Welcome to the Veteran’s Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• Veterans are struggling with resume and networking skills, here’s how the DoL is helping.

• Inflation is taking a toll on both military families and veterans.

• Maryland Governor Addresses His Bronze Star Claim.

• Changes in buyer-broker compensation, what vets looking to use VA home loan benefits need to know.

• VA resources for National Recovery Month.

• The tale of a Vietnam War hero.

• And more…

News of the Week

📰 Top Veteran Stories

Veterans Struggling with Resume and Networking Skills Turn to Off-Base Transition Training Program for Support

Veterans, not just recent ones, are increasingly turning to the Department of Labor’s Off-Base Transition Training Program for help with career advancement, including resume writing, networking, and transitioning to higher-paying jobs. 

The program, launched in 2022, has expanded to 37 cities and helped nearly 10,000 veterans in fiscal 2024 alone. Many participants who have been out of the military for over four years seek guidance on leveraging their military experience for new career opportunities. 

Assistant Secretary James Rodriguez emphasized connecting veterans to in-demand fields like microchip manufacturing. He highlighted the benefits veterans bring to employers, such as longevity and higher performance compared to nonveteran peers. The program is on track to reach 20 states by 2027, but continued expansion will require additional funding from Congress.

Inflation’s Toll on Military Families and Veterans: Financial Struggles and Support Resources

Military families are struggling with inflation, forcing them to cut back on essential spending like groceries, gas, and basic indulgences. On top of previous inflationary pressures, consumer prices have risen 3% from June 2023 to June 2024. Many families struggle to afford necessities, with some spending double on groceries compared to previous years. Veterans and active-duty service members report eliminating vacations, reducing food quality, and relying on food banks or community resources to make ends meet.

Inflation also affects housing, as rent and utilities rise, straining families’ budgets. Assistance from organizations like Army Emergency Relief, Military Family Advisory Network, and Operation Homefront provides critical financial support to military families, especially those facing unexpected expenses.

Veterans, too, are impacted by inflation, particularly those on fixed incomes. Veterans face similar financial hardships as prices rise for housing, food, and transportation, underscoring the need for ongoing support. Many organizations are stepping up to help veterans manage the high cost of living, ensuring they are not left behind in these difficult times.

📜 VBA Updates

Changes in Buyer-Broker Compensation: What Veterans Need to Know When Using VA Home Loan Benefits

A recent settlement involving the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has resulted in significant changes to buyer-broker fees in real estate transactions, effective Aug. 17, 2024. Veterans and service members using VA home loan benefits are particularly affected. Key changes include buyers now needing to sign written agreements with realtors before touring homes, which must outline the buyer-broker fee and services provided. 

Additionally, buyer-broker compensation will no longer be included in Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listings. In response, the VA has updated its policies to allow Veterans using VA home loans to pay specific buyer-broker fees, ensuring they remain competitive in the housing market. Veterans are encouraged to ask questions, negotiate fees, and understand how their VA benefits apply to their situation. 

The VA will continue to monitor the impact of these changes.

⚕️ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Updates

VA Resources for Veterans During National Recovery Month: Hope and Healing from Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) poses significant challenges to veterans, impacting their health, relationships, and careers. However, effective treatments are available. During National Recovery Month this September, the VA highlights year-round resources for veterans seeking recovery from unhealthy substance use and mental health challenges. 

The VA offers evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs, including therapy, medication, and harm-reduction tools like naloxone. Family members and friends are also encouraged to support veterans' recovery journey. There's always hope for a fulfilling life in recovery.

Veteran App of the Week

Tactical Breather App

The Tactical Breather app is a mobile application designed to help users, especially military personnel and veterans, manage stress and anxiety through controlled breathing techniques. The app provides guided breathing exercises to improve mental focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall emotional regulation in high-pressure situations.

Initially developed for tactical professionals like soldiers and law enforcement officers, the app is helpful in combat and civilian settings. It offers step-by-step instructions on how to use tactical breathing to calm the mind, making it a valuable tool for veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or everyday stress. The app focuses on simple, rhythmic breathing patterns to help users stay calm and clear in stressful environments.

The Tactical Breather app is part of the broader set of tools designed to improve mental health and well-being, particularly for veterans and first responders.

Military Deals of the Week

*We do not explicitly endorse any of these companies as we have not personally purchased from many of them. We are simply sharing online deals that we have found for your convenience.

• 20% Off: Bonobos

• 25% Off: Targus

• 15% Off: Shinola

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Donald E. Ballard

Donald Everett Ballard was born in Kansas City, MO, on Dec. 5, 1945. His early life was shaped by a sense of duty and community service, which led him to pursue a career in healthcare as a dental technician. However, financial constraints prevented him from attending college, so Ballard turned to the military for education and opportunities. In 1965, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained as a hospital corpsman, combining his interest in healthcare with his desire to serve his country.

Ballard’s military career took a pivotal turn when he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War. In December 1967, he was deployed to Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, where he served as a combat medic. His primary role was to provide medical care to Marines in the field, often in dangerous and life-threatening situations.

On May 16, 1968, during a firefight in Quang Tri Province, Ballard's unit came under heavy attack from North Vietnamese forces. While treating and evacuating wounded Marines, Ballard noticed an enemy grenade land near his position. Without hesitation, he threw himself onto the grenade to shield his comrades from the explosion. Miraculously, the grenade failed to detonate. Realizing the danger had passed, Ballard calmly picked up the grenade and threw it away, where it exploded harmlessly. He then resumed treating the wounded, demonstrating remarkable composure and bravery under fire.

Donald E. Ballard was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor for valor, for his extraordinary heroism and selfless dedication. President Richard Nixon presented the award to him on May 14, 1970, nearly two years after the event. Ballard's actions saved countless lives and embodied the courage and sacrifice required of service members in combat.

Following his Vietnam service, Ballard continued his military career by joining the Kansas Army National Guard in 1973. He rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a colonel in 2000. Ballard remained committed to his fellow soldiers throughout his service, serving as an ambulance platoon leader and company commander and establishing a medical detachment to support the Guard. He was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame in 2001.

Donald Ballard’s legacy as a Medal of Honor recipient is a testament to his bravery, selflessness, and commitment to saving lives. His actions during the Vietnam War and continued service in the National Guard remain an enduring example of heroism​.

Businesses That Support Veterans

Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs, founded in 2014, is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting veterans and military spouses in launching and growing businesses. It offers a variety of programs to help veterans transition into entrepreneurship, such as the Veterans in Residence, a six-month incubator program providing workspace, mentorship, and business development resources. 

Another critical initiative, Launch Lab Online, is a free, self-paced course designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the fundamentals of starting a business. Bunker Labs aims to empower veterans with the resources, community, and connections necessary to succeed in business.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every service member 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 defended these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being. 

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

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Until Next Time!

Stay tuned for next week’s edition, where we’ll cover more stories and policy updates and find tools & deals for the veteran community.

Thanks,

The Veterans Newsletter