The Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 4: Let’s Talk About War
“War, huh, yeah… What is it good for?” The Common Veterans take on war – the amount of Veterans that have fought in combat – or been to a combat zone, and why it is so hard to transition back into a noncombatant once back home…
I) Defining War and Combat Experiences
a. What is war?
i. Is it just a state of mind or an actual state of being?
b. What is considered a combat experience?
i. Combat arms vs. Support
1. Define POG
2. Define Combatant
II) What does war do to Veterans?
a. Is it an all-one-size-fits-all situation?
i. How much does one’s mindset play a role in combat?
ii. Does being physically fit change the mental aspect of things?
b. Any stories of war that can be told to emphasize what it means to be a warrior?
i. Combat explosions
ii. Door kicking
iii. Medical aspects
iv. Support for…
III) Transitioning back to civilians… Uh what?!
a. Support systems that… well.. support!
i. Family doesn’t always understand
ii. Vet organizations such as VFW, DAV, American Legion
iii. Nonprofits: FSO, Team RWB, Get Wet for a Vet. Etc…
b. Linking PTSD to TBI to survivor’s guilt to readjusting to civilian life
i. Mental health is not often right away
IV) Continuing on, what’s next?
a. Figure out your triggers are:
i. What is a trigger?
ii. How do we become the next level combatant?
V) Next Podcast: Episode 5: Proud to be an American
a. The Common Veterans are all United States Military Veterans. Pride in the country is pride in their service because they were willing to write a blank check to include up to their lives. The life of a Veteran often revolves around their service and how much they love their country. The Common Veterans discuss their love for God and country.

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The Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 3: Free Lunch Day
The Common Veterans discuss Free Lunch Day. Free Lunch Day is and was Veteran’s Day. The Common Veterans talk about their favorite meals and why it is now been adopted by this pet name. The dangers of it and the gratitude that comes with getting a free meal, or are they free?
I) Free Lunch Day?
a. Discuss the historical significance of Veteran’s Day and how it has evolved into being referred to as “Free Lunch Day” among veterans.
i. Veterans were not always recognized.
ii. Soldiers start to expect it.
1. Overdo it – some go to many restaurants, and it becomes a lot
b. Explore the reasons behind this shift in terminology and what it means to the Common Veterans.
II) Favorite Meals and Restaurants
a. Share personal stories from the Common Veterans about their favorite meals on Free Lunch Day.
i. What changes when a Veteran dines with another Veteran?
1. Shared experiences
ii. Traditions that last
1. Common Veterans is a time for us to eat, rehearse, record, then reminisce!
2. Changes hearts and minds.
a. Caleb
i. Best V-Day Ever.
III) Gratis is Awesome, But Does it Attract Scammers?
a. Examine the potential dangers of Free Lunch Day, including overindulgence and exploitation of veterans.
i. Discuss the differences between restaurants that care vs those that create a “free meal” for marketing
1. Offer no drink.
2. Require to eat in a restaurant rather than eating at home
ii. Does it matter that it is a “free lunch?”
1. Better to have a free lunch or get together as Veterans and brothers/sisters in arms?
b. Discuss the stolen valor people that it attracts.
c. Stigma of being, “Anyone would do what I did” (Not a hero.)
IV) Next Podcast: Episode 4: Let’s Talk About War
a. The War, huh, yeah… What is it good for?” The Common Veterans take on war – the amount of Veterans that have fought in combat – or been to a combat zone, and why it is so hard to transition back into a noncombatant once back home…
b. Until next time

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Introduction to Chad McKeown

Chad McKeown is a father, a brother, and now a widower and an amazing human being. Chad has worked with many different Veteran organizations to help out the Veteran community and continues to be there for people who need help.

Mark K

If you would Chad, tell me a little bit about yourself.

Chad McKeown

OK. I grew up in Goshen, IN lived here my whole life. I joined the military when I was twenty, I went to the Army National Guard. I am currently a truck driver for Lippert components. I have been there 13 years, and I just take care of my family.

Mark K

Were there any other branches you considered before?

Chad M

No, there were none.

Mark K

Do you have a family member or family members that were in the military?

Chad M

So, my oldest brother was in the Air Force. He served. He retired from the Air Force, a full bird Colonel. And then my brother, my other brother. He was in the army as well. He was stationed in Germany.

Mark K

What were some of the motivating factors that led you to seek the life of service?

Chad M

Well, my middle brother that was in the army, he always used to bring me home these little like face paint things, when I was a kid. It was one of those things I always wanted to do. I always wanted to be in the army, and I always wanted to be a truck driver. And so now I do both, I did both of those things.

Mark K

So, did you have any expectations going in?

Chad McKeown

I knew it would be hard and long, but I know a lot of people had it worse than me. So yeah, I had some expectations. My experience wasn’t terrible compared to a lot of other people.

Mark K

Was there an experience in basic that really sticks with you?

Chad M

It’s been so long ago so I don’t really remember very well so, I guess not really.

Mark K

Did you have a best, worst moment you would care to share from basic?

Chad M

One of my worst moments was at the very final PT test. It was AIT. I failed the PT test by one push up the very last one, so I had to stay and do pots and pans for two weeks until I passed it.

Mark K

How long did you serve for?

Chad M

I served six years in the Army National Guard and then I was deployed to Iraq for one year and then also for Hurricane Katrina, when that happened to Mississippi.

Mark K

What rank did you attain?

Chad M

I was an E4 specialist.

Mark K

Take me through a typical day in your time of service.

Chad M

Well, I guess it depends where you’re at, In Iraq, you know you have different missions some days you have guard duty where you’d be out checking vehicles or being in a guard tower and then other days, I was a truck driver, so other days I’d be driving it, log packs in the truck, hauling equipment or food or, stuff like that.

Mark K

During your time of service, are there any aspects of that life you are glad to have experienced?

Chad M

Yes, the loss of freedom when you lose, you know, basic things that you really enjoy about being back home. You can learn to appreciate those things a lot more. Just even the simple things like just driving in your car and listening to music or just stuff like that. You know Taco Bell or whatever. The many freedoms we enjoy every day that we take for granted, and you can realize that in your time of service that you have been taking those things for granted.

Mark K

Are there things you miss about that life?

Chad McKeown

I missed driving in convoys. I always thought that was cool, the large convoys. And then I missed seeing the cadence, when you are in formation, but, other than that, not a lot.

Mark K

I know everybody’s experience is different. But if you would, describe the acclimation process back to civilian life.

Chad M

For me it was not too bad because I was an Army National Guard soldier. So, I mean, there are a lot of soldiers that go to active duty for four or six or however many years and they come back and redo it. For me, I was only gone during deployment, so it was not too bad. And then, like I said, you know, when I got back, I was just happy to be free again. So, I did not have too many problems like that.

Mark K

How has the service had an impact on your day-to-day routines that you find yourself still doing?

Chad M

Yes, it just teaches you to be disciplined in certain areas of your life. You know, do not take things for granted and reminds you that things can always be worse, because if you have seen another country what it’s like there. And then yes, just the ability to complete your tasks and you know, take pride in your work.

Mark K

So other than things like freedom you mentioned, how has your service impacted your view of the world?

Chad McKeown

Yes, that’s a tough one. I guess it changed my view of politics a little bit because of some of these things. I do not think we need to be sending our young men over there, you know, I think about things like that. What has happened to Iraq since we’ve been there, I don’t think we really did much good, honestly.

Mark K

Is there any advice you would give someone seeking to join?

Chad M

I would say just enjoy it, you know, try to see the world, and take it in. You know, just taking in the sights and try to remember it. You make a lot of friends, try to stay connected with those friends for sure because you lose contact with those people it can be hard to find them again.

Mark K

Are there any final words or thoughts you would like to end with?

Chad McKeown

I guess my final thoughts, I appreciate being recognized, but I also want to recognize that my service was miniscule compared to many other people who have served. I think that if everyone did what I did and just served their country. Then come back, take care of their family, and then try to do honorable deeds in the community. I think there will be a lot more people that could be recognized for this as well.

Mark K

Thank you very much for your time. I very much appreciate it.

Meet Our Hometown Heroes

You can always come meet more of our Hometown Heroes at at our yearly “Remember” event! Make sure you nominate your hero today!

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Years back, I was in a very negative headspace. It’s the headspace that many Veterans go through, the “I don’t fit in, Dysfunctional Veteran.” While funny on the surface, there is a danger to this. Veterans are Wearing shirts that put a mark on your back, literally. Furthermore, making the common Veteran look like they are all jerks and idiots. (I can fully assure you that this is the exception and not the rule.) It took a few people for me to understand that I’m not dysfunctional, albeit going through a hard time because of trauma, and that was okay, too. Being not okay is OK; sometimes, it’s a natural response to being in a high-intensity situation for long periods. That is the way of the military. However, in this mode, it is hard to show people that you have worth. Respect is earned, not given. Walking around like the world owes us a favor is irresponsible. The Veteran community went through a time of losing respect for one another and themselves as a whole because of this mentality.

Earning Respect

My wife and I teach our children that if you want respect, you must first, earn it. I teach my sons that if they want people to take them at their word then they need to be honest. Being honest is that first spot that people look for when deciding to give respect to someone. There is no place for dishonesty in respect. Therefore, having the integrity to keep your word, answer with truth even if it hurts, and always speak in respectful mannerisms will earn that respect.

There is more to it than just telling the truth to gain respect; however, it’s being cordial, honest, and caring. Often, people will say the truth in a manner that is hard to hear, with no caring if it hurts someone or not. Often, this is the way it needs to be done. We’ll call it the “ripping the band-aid off method. While some people respond much better to that method, most do not.

It’s not what you say it’s how you say it…

Verbal Judo is acrobatics in the mind. People have become accustomed to being spoken similarly across the world. They expect to be given respect immediately, regardless of context. This is a complex concept for many people, especially Veterans, who, for the duration of their military service, were being yelled at to do tasks. The task, or mission, was always the most essential thing in the military member’s life at that moment. There was nothing to stop the soldier* from completing said task. Often, the soldier was screamed at from the time they started the task until the end of the task. Unfortunately, that is the military way in many cases. This often becomes a trauma to the later Veteran, which retrains the brain from treating others with respect. Returning to speaking respectfully needs to be how an enlisted person discusses with an officer, saying with respect to the rank that has asked you to do something. This is the acrobatics that one must do in one’s brain before they speak. Retraining people to talk in a manner that de-escalates a situation or encourages is often the most challenging part of re-learning integrity.

Saying the right words, all the time, does not matter! It’s the way in which you say the words that matter. Speak the truth in a manner that doesn’t harden hearts. The Bible says to “speak the truth in love”, while this is important – it is not an easy task. This is the part where we have to learn to become and speak what we believe.

Gaining Respect is Gaining Integrity

I, me, Kenny Holmes, personally believe that the way to gain respect is to treat the person that you are talking to in a manner that they want to be treated. The whole “Golden Rule” thing is a thing to me. I have been fairly successful with it I think, since getting off of the “Dysfunctional Veteran” roller-coaster ride.

All of this only works if you have respect for yourself! I saw a VA counselor for many years. The one I saw was also a Jewish Rabbi, and one of the things that he was fond of telling me (because I identify as a Christian): “You Christians do not use your Jesus!” While that may seem odd for a Jew to say – it’s also quite true. We, as Christians, want people to see us as lovers of each other; while respecting us in the present. We often forget to ask for our Creator’s blessing. Showing our love through our Christian Values is the way that people will see you and judge your integrity. Walking the walk and falling the talk.

When I was going through the hard time, it was evident I didn’t have much respect for what I was doing. I didn’t have the self-worth that I needed. Looking at Facebook, at the drama, the insecurities of people, the over-enthusiasm for mediocre tasks, this all messed with my psyche. Social media wrecked my self-worth. It wrecked my ability to have confidence; therefore, I couldn’t speak the truth because I wasn’t living the truth. Ironically; though, I met another individual that helped me get my self worth back. He helped me until he couldn’t anymore, and even offered me a job if I’d move to Texas. However; that was never in the cards for my family! But he gave me the opportunity to meet and do work for very successful people. All of the people that I met through him helped me gain the knowledge of what they were doing, showing respect.

Move Over Gains, Respect is in The House

Knowing I still needed help, I contacted clergy, who referred me to a Stephen’s Minister. This is where clarity met mind and respect in the road and hugged! The object of being respectful is the ability to listen, speak when needed to, and regard with only the knowledge that the person lets you in on.

My Stephen’s Minister and my therapist worked with me to help me get out of the hole that I was in. To this day my Stephen’s Minister, let’s call him Mike, help me out. Mike keeps me in check and in reality, but he helps me remember that to receive respect it’s about showing it first!

Full circle now, and if you have stuck with me this far, we are on the ending strip of this article. This is what FreedomSystem’s goal is now. Let Veterans earn the respect that they may feel that they lost when the left the military.

What’s Coming Next

Right now, FreedomSystem.org, has classes once a quarter to help get resumes right. There are a few new features coming to the website that will be there to help with résumé’s and job searching. We are starting to do our group mountain bike rides again this year, and we are working on our Veterans coaching kids program through our newly formed baseball team! And so much more…

Don’t forget to get your tickets to “Remember,” May 18th, tickets are on sale on the website here and through our board members and a select few locations throughout the Elkhart Community!

Until next time:

PEACE

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Every year FreedomSystem.org has one fundraiser called “Remember!” This fundraiser is how we fund our programs like our Mountain Bike program and career building programs as well as starting new programs every year in which we help United States Military Veterans. Furthermore, every year we try to make sure we create programs that promote camaraderie and Veterans getting together to create opportunities for Veterans to interact with people that understand one another. The “Remember” event creates another opportunity for the public to have awareness of military Veteran issues; moreover, bringing civilians and military together.

The Remember Event creates an excellent time for the community to share their expierences with Veterans, creating a way to show their support. Oftentimes, the military Veterans does not feel the gratitude of the public because they do not see it. This creates an expierence for our Veterant to see that gratitude.

Who is coming to the Remember Event?

This year is quite exciting, “Remember” is hosting Captain Chad Fleming. CPT Fleming is the first soldier to become an amputee and go back into combat. CPT Fleming’s story is quite unique and we are very excited about having him here with us for supper and to hear his story! This year we also have the added bonus of having Casey Hendrickson and Lauren Zeugner as our Master of Ceremonies. Furthermore, FSO’s President Kenny Holmes will give a quick rundown of the evening!

We will also have live music from Sam Brown and then after dinner music with Doobieus for dancing! Not to mention all the other great things happening!

Where and How to get Tickets for Remember…

This is a fun answer! Getting tickets has been made very easy and fun! you can get tickets from any one of our board members (look at our Mission page for who they are). The other places that you can get tickets are at Ivy and Oak, George’s Gyros, Golden Bear Bikes, VFW Post 985, and/or Printers Plus.

Of course there is another option to get tickets and that is here on our website!

See you at Remember

You do not want to miss this event! This is our pinacle event every year and we are going to be honoring Veterans in a new way! This year we are announcing our Hometown Heroes and look forward to you seeing how these individuals help locally!

Until then:

PEACE

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Anxiety Attacks Do NOT Have to Cripple

I experienced this anxiety attack while taking a shower. I was going about my morning routine as usual, and it seemed like any other day. However, it caught me off guard. As a therapeutic measure and a personal reminder, I wrote a blog post about it and shared it with the world. This experience made me realize that it’s normal to struggle sometimes as long as you strive to improve.

This post highlighted the fact that many people face similar challenges, not just military members. However, it’s often more prevalent among military veterans who may not openly discuss their struggles.

Anxiety attacks shouldn’t be taken lightly, and there are techniques to help regain composure. However, it’s often difficult to manage alone. Fortunately, on Monday, my wife helped me remember to breathe and ensured I was okay before continuing with the day.

Ignoring what happened during an anxiety attack does oneself a disservice. It’s both a physical and mental ordeal. These attacks can feel like a heart attack or as exhausting as running a marathon. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone when experiencing them. It’s okay not to be okay.

Breathe It Through Attack the Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks, while often crippling (at the time), do not have to be a day killer. These attacks can often be pushed to the side by simply getting fresh oxygen in your brain and bloodstream. Breathing through an anxiety attack is the hardest thing to learn how to do. At the same time, it is the easiest thing and the toughest thing to do. Here are a few ways to get through an anxiety attack:

1. Breathe. It seems simple, and it is, but frequently, it is overlooked because it takes a lot to make sure that you are breathing in the right way. Breathe in deep. Breathe past the lungs and into the diaphragm (the spot right above your navel). Breathe deep and exhale even deeper. This will get the bad oxygen out of your head and into your brain, which helps make it possible to have rational thoughts.
2. Write it down. Writing what you are going through may allow you to identify the triggers later as you read over what you have written. Writing also helps you hyperfocus on something outside of the panic that you are feeling. If you feel like you want to share your thoughts, that is okay; realize that some people don’t understand and may want to tear you down for sharing a “weakness.” Remember that “pain is weakness leaving the body,” and anxiety is pain.
3. Pray. I am a Christian, and I find prayer cathartic; furthermore, studies show that those who have a good prayer life can curb and feel “healed.” But whatever/whomever your deity is, there is something with prayer that helps.
4. Medication. I discourage meds in most cases because anxiety medication is often highly addicting, and if you have an addictive personality, it could get you addicted. However, if a physician prescribes it correctly, it will help you in a panic attack. For me, it brings my mood back to stable (and I only take them as an absolute last resort)

Kick Ass Before it Kicks Yours

Learning how to beat them is only half the battle, but it can help to help others kick anxiety. Being available to help someone is always recommended.

Finally, empowering others to confront their anxiety is an essential part of overcoming it yourself. By offering support and understanding, we can create a community where no one feels alone in their struggles.

Remember, anxiety attacks don’t have to control your life. By implementing these strategies and supporting each other, we can all work towards kicking anxiety to the curb.

Until Next Time

I look forward to writing these blogs, if you have any ideas on what you would like to learn about more please contact me here or send me an email: kenny@freedomsystem.org.

PEACE

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A Veteran who needs to navigate the VA is frequently turned off by the lengthy process that is sometimes experienced. The Common Veterans discusses best practices on how to get started with the process and how to be your own best advocate.

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The Common Veterans take on the stories that Veterans tell – are they real or lies? Do the fish get bigger by the year, or does the memory of the storyteller seem to tell some tales? The Common Veterans bring a fresh perspective on the whopper that got away…

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Nomination Narrative: In his service to his country, Bruce attained the rank of E5 Sergeant. Bruce was a scout squad leader, completed one tour in Iraq, Airbourne qualifications, and finished His time in service as a sniper team leader. Bruce sets a good example of integrity and leadership when it comes to daily routine in His personal life outside of the military. In His role as a supervisor for Adams and Westlake LTD. He has been successful. He was given more responsibilities in another dept. at Adlake and met the challenges head-on.

Mark K

Good afternoon, I’m here today with Bruce Rundberg, who is Januarys’ Hometown Hero award recipient. As the recipient He’ll be receiving items from Freedomsystem.org as a thank you for His service from us. Also, He’ll be a guest at our annual dinner this May 18^th, 2024, featuring Cpt. Chad Flemming.

Mark K

Bruce, if you would, tell me a little bit about yourself, background history, current work.

Bruce R

I’m 37 from Hobart IN that’s where I grew up at. Graduated from River Forest High School. I currently work at Adams and Westlake. Been here for 10 years now working in manufacturing.

Mark K

So, what branch of service did you choose?

Bruce R

Army National Guard.

Mark K

Were there any other branches you considered before the army?

Bruce R

I’d say Marine Corps, active army.

Mark K

Did you have any family that was in the military?

Bruce R

I had a grandfather that was in Vietnam with the army.

Mark K

What were some of the motivating factors that led you to seek that life?

Bruce R

I wanted to be challenged. I really wasn’t afraid of much. And it just seemed exciting to do. You get to go to different places, get shoot different weapons, it just seemed fun.

Mark K

Did you have any expectations going in?

Bruce R

I knew it was going to suck. You’re going to get your body beat up and pushed, but that’s what you signed up for.

Mark K

Was there an experience in basic training that really sticks with you?

Bruce R

Not really. It was just. It was good overall.

Mark K

Did you have a best or worst moment you’d care to share from basic?

Bruce R

Nothing special about basic if I’m being honest. I mean good drill sergeants, but them being good doesn’t really mean that it’s bad. They were just they were hard on you and it made you better for it.

Mark K

How long did you serve?

Bruce R

I put 13 years in.

Mark K

In those 13 years, what rank did you attain?

Bruce R

I hit E5, Sergeant.

Mark K

Were you ever deployed?

Bruce R

Yes, one-time 07/08 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Mark K

So, take me through a typical day in your time of service.

Bruce R

Can you be more specific?

Mark K

It can be anything, you know, from when you’re deployed or when you’re at home.

Bruce R

Oh well, the days were easy. You just need. Workout go on your mission and repeat, and it was simple. Fun, not fun, but exciting because there’s a lot on the line.

Mark K

What about a day while you’re at home?

Bruce R

If you weren’t in the field like Garrison time, it was just certifications that needed to be done making sure your soldiers were doing what they needed to do and getting their stuff done as well. Maintaining your PT. or in the field, depending on what the mission was. I spent a lot of time in Recon Platoon, so most of my time was a scout. So, a lot of stalking through the woods, creeping around and trying not to get caught and find the enemy and report them in.

Mark K

During your time and time of service, are there any aspects of that life you’re glad to have experienced? Anything that sticks out?

Bruce R

All of it, I’d say. Probably the most enjoyable thing overall was probably doing airborne. It was just fun to get that jump out of airplanes.

Mark K

Are there things you miss about that life?

Bruce R

Yeah, the camaraderie with your team was just the best. You guys are all potentially going to face certain death and everyone’s looking out for everybody and it’s just. The friendships made are just deep because of that.

Mark K

Describe the acclimation process back to civilian life.

Bruce R

It’s a little weird. I mean if you’re talking about coming back from deployment where you’re going from looking for bombs everywhere, in the road and in every little nook and cranny when you’re out and about to just regular civilian life. Driving around and trying not to look for that stuff. It was kind of weird, and probably took a little bit, but if you know what to expect going there and coming back, it’s pretty manageable and transitioning and separating yourself from overseas to here.

Mark K

So, you’re saying from heightened senses awareness, to calm down, I don’t have to be.

Bruce R

I don’t think that will go away. That’s always there. It’s just more, you manage how high you’re allowing it to be turned up at the time, but it’s kind of always there with you forever. But again, just being able to separate that and then turning the dial down a little bit so you can enjoy certain aspects of life.

Mark K

How has your service impacted your view of the world?

Bruce R

You get a better appreciation for this country when you go overseas to many different places, and you see how those people live. Poor over here. It isn’t poor in a lot of the places over in Europe or Asia. I think a lot of people don’t experience that. So, you take what you have here for granted.

Mark K

Looking back overall, are you glad that you made the choice to serve?

Bruce R

Oh, for sure, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Mark K

Is there any advice you’d give to someone seeking to join?

Bruce R

Know what MOS you’re looking into, and then what the outcomes are to that after you’re getting out because you eventually will get out and transition into a civilian life. So, you want to ideally, have something that’s going to benefit where you want to be in the civilian world eventually. And if not, just pick the thing you’re really going to enjoy. Mine was the infantry.

Mark K

Are there any final words or thoughts you’d like to end on?

Bruce R

I’m glad that I served because I wanted to. I had a good time and made a lot of good friends there. That was it.

Mark K

Well, thank you for your time. I Appreciate it.

Bruce R

Thank you.

The post Bruce Rundberg January Hometown Hero appeared first on FreedomSystem.org.

Common Veterans Podcast
SEASON 1 ADDENDUM
Episode 12: TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT
From getting out of the military to new jobs as civilians, the transition inevitably feels like it was forced! The Common Veterans take a stab at why everything seems so difficult to do in a civilian job.

I. Introduction
a. Welcome to the addendum to Season 2
i. Why we do what we do
ii. Brief introduction to being a military member and the sense of humor and mindset that goes along with it
II. I QUIT
a. Leaving the military and returning to civilian life perspectives
i. Initiative
ii. Humor
b. You don’t know what you don’t know…
i. Specialized jobs such as combat arms have a different view on civilian employers
ii. Logistics and public figures
iii. Life in the background
c. Can you trust your civilian counterparts like you trust your military siblings?
i. Cops and firefighters
ii. Doctors and social workers
iii. General civilian contracting
III. Entrepreneurial Spirit
a. Veterans start their own companies…
i. Bro shirts
1. GruntStyle CEO gets the boot
2. Other Veteran owned companies
ii. Creative Companies
1. Craft companies
a. Leather
b. Graphic Design
c. C&C and Printing
2. Podcasting and Public speaking
iii. OnlyFans and other sex work
1. Veteran’s do this?
iv. Chapter 30 Benefits – Section 4
IV. Retirement and Disability and other Benefits
a. You earned it, get it
i. Many Veterans don’t utilize their earned benefits because the process is hard.
1. Need to be your own self-advocate.
b. College Benefits are more than just college
i. Get a degree with the GI Bill
ii. Chapter 30 VA Benefits through the VA
1. Helps entrepreneurs establish or get trained in a specific realm.
a. Spouses can utilize it as well.
b. Children, in the state of Indiana, can go to school for free if you have at least a 0% rating
c. Retirement is not Retiring (for most)
i. Retiring from the military a lot of times is not the end for military members.
1. No Golf
2. Work still
a. Bored
b. Not enough to live on
V. TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT!!!
a. What does it take to quit the military and why people get out if everything is so good.
i. Review the redeployment process.
1. Not just for getting out of the military, but out of the country
b. Becoming self-made
i. Camaraderie helps and being relational
ii. Having initiative to do what needs to be done
c. Working for the “man”.
VI. Wrap up
a. Conclusion of being a Veteran
b. End Season 2 Toast
c. Common Veterans

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