Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Last-minute gift ideas to help you fill in the holiday gaps

• A federal judge has halted the removal of a Confederate monument at Arlington National Cemetery

• A former US Marine recently lost his life while repelling a Russian attack in Ukraine

• The VA has implemented a remote temperature monitoring program to help cut down on limb loss in diabetic veterans 

• Some fun and engaging podcasts and YouTube channels for veterans 

• Information on how apprenticeships can provide Information on how apprenticeships can provide excellent career advancement for veterans

• The story of a veteran who came from nothing and gave everything

• And more...

Last Minute Gift Deals 🎄

With Christmas approaching, you may be looking for some last-minute gift ideas on a budget. Fear not; whether looking for a fellow veteran, friend or loved one, these gifts are sure to please without breaking the bank.

• Heated Vest

• Cozy Socks

• Carhartt Knit Beanie 

• Heated Car Blanket

• Coffee Hyper-Chiller

• Password Book

• Lifestraw Personal Emergency Water Filter

• Massage Gun

• Sony Bluetooth Speaker

• Travel Cupholder for Luggage 

• Homesick Scented Candles

• Truly Wireless Earbuds

• Portable Mixology Set

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

In 1914, a Confederate Memorial was erected in Arlington National Cemetery. Recently, plans were made to remove this memorial, sparking controversy. However, shortly after the removal process had begun, a federal judge issued a temporary block on the order. This decision effectively halted removing one of the most prominent Confederate monuments on public land in the United States (link).

A former US Marine veteran was recently killed in Ukraine. Graham Dale volunteered to help push the Russian military out of Ukraine. He led a team of Ukrainian troops to safety while repelling a Russian attack in his final moments (link)​.

📜 Policy Updates

The VA has implemented a remote temperature monitoring program that uses the Podimetrics SmartMat to aid Veterans with diabetes in their podiatry care. The program will detect early signs of diabetic foot ulcers and other disorders up to five weeks before they manifest (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

Registered Apprenticeships can be a great way for recently separated veterans to transition into civilian careers. These industry-driven programs offer paid work experience, education, and nationally recognized credentials for apprentices. With a 90% retention rate and an average starting salary of $80,000, these apprenticeships provide veterans with a viable career transition option. Veterans can also use Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits (link).

Benefits of The Week

• The VA offers free or low-cost hearing healthcare that includes hearing aids

• 20% off and up to 5% cash back at Stanley

• The American Legion offers temporary financial assistance that awards cash grants to minor children of current active-duty soldiers or American Legion members

The Best of The Week

• SOFREP Radio: SSOFREP Radio is a podcast associated with the Special Operations Forces Report, a military news media website. Former Navy SEAL Brandon Webb hosts the podcast and focuses on in-depth discussions on topics related to the military, particularly special operations. It features discussions on current events, military history, and interviews with veterans and field experts. SOFREP Radio.

• Nikko Shorts: Nikko Shorts is an Army veteran who creates comedic skits on YouTube. He makes videos that make light-hearted jokes about military service, offering light-hearted humor that resonates with servicemembers who can relate to shared experiences. In addition to his comedic content, Nikko actively champions veterans' advocacy and engages with his audience through live streams on Twitch. Nikko Shorts.

• Angry Cops:  Angry Cops is a YouTube channel run by former Army drill sergeant and current police officer. He makes comedic and satirical videos that use storytelling to comment on his experiences in the military and law enforcement. Angry Cops.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Staff Sergeant Clifford Sims 

Born as Clifford Pittman on June 18, 1942, in Port St. Joe, FL, Staff Sergeant Clifford Sims was orphaned at an early age. During his formative years, he experienced a tumultuous upbringing, being homeless, living in an abandoned school bus, and constantly shifting from one relative's home to another.

At 13, stability finally entered his life when James and Irene Sims adopted him. Finally enjoying a more conventional lifestyle, he attended school, where he would later cross paths with his future wife, Mary. The compassion Staff Sergeant Sims experienced from strangers during childhood left an enduring imprint on his character.

Upon completing high school, he enlisted in the US Army, where he became a part of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Later, he married his childhood sweetheart and continued his service at Fort Bragg until August 1967, when he was transferred to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. This move was prompted by the Army's need to form a new company from various units, and Staff Sergeant Sims's unit earned the moniker "Delta Raiders” while serving on the frontlines of the Vietnam War.

His unit would become involved in the fierce fighting in the jungles of Huế. One fateful day, the Delta Raiders led an assault on a heavily fortified enemy position concealed in the thick jungle. Under relentless enemy fire, the Delta Raiders became trapped, teetering on the brink of being overwhelmed by Vietcong forces. In this dire moment, Staff Sergeant Sims, knowing his and his comrade’s lives were in grave danger, led his unit in a fierce charge against the enemy to protect the company.

During the charge, the unit got into position to cover fire for the company’s command group, allowing it to link with another platoon under heavy enemy fire. While advancing, they went through a house filled with burning ammunition. He ordered his unit to clear out of the building swiftly and did so shortly before it exploded.

As they continued to advance with him at the front, Staff Sergeant Sims noticed a bunker, and he and a few other men checked to see if it was empty. As he was moving forward, he heard a booby trap trigger and made the swift decision to throw himself onto the explosive before it went off. 

He was unfortunately killed by the explosion but saved the lives of men in his unit by covering the blast with his body.

Though it came at the expense of his own life, Staff Sergeant Sims returned the kindness he was afforded as a youth by paying the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of his brothers in arms.

On Dec. 2, 1969, Staff Sergeant Sims was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the US government. Mary accepted the award from Vice President Spiro Agnew on behalf of her late husband and would later say, “God is good. God can fix things up… he can take whatever we think is trash and make it whatever he wants it to be.”

Staff Sergeant Sims was a man who came from nothing and worked hard to carve out a place in the world. He chose to give his life so that his comrades could survive one of the most vicious battles in one of the bloodiest wars ever fought by US soldiers. 

He transcended his humble beginnings, and on that day, he went above and beyond the call of duty and displayed extraordinary bravery and selflessness, representing the ideal traits of a soldier and the essence of humanity. 

While not as widely known as other Medal of Honor recipients, Staff Sergeant Sims’s legacy remains a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have, even in the face of overwhelming odds. 

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every servicemember may receive the Medal of Honor or garner widespread recognition, but that doesn't diminish the invaluable contributions each one has made to the sanctity and security of our great nation. 

The saying "freedom isn't free" holds profound truth – it resonates because every individual in the United States relies on the dedication of its military to safeguard the freedoms they enjoy. Each veteran has consciously chosen to defend these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being.

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support from behind the scenes, thank you!

Top Resources For Veterans

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

   • Overview: The VA provides a wide range of services for veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.

   • Website: VA

2. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

   • Overview: An organization that offers various services to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, scholarships, and community service opportunities.

   • Website: VFW

3. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

   • Overview: DAV provides various services for disabled veterans, including transportation, employment resources, and benefits assistance.

   • Website: DAV

4. K9s for Warriors

   • Overview: This organization is committed to supplying highly-trained service dogs, primarily rescues, to military veterans dealing with PTSD, TBIs, or other service-related traumas, effectively saving two lives in the process.

   • Website: K9s for Warriors

5. Hire Heroes USA

   • Overview: An organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment through personalized job search training and assistance.

   • Website: Hire Heroes USA

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Until Next Time, Happy Holidays!

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter