Gary Sinise Foundation’s Post

Affording home care is a battle you shouldn't have to fight alone. Dear veterans, Veterans Aid & Attendance (VAA) is your ally. Get up to $2,000/month for care at home! Learn more and share with those who qualify. Source: Minute Women Home Care Ryan McEniff, CDP #didyouknow #facts #didyouknowthat #fact #homecare #veterans #care #caring #reimburse

Here’s some interesting intel for Month of the Caretaker (May): Family caregivers of Veterans in GA usually spend around $11,500 per year on out-of-pocket care expenses - 1.5 times higher than the norm. Additionally, 43% of Veteran and military caregivers resort to taking on extra debt or dipping into personal savings to cover their expenses. (AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving) #FAVER #MayisMonthoftheCaretaker #Veterans #monthofthecaretaker

This week, we take a moment to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices and dedication of our 16.5 million Armed Services Veterans, who have offered so much to protect our Nation and our way of life. They volunteered, took an oath, and committed themselves to whatever was asked of them, even to the very end if required. Veterans come from all walks of life, representing every race, religion, and lifestyle that our country has to offer. In critical moments, they came together to do what was necessary, often under the most challenging conditions. When Veterans transition to civilian life, all they ask for is fair consideration of the skills and experience they bring to the table for employers and their communities. They are amazing Leaders, Teachers, Mentors, Managers, and Problem Solvers with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Words like Loyalty, Integrity, Duty, Honor, and Sacrifice have special meanings to Veterans that most civilians struggle to fully appreciate. Veterans are often too humble to realize the value and rarity of the soft skills they possess. It's essential to give them a chance, recognize their potential, and give them the freedom to contribute. Let's also remember the Spouses of Veterans. They watched their loved ones deploy, not knowing what would be asked of them or whether their loved ones would return. Military Spouses took on all the responsibilities at home while offering unwavering support to their Service Members. Being a Military Spouse is a monumental task that requires a special kind of person to handle it with Grace year after year, deployment after deployment, often while parenting and working outside the home to make ends meet. This week, consider what it means to enter our country’s Armed Forces, whether for three years or thirty years, or to watch your parent, child, or your spouse go off to serve, with your only update coming from Fox or CNN. To offer one's life and ask only due consideration and opportunity when their time in Service is done. On Veterans Day, November 11th, Honor all who Served, supported, and are still Serving. Say a prayer for our Veterans, our Active Duty Military, and the families who support them from home.  Still Serving Veterans #veterans #militaryspouse #transitioningmilitary

#Veterans, Veterans in #ruralcommunities and #transitioningmilitary PLEASE BE AWARE……!! I have talked with a few "coaches," "advisors," and "benefits counselors" in the past about getting my disability rating increased based on my symptoms progressing, but never made the commitment because they wanted $2,000-$4,000 up front!! Those individuals who pray on Veterans and make statements like “we can guarantee we will get you 100% disability” OR “you pay nothing, unless you get 100%” should be called out! There is “NO GUARANTEE” these sharks can get you the benefits and disability claims rating you deserve. My personal and professional opinion……I purpose speaking to a certified, vetted, and trained Veteran Service Officer (VSO). VSO’s can be found at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs DAV (Disabled American Veterans) (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, American Freedom Fund, AMVETS American Veterans, Air Force Association, Association of the United States Army - AUSA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS, and even the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)! Additionally……if for some reason your benefits or claim gets DENIED, DO NOT GIVE UP!!! There are other VSO’s who are more experienced with complex claims that you can work with FOR FREE, so be sure you ask for someone that has handled a similar claims. You have to be the “squeaky wheel” to get the benefits and rating that you deserve!! ***If you are or know other organizations that have experienced and qualified VSO’s, please call them out. Also, please share your experiences.

A Season of Gratitude begins Veterans Day marks the beginning of a season dedicated to gratitude and sacrifice, a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives made possible by the selfless actions of others. This national day of remembrance, observed on the anniversary of World War I’s end, pays tribute to veterans and the victims of war. A pause to honor their sacrificial love. While Americans overwhelmingly hold veterans in high esteem, it’s worth noting that the number of individuals with military experience within the U.S. population has declined. This trend is also reflected in the diminishing number of Congress members with military backgrounds. Florida stands out as a leader in veterans per capita, boasting 21 military bases within its borders, making it easy to recognize the significant veteran presence in the state. Across the nation, most states celebrate Veterans Day with parades, with New York hosting the largest of them all. As the confetti settles and the parades conclude, it is my hope that our admiration for veterans will translate into meaningful actions that enhance their lives. There are countless opportunities to positively impact the lives of veterans each day. It’s sobering to acknowledge that twenty percent of homeless individuals are veterans, and twenty-seven percent of veterans are living with disabilities. Additionally, the Labor Department reports that 2.9% of veterans are unemployed. In these circumstances, even small gestures of support can have a profound and lasting impact, as the VA news wisely reminds us, “a small gesture goes a long way.” #veteransday #holiday #gratitude #wednesdaywisdom elainemariefineart.com

In honor of #veteransday, this week we are proud to feature our Veterans. Today we are putting the spotlight on Frank Carter Current position/Title at Mortgage Connect/ Valuation Connect: Mortgage Connect Vendor Management Team Lead What branch of the Military did you serve in & what did you do? Army Reserves Metal Worker (Welder) Why did you choose that branch? The Army at the time had programs I wanted to take advantage of. How long did you serve? 9 years Do you come from a Military family? Yes, on both sides of my family. I’ve found that we have at least one person in each branch. Did you learn anything interesting about yourself during your service? My capacity to learn different skills and processes is very high. What do you do outside of work? (sports, groups, etc.) Paintballing is one of more active things I like to do in season. Anything else you’d like to tell us? If you have the opportunity to join do so you will learn something about yourself guaranteed!

During our #military service we become part of a team and a culture that fundamentally changes us forever. We never leave a brother or sister behind. As #Veterans what do we “see” and what do we want others to “see” when they look at this photo of a Soldier carrying his teammate during a training exercise. These are questions we should ask ourselves when seeking meaningful employment and nonprofit organizations that provide opportunities for us to continue serving our nation, our community, and one another. For the former, don’t settle for a company that is “military friendly” or “military ready.” At a time when Veteran unemployment is at an all time low, friendly or ready isn’t good enough. Choose an employer that goes a step beyond and has a culture that empowers you to grow and #thrive in the workplace too. For the latter don’t choose nonprofits that paint a narrative that we need to be carried or need their help to “survive.” Serve and support organizations that celebrate the strength, courage and resilience of our community and help us #thrive. It’s time as a community we recognize that every one of us needs a “lift” from time to time, and above all we have each other to lean on and “carry” one another through the challenges. We are Veterans and we are #MilitaryThriving. Photo Credit: US Army

🎖 Advocating for Better Transition Support for Our Veterans🎖 With over two decades of dedicated service in both active and reserve military roles combined with 20 years in mortgage lending, I've gained a unique perspective on the needs of transitioning veterans. Our support systems have certainly improved over the years, but the journey is far from over. Here's the reality: not all veterans will benefit from programs like Skill Bridge, not all pursue higher education, and many don't have immediate employment opportunities. Yet, all will eventually depart from service. Planning for life after the military shouldn't start six months before discharge. It's not enough time to set oneself up for success. One significant challenge is the loss of their military support network. We need to establish frameworks that encourage early and ongoing conversations about transition, ensuring that support networks remain strong during and after their service. Encourage our service members to begin planning their transition at their final duty station, providing them years to refine the details, seek mentorship, and address challenges under the guidance of their command. Let's commit to enriching our support structures and ensuring every veteran has the tools and community they need for a successful transition to civilian life. #VeteransSupport #MilitaryTransition #VeteranAdvocacy