Organizations across the world have been actively trying to raise funds and awareness for military veterans who have returned from service with physical and mental injuries. Many of these servicemembers experience difficulty finding jobs and adapting to other aspects of civilian life. To lend them a helping hand, American Corporate Partners has started a new summer challenge that is aimed at pushing the country to realize the hardships these veterans endure and to do what they can to show their support. 

New summer challenge focuses on veterans
Similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge that took the Internet by storm during the summer of 2014, the Give Them 20 challenge puts participants to the test by requesting that they do 20 push-ups and other actions, depending on how creative people decide to get. Participants then challenge two of their friends to do the same – or add a new task – and then post a video of it on social media. 

ACP was founded in 2008 as a nonprofit centered on assisting veterans entering into the workforce during life after service. According to The Huffington Post, the organization provides an online community to volunteers who share their advice and career experiences, which veterans can then use as a helpful resource. ACP also offers a job board, which has attracted some of the country's major corporate leaders.

"Whether you're red or blue or left of center or right of center, it doesn't make a difference," Sidney Goodfriend, ACP's founder and chairman, told The Huffington Post. "We all should figure out a way to help these guys."

The news source noted that the need for awareness is pertinent, as many veterans, particularly female vets, continue to find it challenging to find a new career as civilians. Many of these retired servicemembers need to support their families and do not have the funds without a job.

Challenge catches fire
Syracuse.com explained that many of entertainment's most popular celebrities have already taken part in the challenge, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, Will Arnett, the Rockettes and the entirety of the New York Mets. Goodfriend mentioned that he still wants A-listers like Jay Z and Taylor Swift to participate and hopes they do before the challenge loses steam. 

Like the Ice Bucket Challenge, the main goal behind the project is encouraging people to donate to the retired servicemembers who need their support. However, Goodfriend made it clear that all he asks is participants become aware of the situation these veterans are in. 

"Almost every charity out there is trying to get you to write a check," Goodfriend told The Huffington Post. "But this is the only nonprofit, certainly for veterans, not looking to raise money. We're looking for peoples' time and we try to make it really easy for them to be able to contribute."

ACP has provided a website on which veterans can watch all of the new #GiveThem20 challenges and witness the country's acts of solidarity. 

Firefighters in an Illinois station will hit the streets this week with yellow and black boots in hand to raise funds for a good cause.

Members of the Waukegan Firefighters Union 473 are raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Chicago Tribune reported. Their "Fill the Boot" drive is an annual event where the firefighters walk around town trying to fill their iconic boots with donations from the public. 

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national nonprofit that aids individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS. According to the organization's website, it is the leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases. 

"[MDA has] so many outreach programs that they help with and things like the loan closet or helping contact specialists or giving treatment at one of their Chicago clinics," Jeanette Nieves-Rodriguez told the Tribune. "And it's not just for the patient. It's also for the family members. It's critical."

Nieves-Rodriguez's son Ryan was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 5 and has since been aided by the MDA. 

According to the Tribune, this year the Waukegan firefighters hope to raise between $6,000 and $7,000 for the organization. They have raised over $100,000 since first becoming involved with the fundraiser in 2002. 

The International Association of Fire Fighters has partnered with the MDA for over 60 years. During this time the IAFF has raised more than $550 million toward finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases, the MDA reported. 

Actor Dwayne Johnson's Hollywood role as a first responder in his summer film may be fictional, but he is using the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ready.gov to help citizens prepare for earthquakes.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Rock is featured in a new video by FEMA that encourages people to "Drop, Cover and Hold On!" in the occurrence of an earthquake. The 30-second clip features scenes from "San Andreas," Johnson's new summer thriller about a magnitude 9 earthquake that occurs along the San Andreas fault in California. 

Fans of the television show "Modern Family" probably don't think of family patriarch Jay Pritchett first and foremost as a veteran. Occasionally the character will mention his time in the Navy and how it shaped him, but for the most part he is your typical American man who loves his family and works hard to grow his business. It is this portrayal that won the television show accreditation from Got Your 6.

The organization, which works to integrate more accurate images of veterans into the media, recognized six programs for their commitment to accurate portrayals of former members of the military, the Washington Post reported. This is the first of what the nonprofit hopes will be many rounds of accreditations. 

To be "6 Certified," a movie or TV show must contain a balanced and representative depiction of veterans, Got Your 6 reported. It must also fulfill one of six actions:

1. Consult with a veteran, family member or expert to create an accurate representation.
2. Cast a veteran in a significant role.
3. Create a veteran character that is multidimensional.
4. Hire a veteran writer to work on the script.
5. Develop a meaningful narrative that accurately tells a veteran story.
6. Have a veteran present during the filming process to ensure accuracy. 

The other films and shows recognized this month were the eclectic mix of box office hit "American Sniper," "Amira and Sam," "Hawaii Five-O," NBC's "The Night Shift" and the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars" that featured wounded warrior Noah Galloway. 

The certification campaign is a response to a Got Your 6 survey in 2014 that revealed that most veteran characters in the media are portrayed as both heroic and damaged, an impression that affected how the American public viewed military members in their life after service.

Women in the armed forces have more options than ever before when it comes to the ways that they can serve their country. After an intense application and selection process, a select group of women in the Navy will be the first to expand these opportunities even further.  

On June 22, officials released the "FY16 Enlisted Women in Submarines Selections," naming the first group of female sailors who will serve in the U.S. submarine force. The list includes four chief petty officers and 34 others in lower pay grades, the Navy reported. They will serve in the two crews of the U.S.S. Michigan. 

According to the Navy, the selection process was competitive. The branch received applications from almost every community throughout the Navy, representing 31 different ratings. Each application was reviewed and scored using an objective system.

Navy Times reported that the application window opened in January and the selection process began in April. 

"We could not be more pleased with the amount of interest shown by enlisted women in wanting the opportunity to serve in the undersea warfare domain," said Rear Adm. Charles Richard, the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force commander. "It's an exciting time in the submarine force, as we continue to move forward in shaping the future of our force, drawing from the best pool of talent possible." 

The 38 selected women will undergo standard submarine medical screening before they begin training, the Navy reported. According to Navy Times, 69 female sailors were listed as alternates in case any of the selected women are unable to report for duty. 

While Mother Nature provides people with breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views, she is also capable of creating natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes that can be incredibly destructive. Especially lately, extreme weather conditions have left veterans and their families without homes. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers many retired servicemembers the help they need through its initiatives, such as the Home Loan Program. 

The prevalence of natural disasters
Floods and tornadoes have recently hit many Southern and Midwestern states. As more storms are predicted to sweep through many locations across the country, it is essential that veterans know how to handle a disaster if it strikes. Director of the Home Loan Program Michael Frueh urged military families to take advantage of their benefits in the event of a natural disaster. Reaching out to a VA loan specialist should be the second step after calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

"Depending on the severity of the damage, we'll issue guidance to all servicers in a particular affected area to say, 'please work with our Veteran borrowers in this community. VA is on their side to help,'" Frueh said, according to the VA.

Here are a few additional steps to take:

1. Contact your mortgage company
As homeowners are required to pay their monthly loan payments regardless of the condition of their house, the VA suggested contacting your lender as soon as possible after the event. Unexpected situations like these may make it challenging to submit your payments on time, as factors like repairs and replacing essential belongings can use up a significant portion of your finances. If you are unfamiliar with how to make contractor payments or with insurance loss check procedures, call your lender and ask that he or she explain these processes to ensure that you do not miss a step. 

If your home was provided by the VA's Specialty Adapted House program and needs repairs after a disaster, contact your VA loan specialist who may be able to inform you of any special options you have as a member of the program. Just call 877‐827‐3702 to see if you have any grant funds left over to assist you in your time of financial stress.

2. Understand the 3 disaster aid programs
FEMA will usually provide homeowners with assistance through three programs: individual assistance, public assistance and hazard mitigation. Individual assistance can include multiple aspects, such as disaster housing, which may be available for up to 18 months following the incident, and disaster grants and loans. According to FEMA, public assistance programs will generally cover the cost of 75 percent of the approved project costs for the reconstruction of the affected communities. During the repair process, FEMA pays for part of the funds for damage mitigation measures to make sure that the public is safe. This may mean relocation for disaster victims while the community is being rebuilt.

3. Take advantage of all your resources 
Even if you do not think that local veteran offices will be able to offer anything to help you recover from a disaster, it never hurts to try. The VA advised calling the nearest organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and any additional resources in the area. They may be able to offer you special assistance. The VA pointed out that this could even be true for veterans who are not currently members of these organizations.  

First responders put their lives on the line for the community on a daily basis. Whether they are resuscitating someone or putting out a burning building, it is important that they have all of the tools and resources at their fingertips to ensure that the job gets done safely. Although proper training is key to reacting to emergency situations, there are also smartphone applications that can be used to supplement first responders' skills and experience. 

Next time servicemembers find themselves responding to an emergency, they should consider bringing along one of these five phone apps to enhance their ability to react quickly and efficiently.

1. FireStop
Before firefighters respond to a burning building, they have to know about its layout, including emergency exits and where any hazardous materials may be. According to Popular Mechanics magazine, the FireStop app allows first responders to upload any maps or critical information regarding the area's major buildings, such as schools, hospitals and worship centers, onto the app so they have all of the essential data just a finger tap away when they need it most.

"Lets say they have lists of where all the hazardous materials in the hospital are – the oxygen and other tanks and other things like that that they need to be aware of. Now they have it all at their fingertips," T.J. Kennedy, acting general manager of the First Responder Network Authority, told Popular Mechanics. 

2. iCrimeFighter
The LE version of the iCrimeFighter app is only available to law enforcement officers. This forensic file app allows officers to store recorded interviews, videos, pictures and notes on their smartphones. It even enables users to organize the data by case number before uploading it to their police department servers. 

The app's website noted that there is a generic version also available to the public, which allows them to record accident scenes. This provides a clearer, more accurate and detailed report for the police. 

3. Sensimob
Sometimes it can be difficult for field commanders to keep track of servicemembers, especially when radios are out of range. However, knowing exactly where responders are is vital to providing them with the help they require when they need it most. Sensimob serves as a GPS system that tracks the location of police, fire and EMT personnel during emergency situations.

The app prompts servicemembers to check in on their phones and enables them to send alerts and messages to field commanders if they need backup or unexpectedly run into a problem. Commanders can also send responders messages, keeping in constant communication if necessary, even in places where traditional radio systems do not work.

4. FireRescue1
Whether they are on the move or on-duty at the fire station, firefighters need to stay well informed of what is going on in the area. FireRescue1 provides servicemembers easy access to their region's breaking fire news, which is sorted into categories, including popular news and most recent stories. There is also a section of the app dedicated to helpful tips for firefighters. According to iTunes, users also get access to free mobile resources that have never been available to firefighters before. 

5. HazRef 2008
After proper training and education, the HazRef 2008 mobile app ensures that first responders have all the important information they need in an emergency situation when dealing with hazardous materials. The app offers a database of over 3,000 dangerous chemicals and substances that servicemembers may come into contact with while on duty. Users can view 61 emergency response guides, informing servicemembers how to handle the hazardous material if they or a civilian has come into contact with it. Another major plus is that the app works without a network connection. 

On June 19 and 20, NASCAR fans enjoyed the races while bringing hope to military families and veterans in their area.

The nonprofit organization Hope For The Warriors had booths at the Iowa Speedway during the weekend with special time both days where fans could assemble care packages, the Newton Daily News reported. The packages will be distributed to veterans and military families who live in the Greater Newton area.

"It's really about giving back to the people of Iowa," Hope For The Warriors Senior Director of Sports and Recreation Travis Hanson told the Newton Daily News. "The entire Midwest region, Iowa included, has shown tremendous support for Hope For The Warriors over the last 10 years, but it seems it's a rarity that they're championed for their efforts."

According to the organization's website, Hope For The Warriors aims to help current and former military members succeed at home by helping to restore their sense of family, self and hope. They provide comprehensive programs that focus on transitioning, engaging with peers, taking advantage of community resources and improving health and wellness.The nonprofit has opportunities for servicemembers, veterans and their families at every NASCAR race this season.  

One of the most daunting tasks for veterans upon returning to civilian life after service is finding a job. Learning how to job hunt or starting the process can be challenging after extended deployment. In addition to becoming familiar with the interview process, veterans have to figure out what career path they want to go down. Pursuing a job that suits the skills and experience gained while serving is important, as this will make retired servicemembers look more desirable to employers and ensure that servicemembers end up liking their jobs. 

Which careers tend to interest veterans most and allow them to apply their skill sets? Here are five that have become popular choices for retired servicemembers after returning to life after service. 

1. IT specialist
According to G.I. Jobs, one of the most sought-after careers for veterans is the role of an IT specialist. An IT specialist ensures that a company's computer systems are running smoothly and remain secure. They also look for ways to expand networks as the company and technology advances. Most of these careers offer the steady income and job security that veterans are looking for.

Some soldiers, depending on their specific branch, work with computers and technology while serving. Although many IT positions on the job market require a bachelor's or associate degree, many servicemembers use this as motivation to enroll in school if they do not have the education after returning from deployment. 

2. Emergency medical technician
Active duty men and women frequently gain experience as an emergency medical technician while serving. The role of an EMT requires teamwork and the ability to react efficiently in high-stress situations, which most retired servicemembers have dealt with on a daily basis. Business Insider also noted that because so many states are seeking retired military members for these roles, more than half of the 50 states offer a Military Skills Waiver test for certification. This can speed up the application process, which is important to many vets who feel the pressure to start providing for their families after retirement. 

3. Operations manager
An operations manager's primary responsibilities are running the day-to-day operations of the company. Depending on which industry the role is in, the specific duties may change. However, many veterans are attracted to it because it allows them to oversee a team and work closely with colleagues – two skills commonly acquired during deployment. G.I. Jobs also explained that as of March 2015, there were more than 244,000 opportunities available on the market.  

4. Training and development manager
According to Forbes magazine, many companies actively recruit veterans for roles that involve working with and training new employees, as retired servicemembers tend to have impressive leadership skills that fit such a role perfectly.

Training and development managers are often responsible for working with new staff members and developing strategies to advance the company. For example, they may be in charge of wellness and team-building programs, which many veterans find enticing. While some companies may look for a bachelor's or associate degree, military service experience may translate to multiple years of experience. 

5. Business administrator
Military leadership experience and a formal education are a combination that makes a strong candidate for the position of a business administrator. Most employees in these roles are management trainees and junior executives. Companies look for motivated leaders and applicants with strong organizational skills. Someone who is able to manage deadlines and has good time-management skills will also be appealing to recruiters. As daily routines in the military are often dictated by strict schedules, employers usually know that this is something that veterans have mastered. 

When an injury leaves a soldier confined to a wheelchair, life changes. But that doesn't mean that athletics are no longer an option.

The games
From June 21 to 26, more than 600 veterans will gather in Dallas, Texas, to participate in the 2015 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported. The games occur every summer and are open to veterans who receive care at a VA treatment center or medical facility and are confined to a wheelchair due to an amputation, spinal cord injury or certain neurological conditions. 

"The Wheelchair Games is a great example of courage and athleticism," said Robert A. McDonald, secretary of the VA. "If you want to see grit, determination and some of the finest athletes on the planet, this week in Dallas is the place to do it. These veterans have overcome obstacles, they've trained, they've persevered, and now they're ready to compete on the world's stage."

According to the event website, the Wheelchair Games is put on by a partnership between the VA and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The website reported that former soldiers will take part in 18 events while supporting and mentoring new veterans in the process. The event is just as much about providing support and rehabilitation opportunities for participants as they are about competition. The VA reported that for many injured veterans, this is their first exposure to wheelchair sports.

The events include 9-ball, air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, handcycling, field events, motor rally, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. There will be participants in attendance from nearly every state in the U.S., as well as England and Puerto Rico, the VA reported.  

What is next
Registration has closed for participants, but volunteers and sponsors are still welcome to use the contact information on the event website to donate time or money to help make the Wheelchair Games possible.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Main Arena, the VA reported. Events will be held at the convention center and various other facilities throughout Dallas, including Victory Plaza, Southern Methodist University and Fair Park.

Members of the Dallas community are encouraged to come out and support the veteran athletes.