Sunkist Growers’ Post

🌟 Honoring Veterans Day: A Reminder of Resilience & Compassion 🌟 As we celebrate our veterans, let’s also commit to fostering a culture of empathy and support. Let’s not only recognize their sacrifices but also reflect on a vital truth: everyone has struggles that go unseen. A simple act of kindness, a listening ear, or a few words of encouragement can have a profound impact on someone’s day. Make someone smile today.💓

Something to think about

1.14 million. It's the population of Baltimore, MD and Albuquerque, NM combined. Taylor Swift sold that many copies of her album Midnights. It's the number of millionaires living in California. Also, according to the Veterans Administration, the estimate of the number of servicemembers lost in conflicts fought by the United States. On one hand, it is altogether fitting that we should dedicate a day to remember and honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our allies. On the other hand, the immensity of this number and the loss it encompasses is staggering. Tragic. For each servicemember counted, there are family members and friends, platoon-, ship-, and squadron-mates that are impacted by these losses. Often for the rest of their lives. Those impacts far outlive the length of time one may know the servicemember that didn't make it home. It is certainly true for me, and I know I am not alone in this amongst my colleagues. There is often a fusion of Memorial Day and Veteran's Day in people's minds. Simply put, it is never a bad time to thank a veteran for their service, but Memorial Day isn't for those of us that remain. There is also the tendency to focus on celebrating the start of summer instead of remembering the original reason for the holiday. This is not to say we shouldn't enjoy time with family and friends. Quite the opposite. There few better ways to honor a sacrifice than celebrating what it provides. Only a humble request to add something simple to your agenda. During this time off and all the benefits to mind, body and spirit that it hopefully gives to you, consider taking a moment or two to reflect, in whatever manner you choose, on the purpose for and significance of the Memorial Day holiday

🎖 Honoring Veterans and Celebrating Legacy As we reflect on service and sacrifice, I want to share a few things that being a Veteran taught me—lessons that extend well beyond the military. During my time in uniform, I learned about discipline, resilience, and teamwork in ways that shape how I approach every challenge. Military life didn’t just prepare me to serve my country—it taught me how to approach every aspect of my life with purpose and integrity. From strategic planning to mentoring others, these lessons continue to guide my journey. Today, I apply those same principles in helping teams and individuals craft their own visions and build paths to their goals. Veterans have unique perspectives that bring resilience and resolve to any environment, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward in my work. Veterans Day is a reminder that service doesn’t end when we leave the military. It’s about applying what we’ve learned and continuing to make an impact—whether on a team, in a community, or in personal growth. To my fellow Veterans—how has your service shaped your journey? Let’s share and celebrate the ways we’re all still making a difference.

Alfa Mike Foxtrot: A Farewell to Brotherhood “Alfa Mike Foxtrot” – a phrase that echoes through the ranks, a blunt, no-nonsense way to say goodbye. In military life, goodbyes are more than just words; they’re a transition, a shift from one world to another. When it’s time to take that final step out of uniform and into civilian life, “Alfa Mike Foxtrot” captures the grit, camaraderie, and respect shared among those who served. It’s not just an exit but a bond expressed in the only way we know—raw and real. The military isn’t just a career; it’s a brotherhood. We’ve sweated through training, stood together through endless drills, and faced uncertainty as a team. That shared experience builds connections that last beyond duty stations and deployments. As we head into civilian life, we carry the spirit of that brotherhood with us. Though the uniform comes off, the bond remains.

✨ "Living with honor transitions to living with pride." Have you ever considered how pivotal moments redefine our journey from honorable beginnings to a life filled with pride? In the world we navigate, especially for veterans, the transition from military to civilian life is not just a change of environment—it’s a transformation of identity. Living with honor doesn't end with service; it propels you into a life defined by pride in new achievements and contributions to society. This shift requires courage, resilience, and continuous adaptation. The journey is a testament to the skills and strengths honed through service that can be successfully applied beyond military life. Consider it a personal call to embrace each new step with the same dignity and resolve you held in the line of duty. You're not just carrying forward the pride of individual accomplishments but also the shared honor of your comrades. This transition is a legacy—one that transforms challenges into opportunities and experiences into wisdom. 🔑 Here's something to ponder: How are you channeling your honor into pride today? Let's inspire each other by sharing how these transitions have enriched our lives. Your experiences might just be the motivation someone else needs to hear. #VeteranLives #HonorAndPride #TransformationJourney

Looking for a Christmas gift that’s better than just another ugly sweater? If so, then check out our DIA Hoodies, which are the ultimate way to celebrate greatness, honor service, and give a gift that actually means something. Whether you’re saluting our military veterans, paying tribute to our first responders, or embracing your own relentless pursuit of greatness, there’s a hoodie for anyone in your inner circle. This year, forget about playing into the usual holiday gimmicks. Give your veteran a hoodie that represents their branch of service with pride, or grab one that reminds them—and everyone else—that their personal greatness comes first. At DIA, we believe it’s not just about making America great—it’s about YOU being great. That’s why our hoodies are designed to inspire individuality and self-reliance, not the celebrity-worship, political pandering, or corporate conformity pushed on us daily. So, why settle for ordinary when you can give extraordinary? Check out our collection of DIA Hoodies today and find the perfect gift for the veteran, first responder, or greatness-seeker in your life. Choose bold, choose meaningful—choose personal greatness. Get yours here: https://vist.ly/3mmhfk4 #DIAHoodies #VeteranPride #HonorFirstResponders #PursueGreatness #ChristmasGifts #VeteranOwned #BeGreat #SupportOurHeroes #GiftIdeas #ChooseYourGreatness

The Career Transition Strategies Workshop facilitated by Noël McCall / MilBridge Consulting, LLC, was valuable to me. If you are transitioning, this is a good workshop to attend to help you prepare successfully. Although I have attended workshops and fellowships in the past covering transition topics in fine detail, I believe it is imperative to stay sharp and incorporate lessons learned to continually improve - especially when choosing the right company culture, position within your chosen passions, and path to pick the right job after the military. Here are some key takeaways from the workshop: *Military to Civilian Transition: Further focusing my resume, pitch, and interview response narrative. *One-on-One Coaching: Personalized guidance to refine my career path.  *Networking Strategy Improvement: Continuously working on uncovering hidden job opportunities. Networking goes beyond seeking job opportunities, as it allows you to help others as well. This is the area I seek most to improve, as it is a key differentiator for success. *Personal Branding: Understanding my brand, ensuring I was still on azimuth, and further refining/learning how to communicate it effectively. I was able to compare an assessment with similar ones to better ascertain my skills, strengths, and weaknesses. *Negotiating Offers: Setting expectations and exploring options. Huge thanks to Noël McCall and Al Lampkins for hosting this workshop. Thanks also to Veterans Bridge Home and @The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic. #CareerTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #ProfessionalGrowth

Great write-up below from the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc. about the history of the American Purple Heart... Did you know that the Purple Heart was originally designated as the Badge of Merit in 1782 and George Washington 🤯ONLY🤯 awarded three servicemembers with the honor? It's true - check out the post below to learn more!!

In today’s context, the role of pioneers is more crucial than ever. Join us this Sunday 3PM WAT as we explore the idea of FirstBorn beyond its biological representation. This concept embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership that has shaped our history, from early figures like Noah, who pioneered naval technology, to Christ, symbolizing self-resurrection and transformative change. As we delve into this discussion, we invite you to leverage this insights to collectively drive forward the next wave of breakthroughs in field yet to have their own first born. Together, let’s honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for future innovations. https://lnkd.in/dmCZXgE8