Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization committed to building homes for those in need, hopes to break ground on a special project in Leesburg, Florida.
According to the Daily Commercial, the group's Lake-Sumter, Florida, branch is currently attempting to gain support, permission and funds for the $3.4 million sustainable housing community exclusively for veterans. The village would contain enough one-bedroom duplexes to house between 14 and 20 former servicemembers.
The location was chosen for its ample land, as well as its walking-distance proximity to important resources for veterans in their life after service. Some of the nearby institutions include LifeStream Behavioral Services, the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, places of worship and veteran-friendly employers.
At a gala fundraiser held for the branch's 25th anniversary, Kent Adcock, president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, encouraged attendees to donate to the first-ever "Veterans Pocket Neighborhood." He noted that millions of veteran households pay between 30 and 50 percent of their income for housing, and that increasing numbers of post-9/11 veterans are experiencing crippling unemployment rates in their life after service. He believes that offering even marginal help with housing will make a huge impact, noted the Daily Commercial.
"It's not going to happen overnight, but we know that if we work together, we can provide sustainable housing solutions for those who are in need in our veteran community, those who have done so much for us," he stated at the event.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, veterans are trying something new to deal with the problems they face in life after service: Shakespearean theater.
According to the Journal Sentinel, the Veterans Affairs hospital in the Midwestern city runs a program known as "Feast of Crispian," in which local professional theaters and directors work with former servicemembers to perform scenes from some of Shakespeare's greatest works. The selections typically deal with themes such as trauma, loss and emotional struggles – all things that many of the participants are trying to work through themselves.
The program takes place in the space of a three-day workshop, which is free for all of the veterans involved. It was founded by Bill Watson, a faculty member in the theater department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in partnership with his wife, Nancy Smith-Watson, who is an actress, and another drama professor, Jim Tasse. The group wanted to help veterans express their emotions and work through any issues that might be plaguing them. Using a technique developed by Massachusetts-based Shakespeare and Co., they choose rhythmic, emotional scenes with lots of physical movement. This, paired with group exercises, allows the directors to connect with one another as well as their personal emotions.
The Journal Sentinel noted that veterans are assigned scenes and acting partners on the first Friday night. They practice them throughout Saturday and Sunday, getting help from the professional actors who often stand on the sideline, calling out forgotten lines or explaining complicated plot points. On Sunday afternoon, they perform for friends and family.
Many of the veterans enroll in the program on a whim and end up coming back multiple times.
"I fell in love with it. It has enabled me to feel more self-confident. It gives you a sense of accomplishment when you finish," Chris Nickrant, former Air Force member, told the Journal Sentinel. Nickrant has acted in all but one of FoC's sessions since the program began a year and a half ago.
In honor of Veterans Day, convenience store chain 7-Eleven has started its first-ever giveaway contest, opened exclusively to veterans, named Operation: Take Command. According to CSPnet.com, the winner of the contest will get $190,000 to franchise any of the available store locations within the U.S.
In order to qualify for the grand prize, contestants must be at least 21 years old, have been honorably discharged from the service, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have three years of experience in a leadership, retail or restaurant position and have good credit. Marine Corps Times reported that veterans who enter the competition will undergo the standard 7-Eleven franchise application process. This includes multiple interviews, leadership evaluations and discussions concerning business plans, budget and location. The top 10 applicants will need to submit a video to Facebook outlining why they are the best fit for this tremendous opportunity. Once the videos have been posted, the public can vote for their favorite contestant.
The convenience store chain is no stranger to military service. Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven's chief executive officer, is a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point and a retired officer for the U.S. Army, who got involved with the company in his life after service. Currently, the organization gives a 20 percent discount to veterans looking to open their first franchise, which can save them about $50,000. The business also offers former servicemembers preferred interest rates and special financing to get their store off the ground and running, noted Marine Corps Times.
The business has been named to multiple lists for Military-friendly employment.
"7-Eleven is a winner, too, because veterans bring top-notch leadership skills, a can-do attitude and mission-oriented focus to their business. Our experience has shown that U.S. veterans have the desire, ambition and core values needed to be successful 7-Eleven franchisees," DePinto told Marine Corps Times.
Three California-based Marine veterans, John Preston, Shane Roberts and Justin Heisey, released a four-track album entitled "Your War is Over" on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
According to Marine Corps Times, the album, which was inspired by the troubles soldiers face overseas and at home, aims to raise awareness about the difficulty of military transitions. The band, which operates under Preston's name, released the first single on Oct. 20. The song, entitled "This is War," also featured a music video that highlighted current issues faced by Marines.
Bound by a passion for music and service
Warrior reported that Preston and Heisey started playing music together in 2001. Inspired by the challenges facing the nation and his own family, Preston penned a song called "No Matter Where I Am," which he shared with his colleague and fellow musician. The two soldiers got the opportunity to record the tune, which was eventually played by local radio stations in Kentucky, Preston's home state. Hearing his music on the radio was emotional for the servicemember.
"This was only my second dream ever to have been accomplished. The first was being a Marine," he told Warrior.
In 2003, Preston and Roberts created a band named Hwy 42. The two played together until 2007, when Preston relocated to California and became a full-time firefighter. When he sustained an injury during work, however, he took it as a sign to return to his musical roots. He called upon his two friends and the three veterans were signed by Pacific Records.
Raising awareness through song
The album is intended to be a tribute to all veterans and let them know they are not alone in how they feel. Marine Corps Times reported that 30 percent of the proceeds from the album will go to the Boot Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping former soldiers find jobs, housing and stability in their life after service. The musicians were motivated to give to veteran services after their own difficult transition experiences, in addition to watching a number of their friends struggle to adapt to civilian life.
According to Warrior, the group witnessed some of their close friends experience post-traumatic stress disorder, drug addiction and even jail time as a result of feeling lost upon returning home. They hope this album, which draws from a variety of rock and country influences, will help veterans feel less alone and show civilians the true sacrifices servicemembers make.
"Our goal is to get people to see what's going on. We have 22 of us a day who commit suicide. Per day. We can't allow this. We need to help in any way we can," Preston told Warrior.
The star-studded Concert of Valor, held on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall, drew hundreds of thousands of civilians and servicemembers celebrating Veterans Day.
The performance was sponsored by HBO, Starbucks and Chase Corp. with the goal of raising awareness of the problems faced by post-9/11 veterans, noted Military Times. Tickets to the event were free, but donations to benefit the cause were strongly encouraged.
According to ABC 7, a variety of talented performers participated to make the concert a truly special experience. Some of the headlining acts included Metallica, Dave Grohl, The Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Bruce Springsteen and The Zac Brown Band. Interspersed between the music were video messages to soldiers from big-name celebrities like Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey.
The concert was broadcast by HBO, which made the channel available to non-subscribers for the special occasion. For people watching at home, it was certainly an incredible experience, but for those lucky enough to be in attendance, the event was undeniably moving.
"This is the first time since I've been back that I've felt honored to be back home, and I'm 65 years old. They treated us like criminals when we came back home. They didn't give us a parade," Bobby Monk, a disabled Vietnam veteran from Washington, told ABC 7 as he reflected on his life after service.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for Army Staff Sgt. and Vietnam prisoner of war James VanBendegom.
According to Military Times, the soldier was only 18 years old when he deployed to Vietnam for his first tour of duty in 1967. After just three weeks overseas, VanBendegom disappeared after being seriously injured during combat near the Cambodian border. He was taken by North Vietnamese forces.
Three days after he was taken, VanBendegom's mother received a knock at the door. She was greeted by Army officials alerting her that her son was missing in action, reported Military Times. The family held out some hope, however, when they got word that POWs would be released and sent home in 1973. Upon learning that their beloved soldier would not be returning with this group of servicemembers, they held a small remembrance ceremony. They later learned from other captured troops that VanBendegom's injuries had been so severe he had perished shortly after being taken.
As the tight-knit clan tried to move past the grief of their loss, VanBendegom's remains were also being moved. In 1986, a woman in Vietnam found human bones and delivered them to American officials at a refugee camp in Thailand. The bones remained in storage in the U.S. until a genetic match was found. On Oct. 17, they were confirmed as belonging to VanBendegom. His family was alerted and the remains were flown back to his hometown after almost 50 years, reported Military Times.
According to WISN, many strangers came out for the funeral to support the family, who appreciated the overwhelming show of love. "Unless you experience it first-hand, you just can't grasp the enormity of it. It's hard to put into words," the soldier's brother, Gary VanBendegom, told the source.
VanBendegom was buried next to his father, a World War II veteran.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, or the day when U.S. citizens express their gratitude to the many servicemembers who have served the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, there are 21.8 million veterans in the country today. Check out the ways in which you can show your respect and appreciation today and every day.
Attend an event
There are a number of parades and gatherings taking place across the U.S. on Veterans Day. In Washington, D.C., you can attend the annual ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery. A wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns and a parade of colors is put on by different veterans' groups inside the Memorial Amphitheater. New York City holds the largest Veterans Day Parade in the country. According to Newsweek, this year's theme is "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave." The event is sponsored by the United War Veterans Council and runs from 26th Street to 52nd Street along Fifth Avenue.
Invest in their futures
According to CNN, one of the best ways you can pay your respects to those who have served the U.S. is by supporting their employment. About 77 percent of veterans have a hard time finding a job after they leave the military. Unemployment rates are also significantly higher among the veteran population, noted the source. This is especially true for veterans of recent wars – soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face unemployment rates around 10 percent, compared to the national average of 5.9. Consider hiring veterans or supporting local veteran-owned businesses to display your gratitude for their sacrifices.
Volunteer
Whatever your talents and resources are, there is a way for you to put them to work by volunteering for a veterans' group. Health professionals, especially those focusing on mental health, are always in high demand for the veteran population. Organizations like Give an Hour allow health care providers to volunteer their time to diagnose, treat and talk to veterans, who are not charged for the appointment. CNN noted that there are a variety of programs that involve connecting servicemembers transitioning to civilian life with people in their community who can help ease the often overwhelming change.
There are many opportunities to help the families of veterans as well, since many times they also need assistance coping with the realities of war. Groups like the Code of Support Foundation help military families navigate life after service and assists them in choosing the most beneficial resources.
Although the overall number of politicians and lawmakers with military experience is on the decline, Congress will be getting an increase in Afghanistan and Iraq veterans in 2015.
According to Military Times, at least 22 veterans of these wars have officially won their races and will be part of the new class. The six democrats and 16 republicans will join the existing 17 Iraq and Afghanistan vets currently in office.
Right now, there are 106 veterans in total serving in Congress. This number will drop next year but is still expected to remain above 100 as of now. Military Times noted that since the 1950s there have not been fewer than 100 former servicemembers in Congress at any given time.
According to St. Louis Today, many veterans are hoping this downward trend will not go on and that more young vets will continue to run. The source noted that many veterans feel as though military experience is a valuable resource that should be decently present in the government.
"Whether or not a member of Congress is a veteran doesn't affect their desire to address a problem, but their intimate knowledge of experience with deploying is really a key factor," Nick McCormick, legislative associate at the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told St. Louis Today.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ralph Rigby, the last continuously serving active-duty Vietnam War draftee, is retiring after 42 years in the Army.
According to the U.S. Army, Rigby had no plans for a military life when he was drafted at age 19 in 1972. Upon receiving his notice in the mail, his first reaction was to run away and dodge the draft. When he expressed his concerns to his mother, she reminded him that she did not raise a quitter, and that serving his country was a noble calling.
Rigby was first assigned to Fort Dix, New Jersey. From there he was trained in power equipment repairing at the United States Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. While he was drafted during the Vietnam War, the servicemember never served there. Instead, his first overseas assignment was in Kwachon, South Korea. According to the Army, Rigby knew that military life was for him after that first deployment. He quickly signed up to remain on activeduty and climbed up through the ranks.
Throughout his lengthy Army career, Rigby took on many roles, from platoon sergeant to engineer equipment maintenance supervisor. His favorite positions were ones that included fixing things. According to his colleagues, his passion and talent for maintenance was one of the defining features of his service. He was always willing to work hard to fix things.
Military Times reported that the soldier's retirement ceremony took place Monday, Nov. 3, which was also his 62nd birthday. He plans to spend his life after service in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
"It's mandatory to get old, but only optional to grow up. The Army has allowed me to travel and see things that I would have never seen otherwise. For that, I am thankful," he told the Army.
As part of an ongoing reform of VA legislation, some veterans will receive "choice cards" this week. The cards will enable the former servicemembers to use private medical care providers and have Veterans Affairs pay the bill.
According to Military Times, the program, which was approved by Congress in July, will last for two years. The first veterans to receive their cards must live at least 40 miles from the closest VA facility. Once they get their card in the mail, they can officially register for the program through private medical contractors and get a referral within 5 days. The second round of cards being sent out will go to veterans who are on a VA center waitlist that exceeds 30 days.
Military Times reported that 700,000 veterans will receive cards between these two groups. After December, the 8 million remaining veterans who are signed up for government health programs will get cards as well. They will not be able to use them because they do not fit the card criteria, but they are receiving them in case their future circumstances change and they become eligible for the program.
The initiative aims to help veterans get the care they need while the VA undergoes a vast makeover. This comes after this summer's VA scandal, when long wait times and improper care at the institutions were exposed. In addition to reevaluating facility staffs and implementing the choice cards, officials have started sharing wait times with the public electronically and issued 27 new leases to increase the amount of care available.
"We're hoping that for those veterans, this will all be pretty seamless," Dr. James Tuchschmidt, VA's acting principal deputy under secretary for health, told Military Times.