Legislators in Kentucky have introduced a bill that would help veterans in the state start small businesses, reported The Associated Press. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, calls for state administrators to waive registration fees and reduce annual report-filing payments for veterans looking to start small businesses in life after service.
Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes pitched the legislation to Richards and promoted the bill, HB 367, in front of the Kentucky House Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety. The group, on March 2, authorized HB 367 and passed it along to their colleagues in the House of Representatives for review.
"Kentucky is proud to be the home of 50,000 active military men and women, and importantly, over 300,000 veterans," Grimes told The State Journal. "A top priority of mine as secretary of state has been to honor the service and sacrifice of our military women and men."
The legislation, if passed, would form the basis for a veterans business initiative tentatively called "Boots to Business."
"When the Secretary came to me with the idea for this legislation, I immediately agreed to shepherd it through the House," Richards said in an interview with WBKO. "We owe a great debt to our veterans, and this is the perfect opportunity for the Commonwealth can say, 'Thank you.'"
Currently, Kentucky charges $40 to prospective business owners looking to obtain articles of incorporation. Annual report-filing fees are $15.
The state offers help to veterans who wish to start a small business under its Veterans Business Assistance Program. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with Business USA, provides startup resources to former servicemembers.
According to the Small Business Administration, veterans make up around 10 percent of all U.S. small business owners.
A documentary portraying Tlingit veterans of the Vietnam War won the Big Sky Award at the Big Sky Film Festival in Missoula, Montana this past week.
This noteworthy documentary, titled "Hunting in Wartime," was chosen as the winner among the other 140 shown at the Big Sky Film Festival, according to Indian Country Today Media Network. In this film, directed by Samantha Farinella, 28 Tlingit veterans from Hoonah, Alaska open up about their time spent in Vietnam during the war. Their touching stories revealed how they survived, how they served their country with pride and how they handled living in a society that oppressed Native people.
"Their stories give an important human face to the combat soldier and show the lasting effects of war on individuals, families and communities," Melinda Booth from Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Kathy Kasic, a filmmaker and Eileen Rafferty, a photographer/media artist, remarked about this film.
Through this documentary, viewers are able to see the challenges and painful times these men endured during their experiences in Vietnam, including how taking the lives of other men impacted them. It also narrows in on the struggle to get back to normalcy once they were finally able to return home. These men dealt with unimaginable circumstances that drove them to change.
Job security is at a premium in the United States, which makes getting a job difficult in this competitive market. However, there is good news for Americans. 2016 has started off on a positive note with the rate of employment increasing, according to Military Times. For the nation as a whole, unemployment rates have dropped. This fortunate decrease in unemployment is reaching the veteran demographic as well.
Information gathered by a monthly survey, known as Current Population Survey, concluded that for veterans who served from Sept. 11 up until this point have been among a group that has seen a decline in the unemployment rate. Veterans from post-Sept. 11 have experienced an unemployment rate of 5.7 percent, which has been the lowest since 2008, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America stated. It is important that veterans have job opportunities for a greater chance at success and the ability to support a household and afford an education after the military. The hope is that veterans will continue to have a high rate of job stability after serving in the military.
On Feb. 27, almost 200 veterans gathered at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Roxbury, Massachusetts to show support for local Muslims, reported The Boston Globe. The participants, many of whom belonged to the group Veterans for Peace, said they believed the divisive 2016 presidential race had engendered a troubling undercurrent of Islamophobia within the country.
"When you listen to what's going on in presidential politics there is a lot of misinformation and some people are really misrepresenting what this religion is," Bob Funke, an Army veteran and coordinator for Veterans for Peace, told the newspaper. "They're using it as a wedge issue and they're scaring people. It's the politics of fear."
Many in the U.S. echo Funke's sentiment. According to the Pew Research Center, 48 percent of Americans believe the relationship between followers of Islam and Westerners is damaged.
The veterans who attended the rally carried homemade signs that read "Muslims Are Not our Enemies" and "Stop The Bigotry." Members of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, the largest mosque in New England, mixed in with the ex-servicemembers and offered similar sentiments.
"We really appreciate that someone is standing up during this time to reflect what's right and stop bigotry," Mariam Mahmoud, a local mosque-goer, said in an interview with The Globe. "It takes a lot of courage and bravery."
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans also attended the rally and reassured local Muslims that his department would do all it could to protect them in the face of culturally-motivated violence.
The mosque prepared lunch for the supporters and hosted an informational session for those who wanted to learn more about Islam. Some even participated in afternoon prayer.
"It's like breaking walls down," Armida Commesse, a Muslim from Foxborough, told The Globe. "My heart is just so filled with love."
Sewing the seeds of conflict
The rise of the Islamic State and other terrorist organizations has led many Americans to fear Islam and its followers, reported The Wall Street Journal. In December of last year, collective trepidation over the religion seemed to hit a fever pitch when self-radicalized followers of the Islamic State carried out large-scale attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California. Soon after, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump floated the idea of banning Muslims from entering the U.S. until federal agencies could improve domestic security and institute harsher immigration policies.
According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll conducted at the time, almost 57 percent of Americans objected to Trump's proposal while 25 percent supported it. However, nearly 40 percent of conservative voters agreed with the plan.
Muslims, allies react
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which supports the estimated 2.75 million Muslims who live in the U.S., called Trump's remarks "outrageous" and "reckless," reported Reuters. Groups like the United Nations and the Southern Poverty Law Center expressed similar reactions. President Barack Obama also offered criticism and told Americans to be tolerant of their fellow citizens.
The veterans who showed up at the mosque in Roxbury last month offered similar thoughts and emphasized that they were protesting an ideology, not a single individual.
"Hate speech is not acceptable," Barry Ladendorf, president of national chapter of Veterans for Peace, told The Globe. "We're not against Trump. We're against the speech."
Support for the sales of agricultural products grown locally by U.S. military veterans turned farmers is all made possible in the state of Indiana thanks to the Indiana Grown program's Homegrown by Heroes initiative.
Indiana Grown was implemented a year ago as a way to raise awareness and increase sales for products grown by local farmers in Indiana. Homegrown by Heroes, founded in 2013, helps to assist farmers, who once served in the U.S. military. It enables the products to display a familiarized branded logo that enables consumers to see that the products were produced locally by these veterans. Some of the individuals who were a part of this initiative were veterans. To go even further in supporting local veteran farmers, Homegrown by Heroes officially became a part of Indian Grown's program on Monday Feb. 29, according to News-sentinel.com. This exciting news was announced by state officials at the War Memorial, located in Indiana's capital. Several qualified veterans have already applied and been accepted into the program, which will enable them to be able to use the Homegrown by Heroes logos to promote their products.
"It supports local farmers, and it helps support veterans," Glen Hile, a beekeeper who served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, said to News-Sentinel.com.
Having the Homegrown by Heroes program on board with the state of Indiana is extremely comforting for veterans trying to make a living after serving in the military. Homegrown by Heroes gives veterans an opportunity at a successful career. It can be challenging trying to find a job after serving in the military, but with this initiative, veterans have the support they need to take on their own business. With the access to labels and signs displaying the Homegrown by Heroes logo that veteran farmers can place on the goods, their products can stand out among other competitors. Because Homegrown by Heroes has become recognized on a larger scale nationally throughout the years, having this brand awareness associated with products can help tremendously with sales.
Indiana is now one of the eight states that is associated with the Homegrown by Heroes initiative,through the Department of Agriculture. Other states include Kentucky, Louisiana, Illinois, South Carolina, Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
When a natural disaster hits, having the aid and emotional support from a strong group of leaders can help significantly. Team Rubicon, an organization made up of many veteran members, does just that. This natural disaster relief program began in response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010. Team Rubicon is back at it again, this time helping in a relief effort of the most recent natural disaster: a tornado that destroyed Tappahannock, Virginia this past week.
The severe and deadly storm hit Virginia and caused a significant amount of damage in the area. It destroyed houses down to the foundations, including more than 25 homes, according to NBC 12. Team Rubicon is a group of first responders. Veterans make up 75 percent of its membership and their military skills are invaluable to the team's efforts. Veterans are experienced in deploying in emergency situations. In Virginia, the members began by removing debris and cutting fallen trees.
This natural disaster relief team has been helping people for the past six years, since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti. Because of this earthquake, millions of Haitians became homeless. There was an immense amount of services needed, like medics and clean water. Marines Jake Wood and William McNulty wanted to be on-site in Haiti to lend a hand. After forming a six-members team of first responders and veterans, they headed to Haiti with medical supplies and money. Despite the danger ahead, they were able to treat thousands of patients. Team Rubicon has continued its mission ever since.
"For the veteran's side of it, we found a renewed sense of community, purpose and identity…Sharing that with veterans and first responders really helps our veterans find a passion for life again," Bob Bledso, Team Rubicon's Virginia state coordinator, said in a statement to NBC 12.
Bledso, who served in the Air Force for two decades and has been working with Team Rubicon for the past four years, mentions that this team allows veterans to find that sense of camaraderie and brotherhood they experienced while in the military. This team is passionate about working with veterans to help aid in disasters.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a difficult obstacle to overcome. But, it is possible take the reigns of your life and guide your way back to recovery through equine therapy. Horses may help you find happiness again.
Here's what you need to know about post-traumatic stress disorder and ways to heal through equine therapy.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that will affect 1 in 3 returning troops, according to PTSD Foundation of America. A person may experience PTSD after being involved in or witnessing a traumatic and life-changing event. Everyday occurrences can trigger PTSD. A startling event may cause sufferers to think they're back in a hostile combat zone and are under attack.
Some soldiers, but not all, may experience PTSD, according to PTSD Foundation of America. The chances of developing this disorder varies based on the intensity of the occurrence, how well you were able to react or handle the situation or the support you received after the initial traumatic experience. Some signs that indicate PTSD include nightmares of the event, being reminded of the event during certain situations or feeling negatively or fearful because of what happened.
If you are diagnosed with PTSD, there are ways to cope with this disorder and get better. One way is through horse therapy.
What is equine therapy?
Equine therapy is the interaction between a person and a horse. By caring for a horse, people who are dealing with issues like PTSD, are able to learn about themselves through each action they take to care for the horse like feeding them, giving them water, riding them or tacking them up, according to Everyday Health. People who have PTSD can finally start to feel calm and have more confidence in themselves because of these responsibilities and due to the animal's demeanor.
How can horses help heal veterans with PTSD?
Veterans who have PTSD may be able to relate to horses that also sometimes feel sensitive or scared of everyday occurrences, according to Everyday Health. Veterans who are handling horses for the first time may be stepping out of their comfort zone as well.
"By interacting with horses, people with PTSD will often see their own emotional state mirrored in the reactions of the horse which they are working," Manette Monroe, MD, MEd, an assistant dean for students and an assistant professor of pathology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando, told Everyday Health.
The symptoms of PTSD may not completely go away through horse therapy, however, they may subside. Participating in these exercises with the horses is therapeutic and can help to control anxiety and emotions that may otherwise feel out of control, the Denver Post mentioned.
Jeanne Springer, an equine specialist at the academy's Equestrian Center, told the Denver Post that people experiencing PTSD, "tend to isolate because they have learned to numb their emotions…The horses help them relax."
Horses are sensitive animals and though sometimes they don't always listen right away, this is a wonderful lesson veterans can learn, the Denver Post mentioned. Because horses respond to positive energy, whoever is taking the reigns must demonstrate a great deal of patience, discipline and a calm demeanor.
People remember loved ones who have served our country and fought for our freedom in different ways. Charlie Thompson commemorates and cherishes the memory of his son, Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Thompson, by handcrafting memorabilia. According to Panama City News Herald, Thompson began creating quilts almost eight years after Jacob passed away at the age of 26 while on a tour of duty in Iraq.
The memory of his son continues to live on with these quilts made out of cloth from Jacob's military uniform that Charlie received from the Army after his death. So far he has made two patchwork blankets in honor of Jacob's duties in the U.S. Army. Jacob enlisted in the Army as a high school student in the late '90s. The quilts exhibit camouflage print along with Jacob's portrait, his dog tags and the words "Army Strong."
In an article in the Panama City News Herald, Charlie Thompson said, "I have this desire to never forget Jacob… I want to see him as much as possible."
Thompson continues to be reminded of Jacob with many pieces of memorabilia placed throughout his homes in Minnesota, where he stays for a few months with his wife Barb and in Panama Beach City, where he resides most of the year. As of right now, the quilts are in the hands of Jacob's brothers, Jon and Jason. Thompson's hope is that these quilts will be admired and passed down to future generations, so that his son is remembered forever.
One of Thompson's quilts was featured in The Quilt Show 2016 hosted by Saint Andrew Bay Quit's Guild and held at Florida State University Panama City Holley Academic Center.
The military, as well as governments, businesses and hospitals, all greatly depend on cybersecurity. Confidential information stored on computers or shared through the Internet to other networks must be protected from unauthorized outside parties, according to the University of Maryland University College. Unfortunately, cyberattacks have been on the rise, with an abundance of hackers trying to get unlawful access to destruct or alter information. Because of this, there is a demand for cyber protection and jobs in this industry. However finding the best and most qualified person for this position is not easy, Military Times stated. This comes as an opportunity for military veterans, who may very well be the solution.
For those interested in pursuing this career, veterans now have the opportunity to receive free training. Eligible veterans can partake in a training program, sponsored by Solutionary, an Omaha Internet security firm. To be admitted into SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy, promising candidates that may be the right fit for a future successful career in cybersecurity will be screened, according to SANS Institute. Once the screening is complete, the candidate can fill out an application, followed by a SANS CyberTalent Enhanced Assessment, an exam online that tests different skills and the proficiency pertaining to information about security. Following this assessment, the Admissions Committee will interview the candidate.
Once accepted, this intensive program lasts for a total of six weeks. Solutionary is sponsoring this program to offer the best training in the proper and necessary skills for veterans to have a successful career in cybersecurity. Before committing to this program, veterans are asked to work for the company, Solutionary, for two years.
Tails of Valor seeks to provide love and support to those who are in need of it the most: abandoned puppies and disabled military veterans. Finding the solution for these two big issues in America, Tails of Valor selflessly gives the opportunity for dogs to find a home and for veterans to be healed through therapeutic companionship. This nonprofit program, founded by Heather Lloyd, is fully dedicated to training rescued pups to become service canines. It also trains dogs to eventually be able to accompany disabled veterans living with physical injuries, traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder, according to Critter Corral.
These dogs are taken in and trained by volunteers and trainers at a facility in Springfield Township, Pennsylvania, according to Stars and Stripes. The training program begins for puppies at the age of 8 to 14 weeks and lasts between a year to 16 months. Plenty of doggy treats are given out while commands are being taught and the pups are exposed to real-life, everyday situations that they will eventually deal with once fully trained. Because of this organization, dogs are able to learn how to provide protection, love and companionship. Every exercise the pups practice is correlated to a particular symptom that a veteran may experience.
Tails of Valor is changing the lives of people and animals. The dog that are trained are able to accomplish physical tasks to ensure an easier life for veterans who are in of help need. These furry friends are also able to provide emotional support for those suffering.
In an article from Stars and Stripes, Ray Rosenberger, a veteran who served in the Marines as a combat medical operator, described how his dog, Bella puts him at ease.
"When I'm having [PTSD] triggers, Bella will calm me down and bring me around," Rosenberger said. "A little puppy lick, or having someone to talk to, it gets me away from thinking about the war."
Psychological issues that military veterans experience can now be treated in a way that does not involve medicine but rather, a dog's company.
For a veteran to be a part of Tails of Valor, before applying to the program, he or she must provide proof of a disability that affects daily life and discharge papers, as well as a completion of inpatient rehab or a year since the injury occurred, Stars and Stripes mentioned. The candidate must also show he or she is a dog lover, through an evaluation that shows a happy relationship with a dog.