Most people turn on their porch light every night when they go home. Walmart has decided to take that one simple task and make it a show of support for veterans across the country. The corporation is calling its project "Greenlight a Vet."
The mission is to get people to change one of their visible outside lightbulbs to a green-colored bulb in hopes of communicating support to a nearby veteran. Walmart picked the color green because it symbolizes action and makes people think of the term "go," according to AdWeek. Veterans have taken action for the country, and the superstore conglomerate wants people to return the favor.
The company's website said that even though veterans spend their service in uniform, they are more camouflaged than ever when they return to life after service. The light will illuminate veterans issues and let them know that there are supporters all around them. Walmart hopes that struggling veterans will see a green light on a neighbor's house or at a local business and know that they have somewhere to turn if they ever need help.
According to the project's page, the campaign will officially launch on Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11.
It does not matter if you are fighting on the front lines of a combat zone or working to keep your city safe, teamwork is crucial. Any seasoned military servicemember or first responder will tell you that you cannot do the job alone. You must rely on those in your unit or station house to complete the job successfully. However, sometimes people need to be reminded of the importance of teamwork. Below are a few quotes to help inspire the spirit of teamwork in your group.
"Remember, teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability." –Patrick Lencioni
This quote by American author Patrick Lencioni is perfect for first responders and servicemembers. Not only are teamwork and trust the building blocks for a successful unit or station house, but overcoming the need to be invulnerable can make team members much more prepared to face the challenges in the field.
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." –Helen Keller
These words are great to put on a sign and hang somewhere in your station house or base. Keller's quote communicates to people that it is much more productive to work in unison as opposed to individually. For service oriented individuals, such as soldiers and first responders, this quote serves as a reminder of the end goal.
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." –Henry Ford
Henry Ford did well for himself in the automotive industry, but his words are applicable to so many more lines of work. It could demonstrate to servicemembers and first responders that all stages of the teamwork process are equally important and will ultimately lead to a successful unit.
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." –Phil Jackson
NBA coach Phil Jackson inspired his players with the above words, but first responders and servicemembers could draw from it, too. Jackson's quote serves to remind people that not only are they important to the team on an individual level, but that the team is crucial to their personal success, as well.
"Unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." –Mattie Stepanek
The American poet Mattie Stepanek spoke these words to motivate people to work together for a bigger goal. Stepanek's verbage can be applied to both military and emergency service workers, too. The wonderful things that can be achieved by a military unit or first responder squad working as a team might be a successful mission or the saving of someone's life.
Teamwork is vital to running a successful station house or base. In the tough situations that military servicemembers and first responders are faced with every day, they must be able to rely on their team members for strength and support. By displaying some of these quotes where members of your unit will see them regularly, you can inspire a more cohesive and unified team.
When a career comes to an end and it is time to retire, many people worry that life will not be as fulfilling as it previously was. This can be especially true for military servicemembers because they have spent their entire work life serving others. Military members may worry that their life after service will be bland and lackluster in comparison. However, there are plenty of ways to enrich your life during retirement. Check of the five examples below of ways to get the most out of your retirement.
1. Have a hobby
One of the worst things you can do during retirement is sit around twiddling your thumbs. That is not to say that some downtime is not acceptable or enjoyable. In fact, you should take time for yourself. Yet, having a hobby can help you spend your time in a more enjoyable way. Consider taking up fishing, sewing, writing or music. Anything you find fun and relaxing can make your retirement that much more special.
2. Consider a part-time job
Some people are programmed with infallible energy. If you are one of these people and retirement is not an appealing idea to you, perhaps you should think about taking a part-time job. This will allow you to keep busy and continue working all while leaving you enough time to enjoy your life after service. Good part-time jobs for retirees include retail work, volunteerism and paid tutoring. Click here for a look at more part-time jobs that are great for retirement.
3. Focus on family and friends
You have spent your entire life working and serving others. Retirement is your opportunity to commit your time and energy to the relationships that make your life special. Get to know your grandkids better, take a family vacation and get together with your friends on a regular basis. Maintaining good social relations can make retirement an extremely fun and enriching time.
4. Travel
The world is a thrilling place full of life and culture. Spending your entire life working makes it difficult to get out and travel. However, retirement is the perfect chance to see the world. Use your free time and some of your savings to explore new cities and make memories with the ones you love most. There are also many places that offer vacation discounts and travel packages to military veterans and their families.
5. Make some investments
You have saved money your entire career, but it is always nice to have some extra money to pass on to loved ones and to make your life in retirement comfortable. Consult a financial advisor who can help you make your nest egg just a little better off. Extra money can mean a more exciting retirement and a better legacy for your family.
Retirement is a time for enjoyment and relaxation. No one, servicemembers especially, should be able to let go of the reins and make the most of their retirement. Perhaps the advice above could help you make your life after service the best time.
Television is the window into different lives for many viewers. Sitcoms, dramas and reality shows give audiences the chance to experience an adventure they would not otherwise have the opportunity to. Recently, AFBA did an article called "5 of television's most popular shows based on military life." However, first responders get a good amount of airtime as well. In the following shows, television viewers are taken along for ambulance rides, police chases and fire rescues.
1. "Chicago Fire"
This weekly drama is a whirlwind mixture of the professional and personal lives of a Chicago fire squad. The show follows fictional firefighters Matthew Casey and Kelly Severide as they work to keep the Windy City safe. "Chicago Fire" is currently in its fourth season.
2. "Sirens"
This show is another one that takes audiences through the streets of Chicago. However, instead of experiencing them through the eyes of a fire crew, the viewers get a comical look into the experiences of a ragtag bunch of emergency medical technicians. The show's humorous approach to the odd day-to-day calls ambulance workers receive was enough to get it renewed for another season. "Sirens" is currently entertaining audiences in its second season.
3. "Rescue Me"
For seven seasons, Denis Leary wowed viewers with his performance as Tommy Gavin. Though the show is peppered with Leary's dry humor, "Rescue Me" tackles some very serious issues that firefighters face. Tommy must overcome alcoholism, work to bond with his estranged family all while maintaining his composure at the head of his fire crew.
4. "CHiPs"
Originally airing on September 15, 1977, this police procedural was one of television's most popular show's of the time. For six seasons, "CHiPs" was known for its high speed car chases and light humor. Audiences tuned in to watch Officers Frank Llewellyn "Ponch" and Jon Baker as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles. This show laid the groundwork for many police-based shows that came after it.
5. "Emergency"
Following the firefighters of Squad 51 and the medical staff of Rampart General Hospital, this show takes audiences through the processes of several different levels of first responders. From 1972 to 1980, "Emergency" was one of the entertainment industry's biggest hits.
Television is an entertainment medium. but it can also be used as a way for audiences to experience lives that are completely different from their own. The shows above allow people the opportunity to see what life is like for a first responder from the comfort of their own couches.
A student group called Family, Career and Community Leaders of America encourages young adults to be active proponents for a positive community. An FCCLA sector in Tracy, California, recently answered their club's calling by planning a luncheon for local veterans.
"It is a day thanking them for their service, and now it is our turn to serve them," Marlee Baker, 15, a sophomore and secretary of the club, told Tracy Press.
Baker and the members of her student organization will open up the cafeteria in their high school to host former servicemembers, share a meal and listen to their stories. The event will take place right before Veterans Day, making it even more relative to the service community.
All VFWs are encouraged to join the West High School FCCLA for the BBQ, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 7. Veterans will be served beef, chicken, coleslaw, beans and dessert free of charge, according to Tracy Press. There will also be a special half-hour ceremony dedicated to veterans.
The students of the FCCLA did a large portion of the fundraising for the event themselves, however, local businesses and donors were actively involved in making the veterans' lunch happen.
OperationsLZ is a group committed to making up for the treatment of Vietnam-era veterans when they first returned from service. The organization hosts free events for these veterans, during which members of the community are invited to come and thank the servicemembers. Brooke Anderson, a junior from West Hancock High School in Britt, Iowa, participated in the event. Anderson and her boyfriend volunteered to hand out the commemorative coins and a pins given to each veteran.
The pins have a special design on them to show gratitude for their service.
"The heart shows our love for them," Anderson told Globe Gazette. "The crack in it shows how heartbroken the veterans were because people didn't respect them after the war. The Band-Aid shows we're finally recognizing them and respecting them."
At the OperationsLZ event in August, Anderson met a Vietnam veteran named Duane Thomas. Thomas told the news source that he had been sitting alone for most of the event when Anderson and her boyfriend came up to him and asked for a photograph with him. He said their kindness stayed with him. After the event, he continued to search for the pair so he could stay in contact with them.
Thanks to the help of a local newspaper, they were reunited on Oct. 25. Anderson told Globe Gazette that they were now like family.
The Vietnam War was a challenging time for servicemembers. As one of the most difficult wars that America has ever been involved in, servicemembers were challenged in battle and when they returned home. For Charles Kettles, the whole experience was just part of his duty to his country. Kettles served as a commander of the 176th Assault Helicopter Company's first platoon.
According to Mlive.com, he was given a mission to rescue a group of soldiers who were trapped by the North Vietnamese army. Kettles' actions on May 15, 1967 saved many of his fellow servicemembers' lives. The military recently decided to give Kettles the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism.
"This decision was made because of Kettles's heroism in Vietnam which resulted in saving many lives," Alvin Rudisill, president of the Ypsilanti Historical Society, told Mlive.com. "There are many witness statements in the documentary notebook in the display from individuals whose lives were saved because of actions taken by Kettles during the Vietnam War."
It has been 48 years since Kettles saved the lives of those men, but the ones who spoke to the news source said they were still as grateful as they were the day of the event. Many told Mlive.com that they knew they would not be alive today if it was not for Kettles.
Television has long been one of America's favorite activities. Families used to gather around the set to enjoy an evening of their favorite shows. Now, everyone has the ability to tailor programing to their specific interests. Yet, people connect through mutually enjoyed shows and have the chance to experience different adventures through the characters on screen. Some of television's most loved programs depict military life. Let's take a look at some of the the best shows that were inspired by servicemembers and the military.
1. "MASH"
This popular comedy starring Alan Alda ran from 1972 to 1983. The array of beloved characters took viewers through the highs and lows of life at a mobile medical hospital during the Korean War. People tuned in every week to see what hijinks Hawkeye and Trapper John, or in later seasons BJ, would get into. They empathized with Radar's naivety and Hot Lips' commitment to service. "MASH" was one of the most viewed television shows to take audiences inside the life of a servicemember.
2. "China Beach"
Another military medical program was "China Beach." Where "MASH" dealt with the issues of war with a comedic approach, "China Beach" was more for the drama-lovers. This show's three-year run focused on Nurse Colleen McMurphy experiences during the Vietnam War. In four seasons, this show drew inspiration from the book "Home Before Morning," which was written by a U.S. Army Nurse Lynda Van Devanter.
3. "Hogan's Heroes"
This hilarious sitcom ran for six seasons and brought many laughs to the viewing population. Centered around the clumsy Hogan and his crew at a Prisoners of War {camp?} during World War II, "Hogan's Heroes" was one of the earliest regular programs that depicted military life. The comedic situations and Col. Klink's avoidance of the frontlines was something that families could enjoy together week-after-week. Though the show was meant to be a farce, its six-year run drew attention to military life.
4. "JAG"
Approaching military life from a legal perspective, "JAG" gave viewers a chance to witness military laws in action. The show focused on Harmon "Harm" Rabb Jr., a former pilot who later became the Judge Advocate General. The show was canceled by NBC after its first season, but viewers loved it so much that it was picked up by CBS, where it went on to have nine successful seasons. Anyone who tuned into JAG from 1995 to 2005 was treated to an in-depth look at the process of prosecuting military crimes. This show also served as the driving point for shows like "NCIS."
5. "Army Wives"
Lifetime network took a whole new approach to military-based programming with this show. Instead of focusing on servicemembers, "Army Wives" focuses on the spouses and families of soldiers. It showed the rest of the world what it meant to be married to a servicemember. Viewers tuned in to watch the lives of four Army wives and one Army husband on a Charleston, South Carolina, base. "Army Wives" was based on Tanya Biank's nonfiction book "Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives."
From sitcoms to dramas, television gives audiences the chance to escape their everyday lives and experience something they would not have had the opportunity to otherwise. Since the first programs were released, networks have aired a variety of military inspired shows. The lovable characters of "MASH" made the horrors of working in a military medical hospital a little more bearable while "JAG" educated people on the legal processes of the service. Television shows have made military service and the plights of servicemembers more relatable to audiences.
With so many veterans entering life after service in the coming years, many government agencies are working to recruit these former servicemembers to fill open positions. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is one of these agencies actively seeking veterans for employment.
In fact, nearly 30 percent of all the CBP employees are veterans, according to Military Times. This agency wants to put special emphasis on the hiring of female veterans. Many of the female former servicemembers who were recruited by the CBP found the transition easy, as border protection jobs use many of the same skills that they learned in the military.
"My training helped me gain confidence – it helped me become a leader," Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephanie Anaya told Military Times. "So for me, it wasn't a matter of being male or female, it was a matter of joining an organization that had a sense of purpose."
The CBP is so interested in bringing female veterans into its ranks that it even posted jobs in 2014 that were "Restricted to Female Applicants Only," as reported by the news source. Many of the females already employed with the CBP told Military Times that the work was rewarding and they were happy with the job.
There comes a time in every servicemember's life when it is time to leave the military. Like any civilian career, retirement is inevitable. This is a time in your life when you should be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, and retirement planning can help make the retirement process a little easier.
1. Create a retirement plan
Most successes have one thing in common: good planning. It is never too early to begin making decisions about your financial future. The American Savings Education Counsel reported that individuals who calculated how much they would need in retirement saved five times as much as those who did not. You can either consult a financial planner to assist you with retirement efforts or use your military resources to plan on your own.
2. Take advantage of transitional counseling
The military requires servicemembers to attend pre-separation counseling within 24 months of retirement. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about things like relocation assistance, life insurance, medical insurance and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. Take this chance to ask the questions you have and get them answered by professionals.
3. Begin saving as early as possible
Most financial experts recommend that you start saving for retirement around the age of 40, if not before. However, it is never too late to start saving. Some emergency funding is better than none, after all. Even if you have no retirement funds set up, begin setting aside funds the moment you decide to leave service.
4. Know how to calculate your retirement pay
Understanding how to calculate your retirement pay is a crucial part of planning. The military has two programs called the Final Pay and High 36 retirement systems. These calculation methods will help you determine how much you will be making in retirement. This knowledge can help with budgeting and other financial planning. Click here to learn more about the calculation methods.
5. Consider a retirement job
Military.com reported that there are two benefits from working during retirement: added financial security and emotional health. Sometimes retirees getting a feeling of being obsolete. However, by maintaining a job in retirement they can continue to feel like a part of society. The added financial benefits of a retirement job can make life a little less stressful.
6. Remain positive
While retirement can be an opportunity to experience new things in life, it can also be a time of a little sadness. You will be leaving behind close military friends, familiarity and a job you probably love. It is important to focus on the positives involved with separation from service.
Retirement is an exciting time when you can take trips, pursue new hobbies and spend time with family. To make this time in your life less stressful, you should begin planning for retirement as soon as possible. Use your military connections to get assistance when you need it, and plan your finances wisely to get the most of your life after service.