Best Life Best Death’s Post

In our Congress Convo with Rep. Miller-Meeks, she discusses the importance of community and community care for veterans. Check out the full episode! https://bit.ly/3XagXvQ

If you're reading this, you might know the unspoken reality of our lives as military/veteran spouses and caregivers —the one that hides behind the strength we are expected to display. We are the backbone of our families, often carrying the weight of a smile when our hearts are heavy with worry. But there's a part of our story that we've kept in the shadows for too long. It's about the times when that weight becomes too much, when the lines between duty and suffering blur. It's about the hurt that sometimes comes not from the enemy, but from the ones we hold closest. It's time for us to step out of the shadows. Inspired by Cheri (Cheryl) Mason's powerful words, I want to echo her call: "Stop being a secret." Our experiences, our pains, and our triumphs deserve to be heard. I know it's scary. To speak up is to make ourselves vulnerable, to expose the tender parts of our lives that we've guarded so fiercely. But there is a profound strength in vulnerability, and there is healing in sharing our truth. Our love and commitment to our service members are unwavering, but we must also commit to our well-being. We must recognize that enduring abuse, in any form, should not be part of our narrative. As I share my story, I invite you to share yours. We can work together to support one another, to offer a listening ear, a comforting word, and a shared understanding that only those of us in this unique life can genuinely offer. You are not alone. We are not alone. Together, we can bring light to the parts of our lives that have been kept in the dark for too long. #HealingTogether #ResilienceReframed #MilitaryCaregivers #MilitarySpouses #HiddenHeroes

BIG NEWS for veterans, their caregivers—and those with a financial interest in Home Care and Caregiver Services ;) H.R.542 - Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 PASSED HOUSE. Next: U.S. Senate. I’ve been following this Act and its key players for a while now, and a significant portion of my manuscript deals with the details of this legislation. In summary, “The total cost of providing services or in-kind assistance in the case of any veteran described in subparagraph (B) for any fiscal year under the program may exceed 100 percent of the cost that would otherwise have been incurred as specified in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines, based on a consideration of clinical need, geographic market factors, and such other matters as the Secretary may prescribe through regulation, that such higher total cost is in the best interest of the veteran.” If I snag some free time and there’s interest, I’ll put out an article on it.

Memorial Day: Honoring Heroes & Caregivers This Memorial Day, let's honor not just fallen soldiers, but the caregivers who support our veterans. Caring for a veteran can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. This day can be especially emotional for caregivers. Here's how to show support: Caregivers: Reach out, offer help, or simply listen. Everyone: Volunteer with veteran organizations, learn about their experiences, and express gratitude. Self-care tips for caregivers this Memorial Day: Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Connect with other caregivers for support. Prioritize self-care - even small moments recharge you. Together, let's create a stronger community for veterans and their caregivers. ❤🤍💙 #memorialday2024 #memorialday #honoringveterans #honoringcaregivers

Fox Nation honoring military, first responders, & more - Read more at:

I want to address my approach on Memorial Day, specifically two previous posts. I received some feedback that were critical of my words, on why we fight, and received claims that I made Memorial Day about me instead of those who gave up their lives for our country. I hear you and get it. I suppose I’m frustrated. I see lives lost for decades and wonder what overall strategic and positive impact war has had. I wonder if there is any end to forever wars as money keeps flowing in DC. I see people honoring all those who die and yes, I get pissed off. So instead, I hoped it might help to do something about it. Share if you’re willing to vote with your feet. Bring in people who might not be interested in forever wars. Those who might not want the bloat of our government to continue. Otherwise, we’ll keep having dead bodies. That’s the reality. I know I’m not perfect in my words, but I get in the arena as a podcaster and with my own experiences, and I do hope that it helps even if it’s just a little. Deaths in combat have impacted me too. I just recently learned that the old blog we used when I served at Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines 🇵🇭 happens to still be online. The month I reported, we lost two Soldiers. Here’s the story I wrote about the memorial. It was surreal and sad. It made me realize how precious and fragile life really is. This is why I question what’s the purpose to begin with and hope one day we have a reckoning where global leaders decide that profits and power are not more important than conflict. However, I as an active duty member who for now can still use 1st Amendment speech protections will continue to ask one basic question. 𝗪𝗵𝘆?

Each February in the U.S., the National Salute to Veteran Patients honors and acknowledges the sacrifices of those who have bravely served in the armed forces. Join me in recognizing this observance by: 🩺Learning more about clinical trials, what it’s like to participate and how they help improve treatment options for patients like our Veterans. https://lnkd.in/e6Xgrar4 🏥 Exploring ways Veterans can participate in a clinical trial: https://lnkd.in/eg_mgvYf ⬇️ Clicking below to read more about the National Salute to Veteran Patients and how you can get involved. #Veterans #VeteransHealth #ClinicalTrials

Each February in the U.S., the National Salute to Veteran Patients honors and acknowledges the sacrifices of those who have bravely served in the armed forces. Join me in recognizing this observance by: 🩺Learning more about clinical trials, what it’s like to participate and how they help improve treatment options for patients like our Veterans. https://lnkd.in/eUkrd3Sn 🏥 Exploring ways Veterans can participate in a clinical trial: https://lnkd.in/e6MJghZp ⬇️ Clicking below to read more about the National Salute to Veteran Patients and how you can get involved. #Veterans #VeteransHealth #ClinicalTrials

For the first day of #BlackHistoryMonth we want to share important information on Black Veteran statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Racial and ethnic minority veterans are a growing proportion of the veteran population, and Black Veterans are a large part of this group. Addressing health disparities among veterans is essential to achieving health equity for all Veterans at VA. Did you know that Black Veterans have a higher proportion with a service-connected disability (63.7%) compared to non-Hispanic White Veterans (55.1%)? Black or African American Veterans comprise 16.0% of all veterans using Veterans Health Administration. To read more of the National Veteran Health Equity Report visit: https://lnkd.in/evzXKnTX

Supporting small businesses doesn't always require spending money! Here are 8 crafty ways to make a big impact for free: Write Reviews: Boost a small business by sharing your positive experiences on Yelp, Google, or Facebook. Challenge yourself to review three favorites today! Word of Mouth: Tell friends and family about your discoveries. Your genuine enthusiasm can spark interest and love for the business. Social Media Follows: Following a small business on social media helps them reach milestones like the coveted swipe-up feature on Instagram stories. Your support contributes to their visibility and growth. Engage Actively: Interact with the business on social media by liking, commenting, tagging, and sharing. Your engagement signals to platforms that this content is worth promoting. Share Experiences: Millennials love sharing experiences on social media. Snap a pic at a local spot and post it on Instagram or in your stories to effortlessly promote your favorite small businesses. Use Their Hashtags: Boost a business's visibility by using their branded hashtags. Your posts become part of a community that attracts attention and builds trust. Send Compliments: Small businesses thrive on positive feedback. Take a moment to send a direct message expressing your appreciation—it could make their day. Subscribe to Emails: Sign up for their email list to receive exclusive discounts and updates. It's a simple way to stay connected and show your ongoing support. 👇 Share your favorite small businesses and let me know how you support them! #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessLove #smallbusinesssaturday #woundedwoodworkers