP has also received commendations from G.I. Jobs Magazine and Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. The company hopes to continue its relationship with the military and plans to open more jobs for veterans in the future.
AFBA has written articles on care package ideas for military families to send their servicemembers. These lists include items like activities for down time and special foods from home. However, there are some items that are simply not a good idea to send to your soldier. There are also military and United States Postal Service restrictions on some items. Take a look at some things you should leave out of your servicemember's next care package.
Carbonated beverages
These are mainly restricted because they may explode in transit and cause a mess for the carrier. It is likely that your servicemember will have access to his or her favorite carbonated beverage anyway, so prevent your package from being rejected and leave this item out.
Aerosol cans
Disinfectants and body sprays that come in aerosol cans are prohibited items. These are more items that could potentially explode during shipment and destroy other packages. Do not include any aerosol cans in your servicemember's care packages.
Firearms and ammunition
Servicemembers have a government-issued weapon and ammunition. Even if they request their personal firearm or special ammunition, these items are strictly off-limits in care packages. Do not risk legal trouble for you or your servicemember by including one of these in a care package. Let your loved one know that you will look after their prized possession until their return.
Alcohol
This is often considered an "unauthorized substance" in combat zones. While your servicemember may request it, it is not a good idea to send alcohol in care packages. It could explode in shipment and ruin the rest of the items you sent, and your servicemember could face trouble if it is discovered.
Adult entertainment
Most military establishments do not allow servicemembers to receive items or media related to adult entertainment. It is seen as inappropriate and causes a distraction. It is best to exclude these items from your servicemember's care packages.
Fruit
Because fruits rot so quickly and to avoid violating cross-border agricultural policies, fruit is not allowed in military care packages. Your servicemember will likely have access to local fruit or canned fruit in military rations anyway. Skip the fruit in your next care package.
Live plants
It can be tempting to send your loved ones items that will make their deployment a little cozier. However, live plants are another prohibited item, as they can violate the same agricultural laws as fruits. Send home videos, pictures and other decorative items in place of live plants.
Whenever you begin a care package for your servicemember, you begin with good intentions. You want every item to make him or her more comfortable and boost his or her morale. However, even a well-meant item that is prohibited could cause unnecessary stress for you and your loved one. Be sure you are familiar with what he or she is allowed to have by checking with your local military support group and the USPS. MarineParents.com has also developed a database of prohibited items based on region. Check it out here.
September is a busy month. Kids are going back to school and the adults begin to prepare for the changing of seasons. There are also a number of veteran-centered events nationwide that occur in September. If you are looking for a patriotic weekend outing with the family or to get a jump start on your career search, check out the events below.
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Display
Through the entire month of September, the Robert Rankin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Livingston, Texas, will have a display commemorating the veterans who served during the Vietnam War, especially the women who were involved in the war.
New York Mets Annual Military Appreciation Day
Every year, the New York Mets welcome active duty military personnel and veterans to a game. This year's event, which took place on Sept. 2, marked the 9th annual Military Appreciation Day at Citi Field. Servicemembers were lined up on the safety track and cheered before the Mets went up against the Philadelphia Phillies. There were also thank you videos and a displaying of the colors.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
On Sept. 5, the VFW Post 894 in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, hosted a ceremony for veterans of the Vietnam War. The goalwas to gather as many Vietnam-era veterans as possible for commemoration and bonding. There were activities, food and all donations made during the event went to the Service Dogs for Service Vets organization.
Labor Day Salute
The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council hosted a salute to Vietnam veterans during the Lions Club Labor Day Salute in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The event took place on Sept. 7 and featured a BBQ picnic, live music and a dedication to those who served in the Vietnam War.
Veterans job fairs
There are a variety of organizations dedicated to helping veterans find jobs when they enter life after service. Many of these organizations hold job fairs around the country to assist veterans with networking and resume building. Click here to find a veterans job fair in your area.
Nationwide Women Veterans Campaign
The Center for Women Veterans in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will host this event on Sept. 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m CST. There will be displays and speakers all with the purpose of celebrating female servicemembers and their history. There will also be experts on site to answer any post-service related questions.
The Patriot Tour
Hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, the Patriot Tour brings veterans and servicemembers together for healing and reflection. The event will take place on Sept. 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley, California, location. Speakers include Marcus Luttrell, author of "Lone Survivor," musician Pete Scobell and many other veterans.
As the summer winds down, things begin to pick up for most people. This is especially true for former servicemembers who have the option to attend many veteran-based events across the country during September.
First responders in Darien, Connecticut, told The Darien Times that many members of their community were victims of domestic violence. The local firefighters, emergency medical personnel and police officers bonded together to raise awareness of the issue and raise money for victim services provided by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. The event is called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. On Oct. 3, the first responders will don bright red high heels and join the civilians participating in the Darien Walk-a-thon. Many of the first responders are working to develop sponsorships for their walk, the proceeds of which will also go to services for domestic violence victims.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign was founded in 2001 as a way to encourage men to take action in the fight against domestic violence. According to the website, the organization became a "world-wide movement with tens of thousands of men raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexualized violence education, prevention and remediation programs."
The Darien first responders have not yet announced a fundraising goal, but The Darien Times wrote that donations can be made in either cash or check, with checks being made out to "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 06820."
It has been 10 years since Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, destroying homes and uprooting lives. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the military and first responders worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the debris and help others clean up the wreckage. Master Sgt. Michael Maroney of the U.S. Air Force was one of these dedicated individuals. Maroney and his team executed the rescue of a then 3-year-old girl during a dangerous part of the storm.
After the successful rescue, Maroney was photographed receiving a thankful embrace from the little girl. Ever since then, Maroney has been attempting to reunite with the little girl in question. The Huffington Post reported that he decided to put social media to work for him by using the hashtag #FindKatrinaGirl. The Internet pulled together and recently put Maroney in touch with the now 13-year-old LeShay Brown.
"I can't wait to meet her to tell her how important she is," Maroney told People magazine.
Maroney saidBrown's embrace was a light in the dark time that was Katrina. Her embrace reminded him why he was there. Brown and her family currently live in San Antonio, Texas, but The Huffington Post wrote that the pair have plans to reunite sometime in September.
As military members prepare to leave combat for life after service, they are faced with the prospect of finding a civilian job. While this can be an intimidating process, military servicemembers are actually equipped with a variety of skills that give them the advantage in the career world. However, they must first understand networking and how to use it to their advantage. U.S. News & World Report stated that networking is the most important basis for job hunting, so AFBA has outlined some networking advice for veterans.
1. Define your personal and career goals
Before you begin your job search, you need to consider what you want for yourself and for your career. Do you want something temporary that will allow you the flexibility to move on whenever you want or are you looking to commit to a long-term career? How much work-life balance do you want? These are all important questions that will play a vital role in which job you choose to apply for. If you clearly define your goals, you may get much more satisfying results.
2. Identify your existing network
Your time in the military most likely earned you a number of important contacts. Compile this information along with any civilian career leaders you may know, and you have created the start of your network. Keep this information readily available during your job search, as one of the individuals in your network may be able to assist you or provide a reference.
3. Create a professional online presence
When your resume and cover letter are written, edited and polished, you should turn your attention to building a brand for yourself online. The easiest way to begin is to clean up all social media accounts. This means deleting unprofessional photos and posts and establishing high privacy settings. The next step is to consider creating a professional website that displays samples of your work and lists your contact information. In today's digital world, companies prefer candidates who have a strong online presence.
4. Expand your contacts
An important part of networking is adding diversity to your contact list. While military and government associations are useful, you will want to expand your network to include individuals from a variety of industries. You can do this by making connections to others in the circles of your existing contacts. You can also attend networking events in your area. These events are also great practice for interviews.
5. Utilize military resources
The military wants you to succeed in life after service. It offers a number of resources to help you with networking and career advice. These include mentor networks, job search assistance and career planning. Many of the resources can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Preparing for a civilian career can be intimidating, especially for someone who is used to military life. However, if you utilize the skills you developed during service, you are already ahead of most other candidates. Additionally, you should keep in mind that networking is crucial to the job search. Use AFBA's advice to help make this step in the process easier and more effective.
For the fourth year in a row, the city of Lamar, Colorado, will host the Tri-State 9/11 Tribute. The three-day event is a celebration of veterans and first responders and a time to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This year's tribute is scheduled to begin on Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony at the local library. Other activities during the event include a parade, presentations from veterans and much more.
According to 911families.org, live bands will play on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The next morning, the festivities will begin with a parade that will end at the fairgrounds. The Pueblo Chieftain reported that the previous year's parade lasted for an hour and was so large that the Colorado Department of Transportation asked the event leaders to move it from Main Street to the state highway. There, firefighters, veterans, active duty military personnel, police officers and other first responders are invited to enjoy a free barbecue. At 1:00 p.m., there will be a flag retiring ceremony before the 9/11 Memorial ceremony begins an hour later.
The events will conclude with a patriotic concert on the evening of Sept. 13.
While many servicemembers are trained with special combat skills, few people know about the entertainment talents they have. A group called the U.S. Army Soldier Show allows servicemembers to showcase talents such as acting, singing and dancing. According to the Sierra Vista Herald, the variety show spectacular is made up of about 24 Army personnel of various rankings. Every year, these individuals go through a challenging audition process, and those who make the final cut are far from finished with their hard work. They must go through months of rigorous training and rehearsals before the show finally goes on the road from May to December.
"We go to over 42 venues or garrisons, performing about 82 shows," Spc. Tony Brown, social media liaison for the tour, told the Sierra Vista Herald.
The group has even performed in Times Square during New York's Fleet Week. The U.S. Army Soldier Show defines itself as entertainment for the soldier, by the soldier. The program's theme this year is "We Serve," and its latest stop was in Sierra Vista, Arizona. For more information on the U.S. Army Soldier Show and to view its tour information, click here.