Category: coping

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Latest Military News that May Affect Us

There are 21 new subscribers since I last posted. Welcome to each of you! Amazing things are happening here lately.

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I decided to make this Military news day. The following is the latest news about what may affect us:

 PREVENTS Roadmap Released: On Wednesday, VFW Washington Office Executive Director B.J. Lawrence attended the release of the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), which is a nationwide plan for ending suicide. The PREVENTS Task Force calls for a number of steps to be taken, including a nationwide public health campaign to change the culture around suicide and mental health, launch a National Research Strategy for effective solutions for the prevention of suicide, and build partnerships among organizations to share best practices. 

VA to Host Virtual Women Veterans Event June 23: Next week, the VFW will join VA Acting Deputy Secretary Pam Powers who will host an event for women veterans on June 23 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. EST. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie will kick off the event to include presenters from all three VA administrations, as well as the Center for Women Veterans, and the Veterans Experience Office. The discussion will focus on how VA responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, address how VA has changed as a result of it, and the post-pandemic environment.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced three new identifications for service members who have been missing and unaccounted-for from WWII and the Korean War.

TRICARE Dental Program Increasing Annual Maximum: United Concordia, the TRICARE Dental Program contractor, announced it will be raising every enrollee’s annual maximum an additional $300. For the contract year that runs from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, the annual maximum will be $1,800. The change is automatic. Enrollees do not need to take any action for this to apply. 

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How are you doing? Things aren’t exactly rosy right now. It is hard to watch the news anymore.

There is tension now in the Philippians. The United States, and the Philippine armies are training together. This does not make China happy. Apparently the Chinese have been trying to frighten the Philippians by having hundreds of war ships pass by their country. We will see what happens there.

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Many of the Generals seem to fighting back against President Trump and his wishes to use the regular Army to clean up the rioting areas. I can see both sides here.

What really has to happen is this:

If you notice that every place there is rioting, burning of businesses, and looting, is run by the democrats. Coincidences? I don’t think so. Those “leaders,” need to get tough and take charge. Clear out their own mess!!

We really do not need the National Guard. We need strong people who live there to step up.

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How are you holding up during this storm we are going through? Is it getting overwhelming?

I know your pain. I have been struggling. The main thing I cling to is that no one can intimidate me. I will not back down. I will remain strong, and reach out to others who need help.

If it is getting a little dicey for you and your need help. Call the crises line below:

1-800-273-8255 Do not delay. It could be your life line.

You should never feel you are weak if you seek help. Do not let people think that since you are a veteran, you should tough it out. I needed help and I got it.

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If you like what this site has to offer, please go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will go directly to your in box. Also, please tell others you may think could use this site as well.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Endorsements for My New Book, “Signs of Hope for the Military”

Started keeping track of new subscribers on June 1st. On that day we had 8,093. Today we are up to 8,224. What a wonderful increase. I am so honored to have all of you here.

My last post I shared with you the outline of my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

It is a good post to go back to if you are new.

Tonight I thought I would share with you some of the outstanding endorsements my book has been receiving. I will only share a couple tonight:

Most of us are fortunate not to have experienced the stress of combat.  Words cannot adequately define the grinding daily pressure of knowing that every time you step outside the gate the enemy will try to kill you and your buddies.  You are constantly alert, on point; but how can you protect your team from the instantaneous blast of the IED?  You are part of a highly-trained team poised to execute, but what has prepared you for the mental toll of being on edge every moment.  The skills that helped you survive….have taken a toll and are now working against you when you return home.  What do you do now; where do you turn?  Whether you are dealing with PTSD, TBI, depression, homelessness, or recovering from wounds; Doug Bolton has answers…..this book has answers!

Jim Jaeger

Brigadier General, USAF, ret

San Antonio, TX

Member of the Board, Victory for Veterans

Although ‘Signs of Hope For the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life’ wasn’t written for men only, it brings honesty and openness to veterans, and military personnel about feeling ok to express fears and emotional challenges in a difficult world.  US Army Retired Veteran, Mr. Douglas Bolton brings his personal stories to life in a way we all can relate to and gives a big “you’re ok” for revealing our shortcomings and encourages us to open up and talk.  A must read for those seeking healing and forgiveness from ourselves and those wanting a fresh look on life. 

Steve Durgin, Founder & CEO with Victory For Veterans Foundation. 

Huntington, Beach California

There are many more. I will share some in future posts.

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How are you doing? Are you struggling? Do you find situations where you are actually afraid?

You certainly are not alone. I was there, and over 8,000 followers here have been with you.

What can we do to overcome the darkside, that wants to torment us? The most important thing you can do, my friend, is get help. I know, it is hard to admit that you need help. You are a tough military veteran Right?

Never fall for that. I got help. I am here because of the help. I was near self imposed death at one time. That was in 2001.

Here is your life line of you think you need it. It is 24/7.

1-800-273-8255 (Option # 1)

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never fosaken,

You are never unloved.

And above all….Never, ever, give up!

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Am I afraid of What is Going on? What Me worry?

I am so amazed! Since I have come back and started posting more often the subscriptions are growing very fast. Two days ago I told your we had gained 25 new people in one day. Today we jumped from 8,125 subscribers to 8,153. I have finally figured out what you want in a site, and I am concentrating on that. Please subscribe by clicking on the subscribe button at the top of this page if you are a veteran, or a family member of a veteran. When you do the posts come directly to your inbox.

Another day another dollar. That is what my mother always said, only she meant it. Times were tough when I was a child. My mother only cleared about $38.00 a week from her job and she was a single parent. However, my brother and I never went hungry. We had clothes to wear and a roof over our head. I still marvel when I think back to that time.

Because of my up bringing, I value the little things. I still have the teddy bear I had as a child. It’s in pretty good shap, and I have fond memories every time I see it. I never had roller skates, toys, or other things most kids had. We couldn’t afford them. How I got new clothes every year was to go to work on my Uncles farm.

Why am I telling you all this? I have a different outlook on much of what is going on right now.

Am I worried about the virus? Oh ya! I have several underlining problems and probably wouldn’t make it if I caught it. But, God has spared me so far so I am very thankful for each day.

Am I upset with what is going on in our cities with the rioting, looting, and arson? Certainly. What worries me the most is that the National Guard is being used, and they are in harm’s way. There are even thoughts of bringing in the regular military.

I never once thought we would ever need the regular military in our country to try to help clean up a mess.

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Let me share some military news to catch you up on what is happening. Most of what I get is from the military magazines, and daily emails from the VFW and The American Legion.

  1. Senate Holds Veterans Affairs Budget Hearing: This week, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a budget hearing to discuss funding requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The VFW, along with Independent Budget(IB) co-authors, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America, provided written testimony advocating for more VA funding. Due to the strain on the VA health care system, the IB recommends increased funding for staffing, PPE, and infrastructure upgrades.
  2. Veteran Employment Bill Introduced: This week, congressional leaders introduced the VFW-supported bipartisan, bicameral bill to help curb veteran unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reps. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN), and Mike Levin (D-CA), along with their colleagues Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Veterans Economic Recovery Act of 2020, which would provide much needed support for veterans who recently lost their jobs due to the pandemic. This proposal would offer eligible veterans one year of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to be used at approved high demand programs to get them back into the workforce as quickly as possible. The VFW applauds our congressional leaders for swiftly introducing this legislation to help curb unemployment among veterans. 
  3. VA Resumes In-Person C&P Examinations in Some Locations: VA has announced that it will resume in-person compensation and pension (C&P) examinations at 20 locations across the U.S. VA will continue to conduct telehealth examinations at locations where in-person exams have not yet resumed. If you live in one of the locations where in-person appointments have resumed, but you are unable to make your appointment or do not feel comfortable with an in-person C&P exam, please contact your service officer to reschedule. Find a VFW service officer near you to file a claim for disability benefits.

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How are you doing? Have there been tough days? Are you battling PTSD, TBI, Depression, etc?

You are not alone my friend. There are over 8,000 fellow veterans here in this site. They know what you are going through. They have been there and done that. Never feel you are alone!!

Here is a hot line to call if you just aren’t able to cope right now. It is NEVER wrong to seek help. If you need it get it.: 800-273-8255 (option #1) Call 24/7.

Again, thank all of you for subscribing to this site. It encourages me to dig even deeper to find things to help you. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. Just go to the top of this page and click on subscribe. When you do you will get all future posts right in your inbox. Please tell other about this site as well, who you think can benefit from it.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!