Veterans have to overcome many struggles when they begin their life after service. Some potential issues they face include homelessness, financial instability and emotional distress. Their experiences in dealing with these matters make them excellent candidates to help at-risk youth, many of whom go through the same difficulties in their own lives. Recognizing these similarities, the city of New Haven, Connecticut, in partnership with the local Veterans Affairs office, launched a new program called Veterans Empowering Teens through Support.

VETTS was designed to pair gang-affiliated or at-risk youth with veterans who may be able to help set them on the right path. The program matches troubled children and teens with a veteran who will spend at least 10 hours a week doing recreational activities, working on homework or learning positive behaviors. VETTS works on two levels: it helps veterans reconnect with their communities and it gives the youth participants connections to positive role models. 

"This work is not for all veterans. It's definitely a higher calling because the kids we work with are tough. But I need veterans – people who are dedicated, motivated and up to the challenge of making a difference," the program's coordinator, Frank Galley, told WTNH News.

The town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is known for its patriotism. Every year, the Patriot Festival is held there. However, Pigeon Forge recently took its patriotism to a new level. The little Tennessee getaway with just over 6,000 residents will be celebrating veterans and, for the first time, first responders in various ways for the entire month of August. The town is calling its month-long celebration and display of gratitude Celebrate Freedom. To kick things off, local businesses are offering discounts to veterans, active military personnel, firefighters, emergency responders and police officers.

The activities during the month include a Welcome Home parade, an exhibit featuring a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, artillery demonstrations and various military performances. Musical guests include The Alabama Boys, Unreconstructed, Marty Raybon and T. Graham Brown. Active and former military personnel and first responders from around the country are invited to the Celebrate Freedom events. Admission is free for servicemembers and first responders. Interested parties can get tickets by calling 800-309-0816. Some of the money from ticket sales will benefit the Sevier County Fire Chiefs Association.

Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Firefighters' schedules are exceptionally demanding. When they are not risking their lives to protect their communities, they are busy working together to upkeep the stations that serve as their second homes. In a career that demands a good deal of stamina, it is important for firefighters to maintain a nutritional and filling diet. However, it can be difficult to find time to prepare food. The recipes below are some examples of quick and nourishing meals to keep firefighters energized and healthy. 

Lemon thyme chicken with sauteed vegetables
This protein-packed meal takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. The chicken is bursting with zesty flavor, and the sauteed vegetables complete the dish nicely. At only 325 calories per serving, this dish is perfect for feeding a station full of hungry firefighters. See the full recipe here. 

Whole-wheat Southwestern pizza
There is no need to waste station budget on ordering a pizza when this recipe can be done in 18 minutes or less. Top the whole-wheat crust with an array of fresh vegetables for a healthier take on a Friday night favorite. Alternate between chicken, sausage, turkey and beef each time to add protein and variety. 

Grilled beef with basil puree over Tuscan beans
Beef and beans are notorious for being chock-full of protein, so this dish is sure to keep the station full and ready to go. The juicy tenderloin and hearty beans are extremely easy to make and can be on the table in about 20 minutes. Get the recipe here.

Pork chops with Dijon glaze
In just 30 minutes, this savory dish is ready to be devoured. The Dijon glaze accentuates the buttery flavors of the pork chops, making this a meal to remember. To make the recipe even healthier, leave out the honey. It will taste just as delicious without the added sugar.

Cauliflower sauce with whole-wheat penne
Pasta is full of good carbohydrates that provide the body with energy. The 35 minutes it takes to make this recipe will not be wasted. The creamy cauliflower sauce coats the pasta in delectable perfection. To make this a vegetarian dish, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock. 

Ancho-glazed salmon and sweet potato fries
This meal contains an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving. Spicy notes from the ancho chilies give the salmon a little extra kick. The combination of nutrients from the fish and the sweet potatoes will keep firefighters full through any emergency situation, and this dish only takes 20 minutes to make. Click here for the recipe. 

Korean sticky chicken
For those extra busy days around the station, try making this dish. It only takes eight ingredients and 12 minutes to finish. The sauce combines the sweet flavors of honey with energizing hints of spice. The chicken is tender and sure to satisfy big hunger. Get the recipe for this quick meal here.

Finding time to prepare a healthy, balanced meal with a normal schedule is difficult. For firefighters, the challenge is even greater. All of the meals above can be completed in 35 minutes or less and provide the proper nutrition to keep any station healthy and ready for action. 

Minnesota-native John Enstrom never served in the military, but he appreciates the sacrifices made by veterans. Because his father fought in World War II, military pride was instilled in Enstrom at a very young age. He also grew up in the Vietnam-era, and while he was lucky enough to avoid the draft, many of his friends were not. Many of those same friends never returned home. To honor the Minnesotans that died in the Vietnam War and subsequent wars, Enstrom developed a memorial and a lake on his own property where veterans could come and relax. Veteran's Lake, as Enstrom named the area, was designed to provide veterans with an escape from the traumas and stresses they may experience during life after service.

Enstrom invested thousands of dollars of his own money to develop Veteran's Lake, but to him, it was worth every penny. He made the entire area handicap accessible and hopes that veterans from all across the state will come and enjoy his gift to them. Veteran's Lake will play host to many veterans' events. The most recent will be a fishing tournament scheduled to take place on Aug. 5. Enstrom and his sponsors will provide participants with a meal and fishing equipment at no charge. 

Military dogs are trained with the skills to save lives and help prevent disaster. They form a deep, sometimes life-long bond with the military personnel who train them. On July 27, these highly skilled dogs and their owners got to show off their abilities at a 5-day competition at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Working Dog Challenge gives military service animals the chance to compete in events like drug sniffing, explosives detection, hardest-hitting dog, obedience and endurance.

Capt. Troy Cline, one of the officers in command of the event, told KITV News, "This competition is designed to get all military working dogs together so they can learn each other's tactics and techniques, because military working dogs are one of the few pieces of Army equipment that has a mind of its own." 

Military dogs go through extensive training, not unlike their handlers. They are taught to leap from helicopters, sniff out contraband cell phones in military prisons, and remain focused on the task at hand when there is a lot of surrounding chaos. Many military lives depend on the skill and reliability of these canine heroes, and the Working Dog Challenge is an excellent display of these elite animals' abilities. 

Fighting fire requires a superior level of fitness. The dangerous situations firefighters experience daily are physically demanding. Being properly prepared for these physical challenges can save a firefighter's life. Outlined below are a series of exercises designed to help firefighters reach the level of fitness required to safely do the job.

1. Sled drags
Firefighters need to be able to drag equipment and carry victims to safety, and they need to do it without exhausting themselves. Sled drags are an excellent exercise for strengthening the muscles required to do these tasks.  

2. Farmer walks
Fire hoses can be difficult to hold onto. The strength of a firefighter's grip can be a key factor in a successful fire rescue. Farmer walks can drastically strengthen grip and upper body muscles, making it less likely that a firefighter will tire while working the hose.

3. Squats
This exercise is crucial for firefighters. Leg strength increases speed and stability. These two skills are crucial for completing the job safely and effectively, and squats are guaranteed to improve leg strength and balance. 

4. Deadlifts
On the scene of an emergency, firefighters will likely be required to lift heavy objects frequently. This can mean moving weighty obstructions or hoisting an unconscious victim and carrying them to safety. Deadlifts ensure that a firefighter's muscles are strong enough to lift heavy objects at a moment's notice.

5. Medicine ball slams
Having a strong core is crucial for firefighters. While crunches can be an effective way to achieve strong abdominal muscles, medicine ball slams engage all areas of the core. This creates rotational strength and can help firefighters become more agile.

6. Weighted stairs
Firefighters are required to go up and down stairs quickly and often weighed down by heavy equipment. Weighted stairs exercises can train the legs to withstand these physical demands. These exercises can also help prevent fatigue and improve a firefighter's speed.

7. Vertical jumps
In a burning building, there may be obstructions that result in a firefighter having to jump and hoist himself or herself over the obstacle. Structural damage could also leave firefighters with no option but to jump and hoist themselves to another, safer level of a burning house. Vertical jumps help improve the heights to which firefighters are able to leap. This exercise also strengthens leg muscles which can help prevent exhaustion from carrying the heavy equipment.

Good physical fitness can be a lifesaving factor for firefighters. The demands of the job require plenty of strength and conditioning, and the exercises above can help firefighters improve those two things.

First responders are some of the bravest people in the workforce. Every day they risk their lives for the safety of others. In true Hollywood fashion, filmmakers recognized the potential for telling an amazing story through the eyes of first responders. Who made the top five list for Hollywood's most heroic police officers, firefighters and paramedics?

1. John McLoughlin from "World Trade Center"
The tragedy at the World Trade Towers on 9/11 is something not many can forget, especially when told from a first-hand perspective. In the movie "World Trade Center", Nicholas Cage plays a veteran Port Authority police officer named John McLoughlin. He and his fellow officers are going about their normal patrol for the day when they see on the news that the North Tower was struck by a plane. McLoughlin rallies his unit to help with the evacuation, but during the rescue, he and two of his men become trapped under the collapsed tower. McLoughlin shoulders the weight of the knowledge that they may never get out alive but does his best to keep the surviving member of his unit positive. He remains strong throughout the whole harrowing ordeal, reminding movie-goers of the courage it takes to put on the badge every day.

2. Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey from "Backdraft"
Firefighting is a profession that comes with a lot of pride and bravery. In "Backdraft", Kurt Russell plays a Chicago firefighter with a head-on attitude. Despite cautionary warnings from a more experienced firefighter who worked under his father, McCaffrey continues to attack fires aggressively without regard for his personal safety. McCaffrey and his unit  are eventually called to a multiple alarm fire in a chemical plant. Here the "Bull" struggles with the betrayal of a beloved partner, but he still tries to save the traitor's life. This noble act ultimately costs him his own. This movie speaks to the pride and brotherhood shared between firefighters, and it is an excellent display of their bravery.

3. Miguel Zavala from "End of Watch"
Police officers, especially inner city patrol officers, experience some of the toughest day-to-day challenges on the job. Michael Pena portrays one of these brave officers in "End of Watch." Pena's character, Miguel Zavala, and his partner patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The duo takes down several major criminals in the area which puts them on the watch with a dangerous cartel. Despite the threats and potential danger, Zavala and his partner continue to patrol their area. When the pair are lured into a showdown with the enraged cartel, Zavala loses his life in an attempt to save his partner's. The movie is an inspiring testament to the honor and sacrifice of police officers.

4. Kit Latura from "Daylight"
Emergency Medical Professionals have to keep a cool head while dealing with a lot of stressful situations. In "Daylight", Sylvester Stallone plays former Emergency Medical Services chief Kit Latura who does just that. When a tunnel under the Hudson River collapses, Latura witnesses the accident from the Manhattan side. He quickly rushes to offer his assistance. Latura realizes there are survivors trapped in the tunnel, so he risks his life to go in and bring them to safety. After a series of harrowing escapes and through indomitable perseverance, Latura manages to get the majority of the survivors to safety. "Daylight" does an excellent job of portraying Emergency Medical Professionals' leadership and selfless urge to save lives.

5. Jack Morrison from "Ladder 49"
The courage it takes to run into a burning building to save lives is something few people possess. Firefighters do this on a regular basis, and the movie "Ladder 49" gives people a good sense of the courage it takes to do that job. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Jack Morrison in this emotional film. The movie opens with Morrison saving the life of a man trapped in a burning grain elevator before the floor collapses, leaving him trapped and with a broken leg. The audience is then taken on a journey through Morrison's career as a firefighter and the bonds he forged with his unit along the way. When rescue efforts grow increasingly dangerous, Morrison orders his captain to pull the other men out of harm's way. His ultimate sacrifice is a prime example of firefighter courage.

Hollywood has documented the heroism of first responders many different times, but only the bravest and strongest made the top five list. 

All summer, the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs has hosted several events called the Innovation Creation Series. The program was meant to encourage innovators to develop new technologies which may help improve the quality of life for veterans. The conference has four main goals: to improve the quality of life and care for veterans, to create an open space for shared technology and designs, to encourage the rapid development of prototypes, and to spread awareness for veterans' assistive technologies. The series reached a pinnacle at the Make-a-thon competition. On July 28th and 29th, inventors and engineers from around the country gathered at the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, for a 2-day competition. 

Participants listened to speakers discuss the areas of opportunity for improving veterans' quality of life before breaking off and getting to work. Each innovator pitched an idea and was subsequently placed on a team based on his or her idea. From there, the teams got to work creating an idea that encompassed their pitches. The VA Hospital provided the materials and technical guidance needed for the teams to build a prototype of their designs. Late in the afternoon on the 29th, each team demonstrated their prototypes to the judges. Some of the ideas pitched included a pill and insulin module complete with an alert system and a variety of advanced prosthetics. The winner of the contest will receive $20,000 and their creation will be entered into the NIH 3D systems catalogue, where people all across the world can access it.

The veterans who attended the event were grateful that so many people wanted to help them out.

Eric Young, a former Marine who lost his arm in combat, told WRIC News, "For me, I don't think that there's a better thank you you could give me." 

Michigan resident Rick Briggs is no stranger to serving his community. His spirit of volunteerism was something he passed onto his son, who served the military in Iraq. When Briggs' son returned from service, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. This lead Briggs to his next philanthropic venture. He and his partners built a campsite in Brooklyn, Michigan, where veterans could come and heal from their time in combat. Briggs is calling the 137-acre retreat Camp Liberty. 

The camp has hunting blinds, a chapel, plenty of wildlife and greenery and houses in which veterans and their families can stay. Camp-goers will soon be able to take part in rehabilitation workshops and support group sessions. Briggs hopes that the informal environment will encourage veterans to open up and discuss their experiences.

"If they're out here in blue jeans and boots, and they can come sit in a [hunting] blind, they can get that vet to open up more and to talk about it," Briggs told Michigan Live.

Most of Camp Liberty, including the hunting blinds, is handicap accessible. Briggs wants to invite trauma counselors and physical therapy experts to lead rehabilitation workshops. He hopes his camp will become a safe haven for veterans across the country.

Military service members sacrifice a great amount to serve their country, but many struggle to find jobs when they return. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 5.4 percent of veterans are currently unemployed. However, veterans have the potential to be some of the most skilled members of the workforce. Their experiences in combat have made them responsible, organized and adaptable. Veterans are natural leaders and often have specialized skills they learned during service.

An organization called 100,000 Jobs is dedicated to spreading the word about veterans' skills. Its primary mission, however, is securing jobs for the 5.4 percent and the other 200,000 service members transitioning to life after service every year. Founded in 2011, 100,000 Jobs began with the goal of finding jobs for 100,000 veterans by 2020. It started out with a partnership of 11 companies. Just four years into its mission, the organization has found employment for 250,000 veterans, and its network has increased to 190 companies. 100,000 Jobs has expanded its ambition and hopes to get another 50,000 veterans secure employment. 

To learn more about the companies 100,000 Jobs partners with or how to make your business a part of the coalition, visit the website today.