Trees for Troops for the Holidays

The good folks at the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation (in conjunction with corporate sponsor FEDEX) have been distributing free Christmas trees to military families in need this month.

Although most trees have been given out already, you can check if your base is on the list of recipients using the online map on the Trees for Troops website. (The map says "2008" but the same bases are participating now in 2011 and presumably next year in 2012.)

For further details about how the program operates on your base and how trees are distributed, check with the MWR department.

Also, for those who wish to help donate trees, you can contribute to the Trees for Troops program by donating through the website or via text message.

The instructions for how to make a donation via text (excerpted directly from the Trees for Troops website) are:

Text TREE to 50555 to make a $10 mobile donation.*
*Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T.

We're Almost Out of Iraq!

Within three weeks our troops will be out of Iraq, with the exception of a relatively small cadre of liaisons assisting the Iraqi military. Welcome home, everybody, we're glad you're back! Happy Holidays to all!

MegaBus Offers 200,000 Free Bus Tickets Starting Today

Need ground transportation on January 4 through March 1 of 2012? Megabus is giving away 200,000 free tickets beginning today. The service is in about 70 different American cities. Be sure to use the promo code GOFREE to get the deal.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership

Thank you to the Daily Worth personal finance newsletter for alerting us to the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, a resource that helps military husbands and wives prepare their resumes and identify new job opportunities.

Currently available jobs promoted on the site run the gamut from trade associations to the Dish Network.

Wells Fargo Says 10,000 Positions Currently Available

Wells Fargo announced this week that they have about 10,000 open positions nationwide, everything from bank tellers and financial analysts to loan processors and customer service representatives.

Even though their message was not targeted towards veteran job candidates per se, we still like to pass along any valid employment opportunity information we receive to help alleviate veteran unemployment rates.

For more information about Wells Fargo job opportunities open near you, check out the Wells Fargo Careers page.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

This week we definitely give thanks for our courageous veterans and their supportive families! Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made to keep the country safe and sound. Thank you also for everything you have done to help peoples of other nations affected by disaster and warfare.

Want to Reconnect with a Military Friend? Try the Military Dot Com Buddy Finder

Want to catch up with an old friend from your days on active duty?

Here is a spot where you might be able to find him or her:

Military.com Buddy Finder

If this link does not work for you, go to www.military.com and then click on "Buddy Finder" in the black toolbar near the top of the screen.

White House Publishes List of Employers Who Want Veteran Employees

The White House recently posted a list of employers across the nation that are actively seeking veteran employees. Access and read the full list here:http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/commitments

Where to Send Holiday Cards to Recovering Servicemembers This Year

"Walter Reed National Military Medical Center asks that all holiday mail for unnamed service members go through the American Red Cross's Holiday Mail for Heroes, at this address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Cards must be postmarked no later than Friday, December 9th in order to be screened and delivered in time for the holidays."

Thank you to Techlicious blog for this information.

Lockheed Martin Hiring in the Washington DC Area Now

If you have experience in any of the following areas, live near Washington DC, and possess a security clearance, Lockheed Martin wants to hear from you:

• Intelligence analysis
• Information Technology
• Engineering

If you are interested in working for them, go to the following site for more info:
http://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/wtop

Thank you to WTOP radio for this one.

Chase Wants to Hire 100,000 Veterans

The national financial institution Chase has pledged to hire 100,000 veterans.
To see what jobs they have available and to apply, go here:
http://100000jobsmission.com/

Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium VETS 2012 Reno Nevada in June 2012

A premier event for any veterans in business today, especially those who want to sell to the federal government:

http://veterantrainingsymposium.com/

June 11-14, 2011

Reno, Nevada

Description from the event website:

VETS2012 brings government agencies, industry leaders and Veteran entrepreneurs together in forum to discuss issues affecting Veteran-Owned companies. Whether in a class or over a cup of coffee, VETS2012 provides the opportunity to sit down and ask the questions you need answered.

Helpful Government Website About Federal Jobs for Veterans

The government has a number of websites about federal employment for veterans, but it can be difficult to know where to begin.

We suggest you start here: Feds Hire Vets dot gov
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

You can start with the resources in the box located at the top left of the homepage entitled "Information for Job Seekers."

In addition to employment with the federal government, also remember to check with your state and local governments to see if they have veteran hiring goals too--many of them do.

New Day Financial and Others Hiring Vets in Maryland in November 2011

The following information is straight from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED):

"Veteran and Defense Firms on Hiring Spree
"Howard County’s NewDay Financial seeks to hire up to 40 new employees by year’s end, according to the Baltimore Business Journal. The Fulton-based veterans’ mortgage lender needs account executives, underwriters and loan processors, with salaries ranging from $45,000 to $55,000 for loan processors and $65,000 to $100,000 for underwriters.

"Battlefield Telecommunications Systems (BTS) Software Solutions opened a new office in Federal Hill and plans to hire 35 to 40. The firm is a new subsidiary of Columbia-based software and telecom defense contractor BTS led by CEO Sean Lane."

We also hear from MSNBC that Snap-on Tools wants new veteran franchisees, plus Chase says it plans to hire 100,000 veterans all across the country.

Happy Veteran's Day 11-11-11

Thank you for everything you do for us, vets!

Thank you to veterans' families for all the sacrifices you make!

Happy Marine Corps Birthday 11-10-11

Semper Fi!

Wegman's to Start Hiring in Columbia Maryland in Early December

Veterans and family members of veterans, if you live in or near Columbia, Maryland, the family-owned grocery store chain Wegman's is hiring several hundred people in preparation for when their new store opens in Columbia in June 2012.

You can start applying for positions in early December 2011; there will be a lot of competition for these job slots, so apply as soon as you can.

We have spoken with a number of individuals who have started at low level jobs like bagging groceries and collecting shopping carts who have steadily moved up the management hierarchy at Wegman's and earned excellent salaries; this company is notoriously good to its employees and I am sure they would especially welcome you as a veteran or a veteran's spouse.

After all, veterans have tons of leadership experience that translates into solid management skills--Wegman's could use you.

Go to http://www.wegmans.com and click on "Careers" to find out more.

Small Business Administration Resources for Veteran Businesses

The Small Business Administration (SBA) sent out this press release today about resources for veteran owned companies:

SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses

Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Disabled Veterans Expands to Eighth School

Release Date:  November 9, 2011    

Contact:  Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567                                                                                                                   

Release Number: 11-63  

Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

WASHINGTON – With thousands of service men and women returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Small Business Administration is welcoming them home with programs and initiatives to help them start, grow and expand their businesses.

“Around Veterans Day, our thoughts turn to the men and women who are serving or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to all who have made sacrifices and served our country in the armed forces,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “When you consider the leadership and management skills our veterans develop while on active and reserve duty, it’s no wonder we see so many of them choose a path as entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

 SBA provides veterans access to much needed business counseling and training, capital and business development opportunities through government contracts.

Those products and programs include:

Entrepreneurial Development

SBA and Syracuse University are expanding the successful Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program to an eighth school, Cornell University. The growing partnership between SBA and Syracuse University, now in its third year, provides training on how they can start and grow a small business with programs targeted to service-disabled veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their family caregivers, women veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members and their families.

The “boot camp” was created and delivered by a network of some of the best business schools in the country. Last year, the first year SBA partnered with Syracuse University, 129 service-disabled veterans participated in the program.

Since the program’s inception, more than 320 wounded warriors have graduated and more than 150 businesses have been launched by graduates.  Participating schools include: Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, UCLA, Florida State University, Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Louisiana State University, and Cornell University.

SBA is also providing $2.6 million through a cooperative agreement over three years for two new programs supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

The first, Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), focuses on training, networking and mentorship for women veterans. The three-day, off-site training

program, online training and network support structures are delivered in several locations around the nation, and anticipates serving up to 1,400 female veterans over a 36-month period. 

The second, Operation Endure & Grow, targets National Guard and Reserve Component members, their families and partners. The goal of this program is to mitigate the small business economic hardship of deployed members and their families. The eight-week online course focuses on the fundamentals of launching and/or growing a small business for those who will sustain the business when the service member is deployed, injured or killed. Initially, 550 individuals are expected to participate. Together, V-WISE and Operation Endure & Grow are expected to serve over 1,950 individuals and their families over three years.

Access to Capital

SBA had a near record year lending to veteran-owned small businesses in fiscal year 2011. SBA lending to veterans in fiscal year 2011 amounted to more than 4,300 loans totaling $1.5 billion in its flagship 7(a) and 504 programs. Since 2007, SBA’s Patriot Express loan pilot initiative alone has guaranteed loans of more than $667 million to nearly 8,100 veterans, reservists and their spouses to establish or expand their small businesses. The initiative, extended through 2013, provided more than 1,560 loans totaling $142 million in fiscal year 2011. Patriot Express is offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and features one of SBA’s fastest turnaround times for loan approvals.

Government Contracting

SBA worked with both contracting officers and veteran-owned small businesses to deliver the highest-ever percentage of federal contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses in FY2010, totaling $10.4 billion. Also, through parity legislation, SBA reestablished a level playing field for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses that compete with other small businesses for set-aside contracts. 

The Office of Veteran’s Business Development provided SDVOSB procurement training to more than 3,000 SBVOSB’s in 2011 to help achieve the 3 percent SDVOSB goal. The SBA is expanding its outreach to service-disabled veterans with an online contracting tutorial to help veterans and military spouses who own small businesses identify and take advantage of federal contracting opportunities.

Task Force Report

SBA chairs the Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development focused on improving and expanding opportunities for veteran business owners.    The Task Force recently issued its first Report to the President and included 18 recommendations to increase access to capital, improve business development opportunities, and meet federal contracting goals for veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. You can read the whole report here.

SBA reaches out to veterans through its 68 SBA district offices, 15 Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide, more than 1,000 Small Business Development Centers, 110 Women’s Business Centers and some 12,000 SCORE volunteers. SBA also has numerous programs creating government contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/vets  and www.sba.gov/reservists.

# # #

Free Entree for Veterans at Olive Garden on November 11

Olive Garden has announced that all veterans and active duty military are eligible to receive a free entree on November 11, 2011. For details please go to the Olive Garden website.

Pizzeria Uno Discount for Veterans November 7 through 11

The following deal is from Pizzeria Uno:

Active and retired military members who have served our country - let us serve YOU!
Just show us your military or veteran's ID…no coupon necessary.
Dine with us 11/7 - 11/11 to get 19.43% off your food purchase, excluding alcohol.

Free Activities Through the Wounded Warriors Project

Today I donated (again) to a fabulous program I really believe in: the Wounded Warriors Project.

If you want to donate to the cause in honor of Veteran's Day, you can do so at www.believeinheroes.org

If you are a Wounded Warrior yourself, you can find out what the WWP has to offer you starting on this page:
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs.aspx

A quick quote from this WWP webpage: "Our programs are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. We envision a generation of wounded warriors well-adjusted in mind, receiving support to overcome the challenges of readjustment. Through interactive programs, outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support, and professional services, warriors are given the tools to maintain healthy, meaningful relationships with family and friends, and pursue life goals without the barriers or stigmas associated with mental health issues."

Michigan Annual Veteran Entrepreneurial Conference to be Held November 16th

The following information is straight from the Michigan Small Business Administration (SBA) office:

Calling All Veterans!  Attend the 6th Annual Veteran Entrepreneurial Conference

Don't miss Michigan’s only entrepreneurial conference focused solely on veterans.

• When:  November 16, 2011 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where:  Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center 18600 Haggerty Rd., Livonia, MI  48152

If registering November 1 - November 16, the cost is $50.00 per person. Use Section No. 940766, CES2 1592

Online registration will be open until the day before the class meets.

• Click here: http:/webadvisor.schoolcraft.edu to access WebAdvisor 
• Click on Continuing Education (Non-Credit) 
• Click on "Register and Pay for Continuing Education Classes" 
• Choose the subject line:  Small Business/Entrepreneur 
• Insert appropriate CES (CES2 1592)  

Credit card payment is required when registering via the Web.  Please have your credit card information at hand.

Online registration hours are:

• Monday-Friday       3:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
• Saturday                3:00 a.m. to 11:p.m. 
• Sunday                  3:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

If you experience problems registering, contact the Admissions and Enrollment Center at 734.462.4426 before proceeding. For event questions call the Business Development Center at 734.462.4438 or VetBizCentral at 866.716.8387  or visit http://vetbizcentral.org/

Leesburg Virginia Veterans Day Event at Dodona Manor on November 11

The City of Leesburg, Virginia has announced the following for November 11, 2011:

"The Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County will join the George C. Marshall International Center in honoring veterans on the grounds of Dodona Manor, the restored home of General Marshall in Leesburg on Friday, November 11, 2011. Among the featured speakers is former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh."

"The event will begin at 10:15 a.m. and will be followed by free tours of the Marshalls’ home for attendees. Military and World War II era vehicles will be on display. Parking is available at “The Shops of Dodona Manor” located at 310-312 East Market Street and the Loudoun County Government parking garage at Loudoun and Harrison Streets.  No advance RSVP is required.   Dodona Manor is located at 217 Edwards Ferry Road."

Helmets to Hardhats Job Program for Veterans

Thank you to the anonymous WTOP radio listener who alerted me to the existence of this program, which is designed to help returning veterans find solid jobs within the construction industry:

Go to: http://www.helmetstohardhats.org

Guys and gals, these days workers in the construction trades often make more money than computer programmers or office workers, so if you have any interest in the trades, go for it!

Recent national economic stats also show an uptick in construction activity nationwide, another reason to check into the industry and the opportunities it might have for you now in November-December 2011.

Free Admission for Veterans at Newseum on Veteran's Day Weekend

WTOP radio of Washington, DC reports that on Veteran's Day Weekend, November 11-13, 2011, admission to the Newseum in Washington, DC will be free of charge for veterans.

Free Entrees for Veterans on November 13th at McCormick & Schmick's

According to WTOP radio of Washington, DC, "McCormick & Schmick's will give away free entrees to veterans and active duty members of the military on Sunday, Nov. 13. Reservations are highly recommended."

To repeat: reservations are recommended, so tell them you are a veteran when you reserve your table.

Recovery through Farming: Sounds Odd But it Works

PARADE Magazine recently featured two unique programs to help vets recover from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through agriculture and farm work; it might sound weird but it really works.

If you like to work outside and cultivate crops, animals, and plants, then this therapeutic outlet will let you explore your hobbies and interests and spend time outdoors with other veterans while simultaneously tending to your health:

Farmer-Veteran Coalition
http://www.farmvetco.org

Work Vessels for Veterans
http://www.wvfv.net

The article in PARADE Magazine was published October 16, 2011 if you wish to read the whole story.

How to Register as an SDVOSB with the VA Kit

Downloadable $34.95 kit that explains how to register as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in plain English (cuts through all the bureaucratic jargon and gets straight to the point so you don't have to jump around from one website to another to get your company registered; tells you what paperwork you need to have on hand to get registered properly):

http://www.sdvosbcertification.net

Another resource--free of charge help from a guy who has been through this process himself--is online here: www.sdvosbcerthelper.com

Full disclosure on my part: I was one of several people who contributed to the kit mentioned at the top of this post. I am not, however, affiliated with the gentleman who offers the free advice and tips online.

Job Opportunities in Montgomery County, MD October 2011

Large-scale recreational, sports, and camping gear company Backcountry.com plans to hire approximately 200 people to staff a fulfillment center coming to Montgomery County, Maryland, reports Virginia Business magazine.

Have experience in military logistics? Then this opportunity might be for you.

For more info: http://www.backcountrycorp.com/corporate/section/2/jobs.html

Blacksburg VA Federal-Mogul Corp. Hiring in October 2011

Virginia Business magazine reports that Federal-Mogul Corp., which it describes as "powertrain and safety solutions for equipment manufacturers," plans to hire about 50 new people to work at its plant in Blacksburg, VA.

For more information go to:
http://www.federalmogul.com/en/Careers/

Rent and Mortgage Help from the Federal Government

The following information and links are from www.usa.gov:

If you need assistance with paying your rent or mortgage, these resources might be able to help:

Rental Assistance - The Department of Housing and Urban Development can assist you with privately owned subsidized housing or public housing.

Mortgage Assistance - The Making Home Affordable program may be able to help you lower your payments or rates, exit a mortgage gracefully, or get help if you lost you job or your home has lost value.

Find more benefits, grants, and financial aid from the government.

VA Forms Download Page

Need a blank form from the VA?

Electronic copies can be obtained from the following VA web page:
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp

Vets Can Participate in the Brunswick Maryland Veterans Day Parade 2011

Brunswick, Maryland hosts the largest Veterans Day parade in the State of Maryland and this year's event is being held on November 6, 2011 on Potomac Street in downtown historic Brunswick.

There is usually a large and enthusiastic turnout to cheer the vets, and if you want to actually be a part of the parade, the city is still accepting applications between now and October 1.

You can get an application here: http://www.brunswickmd.gov/files/Recreation/VetsDayApp2011.pdf

Opening ceremonies begin at 1 PM.

Capital One is Hiring 3,600 People

Bloomberg News reports that national bank chain Capital One is now hiring 3,600 new personnel, from financial analysts to call center workers.
Even if you have to start as a teller or a call center employee, it is an opportunity to get into the banking and financial services industry and work your way up the organization. In a bad economy like this, any job is a good job, and by proving your worth to the organization you will likely receive promotions quickly.

Go to www.capitalone.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page, then click "Careers" to hunt for job openings near you. Remember to tell 'em you are a vet!

You are Not Alone in Struggling with PTSD--Get Help Online

I just found out about this online support group for veterans which allows you to be completely anonymous when you seek help and support:

www.notalone.com

Military spouses are welcome in this group, too, which is a nonprofit organization founded by a veteran named Mike Jones.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Now Has Webinars

If you recently departed the military for civilian life, you probably already know a lot about the
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) which is designed to help you find employment and adjust back comfortably to the civilian world.

The good news is TAP is now offering access to its resources through "virtual seminars" a.k.a. "webinars," which is particularly handy if you have physical mobility issues or live in a remote geographic area.

To see what online seminars are available for you, Federal News Radio recommends you use the following Defense Department link:
http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/files/2011/03/TAP-Virtual-Learning-Opportunities-Catalogue-Feb-2011-Edition.pdf

Web Resource for Vets With Traumatic Brain Injury or PTSD

http://www.realwarriors.net/

This website and the accompanying Real Warriors Campaign launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) provide veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, and psychological distress (and their family members) with access to support systems, advice, crisis hotlines, and other helpful resources.

Here is one of the crisis hotline numbers for you:

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) OUTREACH CENTER
866-966-1020

Post-9/11 GI Bill Provides Stipend for Distance Learning Starting October 1

Beginning on October 1, 2011, the Post 9/11 GI Bill will offer a modest housing stipend for those students enrolled in reputable, VA-approved distance learning and online college courses. According to the VA, "The full-time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $673.50 for 2011."

Keep track of changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill on this trusted federal government website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/Post911_changes.html

Potential Job Source for Vets: RecruitMilitary.com

If you are looking for a civilian job, you will likely receive better job leads through a portal specifically targeted towards veterans like www.RecruitMilitary.com, a reputable site that has been around for a decade.

More generic job hunting sites like www.Monster.com or www.CareerBuilder.com might also generate some decent job leads for you, but they won't speak your language the way a specialty site like www.RecruitMilitary.com can.

Companies Hiring in Loudoun County Virginia September 2011

Vets, if you are looking for a civilian job, your best bet is to inquire at defense contractors.

If you happen to live in or near Loudoun County, Virginia, Virginia Business Magazine says the following defense contractors are expanding and hiring right now in September 2011:

• Raytheon
• Orbital Sciences
• SAIC
• Northrop Grumman
• ManTech
• Verizon
• Intelligent Decisions Inc.

Contact the Human Resources Department at each company you are interested in, let them know you are a vet and available for hire now, and ask them to guide you through their application process.

Combat Paper Project Provides Artistic Outlet

I recently came across the Combat Paper Project, which says on its website that it "utilizes art making workshops to assist veterans in reconciling and sharing their personal experiences as well as broadening the traditional narrative surrounding service and the military culture."

If you are interested in paper and/or print making, expressing yourself through a new art form, or viewing artistic works produced by other veterans, check it out:

http://www.combatpaper.org/about.html

Meet up with Other Veterans for Support

If you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, sometimes you might want companionship or support from other people who have gone through similar military experiences rather than talking with your usual group of friends and family members.

A good way to find new peers to talk to--even if you are new to town--is through the website www.meetup.com

Example: We searched for any groups identified with the term "veteran" located in or near Leesburg, Virginia, and Meetup found 4 different groups within 25 miles of Leesburg that had a veteran family orientation.

You can also start your own group on Meetup to try to find people with similar backgrounds and interests if an existing group is not an exact fit for you.

Fort Meade Maryland Job Fair on 09.14.11

Fort Meade in the State of Maryland is having a job fair this month on September 14, 2011; view all details on this Baltimore Business Journal website:

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/pdf/Meade-job-fair.pdf

Frederick Maryland Veteran Employment Resource

If you are a veteran based out of Frederick County, Maryland and you need assistance locating a job or need other employment related services, start here at Frederick County Workforce Services:

http://www.frederickworks.com/

Schedule a face-to-face appointment with one of their analysts to explore all of the job hunting options available to you as a veteran county resident.

Read Me First, Please

I started this blog because I have a soft spot in my heart for veterans and I want to make it easier for veterans and their families to access and take advantage of available resources, deals, and benefits provided by the government as well as by private and commercial organizations to help compensate veterans for their service. A few things to know about this blog:

1. Posts on this blog are intentionally short and simple to save time, both for me as the blogger and for my busy readers.

2. When you read a post, please take note of the date it was first posted, as some information is likely to expire or become out of date over time.

If a link has expired, you can always Google the name of the organization or the website mentioned in the post to obtain the most recent link.

3. Because I live in the greater Washington, DC area, you will notice that most of the resources listed are clustered here, but I aim to list resources available in other geographic areas as well.

4. I don't make any money working on this blog and my time is limited, so unfortunately I cannot post or edit my posts every day, even though I would love to do so. I will try to post as often as possible and I'll do my best to make sure information is current, but I might not be able to keep up with all changes and I apologize in advance if I fall short.

5. If you have any resources or deals you feel should be mentioned in this blog, please email me your ideas at AnnaLiisa000 at Gmail dot com for possible use in the blog. Thanks!

And, as always, thanks to our service members and their families for the sacrifices they make for our nation.

Best Wishes,
Anna Liisa