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TODAY'S VETERAN News that informs military veterans on topics such as benefits, healthcare and transition assistance and more! www.USDVF.org

U.S. Disabled Veterans Foundation® Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) EIN: 47-4279844

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5 Challenges Facing Veterans and How to Solve Them

By JE Jarrett

It doesn't matter if you are an American veteran or from one of our allied nations. We all seem to have the same issues that we have to deal with as a result of our service. Some veterans will have to deal with all of these issues. Others may only have to deal with one as is the case with finding a job or starting a business once one has completed his/her service.

Feeding the Hungry - How You Can Help By Mary Bodel All of the for sale signs you see that read "bank owned" or "foreclosure" means another family has lost their home. Many of them are living in cars, shelters or have been taken in by other family members. . Continued on Page 8

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Secret Benefits For Veterans The Untold Story Veterans Going Green By Harold F. Fuentes

The veterans in the military nowadays are the ones who are faced with problems of getting a decent job that can get them through from their separation or retirement from the military. Continued on Page 4

By Greg Cook Are there really secret benefits for veterans? No, but the VA often makes it very difficult to easily find the benefit you need. And then, if you find the information, you have to then try and decipher the government lingo. These factors combine to make most people believe that there really are secret benefits for veterans. Or at least secrets from the common everyday person! Let's look at one of the most infamous secret benefits for veterans...the veteran disability pension benefit. It is not a retirement benefit that one normally correlates with the word "pension".

I Don't Have Time to Die By Daniel Blanchard

I don't have time to die is a pretty arrogant statement. But think about how awesome it would be to have that much purpose in our lives, and to truly believe that even a very full and long life is not enough time to get done all the good things that we Continued on Page 7

It is the most misunderstood benefit available from the VA. In fact, a large majority of the local and county veterans offices that are suppose to help you learn about and understand the benefit are unaware of its existence. Those that do know about the pension benefit often too easily dismiss those that inquire that they probably do not qualify. We have sampled various county veterans services offices in multiple states and have consistently received incomplete and inaccurate information in the majority of them.

HERE IS WHY The veteran disability pension is an income qualified benefit. If the right questions are not asked, then the adjustments to income from qualified un-reimbursed medical expense is not applied to the income qualifier. For example, if a veteran has household income from social security, retirement pension, interest and stock dividend of $3,000 per month he/she would be told they do not qualify as their income is too high.

The Cause of Suicide in US Veterans (and What You Can Do To Help) By Stephanie Goddard

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As a former employee with Wake County Government, I've talked informally with many returning vets. I worked for ten years with Wake County. NC (and that's where 'Veteran Services' is located in my city). Though I was technically an HR professional, there I learned firsthand from these men, that our wars are just fabrications. That our politicians create false conflicts to sell us on the idea of war (and make us out to be peacekeepers of the world) when what is really happening is twofold: Continued on Page 5

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS - Care Packages enhance the morale and well-being of the deployed troops worldwide by seeking, receiving, and shipping to the front lines care boxes containing items specifically requested by the deployed troops.

HOW TO HELP

5 Challenges Facing Veterans and How to Solve Them

By JE Jarrett

The key here to dealing with all of these issues is to develop programs that provide more personalized attention for veterans and actually work to solve the problem. 1. PTS/PTSD/Emotional Issues/Suicide Although there are many veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress and other issues as the result of war, there are many who have traumas, like me, that go back to childhood. Regardless of what trauma or traumas the veteran suffered, it is necessary to develop a treatment plan that helps the veteran to get better. Key here is for the veteran to identify his/her individualized trauma history. Once the traumas have been identified, then the veteran must work through each trauma.

This is almost impossible for many because the traumas are too painful to confront. To get past these, the focus needs to be on the feelings and emotions that resulted from the initial trauma. Expressing those feelings, whether to a trusted friend or counselor, or simply writing them down can help the veteran come to terms with those feelings and emotions. Understand that this takes time, and this is a simplified version of how to handle the situation. This is the first step in dealing with these issues and resolving them. There are many free resources available on the internet to help veterans with this issue. These include Patriot Outreach, a site that offers a mindfulness meditation to deal with Post Traumatic Stress.

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2. Benefits/Claims Benefits vary from country to country with various procedures for handling benefits and claims. Veteran status also varies from country to country, and so it is necessary to consult the respective government agency in your country to find out what is available. Solving the benefits and claims process requires a two-pronged approach. The first step is reforming the appropriate government departments so that those veterans who need benefits can apply for, and receive them. The other part of this process is to create private resources to help veterans. There are many organizations in place that will help veterans to receive their benefits. For our allies, it may be necessary to develop benefits programs, particularly those who have had their veterans' status removed or weren't granted veterans' status because of non deployment.

3. Short Term Needs Short term needs include paying bills, rent and utilities. What I learned from being homeless is that veterans have to compete for the same resources available in their communities that are also offered to civilians. Veterans must meet the same qualifications as civilians in order to receive these benefits. Often veterans have different needs or needs that are more unique to their service, and community programs cannot meet these needs. Again, there are two ways to address this issue. The first is to develop programs through our governments to deal with these issues. Unfortunately, governments tend to produce one size fits all solutions to these problems. Developing private programs specifically for veterans can fill the gap and help veterans avoid having to compete for resources. Continued on Page 3

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TODAY'S VETERAN 5 Challenges Facing Veterans and How to Solve Them

By JE Jarrett 4. Homelessness Homelessness is a problem for veterans worldwide. Resolving this issue is often difficult and complicated because it is often tied to alcohol and drug abuse as well as Post Traumatic Stress and other mental health issues veterans may have. Having a criminal record may also prevent a veteran from finding affordable housing or a landlord who will accept a veteran with a criminal record. Solving this problem will require determining the root causes of the particular veteran's reason for being homeless and then developing a personalized plan to help the veteran resolve this issue. Although government programs may need to be developed, and may even already exist, the same one size fits all solution is still in place.

5. Jobs/Businesses Key to helping veterans overcome their problems is helping them find jobs or develop businesses that will help them have choices in every area of their lives. These options include healthcare, living conditions and overall wellbeing as well as supporting their families. Developing programs that help veterans develop new skills or build businesses will help them to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Understanding the current economy helps veterans identify opportunities available to them to find the right jobs and businesses. Creating options for veterans is at the core of any programs developed as each veteran has different needs.

Identifying the issues veterans have problems with is easy. Solving those problems is much more difficult. A combination of both public and private organizations are needed to help veterans who need help to integrate back into society and access the resources they need. The more veterans who get involved in helping their fellow veterans, the faster these issues may be resolved. Did you like this article? Then subscribe to my blog Military Veterans Worldwide. You'll find plenty of tips and strategies to help you with Post Traumatic Stress, job hunting, benefits issues and other resources related to veterans worldwide. Join my free veterans social site, Military Veterans Worldwide, and connect with U.S. Veterans and our allies for fun and support.

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TODAY'S VETERAN Veterans Going Green By Harold F. Fuentes | Most of their military benefits have also been discontinued. There are several careers that veterans can involve themselves in, even after their service in the military and still get the benefits that they deserve. The most popular and in demand are companies from the green sector who have opened their doors to veterans. There are also several organizations who offer military transition services to provide opportunities for the men and women in America who were able to render an extra ordinary national service for the country. The transition to the world of the civilians can be very challenging for previous military people. One major problem that needs to be addressed is the fact that the percentage of unemployment for veterans are higher and more rampant compared to the unemployment rate of the general population. Good thing is that there are organizations and concerned groups that give assistance to these former military personnel to make the transition to the world of civilians smoother for them.

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Success in job searches may be a little harder than usual due to the fact that some, if not most of these veterans have never had any experience working for civilian groups and companies. The green sector can provide training and jobs for these military personnel. Becoming part of the green sector is something that can continue the streak of good service made by veterans to our country. From the military, they can continue serving the country by working for companies and organizations that can contribute great things to the environment.

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What veterans just need to do is to become part of organizations and groups that cater to military transition services, military benefits, and those who care enough about the welfare of the veterans. Most of these organizations have websites and forums where veterans can register for free and express their interest in wanting an employment from the green sector. Again, green companies have become very popular in coordinating with these groups to hire veterans for their companies. This must be because of the kind of training and discipline that is imposed on former military personnel which can definitely be well applied in a sector or company that takes their goals seriously. Saving the environment and working for sustainable growth and renewable energy is the goal of the green sector. Veterans are the best people for these kinds of jobs. This time, they're not just serving the country; they're serving the world to fight the green revolution. Looking for military veteran jobs? Don't hesitate to visit our site www.GreenCollarVets.org or follow us on Facebook.

Veterans can join trainings and courses related to sustaining a green world. They can become part and be employed in organizations and green companies that do outdoor conservation, home energy efficiency, work in green warehouses intended for home improvement. They can also get employed by companies that promote renewable and clean energy and alternative energy sources. Environmental remediation and response, sustainable agriculture, green construction, and conservation of natural resources are also fields that veterans can join.

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The Cause of Suicide in US Veterans (and What You Can Do To Help) By Stephanie Goddard We only install ourselves where we can aggressively control the price of oil per barrel (in other words, we will stay here and bomb your cities and shoot your citizens unless you keep the price at X) and because the "War Machine" or industry here in the US is one of the few industries we still have that can inform our GNP. Many of the 1% become richer as we /they manufacture guns and tanks, etc. These vets, our veterans, figure this out "over there," and are still instructed to bomb innocents (let's say kill or murder---let's keep the vernacular personal and not objective). Even the soldiers for the other side are just trying to keep us out and defend their people. We cause mass immigration to other countries when we do this as well, effecting global economies for the worst. That said, this men are very, very troubled by this truth. They feel like hypocrites, to say the very least. Many feel they have broken a commandment to their god, and I firmly believe that is why we see such high numbers of suicide in vets (one vet kills themselves every hour in the US).

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Still, we have the politicians keeping the NRA in full. No modification on ANY guns... no higher restrictions or protocols for licensing a gun owner. The NRA is a tool of the 1%. The NRA takes its licks, but it doesn't feel the judgment, as its a non-entity put in place by the 1% to appear to be honoring the Second Amendment. When nothing of the kind is needed. When you can fire 1100 rounds in 90 seconds (the case in the theater in Denver a few years ago), I'd hardly say this is for protection or hunting. It's a necessary representative to keep legislation in place to continue our mass carnage abroad which is clearly very lucrative for this select group of people. Money at any cost, seems to be the mission statement. It really is upsetting, almost debilitating so, to realize that this is my country, your country, the USA doing this. But this is why those children danced in the streets after 911. Now that I have this information, that behavior makes perfect sense to me; where at the time I thought they were insane or just horrible beings, even though only little children. |

But this is what I thought of these innocents as my country made sure I only had half of the story. So why I am I writing this? I ask that veterans start to feel they can come forward and talk about this truth. I'm ready to hear it. I, for one, won't shoot the messenger (for lack of a better phrase). Will you? If you are a volunteer in Veteran Services or related to a vet or a friend of a returning veteran, I ask that you allow for this level of transparency in your counseling and/or support of this person. Their emotional/mental wound is not about using guns or bombs or from loud explosions (though that may co-exist). This is about a person's very essence, who he is, and it is likely he would not have even enlisted if he didn't regard himself as a good man, who wants to help his community. Be strong enough to hear his truth. That's how you can thank this person. That's how you support the troops.

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TODAY'S VETERAN Secret Benefits For Veterans - The Untold Story By Greg Cook |

Yes, this veterans total household income of 3,000 per month is above the veteran disability pension benefit maximum allowable amount of $1,554 ($18,654 per year). He/She therefore will not qualify. However, the income qualification is not on total income, it is on "countable income". This is the most common mistake that probably prevents thousands of veterans receive the VA benefit they deserve. COUNTABLE INCOME The income qualification for the veterans disability pension benefit is based on having "countable income" below the maximum disability pension benefit level of $1,554 ($18,654 per year). Countable Income is arrived at by subtracting from the total household income all qualified un-reimbursed medical expenses. These expenses include supplemental medical insurance premiums, long term care insurance premiums, prescription costs or co-payments, certain medical supplies like oxygen or incontinence pads, home care costs and even the cost of assisted living. Our veteran has $3,000 per month in total household income. Straight-up he/she does not qualify. BUT, the veteran pays $697 per month in supplemental insurance premiums and $297 per month in unreimbursed prescription costs. In addition, the veteran has a home care aid coming in to help at a cost of $1,385 per month. The veterans total qualified expenses are $2,379 per month. The veterans countable income is thus $3,000 minus $2,379 = $621. With a countable income of $621 this veteran is eligible (from the financial qualifier only) to receive a veterans disability pension benefit of ($1,554 maximum benefit minus $621 countable income) $933 per month! Now that is a great secret benefits for veterans to know about! If you want to get the VA benefits you or your loved one deserves then you too must learn how you can locate and get the SECRET BENEFITS FOR VETERANS. Veterans Care Advisor's http://www.veteranscareadvisors.com has helped hundreds of veterans find and easily understand the eligibility requirements and properly document their VA disability benefits claim for a quicker approval. Now you too can get the SECRET BENEFITS FOR VETERANS.

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Life On The Line Product details:

Paperback: 120 pages Publisher: Shelby House Publishing; 1st edition (2018) ISBN-10: 1944248404 ISBN-13: 978-1944248406 Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars

. LIFE ON THE LINE - 12 KEYS THAT WILL ENERGIZE YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL Leadership roles are never easy, but they can be extremely fulfilling. Life on the Line sheds light on how to maximize your effectiveness as a leader by taking a closer look at your relationship with your team, your customers, and your work. The author combined his military experience and his career as an electrical lineman to discuss the various components that go into a healthy workplace. From reducing the risk of physical injury to promoting effective communication, Dr. Shelby has shed light on all aspects of the electrical industry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life on the Line: 12 Keys that Will Energize Your LEADERSHIP Potential, will benefit The U.S. Disabled Veterans Foundation in their efforts to build a Rehabilitation and Fitness Center. This book is dear to Dr. Shelby's heart, for his daughter served in the United States Army during the war in Iraq. Melissa was one of three who survived a deadly attack on her platoon. As a result, she is now a disabled veteran, and she has the unwavering love and support of her family.

Shelby Media Group inc. P.O. Box 1223 North Highlands, California 95660 www.CedricShelby.com (803) 834-2540

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The Disabled Veterans Sports Foundation® is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, service and events for disabled veterans. It operates as a Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) EIN: 47-4279844 www.USDVF.org

I Don't Have Time to Die

THIS IS MY STORY THIS IS MY SONG A father tells the story of his daughter and wants the world to know what she and other soldiers went through and are going through: MY STORY: My daughter, following in my footsteps, was serving in the U.S.ARMY in the war in Iraq when all but three of her platoon were killed. She was one of three soldiers that survived. Mellisa Thompson is now a 26 year old disabled veteran.

OUR PROMISE To decrease obesity rates in Veterans and people with disabilities in our community. To adapt every Veterans Activity Complex (VAC) fitness class, athletic program or activity for disabled veterans and those with disabilities.

Establishing this center will help support as well as provide veterans the necessary tools needed for their physical and mental recovery. The Rehab and Refuge Campaign is a fundraising drive to raise the $1,537,00 needed to purchase a used property for $2,070,000 within the next 45 days. The 5.72 acre parcel consists of one 11,200 SF free standing office/warehouse building, a 11,800 SF flex warehouse building, two industrial pads with road infrastructure and detention pond in place. Utilities are on-site as well. OUR VISION

To build a universally designed fitness, athletic, recreation and wellness facilities designed for therapeutic, recreational and special needs. The Veterans Rehabilitation Complex (VRC) is a facility that will provide those with disabilities the same opportunities as their able- bodied peers. OUR MISSION

To provide accessible, affordable and inclusive athletic, fitness and recreation programming to disabled veterans, their children and any adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities. Our goal is to help our military families in a positive and empowering environment.

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By Daniel Blanchard

Dr. Cedric Shelby CEO - Disabled Veterans Foundation® EIN: 47-4279844 (803) 834 -2540 www.USDVF.org

OUR VALUES Exceptional Adaptive Athletics Exceptional Fitness Exceptional Recreation Exceptional Health and/or Wellness

By supporting the efforts of The Veterans Activity Complex (VAC), partners will directly address an unmet and crucial need of our disabled veterans and people with disabilities in our community

I don't have time to die is a pretty arrogant statement. But think about how awesome it would be to have that much purpose in our lives, and to truly believe that even a very full and long life is not enough time to get done all the good things that we want to get done. Imagine being so driven by what we do that we rush pass the Reaper every time that he glances our way. My Granddaddy once told me that I would find true happiness once I found my purpose in life. That purpose in life gives us that sought after untapped hidden energy that gets us out of bed every morning and drives us to work late through the evening every night. When we find something that makes us want to do this early/late thing long-term we will finally have a chance at changing this world for the better.

There are a lot of people out there to positively influence through working wholeheartedly for the next hundred years. Hey, what can I say! This is the only way to change lives in the kind of numbers that we really want; and dying doesn't fit into this equation on our timeline, no matter how old we are. Come on... let's just do it... Think about it for a moment... Moses did not know as a teen that he would lead the Jews out of slavery in Egypt and into the desert on the way to Canaan. He did not know that he was going to live to 120 years old and still not accomplish all that he was put on the planet to do. He also did not know the magnitude of the legacy that he would leave.

Now teens , go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us. Remember to find your purpose in life and then become so busy achieving it that you don't have time to die, or even slow down. And once again, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do... Award-winning author, speaker and educator Dan Blanchard wants you to find something so important to do that you never have any time to slow down or ever die. Shelby Media Group Inc.

The Disabled Veterans Sports Foundation® is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, service and events for disabled veterans. It operates as a Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) EIN: 47-4279844 www.USDVF.org

Feeding the Hungry - How You Can Help

By Mary Bodel They have no refrigerator, no kitchen and no way to prepare meals for their family. Those on the brink of losing their homes face a similar crisis. Put food on the table or try to keep the roof over their heads. The good news is, we can help. There are a lot of ways, and while your community might not already have some of the programs listed below, they can be started. With many to carry the load, the burden is lighter. Food Banks: These organizations take donated nonperishable items (and perishable if they have proper storage). People in need can come in and receive food and other items for their families. They receive their supplies from donations. Sometimes a grocery store will donate day old or damaged products, and many of them have bins at supermarkets. Here is where you can help: buy extra cans, boxes and/or bags of food when you do your weekly shopping. Drop them off in the bins or if they aren't available take them to the food bank.

Food Share : This is slightly more complicated, but very worth it. Many of us have gardens, vines and/or fruit trees. After you have gotten what you need, you can call the local food share. They will come and harvest the rest to donate to the hungry. Sometimes they are given out by the food bank, but there are organizations that specialize in just this sort of situation. Meal Sites: The churches in our town have gotten together and set up a program providing supper to the homeless, every night of the year. Each church sponsors one or more nights, and the congregation brings food plus appropriate beverages. Samaritan Center: This is a multi-function center set up in our town. It provides breakfast and lunch if possible for our homeless. Showers, laundry, cl othing and toiletries are also provided. Several services are offered, including help applying for MediCal and other government assistance programs. This has helped several people get back into a home, with a job and making ends meet. Second Harvest : If you own a restaurant, you may be interested in this program. At the end of the day, most restaurants have to discard any food already prepared. That's a big waste of good food. Instead of throwing it away, Second Harvest and programs like it pick it up and deliver it to food banks and other programs that will get it out to the hungry.

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We don't have to let hunger continue. All it takes is a little action on all of our parts and no child will go to bed with an empty stomach and no parents will have to explain that there is nothing for dinner.

Dr. Cedric Shelby Editor-in-Chief Dr. Paula Shelby Managing Editor Stephanie Marshall Executive Adviser Michael D. Shelby President/Marketing Sales Melissa Thompson Contributing Editor Debra Galileo Managing Editor Janie Summers Senior Adviser Mona Duckwitz Contributing Writer John Mark Shelby Public Relations Manager

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