Dallas A.’s Post

Recognizing #52 of 100 #UnsungHeroes - our nation’s #MilitaryChildren. With April being the Month of the Military Child, it is difficult for me not to point to each of our 5 kids who grew up in a military family — my three sons (Luke, Karl, and Jack) and Laura’s son and daughter (Jack and Mary Frances). But I won’t for two reasons. 1) They aren’t kids anymore and 2) they probably wouldn’t like it much if I did. The truth is: despite all of the sacrifices they made, none of them think they did anything extraordinary; and each of them would say the military lifestyle helped them in the long run. I may be biased but I think all 5 of them are amazing human beings, all in their own unique ways. With one common thread — some of their awesomeness is the result of the experiences they had as military kids, not in spite of them. And yes, we see in them the same traits that are common in hundreds of thousands of other military kids who are enduring (or have endured) multiple moves and the stress of parents being absent or deployed — strength, adaptability, independence and resilience. Many of those kids will go on to serve in the all volunteer force, just like their parents did before them, and just like one of our 5 kids did right out of high school a decade ago. These are all important things to consider in an era where propensity to serve is at all time low among young people; DOD faces unprecedented recruiting challenges; and more and more military families are saying they would not encourage their kids to serve. It is the Month of the Military Child. We should all take a moment to recognize these #UnsungHeroes. The future viability of the all volunteer force largely rests on their shoulders. #100UnsungHeroes

Today is a special day to remember and honor those who have served our country.🎖️ Let's take a moment to reflect on what this day means to all of us. Read this insightful article to learn more! #VeteransDayRecognition #VeteransDay

Greetings to my fellow professionals and agents of positive transformation, At Helpers of Change, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to honoring and supporting the valiant veterans of our nation—those who have made profound sacrifices to safeguard our precious liberties. Let us discuss five effective strategies for positively impacting the lives of veterans, starting today. 1. Direct Engagement: Initiate genuine conversations. Showing interest in their narratives and past service can create significant community ties, which many veterans find beneficial as they transition back into civilian life. 2. Pro Bono Skills: Offer your professional expertise at no cost. Be it legal advice, business mentorship, or psychological counseling, your specialized skills are a priceless resource in aiding veterans as they rebuild post-military life. 3. Social Reintegration: Encourage veterans to participate in local community events and social gatherings. This helps cultivate a sense of community and recognition, crucial for their emotional health. 4. Veteran Service Advocacy: Raise your voice to ameliorate policies and services for veterans. Lobbying for healthcare improvements, backing beneficial legislation, or increasing awareness about veteran challenges—your advocacy is a force for good. 5. Organization Volunteering: Commit your time to veteran-focused groups. Whether helping in VA hospitals or remodeling homes for veterans, your direct contribution is of immense value. Our collective efforts support not only individual recovery but also fortify the societal fabric by including those who have protected it. I look forward to your thoughts— which of these initiatives resonates with you? Or maybe you have a personalized way of showing your gratitude to our veterans? Let's spark a constructive dialogue and brainstorm additional ways we can bolster our support of these remarkable members of our community. #VeteransSupport #CommunityEngagement #ProfessionalExpertise #HelpersOfChange

Where’s Claire Memorial Day Weekend?:Celebrating the Service of Those Who Have Fallen with Those Are Still With Us Douglas MacArthur’s insight that those who serve in the military desire peace more than the rest of us rings true, especially on days like this one. It is they after all, he said, who must pay the greatest penalty. I’m surrounded by veterans, as they celebrate the service of fallen brethren and tackle the often daunting “penalties” visited upon those who survive the battlefield. Rather than rattle off statistics for us to get lost in, I’ll ask a few questions for our joint consideration: Should ANY PERSON who serves or served in the military ever confront the trauma of not having the food needed to thrive? Or…should any one of them, struggle with untreated (though treatable) medical, mental or emotional health challenges? Or…should even one of them ever feel alone? My answers for veterans and for all of us is a resounding NO! As is consistently the case with hunger, it exists with veterans alongside other barriers. I count my company today as heroes— not only because of what they did on the battlefield, but for how they bravely fight what, according to some here, is a far more difficult battle—returning home. Due, in large part, to the vision and support of #DanStarks, veterans have a platform here with which to learn from and lean on each other. Their shared experiences are being leveraged in powerful—groundbreaking even—ways. Governor #MarkGordon is here, as are the First Lady’s fingerprints (#JennieGordon), and #TimSheppard (#WyomingHungerInitiative) and #RachelBailey(#FoodBankofWyoming). If you’d like to know my precise location in this beautiful state, take a look at the video below. #WheresClaire #HonorService #feedingamerica #MakeHungerHistory

Yet another wonderful and poignant insight into military life as a spouse or partner. This time from Stacey Jones, who is a member of our Hereford Coworking Hub. Once again, I feel totally privileged to have been able to hear her story, experience her life through her words, share in the challenges she’s faced and overcome, and learn how military life has impacted her career, her family life, and her wellbeing. Stacey talked openly about the impact of constant moves on her career and career progression, and the decisions she had to make. She talked candidly about how lonely life can be when your partner is away. How difficult it can be to connect with the military community when you don’t have children and are working full-time. And how important it is to have touchpoints like the coworking hub, where you can meet like-minded people and get that informal support from someone who gets you and shares your lived experience. For those of you who don’t understand the impact military life can have on the men and women who stand behind our brave serving personnel, it gives us much needed understanding, clarity, and appreciation. For those of you, who share or have lived this experience, it’s a story you know all too well. Please take some time to read Stacey’s story. https://lnkd.in/dZ-tBgQX #MCN #Militarycoworkingnetwork #Coworking #Coworkinghubs #Hereford #Army #Militaryspouse #Militarypartner #MilitaryCoworkingNetwork #Community #ArmedForcesCommunity #BritishArmedForces #militarylife #Career

Hi, all! Our special issue of Military Families Magazine by US Military Publishing LLC is hot off the print and digital presses for your reading pleasure! Yay! (Stay tuned for the Q2 Reserve + National Guard issue, coming later this week!) In this issue you'll find these great stories: - Avoid the Summer Slide [with your kids] - Solo parenting through childbirth, by United States Air Force spouse, Alexa LeCureux - COVER STORY: Navigating Deployment, Reintegration, by Bianca Strzalkowski - Retiring from service? Take advantage of your FEDVIP enrollment period, sponsored by FedPoint - Love Letters from USS Midway (1951 - 1952), by US Navy spouse, Kate Lewis, APR - * Find a SLEW of hashtag #militarydiscounts, pulled together by USMP staff (pages 16-17) - Leukemia survivor builds hashtag #smallbusiness dream using skills from United States Marine Corps, by Air Force veteran, Amanda Huffman - Military couples opt for do-it-yourself moves, by Marine veteran spouse, Tiffany Eve Lawrence - 5 ways for #veterans to pick a #college, by US Army veteran, John H. Davis - Madre knows best: How Latino cultural identity impacts hashtag #financial decisions, by Marine veteran spouse, Lizann Lightfoot - EXPERT: Economic conditions create 'perfect storm' for hashtag #military households, by U.S. Air Force spouse, Crystal Kupper - hashtag #Travel blogger teaches hacks for summer leave, by Air Force spouses, Kailyn Rhinehart - 5 grocery budgeting tips to fight rising food costs, by Army veteran, Brandon Lovingier, ChFC®, MQFP® Check out the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/gBEK3afr THANK you to our great writers, especially our Editor-in-Chief, Bianca Strzalkowski, and our valued advertisers, who make the magic happen every issue! ******************************************************************************** Navy Federal Credit Union, #TheHeartofNC, Navy Mutual Aid Association. Boots2Roots, Liberty University Online Programs, FINRED, Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, The Exchange, USAA, Benefeds Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Employment, U.S. Coast Guard, PenFed Credit Union, #continuingeducation, #collegesanduniversities, #personalfinance, #adagencies, #advertising, #militarymarketing, Blue Star Families, #milspouses **************************************************************************** *Here's just a few of the companies listed in the military discounts article. Be sure to check out the full list! Disneyland Resort, Topgolf, Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), National Park Service, Nike, The Home Depot, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Samsung Electronics... https://lnkd.in/gtYgDiaD

Service comes in many forms. 💯 For me, it started with serving in the military. But even after retiring, I knew I was still meant to serve in some way. Based on my experience, here are 8 reasons why I always encourage others to find a way to serve, too: 1️⃣ Strengthens our communities – We can build stronger, more resilient communities that support one another. 2️⃣ Creates positive change – Acts of service lead to tangible improvements in the lives of those in need. 3️⃣ Fosters unity – Serving with others and on teams bridges gaps and fosters a sense of shared purpose. 4️⃣ Sets a good example – When you serve, you inspire others to do the same.  5️⃣ Supports others – Military families and veterans have sacrificed greatly; our service honors and supports them. 6️⃣ Find personal fulfillment – Serving often leads to a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose. 7️⃣ Build connections – Meaningful relationships and expanded networks. 8️⃣ Good for mental wellness – Serving others contributes to overall happiness and reduces stress. No matter where you are in life, what you’ve done in the past, or what you’re doing now, I’m betting you still have a lot to give. ___ How do you serve your community? ♻️ Repost if you agree that serving others is important, and follow me, Eric Ballester, for more discussions like this.

If I’m not a Marine, what am I? I had a conversation with a freshly minted civilian in my office a few weeks ago; DD214 in hand and he was pleased when I greeted him by his first name. After 10+ years of service, he left on terms that were not his own. It is an unfortunate circumstance, but good can certainly come of it. “A man needs a purpose,” I told him. Hell, I get anxious on a 96-hour liberty period, imagine having nothing to do.... forever. In a separate conversation, a co-worker told me he “lives for the weekends” but aren’t the weekends only special because they’re deserved? If every day is special then no days are special (ping my favorite saying about priorities). His honorable service to our country is something to be immensely proud of, but I reminded him that it's just one chapter of his story. We all need purpose and fulfillment, and that can come in many forms. Whether you serve four years or forty, your time, like mine, will eventually come to an end. The key is to find new ways to serve, lead, and live with purpose. It's understandable to feel deeply connected with military service. I do. The aim is to balance that connection with discovering a broader self-identity. It’s a perspective that encourages personal growth and the exploration of identity beyond a singular aspect of one's life. Purpose extends beyond professional endeavors; engage with your community and church. Join your local veteran organizations. Volunteer for causes you're passionate about. Seek out jobs or hobbies that challenge you and push your limits. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Aim high, strive for greatness, and make each day, each weekend, worth it.

As we pause to commemorate Memorial Day, let us honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage and dedication remind us of the true cost of freedom and the strength of our shared values. For HR professionals, this day also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting our veterans and active-duty service members in the workplace. Here are a few ways we can make a meaningful impact: 🔹 Veteran Hiring Initiatives: Implement programs that actively recruit and support veterans, recognizing the unique skills and experiences they bring to the table. 🔹 Flexible Policies: Offer flexible working arrangements and support for those in the reserves or National Guard, ensuring they can fulfill their duties without additional stress. 🔹 Wellness and Support Programs: Provide mental health resources and support systems tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. 🔹 Recognition and Inclusion: Celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of veterans in the workplace, fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. On this Memorial Day, let's commit to not only remembering our fallen heroes but also to supporting those who continue to serve. Together, we can create workplaces that honor their sacrifices and empower their futures. #MemorialDay #Veterans #HR #HumanResources #VeteranSupport #Inclusion #WorkplaceWellness