Where Soldiers Come From

Posted by STEVE on January 29, 2012
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A question every veteran including myself  has been asked at some point in their lives is, “What made you join the military”? In the case of Dom, Cole and their close friends who follow them into the military, it’s for similar reasons that my friends and I joined as well. In the Independent Film “Where Soldiers Come From” by Heather Courtney, we learn what the lives were like back in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for these childhood friends who take the oath and soon find themselves searching for I.E.D’s in a volatile Afghanistan.

In the film “Where Soldiers Come From” by Heather Courtney, childhood friends Dom Fredianelli, Cole Smith, Bodi Beaudoin, and their High School friends don’t have to many choices growing up in the Upper Peninsula of  Michigan. For these young men, serving in the military may not have been their first choice after High school, but growing up in a cold, snowy distant part of the country with scarce employment opportunities helps to influence their decision to raise their right hand take the oath together.

“Where Soldiers Come From” will take you through the everyday lives of these young men back home in Michigan and overseas in Afghanistan serving their country. We hear first hand from Dom, Cole and Bodi, about growing up in the U.P. and their reasons for joining the Michigan National Guard. The film follows the young men as they train at the Michigan National Guard firing grounds preparing for combat, and preparing for what they may witness in combat someday. For them, training is somewhat taken lightly and during breaks we see the occasional clowning around with one another. However, when the boys finally do receive orders to deploy to Afghanistan to conduct I.E.D removal utilizing (MRAP) Mined Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, their behavior changes.

As the camera’s follow Dom, Cole, Bodi and their other High School friends on their deployment in a very dangerous region of Afghanistan, we learn that they aren’t the only ones who begin to battle with emotions and thoughts about their decision to serve. Back home in Michigan is where their families go on about their lives, but a life that has gotten much more difficult having to worry everyday about their boy’s in a combat zone. All too often we hear the stories of soldiers out in the war zone, but many times we overlook the families that are left behind having to battle their own war worrying everyday about their loved ones deployed.

In the film “Where Soldiers Come From“, we watch these young soldiers develop as they begin to learn so much more about themselves and their choices in life. We learn not only about their personal struggles and their views on war, but we also learn about the personal struggles and views on war from their families as well. We learn that without the support system these soldiers have back home in Michigan, transitioning would be an even greater challenge. Lastly we learn once again that for any combat soldier returning home from the battle field is no easy transition as we find Dom, Cole and Bodi all battling symptoms of PTSD and finding it difficult to get their lives back to normal.

I would highly recommend this film to everyone in and out of uniform, because this is a film that once again shows the impact war has on not only the combat veteran, but also the family he or she leaves behind. We find that when the combat veteran returns home, a new war begins as they work towards getting their lives back to normal and defeating the images of war they return home with.

Special Thanks to Director/Producer Heather Courtney.

 

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Military Artifacts Left Behind?

Posted by STEVE on January 22, 2012
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With the creation of shows such as American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and American Restoration, I find myself sucking up every bit of memory my DVR supplies me. I’ve grown up in a family that always embraced the past, whether that be talking about the past, looking at old photos or using the hand made tools my grandfather left behind. I was always a kid that wanted to experience life back in the old days when my parents were kids, times as Rick Dale (American Restoration) says “when things were built by hand, and people took pride in what they built”.

It should be of no surprise that when I stumbled upon what looks to be a military artifact, I was blown away. Digging through a draw looking for something led me to a small white box filled with little parts for a sewing kit. Though in the mix of parts I found what at first I thought were pieces to a sewing kit, so I just closed the box back up and forgot about it for the next 3 months. During the next 3 months I began getting into these TV shows and even began searching on Ebay just to take a look at what antiques were for sale, because I realized getting something that reminded my father of the early days would be a perfect gift for him for the holidays, though also knowing antique shopping online isn’t the safest route.

I began coming across some very interesting items on Ebay, stuff called trench art dating back to the World War era. After looking at a few items, I decided to dig that white box back up and look closer at the two pieces of what I thought were parts to a sewing machine. After finding these 2 items again and this time closely inspecting them, I realized what I had actually found were 2 lighters, one dated 1912 and the other 1917. I was baffled to have found these, because for one my grandfather was not a smoker, and two one of them was actually a bullet that was hollowed out.

Having now know what they were I started to research for the stories behind these items. My father had no answer for me and was just as baffled as to why these items would have been laying around in storage. Looking at what is called Trench Art online, I thought these lighters could possibly be just that. So after all of this you may be waiting for the whole answer to what I have found, but unfortunately the search for the answer goes on, but figured someone out there can help.

I’m on a mission to learn about the history of these items and find out why my grandfather may have had them laying around. I will definitely be sharing more on this and hope to have the full story in the end.

************ UPDATE *************
I have recently emailed two NY State Historians and got a reply back from Thomas Duclos Assoc. Curator of the N.Y. State Military Museum  in Saratoga Springs N.Y. Below is the email I received from Mr. Duclos.

Hello,
What you have researched so far seems correct. WWI era trench lighters.
Easy to use, very little or no flame. Commercial items, most likely post war.
The lighters were produced after the war for both nostalgia reasons,( the
Veterans ) and for outdoor use.

The lighters have been reproduced over the years and as time goes by, the
repros have developed a patina of their own. If your lighters have been
passed down to you by your grandfather, you are lucky indeed.
Regards,
Tom Duclos, Assoc. Curator
N.Y. State Military Museum

Special Thanks to Thomas Duclos and the N.Y. State Military Museum.

Pretty awesome to now have the history of these lighters that were passed down from my grandfather, and forever will be in my possession. -Steve

 

 

 

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WordPress.org Protests The Protect IP Act

Posted by STEVE on January 18, 2012
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Doing my part as a Blogger -Steve

WordPress.org Protests The Protect IP Act

Many websites are blacked out today to protest proposed U.S. legislation that threatens internet freedom: the Stop Internet Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). From personal blogs to Wikipedia, sites all over the web — including this one — are asking you to help stop this dangerous legislation from being passed. Please watch the video below to learn how this legislation will affect internet freedom, then go to WordPress.org to take action.

 Go to http://wordpress.org/ to learn more

“End Piracy, Not Liberty” – Google

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In The Telling

Posted by STEVE on January 9, 2012
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It was October 2009 when I first learned about The Telling Project, an organization that found a different approach to connecting to the civilian population. The Telling Project gives Veterans a chance to take the stage and tell their stories of serving in and out of uniform. This past year The Telling Project decided to begin work on an Independent Film titled “In The Telling“, giving their audience the chance to learn the complete story of  “Telling”.

“Telling” is defined by  The Telling Project as an innovative performance in which military veterans and their family members, after interviews and subsequent  training and rehearsal, stage the “telling” of their stories for their communities. In the film, “In The Telling“, we not only learn about the veterans who volunteered to share their stories, but we see how this all started in the summer of 2007 by Jonathan Wei (Creator). With the help of Director John Schmor and Co-author Max Rayneard, the University of Oregon would become the staging ground for the beginning of  “Telling, Eugene”. After preparing for nearly a year, the 8 chosen veterans took to the stage and in 2008 “Telling, Eugene” was born.

In the film, we hear from Creator Jonathan Wei about the reason for creating The Telling Project, the steps taken to prepare veterans for the stage, and the importance of creating an opportunity for veterans to speak and their communities to listen. Co-author Max Rayneard digs deep with interview questions, to learn every bit he can about the veterans. Using his classroom at University of Oregon, Director Schmor takes the veterans under his wings, getting them to open up, relax and even make a fool of themselves as they work on taking the stage and perform in a way that would capture the audiences attention, and that they did.

“In The Telling” is an Independent Film that gives us a behind the scenes look at how The Telling Project was created. We learn about the veterans that make up “Telling, Eugene”, and today The Telling Project has performed through out 10 cities and even took the stage with 1st Lady Michelle Obama.

The Telling Project is an incredible organization that is helping to close the gap between the military and civilian community in a unique way. In the film “In The Telling” ,we get a behind the scenes look at how these veterans are using a different approach to share their stories with America. The Telling Project is performing all across America and has also teamed up with Veterans Artist Program to help propel veterans into the mainstream creative arts community.

Special Thanks to creator Jonathan Wei.

 

Transitioning Veteran Wiki – Performing Arts/Art

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A Great Year Thanks to You All

Posted by STEVE on December 31, 2011
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2011 is coming to an end and it has been a great year not only for myself, but for Transitioning Veteran.com. Creating this website years ago started as an idea, but an idea I soon realized needed to come to life to help others in the military community.  From there I learned about Facebook and how one can create a simple page to promote their website and most importantly get the word out for free to millions around the world.

Thanks to my loyal supporters I have achieved so much in 2011. With the enormous help of everyone spreading the word, I have connected with Veterans stationed home and overseas. Below is some of those achievements, Thanks to all who support and follow Transitioning Veteran Facebook.

- Transitioning Veteran Facebook has hit 2,795 fans and counting

- Transitioning Veteran Blog had over 4,000 visitors for 2011

- I receive Weekly emails from Veterans (Iraq and Afghanistan as well) looking for help transitioning and info on benefits

- Support and emails from other companies and organizations such as Kind snack bars, Call of Duty Endowment, Discovery Channel, Extreme Home Makeover to name a few big ones. Lets not forget emails from students from Columbia University, New York University (conducting research and helping support veterans in many ways), producers from Independent Films such as “Severe Clear”, “Striking a Chord”, “No Wine Left Behind”, and of course the many emails from Veterans past and present emailing me with kind words. This is just a brief description of the emails and connections I have and continue to make because of your support.

- Voted #1 Best Military Blog http://www.militarytuitionassistance.net/best-veterans-blogs

- Been invited and have presented Transitioning Veteran.com to N.Y. Senator Lee Zeldin and the John P. Jennings Veterans Advisory Panel, which I am now a member of and honored to be a part of. Again, this was a huge surprise phone call to receive in October, Thanks again to my supporters who believe in what I am doing.

- Transitioning Veteran Wiki continues to grow with links to very useful websites to help us Veterans grow and evolve as we transition from military to civilian life, again Thanks to supporters sharing resources with me.

- The Soldiers Project monthly newspaper wrote an incredible and very thoughtful piece on volunteer work I had created for them which was The Soldiers Project Facebook page. That article is here and I will mention to please support this great organization.  http://www.thesoldiersproject.org/?LinkServID=85BB35CF-3048-94E3-DED838B728EBDAB0&showMeta=0

- And a personal achievement was earning my Master’s Degree in School Counseling this past May, big THANKS to all who work hard, who created and who advocated for the GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill.

I have a lot to be Thankful for in 2011, most importantly I’m very Thankful for all of you supporting me. Though most importantly Thank you for supporting Transitioning Veteran.com and helping me to get the word out to our veterans who need the help and support.
Thank you all so much and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

- Steve (Veteran and Founder)

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Staying Positive in a Negative Economy

Posted by STEVE on December 4, 2011
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It was May 2011 and I couldn’t wait for the last few days of my college education. Completing 6yrs of college was going to be an incredible achievement in my life. It was  my goal in the beginning to attend school and go for something I truly would love to do once I separated from the service. Once I graduated, I was ready to finally start my new career working as a School Guidance Counselor. Though I knew the task would be a little tough trying to find a job in my new field during these times, I wasn’t ready to realize just how tough it would be.

Even before graduating in May I had already began the job hunting process looking for employment in state. I had applied to local public schools, colleges and even to a couple of military schools such as West Point and the Naval Maritime Academy through USA Jobs.  Although I know how horrible the economy is, I didn’t want to believe it was so bad that at the end of the summer I’d be in the same position I was in from the beginning, working part time for the government.  Having applied to over 24 positions only to hear back from one school with the message of “Although we are very impressed with your resume, we have chosen someone else” took a big hit on my confidence. Sadly, that email was closest I came to an interview so far.

Some may read this blog and think I’m seeking sympathy, which is not the case at all. I know things can be a lot worse and many of you are dealing with extremes right now. I’m writing this blog to share what I have been going through, what approaches I have taken to hopefully help others, and what I have learned in the process. Being stressed, losing confidence, blaming self and getting frustrated are emotions I have been going through during this process, but its common and understandable. Though these emotions cannot steer me away from my ultimate goal of becoming a Guidance Counselor, I’ve worked way to hard to get to this point and quitting is not an option (something I’m sure you heard repeated during boot camp).

Staying positive in tough times is what I must do in order to accomplish my ultimate goal. Though times are tough when it comes to getting a job or even an interview, one must continue to stay focus and be prepared for that moment you are given that opportunity. Below is what I have applied and  learned during job hunting and hopefully it will help you as well.

- Understand the difficult times we are facing with so many losing their jobs and so many applying for jobs. This helps when you want to put all the blame onto yourself for not finding work, when in reality there is so much competition out there now with so many looking for work.

- Apply in state, out of state, city, suburbs, overseas, wherever to give yourself more opportunities.

- Continue to network, by volunteering or contacting people in the field of choice.

- Post your resume everywhere and be sure to check off employers can view your resume. Websites to post your resume include Linkedin, Careerbuilder, Monster, all Federal job banks (http://transitioningveteran.com/wiki/index.php?title=Job/Internships_Links#Government_Job_Banks), just to name a few of the best.

- Use every resource out there to help in your search for work such as websites, newspapers, programs and anywhere else job postings and employment help can be found.

- Apply to as many opportunities as possible. Never apply to one position with high hopes of hearing back. Sad to say, but while waiting to hear back you are probably missing out on other opportunities. Some employment opportunities also are posted with a specific application deadline, however before that deadline is up, the company has already hired someone and postings can come and go in a matter of days.

- Use your connections, I use to think just having a great resume was all you needed, when in  fact it’s not the case anymore with so much competition.

- Use your time wisely to learn more about your profession so when that call does reach you about an interview, you will be well prepared to show you are the best choice for the position.

- Make changes to your resume if need be.

- Stay positive and patient, though tough to say that when sometimes I find myself losing patience. Talking to others and seeking guidance is something that gets me back on track when I find myself drifting towards negative thoughts.

I hope what I have shared helps all of you who find yourselves in a similar situation. Be sure to check out Transitioning Veteran Wiki for resources to help you in your search. I wish you all the best.  -Steve

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No Wine Left Behind

Posted by STEVE on November 9, 2011
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“No Wine Left Behind” is a short film by Kevin Gordon about the difficulties  veterans face when they transition from military to civilian life. It is a film that should have no problems gaining attention throughout our country since the president has called an end to the Iraq war come 2012. Around 50,000 U.S. troops will return home; while many will continue to serve in the military, others will find themselves jobless and even homeless.

“No Wine Left Behind” is a film that shows camaraderie among veterans still exists even after separating from the military. When Josh and his fellow veterans came home, they learned in order to make it in difficult economic times, working together once again would be the best option. They share stories of hard times, reflect on serving in the military and seeing combat, but also share ideas on how to begin bringing in profits from their wine business.

These veterans go back to what they know best, working together to accomplish a goal. The veterans of Lavish Laines have started new lives as civilians and together with each others support have taken on a new challenge. Lavish Laines Winery is located in the beautiful Livermore Valley in California, where these veterans now call home. As these veterans perfect the skill of wine making, they have already perfected the skill of inspiring others. These veterans are an inspiration to so many, but most importantly to other veterans who also find themselves facing tough times as they transition from military to civilian life.

“No Wine Left Behind” has achieved their goal of raising distribution funds to get this great film out into the world.
However you can still donate to further help get this film off its feet by connecting to Kickstarter.

Special Thanks to Producer Kevin Gordon


No Wine Left Behind (Trailer)

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2011 Veterans Day Freebies

Posted by STEVE on November 7, 2011
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2011 Free Veterans Day Meals

 

Applebee’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations at http://applebees.com/.

Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

 

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Hooters – Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

 

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 13, 2011: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event.

 

Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit, http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.

Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.

 

Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military  for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service. More info here.

Home Depot and Lowes Coupon Updates

Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.

Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.

Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.

Free Park Admissions for Veterans Day

Here’s to the Heroes

Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. The complimentary ticket incudes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed servicemembers. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.

Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.

Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. Knott’s Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day).  Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

Fee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info.

Bed and Breakfast for Vets

In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.

Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans.

Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

Other Veteran’s Day Discounts

Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

  • Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.
  • Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran’s Day to download the album.
  • Netflix – One Month Free Trial.
  • Sport Clips – FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation.
  • Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).

 

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Blogs By Four Military Teens

Posted by STEVE on October 26, 2011
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Immediately we look to help support the military member in uniform, yet forget there are the dependents as well who need our support. One particular dependent that sometimes needs a voice to call for help is the military child. Not only does a military child have to deal with the normal stress that comes with growing up, but they are also faced with having to deal with their mother or father being deployed.

I recently received a book titled “My Story: Blogs By Four Military Teens”, written by Michelle Sherman and DeAnne Sherman. Usually I’m the type of guy that just gets to the starting page to begin reading, but something caught my attention on the second page when I opened the book. It was a two sentence message that read “To our Heroes: The children in the military families. We recognize your sacrifices and honor your courage.”  After reading that message I said to myself  “that is a statement you don’t ever hear.”

Although I am not a military brat, while serving I became good friends with those who did grow up on a military base. I learned so much by talking to them about what it was like to grow up as a military kid. I learned about the difficult times it was having to move so often, but the worst of all for them was having their parents deployed overseas. Not knowing when your parent would come home to fill that emptiness that lurks through out the house was the toughest to deal with growing up as a military kid according to my friends.

“My Story: Blogs By Four Military Teens”, written by Michelle and DeAnne Sherman is a book that brings to life what a military child may be dealing with and thinking while their parent is deployed. This  book brings us into the lives of four military teens, where we learn about their daily struggles as they wait for that knock at the door to finally arrive. For a parent serving in the military, it gives them a glimpse into what their own children may be thinking and dealing with while they are deployed for a substantial length of time. For other military kids, this books gives them a chance to realize they are not a lone.

“My Story: Blogs By Four Military Teens” is a book that also gives military children a brilliant idea on how to pass the time and help ease their stress while their parent is deployed. In the counseling field, we know how beneficial it is to write thoughts on paper to help ease our minds. In this case, military children are given the idea of writing a blog, otherwise known as an online journal.

The book by Michelle and DeAnne Sherman has taken parts of the blogs that the four military teens have written while their parents are deployed. These four military teens, deal with issues  such as, a father who returns home suffering from PTSD, a mother deployed during the holidays, a father returns home with visible wounds, and a father struggling with depression and anger. This is a book that reaches out to military kids, created by military kids in the hopes to get them to begin writing and working on their own feelings during times of deployment, but also for any difficult time.

As a certified school guidance counselor, I was very impressed with what the book had to offer for the military child. There is a great assortment of resources, programs and organizations setup to help the military child during deployments, and today military children are taking charge and coming together to form their own groups, in person and even online to help one another. These groups need to be supported, for the sake of the military child.

 

Special Thanks to Michelle Sherman and DeAnne Sherman.

http://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/my-story.html

Transitioning Veteran Wiki – Military Kids

http://transitioningveteran.com/wiki/index.php?title=Military_kids

 

 

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Honoring Those Building the 9/11 Memorial

Posted by STEVE on September 8, 2011
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This past week I caught the documentary by the Discovery Channel titled “Rising“. This was an incredible documentary of the construction of the 9/11 Memorial here in New York City, where The World Trade Center once stood. The documentary captures your attention in so many ways, but one way it captured my attention was hearing the stories and watching the workers on the ground construct what will be an overwhelming and incredible memorial for all who perished on 9/11.

A memorial that many had believed would have been completed years ago, yet was caught up in political, financial and designing conflicts, will finally open it’s doors on September 11, 2011. Those behind making all of this possible are the workers on Ground Zero who risk their lives everyday to construct a memorial that will stand forever. The construction of the 9/11 Memorial for these workers is demanding on the body, but very demanding on the mind. Many of these workers know someone who have lost someone on 9/11, many have also lost loved ones on this day as well.

Being about an hour away (by train) from the 9/11 Memorial, I plan on being there taking in everything it has to offer. From seeing the new buildings standing, to walking the gardens where the “Survivor Tree” calls home again, to seeing the items on display and reading the stories at the 9/11 Museum, I will be there to pay my respects and hope to never witness another tragedy like this ever again.

I dedicate this to the 9/11 workers who have lost loved ones on the same grounds that they bring new life to everyone affected by the tragedies of 9/11.

http://www.911memorial.org/

9/11 Memorial time lapse  – Video

http://www.nycironworkers.org/

 

 

 

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    I'm a four year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the Founder of Transitioning Veteran.com. After separating honorably from the service back in 2003, I completed a Masters degree in Guidance Counseling, a member of the John P. Jennings Veterans Advisory Panel, a volunteer for The Soldiers Project, and still waiting my turn to enter a new career field. I created this blog to reach out to other Veterans of the Armed Forces and share my experiences in life after the military.
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