Over 400 people gathered at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, New York, to honor the lives of the first responders who passed away from injuries they developed from serving that day. The granite walls that stretch across the park were engraved with 100 additional names on May 16 as a ceremony took place for all those whose loved ones sacrificed their lives at Ground Zero. 

First responders honored with 9/11 memorial
According to Newsday.com, the memorial wall surrounds 20 feet of the park and reaches 6 feet high. As each name was added to the wall, it was read aloud followed by the ringing of a bell to properly recognize each life sacrificed for the safety of others. The ceremony was established five years ago and has since occurred twice a year, bringing together first responders, families and friends.

"We should be giving thanks to the 100 names we added and the 500 that are on the wall, because they give us validity," John Feal, president of the FealGood Foundation, a nonprofit that helped raise money to build the park, told Newsday.

Throughout the day, visitors stopped by to grieve and reminisce with loved ones during the ceremony, which included acoustic performances, a bagpipe rendition of "God Bless America" and the playing of "Taps."  

Families gather to remember loved ones
Jeanne Stelmok of North Babylon, New York, was one of the many visitors at the ceremony. It was her first time seeing the park where her husband, Scott Stelmok, a retired New York Police Department captain who died after searching for survivors under the debris at Ground Zero, is included in the memorial. He had developed several forms of cancer and passed away in December 2014. Stelmok, her daughter and her mother drew over Scott's name with crayon on paper to take home as a special keepsake. 

"This park stands for the principle that while so many of those first responders no longer stand among us, they will always be remembered and honored for standing up and responding at our nation's most dire moment," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone explained to Newsday.

Long Island News 12 noted that many of the families present said they would be returning to the park regularly to honor their family or friends, emphasizing how important the park is to those who lost someone on 9/11.

One of the major struggles that veterans face during life after service is finding a job. With this is mind, lawmakers in Midland, Michigan, have created a bill that will assist retired veterans in familiarizing themselves with their employment benefits. The bill was established by Sen. Jim Stamas and is currently being passed to Gov.Rick Snyder for consideration. 

A bill to assist veterans after deployment
The legislation would push Michigan's Veterans Affairs Agency to send "welcome home" letters to veterans returning home to Michigan from deployment. The letter would include information, including benefits, that will not only assist them in more smoothly transitioning to civilian life, but also remind them of how the state appreciates their sacrifice.

"Our veterans and their families make tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedoms and way of life, yet many of them face real challenges when returning home from duty," Stamas told MLive. "This reform is part of our ongoing effort to show our appreciation to Michigan's 650,000 veterans by ensuring our state is doing its best to assist their transition into civilian life and new careers."

According to MLive, the Michigan Senate passed Stamas' Senate Bill 52 in March and was recently approved by the Michigan House of Representatives on May 12. The bill is expected to greatly assist veterans, as the letters sent out by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency will provide useful tools that will lead retired servicemembers to veterans service organizations. The Veterans Affairs Agency is relatively new to the state, as it was established by Executive Reorganization Order 2013-2, which Stamas implemented in 2013.

"We created the state's Veterans Affairs Agency as a one-stop-shop for veterans, and it just makes sense that our outreach to veterans returning home comes from the agency dedicated to them," Stamas explained to the news source.

Stamas has high hopes for new bill
The executive order established in 2013 also assigns the agency the responsibility of serving as the coordinating office for all of the agencies of the executive branch that handles the service programs for veterans. 

"I sponsored this legislation to help better connect veterans with the benefits they earned and employment and education opportunities that can help them live the American Dream that they honorably served to protect," Stamas said.

Both chambers of the Michigan Legislature passed the bill unanimously. Stamas, who represents Michigan's 36th District, including Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties, is confident that Gov. Snyder will show his support for the bill as well. Stamas represented the 98th District in the Michigan House of Representatives for three years and was then elected in 2014 to take the place of U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar for his first term in the Michigan Senate.

Michigan veterans who want to learn more about the bill or have questions pertaining to how the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency works can visit the agency's website for assistance. 

It can be difficult for a military spouse to find work. Whether it is the regular moves, single-parent duties or an attempt to go back to school, spouses often need flexible hours if they are looking to add extra income, something that can be difficult to find in this economy. Luckily, Uber wants to help. 

What it is
Uber is a technology company that matches drivers with people who are seeking rides. Unlike a traditional taxi service, drivers can use their own vehicles and choose their own hours. This makes the company a desirable option for people looking for extra income who are unable to work 9 to 5. 

After announcing its UberMILITARY program, which aimed to help vets and inactive military members earn extra income, in September 2014, Uber is now partnering with military families through the UberMILITARY Families Coalition. The new campaign seeks to help people in this demographic take advantage of the flexible hours offered by the company to earn additional income for their families. 

According to the Uber blog, the company is partnering with Hiring Our Heroes, Blue Star Families, National Military Family Association and American Military Partner Association in the effort to assist military families in the U.S.

"Military spouses face significant challenges with employment due to their service members' frequent moves, and the UberMILITARY program is a unique and innovative way to help address these challenges," said American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack in the AMPA blog. "AMPA is proud to partner with Uber for this program, helping make a difference in the lives of our modern military families who sacrifice so much for our nation."

How it can help
In addition to employment, the Families Coalition will provide rides for military spouses and family members to career fairs and other events, establish alliances with local chapters of the partner organizations and collaborate with the partners to discover new ways to support and empower these families across the country. 

Since initiating the UberMILITARY program eight months ago, Uber reported that drivers in the initiative have already taken home over $35 million and now earn over $1 million a week collectively. 

Military spouses can easily sign up on Uber's website and will be contacted by a company representative.   

Like many soldiers, Desert Storm veteran Phil Ruddock came home from deployment diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. According to his testimonial, the symptoms became so severe that he could no longer work and would just sit at home, angry at the world. But his life changed when a friend brought him a scared, abused pitbull named Mia, and a partnership began.

As Ruddock trained Mia and gained her trust, she in turn would wake him up from nightmares and watch his back when he started to venture off his property again. Through this relationship, Ruddock realized that other vets dealing with PTSD could also benefit from incorporating service dogs into life after service. 

Inspiration from experience
According to Small Business Revolution, Ruddock first started working with existing organizations that provide service animals. But the dogs were often expensive, sometimes carrying a price tag of up to $25,000. It did not make sense to Ruddock that soldiers returning from war with little money should have to pay such an extravagant sum for help. That is where the idea for Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training began.

The nonprofit, founded by Ruddock, is based in Louisiana and aims to improve the life of military veterans, active duty soldiers and any special-needs dependents by providing them with trained service dogs, according to the Brothers and Sisters in Arms website. 

Rather than breed dogs specifically for training, the organization uses calm, teachable shelter dogs that otherwise might be put down. It is a beautiful partnership between a person and a dog who are both looking for healing, and allows for the dogs to be given at no cost to the recipient, reported Small Business Revolution. 

Unlike the majority of service animal organizations, Brothers and Sisters in Arms actively involves the veterans in the training of their animals. By letting the owners train the dog, a stronger bond is created and the owner comes away with a sense of accomplishment that he or she may not have felt since coming back from active service. 

Classes typically run eight weeks and involve the typical training for service dogs, as well as additional commands specifically aimed at helping combat veterans, reported Time magazine. These extra commands include teaching the dog to "block," or create space between their owner and others, and to "cover," or stand at their owner's side or back facing away as a kind of lookout. All classes are one-on-one and taught by veterans, creating a safe environment for the soldier. 

Easing the transition
"When a soldier is deployed or on base, they feel secure because they have all the other soldiers there watching their back. But when they are out of the military, when their spouse goes to work, their kids go to school and they're left alone, they have nobody watching their back," Ruddock told Time. "It makes them very anxious, paranoid. A dog turns out to be their battle buddy and watches their back. It never leaves them, it never judges them, it never asks questions that they don't want to answer. It gives them unconditional love."

Through his work, Ruddock hopes to make a difference in the lives of military families, one soldier and dog at a time. 

You served your country, and now it is time to come home to a different type of duty: your family. Dynamics with your loved ones can be difficult to navigate when returning from deployment. Consider one of these retreats created specifically for military families to help ease the adjustment period. 

Operation Purple Family Retreats
The retreats put on by Operation Purple allow families to learn new communication skills, enjoy the outdoors together and bond with others in similar situations. According to the website, families can take part in a variety of fun activities, from canoeing to birdhouse building, while creating new memories together. The National Military Family Association provides each family with a $200 stipend to help with travel costs. For more information or to apply, visit the NMFA website.

Operation Purple Healing Adventures
These retreats are specifically geared to help families to rediscover fun and intimacy after a member is injured in the line of duty. Through outdoor adventures and specially developed communication strategies, these three-day retreats aim to guide your family after a parent is injured. The healing adventures are free to military families and include food and lodging. Applications can be submitted on the National Military Family Association website. 

Lone Survivor Foundation Retreats
The Lone Survivor Foundation organizes retreats that focus on supporting veterans and service members who struggle with invisible injuries. These can include battles with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and military sexual trauma, among others, that have devastating effects on both the individual and family.The five-day retreats focus on coping skills, education and reducing the stress symptoms. All military backgrounds and branches are welcome, but there is an emphasis on service members and veterans of Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Learn more and fill out the application form at the Lone Survivor Foundation website.

Active Heroes Military Family Retreat Center
If you and your family enjoy camping, consider taking advantage of the Active Heroes Family Retreat Center. Located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, the 144-acre retreat area is open to the public, as well as military families, allowing current and former servicemen to begin integrating into the public with the safety of military-only "Healing Areas" to retreat to for solitude. Starting in the summer of 2015, the retreat center will be free to military families and outings include a large meal, entertainment and seminars. 

Project Sanctuary
Retreats put on by Project Sanctuary take advantage of the beauty of the Colorado wilderness to help you and your family connect and bond over six days and five nights. Free to military families, the retreats use recreational therapy methods to help bring down walls through fun activities, according to the group's website. Attendees also have access to professional counseling and family support services, such as classes devoted to improving your finances and marriage. Start the application process by visiting the Project Sanctuary website and filling out the initial application. 

Thirty-four members of the Army Military Police and Air Force Security Forces are ready to serve their community as police officers after a graduation ceremony on May 1. The program they completed is the first in the U.S. specially geared towards Citizen-Soldiers.  

Getting started
According to an article from the U.S. National Guard, the Massachusetts academy is the result of collaboration between the Worcester Police Department and the Massachusetts National Guard, spearheaded by Worcester Police Sgt. Richard Cipro, who is also a major in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The Police Department said that Cipro was responsible for bringing the pilot program to Worcester. 

"When we started, I was already a police sergeant and a law enforcement certified trainer in the state," Cipro said, according to an article on the Guard's website. "We analyzed and tried to figure out how to put together an academy designed for Guardsmen."

The 34 members of the graduating class went through 16 weeks of instruction that included physical training, first responder training, classroom study, and applied patrol procedures and scenario-based exercises, according to the Worcester Police Department. Coursework was conducted by Worcester police officers from various departments, as well as guest instructors from outside agencies that included both law enforcement officials and civilians. 

Looking forward
While still a new concept, the U.S. National Guard reported that the academy has already caught the attention of other states, as well as the U.S. Army. The success of the academy could very well lead to replication of the program in the near future. 

"I couldn't be more proud of the soldiers and airmen who accomplished this," Cipro said, according to the National Guard website. "I do get a little emotional when I talk about it because we took it from the beginning four years ago and this is the culmination of it. I'm excited for them and to carry this into the future."

A new iPhone app released in the Bay Area this week aims to use real-time technology to increase communication between first responders. The valuable time saved when using the app could improve the safety of not only the accident victims, but any responders who arrive on the scene.

The mobile application, known officially as the Responder Incident Report, was released on Monday by the Bay Area Incident Management Task Force. According to the Metropolitan Transpiration Commission, the app is currently in a six-month trial period, which, if successful, could lead to implementation in other areas.

How it works
First responders use the app to take a picture of the scene of the accident and add any important details, then send the picture and information to other responders over a secure server. The detailed communication gives those en route to the scene a better idea of what equipment they will need, and allows for real-time updates of their expected arrival time.

Even with safer conditions, stress still poses a risk for first responders.

"A picture really is worth a thousand words," said MTC Transportation Management and Coordination Principal Radiah Victor. "This is a simple and inexpensive way to use existing cell phone camera and map technology to ensure responders have a common operating picture to support quick response and safe clearance of incidents."

Protecting the protectors
The increased speed and efficiency provided by the app would decrease the time that responders are on the road after accidents, and help coordinate efforts to reduce traffic congestion, decreasing the chance of a second incident. These secondary accidents are far too common. According to the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, on average, at least two emergency responders are struck each day in America.

The MTC hopes that this inexpensive and accessible application of real-time technology will decrease the length of time that public safety officers are in harm's way, making their job safer.

The job of a first responder requires both physical and mental strength. Whether you are a firefighter, a policeman or an emergency medical technician, it is important that you are taking measures to help yourself prevent injury and that you know what to do if you become hurt on the job. With a variety of resources at your disposal for help, becoming familiar with the ways to recover from a physical or mental injury will help to enhance your overall safety and well-being. 

First responders put themselves at risk for everything from serious stress disorders to back injuries in order to keep the community safe. If you are looking for helpful preventative measures to avoid injury in the future or for ways to recover from a previous accident you were in, use these tips to ensure that you are ready for any challenges that may come your way.

Injury prevention measures
While it is impossible to predict the events that may occur at the scene of an emergency, you can prepare for any physically demanding or stressful situations that you may find yourself in. Aside from wearing all of the proper equipment and using skills learned at training, there are a few additional ways to care for your mind and body on the job.

Emergencies can be stressful and chaotic, making clear communication crucial to successfully handling patients or victims. Asking for help from the officers around you when needed and only performing tasks on your own when you know you can handle them will drastically reduce your chances of hurting yourself.

When it comes to avoiding physical injuries, exercising vulnerable areas like the back will keep your body strong and less at risk for strains. Mental or stress disorders, on the other hand, take a different kind of preparation. Understanding what a traumatic event is and how to handle it is the first step.

According to the Trauma Center, a traumatic event is defined as when a servicemember experiences a serious threat or injury followed by a response of intense fear. The meaning that the event had for the individual is what makes it traumatic and can lead to serious conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Knowing that hyper-arousal and intrusive thoughts are warning signs that suggest you should seek help will prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

Tips for servicemembers facing injuries
The most essential step that first responders must take to successfully recover from a mental or physical injury is seeking the right help. This means both professional assistance if necessary and the support of loved ones. While finding support through physical therapy can be done for bodily injuries, getting help for mental harm is just as important but can be more challenging. 

If you find yourself experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression following a traumatic event on the job, failing to find help can lead to worsening symptoms. For example, the Trauma Center noted that research has shown a strong link between symptoms of depression in the initial weeks after the traumatic experience and increased risk for PTSD.

Search for local or online support groups. The United States First Responders Association provides online assistance and community support from other servicemembers who may be experiencing similar symptoms. 

As certain events at work may trigger anxiety or stress, experts recommend that those who have experienced trauma take a break from work and spend time recovering in their lives outside of service to get back on their feet. When transitioning back to your daily work routine, it is best to do so slowly and give yourself time to readjust.

Charles Miller, a Gainesville, Florida, native, is an outdoors lover. He spends the majority of his time challenging himself to marathons, hiking trails and bike tours. The 58-year-old Army veteran's active lifestyle began after his eyesight failed, leaving him legally blind. With the help of his persistence and the assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Miller's eyesight has encouraged him to see life in a whole new light. 

A new outlook on life
Miller told Fox News that he is constantly pushing himself to take on new challenges that he knows he would not have been able to tackle a couple of years ago. His dedication and drive are qualities that also came in handy during his time as an Army Infantry Captain, serving for a total of 27 years. 

When his eyesight began to fail, Miller was honorably discharged. He was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that slowly deteriorates the retinas, according to EveryJoe. When he returned home, the VA offered him a spot at the blind rehab facility at Birmingham VA Medical Center. Miller decided it was a good idea and moved in.

It was then that he realized he could sit around and let his blindness control his life or move forward and learn to make the most of his situation. He decided that his new challenge should not have the ability to stop him from living.

"If anyone said, 'you can't do that' I would tell them to give me a chance to try it and I'll do it," Miller told Fox News. Miller was never much of an outdoors person before he moved to the VA rehab center, but he started participating in adaptive sports to help himself stay motivated. The VA helped him build up his confidence and drive to be adventurous. "You can work beyond what you thought were your capabilities, if you have the drive and determination to do so," Miller continued. "To be honest, I'm intimidated by the idea of zip lining, but I hope I'll have the opportunity to try it one day."

VA program helps disabled veterans
The Adaptive Sports Program is offered to injured veterans in Washington, D.C., and 28 states. The program began after the VA gave $8 million in funding to create opportunities for vets with disabilities to learn new sports. 

According to Bruce Davis, the case manager for the VA Visual Impairment Services, the program has filled those adapting to life after military service with the positivity and motivation to focus on their potential instead of what they can no longer do. He noted that many participants are inspired to become involved in volunteer activities or go back to school or work. 

"People at the VA have never treated me like I have a disability, even though I do. I'm exactly like you are, I'm not any better, I'm not any worse," Miller explained to Fox News. "I just have one thing that's different. Everyone has something and mine just happens to be that I can't see."

Miller said that his new love of adventure stems from the feelings he gets when his senses are engaged with his surroundings and his adrenaline is surging. This is when he feels that he can truly see the world again. 

He plans on continuing his adventurous hobbies far into the future with plans to ski and snowboard. Miller also likes to take his son and his friends along with him to enjoy his adventures. He noted that he hopes to learn to surf soon, a sport he has never tried before, and is currently training for a 500-mile bike ride to take place in May.

While the job of first responders can be extremely stressful and require frequent stress alleviation, it is of equal importance that servicemembers are in good physical health. Consuming a healthy diet and getting a sufficient amount of exercise are crucial to keeping a sharp mind and maintaining the ability to tackle any challenges that may lie ahead. 

Physical fitness should complement servicemembers' efforts to ensure that they do not let the stress of their jobs take a toll on their health. Here are five tips to help first responders keep an eye on their well-being while working in a physically and mentally demanding environment. 

1. Maintain a healthy diet
The food people consume every day has a major impact on all aspects of their health. First responders should be sure to eat meals that contain the proper amount of nutrients. It may be tempting, due to busy schedules, to get a quick bite at a fast-food restaurant on the road. However, it's essential to include vegetables and fruits in your diet, as these have the vitamins, minerals and fiber that people need to function at their best and stay healthy. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that middle-aged men and women who partake in frequent physical activity each day consume around 2.5 cups of fruit and 4 cups of vegetables daily. Foods that are low in fat and calories are best at ensuring that bodies are prepared for physically demanding job roles.

2. Perform aerobic activities
As a firefighter, policeman or EMT, it is of the utmost importance that you are in shape and able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently. According to the CDC, body reaction and exertion are responsible for 38 percent of on-site injuries experienced by emergency medical service workers. Everything from running to climbing is a possibility every day for emergency responders. Including aerobic activities, such as running and swimming, in regular workouts will improve their ability to effectively serve the community.

3. Do regular muscle exercises
The CDC noted that 50 percent of injuries experienced in fireground operations are muscular strains and sprains. Including daily stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises in workouts will help prevent these injuries.

4. Make use of available resources
There are many programs designed to support first responders in their efforts to remain physically fit. For example, the National Volunteer Fire Council has started the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program for firefighters across the country, providing tools and resources that help maintain physical and mental well-being. The organization also assists fire departments in creating health and wellness programs. Local facilities like the YMCA often give first responders discounts to encourage them to stay in shape as well. 

Similarly, the Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Emergency Services by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a popular resource used by servicemembers looking for general information on how to stay healthy while serving the community. 

5. Balance physical and mental health 
Physical and mental health are closely linked. Stress can cause your muscles to contract and your heart rate to increase, which allows servicemembers to react quickly in emergency situations. However, when this stress is carried outside of work into family life, people may experience difficulty falling asleep and relaxing with loved ones. To help leave stress at work, it can be beneficial to make time to relax your body. 

Simply tensing and relaxing muscles from the head to the toes once a day can significantly reduce your body's tension. Meanwhile, taking a mental break for 15 to 20 minutes each day, whether you do something like listen to music or meditate, will put your mind at ease.