Most people use their days off for relaxation, but one man in Lutz, Florida, uses his day off to clean the headstones of veterans. Andrew Lumish, a Lutz native, spends the one day a week he has off from his carpet cleaning job to give back to the former servicemembers in his community. Lumish's job gives him access to plenty of cleaning supplies that he uses to remove the dirt and grime from granite, marble and other headstone materials. He has even researched methods that will prevent damage to the stones.
"It's something that I feel I should do to give them the proper respect for fighting for our country," Lumish told ABC Action News. "And they may not [have] any family still living. These aren't just stones sitting in a cemetery in Florida. These are real people. I think about their lives."
As a self-proclaimed history buff, Lumish admits that he sometimes does research on the names of veterans who fought in the Civil War to find out more about the people whose stones he is cleaning.
Lumish has been doing the cleaning anonymously for two-and-a-half years, according to ABC Action News, and he plans to continue as long as cemeteries will allow him.
Last year on Sept. 10, the opening ceremonies for Prince Harry's inaugural Invictus Games were taking place. The games, which got their name from William Ernest Henley's poem about overcoming adversity, were the first of their kind. The prince, who has also served in the military, invited veterans from countries around the world to participate in a four-day sporting competition. According to the event's website, over 400 disabled athletes from 13 countries traveled to London to prove their unconquered spirit.
Many of the veterans who participated in the games had positive things to say.
"Being in the military is like being a professional athlete," Sgt. Major (Retired) Christopher Self told People magazine. "Through competitions like the Warrior Games or Invictus, it gives a chance to show, 'Yes, I've been injured, but I'm still able to do these things physically and compete on a level playing field.'"
Self and the other competitors showed their skills in events including swimming, volleyball and weightlifting. A year later, the impact of Prince Harry's games is still strong with many of its competitors and spectators. In fact, the 2014 games were so successful that the prince announced that the games would return for a second event in 2016. The 2016 Invictus Games are scheduled for May 8-12 in Orlando, Florida.
When you are in the military, you dedicate a large portion of your time to maintaining physical fitness and staying active. Your fitness can sometimes be your greatest survival tool, so you spend weeks training to reach the peak of your physical abilities. When your service is over, it can be difficult to stick to such a rigorous training schedule. However, entering life after service does not mean you have to give up physical activity. There are a variety of nationwide sporting events and competitions for veterans. Check out a few examples below.
1. National Veterans TEE Tournament
For the second year in a row, this event will be a nationwide competition. Veterans, including those who are disabled or legally blind, are encouraged to come participate in adaptive sporting events such as horseback riding, kayaking and the TEE Golf Tournament. The National Veterans TEE Tournament was created to encourage camaraderie and sportsmanship between former servicemembers. This year's event will take place Sept. 7-10 in Iowa City, Iowa.
2. National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic
Veterans who were injured or disabled during their service can participate in events like sailing, surfing, track and field events, kayaking and cycling at the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. This week-long event is a great opportunity for veterans to participate in sports and physical activities. Held in San Diego, California, the 2015 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic will begin on Sept. 13 and continue through Sept. 18.
3. CanAm Veterans Challenge
The first CanAm Veterans Challenge took place in 2014. Veterans from Canada and America joined up for an 800-mile bike ride from Washington, D.C., to Ottawa, Canada. Injured and disabled veterans interested in working toward an active lifestyle where they are not held back by their disabilities should consider participating in the 16-day journey. On the trip, veterans are pushed to challenge themselves and reignite their passion for life. The next ride is scheduled to take place in June 2016.
4. Invictus Games
At the inaugural games in London in 2014, Prince Harry and the British royal family welcomed over 400 competitors from 13 countries around the world to participate in an adaptive sporting event. All of these competitors were veterans of their countries' military who sustained a physical or mental injury in their service. The games are meant to encourage veterans to maintain their warrior spirits despite their disabilities. Recently, Prince Harry announced that the Invictus Games would return in 2016 to Orlando, Florida.
5. National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Veterans from across the country who sustained injuries during service and now use a wheelchair can compete in activities like archery, quad rugby and table tennis. The competition is meant to inspire healing of the mind, body and spirit as well as allow disabled veterans to demonstrate their athletic abilities. This year's National Veterans Wheelchair Games were held from June 21-26 in Dallas, Texas, while the 2016 event will take place June 27-July 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
6. Valor Games
These Paralympic games bring veterans together for three days of friendly sporting competition. The Valor Games promote a healthy lifestyle and reintegration while giving disabled veterans an opportunity to display their athletic prowess. To find a Valor Games competition in your region, click here.
Even though veterans are sometimes left with physical or mental disabilities from their service, they can still enjoy the active lifestyle they grew accustomed to. The sporting events above are just a few examples of competitions for veterans and disabled former servicemembers. Many of these events can help veterans with healing and establishing bonds with others who have experienced similar situations.
Thousands of veterans leave the service for civilian careers every year. While veteran unemployment rates have been steadily decreasing, many former servicemembers are struggling to find jobs. Fortunately, a number of startups have recently announced that they are interested in hiring veterans.
Among these companies is DoorDash, one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the Silicon Valley area, according to WeAreTheMighty.com.
"Former military members make the best Dashers – they are reliable, disciplined, timely and professional," Chris Clark, the operations manager for DoorDash, told the website. "I would love to fill my entire fleet with veteran Dashers. They know the meaning of hard work, don't complain, and get the mission done."
Personal car services like Uber and Lyft have also announced their plans to hire at least 5,000 new veterans in the next year. Uber even has a military outreach program to encourage veteran participation. Many of the companies participating in the veteran hiring initiative allow for flexible schedules without the need for a formal resume or interview process. This combination can eliminate some of the stress that veterans experience when entering life after service and transitioning from a strict military workload to a civilian career.
For more information on companies looking to hire veterans, click here.
The next Republican debate is scheduled to air on Sept. 16 on CNN, and party frontrunner Donald Trump recently wrote the network's president, Jeff Zucker, with a unique request. Trump, who is self-funding his campaign, asked Zucker to donate the profits from the debate to a variety of veterans organizations.
"I had always felt that we have to be helping our veterans far more than we do," Trump wrote in his letter to Zucker. "That is why my campaign is so focused on these great people who have done so much for us. This large contribution of many millions of dollars would be a truly wonderful thing for CNN to do."
Military Times reported that Trump went on to claim that the 4,000 percent rise in advertising revenue was directly because of him, and he hopes the network will listen to his request to translate that revenue into charitable donations.
Trump's request for CNN to use the debate as an opportunity for public service comes a few days prior to a speaking engagement in Los Angeles where he will speak with veterans and address military issues.
CNN has yet to release a public response to Trump's letter.
With classes beginning just around the corner, it is time to start preparing for the new school year. As a military family, there is a chance you moved and your children will be starting the new year in an unfamiliar school. AFBA has compiled some ways you can help them adjust to their new educational environment.
Prepare a routine
Most children thrive on some level of predictability. Before the school year begins, establish a route to the bus stop or school and walk it several times to familiarize them with it. This may help eliminate some of the stress they may experience during their first day. It is also a good idea to get into the practice of getting them to sleep and waking them up like they would on a school day a week or more before the year begins to give them adequate time to adjust.
Orientation is a great resource
If your children's new school holds orientation, you should make a point to attend. This event is an excellent opportunity for your kids to meet the staff of their new school as well as their teachers and some of their classmates. By interacting with these individuals in a more individualized setting, they can connect with them before the hectic first day. It also allows your children to explore the hallways of their new environment and get a visual as to what their school days might look like.
Try to get involved
You are a busy person, but if you can find the time to get involved as a classroom parent or bus monitor, you may help your kids adjust easier. They can look forward to seeing you at some point in the day, and this knowledge may relax them enough to help them find their niche in the new school.
Get to know people in the neighborhood
Make an effort to get to know other families in your neighborhood. Some of the children may be attending the same school as your children, and they might even end up in the same class. By giving your kids a chance to get to know neighbors ahead of time, you may set them up to have friends before their first day. It will also give you peace of mind in knowing that your children will be waiting at the bus stop or walking to school with other kids.
Be ready to listen
During the first couple of weeks, be open to listening to your children's thoughts and opinions regarding their new school. Though you may be tempted to encourage them toward a positive opinion, allow them a few complaints. You can work out a solution for these feelings together after they have settled in. If your children seem to be adapting to the new school without problems, talk with them about their favorite things and inquire about new friendships.
Though transferring schools is difficult for children, it does not have to be a completely miserable experience for them. There are steps you can take to help make the adjustment a little easier and less intimidating. Just remember to remain sensitive to the emotions your children may experience during this transitional phase in their lives.
The Department of Defense reported that between 1 million and 1.5 million servicemembers will leave the military in the next half-decade. These individuals will need civilian jobs, and Kroger is stepping up to provide them. The grocery chain recently announced that it has a goal to fill 20,000 of its open positions with veterans. According to Kroger's website, veterans and their families will have the opportunity to apply to a number of positions in the different departments in stores nationwide.
Sukanya Madlinger, president of Kroger's Cincinnati/Dayton division, told Journal-News, "Kroger is deeply committed to the nation's veterans and their families, and we continue to seek out opportunities to honor heroes through career opportunities."
Interested veterans and their family members who fit the Kroger profile of "smiling, energetic, friendly and fun people" are encouraged to apply by Sept. 13 at the company's hiring website. They can enter #HonoringOurHeroes into the search box to find the positions available. Any veteran or family member who has submitted an application can report to a local store for an interview on Sept. 15. Applicants should check with their local stores regarding specific interview times.
Every year, thousands of servicemembers enter life after service and begin the civilian job search. Many companies are dedicated to hiring these brave individuals. Among these is British Petroleum. According to its website, BP is a corporate sponsor of Hiring Our Heroes. The U.S. extension of the company has made a commitment to actively recruit and employ the nation's former servicemembers.
BP seems to be sticking to its commitment because the Whiting, Indiana, branch was named a top employer of veterans for the second year in a row by U.S. Veterans Magazine. But the relationship between the Fortune 1,000 company and the nation's veterans is mutually beneficial.
"America's veterans are often ideal candidates for jobs at companies like BP," retired Air Force pilot and director of BP's strategic relationships and veteran outreach Teri Poulton told NWI.com. "They've got the discipline, the maturity and the focus we need to help us keep our commitment to provide the energy America needs."
BP has also received commendations from G.I. Jobs Magazine and Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. The company hopes to continue its relationship with the military and plans to open more jobs for veterans in the future.
AFBA has written articles on care package ideas for military families to send their servicemembers. These lists include items like activities for down time and special foods from home. However, there are some items that are simply not a good idea to send to your soldier. There are also military and United States Postal Service restrictions on some items. Take a look at some things you should leave out of your servicemember's next care package.
Carbonated beverages
These are mainly restricted because they may explode in transit and cause a mess for the carrier. It is likely that your servicemember will have access to his or her favorite carbonated beverage anyway, so prevent your package from being rejected and leave this item out.
Aerosol cans
Disinfectants and body sprays that come in aerosol cans are prohibited items. These are more items that could potentially explode during shipment and destroy other packages. Do not include any aerosol cans in your servicemember's care packages.
Firearms and ammunition
Servicemembers have a government-issued weapon and ammunition. Even if they request their personal firearm or special ammunition, these items are strictly off-limits in care packages. Do not risk legal trouble for you or your servicemember by including one of these in a care package. Let your loved one know that you will look after their prized possession until their return.
Alcohol
This is often considered an "unauthorized substance" in combat zones. While your servicemember may request it, it is not a good idea to send alcohol in care packages. It could explode in shipment and ruin the rest of the items you sent, and your servicemember could face trouble if it is discovered.
Adult entertainment
Most military establishments do not allow servicemembers to receive items or media related to adult entertainment. It is seen as inappropriate and causes a distraction. It is best to exclude these items from your servicemember's care packages.
Fruit
Because fruits rot so quickly and to avoid violating cross-border agricultural policies, fruit is not allowed in military care packages. Your servicemember will likely have access to local fruit or canned fruit in military rations anyway. Skip the fruit in your next care package.
Live plants
It can be tempting to send your loved ones items that will make their deployment a little cozier. However, live plants are another prohibited item, as they can violate the same agricultural laws as fruits. Send home videos, pictures and other decorative items in place of live plants.
Whenever you begin a care package for your servicemember, you begin with good intentions. You want every item to make him or her more comfortable and boost his or her morale. However, even a well-meant item that is prohibited could cause unnecessary stress for you and your loved one. Be sure you are familiar with what he or she is allowed to have by checking with your local military support group and the USPS. MarineParents.com has also developed a database of prohibited items based on region. Check it out here.
September is a busy month. Kids are going back to school and the adults begin to prepare for the changing of seasons. There are also a number of veteran-centered events nationwide that occur in September. If you are looking for a patriotic weekend outing with the family or to get a jump start on your career search, check out the events below.
Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Display
Through the entire month of September, the Robert Rankin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Livingston, Texas, will have a display commemorating the veterans who served during the Vietnam War, especially the women who were involved in the war.
New York Mets Annual Military Appreciation Day
Every year, the New York Mets welcome active duty military personnel and veterans to a game. This year's event, which took place on Sept. 2, marked the 9th annual Military Appreciation Day at Citi Field. Servicemembers were lined up on the safety track and cheered before the Mets went up against the Philadelphia Phillies. There were also thank you videos and a displaying of the colors.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
On Sept. 5, the VFW Post 894 in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, hosted a ceremony for veterans of the Vietnam War. The goalwas to gather as many Vietnam-era veterans as possible for commemoration and bonding. There were activities, food and all donations made during the event went to the Service Dogs for Service Vets organization.
Labor Day Salute
The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council hosted a salute to Vietnam veterans during the Lions Club Labor Day Salute in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The event took place on Sept. 7 and featured a BBQ picnic, live music and a dedication to those who served in the Vietnam War.
Veterans job fairs
There are a variety of organizations dedicated to helping veterans find jobs when they enter life after service. Many of these organizations hold job fairs around the country to assist veterans with networking and resume building. Click here to find a veterans job fair in your area.
Nationwide Women Veterans Campaign
The Center for Women Veterans in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will host this event on Sept. 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m CST. There will be displays and speakers all with the purpose of celebrating female servicemembers and their history. There will also be experts on site to answer any post-service related questions.
The Patriot Tour
Hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, the Patriot Tour brings veterans and servicemembers together for healing and reflection. The event will take place on Sept. 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Simi Valley, California, location. Speakers include Marcus Luttrell, author of "Lone Survivor," musician Pete Scobell and many other veterans.
As the summer winds down, things begin to pick up for most people. This is especially true for former servicemembers who have the option to attend many veteran-based events across the country during September.