Post-traumatic stress disorder is a pervasive affliction that affects active duty military members, veterans, first responders and even government contractors working in combat zones.

Spreading awareness of PTSD

In 2010, Congress designated June 27 as PTSD Awareness Day to promote visibility and effective treatment for the affliction. Four years later, Congress set aside the entire month of June for National PTSD Awareness. The goal is to increase knowledge among the public about issues related to PTSD, to encourage those suffering from this affliction to seek help and to provide insights into caring for family members coping with PTSD.

"Greater understanding and awareness of PTSD will help veterans and others recognize symptoms, and seek and obtain needed care," explained Paula P. Schnurr, M.D., executive director of the National Center for PTSD.

During June, government agencies, advocacy groups, medical associations and other PTSD-related associations come together to boost awareness for the condition.

How common is PTSD?

The nature of the environments where military members and first responders work puts them in precarious and sometimes life-threatening situations and the lingering trauma can have a big impact on their lives. These traumatic events can lead to:

• Nightmares.
• Flashbacks.
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating.
• Negative feelings.

Often people experiencing PTSD think they're alone, but the truth is it is far more widespread than many might believe. Veterans often have higher incidences of having stress disorders. According to VA statistics, veterans with PTSD account for:

• Between 11 and 20 percent of soldiers who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
• Around 12 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans.
• An estimated 30 percent of military members deployed in the Vietnam War.

While veterans comprise a large percentage of those with PTSD, first responders are also regularly exposed to the types of traumas that lead to stress disorders. A recent report published by the International Association of Fire Fighters found that firefighters and paramedics suffer from PTSD at similar levels to veterans.

Writing on the American Military University's website In Public Safety, faculty member Michelle Beshears explained how police officers often experience cumulative PTSD – the result of repeated stress-related incidents.  

Further, PTSD is not strictly limited to the military and first responders. The VA also noted that roughly 7 to 8 percent of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point. In a year, approximately 8 million U.S. adults have PTSD. However, many won't seek treatment for a number of reasons.

What you can do to help

If you know anyone who might be suffering PTSD, be sure to offer support. While not everyone will want to discuss the issue, it's important to let them know you're available to help.

If a dialogue about the person's PTSD opens up, encourage him or her to seek treatment. There are a variety of centers and organizations that offer options for assistance and care. 

Congress mandated the formation of the VA's National Center for PTSD in 1989 to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. They have extensive research, education material and training opportunities for advancing the social welfare and clinical care of veterans with stress disorders. 

In addition, non-governmental groups like Operation We Are Here provide an extensive directory of resources for those who have experienced a traumatic incident. From anonymous self-assessments and financial assistance to veteran service organizations and reintegration sources, there are plenty of options available to help.

By spreading awareness and contributing to ongoing treatment efforts, everyone can lend a hand in combating PTSD.

Founded June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army celebrates 242 years of bravery and sacrifices in protecting our great nation. Not only is June 14 the U.S. Army's birthday, it's also appropriately Flag Day.

A look back at the origin of the Army

Organized by the Continental Congress, the U.S. Army introduced new professional standards to long-standing militia traditions to fight the most powerful nation at the time – the British Empire. During these turbulent eight years of battle, the Army often served as the lone beacon for which patriots and champions of liberty united and drew their inspiration.

Although the colonists had already exchanged shots with British troops at Concord and Lexington in April of 1775, it was militia units and other volunteers from the New England colonies, not an official U.S. Army, who fought those battles. The Continental Congress convened in May, with the delegates voting to create an army that would serve all the North American colonies.

Then, on June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress passed this resolution:

"Resolved, that six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia;… [and] that each company, as soon as completed [sic], shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under command of the chief Officer in that army."

Following this resolution, the Continental Army became the fledgling country's first national institution and remains in place as the oldest. Once established, the new fighting force needed an able commander, and so a few days later, the congress voted unanimously to commission George Washington as commander in chief.

After fighting hard for eight years, the Continental Army forced the British to recognize the sovereignty of the colonies, leading to the creation of the United States of America. In June 1784, the newly formed U.S. Congress disbanded the Continental Army and discharged its remaining soldiers, except for two companies they needed to protect military arms and stores. These two companies formed the basis for the 1st American Regiment. By the end of the year, eight infantry and two artillery companies formed the whole of the U.S. Army.

Now, 242 years after its creation, through numerous wars, missions and operations, the Army continues its mission to defend life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

Waving the flag proudly

The Stars and Stripes are the most recognizable symbol of the United States. Most people know the stars represent the 50 states and the 13 red-and-white stripes stand for the original colonies that revolted against the British and laid the foundation for our great country.

However, many people aren't aware of what the colors symbolize. While there's no federal law, resolution or executive order that explicitly lays out the reason or meaning for the flag's color, we do have some insight into their significance from a 1782 report from Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Army, according to the Washington Post.

"White signifies purity and innocence," Thomson wrote. "Red hardiness and valour and Blue…signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice."

Despite the widespread belief that Betsy Ross designed the original flag, few historians believe this story, according to USFlag.org. While no one knows with absolute certainty who created the first flag, the general consensus is that Congressman Francis Hopkinson designed it. The flag has undergone many different alterations and additions as the country grew in size. However, it wasn't until President William Taft signed an Executive Order on June 24, 1912, prescribing the order of the stars and the proportions of the flag. 

Various state and local communities began holding Flag Day celebrations around 1885, but it wasn't until 1949 that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day. 

As we remember the history of the U.S. Army and the U.S. flag, let us make sure to remember those who have given their all so that the Stars and Stripes remains flying high. 

First responders rely on their bravery and their emergency response protocols to manage crises and mitigate problems following a tragic incident or natural disaster. These emergency response protocols must be updated regularly to ensure they account for changes in technology, best practices and other shifting factors. This is especially necessary as new risks emerge, such as mass shootings and bombings. Responding to these threats require different approaches that include multi-departmental coordination and effective communication with the news and social media.

The potential for miscommunication

A recent incident in Arroyo City, Texas, highlights the need for first responders to ensure they have updated and comprehensive emergency response protocols, according to ABC-affiliate KRGV.com.

Someone made a call to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office requesting help for a man suffering from a heart attack in Arroyo City. The dispatcher transferred that call to first responders in Los Fresnos, another city in Cameron County, before it went through to the Harlingen police. A representative from that office rerouted that call to the South Texas Emergency Care foundation, the emergency response team for EMS calls in Arroyo City. Arroyo City Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Whelan spoke with KRGV about the incident.

"It took an extended time to get a hold of the correct medical response team to come out, whenever they did notify them, we were notified within minutes," said Whelan. "But it took a few extra minutes to notify the ambulance so that they could notify us to respond."

While it only took 12 minutes in total to activate the proper community response team, this extra time can be the difference between life and death. In light of this event, Whelan said different community emergency response teams in the area are setting up training courses for additional certification as well as upgrading communication efforts between departments.

Implement regular EMS reviews

As threats of active shooters and terrorist attacks unfortunately become more common, community emergency response teams must perform regular EMS reviews and ensure first responders are properly trained to handle these risks.

During these regular EMS reviews, response teams should factor in how to address the evolving nature of potential threats. For instance, as noted by EMS1.com, protocols for a bombing at a mass gathering should include:

1. Assess and treat blast injuries.
2. Anticipate and respond to secondary devices or shooters.
3. Determine which EMS handle and transport the most severe injuries.
4. Track patients and other injured individuals.
5. Maintain future readiness for mass gatherings.

For larger threats, first responder teams should consider setting up incident command systems (ICSs) to be able to answer multiple coordinated attacks. Based on the emergency response coordination model developed in 1970s to implement organized and controlled responses from a centralized position, ICS helps in both near- and long-term field-level operations, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The role of communications and social media

In addition to regularly reviewing EMS protocols to ensure they're up-to-date, community emergency response teams should organize risk communications and social media crisis strategies, according to EfficiencyGov, an independent information service provider.

The ubiquity of always-connected devices means first responders need to have a strategy in place to effectively communicate statements and information. Social media offers the ability to quickly disseminate instructions and messages, as well as clarify any incorrect news floating around. 

As threats continue to evolve, first responders must remain diligent in updating their emergency response plans to ensure they have protocols in place to handle the ever-changing nature of risk assessment and response. 

Working as a first responder goes above and beyond clocking in and out each day – there are high stakes involved with managing a crisis or natural disaster. Due to these unique job hazards, first responders are also at a greater risk for stress, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Without the right treatments and help, these mental health problems can become more serious as time passes and should be addressed as soon as possible.

From community support groups to yoga classes, there are many ways first responders can alleviate the stress and mental health detriments associated with their jobs.

How prevalent are mental health problems for first responders?

Occupational stress is a built-in consequence for most first responder jobs, be they firefighter, police officers, EMTs or paramedics. If left untreated, stress negatively impacts the mind, body, behavior and mood of anyone, no matter how disciplined he or she is. The mind becomes more anxious and depressed while the body's health deteriorates with a weakened immune system and higher blood pressure. Job satisfaction and productivity suffer as well, which can be dangerous for both first responders and the people they're protecting.

Unfortunately, these issues are all too common among these professions. A recent study conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix showed up to 85 percent of first responders experienced symptoms related to mental health issues. These stem from a variety of reasons, but a major contributor is the 84 percent of respondents experiencing on-the-job trauma.

A little more than a third of first responders surveyed said a doctor has diagnosed them with PTSD or depression. Of those individuals suffering from depression, 47 percent said something that happened at work contributed to their depression.

Despite the prevalence of mental health issues among first responders, workplace stigmas still linger for those who want help. Even though 74 percent of respondents said they have mental health services readily available to them, 39 percent said there are negative repercussions for utilizing these services. These repercussions include:

• 55 percent believe seeking mental help will make their supervisor treat them differently.
• 45 percent said bringing up mental health concerns at work will make their coworkers see them as being "weak."
• 34 percent said starting discussions about mental health concerns at work will reduce their chances of earning a promotion.

Although there are obstacles for some people, 61 percent of respondents still felt comfortable discussing these problems with their supervisor.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the duties that accompany being a first responder can lead to three types of stress:

• Day-to-day stress – caused by common tensions experienced in our lives, such as personal, familial or social issues.
• Cumulative, chronic stress or strain – caused by the accumulation of these daily stressors, whether it's working with new people, changes in job routines or introducing difficult new systems or procedures.
• Critical incident stress or shock – caused by exposure to traumatic or extreme incidents out of the norm, such as witnessing an accident, injury or death.

Unchecked, long-term exposure to any of these types of stress, but especially the third one, leads to:

• Post-traumatic stress symptoms.
• Burnout or compassion fatigue.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Pathological grief.
• Interpersonal conflict, such as family or marital problems.

It's best if first responders deal with these mental health issues head-on to obtain any necessary medication or treatments.

Ways for first responders to manage mental health problems

There are several ways first responders can handle the issues that arise among workers in this area due to their unique occupational stressors. Each of these methods has its own benefits, and may work differently for every individual. 

Treatment and therapy

In the early stages of their careers, first responders should take advantage of any job-offered pre-exposure training and "Psychological First-Aid" after an incident. These before-and-after sessions help first responders prepare mentally and emotionally for the initial exposure to a traumatic event and the potential fallout. Not all first responder departments have access to these kind of services, but there are still other ways for individuals to find help.

The University of Phoenix survey found that 61 percent of first responders have not sought out professional help for their mental health problems. Speaking with a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist or occupational therapist is always a helpful way for first responders to get a better handle on any mental health issues – an important initial step toward successful treatment. Even if the professional doesn't make a diagnosis of a serious mental health problem, he or she can still recommend supplemental programs or services that can assist in alleviating job-related stress.

Self-care techniques

In addition to seeking out professional help in dealing with mental health issues, there are many self-care techniques first responders can incorporate into their daily habits to help alleviate the pressures and problems associated with stress. Often these actions are critical in ensuring first responders can successfully cope and continue to do their job.

The CDC listed several actions for maintaining self care during difficult times, including:

• Practice breathing and relaxation techniques. Consider yoga or meditation as well.
• Avoid working more than 12 hours per shift, if possible.
• Communicate feelings and experiences – whether it's writing in a journal or talking to family, friends, coworkers or anyone willing to listen.
• Eat healthy, exercise regularly and sleep adequately.
• Remember that saying "No" is a possibility – there are others who can help in responding.

While these techniques won't address severe stress, they can help limit exposure to stressful situations. For more serious cases, first responders should speak with a professional and licensed therapist. 

There are many ways that companies and communities show their support for the brave men and women who protect our great nation. From organizing benefits and raising donations to hosting gatherings and simply saying "Thank you," these acts of kindness and generosity go a long way toward welcoming soldiers back from deployment and encouraging firefighters, police officers and other heroes to continue their efforts.

For instance, patriotic breweries and distilleries are saying thanks by crafting signature beers, whiskeys and vodkas and donating their sales for active duty military members, veterans and first responders. Other establishments provide discounts for these individuals. As craft breweries and local distilleries grow in popularity all across the country, the efforts these owners put forward demonstrate their gratitude. These are a great way to give back to soldiers, while also having some fun yourself.

Check out these companies doing their parts to lift spirits for those who serve:

Refreshing first responders

Virginia Distilling Company is one organization showing its appreciation for the heroics of local first responders, according to Nelson County Times. In April, the distillery launched the Nelson County First Responders Single Cask, with the net proceeds of sales donated to local fire and EMS crews.

Virginia Distillery CEO and Chairman Gareth Moore said they wanted to help the first responders for their work in fighting a wildfire that destroyed more than 1,500 acres in Livingston.

"There are no words to describe how thankful we are for the Nelson County first responders who assisted this past November when there was a forest fire behind the distillery," said Moore. "We're so excited that this special release will be able to benefit such an important group of people within our community and that we can give back in this way."

Another example is recently opened Loose Rail, a local brewery in Columbus, Ohio, which offers all first responders and active and former military personnel a 10 percent discount. The bar also boasts the original 48-star flag flown on the USS Compton in 1945 at the end of WWII in Tokyo Bay, which initiated Japan's formal surrender five days later.

Serving our soldiers

Just like the support shown for first responders, craft brewers and local distillers have been serving up special drinks for active duty military members and veterans.

Beer and Brewing recently highlighted 12 different breweries that have been playing a part in lifting spirits for the troops. There's Veteran Beer Co. in Chicago that donates a portion of their revenue to help veterans while also employing them. Gettysburg's Battlefield Brew Works's Red Circle Ale provides children of Special Operators with enrichment scholarships and the emergency gap funding for injured soldiers and their families.

For cocktail afficionados, Warrior Vodka uses revenue to provide monetary grants to disabled veterans wounded in combat. Jonathan Jans, an injured veteran himself, partnered with Mid Oak Distillery, the makers of CD Vodka on Chicago's Southside, and launched the line of vodkas to help those who sacrificed for our country.

With all that active duty military members, veterans and first responders sacrifice to keep us safe, it's great to see breweries and distillers providing grants, savings and other financial and moral support for these groups.

The Space Available Travel program, better known as Space-A or HOPS, offers Department of Defense members and their families open seats on flights at no charge. Hurlburt Air Force Base recently joined the ranks of participating bases in the the Space-A program, according to the base's news page.

Hurlburt Field welcomes HOPS

The first Space-A flight took off from Hurlburt Field April 8, 2017, en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. The efforts follow three months of planning and execution by the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation team and it amounted to a major success.

This unique privilege offered to active duty military servicemembers, retirees, and their families lets eligible passengers fill unused seats on military aircraft at no cost. With Hurlburt Field now supporting air travel for the Space-A program, Gulf Coast servicemembers can take advantage of this great opportunity.

Master Sgt. James Tompkins, superintendent of air terminal and aerial delivery at Hurlburt Field, noted that a study showed the 1st SOLRS air transportation shop fell under the classification for both an aerial delivery shop and a small terminal. This officially made Hurlburt a Space-A supported base and kickstarted the entire process. 

The source noted leave status, type of leave and a first-come, first-serve will form the basis for seat assignment.

• Emergency leave.
• Environmental morale leave.
• Active duty military on leave.
• Dependents when sponsors are deployed.
• Command sponsorship.
• National Guard, Reserves and retirees.

"Colonel Palenske has said if it's going to improve our Airmen's lives and not going to be a negative factor let's go ahead and do it," explained Lt. Col. John Klohr, commander of the 1st SOLRS. "It's a way of saying 'thank you for your service'."

This provides another opportunity for both active duty military members, veterans and their families to take advantage of free air travel.

Other travel options

While the HOPS program offers a great benefit for current and discharged soldiers, it's not the most reliable means of transportation for someone on a strict schedule with little room to maneuver. These flights don't operate like normal commercial aircrafts. This means there typically isn't a backup flight if the plane gets diverted or canceled, in addition to there not being any guaranteed seats in the first place. Servicemembers should still seek out any opportunities for Space-A flights when they get the itch to travel, but they should remember they also have other discounted recreational options available to them.

The U.S. army also manages the Armed Forces Recreation Center, which offers affordable joint service hotels and resorts for servicemembers and their families. These locations in Florida, Hawaii, Germany and South Korea are great destinations for a vacation.

The Armed Forces Vacation Club arranged low rates for the military at more than 3,500 companies, including hotels, resorts, campgrounds, cruise lines, air fare, rental cars and more.

From HOPS to discounted travel options, active duty military members have many convenient options to take a much-needed vacation, visit family or go on a new adventure. 

While it can be difficult to know all of the ins and outs, working as a government contractor can be a worthwhile and lucrative endeavor. This line of work requires navigating a labyrinth of bureaucractic red tape. Signing a contract with the government requires careful compliance and fulfilling of obligations. Although maintaining compliance can be costly, not remaining compliant can be even more expensive.

Since 2009, the cost of doing business with the federal government has increased 72 percent according to the latest annual survey from the American Express OPEN for Government Contracting initiative, Government Executive reported. Companies trying to get a chunk of the approximately $90 billion in contracts awarded by the government will have to work harder and spend more time and money to win these bids. On average, firms spent approximately $148,124 in 2016 trying to obtain a federal contracting opportunity.

Thankfully, with some careful planning and attention to details, small business owners can lessen the burden necessary to obtain these contracts. Whether you're already involved in government contracting or seeking to work with them, consider these Do's and Don'ts:

Preparing to contract with the government

Do register with Central Contractor Registry at the System for Award Management.

Don't forget to keep your data on the SAM current.

Do check out the U.S. Small Business Administration and register as a small business if you qualify.

Do prepare your product or service by visiting the NAICS. 

Don't forget to regularly check Fed Biz Opps for new opportunities.

Do obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet.

Do review and research the government agency you're contracting with on the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Working with the government

Don't schedule any meetings with contracting officers until you've reviewed all the websites and researched what the agency needs.

Don't use any workers or staff members that might not pass the background checks for security clearance.

Do use energy-efficient equipment and products, and promote the fact that you do.

Don't try to bid on jobs that exceed the capabilities and qualifications of your firm.

Do allocate the appropriate resources for creating and implementing a robust compliance program.

Don't submit documentation without all the proper signatures, certifications, bonds or other required information.

Do be open and honest with the contracting officer about your firm's capabilities and experience.

Don't try to underbid what the job costs just to try and secure the contract – you'll need to cover your overhead and still turn a profit in the end.

Following Compliance

Don't forget to follow all recordkeeping requirements.

Do communicate with the contracting officers regularly to notify them of any changes and to keep them abreast of the status of the project or delivery dates.

Don't try to outsource or subcontract your government contract without first seeking approval from the agency you contracted with.

Do regularly inspect the work as your firm progresses through the contract as you don't want to find out once you're finished that a part of it is not compliant with the contract. 

Although it might seem overwhelming, with some diligent effort and a solid plan in place, government contracting can be a great opportunity for any firm. 

With Loyalty Day on May 1, Victory in Europe Day on May 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 12, Armed Forces Day on May 20 and Memorial Day on May 29, this is a big month for the military. Due to the number of days honoring the armed forces, in 1999 Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month, according to Military.com. These days of national unity offer an opportunity for everyone to honor, recognize, remember and appreciate all those who have served and continue to serve our country.

• Loyalty Day kicks off the month-long celebration as a day set aside for everyone to reaffirm their loyalty to our great nation and take a moment to reflect on the proud heritage of our unique American freedom. 
• Victory in Europe Day commemorates the Allies acceptance of the German surrender to end World War II in Europe.
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the important role families play in supporting their spouses in the armed forces.
• Armed Forces Day is when when citizens can show their appreciation and thanks to everyone serving in the U.S. military branches, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
• Memorial Day, while traditionally the kick-off to summer for most people, is one of the most cherished days for remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those men and women who gave everything for our country.

Some of the great benefits during this month

As a way of celebrating National Military Appreciation Month, many retailers, restaurants and recreational organizations provide discounts and promotions for members of the armed forces and veterans.

Home Depot and Lowe's offers a 10 percent discount on all in-store purchases on Memorial Day.

Blue Star Museums, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Endowment of the Arts and Blue Star Families, offers free admission to military members starting Memorial Day and going through Labor Day.

Various hotels, such as Hilton, Red Roof Inn and Westgate Resorts also offer a 10 percent discount to all active, reserve or retired service members, offering a great incentive to hit the road and take in some much-needed relaxation.

Military families who want to take advantage of these hotel discounts, can take a trip and receive a discount at the following amusement parks and tourist sites:

• California's Great America.
• Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• The Cincinnati Zoo.
• Colonial Williamsburg.
• Kings Island.
• Michigan's Adventure.
• Valleyfair.

In addition to these national chains offering great perks for military members and their families, small businesses and local organizations all across the country are also doing their part with various discounts and promotions. From parades to concerts to special events, people everywhere will be showing their support for the brave men and women who keep our country safe. 

While most people tend to think of adults when it comes to the armed forces, children and teenagers play an important role in the military family. From dealing with a deployed parent to moving from one base and school to another, military children face their own set of challenges that most kids their age never have to experience. To applaud the commitment and sacrifices made by the youngest members of military families, the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) designated April as the Month of the Military Child.

Spotlight on the military child

Started by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986, all the branches of the armed forces honor the Month of the Military Child in their own way. For instance, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) celebrates these brave youths by:

• Implementing strategies designed to prepare DoDEA students more thoroughly for college and career readiness.
• Challenging students to embrace their full potential and excel academically, socially, physically and emotionally.
• Creating the organizational capacity to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of its model, unified school system.

As noted by National PTA, since the 2001, about 2 million military children have seen one of their parents be deployed. Further, more than 900,000 youths have had one or both of their parents deployed multiple times. Currently, there are 1.2 million children around the world with a parent who's on an active duty.

Supporting military children

Regularly switching home, communities and schools can place a stressor on military children that other kids don't always have to face. Compared to civilian children, children in a military family will move, on average, about three times more often throughout their youth, the PTA noted. All told, military children move on average 10 times, with some youths moving up to 36 times. 

From schools to sports to community programs, there are organizations and groups of all sorts that help children deal with some of the stressors arising from their unique experiences. For instance, the University of Southern California houses an entire department solely dedicated to researching and supporting military children in school. This is extremely helpful, as the PTA noted that it takes a school-wide effort to support military children during their transitions.

In March, the Washington Capitals hockey team invited more than 200 military members and their families to enjoy a night of ice skating at the Kettler Capitals IcePlex in Arlington, Virginia, according to the official blog of the Coast Guard workforce, All Hands. Several players of the team also came out to meet with the families.

One way that families with active duty servicemembers can alleviate some of their children's stress that arises from the constant moving is by adequately preparing them for the transition. All Hands noted that being honest with the children about what is happening should be a top priority. Communicating with children helps reassure them about the move and makes it easier to adjust to the changes. Further, providing fun activities for the trip, whether it's a short plane ride or a cross-country drive, can help.

Another way that organizations and groups show their support is by offering scholarships for military children. From Fisher House, a nonprofit organization that helps servicemembers and their families, to the Corvias Foundation, a private, charitable group, military children have plenty of options to choose from to pursue scholarship opportunities.

While their childhood might be a bit different than their civilian counterparts, military youths enjoy the support and gratitude from everyone for their strength and perseverance during what can sometimes be tough times.  

Communication and coordination are crucial following a natural disaster, major accident or other times of crisis. First responders must have the capabilities to effectively and easily relay orders, context and real-time reports on what's happening to quickly deal with the problem at hand. Unfortunately, there are currently more than 10,000 networks for voice communications, most of which do not interoperate, according to AT&T. This leads to major problems when, during an emergency, first responders are unable to, in fact, respond.

To solve this problem, the U.S. Department of Commerce recently contracted AT&T to build a special broadband network specifically for first responders to use during these times of crisis. This nationwide seamless, IP-based, high-speed mobile communication network gives first responders priority access to boost different groups' ability to communicate with others when responding to a crisis. With greater ability to communicate and coordinate, first responders can improve safety and more effectively respond to crises.

Background on the network

The inception for this network arose from the response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, CNN reported. The 9/11 Commission discovered that emergency responders relied on different radio frequencies during the aftermath, which made communication and coordination efforts between the groups nearly impossible. In response to this, the Commission recommended that Congress establish a radio spectrum specifically for public safety and first responders.

Based on this recommendation, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an independent group at the Commerce Department, will now partner with AT&T to build this crucial network. AT&T will invest $40 billion to build and operate the network over the next 25 years, while FirstNet will provide an additional $6.5 billion over the next five years.

"Today is a landmark day for public safety across the country and is a prime example of the incredible progress we can make through public-private partnerships," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson also hailed the project as a one-of-a-kind project that will greatly improve first responder safety.

"We are honored to work with FirstNet to build a network for America's police, firefighters and EMS that is second to none," said Stephenson. "This is an unprecedented public-private partnership investment in infrastructure that makes America a leader and public safety a national priority."

Writing in PoliceMag, Dave George, president of Pryme Radio Products, said that it's not the technology that's important for first responders, it's the network. Network-based wireless communications will be a major driving force in the years to come, and first responders will be there with cutting-edge technology thanks to this new public-private partnership between AT&T and FirstNet.

Moving beyond the network

In addition to providing a nationwide network for first responders to communicate and collaborate, the partnership will also:

• Keep first responders safe by improving rescue and recovery operations.
• Expedite the development of an Internet of Things and Smart City solutions focused on public safety, i.e., using real-time weather data to forecast the potential for natural disasters, or using real-time traffic conditions to speed up emergency response times.
• Develop advanced technological capabilities, such as drones and robots with sensors to capture real-time video or images of disasters.

Overall, the goal of this public-private partnership is to boost first responder safety and ensure they're equipped to manage crises and emergencies as quickly and efficiently as possible. First responders know the importance of using the right tools for the job, and with this new broadband network at their disposal, first responders will have what they need to get the job done.