Traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder are major problems faced by millions of veterans every day. While there is a lot of work being done to help address those issues on an ongoing basis, the fact remains that these issues being faced by former servicemembers perhaps does not receive as much attention as they deserve given the gravity of the situation. Fortunately, though, a lot of people are raising awareness of TBIs and PTSD, including many veterans.
Former Army Delta Force officer Josh Collins recently began an attempt at a Guinness World Record in Texas, according to a report from Panama City, Florida, television station WEAU. Back in March, Collins began his attempt to complete the longest trip ever on a stand-up paddleboard, calling it the Veteran Voyage 360. The 360 in this case refers to the fact that he's planning to take the paddleboard around the world, going more than 24,000 nautical miles with a goal of raising $22 million over the 18-month journey. If successful, it would be the first time someone has ever circumnavigated the globe on a stand-up paddleboard.
A huge effort
The first leg of his trip is to go around the edge of the Gulf of Mexico before passing the tip of Florida and heading up the East Coast, the report said. He has, of course, scheduled stops at various locations along the way – which he calls "rally points" – to raise awareness and hopefully some money for the very serious problems of PTSD and brain injuries. His goal is to reach Key Largo, Florida, by the beginning of May and Charleston, South Carolina, in early June.
"The response from folks along the way has been absolutely amazing," Collins told the station. "From Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, folks have let me know that they're supporting. That was fun, but the response has been absolutely great. There's quite a few veterans that have come out and they've let me know that this means a lot and how much it means to them and they're willing to support. It's a tearjerker sometimes when you meet some of those guys along the way that say this means so much to them."
A serious issue
These kinds of efforts can be incredibly impactful, especially where the fundraising is concerned. Often, what veterans dealing with PTSD and brain injuries need is careful attention or medical services that they might not seek on their own, or connections with those in their community so that they feel safe and welcome. The greater the work being put in when it comes to providing this type of support – and others – the better off veterans and their communities will be in the long run. For that reason, whether it's individuals, businesses, or government agencies, more can be done to support millions of veterans who deal with these problems.
Across the country, cities, states, and the federal government have come to recognize what a problem veteran homelessness and poverty has become. Now, more are moving to do something about it. That includes the opening of a new affordable housing facility in Glendale, California – just outside Los Angeles – to help ensure that former servicemembers find housing stability.
Veteran's Village is a 44-unit development that had its grand opening earlier this month, but has actually been accessible to former servicemembers since late last year, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times. When the initiative was first announced, interest among local veterans was immediate and widespread. More than 4,500 local vets submitted applications, and winners were chosen through a lottery system. Veterans of a number of different combat engagements, from all branches of the military, now live there.
"All of our guards are down," Joseph Garcia, a veteran of the Gulf War who is now working part-time as a carpenter and lives at the facility, told the newspaper. "We're like one big family. Whether people were in the Army, Air Force, Marines; we all get along together really well, and we're always covering for each other. We're helping each other with our kids and feeding each other."
A grand idea
The process itself of getting Veteran's Village off the ground, though, began awhile ago, with the city of Los Angeles bringing the idea to a local development firm in 2012, the report said. Construction began two years ago, and was funded through federal tax credits ($13.5 million) and both the City of Glendale and the Glendale Housing Authority ($7 million).
The units range in size and cost to make sure that they're fitting the needs of many veterans regardless of family and economic situations, the report said. There are 16 two-bedroom apartments, 14 three-bedrooms, and 13 one-bedrooms. Rents can fall anywhere from just $466 per month to as much as $1,292. Veteran's Village joins nearby Cypress Senior Living as the two veteran-specific developments in Glendale.
Plenty of support
Data suggests that as many as 4,000 veterans are living on the streets in Los Angeles County alone, which is why these efforts are seen as being so imperative to locals and elected officials alike, the report said. Glendale mayor Ara Najarian told the newspaper that he hopes to see neighboring cities take up the cause as well, because it ends up being money very well spent, and a source of pride for local residents and elected officials. Further, the fact that veterans are living in such close proximity with people who understand them is an additional benefit, because it can give them a sense of belonging and community that they otherwise might not have.
The more efforts that can be devoted to giving homeless and low-income veterans and opportunity to succeed, the better off both they and the communities supporting them will end up being. That's why these initiatives are starting to gain steam around the country.
Veteran homelessness is an issue that has been tackled head-on by state and local governments, as well as private organizations. However, more can always be done to get former servicemembers off the streets, and one group in New Jersey is taking up that challenge – and others – in earnest.
The Citizens-Veterans Advisory Council in Cape May County has only been in operation for three years, but has already helped many veterans find a home, according to a report from the Press of Atlantic City. Specifically, the organization helps arrange temporary housing for veterans while they wait for "emergency housing" provided by the government. Already, its efforts have been a big hit in the community.
But the efforts go beyond just housing, the report said. The group also helps with bills when veterans run short of money, and even buys clothes when needed.
These kinds of efforts can go a long way toward helping veterans avoid the pitfalls that come from difficult financial situations. Achieving stability in their lives after service is essential.
Many veterans are always looking for ways to bring attention to the causes that are important to them, and two intend to take that example to the extreme. A pair of amputee veterans have their sights set on scaling Mount Everest.
Chad Jukes and Charlie Linville, both of whom lost their legs to roadside bombs in Iraq during their military careers, plan to climb the mountain in just two months, likely making them the first combat amputees to accomplish the daring feat, according to a report from USA Today. The men have become proficient climbers since their unfortunate injuries.
"There is a pressure to show the world that I can climb Mount Everest," Jukes, 31, told the newspaper. "To say, 'I have one leg, but I can climb Mount Everest. I have PTSD, but can climb Mount Everest. I have a traumatic brain injury, but I can climb Mount Everest.'"
Interestingly, they aren't working together to accomplish this goal, instead participating in two separate teams, the report said. In fact, they don't even know each other. However, they are likely to encounter each other at least for a little while on their respective climbs. Linville has twice attempted to make the climb before, but ran into difficulties related to natural disasters both times. The two previous attempts were made with the Heroes Project, a veterans group.
These efforts, as Jukes says, show that even disabled veterans can do anything they put their mind toward accomplishing, and are an inspiration to fellow former servicemembers. While life may not always be easy, finding ways to overcome handicaps can be a boon for just about any veteran facing many kinds of issues in their lives.
Thousands of veterans leave the military for life after service every year. A major part of reintegration to civilian society is obtaining a civilian job. However, it can be difficult for former servicemembers to choose which career path they want to pursue. Take a look at some of the best job areas for veterans:
Cybersecurity
As the military become ever-increasingly technological, more and more military members are leaving service with a hefty set of cybersecurity skills. The training they receive during service can be applied to almost any civilian industry, and cybersecurity is currently one of the fastest growing fields. Veterans could apply for jobs such as Chief Information Security Officer, Forensics Investigator, Auditor and others with civilian businesses.
Human Resources
Former servicemembers searching for a career suited to post-military life should consider this career path. During service, military members get plenty of experience with conflict resolution, communications and other skills that make them strong candidates for human resources roles. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report stated that there are about 22,000 human resources jobs available.
Training and Development
If there is one thing that that former servicemembers understand, it is the importance of training. After boot camp and years of drills, veterans know that training molds people into the best versions of themselves. That is why these individuals are excellent in training and development roles. They will take pride in the organization of which they are a part and work hard to lead those around them. Former servicemembers are also good at taking direction and passing along the company message.
First Responders
Calm under pressure, quick workers and seemingly indefatigable: these are all qualities that are expected in both military servicemembers and first responders. Perhaps that is why so many veterans make the transition into careers as firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and police officers after service. There are typically plenty of first responder jobs available all across the country for interested veterans.
Finding a job in life after service is not only necessary, it is also a major part of the mental transition back into civilian life. However, finding a job that is well-suited to veterans can make the accomplishment all the more rewarding. By taking the time to speak with a military advisor and compiling a list of jobs that match a given set of skills, former servicemembers can find more meaningful careers in their post-service lives.
Veterans of the Vietnam War were not always treated with the respect they deserved when they returned home from their service. In fact, many were treated poorly. Established in 2012, the National Vietnam War Commemoration was created to recognize the former servicemembers who fought in this war and show them the respect they earned.
Nationwide, veterans of the Vietnam War are invited to attend ceremonies during which they are recognized for their service and given commemorative pins. WSLS 10 News described the front of the pins as having the image of an eagle and markers which were intended to represent the allies in the Vietnam War. The back is engraved with the phrase, "A grateful nation thanks and honors you."
"This is an opportunity for us to stop for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifice and the things that they did for this country," VA Regional Benefits Office director Bradley Mayes told the Boston Globe.
The news source reported that there are about 7 million living former servicemembers from the Vietnam War. The commemoration program's goal is to honor each and every one through the year 2025 by holding pinning ceremonies across the nation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has come under some fire recently with respect to its classifications of those who qualify for various forms of support. Harvard Law School's Veterans Legal Clinic recently put out a report in conjunction with the National Veterans Legal Services Program that found many servicemembers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have "bad papers," and that this is preventing them from getting support.
The authors of the study stated that roughly 75 percent of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who have these forms of discharge do not get granted eligibility from the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Oddly enough, bad papers are defined as being anything other than a general discharge, and a tremendous number of servicemembers have fallen into this grey area in the past few years, with more demanding the VA adjust their practices to quell the issue.
A massive sum
The New York Times reported that the total number of veterans believed to have been denied services from the VA is 125,000 just from those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the news provider, about 6.5 percent of veterans from these wars have bad papers, and they are not necessarily used to dictate misconduct or a dishonorable discharge, which is why so much confusion has surrounded this study.
To be abundantly clear, though, the source pointed out that plenty of those 125,000 veterans served full campaigns overseas and were given less-than-favorable exit papers, while the G.I. Bill has complicated measures to dictate what follows dishonorable classifications.
VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson spoke to the organization's thoughts on the study.
"Where we can better advocate for and serve veterans within the law and regulation, we will look to do so as much as possible," she affirmed, according to The New York Times.
The real issue does appear to find its roots in what was supposed to be a contingency within the G.I. Bill, the news provider noted, as there are very strict specifications that dictate dishonorable discharges, but plenty of interpretations of every other type of exit. As such, many are calling for the overhaul of these components within the G.I. Bill, which was signed into law more than 70 years ago.
Advocates speak out
RT reported that the study in question was funded by an advocacy group called "Swords to Plowshares," which has spoken out regarding the report in the past few days. It appeared as though there was a consensus regarding the need for the VA to straighten out its policies regarding bad papers.
"The VA's board and vague regulations are contrary to law and create a system that does not work for the VA or for veterans… and stops the agency from effectively addressing the national priorities of ending veteran suicide and homelessness," the authors of the study stated, according to RT.
Because this report was released so recently, the VA's official response is pending.
Veterans need various forms of support when they return from overseas, including health care, jobs services and opportunities to acquire housing. Because of how many veterans have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan in the past decade, as well as those who served in other previous wars, it has taken a town to get the job done, with local, state and federal government entities, as well as nonprofits and businesses, all contributing in some way or another.
Specialized services that match the needs of all veterans are still being researched, developed and released today, while funding for the relevant programs is being acquired through a range of government programs and private fundraising efforts. One new program has been announced through the Wounded Warrior Project, while another seeks to help veterans access new services.
Out to sea
The Wounded Warrior Project recently announced that it is beginning to offer a cruise out of Pensacola to veterans who were injured during service and want to learn more about marine life. The organization has worked on projects to boost awareness and drive the care of wounded veterans for years now, and has myriad programs that fit different needs of varying injured servicemembers.
Interestingly, the real goal of this program is to build more camaraderie among wounded veterans in the area, which is especially powerful because of many servicemembers' sentiments regarding the loneliness following retirement.
"I spent over half of my life being part of a team, and suddenly, I was alone," Air Force Veteran Frank Dailey II explained. "As a WWP Alumni I am part of a team again and through the years, WWP has been there for me and my family," Frank continued. "When my son and I both ended up in the hospital unexpectedly, my wife had to care for each of us. Afterwards, WWP invited my wife on a caregiver's retreat, which was a huge healing point for our family. She didn't realize how much pressure she was under until it was lifted for those few days. She was able to recharge from the challenges of caring for a husband and son with personal issues. I can't tell you how much that weekend meant to her and how much WWP is a part of our lives."
Veterans interested in this program or others offered through the Wounded Warrior Project can find more information on the organization's website.
Service fair
The Chanhassen Villager reported that the Carver-Scott Veterans Services Office, alongside the Scott County Veterans Services Office, will host a large resource fair for veterans in the area. The Minnesota-based event will have 25 different organizations present to provide veterans information regarding a range of matters, including education, housing, health care and jobs, the source explained.
According to the news provider, this fair has been successful in the past thanks to the fact that it makes veterans aware of all the services they might be eligible to apply for, and can improve their qualities of life as well.
Certain states have been more actively engaged in programs and initiatives focused on military veteran support than others, with local governments and state legislatures stepping up to the challenges seen in this fight. In the past couple of weeks, there have been several stories regarding the actions of Florida, New Mexico and Maryland to expand certain services to veterans, provide them opportunities to have a strong quality of life and access to exceptional care.
Florida governor's move
WGCU recently reported that Governor Rick Scott and his colleagues are looking to raise more funds to contribute to the completion of a project involving the construction of a new nursing home for veterans. Unfortunately, the source pointed out that the state's financial planning was complicated by an issue with federal guidelines that ended up pushing the price estimate about $20 million over budget. It was originally forecast to be $39.7 million and is now $60 million.
The source reported that the governor and VA executive for Florida Mike Prendergast are not only looking to find the funds to complete the project with this new budget forecast, but are also lobbying in Washington to try to get the problematic requirements waved in this instance. WGCU noted that this nursing home, when completed, will be named after Ardie Copas, a Vietnam War veteran who gave his life in service and received the Medal of Honor.
New Mexico's exceptional performance
Las Cruces Sun-News recently reported that New Mexico has achieved the greatest stature in the country with respect to its programs that support veteran-run businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration bestowed the award on the state. The Veterans Business Outreach Center was hailed by the SBA and acting Governor Susana Martinez for its impeccable performance in the past few years.
"I'm proud of the staff at our Veterans Business Outreach Center," Governor Martinez explained, according to Las Cruces Sun-News. "This is a job well done. Because of their hard work, veterans are learning the ins and outs of starting and managing a business of their own. This is a well-deserved recognition, and I have no doubt that our team at the outreach center will continue the great work they are doing for our brave men and women who served our country."
Maryland targets veteran unemployment
My Eastern Shore MD explained that Maryland is currently looking to sign a new bill into law that passed overwhelmingly in the state House of Delegates back in February that would work in favor of veterans looking for jobs. The source affirmed that Maryland has an above-average veteran unemployment rate at 8.5 percent compared to the national average of just over 5 percent, which is likely what caused this bill to move quickly through the state's government agencies.
This particular bill would allow businesses to hire veterans in a preferential fashion, and hopefully reduce the number of servicemembers who do not have a job.
Veterans have been hailed for their acumen in corporate leadership thanks to their experiences in the service that prepare them for the challenges of decision making and even business ownership. With this in mind, and considering the fact that tens of thousands of troops have returned home from overseas in need of employment, it only makes sense that so many organizations and government agencies have pushed to support veterans in their entrepreneurial goals.
The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that there are roughly 2.4 million veteran-owned firms in the country today, with 5.8 million members of the workforce employed in such companies. There have been several programs launched through the SBA, VA and other government departments to ensure that veterans have all of the tools and financing they need to get their business ideas off the ground and through the challenges of the startup period.
A little perspective
Toledo ABC affiliate 13 Action News recently explained how the programs in place to help veterans get employed or start a business have come a long way. According to the news provider, Gil Goldberg was a serviceman in the Vietnam War and witnessed how difficult trying to be an entrepreneur was decades ago. Now, Goldberg is a district director at the SBA.
"We have special financing programs for veterans and special government contracting programs for veterans and we have technical assistance to help them with their business plan to get started," Goldberg told the source.
He then proceeded to state some of the reasons why loans provided through the SBA's veteran-focused programs are so competitive, including the fact that disbursements ranging from $350,000 to $5 million have their fees reduced by 50 percent. What's more, 13abc noted that the forum Goldberg spoke at brought together minds in various portions of the private sector, including contractors that do work with the military.
Importantly, the news provider pointed out that many veterans do not necessarily know the services and opportunities they are offered through the SBA and other entities, so raising awareness is key to ensure these programs play out effectively and help the servicemember community.
Stories of success
There have been countless veterans who have successfully launched startup companies and cultivated them into successful businesses. Tech Cocktail listed some of these examples, including Paul Sperry, the entrepreneur responsible for the highly popular Sperry Shoes, who was a veteran and eventually manufactured the U.S. Navy's official footwear.
According to the source, there is also Marine Fred Smith who launched FedEx and watched it grow into a $3.7 billion success. Veterans interested in taking advantage of the many programs in place to fund and support their business objectives should consider evaluating those of the SBA first, as they tend to be the most competitive and matured, but can also consult other resources to get more information regarding alternative opportunities.