Dana West’s Post

April presents us with an exceptional opportunity to honor the resilient hearts of military children. Although military children proudly embrace the term "military brat," many outside this lifestyle remain unaware of the experiences these children endure, both positive and negative. Annually, the Department of Defense collaborates with national, state, and local entities, including schools, military-support organizations, businesses, and private individuals, to honor military children and acknowledge their sacrifices. This recognition is particularly prominent every April during the Month of the Military Child. Established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, the Month of the Military Child provides an opportunity for Americans to celebrate these children for their contributions on the home front and within their communities. According to the Department of Defense, over 1.6 million military children encounter distinct challenges and experiences due to their parents' service. These challenges may include relocating away from friends, enduring prolonged separations from parents, or witnessing their parents return home with physical or mental wounds. Among the 1.6 million military children, approximately 11,200 are offspring of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen. These children undergo similar struggles as those of active-duty service members' children but often lack access to equivalent programs, services, and community support. Article Source:https://lnkd.in/g5p9xKth Healing Warrior Hearts Bringing Veterans and Families Closer Together https://lnkd.in/epbz-Tf #Veterans #healingwarriorhearts #YouAreNotAlone #Veterans

April presents us with an exceptional opportunity to honor the resilient hearts of military children. Although military children proudly embrace the term "military brat," many outside this lifestyle remain unaware of the experiences these children endure, both positive and negative. Annually, the Department of Defense collaborates with national, state, and local entities, including schools, military-support organizations, businesses, and private individuals, to honor military children and acknowledge their sacrifices. This recognition is particularly prominent every April during the Month of the Military Child. Established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, the Month of the Military Child provides an opportunity for Americans to celebrate these children for their contributions on the home front and within their communities. According to the Department of Defense, over 1.6 million military children encounter distinct challenges and experiences due to their parents' service. These challenges may include relocating away from friends, enduring prolonged separations from parents, or witnessing their parents return home with physical or mental wounds. Among the 1.6 million military children, approximately 11,200 are offspring of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen. These children undergo similar struggles as those of active-duty service members' children but often lack access to equivalent programs, services, and community support. Article Source:https://lnkd.in/g5p9xKth Healing Warrior Hearts Bringing Veterans and Families Closer Together https://lnkd.in/epbz-Tf #Veterans #healingwarriorhearts #YouAreNotAlone #Veterans

🌟 Making a Difference: Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund🌟 At Link Financial Advisory, we believe in more than just numbers. Our mission extends beyond balance sheets and investment portfolios. We want to help our clients achieve all their financial goals because we know that as they do better financially, they can better support the organizations they care most about. One such organization near and dear to my heart is The Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund whose mission is clear: to support disabled U.S. Army Rangers and their families. Here’s how they make a difference: 1. Assistance Programs: They go beyond what the government can offer. Through their programs, they address ongoing financial needs, ensuring that Rangers and their families receive the support they deserve. 2. Honoring Fallen Heroes: Their Memorial Wall stands as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They remember, honor, and celebrate US Army Ranger's bravery. 3. Community Engagement: They invite people to participate, volunteer, and host events. As you prepare for your upcoming week, take a moment to remember that Freedom Is Not Free. Let's acknowledge this incredible organization which supports those who protect our freedom. You can find their website by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gaE9j9fw #LeadTheWay #ArmyRangers #MakeADifference #LinkFinancialAdvisory

At the risk of the appearance of self-promotion (I hesitated about doing this many times!), I wanted to let you know about my article that was recently published in the Journal for Student Affairs. "From Service to School: Strategic Design Considerations to Effectively Support Student Veterans Transitioning to College" provides an overview of best practices that institutions may consider to help support military personnel transitioning into school. If nothing else, my references may serve as a launching point for further study. My hope is that it helps move the needle a bit in a positive direction for those working in the student veteran/higher education space. https://lnkd.in/eKiRdK_G #studentveterans #highered #veteranshelpingveterans #militarytransition

Memorial Day may have passed, but it's never too late to reflect on its importance. Dive into Roz Salazar insightful guest blog, where she shares her heartfelt reflections on the significance of this special day. Check out the link in the comments below! #veterans #MemorialDay #militarylife #remember #blog

As a veteran, I can attest that to the Government we are just a number. To the Army - I was just a number, despite my leadership skills and dedication to my soldiers. This can create a sense of non-being for many service members and veterans. So, what can we do to ensure that our military & veteran community does not feel this way? - Talk to Veterans and servicemembers. - Show gratitude for the sacrifice that my brothers and sisters put on the line daily just to be viewed as a number by their employer. - Keep the memories alive of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. - Ask us questions - most of us have pent up issues that we need to talk through. - Make direct introductions to resources - it’s shocking how many resources folks don’t know about (Financial, housing, rehab, VA, resiliency, etc. if you don’t know where to look ask me!) Make an introduction, talk to people, remember the fallen, and most importantly be vulnerable! #Veterans #MilitaryCommunity #Inclusion #Support My old BLC crew ⬇️😁

In the military community, we each wear our service differently. My journey as a young female veteran may not mirror the classic narrative—shorter service, no deployment, not climbing ranks, and often, my contribution is overshadowed or dismissed. Yet, every act of service, no matter the scale, shares the same core of selflessness and commitment. You know I love #actionableadvice so here it goes... If you are a #veteran: 1. Speak Up and Get Louder 📣 Share your story. The more we vocalize our experiences, the more we normalize the diversity of military service. 2. Support Each Other 💯 Actively listen to and uplift fellow veterans' stories. Every story adds value and strength to the tapestry of our community. 3. Educate and Empower 💪 Use your voice to enlighten others. Highlight the importance of every role within the military, breaking down stereotypes and stigmas. Remember, comparing services diminishes our collective sacrifices. Let’s shift the focus to unity and respect for all contributions, large or small. Together, we can foster a community that honors every form of service and gives the world an example of the union we all crave. 🌌 #veteranshelpingveterans #communitybuilder #radicalresponsibility #empowerment

#Community-based organizations play a role in the broader support ecosystem for #militaryfamilies and collaborate with military and #government services to enhance support. Join us at San Diego Military Summit ’24 on August 8 at National University for a conversation on how to best work with these organizations during your #transition from the #military. This panel will cover: - Overview of the non-military resources available for military families in San Diego - How community-sponsored programs complement the resources provided on military installations - Types of #support military families can expect from non-military organizations, particularly in areas like #financialassistance, #housing, and #education - How to best access and utilize these resources Our panel of experts include: - lola Adeyemo, Sapient Logic LLC - Tracy Owens, LCDR, USN (Ret.) CNM, EMC, SOLC, CECM, Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) - Maurice D. Wilson, SAN DIEGO VETERANS COALITION In addition you will have the opportunity to sit in on our keynotes for the day from Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer, Lt. General Ronald Bailey, and BGen (Ret) Ivan Denton. San Diego Military Summit '24 is presented by Cushman & Wakefield, Gary Sinise Foundation, and Lowe's Companies, Inc.. Register on the website - the first 200 members of the military and their families receive complimentary tickets courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield and Lowe's Companies, Inc. #sdmilitarysummit #sandiego #veterans #event #free #militarytransition

Working on my doctorate, I initially struggled with how to tailor my research. With the help of Dashan Jamel Axson-Lawrence, M.Ed, M.S., B.A., I found my footing when I chose the topic of "Enhancing the Recruitment of Non-Degreed Military Veterans." I've received some great feedback, and the next step is to further my research and meet with lawmakers here in Washington to create laws to combat the high unemployment rate of our nation’s finest—veterans. Excited for the journey ahead! 🤞🏿✊🏿#VeteranSupport #DoctorateJourney #ResearchAndPolicy

Our brave members of the United States armed forces sacrifice so much to protect us, and it's heartening to see National Invest in Veterans Week recognizing their dedication. From March 1st to March 7th, this week focuses on supporting veterans who aspire to start or have already established their own businesses. Created by NFL veteran Drayton Florence and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford in 2019, the week aims to encourage public investment in veterans' business ventures, mental health services, and education. Supporting veteran-owned businesses is crucial, considering they're 45% more likely to be self-employed and contribute significantly to the economy, employing almost 6 million people. During this week, we can show our appreciation by buying from veteran-owned businesses, promoting them on social media, mentoring aspiring veteran entrepreneurs, and using the hashtag #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek. Let's honor and support our veterans who continue to contribute to our communities even after their military service. #veterans #supportingveterans #supporteachother #veteranownedbusiness #veteranownedandoperated #veteranshelpingveterans #businessventure