Veterans Health Coalition (VHC)’s Post

April presents us with an exceptional opportunity to honor the resilient hearts of military children. Although military children proudly embrace the term "military brat," many outside this lifestyle remain unaware of the experiences these children endure, both positive and negative. Annually, the Department of Defense collaborates with national, state, and local entities, including schools, military-support organizations, businesses, and private individuals, to honor military children and acknowledge their sacrifices. This recognition is particularly prominent every April during the Month of the Military Child. Established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, the Month of the Military Child provides an opportunity for Americans to celebrate these children for their contributions on the home front and within their communities. According to the Department of Defense, over 1.6 million military children encounter distinct challenges and experiences due to their parents' service. These challenges may include relocating away from friends, enduring prolonged separations from parents, or witnessing their parents return home with physical or mental wounds. Among the 1.6 million military children, approximately 11,200 are offspring of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen. These children undergo similar struggles as those of active-duty service members' children but often lack access to equivalent programs, services, and community support. Article Source:https://lnkd.in/g5p9xKth Healing Warrior Hearts Bringing Veterans and Families Closer Together https://lnkd.in/epbz-Tf #Veterans #healingwarriorhearts #YouAreNotAlone #Veterans

🌟 Join Us in Shaping Change! 🌟 Being part of the incredible Blue Star Families team advocating for military families is an honor beyond measure. But to truly make an impact, we need YOUR voice in the conversation. Together, we can't just raise issues; we can resolve them. 📢 Our work relies on your insights. Blue Star Families is conducting two vital surveys, and your input is invaluable and we ask that you take both surveys if they are applicable: 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey: Your chance to share what matters most and drive change on a national level. Your voice shapes our advocacy efforts. Share your thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/ePVYtNdZ Campaign for Inclusion Survey: If you're in Hampton Roads, VA; San Antonio, TX; Fort Gregg-Adams, VA; or Hill Air Force Base, UT, your input is pivotal for local change. Act now: https://bit.ly/43F0tgv2024 Your participation in these surveys isn't just about expressing opinions; it's about effecting tangible, grassroots change. Every insight you provide helps pave the way for better policies and support for military families nationwide. Let's make our voices heard, loud and clear. Together, we can create a brighter future for all military families. Don't miss this opportunity to shape the path forward. #CampaignforInclusion #DoYourPart #MilitaryFamilies #veterans #survey #militaryspouse #militaryappreciation 🌟🗣️ Jessica Strong Carlandra Moss, MBA Brooke Blaalid, MSW Karly Howell Tom Porter Anicia Myers Angie Cherikos Sally Velez Monique Street, AFC® Tim Jones, MBA, CDP Jaron Brown

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ~A.A. Milne “The US Defense Department celebrates military children during the month of April. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service. While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks. This DoD video paints a very honest picture. https://lnkd.in/gPGiV5Sq As Lizanne Lightfoot “The Seasoned Spouse," said so well…”Military kids are truly impressive. They live all the challenges of military life, but they never signed up for it. They experience deployments, long separations from their service member parent (or parents), PCS moves, living in other countries, and saying “see ya later” to so many friends. They move houses, they change schools, and they adapt to constantly-changing neighborhoods. The variable lifestyle causes military kids to be strong, flexible and adventurous.” It can also add the unintended consequences of emotional and mental stress. Awareness, prayer and encouraging support for these children and their parent(s) is essential. #MilitaryFamilies #Militarychild #EmotionalIntelligence

In the military community, we each wear our service differently. My journey as a young female veteran may not mirror the classic narrative—shorter service, no deployment, not climbing ranks, and often, my contribution is overshadowed or dismissed. Yet, every act of service, no matter the scale, shares the same core of selflessness and commitment. You know I love #actionableadvice so here it goes... If you are a #veteran: 1. Speak Up and Get Louder 📣 Share your story. The more we vocalize our experiences, the more we normalize the diversity of military service. 2. Support Each Other 💯 Actively listen to and uplift fellow veterans' stories. Every story adds value and strength to the tapestry of our community. 3. Educate and Empower 💪 Use your voice to enlighten others. Highlight the importance of every role within the military, breaking down stereotypes and stigmas. Remember, comparing services diminishes our collective sacrifices. Let’s shift the focus to unity and respect for all contributions, large or small. Together, we can foster a community that honors every form of service and gives the world an example of the union we all crave. 🌌 #veteranshelpingveterans #communitybuilder #radicalresponsibility #empowerment

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Every day, American service members and their families make the selfless decision to help defend our freedoms and safety around the globe. Military life often involves huge sacrifices – whether it’s relocating far from family and friends or service members’ spouses giving up their own careers to keep their family unit together. There are countless ways to show your appreciation and give back to our veterans, active military personnel and their families. One of the simplest ways of showing appreciation is to say, “thank you.” You might also consider giving a military spouse a hand in their day-to-day lives. If you know a deployed military family, why not drop off a meal, offer to babysit or take their dog for a walk? And if you’re a business owner, giving back can be as easy as providing a military discount. These small gestures can go a long way in supporting service members and their families. As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of support and camaraderie within the military community and I encourage you to join me in showing appreciation in whatever way you can, both this month and always. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #MilitaryAppreciation #Veterans #SupportOurVeterans

On this day, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the heroes who stepped forward in the face of unimaginable tragedy. First responders, medical personnel, and countless volunteers served courageously, offering their all to help families and communities in need. As a USAF veteran, I’ve come to reflect on what it truly means to serve. When we sign up to join the military, I don’t know if we fully understand the weight of giving ourselves for others. But when the moment comes—when faced with the decision to defend our country, fight for freedom, and even face the possibility of war—so many do not flinch. They serve with honor, and some pay the ultimate price so that others can live their lives in peace. This spirit of selflessness and sacrifice is something I carry with me, not only from my military service but also in everyday life. Whether on the battlefield or in the challenges we face daily, standing for what you believe in and knowing your value is a form of strength that can inspire and uplift those around us. Today, we honor those who gave their lives on 9/11 and those who continue to serve. Let’s never forget their sacrifice and strive to support one another in their memory. #NeverForget #911Heroes #EqualPayEqualSay #VeteranStrong #ServiceAndSacrifice #Resilience #Leadership #HonoringTheFallen #MilitaryService #NeverForget #911Heroes #EqualPayEqualSay #VeteranStrong #ServiceAndSacrifice #Resilience #Leadership #HonoringTheFallen #MilitaryService

April is the Month of the Military Child! Have you checked out Partners in PROMISE's Month of the Military Child Toolkit? If not click this link: https://lnkd.in/eT2f9sV8 Let's talk about 7 ways that you can celebrate the Month of the Military Child! 1. Wear Purple - Partners in PROMISE has a shirt at our shop! https://lnkd.in/eE7pkDD9 2. Share stories of military kids - military children serve without having the choice and yet they do so with resilience, strength, and bravery. Share their stories and help them see that they are not alone. 3. Give awards to military students - this is a great time to recognize military children for their kindness or resilience. Do you have JROTC programs at your school, how can you recognize our future service members? 4. Host a Q&A - Host a panel with military children discussing what it is like being a military child and how they have handled it. 5. Read a book about military life - to learn more about military culture and military lifestyle read a book about military life! 6. Partner with veteran organizations - support veterans, and their families, and help them support former and current military children. 7. Hold a special event - do something to recognize the military children at your school. Hold a breakfast for the service member and the child, put on an assembly, and have a fun field day! What are you doing to celebrate the Month of the Military Child? Comment below! #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #Army #Navy #MarineCorps #AirForce #CoastGuard #SpaceForce #SpecialEducation #EFMP

May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Every day, American service members and their families make the selfless decision to help defend our freedoms and safety around the globe. Military life often involves huge sacrifices – whether it’s relocating far from family and friends or service members’ spouses giving up their own careers to keep their family unit together. There are countless ways to show your appreciation and give back to our veterans, active military personnel and their families. One of the simplest ways of showing appreciation is to say, “thank you.” You might also consider giving a military spouse a hand in their day-to-day lives. If you know a deployed military family, why not drop off a meal, offer to babysit or take their dog for a walk? And if you’re a business owner, giving back can be as easy as providing a military discount. These small gestures can go a long way in supporting service members and their families. As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of support and camaraderie within the military community and I encourage you to join me in showing appreciation in whatever way you can, both this month and always. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #MilitaryAppreciation #Veterans #SupportOurVeterans

Expert-insights on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Policy Formulation, Adoption and Implementation. What is Policy? Why Policy Matters? How to bridge digital skills gaps, unlock human potential and unleash productivity? How to take organizations to the Next Digital Level for Success? I take pride in making a positive, lasting and impactful difference. 1) What is the list of the TOP 50 High Risks and Global Challenges from Climate Change to ESG, Digital Skills Gaps, Fraud, Corruption, Governance and Systemic Risks, Financial Technology (FinTECH) and Cybersecurity? 2) Does Artificial Intelligence (AI) have the potential to streamline inefficient processes and help organizations SAVE millions, billions, and even trillions of dollars? How? 2) What is organizational structure? How to define the roles and responsibilities of the C-suite, and the Chief of Human Resources and Human Capital Officer (CHRCHO)? 3) What is Organizational Culture? How to bridge skills gaps, unlock human potential and unleash productivity through STEM? 4) What is Policy? Why Policy Matters? What is the C-suite? About the fiduciary duty of the board of directors? How to assess organizational readiness and preparedness for digital transformation and AI technology management? 5) How to define the major impact of Effective AI on Policy Design, Formulation, Adoption and Implementation in the disruptive era of change? My global leadership legacy, scientific journey, milestones as a retired Frontline Civil Servant at the forefront of highly complex business operations, and, also, as a successful global servant, transformational and inspirational leader with hands-on expertise, cleverness, business and digital acumen: Rising to the Sky, Climbing Up to the TOP of the Mountain and, also, to the Global Executive and Leadership Ladder of Success with world-class experience, technological prowess, cleverness and digital growth mindset. How to help organizations gain a digital edge and sustain a competitive advantage? By leveraging technology and harnessing AI, I streamline inefficient processes, gain valuable insights, and make strategic data-driven decisions. Learn more about the expert-insights on Generative AI (GenAI) to turn Vision into Bold Action for innovating real-world Solutions to real-world Challenges. 1) How to assess organizational readiness and preparedness for AI transformation? 2) What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? About data engineering? The better the data, the better the systems they put in place to monitor that data, would really help in in terms of identifying trends and issues that are occurring within those multi-billion-dollar programs.  What is AI Forensic Audit? I embark on a scientific journey around the world. Generative AI (GenAI) offers a powerful tool for assessing responsibilities and measuring performance, but it should be used in conjunction with human judgment and a well-defined evaluation framework.

Check out this post from DAV about the strong ties between pRents and children.