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. 

The transition from life in the military to life after service can be challenging for veterans. Tasks like supporting your family and finding a job can be difficult after years of service. Other factors such as injuries from your time during deployment and stress disorders that veterans often experience after service can make it harder to adapt to civilian life. 

After you have returned from deployment and are readjusting to life at home with your family, remember these tips to ensure that your transition is as easy and smooth as possible. 

1. Understand that life may feel different
Try not to expect everything to be and feel exactly the same as before you left for deployment. After spending a while in the service, your experiences may have made you see life differently or changed your priorities. Remember that this transition should be taken one step at a time and that you most likely will not get in the swing of things right away. Be patient with yourself and understand that certain activities or daily routines may feel different. Rely on family and friends for support when needed. 

2. Prepare for the job hunt
One of the toughest aspects of the transition is finding a job. As the job market is extremely competitive, it is important that you are using all of the resources at your disposal and working on your job hunting abilities, such as your interview skills and your resume. 

The Transition Assistance Program provided by the Department of Defense is a great program for veterans adjusting to life after service. You will get a transition counselor to help you choose the right path to start down. There are also companies that are committed to hiring veterans. The Military Friendly website provides a list of these businesses so you can start your search off right.

3. Plan everything out for your family
According to Bradley-Morris, Inc., it is not always best to move straight back to your hometown after retirement from service. It is common for your military move to pay for relocation to the city of your new job. While many companies would have to pay for a civilian to relocate, they will not have to for you, which may make you look extra appealing to potential employers. 

It is also important to sign up for gap insurance for your family. If you cannot find a job after 90 days of separation, any preexisting conditions may not be covered by your new employer's insurance plan if you have not enrolled in gap insurance. 

4. Establish a daily routine
While you hunt for a job, it is a good idea to establish a routine that keeps you focused. For example, starting a daily schedule that includes specific times for activities like going to the gym, applying to jobs and eating meals with the family will keep your days balanced and your time management skills in check. 

Other activities, such as taking short walks in the middle of the day, can help to relieve stress if the transition from military to civilian life is causing anxiety. Performing tasks that you used to do while in the service can also help make it easier to adjust. 

5. Reach out for support
If you begin to experience a difficult time sleeping, a loss of appetite or moments of extreme stress, this could indicate that you may have a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder. It's crucial that you seek professional support. Even dealing with normal stress or anxiety while job hunting or adapting to your new life can be alleviated with the help of loved ones or a support group. 

All birthdays are worth celebrating, but Richard Overton's is usually recognized with a little extra pomp and circumstance. At 109, the Austin, Texas, resident has the honor of being recognized as the oldest living U.S. veteran. 

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Overton was born in 1906 and served in the U.S. Army's all-black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion from 1942 to 1945. His World War II service was primarily in the South Pacific, including time in Iwo Jima, Guam, Hawaii and Palau. 

Because all veterans are not registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs, it is impossible to verify Overton's title of oldest living vet. But the 109-year-old is widely recognized to hold the honor. And it appears that it is not a title that he will be losing any time soon. According to a profile in The Washington Post, Overton still drives, tends to his yard and enjoys whiskey in his coffee. 

When asked about the secret to longevity, Overton told the Post that the question would need to be taken up with God.

"He brought me here and he's taking care of me, and nothing I can do about it," Overton said.

So how does a 109-year-old celebrate his birthday? In this case, with burgers, milkshakes, cigars and, of course, a little whiskey. Overton's "Mighty Fine at 109"-themed party was sponsored by Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes and thoroughly enjoyed by the vet and his neighbors.

Job hunting can prove to be time-consuming and daunting following the return to civilian life after deployment. However, veterans have multiple resources available to them that were designed to guide them throughout the process. 

Retired servicemembers should keep in mind that they have a number of the qualities that employers are looking for, including self-motivation and experience working under pressure in a team environment. The key is advertising these abilities through an effective resume and good communication skills. Here are five tips for veterans on the hunt for a job during life after service. 

1. Be aware of available benefits
It is common for veterans to have to earn some extra money before they can begin looking for a job. To find out what their unemployment benefits are, veterans should refer to the American Job Center and ask for assistance from an employment representative. 

Depending on the state that they are living in, their unemployment insurance program will offer different benefits. However, all states follow the same basic guidelines under federal law. Retired military members should familiarize themselves with these. 

2. Put in the time for a good resume
The resume is the first thing that employers are going to see when veterans apply to jobs. A retired servicemember may be a great interviewer, but if the resume does not reflect all of his or her abilities and experience, he or she will never be invited for an interview. 

"The key thing is making sure you tailor your resume to match 100 percent of [a particular job's] qualifications. If you don't have that, you're not moving forward," suggested David Wallace of Lockheed Martin, an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technology company. Wallace spoke at The American Legion's Employment & Empowerment Summit, noting that more than 27 percent of his company's employees are veterans. 

Veterans should attend resume workshops that teach retired servicemembers how to translate their military experience to attract civilian employers. Local American Job Centers, online sites for military veterans and community colleges often have resources for people who are job hunting. Veterans should take advantage of these to ensure that they are not selling themselves short. 

3. Network
As most people have a challenging time getting a job, knowing the right people has turned into one of the most essential aspects of the job hunting process. There is a significant number of veterans who have been hired by major companies. For example, officials from The American Legion noted that 52,000 workers at Time Warner Cable are retired military members. 

Veterans should talk to fellow servicemembers who live nearby or who have been hired into a job that appeals to them. They should mention that they are actively looking for employment, as one never knows who has the ability to lend a helping hand. 

4. Take advantage of resources
There are resources available specifically for veterans looking for a job after military service. For example, VETSUCCESS is an online tool that connects employers and veterans, while My Next Move helps retired servicemembers find employment that interests them based on their past jobs. These and many additional resources can be found on the American Job Center's website.

5. Practice for interviews
Most military members are experienced at maintaining a professional demeanor when necessary. However, terms like "sir" and "ma'am" are not used in the civilian workforce and may even come across as off-putting to employers.

To become comfortable using civilian terminology and communicating their skills to interviewers, it is crucial that veterans take the time to do practice interviews with civilian family members or friends. This will help them speak more naturally and confidently when the time comes. 

Florida congresswomen Gwen Graham recently introduced a new plan that would help military servicemembers recovering from injuries from their time in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Veterans, Education, Training Act would provide veterans with a wider range of resources as they transition into life after service. 

More recovery coordinators set to assist injured vets
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, The VETS Act would make it mandatory for the Veterans Administration to aid nursing schools in developing a program in which veteran recovery coordinators are educated and trained. The number of coordinators would also need to be increased. 

John Hayes, a retired Marine, said that this program is long overdue. Hayes was wounded while in Afghanistan, losing his legs and shattering one of his arms. He had to undergo 65 surgeries as he spent several years recovering from his life-changing wounds. 

"Every day I would wake up and tell my wife to take my boots off, and she would have to explain to me every day probably for about a month that I lost my legs," Hayes told WCTV.

He now lives happily with his family in Florida. He said that he got where he is today due to the VA and its program, which gave him a case manager who aided him as he recovered, tending to his specific needs. Although Hayes admits he is pretty tough, he told WCTV that he never could have accomplished the recovery on his own. 

Florida veterans deserve more
There are currently over 25,000 veterans living in the South Georgia and North Florida region. Graham's act would provide more training and resources for these veterans. It would also offer a recovery coordinator to help those who were seriously wounded, like Hayes, ease into life as a civilian.

Hayes noted that having a close relationship with VA staff can greatly assist veterans.

"To get an actual person that calls you back that day that cares about you and your interest is huge," Hayes explained to WCTV.

Graham is currently working with the veterans committees and the armed services in an attempt to officially pass the VETS Act. She believes that the retired servicemembers who fought for their country deserve more resources and helping hands. Transitioning to civilian life after war is not easy and the VA has an obligation to make it less daunting for them. 

The University of Indiana has recently announced that it will be holding the Veterans Interprofessional Case Competition on April 7. The event will focus on introducing 30 USI students training to become health care providers to the unique needs of veterans during life after military service and the post-combat experiences they may face. Military experts from across the country, along with faculty members, will educate students during the workshop. 

The impact of war on servicemembers and loved ones
According to the university, Vaughn DeCoster, Ph.D., associate professor of social work, noted that almost 8 million military servicemembers have been sent to war over the past 50 years. Not only does this impact the servicemen, but their loved ones as well.

Due to the large number of people impacted by war experiences, health care providers are more than likely to treat one of these patients. DeCoster explained that students working toward a career in health care or social service should learn how to care for these patients. In order to deliver high-quality care to veterans and their families, social service and health care employees must work together to remain sensitive to their patients' specific needs and experiences.

Future care providers prepare for patients with war-related issues
The workshop will start with the presentation of the colors by USI's Reserve Officer's Training Corps color guard. The students invited to attend the event will be pursuing a career in social work, occupational therapy, food and nutrition or nursing. 

During the event, veterans will recite case vignettes to interdisciplinary student teams, who will then develop and present an intervention plan to a panel of experts. 

"This activity is unique because it combines essential knowledge of the military, combat and post-war readjustment, along with evidence-based approaches and local resources," said DeCoster, according to a news release by the university. "During this team activity, students will apply what they have learned and interact with care providers and actual representatives from the veteran patient population. This is a great opportunity for the student teams to learn assessment skills, identify key problems, develop a holistic intervention plan and problem solve possible care challenges."

One guest speaker, Tony Sanavria, a retired lieutenant colonel after 25 years of active duty, will educate the students on what it is like to be on tour during wars in Iraq, Korea and Afghanistan and explain the issues that he and his friends had to face once they returned to civilian life. This will reach students on an informative and emotional level.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald recently visited Helena, Montana, to discuss health care with the area's veteran population.

McDonald shows commitment to veterans 
The Great Falls Tribune reported that McDonald engaged in a roundtable discussion at the Montana National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. He was joined by representatives from local veterans groups, universities and state veterans agencies. The meeting was just one of his stops – he will continue to travel around the state all week, speaking with Montana vets and touring area VA facilities. McDonald has been in his position since July, when he took the job after Eric Shinseki resigned amid a public scandal concerning long wait times at VA facilities across the country. Since taking over the seat, McDonald has visited 20 states to speak with local veterans, noted Military Times.

McDonald started his speech by acknowledging the state's vast servicemember community, since Montana has the second-highest per capita veteran population in the country. He explained to local vets that the government is well aware of the sizeable number of soldiers in the region and will continue making health care for Montana vets a top priority. 

Significant changes to come 
McDonald's first order of business is to hire new staff to care for Montana veterans, largely due to a hefty claims backlog that he would like eradicated by the end of 2015. While local VA centers are currently having employees work overtime to sift through these claims, he noted that not only is this unacceptable, but unsustainable. McDonald acknowledged that the nation's veteran population is only growing larger, especially in Montana, and that the VA needs to step up its efforts to deal with the expanding demographic, noted the Great Falls Tribune. 

Military Times explained that McDonald has already started hiring new Montana VA workers, including cardiology nurses and urologists. He hopes to place a bigger focus on bringing in talented mental health workers, responding to a nationwide push for increased attention to the psychological well-being of former soldiers. The source noted that he specifically hopes to bring qualified mental health specialists to rural areas, where local vets might not have easy access to this type of care. The source also noted that the VA is looking into constructing more Montana outpatient surgery facilities, providing increased access to telemedicine services and even creating a transportation program for vets with limited access to cars. 

The recent addition to the VA has also been influential in spearheading investigations at centers across the country where patients reported receiving low-quality care. He has also renewed the organization's commitment to ending veteran homelessness, reported the source. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced it would be granting $30 million to help Los Angeles area homeless veterans in their life after service. The grant comes as part of a larger initiative, explained a VA news release. The department will be giving $93 million in total toward this cause, and the money will be distributed across 15 U.S. cities. The larger initiative is known as the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. 

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the money will be used over the course of three years. It will be invested in both consumer cooperatives and private nonprofit institutions committed to providing veterans and their families with housing. The ultimate goal is to provide low-income and at-risk servicemembers with the resources they need to get off the streets and into permanent residences. 

"This is a program that works, because it allows VA staff and local homeless service providers to work together to effectively address the unique challenges that make it difficult for some veterans and their families to remain stably housed," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. 

The Veterans Affairs department recently announced its plan to loosen one of its policies to make it easier for former soldiers to access quality medical care in their life after service. The current standard dictates that veterans have to live at least 40 miles in a straight shot from the closest VA medical facility in order to qualify for government-funded private health care services. The Washington Post reported that the updated rule will instead measure distance in driving miles, using programs like MapQuest and Google Maps to get an accurate reading. 

Distance rules adjusted 
This change is part of an ongoing attempt to revitalize the VA as a whole and deliver proper health care to former servicemembers. The Wall Street Journal noted that this rule adjustment is being made to the Veterans Choice Act, a piece of legislation that was passed last year after many vets reported medical complications directly linked to long wait times at VA institutions. While the act was a good start, its original method of distance measuring immediately drew criticism from lawmakers and veterans advocates alike. 

According to The Wall Street Journal, the straight-line distance policy was not doing much to help rural vets, who, despite living within a 40-mile straight line, may need to take roundabout routes to access highways and commercial roads, making their actual driving experiences much longer than that. By plugging their home addresses and VA destinations into commercial mapping programs, however, they are able to prove that their health care commute may actually total well over 40 miles, making them eligible to receive VA-funded private care. 

Reactions positive, but more can be done
The adjustment was met with applause by critics who had been pushing to have it changed. The Washington Post reported that House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller described the new rule as "a welcome, commonsense change" to the VA health care system. 

Despite the support for the change, however, some still feel as though the government should be doing more to provide former soldiers with exceptional medical care. The Wall Street Journal explained that the rule does not take into account what type of VA facility the veteran in question lives near, which could contribute to medical issues. For example, a vet requiring special treatments who lives near a VA institution that does not offer them will not be able to take advantage of government-funded private care. Likely, he or she will still have to make a long commute to a far-away VA center that does offer these treatments, or he or she will need to pay for private care by him or herself. This is a major concern for many veteran groups, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, an organization that is continuing its campaign to adjust this policy. 

The Washington Post indicated that the new distance rule will be implemented sometime in the coming weeks. 

In an effort to revamp the Veterans Affairs department, President Obama has nominated a new candidate for the VA's undersecretary of health position.

According to Military Times, Obama has selected Dr. David Shulkin, currently the president of Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. The source also noted that the president nominated LaVerne Council, CEO of Council Advisory Services, for the post of the VA's assistant secretary for information and technology. The two positions have gone unfilled for months, but once the Senate approves Obama's choices the new leaders are expected to take over immediately.

NJ.com reported that Shulkin has been at Morristown since 2010. Previously, he was vice president of Atlantic Health, and spent time as president and CEO of New York City's Beth Israel Medical Center. His experience as both a doctor and an administrator is what made him the president's first choice, explained the source. His selection was informed by a search committee that examined prospective candidates and sent Obama their recommendations.

The job Shulkin will likely be taking over was previously held by Robert Petzel, who resigned after it was revealed that VA facilities all over the country, but particularly the branch in Phoenix, had incredibly long wait times that officials believe may have cost some veterans their lives. In addition to improving the quality of management for the department, Obama made it a priority to get veterans the best medical care possible in their life after service. NJ.com noted that president signed a bill in August that would fund private medical care for former servicemembers who could not get a VA appointment within 30 days.

Although there is not an official timeline for when the Senate will approve Obama's choices, they are expected to agree with his decisions and start enacting much-awaited changes in the near future.