tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88349961010076642802024-03-07T19:23:11.053-08:00Veterans Affairs AdvocateBringing you up-to-date veterans benefits information and veterans employment assistance. You will find useful links to VA and veterans employment services. Articles and information covering PTSD, filing for benefits claims, available veterans medical assistance and job searching techniques for veterans.
Copyright 2006-2008 All Rights ReservedMary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-38694890941143642202008-08-11T14:39:00.000-07:002008-08-11T14:42:44.166-07:00SOS Sent Out To "Support Our Solders" by Julie WalkeSOS Sent Out To "Support Our Solders"By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Julie_Walke]Julie Walke<br /><br />A group of concerned and innovative companies and one private university have developed a four phase program called Support Our Soldiers (SOS) to assist Active Duty Military Personnel and Veterans in transitioning into a productive civilian life. The first two phases of the program include a 9 day family based camp that involves the entire family unit including military spouses and children, parents, grandparents and significant others. At the Camp the entire family is taught to recognize and manage behaviors that are associated with combat trauma.<br /><br />Phase two at the Camp involves work, job and career counseling where the trained camp counselors, which include many military veterans, begin the process of successfully transitioning military personnel from military service into civilian life. This phase has one key goal in mind... to help these transitioning men and women find careers based on individual interests, skill sets, and regional employment opportunities in the civilian world after discharge from the service.<br /><br />The third phase of this innovative program involves Follow-on Services. Services include PTSD Education, Career Training and Support and Emergency hotline services for Veterans, their relatives, friends, and employers who may have to deal with a PTSD related crises. This phase is designed to ensure that transitioning military personnel receive adequate on-going help by arranging internships and providing on-going communication, guidance, and assistance to the transitioning personnel, their families and their employers thereby increasing the chances of a successful assimilation into civilian life. The program places special emphasis on Veterans Helping Veterans, including service-disabled veterans, by providing networking resources to connect a wide range of existing training and employment opportunities from both the veteran and civilian population.<br /><br />The fourth and final phase of the program includes the process of program evaluation. The evaluation includes assessment, accountability, and enhancement of the program's past and future operations.<br /><br />The team assembled for this effort is comprised of a highly experienced and qualified group of private organizations that fulfill the scope required to develop and run an effective program that begins and continues the healing process for our Heroes. The team includes the following members:<br /><br />The Minnow Lake Foundation, IncThe Camp Minnow Lake vision is to provide a place where families, from all walks of life, come together to learn from each other important values, mutual respect, team work, and new skills. Families learn to build self-confidence, care, and concern for our natural environment while nurturing each other. The Camp provides a combination of experiences that foster the development of positive and diverse relationships for the betterment of society.<br /><br />In 1983 the first official Camp Minnow Lake office headquarters was opened for year round business and work and the staff was made up completely of volunteers. 1984 marked the first resident family camp - Family 4th of July Camp at Idyllwild, Calif. Fifty families from low income areas of San Diego were chosen with the help of 19 local school districts. Each family was given a scholarship to attend the July 4th weekend camp along with 50 camp volunteers. Together, 230 people from diverse ethnic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds proved that understanding, tolerance, appreciation of nature, and love of self and others can be fostered in the camp environment. A formal evaluation demonstrated the success of this first camp and has become the basis for ongoing funding efforts both locally and nationally.<br /><br />Simons and Associates Psychological Consulting ServicesSimons & Associates is a team of behavioral health specialists working in the field of Employee Assistance and Corporate training and Development. Comprised of corporate, military, and academic experienced psychologists (Ph.D.), psychiatrists (M.D.), marriage and family counselors (MFCC), human health/resource (RN/HR) and legal consultants, the team provides short term training and intervention and longer term, innovative consultation, training, and executive coaching.<br /><br />SEIDCON, Inc.SEIDCON is an American-Indian and woman owned 8(a) firm. The company has supported the Department of Defense and other federal agencies--including the Veterans Administration--for over 25 years. Over half of Seidcon's employees are retired military, with 3 of 5 board members having U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army backgrounds. Seidcon's Program Management, Contract Management and business acumen make the firm an outstanding choice to lead and oversee our team efforts. These efforts require accomplished, involved leaders with very strong logistics and financial capabilities, to ensure our heroes, our troops, arrive home to impassioned care that will result in fulfilled lives for all of them and their families.<br /><br />California Miramar UniversityCalifornia Miramar University (CMU) is a California State Approved private postsecondary institution offering Certificate Programs, Corporate Training Programs, and Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degree Programs in Business and Leadership. After a State Approved change of ownership in 2004, the private California University received additional permission from the State to move the University from Los Angeles to its present location near the Miramar Marine Corp. Air Station in San Diego. While in San Diego, the University has become an active participant in local and international organizations and innovative projects such as its own Military Spouse Scholarship program to assist military spouses by offering affordable educational opportunities coupled with child care for individuals whose spouses are deployed in the service of our nation.<br /><br />Tax deductible contributions can be made to the Support Our Soldiers program by contacting The Minnow Lake Foundation, Inc. at <a href="http://www.minnowlakefoundation.org/">http://www.minnowlakefoundation.org</a><br />Julie Walke<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Julie_Walke">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Walke</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?SOS-Sent-Out-To-Support-Our-Solders&id=1252231">http://EzineArticles.com/?SOS-Sent-Out-To-Support-Our-Solders&id=1252231</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-35141843059264137992008-07-17T18:35:00.000-07:002008-07-17T18:39:59.043-07:00Effective Techniques for PTSD Treatments - Part 2 by Jay BosePTSD Treatment<br /><br />It is very important to understand the core stimulus of the post traumatic stress disorder before a remedy can be identified. One of the challenges for psychotherapists is to make the patient open up and describe the event that had caused the trauma. You wish there was something like an eraser that you could use to wipe the traumatic experience from memory or pull a power cord from your brain that would reset the memory. But these are just wishful thinking and more of a pipe-dream. At the core of all PTSD treatments there is only one goal, make you learn to come to terms with yourself - a kind of meeting yourself half-way, recognizing that the past cannot be reversed, but steps can be taken to ensure that the present and future does not involve another such a traumatic experience.<br /><br />Medications for PTSD treatment<br /><br />A key element of PTSD is depression, following be excessive anxiety. Anti-depressants may be prescribed to the patient to calm down the nervous system. When your mind is calm, your physiology also relaxes. If the patient is also suffering from excessive nightmares and episodes of waking up in a cold sweat, tranquilizers may be prescribed. However patients could develop an inclination to overdose on such medications, which could do more harm than any good. So if medications are prescribed as a part of PTSD treatment routine, they should be properly monitored and controlled. However, medications are seldom the only remedy for PTSD. These are short term and temporary in nature and there is a risk that the patient may get addicted to it. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the medication may start to lose is potency after a while when the body gets used to it.<br /><br />Group Therapy as a PTSD treatment<br /><br />As discussed earlier, the most challenging aspect of PTSD treatment is to make the patient open up and provide an accurate description of the event. Patients have the inclination to keep things bottled up like they've always been ever since that traumatic event occurred in their life. Moreover they feel that the trauma is a personal demon that nobody can help eliminate. Such mental stigmas are the core inhibitors for treating PTSD sufferers. They tend to believe that they are beyond help and nothing can help them overcome their problem.<br /><br />Research and statistics have proven however that if several patients who have suffered similar traumatic experiences before are brought together and made to talk among their experience, they feel more agreeable to open up. This is the core philosophy behind group therapy which is centered around the concept of sympathetic bonding.<br /><br />Let's say for example, you are an accountant by profession and you are asked to participate in a forum where a bunch of cardiologists are discussing the latest advances of open heart surgery. Do you think you will open up and talk about why it is so important to have credits and debits cancel each other for a correct balance sheet? But in that same forum, even the most introvert cardiologist who has never met anyone else in the group could be seen to turn out to be a very active contributor on an invigorating discussion. This is the concept of "the like attracting like" or sympathetic bonding. This is what group therapy entails when used as a PTSD treatment method.<br /><br />The psychotherapist(s) may be present physically or behind a one-way glass wall or through a video feed among the group of PTSD sufferers, who may or may not be aware that their conversation is being monitored by qualified mental healthcare professional(s). As the subjects begin to talk casually at first, eventually they start to talk about their experiences. That is when the psychotherapist(s) present get busy taking notes and analyzing the conversation.After a while the patients really start to open up one by one in the company of fellow sufferers (or sympathizers) and can begin a vivid replay of the traumatic event. Such descriptions provide valuable insight to the psychotherapist(s) on the nature of the problem, which in turn helps them analyze and determine possible remedies.<br /><br />Post session research has also revealed that PTSD patients feel more relaxed having had the opportunity to "bare their chest" and finally have someone that they can relate to, listen to and share their own traumatic experience. It is the same effect as opening the lid off a pressurized container. The release of all that tension and pent up grief, by simply discussing their experiences with like minded people significantly helps to relax their nervous system. Whatever the psychotherapist recommends after such sessions can only have a positive effect on the patient.<br /><br />Other PTSD treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy have proven themselves to be pretty effective as long as the patient is willing to open up and provide a true account of their experience. Patients have been reported to get into shock and feel extremely distressed when asked to describe their experiences, so it is very important that the psychotherapist does not rush through the session or convey any sense of urgency to the patient. Instead this should be approached cautiously and delicately with a keen eye for any sense of over-exertion by the patient.<br /><br />Jay Bose operates his website at StressAndAnxietyFree.com, where he writes and coaches students on <a href="http://www.stressandanxietyfree.com/">http://www.StressAndAnxietyFree.com/</a> PTSD treatment how to leverage non-invasive techniques for <a href="http://www.stressandanxietyfree.com/">http://www.StressAndAnxietyFree.com/</a> anxiety and stress reduction. <a href="http://www.stressandanxietyfree.com/">http://www.StressAndAnxietyFree.com/</a> Post traumatic stress disorders are the most sensitive among stress related disorders and must be approached with a lot of care.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jay_Bose">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Bose</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Techniques-for-PTSD-Treatments---Part-2&id=1155356">http://EzineArticles.com/?Effective-Techniques-for-PTSD-Treatments---Part-2&id=1155356</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-91082287858491659292008-06-12T09:15:00.000-07:002008-06-12T09:16:40.125-07:00Effective Techniques for PTSD Treatments - Part 1 by Jay BoseEmotions are a gift of nature to us - they keep us human. Feelings of joy and sorrow are all natural reactions to situations in life. Interestingly enough, the same situation in life could be interpreted as joy for one person and sorrow for another. It depends on how we perceive as individuals perceive life. Two boxers knocking the living daylights out of each other in the ring obviously could not be considered as having a joyful time and yet the crowd might be thoroughly enjoying the exchange of blows. The good thing about emotions is that they are more temporary in nature - over time images of the situation could fade away from memory. However some emotions are so strong that they seem to remain indelible in our memory. Memories of such longer lasting emotions based on situations that are negative in nature and those that lead to extreme psychological stress when the conscious mind plays them back, are often classified as psychological trauma.<br />What's On Your Mind?<br />Psychological trauma could be as recent as an experience in adulthood or something as distant as early childhood. However that experience is so severe that anytime the mind wanders over to replay that experience from memory, it literally consumes you in sheer grief.<br />Children growing up in unhealthy, depressing conditions or in families that indulge in domestic violence or abusive behavior turn out to be prime candidates for developing post traumatic stress disorders pretty early in life. The trauma of childhood manifests itself in the person's character, thought process and behavior patterns. I've known women who have developed gamophobia (fear of marriage) because they came from broken homes and had witnessed bitterness in relationships between the birth parents. Those memories became the source for trauma and manifested themselves as a phobia for the woman, which in turn shaped her character and attitude towards men.<br />In the recent past there was an uproar in the community and news media about a video being published in Youtube® where a toddler was being taught how to smoke pot in his own home. I won't give you any credits for guessing how traumatic that experience could have been for the toddler, when every rational and mature person viewing it were disturbed by the graphic scenes. Where do you think the toddler will end up in life? All we can do is wish him luck.<br />Abusive supervisors at work could lead to psychological trauma for employees and literally destroy their confidence to perform or even go back to work. Sexual abuse is a common cause for women developing psychological trauma .Recent news about the polygamist who literally controlled the lives of several women disturbed viewers. Can you imagine the trauma that those women and their children went through and will carry on for the rest of their mortal life?<br />The worst part about traumatic experiences is that they are long lasting in memory and affects the future life - hence the term post traumatic stress disorder. In other words the events of a few moments manifest themselves as trauma for months and even years to come, leading to incessant feelings of anxiety, phobias, depression and even panic attacks. These lead to inhibitions, which in turn makes PTSD treatments a challenge to be effective let alone make any progress with the patient on stress and anxiety reduction.<br />In the example of the women with gamophobia, the post traumatic stress disorder could manifest itself as unreasonable hatred and distrust for men, jealousy for happy couples, depression, homosexuality and even alcoholism and drug abuse. So much so that such women may not feel comfortable to discuss the problem with a male psychotherapist.<br />Marines coming back from the war are prime candidates for post traumatic stress disorders. It does not matter how well you can train them, the gory scenes of war in real life and in real time can break the toughest of minds. It is one thing watching a video and an entirely different thing participating in the action. When we civilians watch news media coverage on television, we tend to ignore the events, but those brave soldiers that keep us safe at home don't have that luxury of ignoring reality. Pause for a moment to imagine how stressful and how traumatic it can be to see your brother or your sister or your close friends' life suddenly get extinguished in battle. The marines go through this stress and carry these traumas every day of their life. When they return the shock of their experiences could make them develop post traumatic stress disorder. Sole survivors of attacks where everybody in his unit lost their lives except himself often wonder what it was that spared his life. That is even more traumatic.<br />Challenges in PTSD Treatments<br />There is no shortage of examples of traumatic experiences and every situation is different. However the core theme for all cases psychological trauma is inhibitive behavior, anxiety and panic if the patient is even proposed with the idea of being exposed to a similar event even in virtual re-enactment mode. However the key to an effective treatment lies exactly in the patient willing to open up and share the experience with a qualified mental health professional. This becomes a major challenge for the psychotherapist to suggest any effective remedies for patients with post traumatic stress disorders.<br /><br />In the next article I will discuss some of the more effective techniques for PTSD treatments.<br />Jay Bose writes and offers coaching to students online on stress and anxiety reduction, <a href="http://www.stressandanxietyfree.com/">http://www.StressAndAnxietyFree.com/</a> PTSD treatments, and other mental ailments. PTSD treatments are often a challenge due to inherent inhibitions of the patient to discuss the stimulus of trauma. Post traumatic stress disorders can have a permanent impact on a person's character, outlook towards life and general behavior.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jay_Bose">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Bose</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Techniques-for-PTSD-Treatments---Part-1&id=1127735">http://EzineArticles.com/?Effective-Techniques-for-PTSD-Treatments---Part-1&id=1127735</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-49968443660939544082008-05-31T07:33:00.000-07:002008-05-31T07:37:54.354-07:00Another Memorial Day Tear Jerker by Pat KigginsThis is my fourth year of publishing an article on Memorial Day. I'm always surprised by the reaction that I receive each time I write one of these. I've received emails from total strangers saying how they can relate to the context of my article or how my article gave a person the courage to speak to their parent about the parent's war experiences.<br />Today, I started my Memorial Day like every other one in recent memory. I went outside and sat under the tree in my front yard just to have some time to myself to reflect on the meaning of the day. I search my memory to honor the men that I watched die. I always take time to pray for all those who have given their life for our country. Personally, I've only witnessed the deaths of a couple of handfuls of soldiers but I always remember to be true to the meaning of the day and pray for everyone who has given their lives.<br /><br />Then, I began thinking about the reactions of various people that I met this weekend. Usually, this is a relatively quiet weekend for me but not this year. You see, I attended the World Internet Summit in Dallas from Thursday through Sunday. There were hundreds of people there trying to learn how to make money on the Internet.<br /><br />I took the advice of some Veteran organizations and wore one of my Purple Hearts each day. The purpose of wearing your medals in public is to remind people that this is a weekend to honor our fallen soldiers rather than to focus on sales at the local mall. The reactions I received were varied and confusing.<br /><br />Some people came up to me and simply shook my hand and thanked me for my service. Others came up and asked me what the medal was and why was I wearing it everyday. There were people from other countries who had no clue what a Purple Heart was. One lady told me that I was a "political activist" and that I shouldn't be trying to inject politics into an Internet training event.<br /><br />On the night of the "networking" event, I had lots of people who wanted to talk about my military experiences rather than follow the agenda (which was to find other people who could help you in your online business).<br /><br />Probably the most touching part of the event was at the end when people were taking pictures with other attendees. People kept coming up to me and asking me if I would have my picture taken with them. Most were other veterans or simply people who found it refreshing that someone would take the time to wear a medal just to remind them what the weekend was all about. I think as many people thanked me for reminding them of the sentiment as thanked me for my service. That actually blew me away.<br /><br />You have to remember that I am a Viet Nam veteran and we aren't used to people thanking us for our service. In fact, most of us weren't greeted well after our war. I know many fellow veterans who fought in Viet Nam who purposely never told anyone that they were even in Viet Nam simply to avoid a confrontation.<br /><br />There were also several soldiers staying at the hotel who were spending the night before being shipped out to Iraq. I took the time to meet every one of them and thank them for their service. In fact, I happened to have some copies of my book, Wake Up... Live The Life You Love: Finding Life's Passion in my car so I autographed a copy for each of the soldiers and gave it to them so they would have something to read on their trip.<br /><br />This year, I decided to write an article that wouldn't make anyone cry. I want to be as upbeat as I can about a day that means so much to me. Here's what I learned from my experiences this weekend: that next year, I'm going to wear a medal everyday when I go out in public. The only way you can change the world is to take action with an end result in mind.<br /><br />I'll keep wearing my medals and I'll keep writing articles. In fact, since I'm personally mentoring 16 veterans this year for free and teaching them how to use their free veteran benefits to start a business selling products and services to the government, I'm going to encourage each one of them to write their own Memorial Day article for next year.<br /><br />I hope that each of you took the time to pray for a fallen soldier today. If you didn't, stop what you are doing and say a prayer right now.<br /><br />It has been an honor writing for you again this year,<br />Pat Kiggins, The Veteran's Mentor, <a href="http://www.patkiggins.com/">http://www.patkiggins.com</a><br /><br />Pat is a best-selling author, speaker, and is known online as The Veteran's Mentor. Pat is also an accomplished business executive, a proud "Vetrepreneur" and an even prouder parent of four outstanding children. If you would like to know more about Pat, please visit his web site at <a href="http://www.patkiggins.com/">http://www.patkiggins.com</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pat_Kiggins">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Kiggins</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Another-Memorial-Day-Tear-Jerker&id=1206841">http://EzineArticles.com/?Another-Memorial-Day-Tear-Jerker&id=1206841</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-62143003247638937622008-05-20T08:53:00.001-07:002008-05-20T08:56:11.672-07:00Top 10 Small Business Opportunities For Military Personnel by Candice ClemVeterans own over 5% of all small businesses in the United States. This growing number of small businesses, upwards of 4 million, is due to the success rate of veteran business startups being higher than the average due to the experience veterans have gained serving in the armed services. While there are a number of services to help veterans with business education, loans, and many organizations to help place veterans in jobs, until 1999 there were no services specifically focused on helping veterans start their own small businesses or franchise businesses.<br /><br />Currently the armed forces offer several programs and opportunities for ex-military personnel who are interested in starting their own small business, including home based businesses that will allow veterans to work from home. The army in particular now offers the Army Advantage Fund. This program offers those who qualify money to help start a small business. For a 3-year enlistment you can earn $25,000, for 4 years up to $35,000, and for five or more years you can earn up to $40,000. Here is a list of 10 great home business opportunities and small business franchises that can each be started for less than $40,000.<br /><br />#1 Spring Green is a Lawn care service franchise that has been serving communities for more than 30 years. They are locally owned and operated and invite franchisees to join them in service the $30 billion dollar lawn care industry. Spring Green also has a flex-start program, which allows franchisees to keep their current job while building the base for their new business. Also Spring Green offers a specific military assistance program as well that has a working grant from spring-green for veterans.<br /><br />#2 Health Career agents offers veterans the important and profitable business opportunity of working in the health care business market. There is a critical shortage of healthcare professionals all across America. Who understands recruiting better than the armed forces? Put that experience to work by helping to recruit health care professionals through being either an owner/operator of a franchise, or becoming a Health Career recruitment agent<br /><br />#3 American Business Systems, LLC is a state-of-the-art, web based electronic billing system. This solves medical offices' cash flow and billing problems. No special education or certification is needed, as full training and ongoing support are provided to the franchisee. By signing up medical offices you reimburse their claims and charge a small percentage fee to process the billing through the electronic system that dramatically speeds up the billing process and reduces errors that lead to insurance claims being rejected.<br /><br />#4 If your military service has left you with extensive experiences in technology and computer systems the Tech-Hero on site Computer Service franchise is looking for you. With a reputation of being professionals that work with customers to resolve computer and technology issues. Called heroes because of their desire to solve problems rather than bog down clients with "geek or nerd" terms the Tech-Heroes goal is to provide customers with exceptional service without making them feel ignorant or insignificant.<br /><br />#5 In Your Home provides meaningful and important services to the senior population by providing advice, modifications, remodeling, and on-going maintenance and repair to elderly homeowners who want to "age-in-place." If you have patience, solid work ethic, and a respect and care for elderly citizens, then In Your Home is a great small business opportunity to assist those senior members of the community to maintain their living standards so they do not have to relocate to nursing homes and elderly care facilities.<br /><br />#6 If you have a head for finances, organization, and the passion to be successful then you should consider the Blue Coast financial group. Adding the title of Blue Coast Financial Advisor to a resume can provide an abundant source of additional income. Blue Coast Financial Advisors are fully trained upon becoming franchise owners and specialize in money saving analysis of companies and small businesses. Many businesses overpay for their workers compensation packages, equipment lease and rental insurance, research and development tax credits and many more. Blue Coast Financial Advisors are trained to recognize these oversights and correct them saving the companies that hire them thousands of dollars in unneeded expenses.<br /><br />#7 If a more hands on type of home based business is what you are seeking in your small business venture look no further than PosiGrip. PosiGrip is a high profitable turnkey, home-based business with virtually no competition. Providing resurfacing and traction to slick and slippery-when wet surfaces such as concrete, tile, ceramic, and more, PosiGrip helps to combat the more than 9 million disabling slip and fall injuries accounting in more than 95 million lost work days each year. Each customer that utilizes your service also qualifies for a federal tax credit as a result of the safety provided by PosiGrip surfaces.<br /><br />#8 For the small business owner who is looking for complete flexibility in their business opportunity the DVDNow kiosk is a very attractive option. This incredibly low cost business opportunity provides people with the convenience of renting a new release DVD from a kiosk in a convenient location such as a grocery store without the hassle of having to make an additional stop at a video store and wading through hundreds of out of date titles. The DVDNow kiosk can be serviced when you want, and by only carrying the most popular titles you save on stocking older movies, which only represent 10% of all DVDs rented. The DVDNow kiosk is quick and easy to start and offers immediate return on your investment.<br /><br />#9 In the same vein of servicing machines the Vendstar vending machine company provides another 100% cash flow small business. The Vendstar owners set up as many vending machines as they choose to manage and service and can service and refill those machines at their convenience. With a cash-based business becoming a profitable small business owner is as simple as finding a location where people are and setting up your first Vendstar vending machine.<br /><br />#10 Finally a business with continuing demand and constant need for more franchisers is the home inspection business. With Home Team inspecting you receive all the training and support you need to become a fully trained and licensed home inspector. Whether you choose to run your business with a work force of one or manage a team of inspectors, the Home Team Inspection service provides a necessary component in all purchase and sales of homes. People always need a place to live and with more and more homes being built everyday each sale requires an inspection. With Home Team Inspection Services you can quickly set up your own inspection franchise today.<br /><br />These great opportunities appeal to the wide variety of skills and abilities that typically lead to high success rate in military personnel. For the military person seeking to run their own small business with the leadership and management skills that lead them to success in the armed services, these opportunities can help them find that same success and accomplishment in the business world.<br /><br />Find more articles about <a href="http://www.smallbusinesssale.com/articles/2008/03/19/top-10-small-business-opportunities-for-military-personnel/#more-4/">http://www.smallbusinesssale.com/articles/2008/03/19/top-10-small-business-opportunities-for-military-personnel/#more-4/</a> small business franchises and browse <a href="http://www.smallbusinesssale.com/articles/category/small-business-articles/">http://www.smallbusinesssale.com/articles/category/small-business-articles/</a> small business opportunities at <a href="http://www.smallbusinesssale.com/">http://www.smallbusinesssale.com</a> Small Business Sale.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Candice_Clem">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candice_Clem</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-10-Small-Business-Opportunities-For-Military-Personnel&id=1161069">http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Small-Business-Opportunities-For-Military-Personnel&id=1161069</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-41625611444034740222008-05-11T10:47:00.000-07:002008-05-11T10:50:59.025-07:003 Tips for Safely Dealing With the Returning Military Personnel for Businesses and Families by John MasonLet's start with a simple story regarding how many of we "civilians" have dealt with stressful situations. Perhaps something similar to this has happen to you. As an example, you get a call in the middle of the afternoon. You have just won a contest (or have to take care of a family emergency) and you have just 2 hours to get the business done or you lose out on this special deal... or family business. You must drive 40-50 miles to get where you need to be. You pull things together quickly and head out the door. As you jump into your car, you realize that you must fight commuter traffic to get where you are going and this will make your time pressure even greater. You get stuck in traffic and are surrounded by tired, frantic, hostile drivers that are all in a hurry. When you finally arrive at your destination, you are stressed and perhaps even a little traumatized by the harrowing events. Most of us can relate to this scenario and we can begin to recover from this experience. Now imagine the situation of a real life and death threat that does not end in a couple of hours but in a situation that goes on 24/7 (all day and all night) for 365 days. Whether they are under fire or not the very real threat of death is constantly there. This requires adaptations and adjustments that are both physical and mental. This is what our military personnel must confront when they are deployed in a combat zone for a one year tour of duty.<br /><br />I once experienced being rear-ended in my car. It was horrific! As I decompressed from having my car "totaled," I lived with trauma and spent more time looking in my rear view mirror than I ever had before. After 8 or 9 months, I relaxed a bit, but I am still more aware and cautious about what is happening behind me as I drive down the road. People surviving in dangerous environments, for long periods of time, often do not just "switch off" the survival postures as soon as they return home. These people return home changed. They are never going to be exactly as they were before their deployment. This "change" is not necessarily bad, just different or maybe unfamiliar. It takes adjustment from both sides to allow for the healthiest re-integration for the returning combat personnel. Our returning family member, friend, or employee will require time to decompress and to ease back into "normal" routines. After a year of combat deployment and the "adrenaline rush" of working in a combat zone, they may not find that their basic jobs, or their family life, is as interesting or exciting as their lives were in deployment. In some cases people get "addicted" to the excitement of deployment and may want to re-deploy without the full support or understanding of their family or friends. There may be a change in "stateside" values where regular work may be boring or seem unimportant compared with combat duty.<br /><br />If you are not a returned veteran, it is viewed as disingenuous to say, "I understand." What the returning vet is going through as the re-integration process develops. Unless you have been in combat, you probably can not accurately put yourself in their place. Since every individual who survives the traumas of combat in their own unique way, it may even be difficult to truly capture the state of mind of the returnee in every aspect of their psyche. It is not helpful for returning vets to feel that they are being "judged" by people who do not fully understand their situation.<br /><br />The immediate "on" that is needed for survival "in country" is not easy to let go of even with the relative safety of being at home. Survival mode is difficult to switch off. "Knee jerk" survival habits may "kick in" in response to home side situations like sudden noise or traffic congestion. Expect change! For family re-integration, it may be best to continue normal family routines and let your returned vet learn to fit into your routine without expectations of the length of time that this requires, and without the expectation that the vet will be able to "jump in" to the normal family routines. Solid and consistent routines will help. This can be made even more difficult when babies or young children are part of the family. Both the child/baby and the returning vet will both have re-adjustments to make.<br /><br />Tips for Dealing with Your Returning Vet:<br /><br />1. "Home Coming" ritual should be discussed, in advance, with your returning vet. Re-integration may be best suited with a "heros" return for some vets but a quiet return and being "left alone" for a while may be the request of the returning person and should be respected! Be happy, but do not force anything. Even a loving family deluge may be difficult until your returning person is really ready. So communicate about this in preparation of the return.<br /><br />2. Re-integration into the family (and back into "normal" life) should begin within 2-4 weeks but can take much longer. When enough time has passed, a gentle pressure to "normalize" can be applied. A future article will discuss this issue of "Enough time."<br /><br />3. A "Safety Plan" for a "TTO" (Training Time Out) should be in place even before deployment. This will include a "code word" or "signal" that when an agitated person needs to take a break from a discussion due to the upsetting nature of the content or situation a safe, short term separation for a Set Amount of Time should be allowed and encouraged before continuing the discussion. (A recommended half hour or more to "cool down" and to practice stress management should be arranged.) If one "time out", TTO, is not enough, then you should come back together and request this additional time. It is important to return, when ready, to complete discussion rather than to walk away and leave unfinished business in an unsatisfactory, unresolved way. We all have the urge to "handle things now" and we can't end the discussion until there is a resolution. This is neither healthy nor realistic, many issues take time and considerable thought before coming to a conclusion. We also need to learn that not every situation has to have a "winner" and a "loser," simply different views. Safety for both parties is the key!!!<br /><br />Dave Thomason is a 24 year Navy veteran serving in the 1991 Gulf War, 1999 Kosovo Campaign, and the Global War on Terrorism. He is currently working as and Educator/Consultant to the Navy on Domestic Abuse, Stress and Anger, and Combat Stress."<br />L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Success & Executive Coaching and Training.<br /><br />Please visit the Stress Education Center's website at <a href="http://www.dstress.com/">http://www.dstress.com</a> Stress, Stress Management, Coaching, and Training for articles, free ezine signup, and learn about the new telecourses that are available. If you would like information or a targeted proposal for training or coaching, please contact us at (360) 593-3833.<br /><br />If you are looking to promote your training or coaching career, please investigate the <a href="http://www.dstress.com/training_cert.html">http://www.dstress.com/training_cert.html</a> Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program for a secondary source of income or as career path.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=L._John_Mason">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._John_Mason</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Tips-for-Safely-Dealing-With-the-Returning-Military-Personnel-for-Businesses-and-Families&id=1150142">http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Tips-for-Safely-Dealing-With-the-Returning-Military-Personnel-for-Businesses-and-Families&id=1150142</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-38403036783419757532008-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:002008-05-04T19:37:28.163-07:00Write the Best Resume - Avoid this Common, Yet Fatal, Mistake by Angela ThomasLet’s face it. When searching for a new job, most people feel that time is of the essence and they want to get the best results in the least amount of time possible. Unfortunately, many people employ the strategy of creating ONE resume that they can submit for multiple job postings. Sounds logical right? You’ll be able to spend a lot of effort writing one good resume that can be used for many purposes. Well, while this sounds logical it is not exactly the best practice.<br />A resume that is BEST for one company is usually not the BEST for another. Even if you are applying to different job postings in the same general field, job postings usually differ. Some companies may be looking for one qualification in that field versus another. For these reasons it is extremely important to make sure that you tailor your resume for each job posting. So yes, this does mean more than one resume and yes this does mean that it will take more time when it comes to resume writing, however, tailoring your resume to each specific job posting will drastically increase your chances of being called for an interview.<br /><br />Why is tailoring your resume to the job posting or job description so important? The first reason is that it eliminates guesswork for your employer. When an employer receives a resume, he or she is looking for the perfect candidate. The employer has likely invested a lot of time and energy into creating a job description and/or job posting that best describes what they are looking for in a candidate. When they pick up and read resumes, they are looking for information that fits that job description. If you tailor your resume to that job description, immediately after reading your resume, they will say, “This looks like our perfect candidate, let’s call them for an interview!” Another reason that it pays to tailor your resume is that is shows that you took the time to create a resume specifically for that employer. A tailored resume usually will include, in the objective section, the specific job title as it was posted on the job description and the department/company name. This allows your resume to speak to the employer on a more personal level.<br /><br />Employers are short on time. They usually have a stack of resumes to consider including yours. You want yours to shine and show them that you are the perfect candidate. Avoid “cookie cutter resumes” and tailor your resume for each employer’s job description.<br />Author: Angela Thomas has been a hiring manager for over 4 years. Her expertise includes resume writing, cover letter writing, job interviewing, and business presentations. Visit: <a href="http://www.7tipshowtowritearesume.com/">http://www.7tipshowtowritearesume.com</a> for more tips on how to write a resume and cover letter.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Thomas">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Thomas</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Write-the-Best-Resume---Avoid-this-Common,-Yet-Fatal,-Mistake&id=359547">http://EzineArticles.com/?Write-the-Best-Resume---Avoid-this-Common,-Yet-Fatal,-Mistake&id=359547</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-17463227332647750762008-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:002008-05-01T11:55:44.935-07:00How To Conduct A Job Search by Randy PlaceYour job search campaign is conducted like any other project - by breaking it down into steps. So all you need to know is what step you're on. Then decide the next logical step to take.<br />To conduct your job finding campaign is as easy as a, b, c. That's because all you need to do is -<br />a) Know what step you're on<br />b) Activate it<br />c) Ask yourself what's my next step.<br /><br />Let's take an example. Suppose you're on an interview step of your job finding campaign. We discussed "learn how to interview" in yesterday's post. You can break down your interview into steps like this -<br /><br />1. Obtain a job description for this job from the company or recruiter<br /><br />2. Determine how your skills match those job specifications<br /><br />3. Plan your approach to the interview<br /><br />4.Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse<br /><br />5. Plan wardrobe (interview outfit)<br /><br />6. Get directions to interview site; dry run the day or weekend prior it if necessary<br /><br />So if you've just been invited to interview, determine what step you're on. The answer is the first step of getting a job description. Then activate the step by asking the prospective employer or recruiter for the job specs. Now ask yourself, "What's my next step?" The answer is to work at matching your skills and achievements to the specifications listed in the job description.<br /><br />You need to do this with all parts of your job hunt. Determine the step you're on. Activate it. And move on to the next step. That's how to conduct a job search. After you land, use the same process with all of your projects and activities.<br /><br />Randy Place, a career management consultant in private practice, and Internet host of Your Career Service <a href="http://www.yourcareerservice.com/">http://www.yourcareerservice.com/</a> Daily posts feature job-finding tips and career management advice. Topics include job interview tips, networking strategies, dealing with job loss, resume writing and personalized cover letters, getting ahead at work, how to handle standard interview questions and much more<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Randy_Place">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Place</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Conduct-A-Job-Search&id=1089275">http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Conduct-A-Job-Search&id=1089275</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-58511271740859529912008-04-29T14:54:00.000-07:002008-04-29T14:56:23.978-07:00Army Soldiers Bear Brunt of War in Iraq by Patsy MayJust once I would like the news to report information on Iraq that would be beneficial to the troops currently serving there. How many Americans are currently aware of deployment lengths for Army soldiers? Does anyone know or care that our Army men and women are serving fifteen month deployments with less than twelve months at home? This is longer than any other branch of the armed forces. Our Marines would have the next highest length of deployments currently at nine months, while the Air Force and Navy are only serving six month tours. Fair, I think not.<br /><br />We have allowed our Military to be divided into categories land, sea and air. I believe that if men and women enlisted in the Military they should be serving equally. One branch of service should not have to bear the brunt of the load based on a category. All of the men and women in the armed forces have been trained in basic weaponry. They know how to load, unload and fire a weapon. These are basic principles that every soldier has been taught regardless of their branch of service. Why are we not utilizing these skills and maximizing our troop reserves? I do not want to hear the reasoning of bickering and feuding military officials with the archaic rationale that one branch of service is better than another. According to the Pledge of Allegiance we are "One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all." Why are we not fighting accordingly?<br /><br />Why are members of different branches not allowed to volunteer for combat positions currently being held by Army personnel? If the Army can allow soldiers to volunteer for positions outside their military occupational specialty then other branches of service can as well. The Army allows a soldier serving in a role such as Military Intelligence to volunteer for a position as a gunner on a humvee to support convoys in Iraq. These men and women were not given months of special training for these positions. Therefore, months of special training would not be necessary for members of other divisions of the armed forces.<br /><br />If action is not taken to find relief for Army personnel then the Army will soon have to close up shop. Our men and women cannot continue to sustain these lengths of deployment without incurring physical and mental detriment. Our Government is well aware of this and there have been numerous studies on the mental and physical strain due to prolonged deployments. In 2004 the Army cited that twelve month deployments were to long for our troops and that the mental and physical strain was affecting their performance and well being. Now they have increased their deployment lengths to fifteen months. If twelve months was taxing what will fifteen months do?<br /><br />Of course the length of deployments is also a consideration factor for young Americans hankering to do their civic duty and fight for their country. The Army is currently having recruitment issues and no one has to ask why. How many young men and women do you suppose will want to join the Army, with fifteen month deployments, when they can join other branches of service where tours of duty are much shorter and less strenuous? Not to mention that soldiers currently serving in the Army will not be re-enlisting and who could blame them. Many have been to Iraq for numerous deployments and had to endure living conditions far worse than our Iraqi prisoners. I find this very sad and disheartening.<br /><br />Then of course there is the Back Door Draft. This is when the Army holds our men and women hostage and forces them to serve their country after their contract date has expired. How does this happen you ask? Well, the contract our young soldiers sign has a clause that allows the Armed forces to keep them in service past their release date if there is a shortage of trained soldiers to fill critical roles in combat situations. Imagine having your heart set on starting a new chapter in your life and then being told you are going to Iraq for fifteen more months and there is nothing you can do. Now, not only do you have to deal with the stress of a fifteen month deployment, you now have compounded issues of anger and resentment. Does your government care? No! They put you in a uniform, give you a gun and ship you off to destination nowhere. I do not know about you but this makes me mad to think that our government can take advantage of young men and women who have already given more than enough.<br /><br />I do not care if you support the war in Iraq or not. As Americans we should be giving something back to the men and women who are giving so much for us. Our Army soldiers are risking their lives everyday and many will not return home. They deserve to know that the people of their country are defending them. If you are concerned about the lengths of deployments and the conditions in which our soldiers have to live while serving in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, do something about it. Write your government officials; make them answer to the people. Let them know you disagree with our soldiers serving fifteen month deployments. Now is the time for us, as a nation, to protect and defend our Army soldiers as they defend us so gallantly every day.<br /><br />P. May<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patsy_May">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_May</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Army-Soldiers-Bear-Brunt-of-War-in-Iraq&id=917408">http://EzineArticles.com/?Army-Soldiers-Bear-Brunt-of-War-in-Iraq&id=917408</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-78307632994267429432008-04-27T12:23:00.000-07:002008-04-27T12:27:28.120-07:00Owing Taxes When You're In The Military - Uncle Sam Does Take Care Of You by Richard CloseAttention! During this current global situation the men and women of American's armed services are called on more and more to serve their country in some of the most dangerous places in the world. It's no secret that military pay is not the best and even military personal can get stuck with an IRS tax debt.<br /><br />Even though the IRS is known for their cold-blooded approach to collecting on unpaid debts, even they have to give up the respect due to our men and women in uniform.<br />IRS Support? For those of you who are in the military and your families, the IRS is far more lenient on their collection practices than with the average Joe, and it's important to know what the IRS can and can't due to your financial lifestyle.<br /><br />The IRS bends over backwards to make sure that troops stationed in hazardous areas, and combat zones around the World don't have to worry about an IRS debt.<br /><br />Care package...When you're in a combat zone the IRS will suspend the following for the service-person.<br /><br />· Filing tax returns: When you're getting shot at everyday that April 15th deadline can slip your mind. The IRS doesn't expect you to fill out your taxes in the middle of a firefight, and they don't expect you to work on your returns during the minimal amount of down time you have.<br /><br />· Paying back taxes: Most of your money has to go to your family. Since you're risking your life daily Uncle Sam isn't going to make you pay him while you're fighting for him.<br /><br />· The accrual of interest and penalties on a debt: You already owe a debt to the IRS, and when you get back to the States it will be waiting for you. But since you weren't able to pay through no fault of your own you won't have to worry about any interest or penalties. That can keep your debt from ballooning out of control.<br /><br />· Any and all collection activities: Since you're overseas any collection actions will only hurt your family and create undue hardship for them, so the IRS doesn't take any kind of collection against you or your family.<br /><br />Take your time...The time period that these actions will be suspended for equals the length of time the service-person spends in the combat zone, plus any time they have to spend in an out of Country hospital due to wounds, plus an additional 180 days.<br /><br />Even if you're not taking fire...But what about service personal who aren't in a combat zone? They can get relief from the IRS as well under the Service member's Civil Relief Act; also known as "Soldier's and Sailor's" or SCRA for short.<br /><br />When a service member has a tax debt that he/ she can't afford they can apply for a deferment of debt. This deferment can suspend all income tax debt due and collection actions. The deferment also protects your spouse from IRS collections. However there are some steps that must be followed to get a military deferment.<br /><br />1. You must submit a written request<br /><br />2. You must establish that they are active military<br /><br />3. You must provide proof that their ability to pay off the debt is affected because of their military service.<br /><br />4. You must be in compliance and not have any non-filed tax years.<br />You and your families have sacrificed so much for your Country, and you don't always get the praise you deserve. But you've got know you're loved and respected when the IRS will cut you a break.<br /><br />Now you have the smoking gun...Use it!<br /><br />Richard Close was an IRS-Hitman. He was a revenue officer who took out anyone that owed the IRS money. He left that behind and now helps thousands of Americans beat Uncle Sam and save thousands of dollars. The IRS-Hitman can help you with your tax debt problems. He offers free advice and tips on removing wage garnishments and bank levies; and arms you with the skills to slash your tax debt: Visit at: <a href="http://irs-hitman.blogspot.com/">http://irs-hitman.blogspot.com</a> or<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.taxdefensenetwork.com/">http://www.taxdefensenetwork.com</a>, or contact: email <a href="mailto:irs-hitman@taxdefensenetwork.com">mailto:irs-hitman@taxdefensenetwork.com</a> irs-hitman@taxdefensenetwork.com or 1-888-248-9058.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_Close">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Close</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Owing-Taxes-When-Youre-In-The-Military---Uncle-Sam-Does-Take-Care-Of-You&id=988172">http://EzineArticles.com/?Owing-Taxes-When-Youre-In-The-Military---Uncle-Sam-Does-Take-Care-Of-You&id=988172</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-32263611470616641072008-04-23T12:13:00.000-07:002008-04-23T12:15:50.384-07:00Preparing For A Job Interview? Make Sure You Know This by Aseriah JordanInterviews, for a lot of people, are the hardest part of a job search. Not to worry my friend, with a little preparation, you will ace the interview and then some. Just like when you take an exam, you have to study to be confident in getting a good grade. Interviews are no different, except not as nerve wrecking. It's rather simple to prepare for an interview and I have listed them for you.<br /><br />Interview Preparation<br /><br />First off, you have to have an idea of the questions you will be asked. Sit down and think about the questions you would ask if you were the one conducting the interview. As a note, you can't possibly anticipate every question, but think of the biggest ones. Doing this little exercise will provide you with a base to answer whatever the employer throws at you.<br /><br /> Key, first impressions are everything. When it comes to an interview, being presentable can make or break your chancing of getting the job. This includes showing up clean shaved, showered, haircut, in other words look professional. Just make sure you don't over do it (too much perfume).<br /><br />Even though what you say will sell you the most, body language has a huge affect on you communication. An experienced interviewer can read your body language like a professional poker player. While you may not be able to hide the messages your body sends, you can still control the things you say.<br /><br />In Summary<br /><br />This is just a simple, brief overview of what you can do to prepare yourself for an interview. Keep in mind the questions you have thought up and most importantly remain calm and collective. You will have success with this little insight but you can check out more information about interviews and what to expect by heading over <a href="http://www.shibaresumes.com/interviews.html">http://www.shibaresumes.com/interviews.html</a> HERE<br />Best of Luck and God Bless<br /><br />Aseriah is a senior writer at Shiba Resume and has written over 300 professional, entry-level, and recent graduate resume. His clients have had an incredible successful interview landing rate of 100%. If you are in need of a professional resume writing service you can find his services at <a href="http://www.shibaresumes.com/">http://www.shibaresumes.com</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aseriah_Jordan">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aseriah_Jordan</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Preparing-For-A-Job-Interview?-Make-Sure-You-Know-This&id=1128629">http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-For-A-Job-Interview?-Make-Sure-You-Know-This&id=1128629</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-5774716508983988372008-04-21T15:03:00.000-07:002008-04-21T15:07:53.168-07:00Why a Threesome Is Important To Your Marriage by Michael SchindlerShe was beautiful. And married. As a matter of fact, she and her husband were expecting their first baby. But that didn't seem to matter. After a long 15 month deployment, his short, three months at home were unexpectedly difficult - more difficult than his being gone. She wanted more, as did he.<br /><br />But what she wanted was much different than what he wanted; so he left for some "new relationship." No ties. No commitment. No responsibility.<br /><br />What did she want that seemed to drive him away? A threesome - but not in the way most would think. She wanted marriage coaching. She wanted someone to help them navigate the difficulties; someone to help them reconnect; someone to help them re-capture what they had before he left. What started out as a hopeful and rewarding relationship - even a new beginning with the baby on the way - was turning into a shattered, frightening...mess.<br /><br />This story was told to me as I was waiting to go on-air at a local radio station. I was sitting with a colonel in the final minutes before going "live" listening to her share how this promising young couple didn't know where to turn. I was having difficulty understanding how a couple wouldn't know where to turn, especially with all the resources made available. The colonel's answer was insightful, "maybe it wasn't that they didn't know where to turn, maybe it was simply that they didn't have anyone they could trust."<br /><br />It's all about trust. And even when you think you can trust someone - anyone - especially your life partner, often that violation of trust seems to be made public and then you begin to doubt the other relationships you have. All one has to do is look to the recent shake ups - Spitzer, Clinton, Haggert, the church; all supposedly stalwart, core character individuals or organizations who failed in the trust department. Is it no wonder we shy away from taking our challenges to a trusted individual or organization and maybe even doubt our spouse?<br /><br />It is for this reason that we have to seek out a third party - a marriage coach; someone who can provide a "tune up" for our relationship. Last year alone, over 25,000 military marriages failed. The most common reason outside of finances was that they couldn't "relate and were suspicious of their spouse."<br /><br />Mike and Tonia, one of the couples I interviewed for "Operation Military Family" had to redevelop their relationship and one of the key areas was trust. Because of Mike's experience in Iraq, he learned to trust his "brothers in combat" and everyone else was looked at with a suspicious eye. When he came home, he was detached and had "no real feelings - even for his daughter." Tonia knew that if they didn't seek out help, their eight years of marriage would likely come to a screeching halt. How they overcame many of their challenges and the resources they used became a highlight in the book.<br /><br />A starting point is the <a href="http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/">http://www.vetcenter.va.gov</a> Vet Center. In most cases there is a Vet Center in your local area and they'll provide both family and individual counseling. If not, you can always call your local <a href="http://www.va.gov/">http://www.va.gov/</a> Department of Veterans Affairs and they'll have a list of vetted counselors who are eager to assist. Bottom line? Find a marriage coach. Every successful athlete has a coach and typically every growing and successful marriage has someone who is providing some degree of mentorship.<br /><br />Another great resource is by Dr. Goldsmith called, " <a href="http://www.emotionalfitnessforcouples.com/">http://www.emotionalfitnessforcouples.com</a> Emotional Fitness for Couples." This book will help bring laughter and simple tips back into your relationship.<br /><br />Here are some suggestions on what other military couples are doing to have successful marriages:<br /><br />1. Think of the other person before you think of yourself. Look for ways to honor your spouse.<br /><br />2. Accept responsibility for dropping the ball when you do (this is a tough one). We all fail and need to admit our mistakes, ask for forgiveness and then ask what we can do to make it right.<br /><br />3. Look for ways to support your spouse. Each of you will be different and those differences will function like a division of labor. Where one is weak, the other can provide strength. If you try to make your spouse similar to you, you are making one of you unnecessary.<br /><br />The success of your relationship is going to be revealed in your daily habits. Mike and Tonia recognized that their daily habits weren't serving the longevity of their marriage so they took action. As a result, they were not included in the 25,000 failed marriages - they will benefit as will their children.<br /><br />Mike Schindler is the Associate Director to the President at Families Northwest. He is also the founder of Operation Military Family - a company committed to raising the awareness of what resources, programs and tools are made available to our service members and families. OMF drives funds from book sales and speaking engagements back into military marriage related programs and the Veterans Family Fund. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/">http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-a-Threesome-Is-Important-To-Your-Marriage&id=1115469">http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-a-Threesome-Is-Important-To-Your-Marriage&id=1115469</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-12380895161864976392008-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:002008-04-17T14:36:46.443-07:00Medical Transcription and Military Spouses - Strange Bedfellows? by Mary Ruff-KingMedical transcription is not only a great field in the healthcare industry, it is now being seen as a way to provide military spouses a means of income while traveling with their servicemen and women as they are transferred from post to post every 18-24 months.<br />The Departments of Defense and Labor, in conjunction with companies in the private sector, have teamed up to provide military spouses a way of pursuing a career that is as mobile as the military assignments given to their mates.<br /><br />With the advent of technology and the ability to find work both locally and online, medical transcription is an ideal profession to pursue for military spouses who are on the move every few years.<br /><br />The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) and the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) have teamed up with the aforementioned governmental agencies not only to promote medical transcription but also to access the largely untapped segment of the population-human resources who are desperately needed at a time when most seasoned, veteran medical transcriptionists are nearing retirement age themselves.<br /><br />A number of schools have opted to offer financial support or discounts for military spouses taking medical transcription training as an incentive to get into this field. Additionally, graduates of selected medical transcription training programs who earn the registered medical transcription (RMT) credential are eligible to participate in the Department of Labor's approved registered apprenticeship program, another incentive being offered to entice and motivate new talent into the medical transcription field.<br /><br />Forging this new path in the healthcare field is a necessity at this juncture. It is becoming clear that as more Americans age, the baby boomer generation will burden the healthcare industry and strain it in ways only a few visionaries can truly appreciate. Military spouses and medical transcription make a great marriage of desire to serve and ingenuity to provide our spouses of our military men and women a way in which to serve.<br /><br />Good, committed, and qualified <a href="http://www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com/">http://www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com</a> medical transcriptionists are desperately needed and in great demand. The government, AAMT, AHDI, and MTIA are creating ingenious ways to entice you and reward you for becoming a medical transcriptionist. Find out more about this fascinating and intriguing field by visiting <a href="http://www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com/">http://www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com</a> Medical Transcription Mastery Center.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff-King">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff-King</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Medical-Transcription-and-Military-Spouses---Strange-Bedfellows?&id=1010692">http://EzineArticles.com/?Medical-Transcription-and-Military-Spouses---Strange-Bedfellows?&id=1010692</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-77410009610514504892008-04-16T09:05:00.000-07:002008-04-16T09:14:21.753-07:00Comparison Of Army Tankers And Marine Tankers by Victor EpandThe following is an expert opinion by a Military Tanker: "Being a Marine Corps tanker is the way to go. Can't go into a lot of detail about how Army Tankers and Marine Tankers are different, just that the entire culture of the Army is so much different than the Marines. Either way you'll go to Ft. Knox, Kentucky. I found it to be a drab and miserable place. I give all due respect to the Army. Anyone who risks their lives in a combat field deserves respect. But, I could never have served in an Army unit. There just isn't that same Spirit."<br /><br />"Army tankers go to boot camp at Knox. You watch how they train and it was laughable. They'd be sitting around drinking beer on a saturday night talking about how hard boot camp is and how the Drill Sgt. was mean because he made them do 25 push ups. If I would have went to Army boot instead of the Marines I may have failed. Not because it is harder but because there just didn't seem to be that motivating."<br /><br />"Tanks are a great MOS. I loved it. I consider it the absolute best job in the Corps. I signed up for three years 1984-1987. As much as I loved it I did not want to do it for 20 years. It seemed too hard to keep at it for so long. I had my fill, I loved it. Then it was time to move on. If you want a great adventure, a way to be a part of a front line combat force without some of the more extreme hardships of the infantry, I definitely recommend Marine Corps Tanks. Only join though if you can stand the very real possibility of getting sent into combat, killing and possibly dying."<br /><br />"The army has some outstanding tankers. I would like to think our tanking skills are about equal, we are better off the tank and more disciplined as a hole just from what I saw. Yes, the army has new stuff and they will let you sign up for tanks where the Marine Corps will not. I like the armies' new crap but I don't think I could ever join the army. Tanking' is challenging but very rewarding."<br /><br />"All of the combat MOS's have to deal with the same stuff though. When it is cold, you are cold. When it is very cold you are very cold. When it rains, you are wet. Being wet and cold can last for days. Wet, cold and deprived of sleep. Same when it's hot or when it's very hot. You get dirtier out in the field than you would believe. All of this stuff is awesome, I just said okay this stuff is great, but 20 years?"<br /><br />"The daily schedule of a tanker isn't bad at all. The maintenance is no problem. PT is about what you would expect. It's just that darn winter I spent at Camp Fuji in 86. Mother Nature had no mercy on the mountain and the mountain had no mercy on us. We started off most days shoveling the snow off of our tanks before we worked on them all day. If we were out in the field for three days that meant that we were cold for three days."<br /><br />"Like I said, I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I don't have to sleep in the snow or the rain anymore. I was also never in combat but if you ever do go to Iraq or Iran or North Korea or some place and get into tank battles and stuff then you'll see that what I thought was a tiny bit hard is like a girl scout picnic. I'd say go for being a tanker. You will love most of it like I did. Then if you love it, stick with it for as long as you can. I don't think that you will want to make that career decision though until you have finished most of your first enlistment."<br /><br />"Being a tanker or armored crewman in the army or marine corp. is a challenge in its own. Going through your army or tank training is challenging in its own right. No one means to judge, but it happens when you have so much pride or better words pride in your branch of service. We all strive in one thing to be a tanker. The goal of every tanker is ride into combat on your m1a1."<br /><br />"Marine tanker or army tanker we all are tankers. The army guys around us were in the final stages of their OSUT training. We didn't have many if any at all recruits around us. And the only real difference between marine and army tankers are the pride in the Corps and the Army Units. The maintained is the same. The long hard hours are the same."<br /><br />Victor Epand is an expert consultant for <a href="http://www.wargear.info/">http://www.wargear.info/</a> . WarGear.info carries the best selection of <a href="http://www.wargear.info/categories/adventure-clothing-foot-head-handwear-rain-gear-logo-apparel.html">http://www.wargear.info/categories/adventure-clothing-foot-head-handwear-rain-gear-logo-apparel.html</a> military clothing, war gear, and combat accessories on the market.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Comparison-Of-Army-Tankers-And-Marine-Tankers&id=1104043">http://EzineArticles.com/?Comparison-Of-Army-Tankers-And-Marine-Tankers&id=1104043</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-9169163564295986172008-04-12T08:10:00.000-07:002008-04-12T08:13:32.244-07:00Preparing Your Family and Friends for the First Few Weeks of Deployment by Michael SchindlerIf you or your spouse are preparing for deployment, you surely have enough to think about without having to think about preparing your friends and family for this looming deployment. The thought of just preparing yourself and your children, if you have them, will bring you tears and frustration. As a matter of fact, it is pretty common to assume your friends and family should be looking for ways to comfort and prepare you. But understand this - out of sheer ignorance, your friends and family will need your help in order to best help you.<br />Simply put, you will need to manage your comfort and help and not rely on your friends and family to manage it for you.<br /><br />Jody, who was interviewed for our project, shared how family and friends were quick to offer support the first week her husband was deployed. But shortly after, within two weeks, the support seemed to diminish and by the end of the month, there was only one person who called her on a weekly basis. She knew it wasn't because they weren't sympathetic, it's just that they didn't know what she needed and they got caught up in their own lives.<br /><br />Interview after interview revealed that friends and family will likely need very little coaching or reminding of your needs or situation when you or your spouse first deploys. It's the weeks and months after the first couple of weeks where they may need help.<br /><br />You must prepare them for the longevity of the deployment.<br /><br />Here are several suggestions, found to be effective by Jody and others with deployed spouses, to help prepare your network on ways they can stay connected to you and help you throughout the deployment:<br /><br />Remind your network and TELL your network how they can stay connected beyond the first two weeks. Let them know the best way to reach you and stay in touch, whether it is email, phone, IM, letters, etc.<br /><br />Let your network know that it would be a great help if someone offered to take your children to school occasionally. This will provide you a little "me time" in the morning as well as keep an outside influence around your children.<br /><br />Tell one of your friends or a family member - preferably one you like to associate with - to put you on his or her call list once a week. The "just calling to say hi" was a welcome call to Jody.<br />If someone is a great cook, ask if they are open to making double the amount of food and putting you down as a recipient.<br /><br />It may seem odd to ask your friends for help, especially when its a bit uncomfortable and most of these tips seem like common sense. But as Jody clearly stated, "they just don't know how to help, so tell them."<br /><br />These are just a few things you can pass along to your network to help them prepare themselves to help you as a spouse of someone deployed. Remember, take an active role in how your friends and family can help you; by doing so, this difficult time will seem less difficult.<br /><br />Mike Schindler is the CEO for a web-based marketing firm, developing subscriber bases for some of the top Fortune 500 companies. He is also the founder of Operation Military Family - a company committed to raising the awareness of what resources, programs and tools are made available to our service members and families. OMF drives funds from book sales and speaking engagements back into military marriage related programs and the Veterans Family Fund. <br /><br />More information can be found at <a href="http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/">http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Preparing-Your-Family-and-Friends-for-the-First-Few-Weeks-of-Deployment&id=1033129">http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-Your-Family-and-Friends-for-the-First-Few-Weeks-of-Deployment&id=1033129</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-6551905733106503022008-04-11T08:42:00.000-07:002008-04-11T08:46:35.181-07:00Ensuring Your Military Marriage Succeeds Despite Long Deployments - Part II Overcoming INDECISION by Michael SchindlerIf you've been married for any length of time, it's likely you and your spouse suffer from decision constipation - the inability to make a decision on anything without having a long debate or shelving it for later; only to find later never comes. Or perhaps this experience is shared by just my spouse and me. But gentleman's bet the next time you are sitting with your spouse and he or she asks, "What do you want to do?" you'll answer, "I don't know, what do you want to do?" The question will circle several more times before you settle to...watch TV.<br />In this second part of the three part series that will explore the divorce debate and provide tips on how to strengthen your military marriage, we'll uncover another one of the "marriage undertows": Indecision.<br /><br />In the previous article, Part I Overcoming Complacency, I mentioned observing a couple who made their divorce well known to everyone in the local coffee shop. They lost the romance, refused to make a decision to overcome their complacency and the result was a two inch stack of demands to make the divorce final. They were dragged down by the undertow.<br /><br />While complacency seems like an obvious detriment to your relationship, INDECISION is a bit sneakier. If you don't face this challenge in your relationship, you're ahead of the bell curve, but for most that have endured deployments, multiple kids, financial pressures and the "surprises" of every day life, the spontaneity that runs rampant during the courtship often seems to fall victim to exhaustion and indecision in married life. It doesn't happen overnight. This indecision that starts with "what do you want to do" and fails to get an answer often works its way into"indecision" about the relationship and later culminates into a DECISION to no longer make the marriage work - especially when all the issues have been magnified by a deployment.<br /><br />When Mike deployed to Iraq, he had to make life and death decisions. Tonia, his wife, suddenly had to make decisions at the home front that were typically in "Mike's department." Out of absolute necessity and survival, daily decisions were made without their spouse's input. When Mike returned, both he and Tonia shared that they were living separate lives in the same house - not really caring what the other did. Indecision about each other had crept in. When I asked Tonia if it was a fight to keep their marriage together, she answered, "fight is definitely the word I would use." When I asked if they had considered divorce, she said in the eight years they had been married, they had never discussed it until Mike's return. "It would have been so easy and even acceptable since 80 percent of Mike's platoon had divorced." Comfort in numbers. Fortunately they had a tight network of those who support marriage and were there to help.<br />Here are a few things they did to rekindle the flame and push INDECISION out:<br /><br />1. They revisited the vision they had for their marriage when they first got married. All of us marry our spouse for a reason. We have a vision for our life together. Go back to that vision and rebuild the dream. It won't be easy but it is vital.<br /><br />2. They made the decision that INDECISION would have no part in their relationship. Oh they still debate on "what to do" but with regard to their relationship, they are certain that divorce is not an option.<br /><br />3. They write each other a note every day. This is a great idea and one that I have been doing for years. Every morning before I start my work day, I jot a note to my wife and my daughters. They each get their own note, tailored to them. I usually share with my wife how I'm feeling about us and provide her with some encouragement for the day and with my daughters I share with them how an event or something they did the previous day made me feel.<br />Overcoming Indecision will only be countered by the amount of effort you put into making your marriage work, despite the circumstances. Look for ways to keep the hope and romance in your relationship. If you don't, someone else will and the indecision will be replaced by a decision to divorce.<br /><br />Part III - Overcoming Unaccountability<br /><br />Mike Schindler is the CEO for a web-based marketing firm, developing subscriber bases for some of the top Fortune 500 companies. He is also the founder of Operation Military Family - a company committed to raising the awareness of what resources, programs and tools are made available to our service members and families. OMF drives funds from book sales and speaking engagements back into military marriage related programs and the Veterans Family Fund. <br /><br />More information can be found at <a href="http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/">http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Ensuring-Your-Military-Marriage-Succeeds-Despite-Long-Deployments---Part-II-Overcoming-INDECISION&id=1085031">http://EzineArticles.com/?Ensuring-Your-Military-Marriage-Succeeds-Despite-Long-Deployments---Part-II-Overcoming-INDECISION&id=1085031</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-83054860187178415232008-04-10T09:33:00.000-07:002008-04-10T09:46:46.328-07:00THE LONELINESS OF WAR by by Tom Zart<p>THE LONELINESS OF WAR<br /></p><p>I know I’m still here so far, far away, As I fight for what I believe is right. I wonder about you and your mom, Every moment of every day and night.<br /></p><p>The loneliness of war can drive you insane, If you don’t get letters of concern from home. Left, right, behind and ahead, Death awaits leaving love ones alone.<br /></p><p>We pray to God that we will be saved To return home or live the here after. Bloody, dirt-covered men, we see everyday, As we yearn for those times of laughter.<br /></p><p>The far off stare of a fallen comrade, As you stay by his side till his end. No mother ever carried her infant child, More carefully, than we do a friend.<br /></p><p>Many have their own personal diaries, To help keep their faculties together. Watching hot steel crash into human flesh, Always make home seem far away and better.<br /></p><p>I’ve become an expert at dodging, weaving and diving, So try not to worry too much about me. Just help your mom and stand up from the ground, And while I’m gone be all you can be.<br />Love dad<br /></p><p>Tom Zart Author of Love, War And More Published by Publish America</p>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-2958438241689282852008-04-09T11:01:00.000-07:002008-04-09T11:06:26.653-07:00Operation Military Family - A Must Read For Married Members Of The Armed Forces by Shannon EvansThe military life has a certain appeal to those seeking adventure, excitement, new worlds to explore, and that sense of belonging of esprit de corps. That is the idealistic goal of men and women who join to serve as soldiers, sailors, and airmen but the reality is quite different when you add a spouse and a family. Long periods of separation, brief homecomings, and the uncertainties associated with being involved in armed conflicts all take their toll on even the strongest marriages.<br /><br />How does anyone's marriage survive in today's rapid deployment military life? Communication, commitment, and hard work are the key to any relationship and especially important in the military. Today's armed forces are not the same as when our parents and grandparents served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The military's attitude toward families once was, "if we wanted you to have a family, we would have issued you one!" Those days are long gone and senior leadership recognizes today that Strong Marriages + Strong Families = A Strong Military (Member). The Department of Defense has a system of support in place for service members and their families that provide counseling and support for the issues unique to the service lifestyle. Each branch has multiple avenues of support groups and counseling services to deal with a variety of issues facing deployed and reunited families. They do care and they do want their troops and families supported and they do it very well. What the military does not do well is market their support information and networks.<br /><br />Schindler's book, Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your Family provides a guide that puts resources at your finger tips. It is an insightful book listing services and support that are available to all branches of the military. More than a handbook, Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your Family presents the emotional and physical struggles of several military couples as they prepare for deployment, are separated by deployment, and the reunification process of the couples and families upon return. Schindler's work presents vignettes of the raw emotions and the internal struggles each marriage dealt with through the process as these couples strengthened their marriages despite the odds.<br /><br />As an editor and literary coach, it is not often that I get the opportunity to work with an author whose message is positive and potentially life changing. Schindler's work engages the reader in the subject from the start and keeps them hooked, reading for information and insight presented in a relaxed, non-confrontational, supportive format.<br /><br />Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your Family is a "must read" as well as an invaluable "at your fingertips" resource for chaplains, counselors, commanders and others who provide support to military members and their families. Poignantly written with excellent insight into the real world of service marriages, this book will appeal to military members and their spouses with its true military life stories and practical lists of available community resources.<br /><br />Title: Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your Family<br />Author: Michael Schindler<br />Publisher: Aviva<br />ISBN: 978-1-890427-86-3<br />Date: November, 2007<br /><br />Shannon Evans, senior editor and owner of <a href="http://www.mywritingmentor.com/">http://www.mywritingmentor.com</a> lives with her best friend Rick on Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound just a "ferry ride from Seattle." She maintains two blogs:<br /><a href="http://www.authormarketingtools.wordpress.com/">www.authormarketingtools.wordpress.com</a> <a href="http://www.mywritingmentor.wordpress.com/">http://www.mywritingmentor.wordpress.com</a><br />She works with her two Labrador assistant editors, Mocha and Luke, and her feline copy edit assistants, Caesar and Yoda. Shannon is widely recognized as one of the top writing coaches for non-fiction authors. With over 17 years editing for native and non-native English speaking authors she knows how to help writers make every word count.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Evans">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Evans</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Operation-Military-Family---A-Must-Read-For-Married-Members-Of-The-Armed-Forces&id=975908">http://EzineArticles.com/?Operation-Military-Family---A-Must-Read-For-Married-Members-Of-The-Armed-Forces&id=975908</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-28965062876592883472008-04-08T08:35:00.000-07:002008-04-09T11:01:42.287-07:00Employment For Veterans In the Federal Government by C GamezGreat News ! Qualified Veterans get "Special Preference" over non-veterans when applying for Federal Government jobs.<br /><br />Many veterans looking for Federal employment qualify for 5 or 10 point advantages over non veteran applicants.<br /><br />"Veterans Preference" means that veterans get special consideration and points on their applications.<br /><br />10 Points may not sound like much but it will make a huge difference in getting hired or not.<br />Let me show you how it may work:<br /><br />When you apply for a Government position, you will be rated on a point system, your knowledge, applicable skills and your abilities all are looked at and taken into consideration. You are awarded points for the following; experience, awards, applicable skills, education, and test scores (if they are required) for the position.<br /><br />The highest point rating anyone can receive is 100. So let's say a candidate eligible for a five-point preference gets 90 points, by adding his 5 point preference it automatically brings his score to 95! That means that the veteran will be hired, (most of the time), before the Federal Government agency can hire anyone with a score of less than 95 points. A Veteran with a 10-point preference would have a total score of 100.<br /><br />The same goes for almost every Federal Government job.<br />This includes jobs such as; Social security jobs, Social Security administration jobs, Homeland Security jobs, National security jobs and many others.<br /><br />If you qualify for the job posting available, and you're a veteran to boot you have an amazing advantage.You are senior to others in the application and hiring process!<br />More importantly, the Federal Government can't pass you over for any arbitrary reason.<br /><br />There is one point where you have to be very careful: "Your Federal Resume". The Resume is also scored on a points system, it doesn't matter if it is a resumix, SES resume or basic Government resume, if it isn't done right you will lose points and not be called in for an interview.<br /><br />Having a poorly or incorrectly done Federal resume will not only nullify the preference points you've earned as a veteran but it can cost you the advantage you got with your Veterans Preference.<br /><br />Government employment has amazing benefits that come with the job. You should seriously consider having your Federal Resume written by a certified, professional resume writer.<br />A certified, professional resume writer eliminates the worry and stress.<br />They know how to build the resume correctly so you can work on the other important aspects of your job search!<br /><br />C. Gamez is a Managing Director at <a href="http://www.federal-resume.org/">http://www.federal-resume.org</a> Federal-Resume.org With years of experience in the Business, HR and Professional Resume fields. Another great resource is <a href="http://www.federal-resume.org/federal-jobs-explained.aspx">http://www.federal-resume.org/federal-jobs-explained.aspx</a> Federal-Jobs-Explained<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=C_Gamez">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Gamez</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Employment-For-Veterans-In-the-Federal-Government&id=577189">http://EzineArticles.com/?Employment-For-Veterans-In-the-Federal-Government&id=577189</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-43114673636064593442008-04-06T09:49:00.000-07:002008-04-06T09:51:51.653-07:00"Made in America, Sold in the Nam" by Rick Ritter and Paul Richards - Book Review by Mary SimmonsMade in America, Sold in the Nam: A Continuing Legacy of Pain, 2nd edition Ed.<br />Edited by Rick Ritter and Paul Richards<br />Loving Healing Press (2007)<br />ISBN 9781932690248<br /><br />“Made in America, Sold in the Nam” is a collection of short stories, essays, poems, reflections and quotes about the experiences of those who were directly and indirectly affected by U.S. involvement in the war in Vietnam. It includes personal accounts by combat veterans as well as articles on the war’s impact on veterans and their families. It also explores how women experienced their own hell on earth during their tours in the war-ravaged country and incorporates a background on the war, explaining the historical and political context.<br /><br />According to co-editor, Paul Richards, the majority of Americans have not wanted to listen to the stories of Vietnam veterans. “Most of the people in the nation spent their time trying to turn a deaf ear to the veterans, trying to forget that our country had ever been involved in such a dirty little war.” He goes on to say, “Wars are not made of heroes…Wars are made up of young men and women staring at the sky with vacant eyes, their life blood mixing with so much mud and slime.” As this statement suggests, this anthology does not shy away from the ugly side of the war, both in the heat of combat and in the aftermath. It was a horrendous time that has haunted those involved and the accounts are not to be read lightly. They speak of a deadly serious subject and contain real pain and horror.<br /><br />You can’t come away from this book without being emotionally affected by the content. But before you read those words and say, “Well then, that’s way too heavy for me,” and therefore decide not to pick up this book, let me say that it is through painful experiences that we sometimes learn the most. One of the messages, or common themes, that jumped out at me while reading “Made in America, Sold in the Nam” was that veterans have felt ignored and unappreciated since returning to the country they fought for.<br /><br />As veteran Charley Knepple describes it in his contribution, “Nothing Left to Give: A Journal of Viet Nam,” “Worst of all, I just felt used. The way in which I was used leaves me feeling angry, confused and with a rotten self-image that I have to deal with every day. I was naïve. I didn’t know what to expect from the Army or Viet Nam. I was afraid of Nam but nearly neutral on the issue of our involvement there. In Basic Training I was indoctrinated that our victory in Viet Nam would be a noble experience and that I should want to go, that combat was my birthright as a man.” He says that was the biggest lie of all and “the indoctrination had been a veiled attempt to charge us up to do the impossible for the ungrateful.” The anger, pain and disillusionment of the veterans seep through the pages of this collection, “Made in America, Sold in the Nam,” in unmistakable, blunt honesty. They will no longer be ignored and discarded. They are taking their place in world history.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.readerviews.com/">http://www.readerviews.com</a><br /><br />Reviewed by Mary Simmons for Reader Views (12/06)<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Simmons">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Simmons</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Made-in-America,-Sold-in-the-Nam-by-Rick-Ritter-and-Paul-Richards---Book-Review&id=495634">http://EzineArticles.com/?Made-in-America,-Sold-in-the-Nam-by-Rick-Ritter-and-Paul-Richards---Book-Review&id=495634</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-42087791892333454982008-04-05T07:45:00.000-07:002008-04-09T11:00:04.940-07:00Combat Boots - Not Just For The Military Anymore by Craig ThornburrowThere used to be a time when every time a person laid eyes on a pair of combat boots, they were attached to a military soldier-or at least somewhere in their immediate vicinity. These days, combat boots are still a military must have, but it doesn't stop there. As a matter of fact, they are an ever increasing trend in today's fashion, being worn by both men and women alike as part of a fashion forward outfit. They have hit the runways and the streets as well as the front line, and are just one way for civilian people to show their quiet support for the men and women brave enough to fight for their freedom overseas.<br /><br />Just because civilian people are donning combat boots and combat-inspired boots does not mean that they are not still in use by the armed services. As a matter of fact, combat boots are some of the most necessary components of a military man or woman's uniform. They have their purpose, and their purpose is to combine protection with function efficiently, so that a soldier is able to do their job efficiently and comfortably as possible.<br /><br />This is not to say that combat boots are the most comfortable shoes out there, but they are designed for a specific purpose. None of the purposes that are behind the creation of these incredible boots have to do with fashion, which is why it is so interesting that they would be so ingeniously incorporated into today's most innovative fashion trends.<br /><br />The Fit of a Pair of Combat Boots<br /><br />One of the most important facets of a pair of combat boots is the way that they fit. These boots must be worn by the wearer for hours and sometimes even days and weeks on end, so comfort is important. While they are not bound to be the most comfortable pair of shoes or boots out there, they are fairly comfortable in the sense that they can be worn without too much detriment to the feet, which is more than can be said for most civilian shoes. As time goes on, they have been innovated to be more comfortable and provide more support, making the walking and running experience a bit more pleasurable and easy on the feet.<br /><br />Where to Find Combat Boots<br /><br />If you are in the market for an authentic pair of combat boots, whether it be for military service or just for fashion reasons, you can check out an army or navy military surplus store. These stores are where the best prices on any authentic military wear can be found, and they are perfect for a great pair of combat boots.<br /><br />What a better way to show your support for your men and women in uniform than to sport military inspired combat boots or even the real thing? Combat boots are a fashion statement and a political statement-all rolled into one.<br /><br />Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on <a href="http://www.combatbootreview.info/">http://www.combatbootreview.info</a> combat boots and <a href="http://www.combatbootreview.info/Lowa_Boots.html">http://www.combatbootreview.info/Lowa_Boots.html</a> Lowa boots at <a href="http://www.combatbootreview.info/">http://www.combatbootreview.info/</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Craig_Thornburrow">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Thornburrow</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Combat-Boots---Not-Just-For-The-Military-Anymore&id=1084695">http://EzineArticles.com/?Combat-Boots---Not-Just-For-The-Military-Anymore&id=1084695</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-88693107393356830382008-04-04T08:53:00.000-07:002008-04-09T10:58:01.027-07:00Ensuring Your Military Marriage Succeeds Despite Long Deployments - Part I - Overcoming Complacency by Michael SchindlerAccording to a July 2006 NY Times article, "...military deployments have a way of chewing up marriages, turning daily life upside down and making strangers out of husbands and wives."<br />There is much debate around this topic - both the 2007 Rand Study and a recent release from the Department of Defense (March 2008) refute this NY Times statement. As a matter of fact, the Army, Air Force and Marines can sport a lower divorce rate than the national average. Yet, the conversations and experiences throughout the military chow halls and wives' clubs seem to support the NY Times statement.<br /><br />This article is the first in a three-part series that will explore the debate as well as some of the most "common undertows" that pull military marriages down - and then take it one more step: how to prepare and strengthen your marriage to avoid divorce.<br /><br />Regardless of your position on the debate, we know that lives are severely disrupted, that marriages are strained, that suicides are up among our returning soldiers and that more mental-health problems are occurring (AP, March 2008).<br /><br />While this presents an ugly challenge, at least we know that challenges exist and now we can properly prepare for them. One of the strongest undertows to overcome? Complacency.<br />I was sitting in a coffee shop with one of my dear friends, Nebiye, when I saw a woman walk in and present the man who was sitting at the table next to me divorce papers. She took a seat, shoved a two inch stack of papers across the table and then they began addressing the issues...rather loudly.<br /><br />What started out as a torrid romance and marriage somehow turned into failed expectations, disinterest and eventually an affair. There was no sense of interdependence - just independence, and no passion.<br /><br />As [http://www.familybaptist.com/newdocs/VitaSheet.htm]Chaplain Alford shared, "you'll face challenges that have nothing to do with deployments" but deployments will compound the issues and you'll have to fighter harder to overcome the undertows.<br /><br />So what can you do to overcome complacency and remain passionate about your spouse?<br />[mailto:Ackerman0123@msn.com?subject=Overcoming%20Complacency]Dr. Kenneth Ackerman, who has "coached" and counseled hundreds of military couples to stronger relationships points out that "couples function well when they are able to freely give and receive love and trust in a healthy interdependent relationship."<br /><br />1. Look for ways to uplift your spouse. Cheryl and Jody, whose husbands were deployed for a number of months, sent "fun" packages. You know, the type that reminds us husbands why we married our spouse in the first place.<br /><br />2. Work to keep the relationship in a deep trust. Women can build this in their husbands by respecting their husbands. Men can do this by professing and showing their love. Mike, who served over 300 combat patrols in Iraq, always found a way to send his wife flowers on special events, despite his being deployed. The book, " <a href="http://www.loveandrespect.com/">http://www.loveandrespect.com</a> Love & Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs explains how couples can establish their relationship in these two principles.<br /><br />And finally, here's a question that my wife and I have posted on our mirror - one that regardless of the miles that may separate us at times, keeps us in check:<br /><br />3. Would I want to be married to me?<br />If the answer is "yes", keep doing what you're doing; if "no", make changes. If you fail to make changes in your relationship, complacency will creep in, and I just may be sitting in that coffee shop observing the demise of your relationship. Don't let that happen.<br />Part II - Overcoming Indecision to be released first week in April.<br /><br />Mike Schindler is the CEO for a web-based marketing firm, developing subscriber bases for some of the top Fortune 500 companies. He is also the founder of Operation Military Family - a company committed to raising the awareness of what resources, programs and tools are made available to our service members and families. OMF drives funds from book sales and speaking engagements back into military marriage related programs and the Veterans Family Fund.<br /><br />More information can be found at <a href="http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/">http://www.operationmilitaryfamily.org/</a><br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Schindler</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Ensuring-Your-Military-Marriage-Succeeds-Despite-Long-Deployments---Part-I---Overcoming-Complacency&id=1061759">http://EzineArticles.com/?Ensuring-Your-Military-Marriage-Succeeds-Despite-Long-Deployments---Part-I---Overcoming-Complacency&id=1061759</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-7260732548314930382008-04-03T13:59:00.000-07:002008-04-09T10:56:57.382-07:00Best Strategy Using Internet Job Search Engines by Michael AdamsBest Strategy using Internet Job Search Engines<br /><br />There are hundreds of Internet job search engines, from super job banks monster.com, careerbuilder.com, hotjobs.com to regional job banks, to job banks with occupational focuses, such as Dice.com. Job seekers can hardly exhaust all the job search resources, so we have meta job search engines which will simultaneously search several job board for the same job search criteria. One of the major mistakes common job seekers make is to search only the super job search engines. Admittedly more job openings are posted on the super job search engines, but in the mean time, the employers who use the supper sites will also receive much more applications for the posted position. A large portion of job bank traffic is generated by job seekers, not employers, therefore the higher a job site's traffic is, the more competitive the positions are. Additionally, many employers, especially those smaller companies, are posting only to second tire job banks for various reasons, some to reduce the influx of applications, some for a better posting plan, some to retrain applicants to local area.<br /><br />Step 1 - Search Meta Job Search Engines<br /><br />You can jump start your job search using the meta job search engines, which will simultaneously check multiple job boards. No meta search engines covers all the job banks, and different meta search engines supports different job banks. There are two types of meta search engines, respectively Link Engine and Listing Engine. The Link Meta Search Engines save you time in entering search criteria, so that you simply enter keyword, choose region and categories once, and then get cooked links for various job banks. The Listing Engine goes one step forward, will present all the job listings, so that you needn't pay a visit to each individual job bank. The third type of job search engine is special Meta Job Search Engine Software that not only searches the job, but also assists in composing cover letter and resume sending.<br /><br />Step 2 - Post Your Resume to Job Banks<br /><br />Most websites request job seekers to post resume in order to apply online, and to post your resume to all websites is a frustrating task. You can either perform the task manually, or use Resume Posting services, which do the job for you.<br /><br />However, [http://www.alljobcenter.com/html/articles/resumeposting-art3.htm] Resume Posting Service is different from resume broadcasting service, which broadcasts your resume directly to recruiters.<br /><br />Step 3 - Experience as Many Job Banks as Possible to Select Your Job Banks<br />Meta Job Search Engines only deal with some of the popular job banks. A job seeker should try as many job banks as possible, and then conclude which web sites are more effective for you. There are quite a few less known job banks with outstanding job postings. You don’t necessarily have to use all the resources all the time, but at the beginning you should try different resources so that you known which ones works better for you particular occupation, region and experience level.<br /><br />Michael Adams <a href="http://www.alljobcenter.com/">http://www.alljobcenter.com</a> Job Search Secret Weapon - Meta Job Search Engine Software for more job search resources.<br /><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Adams">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Adams</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Strategy-Using-Internet-Job-Search-Engines&id=50083">http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Strategy-Using-Internet-Job-Search-Engines&id=50083</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-43547614334136140982007-10-07T08:42:00.000-07:002007-10-07T08:46:46.000-07:00US Troops Returning with Psychosocial Behavior by Jerry GarnerA new US study states that more than 1/3 of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may suffer from forms of mental illness, including psychosocial behavior. The study, commissioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs, examined returning veterans who visited a VA Hospital between September 2001 and September 2005.<br /><br />Throughout history, veterans of wars have suffered from various forms of stress disorders and mental illness. From World War II to the present, the subject of mental illness becomes a topic for debate whenever our troops begin to return home from conflict.<br /><br />These illnesses are often thought to exist only in extreme cases, but a new study suggests that a significant percentage of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from mental illness. The March 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine included a report titled "Bringing the War Back Home", which studied more than 100,000 US troops who had participated in the nation's war on terror.<br /><br />The study was conducted as a collective endeavor that was carried out by the University of California at San Francisco and the VA Medical Center in San Francisco. Conducted by Dr. Karen Seal and 4 of her colleagues, the study looked at 103,788 veterans who visited VA facilities between September 30, 2001 and September 30, 2005.<br /><br />The study consisted of veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Veterans of both operations had endured high combat stress and were eligible for free medical care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Little was known about the clinical circumstances of mental health diagnosis given to these veterans, which is where the current study comes into the picture.<br /><br />Of those included in the study, a total of 25,658 vets (25%) were diagnosed as having at least one form of mental illness. An astonishing 56% of those were diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses. When the scope of the study was broadened to also include psychosocial behavioral issues, the number of afflicted troops jumped 32,010 veterans (31%).<br /><br />"The youngest group of active duty veterans (age, 18 to 24 years) had a significantly higher risk of receiving one or more mental health diagnoses and posttraumatic stress disorder compared with active duty veterans 40 years or older," the study notes.<br /><br />The most common affliction was Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which occurred in 52% of troops that were diagnosed with a mental illness (13% of all veterans studied). PTSD occurs when someone experiences or witnesses life-threatening traumatic events for prolonged periods of time.<br /><br />PTSD is often characterized by extreme symptoms, which may include flashbacks, insomnia, nightmares, hypervigilance and a lack of feeling or emotion. Some veterans will also suffer from delayed-PTSD, which may not appear until years after the traumatic event. If not properly treated, the disorder can also lead to other forms of mental illness.<br /><br />Although Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was the most common illness diagnosed, a number of others were revealed in the study. Many troops were diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Substance Use Disorder, and a number of other behavioral or psychological afflictions.<br /><br />It should be noted, however, that the study only consists of those who visited a VA Medical Center during the prescribed period, so the figures presented in the study may not be reflective of all soldiers who served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.<br /><br />Jerry Garner is a resident of Las Vegas and a frequent contributor to many publications, both internet and print. While his writing covers a wide variety of topics, he is most known for his inside knowledge of casino operations around the world. This knowledge is often on display on Garner's web site at [http://www.globalgamingnews.com]GlobalGamingNews.com<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Garner">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Garner</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?US-Troops-Returning-with-Psychosocial-Behavior&id=487053">http://EzineArticles.com/?US-Troops-Returning-with-Psychosocial-Behavior&id=487053</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834996101007664280.post-42705810698261949332007-08-31T14:48:00.000-07:002007-08-31T14:50:07.224-07:00Can an Amputee Have a CDL? by Aubrey Allen SmithI receive hundreds of emails from people all across the United States asking questions concerning CDL requirements and assistance with general help topics. It may take me a few days to answer, but I always write back. I enjoy the correspondence with other drivers and especially, the "newbies." I recently received an email from a gentleman who asked me a question that I have never been asked before in 29 years of trucking. He was an (arm) amputee, and was having trouble with his home state issuing him a CDL. He asked for my help.<br />I knew what the Regulations had to say about it, but I searched on the internet and was surprised at some of the things I found. One article was written by an employer stating his amazement that an (arm) amputee would even apply for his open truck driving job. I left a comment on his site . . . I had to! I would like everyone to know that an amputee, arm or leg, CAN DRIVE a semi tractor-trailer!<br /><br />People just do not understand the Regulations when it comes to driving a commercial motor vehicle. Can an amputee have a CDL? YES! Can an amputee drive a semi rig? YES! Those whom I call "the foolish ones," will point out Regulation 391.41(b), which basically states that a person cannot drive a commercial motor vehicle if they have a "loss of a foot, a leg, a hand, or an arm." BUT, they always seem to miss the next line: except if they have "been granted a skill performance evaluation certificate pursuant to 391.49."<br />Within this section is the key for those with this physical condition: §391.49 Alternative physical qualification standards for the loss or impairment of limbs. All one needs is a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate. This certificate shows that the person seeking a CDL can operate the commercial motor vehicle safely, and that the amputee condition does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.<br /><br />Several months ago I sat down at a T/A Truck Stop for dinner, and the driver next to me had ONE ARM! He had been driving that way for 16 years! So for all of you people like the above employer: understand about the subject before you write about it! And, for all you who are wondering if an amputee can have a CDL: the answer is a clear and resounding, YES!<br />For the complete rules, regulations and explanation for this type of situation, read [http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?section=391.49#/]Regulation 391.49 and if you are an amputee and want to drive the big rigs . . . THEN GO FOR IT! I'll ride with you any day, before I ride with the above-mentioned employer!<br /><br />Good Luck, and KEEP ON ‘TRUCKIN’<br /><br />Aubrey Allen Smith is an expert in motor carrier transportation and an advocate for truck driving safety. Author of the original [http://truthabouttrucking.com/]Truth About Trucking, he fights for the rights of truckers by exposing the scams within the trucking industry. Please visit <a href="http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/">http://www.truthabouttrucking.com</a> today, if you are considering a truck driving career.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aubrey_Allen_Smith">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aubrey_Allen_Smith</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-an-Amputee-Have-a-CDL?&id=706213">http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-an-Amputee-Have-a-CDL?&id=706213</a>Mary D. Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01408423403872109388noreply@blogger.com0