City of Seguin’s Post

The SSB process remains a “black hole” of frustration for too many service members. As those who have navigated it know, submitting a case often means 12-18 months of silence, with no insight into where it’s going or who is handling it at each stage, yes even when it crosses various U.S. Navy JAG Corps’ offices. In the end, members receive only a “yes” or “no” without any legal analysis explaining the decision. This leaves service members in limbo, their lives and careers on hold—some, like CAPT Pitkin, even forced into premature retirement while awaiting answers. CAPT Pitkin’s experience shows us three important lessons: 1. Transparency and Efficiency: The US Navy owes its people a clearer, faster process, with insight into how decisions are made. Accountability and understanding at every stage would be a critical improvement. 2. The Value of Support Systems: Stories like these remind us that who stands with us matters. Let’s be shipmates who help each other navigate these storms. 3. Resilience and Accountability: In the toughest moments, we see who we are and what we stand for. CAPT Pitkin’s post is a call to push for fairer, more transparent systems in service of those who serve. Our servicemembers deserve this, and we have a responsibility to demand better from “Big Navy.” ***And for those of you know Blaine Pitkin , this is a picture of him smiling. He’s very happy, as you can clearly tell. ***

If you're a #military retiree, I have an amazing secret to share with you.....🤔 If you're smart, you can put yourself in a position where you can do what you WANT to, not just what you HAVE to!😃 But......there's a catch.🤨 You CAN NOT allow yourself to fall into the financial traps that capture so many #veterans after their #militarytransition. 👎I need a bigger house 👉No you don't, you've lived in your house for years and you've been ok. 👎I need a newer car/truck 👉No you don't, if it gets you from A to B, it's fine. 👎I need a boat 👉Get a friend with a boat, the average boat owner uses their boat just 1️⃣9️⃣ days out of the year 👎I need a new motorcycle 👉One of the single most overpriced "toys" you can buy, if you "need" one, buy a used one, let some other sucker waste their money. 👎I'll just "buy term and invest the rest" 👉First of all, that's not a strategy, it's a marketing slogan. Second of all...we both know that you're not going to invest the rest. Get your advice from someone who actually does financial planning for a living, not some radio talk show host with a temper. 👎I'll just contribute up to the employer match limit 👉In 2020, the average of an enlisted military retiree was 42, an for officers it was 46. Assuming they both retire at age 67 and experience an EFFECTIVE rate of return on their investments of 6% in order to have $1,000,000 by that time, the 42-year old would have to save $18,500 per year, and the 46-year old would have to save $25,000 per year. The point that I'm trying to make here is that in most cases, your OPPORTUNITY for financial independence is going to DOUBLE after you retire...if you're willing to not let your LIFESTYLE double as well. Want to learn how to STOP making Military Money Mistakes? Click here: https://lnkd.in/g-wAsqB3 👉 Follow me for more insights into VA Disability, SBP, VGLI, TSP, and Military Transition. Got questions? Need help? Click on the link below to set up a call, leave a comment, or shoot me a DM. 👇 https://lnkd.in/gFqQyfSS

Please take the time to read and support! #veterans The Richard Star Act is a proposed piece of U.S. legislation addressing disparities in disability and retirement benefits for Veterans. This bill allows combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of service to receive veterans' disability compensation and retired pay concurrently. The act aims to assist veterans medically retired due to combat-related injuries by enabling them to receive both VA disability compensation and DoD retirement pay simultaneously, eliminating the need to choose one over the other due to existing offsets. The Richard Star Act has bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate but has not yet become law. Advocates emphasize its importance in honoring the sacrifices of combat-injured veterans. To learn more and show your support, click the link below. Link to support: https://lnkd.in/gmYJqR5J #legislation #veterans #support #calltoaction #americanlegion #military #majorrichardstaract

🎖️ Honoring Promises: A Veteran's Reflection 🇺🇸 As a former public school teacher, I often found myself fielding questions from my students about my military service. One particular day stands out vividly in my memory. During a discussion about transitions to civilian life and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, many of my students expressed admiration for the Hollywood version of military service—glamorizing the idea of getting hurt in the army and going to war. However, one comment made by a student left a lasting impression on me. "But Mr. Soldat," they said, not in jest, "you get free meals at Golden Corral, that's awesome! I'd be happy to be disabled if I got that." 🤦♂️ While I couldn't help but find the comment somewhat comical, it underscored a deeper issue. It highlighted how veterans, especially those with less visible wounds, are often perceived and the disconnect between perception and reality. To many, the benefits earned through sacrifice are seen as some form of elite entitlement. It's challenging for some to grasp the struggles of veterans because military service, by design, is hidden away behind gates and in faraway countries. Thanks to Hollywood, military service is seen as glamorous, with the promise of perks like free meals or discounts. But what these perceptions fail to capture are the struggles faced by veterans and their families. Many do not even consider the families' struggles—the phone calls interrupted by indirect fire, the agonizing wait at home wondering if your loved one will return, and the constant worry about what side effects might emerge next. It's standing by during doctor appointments, waiting anxiously for scan results, and the endless battles with bureaucracy to obtain VA benefits. And amidst it all, there are the financial worries, strained relationships, and toll on mental health. Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of the ongoing fight to restore programs like the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). For some, it may seem akin to another Golden Corral treat—but it's not. It's a promise made to us, a promise we in turn make to our families. Let's remember that behind every benefit earned through service lies a story of sacrifice, resilience, and dedication. It's crucial that we honor these promises and continue to support those who have served and their families. #Veterans 🎗️ #MilitaryService 🪖 #VMSDEP 🎓 #HonoringPromises 🤝 #Reflection 💭 #SupportOurTroops 🇺🇸 #VeteranBenefits 💼 #GoldenCorral 🍽️ #SacrificeAndService 🌟 #Resilience 💪 #Dedication 🙌 #MilitaryFamilies ❤️ #HiddenStruggles 🕵️♂️

Veteran Takes His Service Dog To Prison, And It Takes Off Running Toward An Inmate Military veterans who grapple with PTSD, stemming from the physical and psychological toll of their service, often find solace and support in the form of service dogs. These canine companions are groomed for their important roles through specialized service dog training programs, many of which operate within correctional facilities. In a unique and mutually beneficial arrangement, inmates are given the opportunity to contribute positively to society by participating in these programs. They play an essential role in training service dogs ... Read more The post Veteran Takes His Service Dog To Prison, And It Takes Off Running Toward An Inmate appeared first on iHeartDogs.com. I am a dedicated Fiduciary Tax and Retirement Planner with extensive experience in helping clients plan for their financial futures. I specialize in creating personalized, comprehensive retirement plans tailored to meet individual needs and goals. I am committed to acting in the best interests of my clients, providing unbiased advice, and ensuring their assets are managed effectively. As a fiduciary, I am bound by law to act in the best interests of my clients. This means I am accountable for ensuring your retirement funds are invested wisely, managed efficiently, and taxed appropriately. Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or already there, I can help you navigate through the complexities of tax laws, investment options, and retirement strategies. My aim is to help you understand your financial situation and make informed decisions that will benefit your financial health in the long run. If you're looking for a dedicated, trustworthy advisor to guide you through your retirement planning process, feel free to connect with me. Let's plan for a secure and comfortable retirement together. Call at 480-270-2802 Visit us on our website: https://lnkd.in/gghwGBXG #Fiduciary #TaxPlanning #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor#law #assets #advice #goal #future #goals #client #futures #planner #experience #clients #retirement #retirementstrategy #investmentoptions #investmentoption #taxlaw #taxlaws #retirementfund #retirementfunds #retirementplan #retirementplans #beaccountable #investwisely #beto #informeddecision #informeddecisions #financialsituation #bestinterest #financialfuture https://lnkd.in/gKXrWw-9

In 1964, Bob Bernstein and Skip Rein understood the real meaning of success. It’s measured by our personal connections. We’ve made so many great memories with members of the BR family over the past 60 years. We’d love to hear some of your favorites. #bernsteinrein #br #brlife #anniversary #agencylife #adagency #advertisingagency #4As #aafkc

In the past four months since taking the helm at Patriot Services Group (PSG), we’ve made significant strides in transforming our approach to business. Typically, companies set normal expectations, yet often overpromise and underdeliver. Through this transition, I've recognized that an overly bureaucratic structure can stifle efficiency and disconnect a company from the needs of its clients. To address this, we've shifted to direct management of our assets in Illinois and Kentucky, following a successful model we implemented in West Virginia. Just one month into self-management there, we achieved the highest monthly collections in the asset’s history. I am eagerly anticipating similar successes in Mississippi and Louisiana, and I'm optimistic about what June will bring for Kentucky and Illinois. Over these months, PSG has strategically partnered with local businesses rather than large corporations, which is a common choice among corporate managers. This not only supports our community but also aligns with our commitment to creating local jobs, developing programs for nonprofit communities, and continuing our core mission of supporting homeless veterans. Looking ahead, we are excited about upcoming initiatives, including a rebranding effort, the standardization of processes, and the launch of new housing programs tailored to our mission. Additionally, we are planning to expand our assets into new states soon. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and expand our impact. #patriotservicesgroup,#homelessveterans,#integrityrise,#illinois,#kentucky

Great insight to plan for the future while working towards financial freedom in retirement.

Please Urge your Legislators that the Major Richard Star Act (H.R.1282/S.344) needs to be included as an amendment in the FY2025 NDAA. With over two-thirds of US Congress backing this crucial legislation, it is evident that there is overwhelming bipartisan support to correct an unjust policy that reduces United States Department of Defense military retirement pay (dollar for dollar) with their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation. For several years, despite the significant majority of our elected Legislators (literally the voice of We the People), each chamber has not brought this bill to the floor for a vote due to self imposed hurdles for funding. The House has imposed a CUT-GO policy for mandatory spending bills; meaning existing funding for a previous policy must be cut to support funding for a new policy, with the intent of not increasing spending on our social programs. As with anything in Congress, this policy can be waived. Combat-injured (and often seriously disabled) veterans earned and are entitled to these two benefits, established by Congress for entirely different reasons, are nonetheless subject to a statutory VA offset. To reduce earned retirement pay because of a combat disability is not the place to achieve savings in the DoD personnel account. The House Rules Committee will vote next Tuesday, and we need Congress to know that their constituents support our retired combat disabled Veterans. This link will allow you to send an auto populated message to your Senators and Congressmen, asking for their support. Thank you. https://lnkd.in/gSEVSDXx United States Senate U.S. House of Representatives Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Military Times #congress #senate #houseofrepresentatives #veterans #military #dod #va #army #navy #airforce #marines #spaceforce

How I bridged 13 years till my retirement check starts. As an Army National Guard retiree, my benefits start at age 60. I could have continued to serve, God willing, till age 62. My own parents both passed away at ages 64 Dad and 65 Mom. Somehow an earlier and active retirement at age 47 was more appealing to me. How was this possible? Real-estate investing in cashflowing assets. Tomorrow Ill post about my first deal. Follow me for more information about making an investment in real-estate. #capitalturners #multifamilyinvesting #passiveincome