Thirty-four members of the Army Military Police and Air Force Security Forces are ready to serve their community as police officers after a graduation ceremony on May 1. The program they completed is the first in the U.S. specially geared towards Citizen-Soldiers.  

Getting started
According to an article from the U.S. National Guard, the Massachusetts academy is the result of collaboration between the Worcester Police Department and the Massachusetts National Guard, spearheaded by Worcester Police Sgt. Richard Cipro, who is also a major in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The Police Department said that Cipro was responsible for bringing the pilot program to Worcester. 

"When we started, I was already a police sergeant and a law enforcement certified trainer in the state," Cipro said, according to an article on the Guard's website. "We analyzed and tried to figure out how to put together an academy designed for Guardsmen."

The 34 members of the graduating class went through 16 weeks of instruction that included physical training, first responder training, classroom study, and applied patrol procedures and scenario-based exercises, according to the Worcester Police Department. Coursework was conducted by Worcester police officers from various departments, as well as guest instructors from outside agencies that included both law enforcement officials and civilians. 

Looking forward
While still a new concept, the U.S. National Guard reported that the academy has already caught the attention of other states, as well as the U.S. Army. The success of the academy could very well lead to replication of the program in the near future. 

"I couldn't be more proud of the soldiers and airmen who accomplished this," Cipro said, according to the National Guard website. "I do get a little emotional when I talk about it because we took it from the beginning four years ago and this is the culmination of it. I'm excited for them and to carry this into the future."

The transition from life in the military to life after service can be challenging for veterans. Tasks like supporting your family and finding a job can be difficult after years of service. Other factors such as injuries from your time during deployment and stress disorders that veterans often experience after service can make it harder to adapt to civilian life. 

After you have returned from deployment and are readjusting to life at home with your family, remember these tips to ensure that your transition is as easy and smooth as possible. 

1. Understand that life may feel different
Try not to expect everything to be and feel exactly the same as before you left for deployment. After spending a while in the service, your experiences may have made you see life differently or changed your priorities. Remember that this transition should be taken one step at a time and that you most likely will not get in the swing of things right away. Be patient with yourself and understand that certain activities or daily routines may feel different. Rely on family and friends for support when needed. 

2. Prepare for the job hunt
One of the toughest aspects of the transition is finding a job. As the job market is extremely competitive, it is important that you are using all of the resources at your disposal and working on your job hunting abilities, such as your interview skills and your resume. 

The Transition Assistance Program provided by the Department of Defense is a great program for veterans adjusting to life after service. You will get a transition counselor to help you choose the right path to start down. There are also companies that are committed to hiring veterans. The Military Friendly website provides a list of these businesses so you can start your search off right.

3. Plan everything out for your family
According to Bradley-Morris, Inc., it is not always best to move straight back to your hometown after retirement from service. It is common for your military move to pay for relocation to the city of your new job. While many companies would have to pay for a civilian to relocate, they will not have to for you, which may make you look extra appealing to potential employers. 

It is also important to sign up for gap insurance for your family. If you cannot find a job after 90 days of separation, any preexisting conditions may not be covered by your new employer's insurance plan if you have not enrolled in gap insurance. 

4. Establish a daily routine
While you hunt for a job, it is a good idea to establish a routine that keeps you focused. For example, starting a daily schedule that includes specific times for activities like going to the gym, applying to jobs and eating meals with the family will keep your days balanced and your time management skills in check. 

Other activities, such as taking short walks in the middle of the day, can help to relieve stress if the transition from military to civilian life is causing anxiety. Performing tasks that you used to do while in the service can also help make it easier to adjust. 

5. Reach out for support
If you begin to experience a difficult time sleeping, a loss of appetite or moments of extreme stress, this could indicate that you may have a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder. It's crucial that you seek professional support. Even dealing with normal stress or anxiety while job hunting or adapting to your new life can be alleviated with the help of loved ones or a support group. 

All birthdays are worth celebrating, but Richard Overton's is usually recognized with a little extra pomp and circumstance. At 109, the Austin, Texas, resident has the honor of being recognized as the oldest living U.S. veteran. 

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Overton was born in 1906 and served in the U.S. Army's all-black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion from 1942 to 1945. His World War II service was primarily in the South Pacific, including time in Iwo Jima, Guam, Hawaii and Palau. 

Because all veterans are not registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs, it is impossible to verify Overton's title of oldest living vet. But the 109-year-old is widely recognized to hold the honor. And it appears that it is not a title that he will be losing any time soon. According to a profile in The Washington Post, Overton still drives, tends to his yard and enjoys whiskey in his coffee. 

When asked about the secret to longevity, Overton told the Post that the question would need to be taken up with God.

"He brought me here and he's taking care of me, and nothing I can do about it," Overton said.

So how does a 109-year-old celebrate his birthday? In this case, with burgers, milkshakes, cigars and, of course, a little whiskey. Overton's "Mighty Fine at 109"-themed party was sponsored by Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes and thoroughly enjoyed by the vet and his neighbors.

A new iPhone app released in the Bay Area this week aims to use real-time technology to increase communication between first responders. The valuable time saved when using the app could improve the safety of not only the accident victims, but any responders who arrive on the scene.

The mobile application, known officially as the Responder Incident Report, was released on Monday by the Bay Area Incident Management Task Force. According to the Metropolitan Transpiration Commission, the app is currently in a six-month trial period, which, if successful, could lead to implementation in other areas.

How it works
First responders use the app to take a picture of the scene of the accident and add any important details, then send the picture and information to other responders over a secure server. The detailed communication gives those en route to the scene a better idea of what equipment they will need, and allows for real-time updates of their expected arrival time.

Even with safer conditions, stress still poses a risk for first responders.

"A picture really is worth a thousand words," said MTC Transportation Management and Coordination Principal Radiah Victor. "This is a simple and inexpensive way to use existing cell phone camera and map technology to ensure responders have a common operating picture to support quick response and safe clearance of incidents."

Protecting the protectors
The increased speed and efficiency provided by the app would decrease the time that responders are on the road after accidents, and help coordinate efforts to reduce traffic congestion, decreasing the chance of a second incident. These secondary accidents are far too common. According to the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, on average, at least two emergency responders are struck each day in America.

The MTC hopes that this inexpensive and accessible application of real-time technology will decrease the length of time that public safety officers are in harm's way, making their job safer.

The job of a first responder requires both physical and mental strength. Whether you are a firefighter, a policeman or an emergency medical technician, it is important that you are taking measures to help yourself prevent injury and that you know what to do if you become hurt on the job. With a variety of resources at your disposal for help, becoming familiar with the ways to recover from a physical or mental injury will help to enhance your overall safety and well-being. 

First responders put themselves at risk for everything from serious stress disorders to back injuries in order to keep the community safe. If you are looking for helpful preventative measures to avoid injury in the future or for ways to recover from a previous accident you were in, use these tips to ensure that you are ready for any challenges that may come your way.

Injury prevention measures
While it is impossible to predict the events that may occur at the scene of an emergency, you can prepare for any physically demanding or stressful situations that you may find yourself in. Aside from wearing all of the proper equipment and using skills learned at training, there are a few additional ways to care for your mind and body on the job.

Emergencies can be stressful and chaotic, making clear communication crucial to successfully handling patients or victims. Asking for help from the officers around you when needed and only performing tasks on your own when you know you can handle them will drastically reduce your chances of hurting yourself.

When it comes to avoiding physical injuries, exercising vulnerable areas like the back will keep your body strong and less at risk for strains. Mental or stress disorders, on the other hand, take a different kind of preparation. Understanding what a traumatic event is and how to handle it is the first step.

According to the Trauma Center, a traumatic event is defined as when a servicemember experiences a serious threat or injury followed by a response of intense fear. The meaning that the event had for the individual is what makes it traumatic and can lead to serious conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Knowing that hyper-arousal and intrusive thoughts are warning signs that suggest you should seek help will prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

Tips for servicemembers facing injuries
The most essential step that first responders must take to successfully recover from a mental or physical injury is seeking the right help. This means both professional assistance if necessary and the support of loved ones. While finding support through physical therapy can be done for bodily injuries, getting help for mental harm is just as important but can be more challenging. 

If you find yourself experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression following a traumatic event on the job, failing to find help can lead to worsening symptoms. For example, the Trauma Center noted that research has shown a strong link between symptoms of depression in the initial weeks after the traumatic experience and increased risk for PTSD.

Search for local or online support groups. The United States First Responders Association provides online assistance and community support from other servicemembers who may be experiencing similar symptoms. 

As certain events at work may trigger anxiety or stress, experts recommend that those who have experienced trauma take a break from work and spend time recovering in their lives outside of service to get back on their feet. When transitioning back to your daily work routine, it is best to do so slowly and give yourself time to readjust.

Charles Miller, a Gainesville, Florida, native, is an outdoors lover. He spends the majority of his time challenging himself to marathons, hiking trails and bike tours. The 58-year-old Army veteran's active lifestyle began after his eyesight failed, leaving him legally blind. With the help of his persistence and the assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Miller's eyesight has encouraged him to see life in a whole new light. 

A new outlook on life
Miller told Fox News that he is constantly pushing himself to take on new challenges that he knows he would not have been able to tackle a couple of years ago. His dedication and drive are qualities that also came in handy during his time as an Army Infantry Captain, serving for a total of 27 years. 

When his eyesight began to fail, Miller was honorably discharged. He was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that slowly deteriorates the retinas, according to EveryJoe. When he returned home, the VA offered him a spot at the blind rehab facility at Birmingham VA Medical Center. Miller decided it was a good idea and moved in.

It was then that he realized he could sit around and let his blindness control his life or move forward and learn to make the most of his situation. He decided that his new challenge should not have the ability to stop him from living.

"If anyone said, 'you can't do that' I would tell them to give me a chance to try it and I'll do it," Miller told Fox News. Miller was never much of an outdoors person before he moved to the VA rehab center, but he started participating in adaptive sports to help himself stay motivated. The VA helped him build up his confidence and drive to be adventurous. "You can work beyond what you thought were your capabilities, if you have the drive and determination to do so," Miller continued. "To be honest, I'm intimidated by the idea of zip lining, but I hope I'll have the opportunity to try it one day."

VA program helps disabled veterans
The Adaptive Sports Program is offered to injured veterans in Washington, D.C., and 28 states. The program began after the VA gave $8 million in funding to create opportunities for vets with disabilities to learn new sports. 

According to Bruce Davis, the case manager for the VA Visual Impairment Services, the program has filled those adapting to life after military service with the positivity and motivation to focus on their potential instead of what they can no longer do. He noted that many participants are inspired to become involved in volunteer activities or go back to school or work. 

"People at the VA have never treated me like I have a disability, even though I do. I'm exactly like you are, I'm not any better, I'm not any worse," Miller explained to Fox News. "I just have one thing that's different. Everyone has something and mine just happens to be that I can't see."

Miller said that his new love of adventure stems from the feelings he gets when his senses are engaged with his surroundings and his adrenaline is surging. This is when he feels that he can truly see the world again. 

He plans on continuing his adventurous hobbies far into the future with plans to ski and snowboard. Miller also likes to take his son and his friends along with him to enjoy his adventures. He noted that he hopes to learn to surf soon, a sport he has never tried before, and is currently training for a 500-mile bike ride to take place in May.

When a spouse is sent away for deployment, adjusting to your new lifestyle can be challenging at first. You will likely have to make sacrifices and adjustments that take patience and time to get used to. From taking care of the children on your own to cooking or learning how to fix household products when they break, military spouses are forced to make a lot of changes very quickly. 

It is essential to prepare as best you can before your partner leaves, as it is helpful to know what to expect and which resources are at your disposal to assist you through the adaptation process. Remember these suggestions on how to make the transition to life without your spouse easier. 

Keep busy from the get-go
One of the first emotions you may feel after your spouse's deployment is loneliness. Although this is a difficult feeling to shake when you are used to having another person around the house – especially if you do not have children – staying busy will drastically improve your ability to focus on the positive aspects of your time alone. 

If you do not have a job, consider starting a hobby that you are passionate about. If you have always wanted to create your own blog or become a member of a local sports team, now is the best time to start. After all, engaging in new activities is always beneficial to one's health and will help pass the time. 

Spend time with loved ones
Remember that if you have children, they are probably struggling with your spouse's deployment as well. Spending quality time with one another is essential. Whether it be trips to the park to enjoy the nice weather or family dinners, being together and supporting one another is key to adapting to life during deployment. 

Calling on friends can also provide a strong source of support for military wives and husbands. Creating new relationships or reconnecting with old friends will help fill the temporary hole that often emerges following deployment. 

Use available resources for support
There are millions of spouses across the nation who are experiencing the difficulties of life after deployment. There are many resources designed to bring those in need of support together. If you are living on a military base, there may be a community group for spouses available right on site. 

Meanwhile, programs like Child Care Aware of America were created to help military spouses with children. The organization will direct you to local care services and may even assist you with care fees. Military OneSource offers a list of resources and an explanation of benefits for men and women with a spouse in the army and even has categories for each stage of deployment, including pre-departure and return stages. 

Be easy on yourself
Realizing that you are not going to be able to complete your daily routine as efficiently as you used to is something that you have to come to terms with before you can start successfully adapting to your new role as both mom and dad for your kids.

Do not forget that handling both your responsibilities and the tasks that your partner once took care of can be incredibly overwhelming, especially during the first couple of months during deployment. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and remember that it will take time before you get the hang of dealing with all of these changes without running into problems. For example, if you find that you do not have time to cook you and your children an intricate dinner every night like you used to when your spouse was home, do not feel bad about ordering out or preparing a quick and easy meal for the family. 

While the job of first responders can be extremely stressful and require frequent stress alleviation, it is of equal importance that servicemembers are in good physical health. Consuming a healthy diet and getting a sufficient amount of exercise are crucial to keeping a sharp mind and maintaining the ability to tackle any challenges that may lie ahead. 

Physical fitness should complement servicemembers' efforts to ensure that they do not let the stress of their jobs take a toll on their health. Here are five tips to help first responders keep an eye on their well-being while working in a physically and mentally demanding environment. 

1. Maintain a healthy diet
The food people consume every day has a major impact on all aspects of their health. First responders should be sure to eat meals that contain the proper amount of nutrients. It may be tempting, due to busy schedules, to get a quick bite at a fast-food restaurant on the road. However, it's essential to include vegetables and fruits in your diet, as these have the vitamins, minerals and fiber that people need to function at their best and stay healthy. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that middle-aged men and women who partake in frequent physical activity each day consume around 2.5 cups of fruit and 4 cups of vegetables daily. Foods that are low in fat and calories are best at ensuring that bodies are prepared for physically demanding job roles.

2. Perform aerobic activities
As a firefighter, policeman or EMT, it is of the utmost importance that you are in shape and able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently. According to the CDC, body reaction and exertion are responsible for 38 percent of on-site injuries experienced by emergency medical service workers. Everything from running to climbing is a possibility every day for emergency responders. Including aerobic activities, such as running and swimming, in regular workouts will improve their ability to effectively serve the community.

3. Do regular muscle exercises
The CDC noted that 50 percent of injuries experienced in fireground operations are muscular strains and sprains. Including daily stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises in workouts will help prevent these injuries.

4. Make use of available resources
There are many programs designed to support first responders in their efforts to remain physically fit. For example, the National Volunteer Fire Council has started the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program for firefighters across the country, providing tools and resources that help maintain physical and mental well-being. The organization also assists fire departments in creating health and wellness programs. Local facilities like the YMCA often give first responders discounts to encourage them to stay in shape as well. 

Similarly, the Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Emergency Services by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a popular resource used by servicemembers looking for general information on how to stay healthy while serving the community. 

5. Balance physical and mental health 
Physical and mental health are closely linked. Stress can cause your muscles to contract and your heart rate to increase, which allows servicemembers to react quickly in emergency situations. However, when this stress is carried outside of work into family life, people may experience difficulty falling asleep and relaxing with loved ones. To help leave stress at work, it can be beneficial to make time to relax your body. 

Simply tensing and relaxing muscles from the head to the toes once a day can significantly reduce your body's tension. Meanwhile, taking a mental break for 15 to 20 minutes each day, whether you do something like listen to music or meditate, will put your mind at ease. 

Many would assume that the No. 1 cause of death for firefighters would be smoke inhalation or burns. However, it is actually anxiety and exertion, which is responsible for taking the lives of around 50 firefighters every year across the globe, Sean Campbell, the chief of the Arcata Fire District Battalion in California, told scientists at Humboldt State University.

Do first responders need stricter fitness standards?
According to a study conducted by researchers at Humboldt State University, many first responders are not in the proper physical shape because their departments do not require them to follow strict physical standards. Mental health is also a major factor for those with high-stress jobs, like firefighters and policemen, and must be looked after as well.

To assist these servicemembers in maintaining the emotional and physical demands of their work, Young Sub Kwon, head researcher and director of Humboldt State's Human Performance Lab, started a program in which first responders can volunteer to participate.

New fitness program set to get servicemembers in shape
In the Human Performance Lab, the team set up innovative exercise equipment that is able to track people's flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Once Kwon gets a detailed understanding of each participant's physical health from initial testing, he creates an individualized fitness program for them. 

"Many firefighters and police officers are not healthy because their jobs put them under stress," said Kwon. "For example, police officers are often driving. If they need to pursue a suspect on foot, there's no warming up. They have to run as fast as they can. Through a fitness program, I can help improve their capacity to run without warming up."

As Kwon starts to understand what each servicemember can handle, he provides training, including exercises like treadmill runs and bench presses, that gets increasingly harder over the course of a month. Volunteers partaking in the program have already begun to notice results. 

Leaving your family behind is never easy, especially when you have young children at home. When you receive the news that you will be deployed, it is important that you act quickly in preparing your kids for your departure and the months you will be away. 

Although it is bound to be an emotional time, having the talk with your children will not be too stressful or overwhelming if you ensure that you have an idea of what to say and do. Remember these tips to speak with your kids before deployment. 

1. Be clear about where you will be
Explaining to young children or toddlers that you will be halfway across the world can be intimating for them. Setting out a map and circling or starring the country you will be stationed in may make it easier for them to understand where you will be and appear that you are not so far away. 

You can also mark the locations of other family members or friends who your kids are close to who live in different parts of the world. If you will be deployed near a loved one, this may be comforting to them, especially if they have been there before. 

2. Explain why you are going
It is common for children to be confused as to why a parent is leaving his or her family for an extended period of time. This is why it is essential that you explain that you do not want to leave them, but it is your job and you have to follow the rules. Explain that you are protecting people from harm both at your destination and at home. Remind your children that you are there for a certain period of time and that as soon as you are able, you will come back. 

3. Remind them that you will stay in touch
It can be scary for children to hear that their mom or dad will be leaving for a while. Alleviate this anxiety by assuring your young ones that there are plenty of ways to stay in touch and that you will take advantage of them as often as you can. Communication tools like Skype and FaceTime on the iPhone make it easy for families to see one another and talk every day. If they are worried about you missing a certain event or celebration, tell them that you will make sure that your spouse films it and sends it to you.

4. Hold multiple family meetings
It takes more than one talk to prepare a family for deployment. Designate one or two nights a week before your departure to make plans as a family. For example, setting a communication schedule together or creating a list of each family member's new responsibilities after you leave will make your kids feel more in control of the current situation. 

You can also plan out special bonding time before you are gone. Choose a weekend to go on a mini vacation or take a camping trip before your deployment to ensure that you have plenty of time set aside to enjoy together. 

5. Bond with each other
After you have explained everything to your children and made the proper plans, focus on spending quality time together. As the weeks before deployment can be stressful, you do not have to go all-out and plan an elaborate weekend. Simply reading to your kids before bed or going out to a family dinner once a week can create memories that will last and sustain your family throughout your deployment.