Oxy’s Post

Something to think about

Today, we celebrate the courage and loyalty of our K9 Veterans! Did you know that March 13 commemorates the birth of the United States K9 Corps in 1942, formed for the first military dogs who served during World War II? Their loyalty and bravery will always be remembered. Read these articles to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gn_XAb2M https://lnkd.in/ghbrDJz3 #K9Heroes

Did you know that the Marine Corps reserves plays a key role in casualty assistance? Click the article below to learn more about how Marine reservist aid in this process.

I'm calling on my network to support a highly personal and crucial piece of legislation that impacts the lives of our combat-injured veterans: the Major Richard Star Act (S. 344). This act, with over two-thirds of Congress backing it, aims to correct an injustice faced by many of our heroes who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The current system unjustly reduces retired pay dollar-for-dollar by the amount of disability compensation received. Retired pay is earned through years of dedicated service, while disability compensation addresses lifelong injuries. These benefits, established by Congress for entirely different reasons, should not be offset against each other. As Lt. Col. Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), MOAA's director of Government Relations for Currently Serving and Retired Affairs, said, “Saving money on the backs of our combat-injured is a problem Congress can fix this year.” It's time for our leaders to take action. Let's urge Congress to include the Major Richard Star Act in the FY 2025 NDAA. Our combat-injured veterans deserve better. Please join me in supporting this vital legislation and ensuring that our heroes receive the benefits they rightfully earned without unjust offsets. #Veterans #SupportOurTroops #MajorRichardStarAct #NDAA #MilitaryFamily #VeteranAdvocacy https://lnkd.in/e7gvpB3Q

National Counterterrorism Center, Joint Special Operations University, National Intelligence University, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, National Defense University, Civil Affairs Association I am in Connecticut, not one call, email, text. Carla Babb, Warren Strobel, Julian E. Barnes, Michael Weiss, Hollie McKay,David Cook, Dr. Joseph Long, Daniel Elkins, Adam Mlot, Maurice Becks RTE, RMB, CSMP, Alden Burley, Jordan Slopey, Assad Raza, Arnel David, Nicholas Krohley, Ph.D., Scott Mann, Doug Hurst, John C. (Jack) Kuttas, Felix Gregorian, Dr. Aleksandra Nesic, Patrick James Christian PhD, Tom Sheperd, Joel Anderson, Christopher Marsh, Farhana Qazi, Felicia Weston, Ajit Maan, Ph.D., -- Special Operations Association of America, The Heroes Journey and Tunnel to Towers Foundation dedicate Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret performance to 911 First Responders. A few weeks ago, on the steps of Trinity Chapel, I pulled a Boy Scout leader aside and shared with him about just finishing Y2K remediation efforts (with FEMA), with the help of the U.S. Chemical and Hazard Safety Investigation Board for 66,000 chemical plants, and the question to the director about air quality tests conducted after the Twin Towers collapsed. The results were not good. I mentioned how my efforts to have Manhattan declared a hazmat area, requiring PPE for all first responders and workers, was ignored and how there is no memorial for the 10,000 who died from cancer associated with the 911 hazardous materials exposures. Read more about expanding the 911 Memorial: https://lnkd.in/eNzePuUA Stephen M. Apatow, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Officer, Harbor Safety Officer, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, is CEO, Humanitarian Resource Institute: H-II OPSEC Expeditionary Operations, Anti-Terrorism Officer: Director, Global Special Operations Network, Member of the War Crimes Committee, International Bar Association, and an Ordained Licensed Ministry Chaplain. -- S.M.Apatow, Unconventional Leadership Development: From "Living On The Edge" to being the "Cutting Edge": HRI: H-II OPSEC. http://bit.ly/2xDKIaL #RooftopLeadership #CrisisLeadership #bethechange #gotyoursix #USSOCOM #natospecialforces #USASOC #USACAPOC #navalspecialwarfare #marinespecialoperations #ARSOF #USCGMSRT #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard #Leadership #Motivation #Service #LocalLeadership

Based on research by Fiona Small , Mark Bowden and myself here is a new Historic England report on Browndown Ranges (north), Gosport. The project recorded an early Bronze Age round barrow, an extensive complex of First World War practice trenches, and a number of Second World War/later 20th Century military features.https://https://lnkd.in/eXPFpZU2

"Child care accessibility, identified as a problem back in the Army’s 1990 analysis and raised as a key recommendation in the new Quality of Life Panel report, is also getting a closer look." Go ahead and take a look at that MOAA article (yes I ctrl+f for child care before reading any articles) One of the biggest hurdles in the type of advocacy that we do through Operation Child Care Project is the additional burden of explaining why there is a problem. Organizations that help homeless veterans find housing don't have to explain why veteran homelessness is an issue; it is understood. Organizations that set up food boxes/pantries/support don't have to explain why hungry soldiers are an issue; it is understood. VSO organizations focused on increasing healthcare access to disabled veterans don't have to explain why they need healthcare; it is understood. Child care touches everything. We see it affect enlisted and officer families and their ability to serve their country and their families. We see it as a primary barrier to transitioning veterans who find themselves without assistance programs to close the gap with their new salary. The list of situations is endless. It has been highlighted since the 1990s, and we are still educating on its impact. One thing I am grateful for is that the conversations I am having today are much different than the ones I was having seven years ago. When I bring up childcare policy considerations, I am no longer redirected to "ask the local FRG how they can help." I see more organizations like Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Military Family Advisory Network digging in on what needs to change to fit our modern families. The conversations with families will never get easier, but the barriers to advocating for them are getting smaller.

“You can’t get ahead if you’re always starting over." - Jennifer Goodale. Great article expressing the struggle of military spouses creating and sustaining their own careers. Well done, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). I'd like to highlight an additional valuable resource: the FourBlock Military Spouse Career Readiness program. Although it doesn't focus on policy or legislation, this program empowers military spouses by helping them define their career visions and build the necessary toolkit to achieve their goals. Often, military spouses put their own aspirations on hold to support the military's needs, leading to a loss of personal identity. The collaboration with Prepare to Launch U reignites their confidence, helps them recognize their talents, and equips them to advocate for themselves in the workplace. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gbex3bBu #MilitarySpouses #MilitarySpouseEmployment

As veterans, we know firsthand the impact of military service and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. We're committed to providing customized treatment options designed for military experiences at Diamond House. Let us help you navigate this journey towards healing: https://bit.ly/3R7Mvi3

#IndustryDay for NUWC Newport! Learn about NUWC Departments’ strategic directions and future technical demands on Wednesday, October 16th! #NAVSEA #SmallBusinesses