AT EASE! Veterans Magazine Fall 2024 : simplebooklet.com

PUBLISHERDevil Doc PublishingEDITOR IN CHIEFChristine WalkerASSISTANT EDITORVL StevensonASSISTANT Megan SuttorSTAFF WRITERSGuy BensingSonja BerryEric McNailStuart SaxVL StevensonAdam WalkerChristine WalkerFEATURE WRITERSLarry BroughtonDaniel DancerDonald DunnGySgt. Jesse EsterlyMatt FeehanDr. Robert GarciaTim GrutiziusDonna HoffmeyerPTSD Foundation of AmericaCristie RemmelPaul SullivanTexas Veterans Hall of FameRob YounceFEATURE ILLUSTRATORStephen RussellSALES STAFFStacey BartellChristine WalkerLAYOUT & DESIGNChristine WalkerCONTRIBUTING WRITERS:LtGen. Rod BishopChuck BradleyClinton BowersRonald DicksonDaniel Tobias FlintAmy ForsytheDiane HightNiki MontgomeryChristina MortelOperation Deep DiveTMShannon RobinsonEric SowersGary SteeleKenny ThomasSSgt Lester A. VelasquezFIND US AT:ATEASEVETERANSMAGAZINE.COMCopyright 2021-2024 © AT EASE! Veterans Magazine and Devil Doc Publishing All Rights Reserved.AT EASE! Veterans Magazine, a subsidiary of Devil Doc Publishing, reserves all rights connected to all copyright and proprietary property contained in our official publication, website(s), social media accounts, videography, email marketing, branding and printed materials. This includes, but is not limited to, authoritative and/or written content, photographs, graphics and infographics, ad design, artwork including official company logos in design, color, and format and video(s). Any use of the above aforementioned in whole or in part may not be used for any reason without the express written consent of Devil Doc Publishing. The subject matter and opinions of Contributing, Feature and Staff writers are their own and are covered under their First Amendment Rights.A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORA MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORFall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 3Since our last issue, the one word that best describes me lately is tired—actually, exhausted! Since going to print with our Summer ‘24 issue, I’ve literally survived a tornado and nearly lost my brother and sister-in-law in a twin twister just a few miles north of us, where their RV was crushed like a tin can. I’ve also moved my household and business, taken on a more active role as a caretaker for my 78-year-old mom, all while saying goodbye to my best friend who moved out of state, trying to get settled in our new home, jumping back into the fray to write the cover story for this issue, and of course, dealing with the stress of securing advertisers. It’s been a lot to handle in such a short season, and it’s even more atypical of me to ever share publicly what I’ve been going through. I can’t lie—there have been more days than not in the past three months when I just wanted to give up. But as stories began trickling in, and I put on my ‘brave’ face in conversations with my Veteran brothers and sisters, I’ve had to dig deep and ask myself why I keep going and why I keep ghting to keep this publication alive. Believe it or not, I was reminded while I was placing photos of my family members who served in our curio cabinet. As I looked at the faces of my grandfather in his WWII Army uniform, my great-aunt Jonita next to a makeshift sign that read ‘Dogpatch’ on an Army base in Korea—she served as a ight nurse in WWII and Korea—my great-uncle Sam Walker, a Marine who was killed at Iwo Jima, my brother in his USMC dress blues, and me in my boot camp photo, I felt the full weight of responsibility. Seeing several social media posts about another Veteran added to the 44-a-day—brothers I didn’t even know—left a knot in my stomach. My motivation is really simple: it’s genuine love for you, the Veteran community, and my love of country. It’s the immense respect I have for our writers and how they continue to give of themselves selessly to honor the memory, life, and service of every single Veteran they write about.Here we are at Issue 15, nearing the completion of our fourth year of publishing. Every story and every Veteran featured has left an indelible mark on my heart—518 articles, to be exact. That’s 518 real lives and 518 true stories lled with heartrending tragedies, insurmountable struggles, and inspiring tales of triumph, growth, and self-sacrice.I may sound like a broken record, but we could not have achieved this without our sponsors, advertisers, and you, our print subscribers, both past and present. Thank you for believing in us and helping us fulll our mission to ‘give every Veteran a voice.’COVER PHOTO: Barry Morgenstein | barrymorgenstein.comEditor in Chief

Page 4

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsMessage from the Editor 3Warrior Wisdom 6The Veteran Lobbyist 22DD-214 & Beyond 24Unlocking Benefits: A Deep Dive Into VA Home Loans 26Veterans in Business with Dr. Robert Garcia 27A Beacon of Freedom 34A Veterans Grief 37OP-ED: The Enemy Inside the Gate 40From My Point of View: Navigating Chaos 44Brotherhood 47From Necessity to Trend: WWII Wedding Gowns 50Victory & Vows 52On the Soapbox 5510K Words - Link 56Lone Star Legacy: Honoring Texas Veterans 57On Air with Stuart Sax 58'I Remember When...' 59Write Your Story... 62 TAPS 63Declaration of Military Accountability 64Book Review: ... And a Hard Rain Fell 68Kenny's Story - Pt. I 70Operation Deep DiveTM 72The Regiment of Retired Marines 76Veteran Fitness: Top 5 Fitness Tips for Success 78Mind, Body, & Soul: A Warrior At Ease 80Battlefield to the Playing Field 83Salty Skipper: Mountain Top 8428 Veteran Podcasts 86Crossword: 'Fall' Scavenger Hunt 88Completely Inappropriate Exerpts from 'Born in a Bar II' 89Chow Call 90Coming Up in Our Next Issue 921313EVERY VETERAN HAS A STORY TO TELL292988EDDIE GALLAGHEREDDIE GALLAGHER4 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024SO WHY THE QR CODES? It is simply a way for us to utilize technology and help make your reading experience more interactive. IT’S EASY!1. Open your phone’s QR Reader or Camera.2. Hold it over the QR Code3. A drop down link will appear, just tap it and it will take you to the extra content/website.6060NOT ON OUR WATCH!If you are a Vet struggling with thoughts of suicide, know that you are NOT ALONE! You are loved and there is no shame in reaching out for help! VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE988Press 1 For Immediate Help4848'THE MAN IN THE ARENA''THE MAN IN THE ARENA'VA INCENTIVES VA INCENTIVES BONUS SCANDALBONUS SCANDAL3838'No Higher Honor''No Higher Honor'USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTSUSS SAMUEL B. ROBERTSTUYEN'S JOURNEY: TUYEN'S JOURNEY: PT IIIPT IIIMAKE DEATH MAKE DEATH EARN ITEARN ITONLY SEMPER FLY CHECKS ALL OF THESE BOXESAffiliation with the #1-rated University ofOklahoma Aviation School (per Flying magazine)First-rate instructorsVeteran-owned-and-operated Cutting-edge Guimbal Cabri G2 traininghelicoptersAssistance in seeking financial aidAssistance with job placement IGNITING PASSIONS.PILOTING DREAMS.IF YOU DARE TO DREAM BIG, WE'LL TURN YOURPASSION FOR ADVENTURE INTO AN EXHILARATING,REWARDING JOURNEY AS A HELICOPTER PILOTSEMPERFLYHELICOPTERS.COM1600 Westheimer Dr,Norman, Oklahoma 73069FEMALEVETERAN-OWNEDEMAIL US!

Page 5

Page 6

Several years ago, I was sharing with a young friend my excitement about an invitation I had just received to deliver the keynote address at a Veterans Day celebration in Monterey, California. Without skipping a beat, she scoffed, “Ugh! What’s so great about Veterans Day?” I was so caught off guard by the tone and directness of the question, all I could do was stumble around for some inadequate response. I couldn’t blame her for asking the question, but I could certainly blame myself for not clearly articulating an adequate answer.Her question made my head spin for a few days, “Really, what IS so great about Veterans Day?” After all, I’ve heard the claims that Veterans Day simply promotes the glorication of war, misrepresents the complex realities of military service, it’s simply a recruitment tool to fund the military-industrial complex, and even promotes “hero worship.” The more I thought, the more I wondered: Why celebrate military Veterans on any particular day at all? After all, young men and women have joined the military voluntarily in the U.S. for over 50 years. Are volunteer efforts really worthy of a day of national celebration? Why does Veterans Day matter? And, if it does matter, is one day enough? Is anything we do ever enough? And nally, if Veterans Day is so important, why is it so forgotten?Unlike other major holidays punctuated with get-togethers and parties with family and friends, unless you were in the military, Veterans Day sneaks up on us each year. And frankly, Veterans Day is not a very Instagram-able holiday…which seems particularly important in a self-absorbed society. Photos of picnics, barbeques, and antique car shows ll social media streams over the Memorial Day weekend. On Halloween, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s Day, social media platforms overow with images of costumes, decorations, and green beer. Why is Veterans Day so forgotten? The answers may also be found in recognizing that since the end of the military draft in 1973, fewer and fewer Americans personally know a service member or Veteran. Conversely, while the draft was in place, every American had at least one family member or friend connected to military service. Everyone, and I mean everyone, had a personal relationship with a Veteran. Times, however, have changed.The share of the U.S. population with military service has been declining for decades. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2023, only 6% of U.S. adults were Veterans, down from 18% in 1980. The fact is, fewer Americans are doing the vital heavy lifting for the masses. As a country, we no longer have direct relationships with Veterans. In my 30 years since leaving the Army, more and more frequently I hear service members and Veterans described by the unknowing and uninformed as mindless, mean-spirited, hateful, and heartless. This misconception of the character of Veterans must change. The subordination and maltreatment of Veterans in a never-ending bureaucracy must be addressed. By Larry BroughtonBy Larry BroughtonUGH! What's so Great About Veterans Day?Larry Broughton is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and former US Army Green Beret. CBS News has called Larry “the nation’s foremost expert on leadership and entrepreneurship.” He has been featured in national publications and has been a guest expert on every major television and cable network. www.larrybroughton.com6 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024

Page 7

America’s rst commander-in-chief and President, George Washington, expressed concern over the treatment of Veterans when he said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justied, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” Whether we adore or abhor a particular President or Administration, or policies from the White House and Capitol Hill, we must hold our Veterans in higher regard. I know some of the most badass, toughest warriors to walk the planet. They also happen to be the most loving people you’ll ever meet. The hateful and heartless don’t volunteer to protect people they don’t know. American warriors voluntarily join the military because they love it so darn much! They love their families, their neighbors, and their brothers and sisters serving on their right and left, and they love freedom and the ideals of the American way of life. So, what’s so great about Veterans Day? Well, I’m glad you asked! It honors those few fellow citizens who embody the American ideals of pragmatism, volunteerism, patriotism, love, selessness, and sacrice for the common good. It honors those willing to accept the responsibility to defend fellow Americans while preserving our freedom and way of life and upholding our highest standards and values when duty calls. At its core, Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in collective purpose. It commemorates both individuals and the idea that ordinary citizens can come together to achieve extraordinary things when called upon by their nation. This celebration serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the willingness of individuals to put the greater good above personal interest.The holiday also serves as a catalyst for national reection. It prompts us to contemplate the nature of service, sacrice, and the responsibilities of citizenship. In a world that often seems divided, Veterans Day should stand as a unifying force, reminding Americans of their shared values and common heritage.Perhaps most importantly, Veterans Day challenges us to think beyond the present moment. It asks us to consider the long-term consequences of our national decisions and the impact they have on the lives of those who serve. This perspective can inspire a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to foreign policy and national security issues.Finally, Veterans Day is not just about looking back, but about looking forward. It’s an opportunity to consider how we can better support our Veterans and their transition to civilian life, addressing issues such as mental health, employment, Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 7and education. In this way, the holiday becomes a call to action, inspiring citizens to actively participate in the welfare of their communities and our nation.The world, and war, have changed since that 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when Armistice Day was rst observed. Now the holiday is called Veterans Day, and we honor all who have served in military uniform. Fewer wars are fought in trenches and foxholes but with drones and technology-assisted weaponry instead. The “war to end all wars” didn’t end war at all, and U.S. servicemembers have served, fought, and died all over the globe.In essence, Veterans Day is a multifaceted celebration that touches on fundamental aspects of national identity, historical consciousness, civic responsibility, and social cohesion. It’s a day that reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of collective action in the face of adversity.It’s often said, “There’s no higher calling than serving others.” Given there are so few Americans who are willing to serve and sacrice so much, perhaps even more emphasis should be placed on expressing lasting gratitude, celebrating the holiday, and honoring those who have served. To my fellow Veterans, thanks for your willingness to pick up the sword!

Page 8

For all the excellent work the VA does on behalf of veterans and families delivering medical care and benets, it is the agency’s missteps that often garner attention. With budget overruns and accusations of mismanagement, it is hard to deny that the second largest federal agency by number of employees, still has much work to do to follow its own existing policies and procedures. Having done so may have prevented the recent VA Critical Skill incentive debacle. It has been a year since the news broke of the awarding of the Critical Skill Incentives (CSI) issued to VA employees and senior leaders. The bonuses were meant to fund the recruitment and retention of VA employees identied as possessing skills essential to the implementation of the Pact Act in 2023. The vast majority of the bonuses were correctly awarded to employees, but it was the $10.8M incorrectly awarded to 182 VA Central Ofce senior executives that started a yearlong investigation into VA’s mismanagement of the CSI program. Some might look at this as just a rounding error for a federal agency with a $325.1 B budget and 453,000+ full-time employees. But having not followed its own policies, the VA Secretary landed in the congressional oversight hot seat.THE BACKSTORY OF CRITICAL SKILL INCENTIVES (CSI)The Pact ACT was signed into law on August 10, 2022, to expand healthcare and benets to Veterans exposed to burn pits and other environmental exposures. The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act, PL 117–168) provides $20.3 billion in mandatory funding for the Toxic Exposure Fund (TEF) in 2024 which will support an estimated 9,324 full-time employees. The budget also provides $21.5 billion for the TEF in 2025 for medical care. The legislation is funded through 2027. (VA Budget in Brief March 2023).Funding became available in February of 2023. This allowed hiring to begin to support the anticipated inux of Veterans entering the VA for screenings, enrollment, claims, and benets processing. The following twelve critical skill categories were identied to support this plan. (VA Notice 24-14 Appendix A)TWELVE CRITICAL SKILL CATEGORIES (VA NOTICE 24-14 APPENDIX A)Security Admin Series Veteran Claims ExaminingCustodial Workers Cemetery CaretakingGeneral Legal and Kindred Administration SeriesSocial WorkersNursing HR ManagementContracting Information Technology Management Psychologists PhysiciansVA INCENTIVES BONUS SCANDAL:VA LEADERSHIP UNDER SCRUTINYby Christina Mortel8 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024

Page 9

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 9The Pact Act gave the VA Secretary, Denis McDonough, (or his designee) the authority to award CSI in an amount of up to 25% of the employee’s basic pay. To be eligible, the employee or group of employees had to possess a high demand or shortage skill, and the skill had to serve a critical mission-related need of the Department of VA. Secretary McDonough delegated to his undersecretaries and other ofcials the authority to approve CSIs for employees, including senior executives.Three organizations were impacted by the CSI:• Veteran Health Administration, led by Undersecretary Dr Elnahal•Veteran Benets Administration, led by Undersecretary Joshua Jacobs • VA Central Ofce (VACO)•As noted in the OIG report dated May 4, 2024, between March and May 2023, Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VHA, and Under Secretary for Benets Joshua Jacobs, VBA, along with Jessica Bonjourni, Chief Human Capital Management Executive discussed the possibility of including VA Central Ofce executives, VHA, and VBA execs in the incentive bonus plan. Although Secretary McDonough had concerns that the incentives did not align with the Pact Act workforce authorities and intent, the incentives moved ahead and were awarded, beginning in August 2023. During May through July 2023, the Secretary slowed down the implementation of the awards to ensure it was being conducted properly. According to the report, Dr Elnahal, VHA, did not provide any information about the VACO senior executives being included in the incentive program, but only the eld executives. Only when then CFO, Jon Rychalski, was contacted by senior executives inquiring about the status of their bonuses, did a red ag go up. According to the report, Rychalski learned that payments had been made to approximately 367 senior executive employees which triggered him to conclude, “There’s no way this is right because that’s a lot of money,” he said. Subsequently, Rychalski had multiple meetings with the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary, and other VA leaders about the incentive payouts. On Sept 22, 2023, the VA announced the cancellation of the CSI payments to VA Central Ofce senior executives and began the recoupment of funds. The chart below shows the number of Senior Executive incentives awarded, and the average amount of the awards, along with nonexecutives awards. (VA OIG Report May 9, 2024, 23-03773-169).CONGRESS STEPS INWhen the incentive scandal broke, both the House and Senate Veteran Affairs Committees sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough, to respond by Oct 6, 2023, on its lack of oversight and execution of the CSI implementation. Later, Dr. Elnahal and Mr. Jacobs were asked to testify to the committees on their roles in the incentive bonus. Both men did not appear before the committee. Instead, on June 4, 2024, VA Secretary McDonough met with the committee to explain the errors and the plan to correct the issues.In a July 2024 interview, Congressman (R) Keith Self, TX-3, and member of the VA House Committee on Veteran Affairs, weighed in on the machinations at the VA. When asked about the IG report ndings, Rep. Self stated, “Several levels, should either resign or be red, including the VA Secretary.” Representative Self asked Secretary McDonough directly in two separate hearings, on separate issues, whether Secretary McDonough would step down. The Secretary had no plans to do so and is still at the helm. Representative Self added, “The two principals, Undersecretary Dr. Elnahal and VBA Undersecretary Joshua Jacobs, should be red or relieved of their duties.” As of the writing of this article, both men are still serving at the VA. Congressman Self agreed that there are shortfalls in the healthcare sector, of doctors, nurses, and support employees, who the incentive program was meant to retain and recruit. However, it was the SES leaders who had very little turnover that received the largest bonuses. The OIG report noted Dr Elnahal stated that the VHA personnel loss rate was below 9% and 70% of employees have worked at the VA for more than 10 years. Retention was not a concern for these executives, so why the huge bonuses?Less widely known is that select VHA and VBA employees who received CSIs were also involved in the decision-making process of granting and later canceling these incentives. According to the OIG report, these individuals violated the US Code that “prohibits federal employees from participating personally and substantially in government matters in which they have a nancial interest.” (USC 208). The OIG referred these nine individuals to the DC US Attorney’s Ofce which chose not to prosecute these employees. THE IG REPORT DETAILS IN ITS FINDINGS BELOW FIVE MAIN FAILURES OF THE VA: (1) VHA and VBA leaders did not comply with their own policy to ensure that the CSI request complied with VA policy. (2) VHA leaders were not fully transparent with the Secretary regarding CSI plans for VACO senior executives and did not clearly indicate the intent to pay all Senior Executives (SES). (3) HRA /OSP leaders concurred with plans and award packages despite concerns of their staff about excessive deference to VA undersecretaries and senior leaders and perceived pressure to sign off on the incentives. Congressman Keith Self (R) TX-3VA House Committee on Veteran Affairs

Page 10

10 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024(4) Ofce of General Counsel missed opportunities to identify and escalate potential risks and noncompliance with policy or congressional intent, based on available information prior to payment, and (5) VA leaders did not require CSI proposals to undergo a robust risk-based review by leveraging existing governance groups and processes. (OIG report May 9, 2024)As mentioned, recoupment efforts began in September 2023. Some VA employees experienced hardship with the cancellation of the incentives. Repayment programs were created to address these issues. Whether it be an incomplete report, missing facts, misunderstandings, or miscommunications, what remains is the apparent willingness of leaders to leave out, not conrm nor double-check information with decision-makers across the administrations, before implementing the incentives program. Once the incentives were canceled, the Secretary rescinded his delegation of authority that previously allowed secretaries to approve their own executives’ awards. Congressman Self added that there is a leadership problem at the VA and that he believed Dr Elnahal deceived the secretary. Representative Self stated, “You’ve got subordinates willing to deceive their superiors; this was people driven, this was bureaucrats driving their own benet.” VORTEX OF PRESSUREThe OIG report noted that the then Human Resources Administration/ Operations, Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) Director, Gina Grosso, and senior leaders expressed concerns about the incentives but did not stop the approval process from moving forward. Executive Director, Corporate Senior Executive Management Ofce, (CSEMO), Carrie Johnson-Clark, was responsible for a technical review of the CSIs. Per the report, she did state that the Secretary “should be briefed because it appeared almost every SES ofcial in VBA stood to receive a CSI. She also told the OIG staff that private sector benchmarking did not apply because federal government work is totally different and that the VBA should have used other federal agencies as comparators,” (when comparing pay and responsibilities). Jeffrey Mayo, Deputy to Ms. Johnson–Clark, stated “We were being pushed from the VBA and that is what they wanted to do, and the Secretary has approved it.”Questions remain:• Why was the timing to push it through so important? – According to Mr. Mayo, there was urgency around the CSI awards “stemming from efforts to retain the workforce and to use the funds before the end of the scal year.” But we already know that the execs did not need a retention incentive. • Why was the normal approval process not followed? According to the OIG report, the investigators found pre-approvals from the VHA central ofce existed, specically Form 10017-A, which had been signed and approved by Under Secretary Elnahal. The concurrence process was not followed. If the proper procedure was followed, the CSI Form would have to be signed by a Recommending Ofcial, reviewed by CSEMO, and approved by both the HRA/OSP Secretary and Deputy Director, then routed to the Approving Ofcial Dr, Elnahal, for review and signature. Why would a signed pre-approval document make leaders bypass the process, rather than correct it?•Why the deference to leaders and pressure to approve? Because of the signed pre-approval, the CSEMO indicated “This created additional pressure.” There is one statement from a senior executive, in the OIG report that may sum up this entire debacle: “There is always immense pressure from HR leaders in VBA and VHA, which they referred to as the ‘vortex of pressure.’ There has been such a bending towards appeasing the desires of the administrations (VHA/VBA) …. that it has cast a shadow on what I see as a necessary check and balance of a headquarters function. And when people who try to ask questions, or raise concerns are just treated like they are slowing it down, getting in the way, being a pain, not being customer friendly. At a certain point, it becomes difcult, I think to carry out that check and balance when the greater environment is oh, no, VBA needs this. Dr. Elnahal needs this. You know, the Secretary needs this.” The OIG noted that there were existing tensions between HRA/OSP and HR leaders in VA, VHA, and VBA, which were beyond the scope of this OIG / CSI report. When the OIG concluded its investigation, it offered eight recommendations all of which the VA Secretary agreed with, acknowledging that “better documentation and stronger governance should have been applied to the new incentive authorities.” Specically, the report calls out the need to update HR policies dening critical skills, designate responsible ofcials to review recipients and incentive payments to employees, and ensure decision-makers have no conicts of interest when assigning bonuses. The report recommended seeking legal counsel, and a senior attorney, to review compliance with funding authorities and to remove any potential nancial harm to the VA. It concluded by recommending the VA Secretary take whatever administration actions necessary to address the personnel involved in granting CSIs. In Secretary McDonough response, he included action plans and dates; seven recommendations have a target completion date of Sept 30, 2024. An Oct 31, 2024, deadline was given to complete any personnel administrative actions of the staff and employees involved in the granting of the critical skills incentive program. VA Secretary McDonough announced on July 30, 2024, that he will step down at the end of the current administration. Over the next few months, the Secretary will have to implement the changes as recommended by the OIG, including any administrative or disciplinary actions for the CSI mess. As the secretary noted many times, he delegated authority and not responsibility, and thus is ultimately responsible for the incentive misstep. But the real challenge ahead for him is to act and address his or his staff’s shortfall in leadership and mismanagement. The incentives may be in the rear-view mirror, but Secretary McDonough needs to address the culture that allowed this to happen. On top of the incentive issue, there is a $2.88B budget shortfall Congress is currently grappling with, to meet VA Q4 obligations, primarily benet and compensation payments. There is also a $11.8 shortfall identied to start FY 2025. The VHA and VBA CFOs made this known in early July 2024.The next VA Secretary will need to clean up the culture of deference and nd decision-making leaders who can serve while being accountable stewards of publicly funded programs. VA employees will continue to deliver the much-needed medical services and benets processing to Veterans and families. Now we just need executive leaders to do their job so trust can be restored across the organization.Editors Note: All media inquiries must be directed to Congressman Self's Office. Christina Mortel, an Army veteran and former US Army Officer with eight years of service, is a contributing writer for AT EASE! Veterans Magazine. After her military career, she spent 13 years in technology sales at Hewlett Packard, managing accounts across various sectors including Oil & Gas, Banking, Services, and IT. Christina now owns "Get Write to Business," a consulting firm that assists entrepreneurs with B2B and B2G communications.

Page 11

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 11The VA PACT Act Second Anniversary Report is a report card of the expanding care and benets for Veterans, enrollees, and all that has been accomplished in the last two years since the program implementation. Notable is the VHA 90-day Trust Score. (The trust score reects the percentage of veterans who responded to the survey question: “I trust my VHA (Facility Name) for my healthcare needs with a score of 4 or 5). THE VHA trust score was 91.9% for May-August 2024. Where is the VA on completing the hiring of the 9324 mentioned in the Budget Brief of March 2023? Numerous inquiries were made to the VA PAO ofce, but a response was not received to this question. The latest report, dated Aug 16th, includes stafng numbers that are slightly over the 9324 projected in the budget. As of the writing of this report, I was unable to conrm these hiring numbers by category and by critical skills. References if needed. Most are linked in the article.US Dept of Veteran Affairs – Ofce of Inspector General – VA Improperly Awarded $10.8M in Incentives to Central Ofce Senior Executives: Administrative Investigation 23-03773-260- May 9, 2024. https://www.vaoig.gov/reports/administrative-investigation/va-improperly-awarded-108-million-incentives-central-ofceVA Budget Brief: https://www.va.gov/budget/docs/summary/fy2024-va-budget-in-brief.pdfVA Budget: Budget - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov)Congressional Letter: 2023-09-26_letter_to_mcdonough_re_csi.pdf (house.gov)Congressional Letter Budget Shortfall: 2024_07_17_cmb_to_secva_re_budget_shortfall.pdf (house.gov)“With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide.” — Zig Ziglar Shareable Edition

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

14 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actuallyin the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” Theodor Roosevel Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910__________On September 11, 2018, Navy SEAL, Eddie Gallagher’s world was turned upside down when he was abruptly arrested at his TBI clinic in San Diego and thrown into the Brig at Miramar; blindsided by charges not revealed to him at the time.Earlier in the year, on January 8th, Eddie and his wife Andrea’s home was raided by NCIS which culminated in their two minor sons who were home alone at the time, being dragged out of the house in their underwear at gunpoint.“About 20 to 30 armed NCIS agents, I mean, kitted up from head to toe, raided my house, pulled my both my sons out at gunpoint in their underwear in the street. My wife was not home. And this is actually where I realized that you cannot trust the system. Like, the system was not working fairly. I went to the command the next day and I’d asked them why this had happened. Again, got no response. Nobody would talk to me. And so, at that point, I decided well, we were already thinking about moving to Florida to retire. I was 19 years old at this point. So, we immediately moved my wife and kids to Florida to a new house. I settled them in and then I came back to San Diego to nish out my enlistment.” Eddie Gallagher was held in pre-trial connement for approximately 9 months until his release on May 30, 2019, shortly before his court-martial began. GROWING UP AS AN ARMY ‘BRAT’Eddie Gallagher, the son of an Army ofcer, was no stranger to the inner workings of military life, having spent his childhood consistently on the move. Described as a ‘hellion’ in his youth, and although small in stature, Eddie never backed down from a ght and was usually the one to throw the rst punch, which got him in trouble at school… a lot. One would think his mother would be mortied, but she was ‘old school’ and her motto to him was, “Don’t let anybody mess with you, and if they do, you better do something about it.”1After Eddie’s dad retired from the Army, the Gallagher family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eddie continued getting into trouble, hanging out with hoodlums, and making appalling grades. As ercely loving, loyal, and tight-knit as the Gallagher family was, his parents had no choice but to ship him off to a boarding school in Connecticut. “I knew how difcult a decision it had been and I didn’t blame them. They were at their wits end and they didn’t know what else to do with me. When my dad dropped me off at the front door of that school, it was one of the few times I ever saw him get choked up. Good thing I had no intention of going to an expensive college, or any higher education fund set aside which was spent on that boarding school.” Eddie recalls in his book, The Man in the Arena.2Unfortunately, boarding school didn’t last too long and Eddie was kicked out and shipped back to Fort Wayne. Thankfully, the principal of the his old high school allowed him back in and Eddie somehow managed not to get into as much trouble. It was also during this time that he met Andrea. From their rst conversation, Eddie was enthralled with this young woman who gave him a run for his money. “She wasn’t like any girl I’d hung out with before. She was the coolest, sweetest, most caring person and didn’t take any shit or care what people thought of her. We exchanged phone numbers that night and soon we’re hanging out all the time. We became best friends and that’s where it stopped. I knew I loved her back then, but I never crossed that line. For one thing, I was too much of a pussy to tell her how I felt. But more than that, I didn’t want to ruin a good thing,” he reminisced.3 Upon graduation, Eddie walked the stage with his 1The Man in The Arena by Eddie & Andrea Gallagher with Andy Symonds, ©2021 Andy Symonds (P)2021 Ballast Books – Chapter 82,3,& 4 The Man in The Arena by Eddie & Andrea Gallagher with Andy Symonds, ©2021 Andy Symonds (P)2021 Ballast Books – Chapter 8class, albeit with a blank diploma. He would have to take night classes to get the credits he needed. Both Eddie and Andrea attended a local community college for a short time and then she decided to move to Florida for fashion design school and someone she had met and would eventually marry. “It would be years before we talked again. While Andrea was chasing her dreams in Florida, I was busy not chasing any dreams in Fort Wayne,”4 Eddie remembers.A PSYCHEDELIC EPIPHANY & A KICK IN THE ASS JOURNEY TO BECOME A NAVY SEALGallagher’s wild spirit eventually found a formidable outlet as a Navy SEAL. But the journey to his Trident would take many years and more than a few detours. In 1999, while sitting in a drug dealer’s living room and tripping on mushrooms, Eddie saw a Navy recruiting commercial. He looked around at the 30- and 40-somethings in the room with him and decided right then that he would join the Navy. He got up, drove to the recruiting ofce in Fort Wayne, and waited for daylight for the ofce to open while he sobered up.Eddie saw the poster of a Navy SEAL and decided that’s what he wanted to do. But not being familiar with the Navy or how it worked, he had to choose a different Rate (MOS) and the recruiter told him that SEALs need Corpsmen. Eddie assumed that it was like engineering, not realizing it was the Navy’s version of a Medic. He told his family a few days later, and while shocked, his dad in particular was grateful for his choice, albeit skeptical that he would even nish Basic.The Gallagher household had always embraced physical tness, so gearing up for and getting through basic training was never an issue for Eddie. After completing basic at Great Lakes RTC, Eddie crossed the street for his A School of Corpsman training. At each graduation, he thought his next step was BUD/s, but he still did not have a contract. Instead, he had a choice to make… go Fleet or go 8404 with the Marine Corps. Eddie chose the latter.Eddie writes in his book. “One of the instructors who knew I wanted to be a SEAL told me that if I couldn’t get to BUDS, serving with the Marine Corps and

Page 15

Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 15going through the Recon pipeline was a similar job description. It was an easy choice…” He arrived at Camp Johnson, North Carolina for Fleet Marine Force (FMF) training.“I learned to be a medic with the Marines, and I wanted to do that with Force Recon, the Marine Corps Special Operations Branch. The rst hurdle to being allowed into the Recon community was the screening, it was a real dick dragger. Way more difcult than the physical screening test candidates have to pass to attend BUDS… of the eight who took the test, I was one of two to pass and the rst to nish the ruck. I did have one issue during the screening due of course to my dumbass big mouth. During the treading water portion, instructors red questions at us to see how comfortable we were in the water. Where are you from? Indiana, I shouted. How old are you, 20? Why do you want to go to Recon without thinking? I’d blurted out. ‘Because I want to be a SEAL and until I can go to BUD/s, I gured this would be the next best thing.’ Wham! Before I knew it, a burly arm wrapped around my neck, and I was dragged to the bottom of the pool… They came close to choking me out underwater before letting me up for a small sip of air. The rest of the half-hour continued in a similar fashion, but I managed to stay calm and make it through.”Eddies plan to go Recon was short-lived. Before he could get the orders, he was told he’d be joining 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune. Eddie adapted to Marine culture and deployed with the 1/8 three times and went to Italy, France, Spain, Norway, and Albania, as well as Kosovo, Djibouti, Liberia, and Iraq.“Liberia was gnarly. That was my rst time seeing the atrocities of war there. I witnessed a mob of Liberians beat the shit out of a guy who was accused of stealing from a child. At the end of it, his severed arms were tossed in the air.” It was also the rst time that Eddie saw a SEAL team in action. “…after the SEALs nished their op, I watched one of them hand money through the fence to some local kids. When a Marine in my group saw that, he threw a handful of singles over the fence. I watched as adults began beating the children who were trying to collect the cash until a full-blown riot erupted. I was furious watching the scene, but there was nothing we could do about it. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize how fucked up some parts of the world were. It wouldn’t be the last time I saw how vile humans could be to each other.”5 Eddie would go on to both excel in and complete Marine Corps Scout Sniper and Instructor Water Survival Schools. Going to BUD/s was still Eddie’s obsession and he had taken and passed the BUDs screening around seven or eight times during his enlistment, but he would not get the opportunity until there was a leadership change in his direct command in 2004.“I loved my time serving with the Marines. Even though it took four years for me to get to Coronado, I wouldn’t have traded that time for anything. It allowed me to mature while being surrounded by some of the most disciplined, dedicated, aggressive warfighters this country has produced.” Eddie GallagherEddie completed BUD/s training and graduated with class 252 on February 5, 2005. After jump school and SQT (SEAL Qualication Training), he reects on his experience of nally becoming 5The Man in The Arena by Eddie & Andrea Gallagher with Andy Symonds, ©2021 Andy Symonds (P)2021 Ballast Books – Chapter a SEAL and being pinned with his Trident, “…Not that it meant I had earned anything yet… it was a lot different then and I think it demonstrates the difference between the teams of today and 15 years ago. I might sound like a boomer complaining that he walked to school uphill both ways in the snowstorm, but I believe this to be a microcosm of what would later happen to me… The SEALs told us we now belong to a brotherhood and that from here on out we’d have to earn our tridents every single day. That started with not letting your brother down. They explained that brotherhood is why the teams exist, then gave us each a Kbar knife with a fallen frog man’s name on the blade. I still have mine. Kenneth Howe, KIA 31 December 1943, Anzio. They then punched our Tridents into our chest. I left that room excited but nervous, knowing I would have to prove myself every day and show I was worthy of wearing it. For me, the most impactful part was being told that merely having our tridents didn’t mean shit. We were then relieved to attend the class party at someone’s apartment complex pool. My classmates and I proceeded to get blackout drunk while the other Trident wearers in attendance happily took turns slugging our new pens into our bare chests. When I woke up the next morning, I’m happy to say my Trident was still stuck deep in my skin, dried blood covering my torso. It was a proud day for each of us. The reason I share this is not to boast or sound tough, but the Trident pinning has changed since then, and I think it’s to the detriment of the teams. Although the way my generation earned

Page 16

16 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024our Tridents is probably considered soft to some of the frog men who came before me. Those guys went to their team for a probationary period before getting pinned, during which they had to further earn their tridents through training and boards. I have no doubt that some of those men look at how I was pinned and think it wasn’t the right way. I don’t blame them for thinking that they’re probably right. We hadn’t earned shit yet. Now, when new SEALs received their Tridents is basically a coronation. …Naval Special Warfare allows all these nonprot foundations that give the command millions of dollars for access to these new SEALs to take them out to dinner, golf, and kiss their asses. Freshly pinned seals are told how special they are by guest speakers at gala events, where they’re wined and dined by foundation executives before ever stepping foot into a team room, let alone a battleeld. I don’t disagree that there is something special about attaining the trident but to inate these men’s egos and pump them up by telling them how great they are before they even get to a team is a disservice to them and the community.”6 ANDREA 2.0After completing SOCOM (Special Operations Combat Medic School) at Fort Bragg, Eddie drove to Fort Wayne to see his parents and brother Sean before reporting to the Teams in San Diego. While there, he reconnected with Andrea who was now divorced with two small kids and working in a local gym. What was meant to be a short few-day visit, turned into Eddie’s entire two-week leave. He and Andrea became inseparable. Always feeling like she was the one that got away, Eddie was not about to let this second chance with Andrea pass by the wayside. Andrea’s one condition moving forward with Eddie was that he had to have a relationship with Christ. Faith was a non-negotiable for her and Eddie agreed. While their long-distance relationship wasn’t easy for either of them, they made it work. Eddie called Andrea every single night and they made trips to see each other every time the opportunity presented itself. As Eddie’s team was preparing for deployment, he knew he wanted to marry her, and unbeknownst to Andrea, Eddie asked her parents for their blessing…“On one of the trips to Fort Wayne, I drove to her parents’ house and asked for their permission. I can’t imagine what they were thinking, but they were gracious and heard me out. Her father, Larry, was concerned about the kids leaving Indiana for California. He asked if 6 & 7 The Man in The Arena by Eddie & Andrea Gallagher with Andy Symonds, ©2021 Andy Symonds (P)2021 Ballast Books – Chapter 8I planned on getting out of the Navy and returning to Fort Wayne. I told him it was a possibility, but that wasn’t true. I just achieved my goal of becoming a SEAL and wasn’t about to give it up now. Sharon, Andrea’s mother, asked if I knew what I was getting into by marrying Andrea. I knew exactly what she meant. Andrea has a very strong personality and does what she wants. That’s what I loved about her. I don’t remember much more of the conversation, but I must have answered their questions correctly because they gave me their blessing.”7 Andrea accepted what Eddie called “the weakest proposal known to man” and while they had planned to elope, his parents guilted them into a real wedding. So, while Eddie was back at the Teams gearing up for their deployment, Andrea planned their wedding for May 27, 2007… again with one caveat – Don’t show up with a black eye. “The wedding was great, with one minor hiccup. The week before I’d been in combative training where we were beating the shit out of each other, so I showed up with a black eye and Andrea was not happy. I explained I was just upholding a family tradition. My grandfather, also a sailor, had married my grandmother while sporting a Shiner.” MOSUL, IRAQ 2017Mosul, Iraq is the second-largest city in the country and was a key stronghold of ISIS, serving as the caliphate’s capital. Eddie Gallagher and SEAL Team 7’s Alpha Platoon arrived in February 2017 to assist with the controversial Iraqi Emergency Response Division (ERD). Their mission was to support the ERD in the eradication of ISIS forces from Mosul. together they faced the savage reality of urban warfare, clearing ISIS from a city the size of Plano, Texas, or about 70 square miles.Lieutenant Colonel Andy Christian, with whom Eddie had served early in his career as a Corpsman, was at the helm of Special Operations Task Force N, and with the new rules of engagement under President Trump and Defense Secretary Mattis, LtCol. Christian empowered his men to make quick, aggressive decisions on the ground and demanded nothing less than excellence, trusting experienced hard-hitters like Eddie Gallagher to lead with the kind of ruthlessness needed to take down the deadly and savage ISIS. The Battle of Mosul was a savage crucible demanding, uncompromising, and decisive eradication of ISIS ghters.Down time for the Gallagher Family

Page 17

Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 17Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 17“My last appointment had been unlike any previous one, certainly not the standard SEAL mission set. We are an aggressive, direct-action element that violently hits the enemy in the face, usually at night, and gets the hell out. That’s not what we did in Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city and Isis’s last remaining stronghold. Instead, we were tasked with assisting Iraqi partner forces as they laid siege to the ISIS controlled city. The enemy was wicked, ruthless, and vicious on a level I had never seen before. They had been terrorizing the population of Mosul for years. They were dug in, determined and fully prepared to ght to the death,” Eddie writes in his book. Almost all operations in Mosul were conducted during the day, stripping away any element of surprise. Instead of aggressively engaging the enemy as they were trained to do, they were ordered to stay off the front lines, relegated to supporting ERD as they fought ISIS in brutal, street-to-street, often house-to-house combat. Mosul was a wasteland, a graveyard of crumbling buildings, and structures riddled with bullet holes and bomb craters—if they were standing at all.Every day, they were confronted with the grisly sight of dead bodies strewn across the streets—terrorists, Iraqi forces, and tragically, civilians, including men, women, and children. The constant echo gunre made it impossible to determine if these civilians were deliberately slaughtered by ISIS or were collateral damage in the chaos, though it was likely a combination of both. Some days, they witnessed ISIS gunning down crowds of women and children as they desperately tried to escape, only for the terrorists to open re in a sick attempt to draw them out. The true horror set in when they saw the heads of women and children mounted on fence spikes, encircling what used to be a park. ISIS regularly chained women and children inside buildings, placing mannequins armed with AK-47s on the roofs to deceive them into bombing those locations. The stories of children being boiled alive and their mothers being forced to eat the broth of their dead children haunted them, making the depravity of this sick and twisted group an inescapable daily reality. For some members of Alpha Platoon, the lack of combat experience and the stress from the atrocities of the mission would prove pivotal in the coming months. This inexperience contributed to a decline in morale and eventually promoted a toxic environment, pitting these team members against Eddie.“We are, above all else, war ghters. We exist to eliminate the enemy, and everything else is just details toward achieving that goal. It’s not pretty, and I don’t expect the average American to understand what we do, but we relish being sent into combat, staging from the shittiest locations on earth, and completing the most dangerous missions. We are not Boy Scouts. Our sole purpose is to dispose of evil people. Killing them by whatever legal means available. Killing another human being shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a huge responsibility and one I always took seriously. But there’s a sense of satisfaction after killing someone who’s been trying to kill you and your brothers. Someone you know is evil and now, because of you, is dead. … We aren’t charity workers… Our job isn’t to win hearts and minds. SEALs are warghters, and very good at killing the enemy. It’s a skill I take pride in, and the SEALs I came up with feel the same way. Our country’s wars are fought by 1% of the 1%. And even a smaller percentage of those do the killing…I got why some of the guys in my platoon hadn’t liked working for me, and frankly, I didn’t give a shit. I worked them hard, got us into the ght, and you know what? I was probably a bit of a hard ass like my Chiefs had been, which might have made me come off like an asshole, but that’s OK. I was the boss, not their friend. I didn’t care if they liked me, I didn’t like them.”By May, they had cleared ISIS out of a good portion of the city. The ERD brought in a 17-year-old ISIS combatant who was severely wounded and the only survivor of an airstrike. He was suffering from either a bullet or shrapnel wound in the leg and blast lung—a severe injury where the shock wave had ruptured his alveolar capillaries, causing blood and edema uid to ood into his lung tissue. In a combat setting like this, such an injury is almost always fatal. Eddie knelt down, opened his med bag, and started treating him. He died about 10 minutes later. Members of Alpha platoon took pictures with the corpse and then left it in the street with a blanket over him. “Every warghter is different. We all handle what we do, see, and experience differently. I realized some of my platoon hadn’t been able to handle what we experienced in Mosul. Part of that was probably my fault, part the Command’s fault. It had been their rst combat experience and we saw some pretty Two Different Worlds.... and this one is Hell. Backup for ERD... Eddie watches for ISIS Fighters through his scope

Page 18

18 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024gruesome stuff over there. It was difcult for some of them to process. When we got home, they never took the time to decompress. They blamed me.”SEPTEMBER 11, 2018NAVAL CONSOLIDATEDBRIG MIRAMARSenior Chief Petty Ofcer Gallagher, after 19 years of stellar service, was bewildered as he was escorted to solitary connement in handcuffs and leg shackles. Initially convinced it was a mistake, his hope of returning home quickly vanished.After their home was raided by NCIS on January 8th, Eddie and Andrea had the foresight to secure an attorney. During his brief ve-minute phone call, Eddie asked the attorney to notify Andrea.Eddie was aware that some subordinate team members were raising what he deemed trivial complaints, such as consuming energy drinks or eating too many protein bars, up the chain of command. They escalated their accusations, going back to the command and insisting he be red or busted down. They branded him a thief and claimed he was dangerous—just the same worn-out complaints. “The command asked them for proof on any of this, and they couldn’t provide any. And the command asked them numerous times, is there anything else? Why are you guys so adamant about this? Is there anything else going on? And they denied it three times. No, there’s nothing else. And so, the command said, hey, if there’s nothing else, then I suggest you decompress and carry on with your career. Same advice I gave them,” Eddie stated.Unbeknownst to Eddie at the time of his arrest, when his accusers didn’t get the results they wanted from the chain of command, they escalated the matter and went straight to NCIS, accusing him of war crimes.Eddie Gallagher soon faced serious and controversial charges stemming from his 2017 deployment to Mosul, Iraq. The allegations against him included:A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH…Eddie’s pre-trial hearing seven days later seemed less focused on getting him out of the brig to prepare his defense and more about making accusations that painted him as a threat to society. Among other things, he was accused of beating his wife, being a drug user and a drug mule, and, of course, the war crime of killing innocent women and children. His defense team raised no objections, and Eddie was remanded to the Brig at Miramar until his trial.Living in the Florida Panhandle, Andrea’s days were routine—she was used to not having Eddie around. She ran her business, took care of the kids, and kept things moving. But when Andrea heard what had happened at the hearing, “pissed and disgusted” didn’t even begin to cover it. The false accusations against Eddie hit like a sledgehammer, igniting her fury. Up until now, Eddie and Andrea had protected the kids from the harsh truth, keeping the fact that he was in jail a secret. But that night, Eddie nally broke down and told them, leaving Andrea to pick up the pieces of their shattered hearts. Eddie had always been honest with his kids, explaining that his time away was his choice to serve his country. But this time, it was different—this time, the truth cut deeper.Heartbroken but determined, Andrea was about to become a force to be reckoned with. To start, she and Eddie’s brother, Sean, drafted a letter to their closest SEAL family members, rallying them for support.Meanwhile, Eddie faced relentless scrutiny in the brig. He was subjected to frequent strip searches and cell inspections, with new restrictions appearing daily. The gym equipment was suddenly off-limits during the day, and even removing his Cammie blouse while watching TV led to strict uniform regs for all inmates. The pressure extended beyond Eddie himself. When his son showed up for a visit wearing a tank top, the guards forced him to wear a hospital gown instead. His visitor list was tampered with daily, and getting access to his lawyers became increasingly difcult. Every effort seemed designed to wear him down, disrupt his support network, and make it nearly impossible for him to mount a defense.With Eddie’s case already making headlines and the news cycle buzzing with accusatory sound bites, Andrea and Sean devised a plan. They decided to hit the media circuit, determined to share their side of the story with anyone willing to listen. During this same time, Eddie’s legal team got a major overhaul. With fresh, aggressive lawyers on his side, Eddie was about to get the legal repower he needed to turn the tables.After nine tough months in the brig, President Trump caught wind of Eddie’s situation. He took to Twitter to voice his concern and ordered Eddie’s release, making sure he could properly prepare his defense. This move was a game-changer, giving Eddie a chance to ght the charges with the support he had been missing.Sean Gallagher (L) appears on Newsmax and Andrea Gallagher (Above) shares the latest developments in Eddie's case on FoxNews. (Video Screenshots | Fair Use.)

Page 19

Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 19THE TRIALEddie Gallagher faced a slew of serious charges, including premeditated murder for allegedly fatally stabbing a 17-year-old wounded ISIS ghter who was in U.S. custody and receiving medical treatment, attempted murder for allegedly shooting at two non-combatants—a young girl and an elderly man—with a sniper rie, and obstruction of justice for allegedly intimidating and retaliating against SEALs who reported his actions, including threats against witnesses and attempts to cover up the alleged crimes. He was also charged with violating military regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) by posing for photos with the corpse of the deceased ISIS ghter. The trial quickly became high-stakes and intense, with the prosecution painting Gallagher as a rogue operator focused on his controversial battleeld behavior, including drinking alcohol and the infamous photos with the dead ISIS ghter.A key piece of evidence was a photo of Gallagher holding a knife near the ISIS ghter’s body, which he had sent to a friend with a cryptic caption. The situation seemed grim, especially when fellow SEALs from Alpha Platoon, including medic Corey Scott, accused him of stabbing the ISIS captive. But in a dramatic twist, Scott later confessed under an immunity deal that he was the one who killed the captive, ipping the trial on its head.Gallagher’s defense team didn’t pull any punches. They attacked the credibility of the witnesses and exposed the awed investigation led by NCIS Special Agent Joe Warpinski. Warpinski had crossed lines, even hiring Eddie’s neighbor and fellow SEAL to spy on his family. This led to a raid on Gallagher’s home when only his young sons were there, adding fuel to the controversy.The defense also uncovered another shocking move by the prosecution—sending an email with spyware attached to Gallagher’s defense lawyer, a tactic that was quickly exposed and further discredited their case. Gallagher’s team tore into the investigation, revealing how evidence was mishandled, testimonies were coerced, and a vendetta within Alpha Platoon had played a role in the charges against him. The trial quickly became a battle over not just Gallagher’s actions, but the integrity of the entire investigation and the internal conicts that had led to his prosecution.What ultimately turned the tide in Gallagher’s favor wasn’t just the blatant corruption of his accusers and investigator, but also the compelling testimonies from Colonel Ahmed of the ERD, Marines, and fellow SEALs who were there, providing crucial context and support for Gallagher’s defense.THE VERDICTEddie writes, “I could feel my heart beating as if it wanted to escape my chest. The jury led in. I purposely didn’t look in their direction. It just got real. Judge Rule announced accusing counsel. Please rise. For the duration of the trial, we had stood when the jury entered, then sat after they did. This time, Tim and I remained on our feet. I stood at attention. Mark later told me he could feel my body vibrating. I was the most scared I’d ever been in my life. Please announce the ndings of the court, instructed Judge Ruth. I continued, staring at the wall behind the judge, tensing up, bracing, preparing. The lead juror stood, but I could see him only from my peripheral. For some reason, I was still following orders not to look at the jury. He addressed the judge, Special Warfare Operator, Chief Petty Ofcer Edward R Gallagher, United States Navy. This court-martial nds you of charge one and the sole specication. Not guilty of specication one of charge 3, Not guilty of specication 5 of charge 3, guilty of additional charge one and the sole specication. Not guilty of additional charge to and the sole specication not guilty. Of the additional charge not guilty. He read through it so fast it sounded like Chinese. All I knew was that I heard a bunch of not guilty with a single guilty and because no one specied which charge was which I was like fuck. But then Tim grabbed me by the shoulders and said it’s the picture. I was in a daze, kind of like what just happened. It hadn’t sunk in yet. I had been acquitted. I distinctly remember looking over at the jury and locking eyes with one of the Marines. He seemed to be trying to communicate sympathy as if he couldn’t believe this had happened to me. I then turned from the defense desk and reached for Andrea over the wooden barrier separating us from the gallery. She was crying. We hugged, then my brother hugged me, then I hugged my mom and dad.”After the verdict, when Andrea was asked by a reporter how she was feeling, she said, “I feel like we’ve nally been vindicated after being terrorized by the same government my husband has fought for two decades during the War on Terror. He’s fought every major enemy of the United States. He is a righteous and noble individual, and his name has been smeared, slandered, and dragged through the mud. I hope that this vindication will be a lesson learned to everybody that we need to uphold ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ due process, and we need to afford the benet of the doubt to our war heroes who we send over there to ght these evils. I think this whole thing is disgusting, and I want responsibility to be claimed by Naval Special Warfare, especially Commander Rosenblum and Kelly Anderson. We know now that these lies have been exposed, and we’re going to continue to ght for the war heroes of this country because we cannot take them for granted...”The next morning, Eddie was sentenced to a maximum of four months in jail with time served and a reduction in rank to E-6. From July to November, the persecution at his command persisted. Not only was Eddie facing a reduction in rank to E-6, but he was also still restricted from the bases, and he was to have no contact with the witnesses, as the protective orders were still in place. He was an outcast, and so he decided to retire. He took leave to Florida and then learned that, according to the UCMJ, his 4-month prison sentence resulted in an automatic reduction in rank to E-1.After living in limbo between San Diego and Florida for months, waiting for the sentence to be accepted so he could submit his retirement paperwork, Eddie got a call from President Trump, who was aware of everything going on. The President assured Eddie that he would not lose his rank, retirement, or his trident.TRIAL TESTIMONIES & MEDIATHE VIDEO

Page 20

20 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024A NEW MISSIONWe live in an age where our perception is distorted by 30-second sound bites, shock headlines, and contrived gaslighting. Rarely do we dig deeper than our own echo chambers to uncover the truth about complex issues. Yet, our intuition and life experience enhance our ability to discern truth from deception.“The heroism of our troops must never be marred by acts of betrayal, which strike at the very heart of our nation’s values and the trust that binds us together.” ~ Modern Military EthosEddie and Andrea’s horric journey had ended, but the scales were off when it came to the injustice of service members caught in the “guilty until proven innocent” UCMJ nightmare without a bail system. Together, they founded the PipeHtters Foundation, which “is dedicated to supporting these brave men and women, helping them nd justice, and reforming a system that too often second guesses our heroes.”The website states: “Having lived this nightmare, Eddie and his family are uniquely aware of the challenges facing wrongly accused service members, rst responders, and their families who are entrapped in legal proceedings. We chose the name Pipe Hitter Foundation paying respect to the term used to describe someone you want with you during tough situations, someone who has your back and is willing to sacrice and work hard to get the job done - The Pipe Hitters. The men and women who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting us should know we have their back. It is vital we highlight their stories and support them in their ght for justice. That’s why the Pipe Hitter Foundation was founded – and for us, the ght has just begun.”

Page 21

Page 22

On July 11, 2024, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire introduced an amendment to the 2025 Defense Authorization Bill (S. Amdt. 2455) aimed at eliminating the “Rule of Two,” a key requirement in the government contracting process for veteran-owned small businesses.This proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)—a comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation—would grant government contracting ofcers (KOs), including those at federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD), the authority to award contracts directly to a single veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), without considering competing bids from other companies.This proposal came on the heels of the House of Representatives’ recent passage of H.R. 8070—the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025—on July 8, 2024. The House version, which includes a similar provision under section 861, also seeks to remove the Rule of Two, and it has been referred to the Senate for consideration.Currently, the Rule of Two ensures that contracts must be open to at least two qualied businesses, promoting competition. If this rule is removed, KOs could potentially award contracts to a single business without the need to consider offers from other bidders, thereby reducing competitive opportunities.For example, let’s say Company A (we’ll call it Matt’s Awesome Air Conditioning), a SDVOSB, responds to a Sources Sought Notice for a government contract to service the heating and air conditioning systems on a eet of Army tactical vehicles. The contract could potentially be set aside for small businesses. However, Matt’s Awesome Air Conditioning is the only SDVOSB that responded.Under the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 13 C.F.R. § 125.2 and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 19.502-2, the KO (we’ll call him Bob) cannot restrict (set aside) this lucrative government contract—which could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the scale—to just Matt’s Awesome Air Conditioning. Instead, the contract must be openly and fairly competed on in the broader market, often leading to competition with larger companies that have global reach and will all but surely crush Matt’s modest small business in the bidding process.However, under Senator Shaheen’s proposal, Bob would have the legal and regulatory authority to directly award the air conditioning contract to Matt’s Awesome Air Conditioning without the need for competition or verifying the presence of at least two qualied SDVOSBs (the Rule of Two). This change would effectively eliminate the Rule of Two, making it easier for smaller veteran-owned businesses to secure government contracts and for federal agencies to meet their set-aside goals. However, it also raises concerns about reducing competition and transparency in the contracting process.Public sentiment from the contracting community—which includes both federal employees and private sector professionals—has been mixed, to put it mildly. Some have argued that Senator Shaheen’s proposal would provide a useful boost to federal agencies’ goal categories, referring to the percentage goals each agency sets for awarding contracts to small businesses. Others, however, caution that this proposal could invite more fraud and abuse, potentially leading to an increase in contract protests—an equally valid concern, given the large-dollar fraud cases that have been prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).According to Steven J. Koprince, retired founder of Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC and author of The Small-Business Guide to Government Contracts, “Under Section 861, DoD would become only the second agency, after the VA, to offer prime contracting preferences to VOSBs. However, DoD’s VOSB preference under Section 861 would appear to be more powerful than VA’s. Under the VAAR and its underlying statutory authority, the VA must prioritize SDVOSB contracts over VOSB contracts. Section 861 contains no such order of precedence. Given that the bill establishes a VOSB goal equivalent to the SDVOSB goal, it’s reasonable to assume that the House intends that the new VOSB program be on equal footing with the other major socioeconomic preference programs.”TIMELINE FOR POTENTIAL ENACTMENTCONGRESS DEBATES THE RULE OF TWO:CONGRESS DEBATES THE RULE OF TWO:WHAT'S NEXT FOR VETERANOWNED BUSINESSES22 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024

Page 23

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 23Matthew Feehan is a military veteran who honorably served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Massachusetts & California Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in 2013 through Boston University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps and later earned his Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2019.Senator Shaheen introduced the amendment on July 11, 2024. If the amendment progresses through the legislative process without signicant delays, the Senate could vote on the 2025 Defense Authorization Bill as early as late 2024. Assuming it passes in the Senate, the bill would then move to the House for consideration. Both chambers would need to reconcile any differences between their versions before a nal vote could take place. If all goes smoothly, the bill could be signed into law by the President in early 2025.However, even if the amendment becomes law, the implementation of these changes will require a regulatory process that includes the following key steps—all under the potential risk of litigation.1. Drafting of Regulations: Federal agencies—such as the DoD—will begin drafting the necessary regulations to implement the new law. This process could start soon after the bill is signed into law and may take several months, depending on the complexity of the changes.2. Public Comment Period: Once the draft regulations are published in the Federal Register, a public comment period will follow, typically lasting 30 to 60 days. During this time, stakeholders—including small businesses, industry groups, and other interested parties—can provide feedback on the proposed regulations.3. Review and Finalization: After the public comment period closes, the agency will review the feedback, make necessary revisions, and prepare the nal regulations. This review process can take several more months.4. Effective Date: Once the nal regulations are published, they typically include an effective date, which is often 30 days after publication. Given the time required for drafting, public comment, and review, the earliest the new regulations might take effect would be late 2025, but more realistically, the effective date could be sometime in 2026.THE POTENTIAL IMPACT ON VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PLANNINGIt would not be wise to take Senator Shaheen’s word as gospel and rush to register an SDVOSB with the expectation of landing a multi-million dollar sole-source contract immediately. However, this proposed change is an important signal of the shifting landscape in federal contracting—a landscape that could present new opportunities for veteran-owned businesses in the near future. While it might not be time to dive into government contracting just yet, staying informed and aware of these developments is crucial.A great place to start is by following contracting experts and staying engaged with resources like AT EASE! Veterans Magazine’s The Veteran Lobbyist. By staying connected with industry leaders, veterans and business owners can gain valuable insights and be best prepared for lucrative opportunities as they arise.“Everyone looks at these cases of guys that are wildly successful right out of the gate. I will say that is the exception and not the rule…..The elevator to success is broken, you have got to take the stairs.” – Matt “Griff” GriffinMatt “Griff” Griffin, Founder Combat Flip Flops

Page 24

24 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024Written by: Donna HoffmeyerUNINDOCTRINATION AND ACCOUNTABILITYWhen we leave, we forget to remember part of the transition is to UNindoctrinate. It doesn’t mean we do not honor our time. Not at all. It means we leave some of those beliefs behind, as they do not work well in our civilian life.Veteran: I know I need help; I just do not know where to start. But, I’m not the only one that needs to change.Me: Do you think the reaction you receive is in response to your behavior?VETERAN: YES, BUT…Ahhh the ‘but’. It is a nuisance at best and a complete roadblock at worst. I’ve watched this battle too many times to count. How do we work through the ‘but’? Nope, I’m afraid a few squats won’t cut it.One, I already mentioned above. We need to have a period to unindoctrinate. We have to look at what served us to succeed in the military and determine if it is useful in our new environment. I remember a Veteran friend, Jack, telling me he went out with a group of Veterans for a walk. The sidewalk was narrow, so he stepped off it to give a little room. One of the other Veterans came up and yelled at him to ‘fall in’. Jack told him to back off and never went back. What was once acceptable, is now not tolerated.If you related to the Veteran yelling, check yourself.ACKNOWLEDGE WHERE OUR ACCOUNTABILITY LIESThe other one is adjusting our view of accountability. It is no longer everything for the military. We do not have the same unlimited pass to come and go as the military demands. (Or use the military as an excuse to get the pass). We have family and friends who sacriced A LOT for us. Our accountability is to them now.It is much easier said than done. We have trauma, war wounds, scars, nightmares, and memories that can make it difcult to engage. Many people do not understand why we loved, as much as we hated, I have a lot of interesting conversations. Some of the most inspiring and at times heartbreaking are with Veterans. Some are thriving, while others are struggling.IT ALWAYS HAS ME ASKING ‘WHY?’. Why do I watch some come out the door and rock it out in the civilian sector and others seem to go out the door and hit the quicksand? Are the ‘thrivers’ better prepared? Did they actually listen and take notes in the Transition Assistance Program) (TAP)? Do they have fewer medical or mental health conditions? Is it better for family support? It is easy to list off a myriad of reasons. Medical conditions, mental health struggles, and the one I hear over and over…loss of purpose and value. Every single reason is valid.BUT THERE IS SOMETHING MORE WE NEED TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATIONWe were in one of the most honorable and stressful careers. We were required to put it ahead of everything else…including our family. We missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, school functions, and graduations. We didn’t like it, but we didn’t question it either. It was understood and accepted that this came with being in a military family.INDOCTRINATION AND COMMITMENTWe worked with people who became family and people who we tolerated at best. We learned to make it work. We had to, the mission always came rst. We went to places that would not make it in TripAdvisor’s Top 10 much less Top 500 vacation spots. We’ve endured conditions that would make our civilian counterparts ask for an early checkout. We have seen and experienced things most people could only have nightmares about.This level of commitment can only exist with a healthy dose of indoctrination. There is no possible way for us to accomplish this without fully believing our accountability was with the military rst. And this, my friends, is where some of our struggles begin when we leave the military. The military built us into the assets they needed to complete their missions. It is where our loyalty had been for so many years. It is where some of our strongest bonds existed. It was a place, whether sucky or not, we knew every crack and crevice.... HOLD THE INDOCTINATIONI'll HAVE THE EXTRA LARGE SERVING OF WISDOMI'll HAVE THE EXTRA LARGE SERVING OF WISDOM

Page 25

deployment. Yes, we missed our family. Yes, we hated the burden it put on them. We also loved the focus, the routine, and the simplicity it brought…no bills, no kids ghting, no arguments with the spouse, no juggling schedules. The mission, the gym, and the DFAC (chow hall). Wash. Rinse. Repeat.We come home and everyone is excited to see us, but no one understands us. They are ready for us to jump back into life, while we need a moment to process what we just left. Scroll ahead, and we leave the service and now we don’t even understand ourselves outside of our military environment.So how do we unindoctrinate? What does accountability look like now? I’ll readily admit I do not have all or some of the answers. However, I have worked with a lot of Veterans and have a few ideas I’d like to share with you. If they resonate, please use them.OPEN OUR MINDS, BE CURIOUSThe military taught us skills that were needed to be successful. However, we have to acknowledge not all of those skills are equally useful when we leave the service. As much as we may grit our teeth, the saying is true. There is more than one way to skin the cat. We just have to remember skinning it in austere conditions might require different tools than skinning it in the civilian world.Civilians do not ‘fall in line’. There are no UCMJ charges when they do not follow a direct order. And still, there are many successful civilians and transitioned Veterans doing amazing things. Something must be working for them. Find those folks and learn from them.HEAL THE TRAUMA.This is our responsibility! We have to not only understand but deeply accept trauma has changed us. Our skill set is one of survival. We must remember our goal out of the military is not just to merely survive, but to thrive.Here’s the part we struggle with…learning to put ourselves rst. Before we go any further, let me explain what I mean by that. It doesn’t mean being an ass to everyone, so they stay out of your way and you isolate. No go. It means that we heal those wounds that led us to have a skewed view of the world. To shut down a few arguments. Yes, we have a skewed view. No, continuing to apply it to a new environment does not work well. Yes, it is scary to try a new approach. No, you are not compromising your values. If you’re still mentally arguing with me…go back up and reread ‘Open Our Minds’.Donna Hoffmeyer is a 21 year retired Air Force nurse, with a career that spanned nursing, ight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. During her last job, she saw the stress service members transitioning to the civilian were under. This lead her to co-author her rst book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focused on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She retired and transitioned out of the military, 30 Sept 2020, during COVID. CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Page 26

For many Veterans and active-duty service members, the VA home loan program is one of the most valuable benets provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This unique loan program has been instrumental in helping thousands of military families achieve homeownership. As a mortgage expert, I want to shed light on the key highlights of the VA home loan benet, helping you understand how it can be a game-changer for your home-buying journey.ZERO DOWN PAYMENT ADVANTAGEOne of the most signicant benets of the VA home loan is the ability to purchase a home with zero down payment. This is particularly advantageous for many Veterans who might struggle to save for a substantial down payment. In traditional mortgage scenarios, a down payment can range from 3% to 20% of the home’s purchase price. The absence of this requirement in VA loans not only makes homeownership more accessible but also reduces the nancial burden on Veterans and their families.NO PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE (PMI) REQUIREMENTPrivate Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a typical requirement for conventional loans when the borrower puts down less than 20%. PMI can add a signicant amount to monthly mortgage payments. However, VA loans do not require PMI, which translates into immediate savings. This aspect of VA loans alone can signicantly reduce the overall cost of borrowing, making it an attractive option for many Veterans.COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATESVA home loans often come with lower interest rates compared to conventional loans. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which reduces the lender’s risk. This reduced risk often results in lower interest rates, which can save Veterans thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Additionally, because these rates are typically xed, Veterans can enjoy stable monthly payments without worrying about interest rate uctuations.FLEXIBLE CREDIT REQUIREMENTSAnother advantage of VA home loans is their more lenient credit requirements. While conventional loans may require a high credit score for approval, VA loans are more forgiving. The VA does not set a minimum credit score requirement, although lenders often have their own standards. This exibility makes it easier for Veterans with less-than-perfect credit histories to qualify for a loan.NO PREPAYMENT PENALTIESVA home loans also come with the benet of no prepayment penalties. This means that if you come into extra funds or decide to make additional payments towards your mortgage principal, you can do so without incurring extra fees. Paying down your mortgage faster can save you money on interest and help you achieve nancial freedom sooner.ASSUMABLE LOANSVA home loans are assumable, meaning that if you sell your home, the buyer can take over your existing loan under its current terms. This can be a strong selling point in a competitive real estate market, as it allows buyers to benet from potentially lower interest rates and favorable loan terms that might not be available to them otherwise. This feature can make your property more attractive to potential buyers.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS IN FINANCIAL DISTRESSFor Veterans facing nancial difculties, the VA provides additional support. This includes options for loan modication and repayment assistance. The VA works with lenders to help Veterans who are struggling to make their mortgage payments due to unforeseen circumstances, offering solutions such as forbearance or loan modication to avoid foreclosure.ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESSTo be eligible for a VA home loan, you must meet specic service requirements, which typically include having served a certain number of days in active duty or meeting other criteria set forth by the VA. The application process begins with obtaining a Certicate of Eligibility (COE), which conrms your eligibility for the benet. Once you have your COE, you can apply for a VA home loan through a VA-approved lender.FINAL THOUGHTSThe VA home loan program offers a range of benets designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Veterans. From the zero down payment requirement and absence of PMI to competitive interest rates and exible credit standards, the program is tailored to support those who have served our country. For many Veterans, the VA home loan is not just a nancial tool but a gateway to achieving the dream of homeownership.If you’re a Veteran or active-duty service member considering purchasing a home, it’s worth exploring the VA home loan benets further. Consult with a VA-approved lender to understand how these benets can be maximized to suit your individual needs and nancial goals. The VA home loan program stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to its military families, ensuring that they have the support they need to secure their own piece of the American Dream.UNLOCKING THE UNLOCKING THE BENEFITS: A DEEP BENEFITS: A DEEP DIVE INTO VA DIVE INTO VA HOME LOANSHOME LOANSby Rob YounceROB YOUNCEUSNA ‘93 | Military Mortgage AdvisorOVM Financial powered by Annie MacNMLS# 1521082Phone: 757-605-0513Email: ryounce@annie-mac.comWebsite: robyounce.com26 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024

Page 27

Disabled Air Force Veteran and daughter pair up to write 500+ page supernatural novel Lisette Encarnacion never imagined that her post-military career would involve editing and helping her daughter release a novel, but recently they made it happen. Lisette, an Air Force Veteran, was a load planner before being injured on active duty. Her daughter, Dana, had always had a love of writing and Tinker’s Afiction was the result of their hard work. The 500+ page novel involves Tinker, a young female genius with paranormal powers, who is in a foster home. She is about to age out and thinks that she might never have a family. She is suddenly adopted by a family with a mysterious past that has many dark secrets that will reveal themselves later. Tinker even strikes up a romance with a local boy who has unique abilities of his own. Dana states that Tinker has a lot of her own personal qualities like creativity and a love Dr. Rob Garcia is an award winning business strategist in San Diego. He is the founder of SHIFT Magazine.Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 27of science and art. The novel itself reads like a gothic romance set in the modern age. For this project, Dana set out a daily minimum word count and constantly kept writing so that she could generate the projected pages without sacricing story quality. Lisette stepped in and did all the editing and formatting for the book, making it a family project. Dana has started seeing an uptick in readership, helped in part by her TikTok account in which she teaches newer writers how to develop plot lines, make minimum page counts, and create character development. Dana and Lisette plan on making Tinker’s Afiction a three-part series and Dana is working on the sequel this year. They hired a publicist to help with media coordination and have been promoting it on social media channels. The book has been featured on the Brett Davis Podcast and went out in a nationwide press release. Tinker’s Afiction is found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

Page 28

Page 29

Page 30

30 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024An individual’s life cannot be summed up in a few short words. If, however, one was forced to succinctly describe the most prominent characteristics in the life of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Steve Kittler, it would be a hard worker and love of family.Steve was born in Agawam, Massachusetts in 1942. Two of his uncles served in WWII, one in Europe and one in the Pacic, but they spoke very little about their experiences. They came home to work hard, building lives and families. An unspoken example was set.Steve graduated high school in 1959 and began to look for work. In every interview, he was asked if he had been in the military, before nally landing a job in a supermarket. It wasn’t long before Steve got the impression that he needed to serve. He enlisted on an open contract in the Marine Corps in November 1960. In January 1961 he took a train to Parris Island, SC. Some of the young men were enjoying a few last beers before boot camp. As they rolled through Virginia, a steward stuck his head in the train car and said, “This is a dry county boys.” Steve said, “What? It doesn’t rain down here?” His Drill Instructors were Veterans of the Korean War. He learned to move quickly, obey orders, and keep his mouth shut. Next was eight weeks at the Infantry Training Regiment before Steve found himself working in supply aboard Camp Lejeune, NC.Two months later he was reassigned to the Marine Corps Exchange and worked in the military’s internal system of retail service. During this enlistment, he deployed to Iwakuni, Japan, and twice to Vieques, Puerto Rico. An uncle said, “I can’t believe my taxes are paying for Steve to winter in the Caribbean!”One memorable tale from 1964 in Japan still evokes laughter all these years later. Steve befriended a Japanese man who ran the laundry service on base. One day he took him to Tokyo to visit some beautiful gardens, shrines, and temples. Several school groups were also touring the gardens that day. When Steve sat down on a bench, scores of children lined up to get his autograph. He pleasantly obliged them and then asked his friend why they were doing this. Had they never seen a Westerner? His friend replied, “Oh, I told them you were one of the Olympic athletes.”When his contract expired Steve decided to return home to Massachusetts. He began working in inventory control at Westinghouse Electric Company. There he met a beautiful, lively young lady in the mailroom. In October 1966 they were married. When they returned from their honeymoon the plant shut down. Steve immediately set about to nd another job.In the next few years, Steve Kittler was about as busy as a man can be. He and Janet had two sons. Steve enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve to augment their income, while working inventory at another plant, and working a second job in freight rates. At one point he took on yet another job at a bakery, which resulted in simultaneously juggling four jobs (including the Reserves). It was a deep love for his family and the sense of duty to provide for them that kept this Marine going.He attended non-commissioned ofcers (NCO) school aboard Parris Island during his Reserve time when he was approached by an ofcer asking if he’d considered returning to active duty. The idea had many appeals including the stability of a continuing career. Steve’s infectious smile indicates that he may have also missed the adventurous side of the Corps.At age 32, after an 11-year break, Steve returned to active duty. He was temporarily assigned as a Barracks Manager aboard Marine Corps Air Station, New River, NC. After three days of doing nothing but sit around and shoot pool, Steve boldly walked into the Sergeant Major’s ofce and said “SgtMaj, I want a job!”Steve was assigned to Disbursing, which after some OJT became his MOS. Ironically his civilian experience in inventory control, freight rates, and previous role in retail, all converged to make him well-suited to this eld of work. Over the next several years Steve worked in Camp Lejeune, NC, and Parris Island, SC; with intermittent deployments to Okinawa, Japan.In 1989 Steve returned to his family in NC from a deployment to Okinawa nding himself caught up in the post-Cold War military drawdown. Being separated just a few short years before retirement eligibility was a disappointing blow. He maintained a resilient and positive attitude, but in a moment of frustration he got rid of all his uniforms thinking “Well if they don’t need me, I don’t need these!”Intending to take a summer break before returning to work, he stopped by Navy Federal Credit Union on his way to the golf course. The manager happened to be a disbursing ofcer he’d worked with in uniform. They caught up with each other swapping stories about old times. Steve had built a solid reputation while in uniform and was immediately offered a job. Though he preferred to spend more time playing golf, this hard-working family man soon transitioned to embark on a career with Navy Federal. Steve Kittler built a wonderful life for his family. In time the sons grew to adulthood. Steve and Janet became grandparents. He was invited to the grandsons’ school for Veterans Day one year “SEMPER FIDELIS”The Story of Ret. GySgt. Steve Kittler - USMC "Semper Fidelis" continued on Page 42

Page 31

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 31met with General McAuliffe during the Battle of the Bulge, having just overnighted at beautiful Chateau Rolley. Davis’ sons and grandson witnessing this special moment reassured us that generations to come will keep retelling this miraculous story.Davis’ bravery as a squad leader and scout with the famed Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division earned him three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart throughout the European Campaign of World War II. We are thankful to have been part of this special journey of reuniting a paratrooper with his dufe bag and walking the battleelds with him to nd where his foxhole used to be. The heroes that are honored, the stories that are passed down, and the history that is being preserved, little by little, on Forever Young Veterans’ Trips of Honor are what keep us going.“battERED baStaRDS oF baStognE”The Story Jesse 'Di' Davis - USA – WWIIDavis served with 3rd platoon, Easy Company, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. He came in as a replacement from Operation Market Garden, the attempted liberation of Holland in September 1944. He found himself trucked to the Ardennes in Belgium, where Hitler’s surprise attack in December 1944 sparked the Battle of the Bulge. Information on the encircled town of Bastogne, its infamous bombing on Christmas Eve, and the location of the various units of the 101st Airborne Division are thankfully well-maintained. Locating the tree line where Davis’ platoon had dug their foxholes in the infamous freezing temperatures of that winter was relatively easy. The landmark they had their eyes on as they held their position was Chateau Rolley, just outside Bastogne.News of our Trip of Honor for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in 2014 spread quickly among the history enthusiast of Bastogne. An original Screaming Eagle returning is extremely rare and so information was quickly exchanged and spread around. It is how Forever Young Veterans was able to honor Davis in a very special way by reuniting him with the dufe bag he lost in World War II! This incredible story is nothing short of a real miracle.A local history enthusiast had found the remains of a dufe bag among the menagerie of World War II relics on the second oor of Chateau Rolley. He restored it as much as he could and in the process a very visible service number was revealed on the olive drab canvas, the number assigned to Davis during his service. While Davis knew we would be returning him to the tree line where his platoon’s foxholes had been located, we kept him in the dark about his resurfaced dufe bag. The handover of the 70-year-old relic happened in the very spot where General Patton

Page 32

32 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024Luke McLaurine, 97, had always wanted to be an aeronautical engineer, so when he had a chance to y during WWII, he didn’t hesitate to go. Being a pilot would be a dream come true; however, Luke was colorblind and had to settle for another position. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 7, 1942. He truly felt he would be in aviation for the rest of his life, and even though he had to take a detour, his future looked bright in the ying industry.Luke was an only child of a couple who owned a bakery in Memphis, TN, which was “the” bakery in the Mid-South. Everyone used the McLaurine Bakery on Highland Street for freshly baked bread, cookies, pastries, and wedding cakes. Luke was a typical youngster involved in the family business, the Boy Scouts, and church activities. Luke’s parents and community had no idea what was coming and how they’d be shaken to the core. They would learn rsthand that “War is Hell,” and that it didn’t escape anyone who dared to touch it. War would nd its way into their peaceful home…all the way from Europe to the quiet streets of Memphis. It would be arriving at their doorstep. Standing at 5’4,” Luke was the perfect size to be a ball-turret gunner. Smaller men would end up in this position, one of the most dangerous on a B-24. However, that didn’t turn out to be Luke’s destiny, as he ended up in bombardier/navigator school, a position already selected for him. His nal assignment was with the 464th Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force in Italy. Luke experienced almost everything as he ew missions over Europe. “Some were ‘milk runs,’ Luke said, ”while others are still difcult to talk about.” The crew often ew through debris and saw other aircraft being blown apart in mid-air, colliding with other aircraft, or crashing below. During those moments, he realized how vulnerable he really was. He couldn’t help but think about the families back home getting the news that their fathers, sons, grandsons, and brothers would never be coming back.On Luke’s 20th mission, his B-24 had mechanical issues and the crew had to bail out over the Austrian Alps, near Hitler’s Eagles’ Nest in southern Germany. “I actually ew three missions that I didn’t get credit for because we didn’t drop the bombs on target. If we didn’t drop them, we couldn’t count them,” Luke added. After parachuting out of the Liberator, he fell, hit a tree, and was knocked unconscious. When he awoke, he had a couple of 12-year-old boys standing over him with guns, for the Germans would pay those who turned in American servicemen. Immediately, Luke’s concern was for his fellow crew members, wondering if they had survived, It wasn’t long until the Germans had collected Luke and all of his comrades, a relief in one sense, but not in another. He was a POW for six months and was always on the move. Not including the interrogation camp, he traveled to three different POW camps, including one in Poland. When he rst arrived at the interrogation camp there were 8,970 prisoners there. Suddenly, he heard a voice say, “Luke McLaurine, is that you?” It was Tom Young, one of his Boy Scout friends from the neighborhood in Memphis. It was denitely a wonderful moment for both of them. Much to Luke’s surprise, the Germans knew everything about him. Where he lived, his parents…everything. They even asked about a certain ‘high society” person in Memphis. Laughingly, Luke told them, “I don’t run in those circles.” The prisoners were allowed to write a few letters home, but none of Luke’s ever made it through. He was worried about his parents, especially since his mom’s brother was killed in WWI. Luke’s mom and dad had received a telegram on Thanksgiving Day, telling them that their only child was missing in action. Three and half months later, one of Tom Young’s postcards had made it through. The mailman read it and came running into the bakery exclaiming, “Mr. and Mrs. Mac, Luke is alive, he’s alive!When Luke was nally liberated by his fellow Americans, he was numb. He had lost 1/3 of his body weight and was sent to Camp Lucky Strike to gain weight and return home. Luke wanted to work in aviation after the war, but he decided to join his parents in the bakery business. After making 10,000 wedding cakes, he quit counting. Luke also made the guitar-shaped birthday cake for Elvis Presley each year, and yes, he actually met the king of rock and roll. Maybe I should say the king of rock and roll actually met WWII POW Luke McLaurine.“bEYonD tHE baRbED WIRE”The Story of Luke McLaurine - USAAC – WWII

Page 33

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 33Peter Yeschenko is a military brat born at the Yongsan Army base and raised in Waianae Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. His father was a career US Army warrior and he instilled in Peter a love of the armed forces. He also developed a taste for the sea.While in high school, Peter became fascinated with history. “When we got off from school for a holiday, I wanted to know why the holiday was important,” Peter told me. “So, I did my research, and let others know why we had the day off.” His fascination with historical knowledge and sharing these “fun facts” as Sheldon Cooper called them has helped make him the Command Master Chief of General Military Training (CMC of GMT). On the 20th of June 1979, Peter left the island and arrived in San Diego, CA. He had joined the Navy because “I wanted to travel.” There, his long naval career would begin at Recruit Training Command, also known as “Boot Camp”, where he was introduced to General Military Training (GMT). GMT can be anything from the reason we fold our uniforms a certain way, to dening military and nautical terms like “working off a dead horse,” or why a bathroom is called a “head” in the Navy. Peter spent about twelve weeks in San Diego or San Dog, as it is affectionally referred to by the many sailors who are or have been stationed there over the last hundred years. He joined the eet onboard the destroyer tender USS Prairie (AD-15) also in San Diego, as an undesignated seaman, or a “deck ape.” Here he would learn all about shipboard operations and would routinely devour all the GMT he could. Peter learned about the history of the US Navy and the American military. However, becoming a Boatswain Mate (BM) was not what he envisioned for himself or his naval adventure. Instead, Peter was captivated by a rate he saw every day while he stood his deck and bridge watches. He saw these men work directly with the Commanding Ofcer (CO) and the Ofcer of the Deck (OOD). He watched as they used their bodies, ashing lights, and ags to speak an unknown language but communicate so effectively that he knew he wanted to become a Signalman (SM). Peter would go on the serve on six ships and one air squadron, including the USNS Mercy (T-AH-20) during Desert Shield and Storm. He also was a member of two recruiting districts, Kansas City and Minneapolis. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Yokosuka, Japan, Naples, Italy, and his last station, Bahrain, where he played a key role in fth eet operations. The Master Chief also served in, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Northern/Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He completed 10 Western Pacic/Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf deployments.First Class Petty Ofcer (SM1) Yeschencko loved his job, and he loved the Navy. When the opportunity to cross rate to an expanding job eld opened, he made like a swim call and jumped in with both feet becoming a Master-at-Arms (MA) MAs are the real Navy cops. Now an MA1, Yeschencko had the chance to leave his mark not just on the Navy but also on the sailors serving with him, as he taught them about naval regulations and sometimes enforced them. Peter was selected as chief, becoming a (Big) MAC as chief Master-at-Arms (MA) are lovingly called. While an MA, he was an investigator into a large robbery at Club Alliance, the A-Club in Yokosuka. In 1993 Master Chief Yeschenko was selected as the Armed Forces “Top Cop of the Year.” He was also selected as the Hawaiian Islands “Top Law Enforcement Ofcer of the Year” in 1994.Through his storied career, Peter’s love of history, especially naval, never wavered. He was selected as a Master Chief (MACM) in 2001, and after attending the chief’s board as a selecting member, his command with his wife’s help put in his package to become a Command Master Chief (CMDCM). All done without his knowledge. A CDMCM is the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding ofcer. It is his job to be a liaison between the crew and the Wardroom. This was the perfect position for him. He could affect change and keep promoting the GMT he so loved. He was selected on his rst try. Peter told me he had two mentors, an SMCM and a MACM, who taught him to be stern but fair and once he knocked a sailor down, to pick him back up again. These are the types of leaders you wished all leaders were in the Navy. Both of these men had a profound effect on Peter, and it would also be the reason he became the CMC of GMT. Peter Retired from the Navy while stationed at the Naval Recruiting District (NRD) in Minnesota. The responsibility of being a CMDCM at some major commands took a slight toll on him and he was partially content with staying retired and just fading away. “taKIng CoMManD!”The Story of Peter T. Yeschencko - CMC – Cold War | ODS| OIF/OEF"It's the Fucking War, Man!" continued on Page 44

Page 34

34 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024SAN DIEGO - Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is considered one of the most unique veterans memorials in America. Located atop one of the highest peaks in San Diego County, it’s known as “A Beacon of Freedom.” Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial has been a tourist attraction in San Diego since 1954, but it has gone through many trials to be what it is today. Thousands of people from around the world visit the memorial every year to learn more about the Veterans who are featured on the black granite plaques that line the walls.Mt. Soleded hosts two of the largest ceremonies in San Diego every Memorial Day and Veterans Day to honor military members and Veterans. Those signature events draw more than a thousand guests to the memorial and often include participation from civic and military leaders in the region. “From the hills of Valley Forge, Gettysburg, and the Meuse, to the jungles of Tarawa and Khe Sanh, to the arid lands of Fallujah and Kabul, the Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial pays homage to those who have sacriced so much. This national landmark overlooks our beautiful Southern California coast and honors those Veterans who have deceased and those who are still living through black granite plaques, multiple ceremonies, and our docent and education programs,” said Phil Kendro, President, Mt. Soledad Memorial Association.ABOUT THE MEMORIALThe Memorial is located in La Jolla, California, and serves as a valuable educational resource to convey the signicant military and veteran history in the region. Access to the is free and open to the public. The Memorial features 360-degree panoramic and breathtaking views encompassing the Pacic Ocean to the west, the coastal cities to the north, the mountains to the east, and downtown San Diego and beyond to the south.More than 6,500 Veterans who served during the Revolutionary War, both World Wars, and today’s War on Terror are displayed on the granite walls. For those looking to learn more about our country’s history, it’s an excellent opportunity to provide insight into the importance of service in our nation’s armed forces and for the men and women who sacriced for this country. HISTORY OF MT. SOLEDADIn 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet was anchored off San Diego and Mt. Soledad was the only vantage point to view the entire eet. At the height of WWII, Mt. Soledad was used as an observation point and radio transmission tower to monitor the real threat of Japanese sea forces and broadcast Easter Services to troops from Mt. Soledad connecting those serving at home and abroad a connection to home.Over the course of 50 years, three crosses have been built on the site of Mt Soledad. The rst cross was a simple redwood structure erected in 1913, only to be torn down by vandals ten years later. Residents of San Diego built the second cross in 1923 from stucco over a wood frame and stood for 29 years. This cross, along with the rst, was used as a gathering place for Easter Sunday. In 1952 the cross was destroyed in a windstorm.by Amy ForsytheThe Veterans Beer Club of San Diego gathered at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial for their monthly networking event on July 24. (Photo by Dave Ellrod)

Page 35

enhance the experience of visitors to the memorial. This includes using interactive mapping to provide guided tours of Veteran plaques while telling the unique stories of our veterans and our nation’s military history. The goal is to make it easier for docents and visitors to access the mission of the memorial by placing it in their hands via mobile technology, said O’Connell.VISITING THE MEMORIALThe Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited spots in San Diego County. It’s readily accessible, open to the public, and always free. Visitors are invited to walk along the 11 walls and view the individual Veteran plaques and climb the brick steps up to the cross for one of the city’s most magnicent views.Address: 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive at Via Capri La Jolla, CA 92037Gates Open: 7 am – 10 pm Daily Ofce: 858-384-2405 There are a few parking spaces surrounding the Memorial and portable restroom facilities are located adjacent to the Memorial. A large parking lot is located a ve-minute walk below the Memorial. Lawn areas surround the Memorial, providing a nice spot for picnic lunches. BECOMING A PART OF THE MT. SOLEDAD FAMILYRecognition at the Memorial is open to all, alive or deceased, regardless of where they currently reside. To qualify, the Veteran must have had an honorable discharge from military service.Help us honor our veterans by preserving their legacy by becoming a member today. They have recently revamped their membership program to include perks ranging from private tours, reserve VIP seating at their annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies, and more. Contact their Membership manager at membership@soledadmemorial.orgLearn more and plan your visit: soledadmemorial.orgAmy Forsythe is a U.S. Marine veteran who served as a combat correspondent and currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Public Affairs Ofcer. She serves on the Board of Trustees for Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and supports several other veteran-related support organizations in the San Diego region. Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 35In 1954, the third cross, which still stands today, was damaged when dropped by a crane before it was installed. The cross that we see today acts as a centerpiece of the memorial. It was erected as a lasting monument for servicemembers who sacriced their lives for our nation during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean Conict.Simultaneously, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association created and signed its articles of incorporation as the third cross was installed. This Association would grow into what is now Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. The goal of the organization has always been to honor servicemembers who honorably fought for our nation’s freedoms living and deceased. Easter Sunday 1954 was etched into history when a dedication to honor the brave men and women who fought to protect our freedom was held. This became an annual tradition in the early years of the organization.LEGAL CHALLENGESWhile the cross was originally named the “Mount Soledad Easter Cross,” the name was shortened in the 1980s, in part due to religious concerns. Such concerns were the cause of a landmark court case that embroiled the monument for decades. From 1989 to 2015, Mt. Soledad’s cross faced several legal challenges.On May 31, 1989, a Vietnam War veteran sued the City of San Diego, claiming that the cross violated both the California and United States Constitutions. This initial case led to the court ruling against the city, naming the cross unconstitutional. A long series of similar court cases followed to determine the fate of this landmark. The City of San Diego also attempted to sell the cross on multiple occasions but was continually blocked by court rulings and voters.In the ‘90s, Mt. Soledad Memorial Association became incentivized to begin construction on a new project that would accomplish the goal their association set out to do in the beginning: honor all Veterans, regardless of status, rank, race, religion, or creed who protected our country. This project aimed to be a better, more focused, and permanent dedication than those held on Easter Sundays.James Alcorn came in and entered the preliminary designs for this new wave of the memorial. His initial designs featured personalized black granite plaques, engraved with photos and information about the Veteran being honored, mounted on walls ringing the center hill. This design was meant to encourage people to walk around the memorial and understand the diversity of contributions that individuals in the Armed Forces made to keeping our country safe.Alcorn’s nal design featured six low walls that radiated outwards from a pedestal that was marked with an American ag. The walkways in between these polished stone walls would be brick, and each wall would be lled with 3,200 engraved plaques made of black granite. This would bring visitors close to the acknowledgments and recollections of each individual Veteran. Breaks between walls would allow for contemplation. Each individual plaque would feature one or more photos of the veteran listed. They would also include a short summary that outlined the Veteran’s service record and insignias. These insignias could represent the branch of the military in which the veteran served, the American ag, or any other piece of memorabilia that represented that person.In the following years, attempts were made to donate the site to the Department of the Interior and National Park Service, as well as have the government acquire the memorial via eminent domain but were challenged and blocked by court rulings.Ultimately, all the legal matters were settled in September 2016 and The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association was able to purchase the land under the cross for $1.4 million from the Department of Defense.MT. SOLEDAD NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL TODAYSince then, the memorial has expanded with an additional ve walls that were completed in 2015. This allowed for the addition of more than 2,400 plaques to be added to the walls.This expansion also allowed an opportunity to clearly identify the name of the memorial and its purpose through the construction of a wall with the memorial’s name on it. As part of this expansion, a central grass area was added for use throughout the year for Veterans Honor Ceremonies, weddings, reenlistments, military retirements, commissioning, pinnings, and other special events.The goal of the memorial is to help share the stories of our service members and remind people of the ultimate sacrice made to keep our country free and safe. “Telling the stories of these brave service men and women is incredibly important to us. Their stories deserve recognition, and we do our part by putting their stories on their plaques,” said Kendro.Among those honored at the memorial include:•23 Medal of Honor Recipients•Six U.S. Presidents, including Truman, Eisenhower, Ford, and Reagan•Admirals James Stockdale and William Halsey, Jr.•Generals John Pershing and George Patton•Celebrity Veterans Audie Murphy and Jimmy Stewart•Thousands of other brave and courageous men and womenWHAT’S NEW IN 2024?“We are focusing on four key areas of impact: education, innovation, capacity, and preservation,” said Executive Director Neil O’Connell, Sgt. Maj., U.S. Marine Corps (Ret). To complement the visitor experience, a combination of unique mobile technologies will be unveiled that can

Page 36

Page 37

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 37A VETERANS GRIEFVeterans deal with loss differently. Oftentimes the way it is dealt with can be misconstrued by the civilian world as being cold, aloof, insensitive, or worse-uncaring. These sentiments could not be further from the truth. They are defense mechanisms learned from serving in an environment where emotional responses or sensitivity can be distracting at best or deadly at worst. In a combat situation, for example, there simply is little time to feel; one simply must act.You see there are many competing emotions, in this example, a deployed Veteran. They are missing home. They desperately long for their family and friends. They ache for familiar places and faces, foods, sights, sounds, and smells. The Veteran yearns for safety most of all. So, when faced with the loss of a comrade, those longings hit even harder.The United States Veteran often masks the pain of loss with feigned indifference and the increasingly popular phrase, black humor. These things are absolutely vital for the mental, and consequently physical survival of the servicemember, especially if and while deployed. This author has often said that he never laughed as hard or as often as when he was deployed to Iraq. Laughter, most recognize, is also a natural release of tension. This is why some people simply laugh at what many feel are inappropriate times. It’s not because the situation itself is humorous, but because the body and mind just do not know how to appropriately respond. So, laughter is the go-to defense mechanism.However, once back in the civilian world, away from other servicemembers, Veterans very often have a difcult time readjusting, mentally and even emotionally, to the societally accepted method of grieving. Veterans can be hit quite hard by certain end-of-life events and ceremonies that, to the civilian, seem innocuous. To the Veteran, they bring to the forefront memories of the past, of better days, and worse. They bring forward memories that the civilian world cannot understand and would not want to if they could.Often Veterans have a strong reaction to the playing of TAPS. It is a very common trigger for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and can cause great discomfort, to state it mildly. Likewise, the 21 Gun Salute, is another graveside honor, that can be of great concern for the Veteran community. The Flag Ceremony at the graveside is very often difcult to watch, particularly the handing off of the Colors to the grieving family.One of the primary causes of pain for many Veterans is self-inicted. You see the Veterans, particularly in the civilian world, often feel they are expected to remain stoic in the face of grief. Stone-faced and perhaps brave. They may feel it is owed to their fallen brother or sister and expected of them by the community. However incorrect this sentiment may be, it simply often is. Veterans usually only feel comfortable opening up in the company of their peers, and even then, it may be subdued. It is simply military culture in many cases.Written by: Eric McNail & Chuck BradleyCivilians, for their part, may be part of the problem as well. They may see a crying, grieving Veteran as weak and unsuited for military service. Even other Veterans fall into this trap. This author has heard Veterans lambast their brothers and sisters as weaker or somehow lesser for grieving because, “Back in my day, we were a tougher breed of warrior.” and other, similar statements. All the while knowing, deep down, that they felt the exact same way.All this just to say that the Veteran does cry, many times, the pain is just too great and the dark humor, as it were, just does not cover it anymore. It is in those moments that the United States Veteran truly honors their fallen brother or sister. It is in those moments that the civilian world can see if just for a moment, the weight that the Veteran bears while serving their nation. And that weight is never truly lifted.AMONGST WARRIORSAMONGST WARRIORSAmongst Warriors is a collection of short stories and poems that chronicles the rawexperiences of Marine Sergeant Major Gregory Leal. Born in Hell, the book delves into the days leading up to the ‘Shock and Awe’ of Operation IraqiFreedom, the chaos and intensity of combat for the 1st Marine Division, the gut-wrenching weekson mission, and the subsequent decades filled with memories, nightmares, and the impact ofPTSD. Amongst Warriors Unapologetically dives into the darkness of a combat veteran's heartand uses the power of writing to guide readers through the long and arduous healing process.AMONGSTWARRIORS.COMAMONGSTWARRIORS.COMScan toLearn More

Page 38

38 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024World War II changed the United States of America. Overnight, a country that had weathered a great depression and events such as the dust storms that fell over the land in the 30s, found itself amid a second great war and a wave of patriotism not seen since the Revolutionary War.The attack on Pearl Harbor was more than a strategic maneuver. Japanese admiral Yamamoto said after the attack “I fear we may have woken a sleeping giant.” His fear was well founded and men like U.S. Navy Coxswain Samuel Booker Roberts Jr. were a prime example. During the Battle of Guadalcanal in August of 1942, Roberts volunteered for a rescue mission to save a company-size unit of Marines that had been surrounded by a larger Japanese force. He had also volunteered to be on the inland after his ship completed a resupply mission.The rescue group of several Higgins boats had taken heavy re and was perilously close to failure. Roberts again volunteered to distract Japanese forces by guiding his boat directly in front of their lines, drawing their direct re. His decoy act was performed eectively until all Marines had been evacuated from the beachhead. However, as he was about to withdraw from the range of the Japanese guns, his boat was hit, and he was gravely wounded. His boatmates brought him back to base where he was own out on a medical evacuation ight but died the next day. Roberts had given the highest honor, dying while saving his fellow shipmates and Marines. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.The Navy then named one of its new Butler-class Destroyer Escorts (DE-413) after him. “Sammy B” as she was nicknamed, was commissioned in April 1944. The First USS Roberts life was short-lived. During the Battle of Samar in 1944, this small ship fought like a battleship, but enemy forces sunk her in water that was more than four miles deep. A Gunner’s mate, Paul H. Carr, and the Commanding Ocer (CO) would also have ships named after them. The USS Carr Frigate, Guided Missle (FFG-52) and The USS Copeland (FFG-25). Carr also gave the highest honor, loading his gun mount while mortally wounded, begging anyone he could for help. The spirit of these men and men like them ran deep in the crew of the third ship to carry the name Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58). The forty-eighth of the fty-one FFGs built for the Navy, she was commissioned on April 12th, 1986. Slightly over two years later, as a part of Operation Earnest Will, the ship and her crew would personify the ship’s motto, “No Higher Honor. Stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island, the ship left for a six-month deployment on January 4th, 1988. The Roberts transited the Atlantic Ocean and entered the Mediterranean Sea. She, the navy, calls all ships the female pronoun, (“Because it cost so much to keep them in powder and paint,” Admiral Chester A Nimitz,) earned her “order of the ditch” when she made her way through the Suez Canal. There “Sammy B” joined the fth eet. The Story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58)The Story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58)by Guy Bensing | Staff Writer"NO HIGHER HONOR"USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) underway after the ship struck a mine on April 14, 1988. A USMC CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter is on the helicopter pad.| DN-SC-88-08601 | Naval History and Heritage Command

Page 39

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 39In 1987 the war between Iran and Iraq had been waging for 7 years and the past three years, the two countries engaged in a “Tanker War” sinking oil tankers for neighboring Kuwait.The U.S. began Operation Earnest Will on July 24th, 1987. The mission was to re-ag Kuwaiti tankers and escort them through the Arabian Gulf. USS Roberts was part of the escort operation and on April 14th, 1988, she was en route to an underway replenishment with the USS San Jose. At approximately 1800, the CO got on the 1MC (the ship’s announcing system) and informed the crew to go to their General Quarters (GQ) stations in an orderly manner, as the ship had spotted a mine. While trying to back out of the situation, the mine exploded, leaving a fteen-foot hole in the ship’s engine room. The explosion blew the USS Roberts’ two LM2500 Gas Turbine engines from their mounts and caused the shaft seal between the main engine room and Auxiliary Room Number Three (AUX 3) to fail, ooding both spaces. The ship went dark. Being “Dead in the Water” is one of the biggest fears for a sailor. You are at the mercy of the sea and the elements. Flooding and re are two others. The Sammy B was facing all three. During utter chaos, like that of a missile strike or a mine hit, there can be a devastating eects on a ship and her sailors. Emotions can take over and there is only one thing that will combat the fear and confusion of such an event; training.The USS Stark (FFG-31) was struck by two Exocet anti-ship missiles just eleven months earlier. Only the actions of her crew and those of responding ships in the area saved the ship. The incident also gave the U.S. Navy a much-needed wake-up call as it had become common for Ships to no longer drill during working hours. COs would challenge their crews and push them to their limits. “The Roberts had trained hard before entering the Gulf,” Engineman Second Class (EN2) Mike Tilly told me. “We would have GQs at three in the morning. They trained us hard.”After the hit, EN2 Tilly was in Auxiliary Room number one and responsible for Ships service Diesel Generator Number 1 (SSDG 1). “We lost all power and unbeknownst to me at the time, a governor for the generator had been removed,” Tilly stated. “Using the ship’s sound powered circuits Central (Engineering Central Control Station or CCS) ordered me to start the diesel.” He had no remote or local control from the panels in the space and had to perform a “suicide start.” “I went into the enclosure and using High Pressure (HP) air started the gen set.” Using hand signals with the others in the AUX space, they were able to speed up the SSDG to give the ship the 60-hertz power she needed. “There was no time to be scared,” Tilly said. “The training just kicked in. I spent the rest of the time keeping that Gen Set running. It allowed the ship to have power to ght the res and de-water.”Radioman Seaman (RMSN) Shane Deitert was on his rst ship and had been in the Navy for less than two years. “I was in Radio Central just nishing a twelve-hour shift and was looking forward to some rack time.” He stated. “When the mine went o, I was thrown about and think I was out for a moment. I heard one of the guys on the radio say, ‘I think one of the mines went o,' a second said, 'No, I think the mine hit us.'”Shane was tasked with sending out messages on the “broadcast,” the navy’s main channel for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. “The CO was in and out of radio,” he said. “At one point I was right next to him when the Admiral asked him if he wanted to abandon ship.” The CO responded, “No sir I think we can save her, and I might lose more men in the water,” RMSN said. He signed o with our motto, “No Higher Honor.”The CO made two decisions that directly saved the ship. The rst was he ordered the ship to stop ghting the res and to focus on de-watering. “We were sinking ourselves,” he stated in a printed interview. The second was to take the tow cable and run it around the superstructure to prevent the cracks from getting worse. It would take the crew about ve hours to put out all the res and to remove enough water so they could use their Auxiliary Propulsion Unit (APU) to maneuver out of the mineeld at ve knots (5.8 mph).Two hundred men used their training and “No Higher Honor” to keep the U.S. Navy from having its rst surface ship sink since WWII. Men such as the EOOW, who declined an interview, who was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and promoted to Warrant Ocer for his action in getting the ship’s power back online and keeping the engineering system running during the chaos. The Robert’s engine room was destroyed and had to be removed. The ship was given a dummy shell and was transported back to the States for repairs onboard the Mighty Servant 2, a semi-submersible heavy lift ship. While at Bath Iron Works in Portland Maine, the engine room was replaced with a new module, a rst for the Navy and she was returned to service during a ceremony on October 16th, 1989. After the Sammy B hit the mine, the Navy did some investigating and discovered the mine had been deployed by an Iranian mine layer. The response was swift and unproportionable. Four days after the incident, Operation Praying Mantis was put into action. The one-day campaign saw the navy sink an Iranian frigate, damage another, and sink at least three armed patrol boats in the largest surface engagement since WWII. The U.S. lost one marine helicopter and its two-man crew due to a night maneuver accident. What started in Guadalcanal in August of 1942 was present in the Battle of Samar in 1944, and was also seen at the highest levels in the Arabian Gulf in 1988. When giving your life while saving others is considered “No Higher Honor,” saving a ship of 200 men when all seemed lost is remarkable.To All the Men who served on the three ships named for Coxswain Samuel Booker Roberts Jr., you epitomize, “No Higher Honor.”The honor of writing this was all mine.

Page 40

40 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024SPEECH“America, ” Ah, “America.” Just a simple word, but a word that inspires; a word that excites; a word and a place that was but a dream that people for centuries had a hard time conceptualizing―and they made that dream a destination. A country born from a vision never before imagined in thousands of previous years in human history. A vision that emerged from a divine thought: that indeed all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights that come from a Creator―not from man or a government that man creates. That vision and those men who dreamt these dreams and wanted to see them realized, formed a “more perfect union” … a Republic (not a Democracy by the way) that many would say is among the “best forces of good in our world today.”When Ben Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, Elizabeth Willing Powell asked him, “So Doctor Franklin, what kind of government are you going to give us?” Franklin replied, “A Republic, madam, if you can keep it.” But today, approximately 250 years later only ½ the time of passage of the existence of the Roman Republic. America faces an enemy that is clearly “inside our gates”. And it can be said we are close to “not keeping it.” Technology does indeed accelerate the compression cycles of time needed for a culture change.As Abe Lincoln warned us in his lyceum speech when he was only 29 years old, recognizing at that time the formidable ocean frontiers were too great to be crossed to defeat the USA, “At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reaches us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction is our lot, we must ourselves be its author and nisher.” I would suggest, that even with the external threats and technology of the modern world, our greatest enemy today is still “inside the gates.” Referring to our oaths to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”, the greatest threat to our survival as a Constitutional Republic is not “foreign” it is “domestic.”THE ENEMYThis enemy comes in the form of a very insidious force, a powerful ideological movement that has taken control of almost all the elements of power in our country. From our media to Hollywood, from our educational institutions to our legal system. From Disney Land to Disney World. From the University of Southern California to Columbia University. This force may not represent a majority of us, but it does control many leverages of power and inuence and it has the megaphone.One of the reasons this movement is so strong is because it has synchronized the doctrines of Marx, the propaganda of Goebbels, the processes of Stalin, the cultural revolution of Mao, and the application of Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals in its execution. The combined effect this is having upon the institution probably all of us in this room love: the US military, the institution I served in uniform for 38 years, is disheartening! We see:• a growing weakness• a lowering of standards• discrimination from service academy admissions to general ofcer promotions to command selection• failing retention and disastrous recruiting resultsAll of the above just breaks my heart!!!THE LANGUAGEAs alluded to above, one of the reasons this movement has met with so much success is because, in Saul Alinsky fashion, it controls our language. To remind: Alinsky taught us in his Rules for Radicals handbook: “He who controls the language controls the masses.”Examples of this abound:• “Abortion” has become “woman’s reproductive healthcare”• “Global warming” got a bad rap, so it is now “climate change”• “chemical castration” becomes “gender-afrming care”• “Illegal immigrants” become “undocumented citizens” or more recently “newcomers”• Words are also “appropriated” for a totally different use than originally understood.For example:“Gender” no longer means “male or female.” If we are buying into it, now “gender” means more than (whatever the latest number is, let’s say 70+) different descriptors of self-identity. “Equal opportunity” no longer means ensuring everyone has an equal shot at an opportunity. It now means advancement preferences for minorities through discriminatory practices. Why not do our best as a nation to level the playing eld at the earliest time in one’s life possible? Before doing so through discrimination which negatively impacts the aspirations, and the dreams of others? Worst, the leftist movement can just cancel its opposition in the snap of a nger. Our precious First Amendment right to “freedom of speech” was squashed. Just this month, one of our Board of Advisors members, Matt Lohmeier was canceled from giving a speech at San Diego University. I was shut down from speaking at a Veteran’s retirement community in DC, and 17 of us were canceled from attending a meeting “in-person” of the committee advising the Secretary of Defense on diversity and inclusion. I hope you join me and consider this a harbinger of societal failure. Hopefully, laying this foundation helps make us all better aware of how this movement, “the enemy within,” is operating and we have created a common blueprint from which we can further explore “diversity, equity and inclusion.”DEI and Its Impact on the Military: The Good, the Bad and the UglyWhat follows is not opinion. Period. It is all easily proven. And I believe this shouldn’t be a Republican vs Democrat issue, but instead, an issue that should be uniting us all, as a freedom-loving people wedded to the great vision of our Founding Fathers about the equality of all if people would only take the time to understand!!! If people can put love for our country rst, keep an open mind be interested in objective truth, and just stop talking past one another. So, let’s dissect DEI and its impact on the military: the good, the bad, and the ugly.OP-EDtHE EnEMY InSIDE tHE gatEAn excerpt from Lt. General Rod Bishop’s speech “America Faces an Enemy that is Clearly Inside our Gates.” Lt. General Rod Bishop, USAF ret, USAFA ’74 and serves as STARRS Chairman of the BoardWHAT HAPPENED TO OUR MILITARY.

Page 41

Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 41THE GOODLet me quickly dispense with the good and there is some good and that is when it comes to the military. Most service members are not buying the indoctrination. I live outside the north gate of the US Air Force Academy and am repeatedly told that “only about 20%” of over 4,000 cadets are buying into it. Although that is a sizeable number, the majority are rejecting the ideology. Relatedly, over 30 states have passed or have legislation pending eliminating DEI, more and more universities, too, are walking away and in the corporate world. DEI hiring is down some 60% compared to last year. Elon Musk and hedge fund progressive liberal Bill Ackman have both called the movement “racist.” But in our Department of Defense, which is unfortunately under the thumb of political ideologues who tell us “DEI is a national security imperative” without a scintilla of evidence that is the case, it is a different story.It shouldn’t be. The military long had a reputation for being the most integrated, welcoming, diverse, and cohesive organization in our federal government. And let me tell you folks a bullet, bomb or missile doesn’t care one bit about the color of your skin. But the road this movement has taken our military down is a superhighway, been decades in construction and is paved with brainwashing techniques not witnessed in our military since Vietnam back then it was done at the Hanoi Hilton by the North Vietnamese amplied by the mainstream media. Yes, the indoctrination has been going on for a long time, it has been continuous, and it runs deep in all our institutions.THE WAY AHEADSo in closing, what are we going to do about it?I believe I am speaking to a large veteran audience here, certainly at least a large number of people who love our country. I agree with many who say the veteran population is the last best hope for America. You all are our moral compass. You have given. You have served.I think Sebastion Younger has it right in his book “Tribe”, though. He writes (paraphrasing here) that veterans have no problem in being willing to die for our country, but they have no idea how they are supposed to live for it.How does one live for a country that is tearing at its own morale fabric from every direction: race, gender and politics?Well, I believe not one of us wants to see our military being weakened. We don’t want to just go to Arlington Cemetery and recognize names.Merit and equal opportunity were always our bedrock—but now we are instructed we have to genuect at the altar of “diversity,” “equity” and “inclusion.”For the love of our kids, grandkids and our country, duty is calling us once more.So what do we do?I hope many of you feel you have taken the rst step by just coming here tonight. I hope you now have a better understanding about what is happening to our military and realize we all need to do something about it before it is too late.You know,“The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in just two words: ‘too late.’ Too late in comprehending the deadly purpose of a potential enemy; too late in realizing the mortal danger; too late in preparedness; too late in unifying all possible forces for resistance.” —General Douglas MacArthur during World War IISo beyond that initial understanding, the next step is becoming even smarter so you can better help others better understand.Here I would refer you to STARRS.US. There you will nd some tremendous resources. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, and in our marketing section we have a number of great resources you can print out and use and share with others. You can even hit the “donate” button and help us produce more videos like the one you just saw that will provide and alternative message to the Marxist one coming from our own DoD.Getting involved is key! One of the reasons Rome fell is because the population became complacent.As John Stuart Mills has shared:“A man who has nothing which he is willing to ght for, nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”Bottom line: speak up and out in all of your circles. Pub to pub, school to school as Mark Levin writes. Just like we convinced early Americans to revolt against tyrannical British rule. Remember, those early Americans gave us a Republic and it is up to us to see “if we can keep it.”Remember Ronald Reagan’s warning:“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”Or as Guilford’s very own Colleen has written in her book, “No Surrender”:“We all are the custodians of the legacy of freedom and constitutional government that previous generations have bequeathed to us.” In other words, it is OUR Republic and it is up to US to keep it!Won’t you please join with us and give Americans back that beautiful dream, that wonderful vision of our Founding Fathers of what it is, what it means to be an American. “American” without a hyphen before or after that word. Just plain, unhyphenated, color-blind Americans.E PLURIBUS UNUM!OUT OF MANY, ONE.STARRS.US

Page 42

42 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024DD-214 & BEYOND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25"Semper Fidelis" continued from Page 30"It's the Fucking War, Man!" continued from Page 33LOOK AT OUR IDENTITYDo you introduce yourself as “Chief” or by your call sign? Does your signature block have ‘Rank(ret)? Do you look in the mirror and the reection back is in uniform? It’s okay if you say yes to one or all of them. We have every right to be proud of our service. The issue that can arise is when the military was (and may still be) our entire identity.If you can only talk about your military time, you have some work to do. It is okay to honor our time in service but is not okay to stay stuck in that time…good or bad. We put a lot of our likes and interests on the back burner during our careers. Now, It is time to move forward. There is so much more to learn (and relearn) about ourselves.SHIFT OUR ACCOUNTABILITYThis cannot be done until we start to understand that our loyalty to the military is over. We did the missions, sacriced our time, gave everything up to our lives, and did it well. Now it is time to shift our focus to ourselves, our family, and our friends. We have to heal and nd out who we are now, to be the best version of ourselves, for us and for everyone we impact.None of this happens overnight. It takes time to reect, challenge our thoughts, and honor our service, while we simultaneously keep the wisdom and leave behind the indoctrination. No easy feat by far. However, doing this is critical to shift our accountability, and in turn, open ourselves up to a new world of possibilities.The Veteran I chatted with is in an internal battle. I commented, “We have to lose the indoctrination, but keep the wisdom.” They gave a half ‘yeah’ response initially. A few days later I received a message from them asking for help connecting with resources and I smiled. The journey will not be linear, nor easy, but reaching out for help is the rst step to tear down a few walls of indoctrination and help shift accountability.With a few mindset shifts, a whole world of adventure opens up. YOLO…don’t miss out!and noticed many of the old timers still had their uniforms. In true Marine fashion, Steve rose to the occasion and procured a set of Dress Blues to represent the Corps and reect on his many years of faithful service. Now every Veterans Day, the Gunnery Sergeant stands tall in the uniform worn by generations before him, and by those Leathernecks serving today. He also wore it when he and Janet celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. This Marine’s faithful service, accented by a cheerful disposition, does great credit to the Marines’ motto Semper Fidelis.Fate had a different path for him. Peter joined Facebook and many of the Navy-based groups, including one simply called “US Navy”. The group has over eighty-ve thousand members and current admins knew this former CDMCM needed to be an admin also. Now an Admin with an audience larger than he ever had before, Peter let the training begin. First by telling some sea stories, then by giving the history lesson he so loved. He has highlighted sailors like the Sullivan brothers and Perry Ofcer Robert Dean Stethem both of who have had ships named after them. Master Chief said we cannot cancel history and that we must study it to learn from it. The “US Navy” group is not just sailors but also family members who have told Peter how much they appreciate his posts and how much they have learned about what their sons and daughters are doing every day. During my time in the Navy, I would come to almost detest GMT, while at the same time knowing that the knowledge gained would make me a better sailor and person. While I was taking a communication course, I needed to write an essay for the nal. I used some of the knowledge I had gained from a GMT and received extra points for it.Today I look forward to seeing the post from the CMC of GMT, knowing that the knowledge he shares, I should also absorb and pass along."As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." –John F. Kennedy

Page 43

Page 44

FROM MY POINT OF VIEW:FROM MY POINT OF VIEW:By Cristie RemmelIn today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we’re being pulled in a million directions. The constant barrage of information, the demands of work and family, and the never-ending stream of digital notications can make it seem like there are simply not enough hours in the day. This sense of being overwhelmed isn’t just a personal struggle; it has signicant implications for our businesses as well. I know that for me running my own business and also the DFW Chamber that is the case.THE REALITY OF A CRAZY WORLDWe live in an era where the line between work and personal life is increasingly blurred. With smartphones and laptops, we’re always connected, always on. This constant connectivity, while benecial in many ways, can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. It’s no wonder that many of us feel like we’re juggling too many balls, trying to meet the demands of both our professional and personal lives. We are more tied to technology than ever before and we can’t seem to disconnect from it all due to the fear of losing out on business.THE IMPACT ON BUSINESS1. Decreased Productivity: When employees are stretched thin and struggling to manage multiple demands, their productivity inevitably suffers. Multitasking, often hailed as a skill, can lead to mistakes and lower-quality work. In a business context, this means projects take longer to complete, and the nal output may not meet the expected standards.2. Increased Stress and Burnout: The pressure to constantly perform can lead to high levels of stress and, eventually, burnout. This not only affects individual employees but can also impact team dynamics and overall morale. High turnover rates and absenteeism can become common issues, leading to increased recruitment and training costs.3. Reduced Creativity and Innovation: When our minds are cluttered with a myriad of tasks and responsibilities, there’s little room left for creative thinking. Innovation thrives in an environment where people have the mental space to think deeply and explore new ideas. If everyone is merely trying to keep up with their to-do lists, the potential for groundbreaking ideas diminishes.NAVIGATING CHAOS:HOW MODERN LIFE'S DEMANDS IMPACT OUR BUSINESS44 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024

Page 45

FINDING BALANCESo, how can we navigate this chaotic landscape and ensure our businesses don’t suffer as a result?1. Prioritize Mental Health: Taking breaks and managing mental health is seen as essential. Whether it’s through exible working hours, providing mental health resources, or simply fostering an environment where it’s okay to take a breather, supporting employees’ well-being can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce.2. Streamline Processes: Evaluate your current processes and identify areas where efciency can be improved. Automate repetitive tasks, delegate effectively, and ensure that everyone understands their role and responsibilities. This can help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and allow employees to focus on high-priority tasks.3. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to disconnect after working hours. This can be challenging in our always-on culture, but setting clear boundaries can help. Whether it’s through company policies or simply leading by example, promoting a healthy work-life balance can lead to happier, more productive employees.4. Foster a Collaborative Environment: Collaboration can reduce the individual burden and lead to better outcomes. Encourage teamwork and open communication, so employees feel supported and can share the load.ACTIONABLE STEPS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE1. Implement Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular time to go over workload, challenges, and mental health. This helps identify issues early and provides an opportunity to offer support or make necessary adjustments.2. Use Project Management Tools: Adopt project management software like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. These tools can help teams stay on top of their work and prioritize tasks effectively.3. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Use communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams to streamline conversations and reduce the clutter of emails. Clear communication channels ensure that important information is easily accessible and reduces misunderstandings.4. Encourage Breaks and Time Off: Promote the use of break times and vacation days. Create a company culture that values rest and recovery, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction in the long run.5. Offer Professional Development: Provide opportunities for employees to enhance their skills through training and workshops. Investing in professional development can boost morale and equip your team to handle tasks more efciently.6. Set Realistic Goals: Work with your team to set achievable goals and milestones. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can make them less overwhelming and more attainable.7. Promote a Positive Work Environment: Recognize and celebrate achievements, both big and small. A positive work environment can motivate employees and foster a sense of community and support.In a world that often feels like it’s pulling us in a million directions, it’s crucial to nd ways to manage the chaos. By prioritizing mental health, streamlining processes, promoting work-life balance, fostering collaboration, and taking actionable steps, we can mitigate the negative impacts of our crazy world on our businesses. After all, a thriving business starts with a healthy, focused, and motivated team. Let’s embrace the challenges of our modern world and turn them into opportunities for growth and success.HAVE A STORY TO TELL?We're always looking for Veteran stories! Whether it's your story, a family members or a Soldier you've read about... let us know! We are also looking for 'Boots on the Ground' Veteran organizations, making a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans. ... Every Veteran has a story to be told...Email us at: les@ateaseveteransmagazine.comFall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 45

Page 46

Page 47

Crowley, Texas – Under a blazing Texas sun, ninety-year-old Ford Reynolds had been trying to erect a make-shift agpole in his front yard. He was having little success. Ford, a WWII Veteran and patriotic Crowley resident, had always wanted to y the US ag in front of his home.A few doors away, neighbor Becky Bray had been observing Ford in his attempts and decided to call her long-time friend and co-worker Linda Hardisty. She explained what Ford was trying to accomplish and asked if anyone could help. Linda immediately spoke to her husband Bill Hardisty about Ford’s situation. Bill, the Marine Corps League Longhorn Detachment’s Jr. Vice Commandant, brought up the subject of Ford at the next Detachment meeting. He asked the members if they would help Ford install a ag and it was a unanimous yes.The Detachment purchased a agpole, and the ag was donated by Bob Fussner’s Flags for Fallen Vets organization. Bob is also a member of the Longhorn Detachment.On August 16th, six Detachment members appeared in Ford’s front yard with cement, post-hole diggers, shovels, and a wheelbarrow. Much to Ford’s surprise, less than an hour later a agpole base was sitting in fresh cement waiting to cure. The members agreed to return the next day for an ofcial ag-raising ceremony.Thursday at 3 p.m. the twenty-foot pole was placed in its base and secured. Detachment Sr. Vice Commandant Tim Burns presented Ford with the US ag. Ford passed the ag to Bill Hardisty who attached it to the lanyard to be hoisted aloft. Ford and the Detachment members stood at attention and rendered a salute to the ag as it unfurled and made a rapid ascent to the top. It was a proud moment for the Detachment to be able to help Ford in his endeavor.Ford Reynolds is a WWII Veteran who served with the US Army’s 357th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. On June 8th, 1944, at 1245 hours, his unit waded ashore at Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion. Later he participated in the Battle of the Bulge where he had to be sent to the rear to treat his frozen feet.All the members of the Marine Corps League Longhorn Detachment wish to thank Ford Reynolds for his service and hope he enjoys his ag for many years to come.The Longhorn Detachment is located at 1401 W. Cleburne Rd, Crowley, Texas. The membership meets at 7 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of the month. The Detachment’s purpose is to preserve the traditions and promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps. The Detachment participates in patriotic functions as well as community-based programs.The Longhorn Detachment is chartered by the National Marine Corps League which was chartered by Congress in 1937 and is the only federally chartered Marine Corps-related Veterans organization in the country. The MCL is a non-prot IRS 501(c)(4) organization.BROTHERHOODMARINE CORPS LEAGUE ERECTS FLAG FOR WWII VETStory & Photo's by Les StevensonMCL Erects Flag for WWII Veteran© V.L. StevensonFall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 47

Page 48

48 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024It wasn’t a few months of being back my Ofcer in Charge (OIC) called me right after our weekly meetings and intel briengs at the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). “Hey Bowers, you want to go back to the School House?” I was nearing the end of my rst enlistment. I was now a corporal, and I still didn’t know if I wanted to reenlist or not. I had a wife, and I had no plans for what I’d do if I got out. So I decided, after having several lateral moves denied at this point, I’d just go to the School House to give myself the option to reenlist. They had phased out my original MOS and weren’t allowing promotions or reenlistments to anyone who was a 6821. So I accepted my offer “Yes sir, I’ll go.” “Great, I’ll put in the orders.” I was given orders on such short notice that I didn’t have the proper amount of notice for the Trafc Management Ofce (TMO), so it was a DIY move. On our way from Camp Pendleton, CA. to Mississippi, we slept on the tonneau cover of my pickup truck in WalMart parking lots and ate cans of Spaghettios and ravioli because we only had the money to pay for a Uhaul and gas. So we made do like the Marine Corps motto says “Semper Gumby” always exible. Improvise, adapt, and overcome right? My experience at the School House as a fleet returnee was in my mind going to be a very relaxed environment. I would have to be a good example for the junior Marines there, but alas, my expectations were again wrong. It was just as strict for eet Marines, as it was for the “boots.” We had to get up earlier than them to march them to the School House. We were treated like boots all over again. We did all the same shit they did. We were treated like dumb young boots. Because we were Non-Commisoned Ofcers (NCOs) we had to make sure that on Thursday nights, regardless if we lived in the barracks or not, we had to monitor eld day. No Staff Non-Commisioned Ofcers (SNCOs) in sight. It sucked. There were politics involved, and if certain instructors didn’t like you, well your reputation preceded you when you went to the eet. I was a stellar student. I had it easier than some, but the pressure to perform was insane. I was under a microscope because one of the instructors had it out for me. I got in trouble for so many mundane things. I got out of there without an Article 15 thankfully. I got to my new command after graduating C school, and it sucked right off the bat. At least here I was MAKE DEATHDEATH EARN ITPART IIby Sgt. Clinton Bowers, USMC 05-12

Page 49

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 49in a deployable unit, so maybe I’d get recalled to my mother unit and not have to deal with the BS. My chain of command constantly rode me. I was under a microscope here too. Endless administrative constraints to keep me from being promoted, all because I didn’t get along with the chain of command. I stuck up for my Marines. They didn’t like that. I stayed a corporal for almost three years. When my new MOS of 6842 nally opened up promotions I was at the top of the list. I literally was the number one Marine in line to be promoted. I had the highest cutting score at the time. I was not recommended for promotion because my chain of command said, “I wasn’t ready to be a Sergeant.” If you asked any of my peers and my subordinates they would have said otherwise. I was done. I didn’t want to be a Marine anymore. My lifelong dream was crushed. I had had enough. No matter how hard I tried I wasn’t going to go any farther as a Marine. Then one miracle happened. The Staff Non-Commision Ofcer in Charge (SNCOIC) forgot to submit my Non-Recomended paperwork. I nally made Sergeant. I was in. I had made it. Now all I had to do was survive another year, and I’d be out. I hadn’t planned on getting out. I wanted to make a career out of the Marines. Now that was not the case. I dropped my pack. I was scrutinized for everything. Nine months after my End of Active Service (EAS), my SNCOIC pulled me into his ofce. He informed me I was getting deployed. I didn’t see the sense in me going because according to the Marine Corps, I would have to return six months before my EAS. I’d be deployed to Afghanistan for three months and have to come back, just for someone else to replace me. I voiced this concern and was told “You’re going.” A call to the family readiness ofcer from my wife, and everyone other than my chain of command agreed this deployment for me was a waste of time. It was after this that things got way harder for Stay tuned for Part III coming up in our Winter 24' Issue of AT EASE! Veterans Magazine. me. I almost got shanghaied into a Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) over an intentional plot between other Marines in my command, because they didn’t keep me from being promoted. A bunch of shady stuff was happening. My EAS couldn’t come soon enough. I wanted out yesterday. I started to develop paranoia, I couldn’t sleep, and I got assigned to “fat camp” through “paperwork” even though I was denitely within height and weight standards. Sometimes the pen is mightier than the sword. I was severely depressed. I had to seek psychological counseling, my marriage was falling apart. I created some very destructive personal habits, I became an alcoholic, I had a porn addiction, I was a POS. If they were going to label me as one, I was going to be one. That was my mentality. I had suicidal ideation. I even sat in my living room with a gun in my hand ready to end it. I was ofcially done. Then my rst son, the only child at the time, somehow came out of his room. I saw him on the top of the stairs and that stopped me from ending my own life. My career may be over, but my purpose in life was for my family. So by the grace of God, I ended up getting out of the Marine Corps. I moved back to Colorado, with a half-ass plan to end up getting some kind of job in the oileld. "The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it." –Thucydides

Page 50

50 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, we embark on a journey of remembrance and gratitude. Honoring not only the gallant men who stormed the shores of France but also the resilient women who stood steadfast on American soil, sacricing and rationing to support the war effort.Eight decades have passed since that fateful day of June 6, 1944, yet the echoes of valor and sacrice still resound, reminding us of the extraordinary courage and selessness displayed by those who reshaped the tides of history.In the face of insurmountable odds, these brave souls charged forward, confronting the res of tyranny with unwavering determination and unwavering commitment. Many among them paid the ultimate price, laying down their lives in defense of freedom, democracy, and peace.The legacy of the Normandy Landings transcends mere military triumph; it symbolizes the epitome of international cooperation and solidarity in the face of oppression. It serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the darkest hours of humanity with the radiant light of unity, bravery, and shared values.As we pause to reect on this momentous occasion, let us not only honor the valor of those who fought on foreign shores but also recognize the silent heroes who toiled tirelessly on the home front. Their sacrices, too, were instrumental in securing victory and shaping the world we inhabit today.As the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord dawns upon us, let us renew our solemn vow to uphold the principles for which these courageous men and women so valiantly fought. May their legacy inspire us to forge ahead on the path towards a future where freedom, justice, and peace reign supreme.In the grand tapestry of human history, D-Day stands as a testament to the resilience and valor of the human spirit. Let us ensure that its signicance is etched indelibly in the hearts and minds of present and future generations, guiding them toward a world illuminated by the enduring virtues of courage, sacrice, and solidarity.The ingenuity of brides during World War II, who turned surplus parachute fabric into wedding gowns due to wartime rationing, has left an enduring legacy. As history often repeats itself, designers like Carolina Hernandez of Veteran Couture Art are now paying homage to this remarkable chapter by putting a contemporary twist on the tradition. This article delves into the resourcefulness of WWII brides, the role of paratroopers, and the modern revival of parachute wedding gowns by today’s designers.The scarcity of fabric during WWII compelled brides across the country to nd unconventional solutions for their wedding gowns. Rationing was a harsh reality, and brides had to make do with limited resources or go without the traditional materials for their dresses. Fortunately, surplus parachute fabric emerged as an unexpected but valuable resource, providing a solution to the challenge of nding suitable materials for wedding gowns.During World War II, Americans on the home front faced unprecedented challenges as the nation mobilized its resources for the war effort. One of the most tangible expressions of this sacrice was the implementation of rationing – a system that limited the consumption of essential goods to ensure they were available for the military and to support the overall war effort.While the sacrices imposed by rationing were challenging, many Americans rallied around the cause, viewing their personal contributions as vital to the war effort. Propaganda campaigns encouraged a sense of patriotism and unity, emphasizing that by accepting limitations, citizens were actively supporting the troops overseas.After the war, rationing gradually eased, and the United States emerged as a global economic powerhouse. The experience of rationing left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness, shaping post-war consumer habits and attitudes toward resource conservation.World War II brought unprecedented challenges to Americans on the home front, and rationing became a symbol of shared sacrice. The resilience and adaptability displayed by citizens during this period underscored the nation’s commitment to By Daniel Tobias FlintWWII PARACHUTE WEDDING GOWNSWWII PARACHUTE WEDDING GOWNS Inspire Modern Couture Inspire Modern Couture

Page 51

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 51Left: Carolina Hernandez sits with a parachute. Below: Model: Rhonda Glez, Make up & Hair: Jessica Hernandez, Photographer: Arturo Garcia-Ayala, Fashion Designer: Veteran Couturesupporting the war effort. As Americans rationed their daily lives, they contributed to the larger narrative of victory and endurance during one of the most transformative periods in history.The legacy of rationing extended beyond its immediate impact on daily life, inuencing unexpected facets of post-war society. As rationing gradually relaxed and the United States assumed a dominant position in the global economy, remnants of wartime resourcefulness persisted. One such example emerged in the realm of fashion, where surplus parachute fabric, salvaged by resourceful paratroopers, found a new purpose in bridal couture. This symbiotic relationship between military surplus and civilian ingenuity highlighted the enduring effects of wartime collaboration and adaptation on the collective imagination.Carolina Hernandez, the visionary CEO and founder of “Veteran Couture,” epitomizes the intersection of creativity, heritage, and service. Drawing inspiration from her family’s rich sewing traditions in Mexico, Carolina embarked on a journey that seamlessly blended her passion for design with her military background. Armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design and a profound respect for Veterans, she channels her experiences into breathtaking creations that transcend mere clothing. With a penchant for vibrant textures, intricate hand-sewn embellishments, and innovative fabric manipulation techniques, Carolina’s designs are a testament to her artistic prowess and unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond the realm of fashion, Carolina’s dedication to community service shines brightly, as evidenced by her active involvement with Veteran non-prot organizations and initiatives promoting women’s empowerment. As she prepares to embark on her latest endeavor, transforming WWII silk into a parachute wedding dress, Carolina continues to captivate hearts and minds with her boundless creativity and indomitable spirit.The stringent standards imposed on parachute makers during WWII created surplus fabric when parachutes were rejected for any reason. Recognizing the potential of this high-quality white nylon or silk, paratroopers played a pivotal role in contributing to the availability of surplus material. Saving their reserve chutes, paratroopers unknowingly became the unsung heroes of wartime bridal fashion, fostering a unique collaboration between the military and brides on the home front.Carolina Hernandez, a contemporary designer at the helm of Veteran Couture Art, pays homage to the history of parachute wedding gowns by infusing a modern aesthetic into the tradition. Embracing parachute camo as a unique material, Hernandez creates wedding dresses that seamlessly blend the old and the new. Her designs not only showcase the timeless elegance of parachute fabric but also honor the resourceful spirit of WWII brides, bringing their legacy into the present.The legacy of WWII parachute wedding gowns lives on not only as a testament to the resilience of brides during a challenging era but also as a source of inspiration for modern designers. Carolina Hernandez and others like her are breathing new life into this historical narrative, infusing it with contemporary air and reminding us that even in fashion, innovation often arises from the unlikeliest of sources. The parachute wedding gown, once born out of necessity, now stands as an enduring symbol of creativity, resourcefulness, and the timeless elegance of wartime brides.

Page 52

52 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024Fran looked in the mirror before heading out. Twirling this way and that, the billowing of her dusty blue tulle dress gave her volume. She desired Jean Harlow’s curves but thought she looked more like Olive Oil from the Popeye the Sailor Man comic strip. She pressed up on her tresses to reinforce the bouncy waves and made a kissy face to examine her candy red lipstick. “This will have to do,” she thought. Fran was on the Homecoming decorating committee, responsible for streaming red and gold ribbons and balloons over the Arvada High gym oor in Colorado. The year was 1940. She didn’t have a date; her beloved, Bob, had started going with Dolores. Later at the dance, she spotted a dapper stranger with slick hair, wearing a sports jacket that t with his attitude. He was standing near the punch bowl, hand in pocket, chatting it up with the fellas. “Wow, he’s really good-looking,” Fran said.Her friend Eunice squealed, “Oooohhhh that’s Shortie. He goes to Golden High. I hear he can really dance.” Fran didn’t realize she made the remark about his looks aloud. “Oh,” she shrugged. But he really did have a certain kind of luster. Toward the end of the dance, Fran was standing alone in a dark corner of the gym, gazing down at her feet, when Shortie approached. Without a word, at the rst jazzy note of the song, “In the Mood,” he pulled her onto the dance oor and began whipping her around to the heady speed of the drums, causing her owy dress to tumble around her. The room was pulsating to the vibrato of the trumpets and saxophones. She could hardly keep up with his quick, melodic feet. When the song ended, Shortie pulled her in close. He smelled like musk – woody and sweet. His sudden embrace gave her a surge like nothing she ever felt before.Then, as suddenly as he appeared, again without a word, he left her there, standing in the middle of the dance oor – ushed and dizzy. He’d quite literally swept her o her feet. Fran spent the entire day setting her curls and picking out her best A-line skirt and silk blouse in anticipation of her rst date with Shortie. She started pacing back and forth between her bedroom and bathroom, examining herself in the mirror incessantly. Her heart was racing when the sudden clamoring of the door chimes caused her to jump out of her pearls. She felt the ush in her face travel through her insides. She peered out the window. Shortie was standing on the porch under the awning, handsome in a white button-down collared shirt, hands on his suspenders, rocking back and forth on his heels and toes. All the warmth raced back to her face. She opened the door and greeted him. He let out the faintest gasp at the sight of her. Just then, there was a sudden ruckus outside, coming from the side of the house. Her older brother Charlie popped out, barreling toward them, bucket in hand. By the time she realized, it was too late. He drenched them both with water. Fran about melted on the oor along with her hair and makeup. Shortie bent over and howled. When he caught his breath, tears on his cheeks, he chuckled, “Aw Frannie, ya still look great to me.” Charlie continued to tease Fran and Shortie mercilessly, but Shortie still called on her. Fran had to hand it to Shortie, he was persistent. And boy was he cute - all the girls said so. Shortie was fully courting Fran by the time they nished high school. Following graduation, he worked several odd jobs including haying and working for Union Pacic Railroad, Gates Rubber Co., and Hungarian Flour. Fran attended beauty school and purchased Vogue Beauty Shop in Golden, Colorado for $550. They spent their evenings dancing to live jazz at the Grange Hall, watching movie stars such as Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn at the cinema, and drinking Cokes from the Shelley Drugstore soda fountain.One midwinter evening in 1941, after catching a lm, Fran and Shortie sat nestled in his father’s Victory & Vows: Love's Return on the RailsBY SONJA BERRY

Page 53

rusty farm truck parked at Lookout Mountain, viewing the dormant city below. The air outside was severe, heavy with moody clouds lurking about. Shortie draped Fran’s quivering shoulders with a tattered quilt. “Fran, I’ve been meaning to tell you something,” Shortie said.Fran was glaring down at her hands. She oered no response. “Frannie,” Shortie pleaded, gently lifting her chin to search her doe-like eyes. “Please don’t say it,” she whispered. “Frannie, it was just a matter of time. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, they’re drafting all unmarried men, as long as we can sign our own name, and have at least half our teeth.” Fran knew it was coming, her brother Charlie’s number had already been called. “When?” she asked. “I have a medical exam on Monday, then I ship out to Army Infantry Basic Training within the week.”Fran’s face dropped.Shortie drew her in close and embraced her long into the night, as though to make up for future lost time.Fran’s nights were restless following the news, until it nally occurred to her, in the name of self-preservation, she decided, “What do I want with some guy who’s going to go o and die in a war.” Shortie thought about Fran often – while standing in formation, cleaning his M1 rie, performing physical tness training, eating chow, and following the last note of Taps, marking the end of each day. He sent her weekly letters, which she led away. The letters began to slow down, until, one day: “Dear Fran, training is getting easier, and we have weekend liberty now. Say, do you remember Victoria? She was in the area and stopped in to see me, it was great catching up. Anyway, hope to hear from you soon.” Warmly, Shortie. Fran snuck onto a ‘Troop Train’ the next day, heading south toward Camp Wolters in Galveston, Texas – Army Infantry Basic Training. She learned of the mobile barracks on wheels from her brother Charlie’s girl, Louise, who had snuck o a few weeks prior. Louise told Fran that the soldiers would gladly welcome aboard a pretty lady like her. From afar, the train looked like a rolling sardine can crammed with olive-drab toy soldiers. The bustling scene at Union Train Station in Denver was pure chaos. There were hundreds of people packed onto the tight platform, yelling over the loud panting of the idle steam engine; young couples embracing, mothers crying, and air kisses being tossed from the box car windows. The air horn sounded as Fran frantically pushed through the crowd, when a soldier oered her a hand, “Here you go miss,” lifting her onto the passenger car. Her railcar companions were Soldiers wearing the weary but brave faces of young men headed toward the unknown depths of war. The soldiers sitting across from her proudly showed o pictures of the beauties they’d left behind. She handed out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cookies, a tip courteous of Louise. They promised to repay her with a steak dinner one day. But she already had plans. On March 23, 1942, she became Mrs. Carl (Shortie) J. Vorce. Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 53HOPEFUL ROMANTICSTo those of you have shown,with a heart so gigantic,to be so proudly known,as a hopeful romantic. To be among the esteemed, of many distinguished poets,of great storytellers who dreamed,and never be one of the stoics.To see young lovers united,you release an unexpected tear,the notion of love first-sighted,you’re a believer without any fear.To hear a lovely song’s tune, traveling straight to your core,solitary emotions you’re not immune,nothing will be concealed evermore.To love with all your giving heart,in an endless selfless relation,to never ever grow apart,His plan is your salvation.To caress the cheek of your lover,knowing it may not always be there,creating memories only to discover,it’s what remains as you say a prayer.VL Stevenson Slán leat© 2022 VL Stevenson

Page 54

Page 55

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 55Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 55PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseDenton, TX - July 17, 2024Subject: Condemnation of Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. TrumpWe at AT EASE! Veterans Magazine express our deepest concern and sorrow regarding the recent attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump. This heinous act of violence has no place in our society, regardless of political affiliation or ideology. We unequivocally denounce all forms of violence and all rhetoric praising such violent acts, and we urge all citizens to join us in rejecting such actions.Our commitment to the value of human life is unwavering. We believe that every life is precious, and the preservation of life must remain a fundamental principle guiding our nation. Acts of violence, such as this attempt on the President's life, undermine the very fabric of our society and threaten the safety and well-being of all individuals.Furthermore, we are steadfast in our dedication to upholding the principles of free speech for all American citizens. Our Republic thrives on the free exchange of ideas and the robust debate of differing perspectives. It is through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect that we can address our differences and work towards a more just and equitable society.We call on all Americans to stand united against violence and to promote a culture of peace and respect. Let us work together to ensure that our nation remains a beacon of freedom, with personal liberty and human dignity for all.###As the editor-in-chief and owner of this magazine, I’ve done what I can within reason to keep politics out of our publication. From the beginning, however, it has been our mission to give every Veteran a voice, and I'll be damned if we will censor, filter, or water down their message. But now, things that never used to be political have permeated every aspect of society, and the current state of affairs in our military has become so dire that we have a duty to speak up as a publication.Growing up, my family was not political, nor was politics ever a topic of discussion at the dinner table. During my enlistment in the Navy, it was drilled into us that politics had no place while in uniform. We were mission-focused, united in our duty to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Back then, I didn’t see color or gender—I saw the uniform and the rank. Personal preferences were just that—personal—and promotions were earned through merit and hard work.The DoD's obsession with policing personal pronouns and celebrating sexuality won’t save our service members when they’re in combat. In fact, I fear it’s quite the opposite. How many will die because they lack the inner fortitude to fight a tyrannical enemy or caliphate hell-bent on torture and death? This shift in priorities will undoubtedly have dire consequences on the battlefield, potentially leading to mass casualties and a crushing defeat for US Forces. Our recruitment and retention rates are abysmal and plummeting. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the military services collectively missed their recruiting goals by about 41,000 recruits, a shortfall that has serious implications for our readiness to defend this nation (Defense). The Army, for instance, has had to drastically lower its recruitment goals, slashing them by nearly 10,000 soldiers, just to meet a fraction of what is needed (Stars and Stripes). Equally concerning are the retention rates. According to recent reports, the Army, which has been particularly affected, is facing a retention crisis, with nearly 25% of soldiers leaving the force within the first three years of service. Service members are leaving for a variety of reasons, including dissatisfaction with leadership, a perceived lack of support for their well-being, and concerns over the politicization of the military. Many feel that the military’s shifting priorities are eroding the sense of purpose and camaraderie that once defined their service (Heritage).Our active-duty service members have our respect and loyalty, and as Veterans, we’re in the trenches with them, battling against the chaos that threatens their strength. They’re being forced to choose between their allegiance to our oath and each other or an ideology that directly opposes the principles they swore to defend. This isn’t a passing storm—its fallout will reverberate for generations. We stand shoulder to shoulder, fighting to preserve the values that make us powerful and ensuring our warriors stay committed to the mission. AT EASE! Veterans Magazine, is honored to partner with STARRS in our mission to help right the ship that threatens our military’s ability to defend our country. As veterans from every war era, the fight against Marxism and tyranny isn’t just a page in history—it’s a battle that remains etched in our souls. The blood we’ve spilled, the brothers and sisters we’ve lost, and the lives forever changed are the sacrifices we carry with us every day. My own family can trace its origins of military service back to the Revolutionary War, so this fight is in my blood. These sacrifices were made for something far greater than ourselves, and we are unwavering in our commitment to help restore the honor and integrity of our military branches through the voices of those who served.

Page 56

PROUDLY SERVINGOUR BRAVE MILITARYGet your discount today.No official U.S. Army or Department of Defense endorsement is implied. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICOcontracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicableper policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a specialdiscount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a BerkshireHathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO 21_6557704554630 Long Prairie Rd | Flower Mound469-390-6500geico.com/flower-mound-ferring¡Hablamos Español!Ten Thousand Wordsby Guy BensingGuy Bensing is originally from Maryland Heights, MO, a suburb of St. Louis.he currently resides in Honolulu, HI. He attended the only public full time NJROTC unit and the second largest Naval Academy in the country. After high school he Joined the U.S. Navy in 1987. He served on four ships, the USS Yorktown (CG-48), USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), USS John S McCain (DDG-56) and the USS Gary (FFG-51). He served as an instructor at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the LPO of the mechanical codes at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyards.SCAN TO READ NOW! READ NOW!

Page 57

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 57PROUDLY SERVINGOUR BRAVE MILITARYGet your discount today.No official U.S. Army or Department of Defense endorsement is implied. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICOcontracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicableper policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a specialdiscount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a BerkshireHathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO 21_6557704554630 Long Prairie Rd | Flower Mound469-390-6500geico.com/flower-mound-ferring¡Hablamos Español!The mission is to honor, preserve, and educate the public, especially the current and future generations on the stories, sacrices, and accomplishments of Texas Veterans. WHO ARE WE? Founded in 2018 out the efforts to preserve the history of the 1.8 million Texans that have served since the beginning of WWI. Texas is deep in military history with museums scattered all over the State. However, none of these organizations are exclusively dedicated to honoring Texas Military Veterans for their outstanding service, sacrices, and accomplishments on an individual basis. Now Texas has that venue with the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame and Museum (TVHOF). At the Museum, TVHOF hosts teachers and students who learn through our virtual museum, which allows them to immerse themselves in the lessons and stories of our Texas heroes. In addition, TVHOF has been recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. For adults, our virtual reality “War Remains” simulator puts one in the trenches of WWI. Our Tunnel Rat and Hanoi Hilton displays tell the stories and hardships of being a soldier and POW in Vietnam. Our 4200 square foot museum is lled with memorabilia, a media center, and a hall of heroes, honoring both men and women Veterans from Texas. Our mobile museum is as unique as the 4200-square-foot museum that is located in the Golden Triangle Mall, Denton, TX. Online and Library Resources offers over 1,200 military books and a variety of media and reading material promoting learning and research for all age groups. The Annual Induction Ceremony brings each year to an end by honoring and recognizing Texas heroes. These Veterans are honored in four categories. Valor, Service, Support, and Patriotism. Remember Them Forever our signature program to honor our veterans. For those that are deceased, a 6” marker is placed on the grave. This marker has a QR Code on it and when scanned it takes the visitor to the prole of that Veteran. We know of no one else having such a program. We currently have 50 cemeteries and over 10,000 proles in our database. Learning Academy, our nal signature program, is our Learning Academy, where multiple courses are being developed and offered to the public targeting our younger generations with added courses like civics, patriotism, and military history.Gary Steele, PresidentTexas Veterans Hall of FameThe American Veterans TravelingTribute WallTexas Veterans Hall of Fame... Learning Starts Here! Texas Veteran Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyLONE STAR LEGACY: Honoring Texas VeteransSCAN TO FIND OUT MOREMuseum Board Member & Navy Veteran,Susan Oleira with President Gary Steele (R) & Vice President Jere Delano (L)

Page 58

Stories shared from my broadcast interviews often allow a deeper perspective into a guest’s life, background, and feelings. Some of those conversations open doors into memories forgotten and more often it allows for a greater appreciation of those memories for both the guest and the listeners. These stories are not manufactured but rather taken from real people who have lived real events and then shared them with me and with my followers. This is the story of Marie Walters whose life is crafted with more facets than a ne diamond. She may be rather small in stature but a giant of tenacity when it comes to her focus on accomplishing her tasks at hand. While preparing my radio interviews nearly a decade ago, I stumbled upon this woman who was working with Veterans and the underserved to help them elevate their career opportunities in the workplace. That alone was a great reason for an in-depth discussion. But it was just the outer layer of a complex onion that revealed a core of focus, drive, and commitment to everything she had ever undertaken. From modest beginnings, Marie was literally pushed by her parents who never advanced beyond high school, to achieve lofty goals through education and hard work. While at a college fair, Marie encountered a recruiter from the Air Force Academy and, on a whim, decided to apply. She and her parents nearly fell over when the acceptance letter arrived. That moment would dene her life and her future. It also led to a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Doctorate from Ohio State University.Marie’s exposure to the military through basic training, survival training, and an elevated educational experience led to her becoming ight-qualied in her junior year. This experience led to an assignment to the Air Force Electronic Warfare Center with a top-secret clearance as a scientic analyst. The only female in her program at the time, she was met with skepticism. This was the very fuel she needed and the determination to excel at every task that came her way. While working at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Marie used her training and advanced educational regimen in designing aircraft cockpits, control panels, and advanced weapons systems to support and improve operator performance. She also spent much of her military career evaluating missile defense systems and the safety protocols for those systems.The more we talked the more I learned that juggling was an integral part of this woman’s career. She met her husband Don, also an Air Force Veteran, while at Ohio State and they have two incredible daughters. She retired from the Air Force in 2005 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. So, if you are keeping score, we now have a retired military ofcer with a PhD in education, a wife, and a mother. While all of this would add up to a career well spent and reason enough to just relax and chill out, there was another ball to juggle.Two years after retiring, Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer. While this could be a devastating blow to most, Marie saw this as another challenge and attacked her disease and treatment with the same tenacity she exhibited during her military career. Fortunate to have caught the disease early, she fought the battle and is now more than a decade in remission.Retirement has allowed Marie to now pay her knowledge and education forward. She has become extremely active in her community working to increase educational opportunities in the school system. She serves on the boards of the local Education Foundation and the Housing Authority as well as on several advisory committees. And when Dr. Walters speaks, the community listens.Even a rear-end collision a few years ago that left our heroin in a great deal of pain, could not and would not slow her momentum at being engaged with her family and community. She is simply an unstoppable force who attributes most of her success to her military career.As we concluded our time together, I found it difcult to address her properly. Dr. Marie Walters? Lt. Colonel Marie Walters? While I wrestled with being politically correct, she stopped me mid-sentence and simply asked that I address her as Marie. And that’s precisely the kind of person that she continues to be.58 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024

Page 59

Page 60

60 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024The view through the Starlight scope turned white from the extreme intensity of the blast causing Rodeo to be temporarily blinded. There was no sound, nothing! It was as if the hand of God had reached out and stopped the world from turning for two people. Rodeo stepped away from the scope and leaned against the palletized crate of ares. Rubbing his eyes, he tried to regain his vision. Seeing only two bright spots, he could only sit and hope this would pass. The normal sounds of the crew surrounded him but made no sense. His headphones were lying on the oor having fallen off in his attempt to nd footing in his dazed condition. In a moment the activity of the rest of the crew began to make sense as if nothing bad had happened, there was even a sense of celebration in the air. Rodeo did not celebrate, he was in shock as if the world he knew had changed, from this point on there would be a time before the bomb and a time after the bomb. The time for everyone on the ground came to an end. The life of Tuyen was gone, but her time on earth had only taken a new course. Her spirit was trapped by the guilt of that one ight crew member who would not let loose seeing her looking up at him from the ground. His guilt would trap her in his mind and become an obsession that would last years and affect every aspect of his life, thus beginning Tuyen’s journey. A journey that would seem endless until they met again.The days would forever be different for Rodeo, and every day that passed his guilt grew stronger until it started affecting his job. He began expecting bad things to happen and even courted disaster at every opportunity. Deciding that he wasn’t going to wait for disaster, he carefully selected the most dangerous missions he was qualied for and went in headrst. Others started talking about how brave he was, or how stupid depending on how well they knew him. But none of this mattered because no matter what Tuyen’s Journey PART III: THE TRAPBy Ronald J. Dickson

Page 61

he did, no harm came to him. It was as if he had a guardian angel protecting him, watching over him. An angel doing for him that which he couldn’t do for the girl he saw in the jungle. The longer this went on the more it bothered him. He didn’t want protection and didn’t particularly believe in guardian angels, and especially why one would be looking out for him. It was easier to slip into a deep depression, each day pushing the memory deeper inside him. It was indeed easy, and he took full advantage of his condition.As the years passed nothing changed, and life after the military was only worse. He would receive help from every wrong turn he took until he isolated himself in the one place where the world couldn’t get to him, a one-room condo apartment in a towering building complete with security and a well-trained door attendant. Even in this restricted space, he couldn’t stop thinking about the girl, thinking about what he could or should have done to save her. In 1966, Ronald Dickson served four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, during which he was stationed in Okinawa to maintain C-130 aircraft. Initially assigned as a mechanic, he was later selected for combat missions due to his critical skills. The experience of war had a profound impact on him, and he was eventually deployed to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, where he concluded his tour of duty.It was as if he were connected to Tuyen by some cosmic force that had bound them in this mental bondage. The more he tried not to think about her, the more often he would see her. Every girl he saw would seem to look at him in a knowing way that tormented him. He was in an inescapable trap. To him there was no escape and no matter how many years passed or how much help he got, he couldn’t get the one thing that he thought he needed. He couldn’t see it, but he needed to forgive, and he needed to be forgiven. To him, it would be impossible until he walked into a darkened elevator headed to his room, and met a girl. Not just any girl, it was Tuyen, just as she had been when he saw her in the jungle. Not just the same but exactly the same, still wearing the coolie hat and clutching a bright red scarf at her neck. It was a hard and difcult meeting, seeing the girl so many years later looking as if Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 61she had not changed. It was an apparition that made that miraculous leap to bring him peace. And as fearful as this vision made him, she would indeed give him her gift of forgiveness and let him nd his own. Her gift was hard for him to recognize but she persisted. Even following him into his one-room apartment, she could not stop because even though he was afraid, she knew that forgiveness was the only thing that would break their bond. Grabbing her scarf to summon all the ancestral power it might have, she opened his heart. Accepting her gift would be the very last thing he did on this earth, but he welcomed it nally breaking the trap they were in. Allowing her to continue her journey would be his gift to her, a journey she started so long ago and was nally able to resume in peace.THE ENDI've never found that even keel since I've been back. It's always going to be tilted because you can never erase the blackboard, so to speak. So for me personally, it's always been tilted.Ron PiperLong Range Reconnaissance Patrol | VietnamMilitary Times Interview

Page 62

The morning arrives and my eyes open with panic and fear in them. Trying to catch my breath, realizing I am covered in sweat. I sit up on the side of my bed to try to get my composure. I sit there with my head in my hands, trying to ring out the fear. My wife rolls over and asks me if I am ok? I told her that I was ok, it was just a bad dream. She asked, what was it about? To add to my problems, I get to start my day by lying to my wife. I told her I don’t remember. I know damn well what it was about. It was always the same thing.This is unfortunately not an uncommon situation for me. I spend my time yelling at my family over problems I have with myself. I spend my time asking myself what is wrong with them, knowing deep down the problem is with me. I always felt that they should know and understand what I have gone through. The truth is, I never gave them that opportunity. The wedge grows deep when you put the divide in your foundation. I did not understand that at this time. I allowed myself to dig a hole so deep that I truly had given up on even getting out of it.This is not an unheard story. Many veterans have similar stories about how their years of service affect them. The part that is forgotten is not everyone can understand without walking in your shoes. This is why I wrote the book Echoes of War: The Silent Transition of a Soldier. I never realized how much we consider our family part of the military. They travel with us; they give up their normal life and begin bleeding the military. They understand that your service will come rst and still support you. Then when it comes to hearing the stories that are affecting you, they suddenly won’t understand. I think the truth is we feel by talking to our spouse, we must relive the event, fear that we will always be judged by them. All these things are possibilities; however, we do not give them a chance. The lies begin to roll off as easily as singing the ABCs. I can’t tell you what is written for you; however, I can tell if you’re not talking or working on the issues they will consume you. My goal is to write a story that helps the family members understand what we are thinking and make sense of the actions that are not normal. The book I wrote is my personal journey. The ending of your journey can be decided by you. The difference between it being a happily ever after story is if you and you can learn to love the new you. All the reasons we fear telling our spouses what is going on are things we are doing to ourselves. We judge ourselves because we don’t recognize what we have turned into. If you can get passed that stage and start seeing just because you have changed does not mean you have changed into a bad person. Once you start loving yourself and can nd someone to tell your story, the load will become manageable. The rst book was my journey to loving the new me, the next book will be how I got passed the barricades that affect so many of us. If you sit down and write your story down, you may understand what others are seeing. This is how it all started with a book that I wrote to my kids and my wife to share what I went through. You too can change the path of your story with just some simple understanding. IF you need help remember the most important numbers out there 988 ext 1 for Veterans. Your story matters and we all want to hear it.By Donald Dunn WRITE YOUR STORY...62 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024

Page 63

IN AN EFFORT TO NEVER FORGET, THIS PAGE WILL SERVE AS A MEMORIAL TO OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS WHO GAVE EVERYTHING!IN AN EFFORT TO NEVER FORGET, THIS PAGE WILL SERVE AS A MEMORIAL TO OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS WHO GAVE EVERYTHING!THIS ISSUE WE REMEMBER THIS ISSUE WE REMEMBER OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM OIF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM OIFWE WILL NEVER FORGET!WE WILL NEVER FORGET!WE WILL NEVER FORGET!WE WILL NEVER FORGET!T A P ST A P SFall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 63RANK/NAME BRANCH DEATH DATE DEATH LOCATIONSSGT PETERS, DUSTIN WAYNE AIR FORCE 11-JUL-04 IRAQSSGT RANGEL, RAY AIR FORCE 13-FEB-05 IRAQSSG SATHER, SCOTT DOUGLAS AIR FORCE 8-APR-03 IRAQMSG SCOTT, DAVID ALLEN AIR FORCE 20-JUL-03 QATARSSGT SELF, JOHN THOMAS AIR FORCE 14-MAY-07 IRAQCPT ADAMOUSKI, JAMES FRANCIS ARMY 2-APR-03 IRAQPV2 ADAMS, ALGERNON ARMY 28-OCT-03 IRAQSGT ADAMS, BRANDON EDWIN ARMY 19-SEP-04 UNITED STATESSFC ADAMS, BRENT ALLEN ARMY 1-DEC-05 IRAQSPC ADAMS, CLARENCE III ARMY 7-SEP-04 IRAQLCPL AGUIRRE, ANTHONY MARINE CORPS 26-FEB-07 IRAQSGT AHLQUIST, CLINTON WAYNE MARINE CORPS 20-FEB-07 IRAQLCPL AILES, JERAMY ALAN MARINE CORPS 15-NOV-04 IRAQCAPT ALANIZ, PAUL CHRISTOPHER MARINE CORPS 26-JAN-05 IRAQLCPL ALDRICH, NICKALOUS NEIL MARINE CORPS 27-AUG-04 IRAQPO2 ANDERSON, MICHAEL CHARLES NAVY 2-MAY-04 IRAQPO1 ANSONG, THEOPHILUS KWAKU NAVY 4-FEB-09 IRAQPO1 BABCOCK, HOWARD EDWARD IV NAVY 13-OCT-05 ALBORAN SEAPO2 BAEZ, CESAR OMAR NAVY 15-JUN-05 BAHRAINCPO BALDWIN, JOEL EGAN NAVY 21-DEC-04 IRAQSource: https://dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/app/conictCasualties/oif/namesOfFallen

Page 64

64 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024In the course of human events it sometimes becomes necessary to admonish the lawless, encourage the fainthearted, and strengthen the weak. We have reached just such a time in our history. The affairs of our nation are now steeped in avaricious corruption and our once stalwart institutions, including the Dept of Defense, are failing to fulll the moral obligations upon which they were founded. Standing upon our natural and constitutional rights, we hereby apprise the American people that we have exhausted all internal efforts to rectify recent criminal activity within the Armed Forces.In the Declaration of Independence our founding fathers sought separation. We seek no separation, but through this letter and the efforts we pledge herein, we pursue restoration through accountability. We intend to rebuild trust and restore the rule of law, particularly within the Armed Forces. Ultimately, we strive to once again become a moral people, restoring our nation, and making it again worthy of the great gift of liberty won by the colonial-era American people.While implementing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, military leaders broke the law, trampled constitutional rights, denied informed consent, permitted unwilling medical experimentation, and suppressed the free exercise of religion.Service members and families were signicantly harmed by these actions. Their suffering continues to be felt nancially, emotionally, and physically. Some service members became part of our ever-growing veteran homeless population, some developed debilitating vaccine injuries, and some even lost their lives. In an apparent attempt to avoid accountability, military leaders are continuing to ignore our communications regarding these injuries and the laws that were broken.For GEN Milley, ADM Grady, GEN McConville, ADM Gilday, ADM Lescher, Gen Brown, Gen Berger, Gen Smith, VADM Kilby, VADM Nowell, VADM Fuller, LTG Martin, Lt Gen Davis, MG executive branch ofces, while those of us still serving on active duty will continue to put fullling our oaths ahead of striving for rank or position. For those who achieve the lawful authority to do so, we pledge to recall from retirement the military leaders who broke the law and will convene courts-martial for the crimes they committed. For those of us who attain legislative ofces, we pledge to introduce legislation to remove all retirement income for the military leaders who were criminally complicit, and we will ensure none serve in or retire from the Senior Executive Service.This endeavor will be a continuous process with a long-term time horizon, but fullling our oaths to defend the Constitution requires just such persistent vigilance. Likewise, we are obligated, and so commit, to train those who come after us to fulll their duty in achieving this accountability and safeguarding against such leadership failures hereafter.Our nation was once great because it was good. It was built on moral principles founded in natural law and yet, the recent acceleration of moral relativism has us headed towards a precipitous implosion. While all good things come to an end, we refuse to allow our nation to go quietly into the depths of decadence and decay. We promise to exhaust all moral, ethical, and legal means to restore the rule of law and will begin by attempting to hold senior military leaders accountable. The Constitution is the supreme law of our land. We will ght to enforce that law and put an end to the two- tiered justice system. May future generations see our efforts and, God willing, may they also be recipients of the great gift of liberty that we have had the honor of safeguarding.Edmonson, GEN Williams, ADM Fagan, VADM Buck, Lt Gen Clark, MG Francis, LTG Dingle, Lt Gen Miller, RADM Gillingham, and numerous others;These individuals enabled lawlessness and the unwilling experimentation on service members. The moral and physical injuries they helped inict are signicant. They betrayed the trust of service members and the American people. Their actions caused irreparable harm to the Armed Forces and the institutions for which we have fought and bled.These leaders refused to resign or take any other action to hold themselves accountable, nor have they attempted to repair the harm their policies and actions have caused. Since there has yet to be any accountability, the undersigned give our word to do everything morally permissible and legally possible to hold our own leadership accountable. We intend to rebuild trust by demonstrating that leaders cannot cast aside constitutional rights or the law for political expediency.The ag and general ofcers are far from the only ones complicit in recent illegal activities, as a signicant number of SES leaders and political appointees contributed. Evidence indicates that other executive agencies are engaging in illegal activity. However, as service members and veterans, we feel particularly responsible for the DoD and, in accordance with our oaths, we will make every effort to demonstrate by example, how an institution can put its own house in order.We the undersigned, on behalf of hundreds of thousands of service members and the American people, while appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for guidance and purity of intention, mutually pledge to each other that we will do everything in our power, through lawful word and action, to hold accountable military leaders who failed to follow the law when their leadership and moral courage was most desperately needed.In the coming years, thousands within our network will run for Congress and seek appointments to 1 January 20241 January 2024An Open Letter to the American People from Signatories of this Declaration of Military AccountabilityDeclaration of Military Accountability“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” –John Adams™

Page 65

Page 66

SWEET VICTORY: REWARD YOURSELF WITH SWEET VICTORY: REWARD YOURSELF WITH THE DIAMONDS OF CHOCOLATE!THE DIAMONDS OF CHOCOLATE!SWEET VICTORY: REWARD YOURSELF WITH SWEET VICTORY: REWARD YOURSELF WITH THE DIAMONDS OF CHOCOLATE!THE DIAMONDS OF CHOCOLATE!Our products are an exquisite variety of unique, high-end confections, perfect as a sweet gift for someone special or for the upcoming holidays.* NEED A PROFITABLE FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR VETERAN ORGANIZATION? WE OFFER HIGHLY PROFITABLE PARTICIPATION INCENTIVES THAT SET US APART FROM OTHER FUNDRAISING COMPANIES. WE'LL MAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING EXPERIENCE FUN, EASY, PROFITABLE, AND UNIQUE.SCAN TO SHOP OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FUNDRAISING! thediamondsofchocolate.comVETERAN-OWNEDVETERAN-OWNEDLife after service can bring about unforeseen difculties for many Veterans. William McCarroll, a Navy Veteran, has faced both victories and hardships in his journey, ultimately confronting his struggles with alcoholism.A Life of Service and StruggleWilliam McCarroll joined the Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 1979, motivated by a strong sense of obligation to continue his family’s tradition of serving the country. During his time in the Navy, he traveled extensively, participating in two Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) cruises and serving on the USS BELKNAP, where he formed lasting friendships and gained valuable experiences. Unfortunately, like many others his age, he turned to alcohol as a source of comfort early on, a habit that eventually became a serious problem. Coping with Loss and AddictionWilliam’s world was shattered when he tragically lost his wife, Michelle, last year due to organ failure on Nov 10, 2022. “I laid next to her until she turned cold,” William reects. The immense sorrow led him down a destructive path, relying on alcohol and drugs to numb the pain of his profound loss. “I was supposed to go rst, not her,” William states, with tears running down his face. “I just want this to be a nightmare,” William shares. “I want to wake up and have my wife back.”A Wake-Up Call: Battling Back from Rock BottomDrug use is rampant in the homeless community of Wilmington, NC. For example, as we were conducting this interview, there was an individual who overdosed in the bathroom. William shared a similar experience as this individual, perhaps a product of their environment mixed with unique obstacles. At the beginning of the year, William experienced a life-threatening overdose, a harsh wake-up call that deeply impacted him. This pivotal moment prompted him to face his addiction head-on and reach out for assistance. Utilizing the aid of established organizations like the VFW, Paramedics, and CAS-EVAC, he bravely chose to enroll in a Virginia-based rehabilitation center renowned for its expertise in treating alcoholism. “I knew I had hit rock bottom,” William reects. “But I also knew I had to ght back, it’s what Michelle would’ve wanted.”Finding Hope in RehabilitationWilliam is currently receiving intensive therapy and engaging in support groups designed for those dealing with addiction as part of his rehabilitation process. He is gradually reconstructing his life while confronting the root causes of his addiction, including trauma and grief. He also attributes his perseverance to music therapy, particularly the popular song Save Me by Jellyroll.“It’s a daily battle,” William admits. “But I’m learning to take it one step at a time, relying on the lessons I learned in the Navy—perseverance and discipline.”A Message of Resilience to Fellow VeteransTo Veterans facing similar struggles, William offers a message of hope and resilience. “You’re not alone,” he urges. “Seek help, nd a mentor that will help guide you, and never lose sight of the strength that brought you through your service. Recovery is possible for anybody who is struggling as long as they take the rst step and stay committed. If you are going through a difcult time, I strongly recommend listening to Save Me by Jellyroll, it saved my life and may be able to save someone else’s.” Moving Forward: A New ChapterWilliam McCarroll’s journey showcases the incredible resilience and ability for redemption within the human spirit. With bravery, assistance, and unwavering resolve, he is reshaping his story, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation for those facing challenges to persevere.As Veterans, we honor William McCarroll for his courage in confronting his inner struggles and send him our best wishes for a successful recovery. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how insurmountable the challenges may appear, there is always the possibility of a better future.William McCarroll, thank you for your service and for showing us the true meaning of perseverance. THE CLIMB BACK: A Journey of Perseverance for Navy Veteran William McCarrollwritten by: SSgt Lester VelasquezRETAIL SALES BEGIN OCT 1RETAIL SALES BEGIN OCT 1

Page 67

Page 68

68 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024...and a hard rain fellBOOK REVIEWBOOK REVIEW... And a Hard Rain FellAuthor: John KetwigPublisher: Source Books Naperville, Illinois Copyright © 2002, 2008 John KetwigReview by: Adam Walker, Head Writer | USMC“Breakfast was the best meal of the day. It meant you had survived the night; you were one day shorter.”...And a Hard Rain Fell is a remarkable account of John Ketwig’s experience in Vietnam. His tale reminds us that wars are primarily fought by young men. He vividly records his thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a 19-year-old boy who the Army had guaranteed to make a man. The cost of that manhood was high. The draft loomed over him. He couldn’t run off to Canada, though he harbored no ill feelings to those who did. He didn’t want to shoot anyone and denitely did not want anyone to shoot him. Eventually, he decided to enlist to guarantee some training. He recalls “The agony was over. I didn’t like the outcome, but the terrible question was answered.”His wartime boot camp experience during the winter will be familiar to many. “Always aching, always cold, always scared; never secure.” The ranks were lled with either draftees or those like him who attempted to exercise a measure of decision on their inevitable fate. They did not want to be there. “We soon learned to coexist with the Army. We kept our hair short, our brass polished, and our mouths shut. I learned not to think, not to feel, and not to question.”Ketwig was trained as a mechanic. He’d always been fascinated with cars and worked in an automobile dealership after high school. The support role did not shield him from combat. He experienced shelling, ambush, and moments of unspeakable terror. Tomorrow was not a guarantee.In this book he records scenes of horror and heartbreak, emerging with the realization that “I had survived, but without the resiliency of youth. If this was manhood, I would prefer to have remained a child.”When this young man nally took ve days of R&R in Malaysia he fell madly in love. The region had developed a thriving industry of prostitution that was more comprehensive than simply a sexual nancial transaction. The author explains, “It would have been considered lthy and degrading in America but was respectable and benevolent in this scenario…in this environment, female companionship was necessary and natural.” Scan the QR Code to Find Out More...The perspective of Lin, the young lady he falls for says “It is our job to make ve short days as pleasurable as possible, to show you a good time. We try very hard. It is important that we are good to you.” She goes on, “I have known many men from Vietnam. I know the hurt and the frustration you hold inside. I like GIs. They are so hurt and so vulnerable. I feel like I am a doctor.”The illicit reprieve Ketwig had from combat provided comfort, pleasure, escape, and surprisingly hope. He returned to Vietnam resolved to marry Lin and bring her to America to create a life together. As the tale unfolds, she nurtures the dream for a time, then slowly lets him go as gently as possible. He is heartbroken nonetheless.As his time in the “Nam” grew short, Ketwig was not ready to return to America where stories of civil strife emerged. He needed time to transition, decompress, and perhaps enjoy an exotic part of the world away from conict. He extended for a year in Southeast Asia for duty in Thailand. Soon he changed jobs from mechanic to welder and became a platoon sergeant overseeing several soldiers and Thai workers.It took time to adjust to Thailand and to enjoy it. One evening after ice cream, burgers, and beer he thought, “What right did I have to be acting like this while somewhere in The World a heartbroken mother was explaining to the kids that Daddy wasn’t coming home anymore?”Slowly he began to take advantage of what Thailand had to offer. He took a room off post, had a live-in girlfriend for a while, and smoked a lot of marijuana. He explored the countryside and the simple life of the poor, who often seemed Honest! AT EASE! Veterans Magazine highly recommends ...And A Hard Rain Fell. John Ketwigs tells a candid tale of coming of age in the midst of the horror of war and coming to grips with the reality of rebuilding his life at home.

Page 69

happier. The experience had its benets but did not cure the pain in his heart and mind. “After the Nam, I had needed a time-out from life. The atmosphere of Thailand had been perfect, but it was a supercial satisfaction.” As his rotation neared, he cut back on drinking and smoking, preparing himself to return to The World.His time in Vietnam affected the author’s perspective on life “There would be bad days, but I would never have to live in such conditions again; and if I did, I knew I could. I had proven to myself that I could survive and enjoy life anywhere…. I knew it had been a profound experience”“A moment is forever, but forever maybe never.”Adjusting to The World was a challenge. Many of his peers had nished college and were embarking on careers. “They were twenty-one, eager to try their wings. I was twenty-one, my life nearly over.” For Ketwig however, “After the Nam, a college diploma didn’t seem very relevant.”As he observed his own life and that of his fellow Vietnam Veterans he states “What he really needed was home. It might have worked, but both home and the boys had changed. After a year of confusion in the Nam, the Vets found themselves home and confused again.” He was surprised to discover, “And yet, sometimes I was almost homesick for the Nam. Life had been simpler. You had DURING THE MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD OFOCTOBER 15TH - DECEMBER 7TH YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PLAN!Veterans who receive health care benets through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can also enroll in Medicare upon turning 65. Because each offers different benets, having both at your disposal will broaden your health insurance coverage options.If you’re a veteran, it’s important to understand how VA benefits and Medicare work in tandem before you make the choice. The VA’s health care package and Medicare are two distinct programs. They do not work together, but rather, alongside one another.Our organization can help you understand those benets and show you how they work together.tracy@tracybrileyandassoc.com or 940-597-2001DID YOU DID YOU KNOW?KNOW?DID YOU DID YOU KNOW?KNOW?to do things correctly or you wouldn’t survive. You ignored the most horrendous aws of character in your buddies.”Ketwig began to build a life, seemingly to move on. He married, worked, and enjoyed racing cars. After a few years, events brought the pain and frustration of Vietnam back to the surface. Their baby died just a few weeks after birth. The national conversation about Vietnam changed. A memorial was being built in the nation’s capital.“The war was far behind me. Or was it?” “I had to resolve Vietnam, but I didn’t know where to begin.”One day John Ketwig sat down to write. He’d never written before. Perhaps his children would read the notes one day and understand. The words, memories, and tears ooded. The book emerged. “The Vietnam War is too deeply signicant for me to have learned nothing. I am not comfortable with my conclusions, but I am satised that they are realistic.” This book is deeply impressive in the raw, and sometimes disturbing tale that is recounted. It however does tremendous justice in describing the events and emotions experienced by a generation that reluctantly fought a war and were betrayed by their own government. The book closes with the lines “…a Veteran stood before a black wall and shivered…and a hard rain fell.”"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." Vince Lombardi

Page 70

70 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024T oday I live a blessed life. I have a beautiful wife, three kids that can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but I still love them, and two dogs. You can say I am living the “American Dream.” I never believed I could have a life with this much fulllment. I always believed I would be dead before I turned 35. Here’s my story and I guess I better start from the beginning. Some of my earliest memories of being a child are of my dad drinking Jack and coke and taking me and my brother to a bar for a Shirley Temple. This was before I was even in kindergarten. He was gone by then. I grew up in a small town in Alabama just north of Birmingham called Cullman. It was your typical small country town back in the 80’s and 90’s. You know farmers markets, county fairs, and your occasional KKK march down the middle of downtown. I wish I was joking about that. Just outside of the Cullman City limits is where I grew up. We lived in a mobile home on my grandparent’s farm. When I say farm, I don’t mean land and some yard chickens. I mean 600 acres, 200 plus head of cattle, cotton elds, potato elds, and industrial chicken houses that could hold up to 20,000 chickens. I used to love going with my paw-paw and my uncle to feed the cows in the wintertime. By the time I was 10 years old, I was helping throw square bails of coastal Bermuda hay out of the elds onto a trailer being pulled by an old Ford F-150 in the summertime and helping pick up eggs during my holiday and spring breaks. During our breaks, we would cool off with a large glass of cold milk or Sun Drop. If you are from the southeast, you probably know what Sun Drop is. This was also the place where I experienced my rst life-altering traumatic experience. My mom was a single mom doing the best she could to raise three boys on her own. With me being the oldest we obviously couldn’t be left home alone while my mom was at work. She enlisted some help from “family.” For the most part, I had amazing aunts, uncles, and cousins. Except for one of my aunts and her family. They would cause some of the most horric trauma for me as a 5-year-old boy. One of my female cousins from that part of the family, who was 17 at the time, decided she would molest me when my mom was at work, and she was babysitting me and my two younger brothers. I didn’t understand what was happening at the time, I just knew it didn’t feel right. Then a few weeks later my mom dropped me and my brothers off at the bad aunt’s house because she was going out with friends. My mom did not know what had happened a few weeks earlier. This time it was my male cousin who was about 15 that decided to molest me. It was the sickest feeling I can ever remember feeling. I was scared that night, and I had no one to turn to for safety. I was a 5-year-old boy stuck in the darkness of a child molester’s bedroom. I didn’t sleep the rest of that night due to fear. I heard my mom when she came in the door to pick us up the next morning and I ran straight to the car, and I didn’t look back. I told my mom what had happened. She handled it the best she could. My uncles ran that part of the family out of town and that was the last I spoke of it. Soon after that, my dad left for good. I always felt a lot of shame and lack of worth because of this. I felt that my mom had put me in danger and my dad was embarrassed of me, and that’s why he left. Obviously, my mom didn’t know the situation she had put us in, and I never really gured out why my dad left. I think he left because he was a severe alcoholic and I believe he thought we would be better off without him in our lives. He was raised by an abusive alcoholic father, and I believe he was afraid that he would have been that way if he stuck around. From that moment on I never felt like I was good enough to be loved. I never felt at my core that I had worth. This false belief is what drove me the rest of my life until my late 30’s. I always felt like I had to be the best to have worth. I made sure to make good grades, I was the best in sports in my family, and I was the president of any club I was a part of growing up. I did anything I could to show the people around me that I was good enough, but inside I didn’t believe it. This is also what pushed me to enlist in the military. I rst tried to join the National Guard and to do the split op training. I planned to do my basic training during the summer after my junior year of high school and then do my AIT after I graduate. At the time I was on a very strong medication for acne called Accutane. I could not go to basic training until I had been off this medication for at least six months. Needless to say, I did not go that route. I ended up joining the Army on the day I graduated high school. My recruiter drove me to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Nashville, TN the day before I graduated and then he got me back home Friday in time for me to walk with my graduating class of 2000. I signed an Airborne Infantry contract, and my recruiter had to take me back to MEPS on that following Monday to do my ear inspection for airborne school. My recruiter was dedicated to getting me in. On Monday morning the poor guy drove me from Cullman, AL to Nashville, TN, and then to Panama City, FL for my senior trip all on the same day. All the while I had a half ounce of marijuana and some ecstasy in my bag for our senior trip. I did the delayed entry program and did not ship out to basic training until August 8th, 2000. I ew from Birmingham, AL to Atlanta, GA. From there the Amry I NEVER BELIEVED I WOULD SURVIVE TO 35Kenny's Kenny's Story...Story...PART IBY KENNY THOMAS

Page 71

shuttled us to what was formally known as Ft. Benning, GA. I got to, I think it was called 30th AG and went through all your initial stuff. Haircut, uniform, PT gear, etc… Two weeks later I was picked up with the rest of the guys on a cattle trailer and was taken to Charlie Company 1-19. Basic training sucked at the time I was going through it, but looking back it was the easiest part of my short military career. After completing basic training and advanced infantry school I was assigned to the 101st Airbourne Division. I reported to Fort Campbell, KY sometime in February of 2001. I was soon assigned to the 1-187th Infantry Regiment Rakkasan, Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon. Within the rst two weeks of being in my unit, I got my proper introduction. Our company was assigned to pull guard on the aireld for the 160th Aviation. I was given my guard time and told to report 30 minutes early from transport out to my post. What I failed to hear was that we had guard mount at 1600 for each shift. I was lying in my bed in the barracks at around 1630 when I heard a loud banging on the door. I jump up to a junior NCO yelling “What the fuck are you doing Private Thomas, you are supposed to be at guard mount!” I quickly put on my uniform and reported to my unit. It was on when I got there. The NCOIC, Sgt. Kurtis, made sure I never missed guard mount again. He used what was called muscle memorization. He smoked me for around 3 hours. He had me doing push-ups, utter kicks, electric chair, joe-joe the ducks, cherry pickers, alligator crawls, and more stuff I don’t remember. What I do remember is falling down the stairs trying to make it back to my barracks room. He gave me an hour to rest before I had to go to my guard post. But. I got him back a few months later. The company was playing a tackle football game. I was playing middle linebacker and guess who was running back. You guessed right, Sgt.Kurtis. He came up the 2 hole and I blasted him. The next few months at the unit were full of training and classes. The morning of September 11, 2001, It was a cool sunny morning at Fort Campbell that day. The company went on a ve-mile run. Different brigades are very competitive there so as we ran, we would sing cadence that would talk shit about 1st and 2nd brigades. We nished up our run that morning back at the barracks. They released us for breakfast, and we had to report to company formation at 0900. I went to the chow hall and got some breakfast on a to-go plate to take back to my room. After shining my boots and I was ironing my BDU’s for the day and had my tv on in my room. I saw the rst tower get hit but I didn’t know it was real, I thought it was a TV show, so I ipped it to MTV. This is when they still played music on that channel. I nished getting ready for the day and reported to my unit. We were conducting a combat lifesaver course that day and were released to the classroom. Within 5 minutes of sitting in class, we had been called back to our units. We had heard rumors on the way back to our company formation but didn’t really know the truth. We got in formation and were told that our country had been attacked and we were going to war. That day was chaos another day that would dramatically change my life. We were on a Quick Response Force (QRF1) for the division. We loaded up all the Conex with all our gear, drew our weapons from the arms room, called home to our families, and sat in a C5 by 0500 the next morning. All to break everything down and not leave for a couple of more months. We ended up leaving in November of 2001. We still ew in a C5 and that was a rough trip. We stopped rst in South Carolina to fuel up, then to Portugal, and then to Sigonella, Sicily. We stayed there a couple of days and It was beautiful there with a snow-capped volcano on the horizon. We then ew from there into Pakistan and set up at this location pulling guard around an Air Force base. It wasn’t bad. They take care of their people. We had a gym, tents with AC, a real chow hall, and an MWR. The Air Force had been ying predator missions out of there before everyone knew what Predators were. We stayed in Pakistan until January 2002 and then ew into Kandahar Aireld. We were back living like the Army. No AC, wooden shitters that you had to burn every day, water from water buffaloes. The most entertainment we had was when 2 guys each got a care package with a three-pound summer sausage in it. A few of the guys pitched in some money and whoever could eat the most summer sausage in 10 minutes would win the pot. Needless to say, there were no winners that day. Those dudes spent the next 24 hours in the wooden shitters. We nally got orders for a mission, Operation Mountain Lion. The mission was to clear a set of caves in the Shiakot Valley to eliminate any enemy forces and to gather intel. We were dropped in the valley by Chinooks. It was a beautiful site ying NAP (near as possible) to the Earth. That is until someone puked on the person in front of them. We came across the top of this mountain and a man was riding a goat that got freaked and bucked him off. After we got inlled, we started the treacherous walk through the mountains. We were all still in good shape, but not in shape for the elevation we would be operating in. We cleared a few cave complexes over the next few days and gathered intel. We got shot at a few times and that was about it. The worst part of that mission was on the last day. We were supposed to be picked up by the Chinooks, but the weather kept them from coming in that day. Our supply people gave all our extra water and MREs to the local people eeing from Afghanistan to Pakistan. We got stuck out there for two days with one bottle of water per re team and one MRE a day per re team. We all sat there in our positions pulling guard starving and thirsty while watching the locals walk past us with bags full of MREs and water bottles. We nally got own out. We ew back to Kandahar Aireld and then ew into Bagram for a few days to help secure that aireld. Then we were sent to a CIA base in the middle of nowhere to pull security. It was the best mission we had during the entire deployment. The base was super small and run by special forces. All we did there was pull guard, watch movies, work out, lay out on the rooftops of a building, and play cards. We stayed there for a month or two. by the time we ew back to Pakistan to get ready to come home. We had somehow earned our Combat Infantryman Badge (CIBs) from Operation Mountain Lion. We stopped in Frankfurt Germany at the Air Force Base to debrief before returning to Fort Campbell. It was a fun two weeks. I will leave it at that. Overall, our Afghanistan deployment was nothing like I expected it to be. Even though we never directly engaged the enemy on that deployment, living for months on end expecting to get attacked took a small toll on us. I didn’t expect that. But you could tell it with all of us that we were a little more on edge than before and a little more reckless....Stay tuned for Part II in the Winter 2024 issue of AT EASE! Veterans Magazine.Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 71Kenny Thomas serves as the General Manager of the DFW Chapter of the PTSD Foundation of America. For more information, visit: ptsdusa.com

Page 72

72 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024DoD data focused on male and female FSMs between the ages of 18-64. This population provides the greatest detail of the military service experience and is validated by DoD.3OpDD™ used the denition of SIM cited by the CDC and NIH as accidents or undetermined deaths aligned with self-harm/suicidal behavior, which have been attributed predominantly to overdose deaths.MAJOR FINDINGSStates undercount FSMs deaths at a combined error rate of 25%• States undercounted FSMs status 18% of the time and counted non-FSMs as FSMs 7% of the time.OpDD™ identied a 37% greater suicide rate than reported by VA for years 2014-2018. The difference in the data is likely due to under-counting of FSMs deaths and the greater specicity of the decedent’s demographics, military experience, and death details available to OpDD™.OpDDTM identied that the number of suicides represented in the eight states (18% of US veterans), are 1.37 times greater than reported by the VA from 2014-2018. If these eight states and age adjustment represented a national rate:OPERATION DEEP DIVE™ SUMMARY OF INTERIM REPORTEXECUTIVE SUMMARYOperation Deep Dive™ (OpDDTM), a former service member (FSM)1 suicide and self-injury mortality (SIM)2 study encompassing eight states and ve years of death data corroborated by the Department of Defense (DoD), indicates that FSMs take their own lives each year at a rate approximately 2.4 times greater than previously reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). OpDD™ data analytics was able to identify FSMs with the greatest probability of taking their own life. This interim report highlights the need to expand data sets to include additional states and the VA, and jointly identify suicide and SIM prevention efforts for FSMs. The implications of the data for prevention analysis and prevention application raise awareness to help prevent FSMs from taking their lives because “Together, We Can Do Better.”ABOUT OPERATION DEEP DIVETMAmerica’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) has contracted with the University of Alabama to obtain state data. In phase two, AWP has contracted with Duke University to analyze state-provided death data, coordinate with DoD to corroborate military afliation, and identify commonalities of the person, military service, and their death. This rst phase of OpDD™ was funded by Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.OpDD™ has examined ve years of FSM and civilian death data from eight states: Alabama, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, and Oregon.In our Spring 2022 PTSD feature, we wrote an article on the Veteran suicide rates based on the VA's 2021 annual report. In reading the fine print of that report, we found that they were utilizing their 2019 data, essentially making the 2021 report void. In October, I saw a news article, explaining that the Suicide rates among Veterans was much higher than previously reported. This data came from Operation Deep DiveTM, of America's Warrior Partnership. I reached out to the lead investigator and through that conversation, we created a partnership to follow their ongoing study and share that information with our readership, as it continues to become available.Christine Walker | Editor in ChiefAll data and graphics are used with the express permission of America's Warrior Partnership and Operation Deep DiveTM. NEW STUDY FINDS VETERAN SUICIDE FAR EXCEEDS VA REPORTS

Page 73

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 73• Approximately 24 FSMs die per day by suicide (determined by coroner or medical examiner) compared to the VA’s 2014-2018 average of 17.7 veteran suicides per day.• Approximately 20 FSMs die per day by Self-Injury Mortality (SIM)– previously listed as accidents/undetermined – over 80% are coded as overdose deaths.• If these eight states collectively represented the national rate, the combined death rate would be at least 44 FSMs per day which is 2.4 times higher than the VA suicide rate.OpDDTM analysis identied military service experience characteristics to rene the identication of FSMs with the highest probability of taking their lives.• The longer someone has served in the military, the lower their probability of taking their own life is 2% for every year served.• Those who served in the military for less than three years were at greatest risk for suicide/SIM.• Receiving a demotion during military service increased the FSM’s odds of dying by suicide/SIM by 56%.• FSMs from the Coast Guard were most likely to die from suicide/SIM, followed by Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force.OpDDTM analysis exposed lifestyle experiences to rene the identication of FSMs with the highest probability of taking their own lives.• In general, gender and race diversity were not associated with increased odds of suicide/SIM. Most FSM suicides and SIM were male and white.• Local and state communities differed for at-risk demographics and specic areas of concern depending on the characterization of FSMs in the community.• Living with a partner decreased the odds of suicide/SIM by nearly 40%.• Data indicate that FSMs are at a higher risk of dying from suicide/SIM or natural causes such as heart disease or cancer before age 64 than those who never served in the military.RECOMMENDATIONS• SIM must be included in any analysis of FSM and veteran death.• Improvements are needed at the local, state, and national levels regarding death reporting:o Data standardization and the use of ICD codes regarding suicide and SIM would improve insights.o Coroners and Medical Examiners need better funding with standardized tools and approaches for accounting for FSM deaths.o DoD and the VA should make available a tool for coroners/medical examiners to validate military service as a part of the death record.• VA must share data to ll in important gaps in OpDDTM datao Incorporating other sources of data, such as VA health care and benets, will improve the success of prevention approaches.o Integrating identied state death data with military service data enables the nation, states, and counties to develop impactful/measurable suicide/SIM prevention approaches.• States must make death data available, with proper controls, for research purposeso More state data are needed for OpDDTM. By participating in OpDDTM it will help the states and counties reduce FSM death.• This can be used to effectively identify those at higher risk. Increased participation by states will provide further details and data accuracy to assist in greater specicity of those most at-risk.One-size-ts-one approach is needed to prevent premature non-natural death. Former service member suicide and SIM methods of death differ signicantly from state to state and from community to community.• Prevention strategies must begin at the community level by holistically focusing on housing, meaningful employment, nancial security, relationships, purpose, physical health, and mental well-being. Solely focusing on the mechanism of death does not address the root cause of suicide/SIM.NEXT STEPS FOR OPERATION DEEP DIVETM• AWP moved OpDD™ to Duke University in order to expand the data set over the next four years and develop strategies that can be used at the national, state, and county levels to prevent FSM deaths.• Increase the number of states sharing data and participating in OpDD™• Incorporate US Department of Veterans Affairs data into OpDD™• With a larger data set, further analyze the cause of death in relationship to:o Years of military serviceo Time since discharge from military serviceo Characterization of dischargeo Military Service, Specialty, and Unit of Assignmento Military deployment historyo Incidents occurring during military service (e.g., MST, trauma, or exposure)o Protective factors of those who transition in the National Guard or Reserve prior to deatho Services received from the Department of Veterans Affairso Community services available• Work with government and non-government stakeholders to use OpDD™ ndings to help prevent FSM suicide/SIM.For more information regarding study design, methodology, data, and limitations, please refer to the Methodology Report.TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OPERATION DEEP DIVETM, SCAN THE QR CODE >> OR VISITAMERICASWARRIORPARTNERSHIP.ORG/DEEP-DIVE

Page 74

Page 75

Page 76

Many Veterans will state “I don’t miss the circus, but I miss the clowns.” This humorous phrase relates an admission that there’s a lot about the military they do not miss while confessing an affectionate view that longs for the camaraderie experienced in uniform. Studies show that former service members who maintain ties to the Veteran community experience greater emotional health than their peers who remain socially isolated. These ties may be through formal organizational memberships or organically through close friends who simply stay in touch.Even within the Veteran community at large, there are smaller niche communities that share certain cultural, experiential, or occupational markers. Once a Marine, always a Marine, how true. A great majority of Marines serve a single enlistment and then return to their lives as civilians, though forever changed. A few stay in uniform, and they become careerists. The lifers. After retiring even fewer choose to settle down near the base. They form a close-knit community bound to one another by years of service, shared values, and an enduring legacy. Such is the case with a group of old leathernecks down on the salty shores, among the longleaf pines, of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. They are called the Regiment of Retired Marines. The Regiment’s logo is a shield with an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor …and a brontosaurus.“Our mission is to uphold the Marine Corps proud traditions that are rooted in a legacy, honor, sacrice, resilience, and promote camaraderie. The Regiment of Retired Marines proudly serves to enhance the lives of retired Marines, other service military branches, Veterans and their families, and our communities with unwavering commitment. We will center and foster the core values: honor, courage, and commitment to inspire the next generations to serve with distinction and valor.”There’s no formal membership, but rather a loose association of regulars and those who drop in when time permits. The oldest is a 94-year-old Master Gunnery Sergeant who served in Korea. He is one of the last remaining China Marines. The youngest is almost 40 and recently retired.BREAKFAST AND BERATEMENT? The Regiment’s primary touch point is a quarterly breakfast held aboard Camp Lejeune at “The Club at Paradise Point.” Folks arrive early to drink coffee and share sea stories with one another. Laughter is standard fare.Traditions matter. The Regiment maintains many of the traditions unique to the Corps. As such, when it is time for chow it is the ofcers (primarily old Colonels) who deliver scoops of eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy to “the troops” with hearty greetings and beaming smiles. However, before forming for chow, a few somber matters must be observed.The Regiment is led in saying grace, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for those forward deployed. The chow line winds past a table commemorating fallen Marines, some of whom were plank holders (members of the Regiment from its commission). The Regiment is almost 60 years old now and began in an old hanger aboard Marine Corps New River Air Station a few miles away.After a bit of small talk, while the meal is being consumed, a retired Sergeant Major leads the Regiment through the agenda. One of the rst THE REGIMENT OF RETIRED MARINESCelebrating the Marine Corps Legacy and Honoring TraditionsTHE REGIMENT OF RETIRED MARINESCelebrating the Marine Corps Legacy and Honoring Traditions"Four old infantrymen celebrate the the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps." (L to R) Ret. MGySgt Adam Walker, Ret. MGySgt Will Harris, Ret. MGySgt Brain Lahr, Ret. MGySgt Pat Ward.Written by Adam Walker | Head Writer76 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024

Page 77

Fall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 77items addressed is an inquiry to determine if any Vietnam Veterans are in attendance. When they are identied applause follows the greeting “Welcome home. It is long overdue.” When hearing this on my rst breakfast I felt a tear well in my eye. This group of seasoned warriors showcases love and respect. The simple act was quite moving.Each breakfast includes a guest speaker. The guest may be a senior leader still on active duty, a local leader, or anyone who is in a position to offer something to the Veteran community. Before their introduction “the word” is passed. Representatives from various Veterans organizations provide updates on activities and initiatives in the area. These include the VFW, the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, the Montford Point Association, the Camp Lejeune Retiree Council, the VA, the DAV, and the Carolina Museum of the Marine.This portion is rather free owing with some mild harassment thrown in for good measure. For example, one might sound off “If you went to boot camp before 1965, stand up.” Before these Marines are identied, another one belts out “If they went to boot camp before 1965, they CAN’T stand!” Laughter ripples through the room before Sergeant Major tells everyone to settle down.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEVIL DOG! Ten November is the Marine Corps’ birthday and is celebrated by Marines worldwide. The highlight of the year is the Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by the Regiment. Many of the attendees still t into their uniform, while others wear a tuxedo adorned with mini medals. All traditions are observed including the reading of John A. Lejeune’s birthday message from 1921, viewing the Commandant of the Marine Corps message, and a cake-cutting ceremony. Music, dancing, and camaraderie ll the evening, though perhaps with measured restraint compared to the ribald celebrations of their youth.If the Regiment of Retired Marines could be summed in two words they would be: tradition and relationships. Both of these concepts are so fundamentally important. The practice and observance of tradition serves to maintain the memory of those who have gone on “to guard the streets of heaven” as the Marines Hymn proudly declares. For those who have yet to receive orders to their eternal duty station, the relationships maintained amongst these crusty old Marines make dealing with the challenges of life a whole lot more bearable. The fraternity, fellowship, camaraderie, and sense of belonging in the Regiment of Retired Marines does great credit to the motto Semper Fidelis.If you nd yourself in the Camp Lejeune area, consider dropping in on one of the quarterly breakfasts. It is open to Active, Reserve, Retired, or Veteran. You will enjoy laughter, fellowship, and some amazing sea stories. You may even walk away with a coffee mug emblazoned with a dinosaur and the words “Been there, done that!”SgtMaj Michael Cline, USMC Ret. of the Regiment of Retired Marines presents an RRM Coffee Mug to to the Guest Speaker, SgtMaj Ryan Gnecco, Marine Corps Installations East Sergeant Major.SgtMaj Michael Cline, USMC Ret. of the Regiment of Retired Marines presents an RRM Coffee Mug to a Marine Veteran and rst time attendee at the Regiment's Quarterly Breakfast. SEMPER FISEMPER FI

Page 78

78 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024I have been training clients for over a decade. When starting on a tness journey it can be confusing. Especially when you are new to healthy eating, or training in a gym. I thought it would be a great idea to share with you the secrets to success. These are the tips that have helped thousands stay consistent with their programs. One of my biggest success strategies is keeping things simple. So check out these awesome tips!1. 1. How often should you work out as a beginner? This is an interesting topic. For most people, it’s best to make it a daily habit. Monday through Saturday with Sunday as your day off. Either this or ve days a week. This typically works because adding tness to your life will take some habit-building. It’s really hard to do this when people train only a few times a week. They say it takes 18-plus days to build a habit so it’s important to have a solid plan and schedule.2. How much protein should you eat? We must rst ask are we trying to lose weight or gain? To maintain weight, it is recommended 1 gram of protein per pound of weight. This can vary depending on the individual. However, if you want to gain weight we always increase the protein. If you weigh 180 pounds and want to increase your weight to 190 pounds. You would eat roughly 190 grams of protein.3. Get your hormones checked! As we get older our body can go through some interesting changes. For Women it is important to get your hormones checked. If you notice sudden weight gain or you are having trouble losing weight I would recommend that you see a Doctor. For Men it is very important that we get out testosterone checked. Us Veterans have been through some extreme events and experienced long periods of high stress. Over time this can affect our testosterone. It’s become common for Veterans to have low testosterone. 4. Why is Sugar the absolute worst!! A blog published by Ramsay Health Care suggest that Sugar is ten times more addictive than Cocaine. With that being said most Americans suffer from Sugar addiction without knowing it. Sugar can be found in juice, soda, and carbs. Many of the things we think might be healthy are the complete opposite. Is all sugar bad? No of course not. We just want to stay away from rened sugars. Some even experience withdrawal symptoms when quitting or reducing sugar. The sugar found in fruit is a better option. The reason is because it is a natural occurring sugar and not rened. The key is moderation! 5. Hire a Coach. One of the best things you can do is hire a Coach. Planet tness and some gyms might offer training for very cheap. The benets of having a Coach are unlimited. You can learn how to use the equipment at the gym and have personal accountability. Most bodybuilders hire Coaches specically for the accountability factor. We have been training clients all over the world and accountability is very important. If you have questions you can always nd us on facebook at Leinad Cernad or Camp Freedom Fitness. Now to the good stuff! Veteran Fitness:TOP 5 FITNESS TIPS FOR SUCCESSTOP 5 FITNESS TIPS FOR SUCCESSBy Daniel Dancer | USMC...

Page 79

Page 80

80 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine | Fall 2024“The path of a warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path.” – Richard Strozzi-HecklerIn the last several articles written for this column, I have offered yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditative practices to AT EASE! Magazine readers, as tools to quiet the stress response. For this installment, I will discuss the profound impact of the Warriors at Ease (WAE) program on the well-being of our military community members.HISTORYIn 2011, founding members Robin Carnes, Karen Soltes, retired Colonel Pat Lillis, and Molly Birkholm created the 501(c)(3) non-prot Warriors at Ease, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. These individuals participated in studies conducted at Walter Reed Army Hospital and several VA facilities that used yoga and meditation as adjunct therapy in the treatment of both the physical and psychological wounds of war - PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, and loss of limbs. Carnes et al. created the foundational, evidence-based curriculum used today (with revisions).MISSIONAccording to their website, WAE’s mission is to “Integrate transformative mind-body practices into the lives of every member of the military community so they can be empowered to take back their lives and rediscover a life of purpose and service.”“Warriors at Ease is dedicated to ensuring every member of the military community is trained in how to use the practices of yoga and meditation to alleviate the stressors of military life and aid in the prevention and rehabilitation of physical and invisible injuries” (2024). WAE trains yoga and meditation teachers, physical and occupational therapists, healthcare workers, and psychologists to deliver trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, adaptive yoga classes. For the remainder of this article, I will share my experience leading a yoga class for the military community.“Curiosity helps to create emotional distance in which people are able to “just notice” their internal states, without taking immediate action to try to shift these states.” ― David Emerson.CREATING A SAFE CONTAINERCurrently, I offer a monthly service dog yoga class in collaboration with the North Carolina branch of Warrior Canine Connection located in Asheville. a warrior at easeTim GrutiziusTim Grutzius, is a US Army Veteran and a graduate of the YAM Yoga School (Laurel Park, NC) and is a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. He is a recognized Level I teacher through Warriors at Ease (trauma-informed training), and is the Owner of Mind Body Badge Yoga and Wellness (timothyggrutzius.com). I guide both combat and non-combat Veterans through a trauma-informed class that includes the presence of service dogs in training.I begin with a student orientation to the community center where the class occurs (bathroom location, entrance, and exit to the room). The Veterans face the entrance door so they can see all who enter or exit the building. I place myself between the students and the door (facing towards them). The students are also oriented to sights, sounds, or smells that could trigger them.SETTLING INAfter orientation and settling into the practice, I guide the students through a journey of the senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The focus of each sense begins in their personal space (mat), expands further into the room, and nally leaves the room. The purpose of this segment of the class is to offer the Veteran an opportunity to reconnect with their physical body and allow the active mind a resting period.Following orientation, I offer a breathwork practice that initiates the relaxation (rest and digest) response and further enriches the reconnection to the body —respiratory and heart rates decrease, and muscular tension dissolves.THE PRACTICEIn a previous article, I discussed the importance of the psoas muscle and its role in storing physical and emotional traumas. My WAE class focuses on poses that open and relax the hips. I offer modications through props for students carrying war wounds (back, leg, and neck

Page 81

Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 81......VETERANS CREEDI AM A VETERAN, I HAVE SEEN AND DONE THINGS MANY MAY NOT UNDERSTANDI AM A WARRIORI WILL NEVER ACCEPT DEFEATI WILL NEVER QUIT AND I WILL NEVER LEAVE A FALLEN BROTHER OR SISTERIF THEY ARE HURT, I WILL CARRY THEMIF I CANT CARRY THEM, I WILL DRAG THEM.I WILL HELP THEM FACE THEIR ENEMIES.TO INCLUDE THE DEMONS FROM WITHIN.THEY ARE MY BROTHER & MY SISTERS.I AM A VETERAN! injuries), including blocks, chairs, and yoga straps when indicated. I ask the students to experience their practice just as it is. They do not have to demonstrate a perfectly aligned Warrior 2 - the Warrior 2 they land in is their Warrior 2 for that day. I tell the students to “listen” to their body signals and do what is safe and best for them in that moment.My classes are less structured than those offered in a yoga studio. In addition to reconnection to the body, a WAE class organically evolves into re-establishing the camaraderie lost at the expiration of a servicemember’s term of service (ETS). Besides, the service dogs always take center stage and assist with managing a triggered Veteran - a beautiful experience to witness. Engaging the dogs is highly encouraged, and the vets frequently take advantage of this opportunity. In addition to yoga, we laugh, share, and get to know each other.FINDING A WAE INSTRUCTORMy fellow vets, if you are interested in experiencing a WAE-style class, there are several ways to do so.The following webpage URL includes a button for “nd a teacher” and the “Yoga Class library” (https://www.warriorsatease.org/military-community).The “nd a teacher” button will redirect you to a list of WAE teachers (international and in the USA) with their contact information. WAE instructors lead classes on military bases, vet centers, VA facilities, community centers, or yoga studios. Many instructors are Veterans, military family members, or serve on active duty. WAE training includes extensive instruction on the military lifestyle and culture from both the service members and their families’ points of view.If you cannot nd a WAE teacher near you, the website offers an online library of WAE-style classes to follow at your convenience. Please click on the “yoga class library” button for further information. If you are curious about the WAE offerings, explore the library as a starting point. Please read the entire website for its complete offerings.Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. You can reach me through my website at www.timothyggrutzius.com or email at mindbodybadgeyoga@gmail.comUntil next time -Be well,TimWARRIORS AT EASE WEBSITEhttps://www.warriorsatease.org/

Page 82

Page 83

A few months ago, I was perusing Netix and came across a movie titled “Mending the Line.” This 2022 ick was about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and y-shing. I had to watch it because it was the perfect title not only for the lm but also for a story about Honoring Our Veterans (HOV). This non-prot has been helping combat Vets mend the line since 2008. Based in the small town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, these dedicated volunteers have made it their mission to show those who have seen the ravages of war that they are worthy.Fly-shing is mainly done in rivers and streams, using hooks made to resemble ies or bugs that can rest on the water’s surface. The hook is very light and must oat to present a natural appearance to the trout lurking below. To cast the y out to where the sh are, a heavier line is normally coated in plastic and possibly brightly colored. The bright-colored line is easy for the sh to see and will prevent a strike. Thus, anglers tie a very light line called a tippet between the main line and the y. If the colored line gets ahead of the y, an angler must “Mend the Line” by icking his wrist to move the heavier line upstream of the y. Mending the Line is one mission of Honor Our Vets. They use wood carving, photography, and the aforementioned y-shing as therapy for the Veterans. These workshops are designed to help Veterans as they overcome the traumatic effect of serving in a combat zone. HOV offers ve to six, all expenses paid, week-long trips to their picturesque area just south of Yellowstone National Park. Started while Dick Cheney was Vice President, the program began as a way for the Vice President’s Secret Service detail to have something to do during the holidays while they were away from their families. In 2008 after VP Cheney left ofce, the program switched to helping combat wounded Veterans. The program rst began with water activities and hunting. In 2015, Sandy Sandberg became the executive director. She helped move HOV to the programs they currently run. “We decided putting rearms in the hands of combat Vets with PTSD was not the best thing to do and it wasn’t as therapeutic as the programs we currently offer.” Sandy may be the glue that holds everything together. She is responsible for collecting the applications, contacting the Veterans, arranging transportation for them and the volunteers, and everything else that goes into creating a safe and successful week. She is a logistics wizard. “I want the Veterans to know they are worth it,” she said. “This is a place they can nd new tools to help them ght their battles.” Fighting battles is what it is all about. Combat Veterans are forced to leave behind the only thing they knew and are put back into society, many times with none of the tools necessary to adjust, feeling that they don’t belong and are not worthy of the air they breathe. Andy Martino, a Vietnam Veteran, attended a photography session in 2022. “The HOV staff treated me with dignity and respect,” Andy continued, “Everything was taken care of. They made sure all our needs were met and that we could enjoy our time in Wyoming.” They gave him a chance to take it all in. Andy could not say enough good things about HOV and their staff. “The entire week made me feel worthy. When I got back, my wife noticed I had changed a little. I started looking at things through a different lens and I saw the surrounding beauty.” Chris Shockey, an Iraqi Freedom Veteran who also attended a photography session relayed the same sentiment. “First class all the way. The area is so spectacular, and they give you so much attention. I found myself seeing the world a little differently,” Chris stated. Chris’s wife also saw the change in him. “I was having a hard time after I was medically retired,” said Ray Dodd, an Army E-4 who was injured in Iraq in 2006. “Being from this area, the outdoors, helped me in my recovery. I knew I needed to help others.” Dodd attended a workshop in 2008 and has been volunteering since. He manages and supports all the workshops HOV offers. HOV receives a portion of its funding through a large fundraiser held every year in Jackson Hole. “We get a lot of support from ‘Old Bill’s Fun Run.’ We may get a grant here or there, but they are very time-consuming and are never guaranteed.” The giving period for the fundraiser lasts for about a month, and it allows the community to feel invested in the organization. “During the workshops, various members of the area will host the Veterans for a dinner or get-together,” Sandy said. Both Ray and Sandy iterated that taking care of the Veterans and giving them one more tool to assist them in the path toward recovery is what the program is all about. Sandy told me that ninety percent of the Veterans she talks to tell her they are not worthy of this opportunity, me included. HOV wants all vets to know that they are worth it and “this is not too good to be true.” The week they spend in Wyoming will change their lives. They have invited me and a shipmate to attend a y-shing workshop in September 2024, and I look forward to telling you all about it in an upcoming issue. For more information or to apply for a workshop, go to www.honorvets.org.with Guy Bensing MENDING THE LINE!Fall 2024| AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 83

Page 84

Page 85

Page 86

Page 87

Page 88

DOWN1. PETER BECAME FASCINATED WITH…2. REALLY, WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT… DAY7. STARTS HIS DAY BY… TO HIS WIFE.8. SO DOCTOR…, WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE US?11. BENEFITS WERE EXTENDED TO VETERANS EXPOSED TO BURN PITS AND OTHER… EXPOSURES12. HE WADED ASHORE AT UTAH BEACH DURING THE… INVASION14. SHE SERVES ON THE BOARDS OF THE LOCAL… FOUNDATION16. THEY DON’T MISS THE CIRCUS, BUT MISS THE…18. GOVT. ESTABLISHED THE OFFICE OF… ADMINISTRATION19. … GENERAL ORDERS21. WWII SOLDIERS PROUDLY SHOWED OFF THE… THEY’D LEFT BEHIND.24. THE AWARDS FOR TXHOF HAS… CATEGORIES25. FRAN THOUGHT SHORTIE WAS…26. IT'S CRUCIAL TO FIND WAYS TO MANAGE THE…28. NORMANDY LANDINGS TRANSCENDS MERE… TRIUMPH29. THE PATH OF A WARRIOR IS…32. WHILE AT A COLLEGE FAIR, MARIE ENCOUNTERED A…33. THE ENDING OF YOUR… CAN BE DECIDED BY YOU.38. RUBBER RAIN GEAR IS KNOWN AS… SUITS"ACROSS1. … OFFERS FIVE TO SIX, ALL EXPENSES PAID, WEEK-LONG TRIPS.3. WILLIAM'S WORLD WAS SHATTERED WHEN HE TRAGICALLY LOST HIS…4. LET’S… DEI AND ITS IMPACT ON THE MILITARY5. THE OLDEST RRM, A 94-YEAR-OLD MGYSGT WHO SERVED IN…6. LIVED IN A… HOME ON HIS GRANDPARENT’S FARM9. EDDIE AND HIS GRANDFATHER HAD THIS IN COMMON AT THEIR WEDDINGS…10. I LEARNED NOT TO THINK, NOT TO FEEL, AND NOT TO…13. WWII VET HAD TRIED TO ERECT A MAKE- SHIFT…15. I HAVE KNOWN MANY MEN FROM…17. RESCUE GROUP OF SEVERAL… BOATS TOOK HEAVY FIRE20. HOLIDAY SERVES AS A CATALYST FOR… REFLECTION22. STEVE WAS BORN IN…, MASSACHUSETTS IN 194223. VETERANS MASK LOSS WITH FEIGNED…27. I CREATED SOME VERY… PERSONAL HABITS30. COMMITMENT CAN ONLY EXIST WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF…31. HE EXPERIENCED THINGS MOST PEOPLE COULD ONLY HAVE… ABOUT.34. SULLIVAN FOUND A… MARINE IN A TRUCK.35. THE ROBERTS HAD TRAINED HARD BEFORE ENTERING THE36. SANDY MAY BE THE… THAT HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER37. PHASED OUT HIS ORIGINAL…39. HE IS A… AND NOBLE INDIVIDUAL,40. MCCARROLL, A… VETERAN HAS FACED VICTORIES AND HARDSHIPS IN HIS JOURNEY41. … MARINES LINE UP FIRST TO EAT.42. JOINED THE … THE DAY AFTER GRADUATING'FALL' SCAVENGER HUNT'FALL' SCAVENGER HUNT'FALL' SCAVENGER HUNT'FALL' SCAVENGER HUNT88 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024

Page 89

CROSSWORD ANSWERS:COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE EXERPTS FROM 'BORN IN A BAR II'...COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE EXERPTS FROM 'BORN IN A BAR II'...There was a lot going on in Iraq in 2004, and the national election was front and center. One afternoon, thelocal Sheikhs all gathered in the Al Asad Theater for a very special election meeting. Our section was tasked to assist CAG (Civil Affairs Group) to make sure everything ran smoothly. They wanted us to help with producing handbills, distributing them, and then cleaning up the theater. In turn, they let us use their shitty, repossessed Toyota truck to make runs to the PX (Post Exchange - that later found out was staffed by Ukrainian prostitutes.) Just before the Sheikhs arrived, I pulled my Marines aside for a quick speech along the lines of, “What’s about to happen is monumental; a free election in Iraq for the rst time in history. We are a part of something huge. Let’s maintain our professionalism and don’t fuck around until later. Woooah team.”We were about an hour into the meetings when one of the Marines walked over to me.“SSgt, uh...We have an issue that I’m not sure what…uh…to…do here. You have to come and see this one for yourself.” My mind ran through all kinds of scenarios.What could be the issue that he can’t even tell me? I followed him into the men’s bathroom.As I walked in, I noticed that the counter was overowing (halfway to the ceiling) with crumpled up paper towels. I rolled my eyes. “Is this seriously why you called me in here?” I asked.I stopped talking then and looked down to the oor where there would normally be a toilet, but saw only a hole in the ground. I kind of laughed a bit and was about to ask what the problem was, when I also noticed there was no toilet paper.“HOLY…” I started to say.“SHIT!” Chimed in one of the other Marines. He then pointed to the counter that was lled with shit-covered paper towels. “Yes. And we aren’t cleaning THAT up.”#IYKYKFoR MoRE InaPPRoPRIatE SHEnanIganS, FoR MoRE InaPPRoPRIatE SHEnanIganS, SCan tHE QR CoDE bELoW: SCan tHE QR CoDE bELoW: 'SHEIKH' DOWN by Gunny Jesse EsterlyFall 2024 | AT EASE! Veterans Magazine 89

Page 90

90 AT EASE! Veterans Magazine |Fall 2024We all have stories about our Chow Hall experiences, both good and not-so-good. Many of us had to serve on Kitchen Patrol (KP) duty, which should conjure up many fun-lled stories. AT EASE! Veterans Magazine is soliciting those stories and receipies to be featured in our quarterly publication. If interested, submit your 'Chow Call'story to Les@ateaseveteransmagazine.com | Stories should be no longer than 500 words, give or take.A HOT MEALby Adam Walker | Head WriterGenerations of ghting men can testify to the powerful impact of a well-timed hot meal. In addition to much-needed nourishment, it is a boost to the spirit and morale of an individual. My rst experience of this occurred as a young infantryman in the United States Marine Corps.In early 1995, with roughly six months in uniform, I was a skinny, nineteen-year-old Private First Class. I had just enough time in the eld to know you would either be hot, wet, and miserable or alternatively cold, wet, and miserable when stationed on the East Coast. This combined with humping heavy gear through the bush and being near the bottom rung of the enlisted rank structure made me question my career choice many times.My battalion departed Camp Lejune, NC for a month-long exercise in Virginia aboard Fort A.P. Hill (now called Fort Walker) during winter. The military in the mid-nineties held an odd combination of emerging technology and Vietnam-era surplus, added to the Cold War standard issue. Later that year we would be issued the new Gore-Tex inclement weather gear and an improved sleeping system. However, on this exercise, we still had M65 eld jackets, rubber rain suits (known as “Gumby Suits”), and down-lled sleeping bags.After establishing an expeditionary eld camp of assorted canvas General Purpose (GP) tents, we soon hiked out into the woods carrying full All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) packs. We patrolled during the day, dug ghting positions in the afternoon, and stood in the defense at night. Intermittent night patrols were preferred to shivering in ghting holes, simply so we could generate body heat with movement.Several days into this phase of the exercise a heavy winter storm developed. Strong gusts of wind drove sleet and freezing rain with temperatures in the teens. Engaged leadership was the only thing that prevented hypothermia. Things got so bad that the battalion decided to pull us out of the eld and back to the expeditionary camp late one night. This came as quite a shock to the rank and le. Our unit was characterized by tough training, spartan conditions, and thriving under adversity. We knew things must be really bad.There weren’t enough trucks to pull everyone out at once, so the NCOs had us march around in circles for over an hour before our turn to shuttle back to camp. After debarking the 5-ton trucks we unloaded our wet gear, stowing it under cots, while breathing life into the make-shift jerry can heaters. We soon heard the command to fall out. We grumbled and shivered in formation on the muddy road before being marched off. We wondered what working party we’d been assigned at almost midnight. We were tired, sore, and cold with morale almost as low as the temperature. To our great surprise, we halted in front of the mess tent, then were told to form a line. The Marine Corps has a particular practice that reects leadership that prioritizes troop welfare. When it is time to eat the junior Marines line up rst and the senior Marines eat last. If chow runs out, it is the older ones who must subsist on rations while the young ghting men get a full belly of hot food. It is a small thing that leaves a big impact, reminding the young Marines that their leaders care about them.Being a PFC, I was amongst the rst few in line. I entered the canvas tent feeling the warmth ood my chilled frame. I grabbed a tray and extended it towards the vat can. When I looked up, the Battalion Commander (a Lieutenant Colonel who went on to become a prominent General) smiled broadly as he delivered an oversized scoop of steaming rice onto my tray. “Good evening, Marine!” I mumbled a stunned reply when the Sergeant Major (an intimidating old Recon Marine) belted out “Sir! That warrior needs a double ration. Hit ‘em again!” The Battalion Commander responded, “Aye Sergeant Major!” as he landed another scoop on my tray. The Sergeant Major then slammed two huge scoops of Turkey ala King onto my tray and said, “Get your belly full and get in the bag Devil Dog.” I smiled from ear to ear and loudly replied “Aye Sergeant Major!” Another senior Marine put a piece of coffee cake on my tray (or simply “pastry” in Marine parlance) nodding to the corner and saying, “There’s coffee over there, son.”I sat at a plywood picnic table with my buddies and scarfed down the chow like I’d never eaten before. My body warmed, inside and out, as my morale soared. It was hard to believe how miserable we’d been just a couple of hours ago. By bringing us out of the eld and preparing a hot meal in the middle of the night, I recognized that our leaders cared about us. It is much easier to train hard and prepare for combat when you know your leaders care. The hot meal that night and the manner in which it was presented had a tremendous impact on me as a young grunt. It served as a model for engaged leadership. It boosted morale, built loyalty, and cultivated camaraderie. I went on to serve twenty-ve years in the Marine Corps with three tours in combat. I remembered the impact hot chow can make on a young warghter. When I became a senior enlisted Marine, I thoroughly enjoyed serving chow and engaging in lighthearted banter with the next generation. I am condent the lesson was received by them and will be passed on down the long green line.