Christian Job Corps of Madison County, AL, Inc.’s Post

Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar brings her experience as a veteran and spouse of a combat veteran straight into her work as a death doula and educator. She sees the value of a multi-layered approach, believing that: 1. We can best companion veterans who are dying by understanding their unique end-of-life needs. 2. We can better support the caregivers of veterans through education and practical resources. 3. We can offer insights to the medical team that is supporting an individual, to help them understand the unique facets of a veteran's life experience and how those may play out at the end. Qwynn and I dive into these questions and more, but at the heart of this conversation is the question: What would it look like to truly honor veterans as they come to the end of their lives? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gCAmsssk @in/qwynn-galloway-salazar-/

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?

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

On the latest episode of Eye on Gwinnett, learn about the upcoming Stand Down Event for veterans, National Faith and Blue Weekend, Great Days of Service, and more!

In a city acclaimed for its diversity and innovation, it is both alarming and unacceptable that over 26,000 veterans who valiantly served our nation are neglected and overlooked. San Francisco’s residents must urgently advocate for this marginalized community. As we approach the mayoral election, the conspicuous absence of comprehensive initiatives supporting our veterans is troubling, with no candidates prioritizing this critical issue. Our city, a symbol of progressivism, must now convert ideals into concrete action for our military community. We must amplify our veterans’ voices in the halls of governance. Each candidate should be called to present detailed plans to address essential challenges: healthcare access, mental health support, housing stability, and job placement. San Francisco must embody the principle that no veteran should ever feel abandoned or underserved.

Imagine a place where the silent sacrifices of military families are not only recognized but also actively supported. Where nature's tranquility heals, and the collective voice of a community advocates for the unseen and unheard. This is the story of the Betsy Eves Group—a narrative of how passion, when paired with purpose, can ignite a beacon of hope for military spouses, caregivers, and their families. But why does this work matter? Because behind every uniform, there is a family—a network of individuals whose love, resilience, and sacrifices underpin the very freedoms we cherish. Our efforts go beyond mere acknowledgment; they strive to ensure that these families are empowered, supported, and honored not just in words, but in every action we take. The challenges facing military families continue to evolve, and so too must our efforts to support them. Our annual letter is not just a reflection of what we've achieved but a clarion call to action. It's an invitation to join us in this mission of hope, healing, and empowerment. To stand with us as we advocate for change, nurture connections, and celebrate the unwavering spirit of our military families. Download and read our full 2024 Annual Letter today. Let it be a reminder of the impact we can achieve together, and the enduring power of a community united in purpose and compassion. https://lnkd.in/gHC2Q5Vm

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

What makes military veterans effective legislators? They don’t let politics stand in the way of getting stuff done. In 2023, we worked with For Country Caucus members Zach Nunn and Jeff Jackson to get the Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act passed through the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill ensures that Reserve and National Guard component service members have access to the same parental leave policies as their active duty counterparts. Both Nunn and Jackson are currently still serving in the Reserves and National Guard, respectively. Because of their shared experiences and commitment to their fellow service members, they were able to put their political differences aside and work together to get the job done. Getting Republicans and Democrats to work together may not be the norm in Washington, but it's the norm for With Honor Action and the bipartisan veterans of the For Country Caucus. Read more about our legislative accomplishments at WithHonor.org.

More thoughts about just not our Independence but also growing pains.

Are you aware of the DAV Commander's Action Network? Today, there are more than 18 million living veterans in the United States, representing about 6% of the country's adult population. At the same time, the number of veterans in Congress has recently decreased compared to recent years. This means that it is more important than ever for veterans to stay informed and up to date on legislation that can affect them and their families. Here are a few ways to stay informed: Subscribe to a veterans' advocacy organization. These organizations often have newsletters or websites that provide updates on legislation and other issues that affect veterans. Attend veterans' events. These events are a great way to connect with other veterans and learn about the latest issues. Contact your elected officials. Let them know that you are a veteran and that you are interested in legislation that affects veterans. By staying informed, you can make sure that your voice is heard and that you are protected by the laws that are passed. https://lnkd.in/eWcrimhR You do not have to be a Veteran to Join.