Raquel Riley Thomas’ Post

Happy Wednesday to my fellow military #veterans out there. Today I got in a 3 mile walk to help me stay active. I know many veterans have a variety of struggles and it can be tough to stay active for many reasons. Do what you can to be better tomorrow than you are today. Whether it’s getting in a few more steps each day, reading a book, taking a college class, or whatever works for you. You’ll be better for it. What did you do today to improve in some capacity? #healthylifestyle #stayactive #wednesdayinspiration #militaryveterans #growthmindset #selfimprovement

Military service should be a first option for all who qualify. Why? Because a disciplined and robust workforce is crucial for a strong defense force at all levels. Active, Guard, or Reserve, all play a unique and equally important role in defending and protecting our nation. It's time to return the focus to training honorable, tough warriors and defenders of freedom. Train them to fight, win, and maintain the force at every level with the highest standards of integrity, selflessness, and humility. Every job in the Military is important, and every job in the civilian sector exists in the Military. It's time to credit full military service with the same zeal as a four-year degree. Let's press this to all we meet. These actions, in turn, will return more effective and disciplined veteran employees, elected leaders, and business owners who will step into corporate and political America at all levels to ensure the future of We the People shall endure and prosper #militarytransition #militarytechnology #militaryservice #NationalSecurity #Veterans #Discipline #Integrity #veteranemployment #veteranshelpingveterans #veteranjobs #departmentofdefense

You can do whatever you want. Those are the words I spoke to my oldest son this weekend. He recently separated from the Navy - after having served aboard the Eisenhower as a Nuke. What he’s going to do next, he doesn’t know. And you know what? That’s ok. Do any form of scrolling on LinkedIn and you’re bound to run into a “transitioning military specialist.” Or a company who does nothing but help transitioning vets. Or former veterans who attempt to sway you one way or the other on how to do things. All great resources. Sometimes. People flock to them because they think they don’t know what to do. Do you know what all of them have in common? They only transitioned from the military one time. It’s a singular experience. Unless you continue to go back and forth, it’s something you’ll only do once. And there is no right and wrong. It’s what YOU want. Don’t let a single person, military transitioning influencer, or bot tell you what you HAVE to do. Least of all me. Do you. Trust yourself. The military didn’t build confidence in you for nothing. Stay caffeinated. Aerial Resupply Coffee® #veterans #coffee #military #transitioningmilitary #marketing #veteranshelpingveterans

📈 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨; 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩! 🚀 At True North Advisory LLC, we believe everyone deserves access to tailored financial services and support to help them realize their business goals and dreams. As Veterans, Military Personnel, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Personnel, you’ve dedicated your lives to protecting and serving others. Now, it’s time to focus on your financial future. Time flies, and your dreams shouldn’t wait. With our expert guidance and personalized strategies, we help you navigate the financial landscape, ensuring you’re always on the path to success. 🌟 Let us help you soar towards your business goals and secure the future you deserve. 🌟 📅 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 and take the first step towards financial freedom. #TrueNorthAdvisory #FinancialFreedom #Veterans #Military #FirstResponders #FinancialServices #DreamBig #TailoredSupport

December is always that time of the year when parents are faced with having difficult discussions with their children and I don't mean the one about santa claus being real but with the Army-Navy game next week, "what is the difference between the Army and Navy and all the other branches?" I have had numerous requests to share this diagram once again since it has helped countless parents navigate this complex question. Required Disclaimers: 1.) I do not take credit for the creation of this visual aid since it was shared with me 2.) I support every branch of the military... yes even the Coast Guard and Space Force 3.) This diagram has not been approved by DOD (Dept of Defense) 4.) It can also be used as a coloring tool for Marines before meals. However, it is highly recommended that you do not give them crayons but a marker which would not be considered edible 5.) This post is for comedy relief only 6.) No animals were harmed during the making of this post #beatnavy #singsecond #veterans #armynavygame

Someone recently asked me if "Happy Veterans Day" is the right term. I am obviously not the judge here, but I see why people ask – there's something odd about putting "happy" next to military service. I had a phenomenal experience serving in the U.S. Army – I was able to pay for college, I went through incredible training, I learned leadership from the best, I worked with dedicated, loyal, and diverse service members, and I also happened to meet my husband, who I happen to like quite a lot. But military service is also connected to global conflict, to physical and emotional trauma for those who serve and also, the countries where conflicts rage. I'm going to punt the question of what's the right saying because I don't know and I think it misses the larger opportunity, which is to get to know someone who served and learn more about their experience. If you're looking for ways to open a conversation, here are a few: 1. What brought you to military service? 2. I'd love to learn about the people you served with – what were they like? 3. What kind of job did you do in uniform? Nothing revolutionary, just an opportunity to have a conversation and learn more about this part of someone's experience. #veterans #veteransday

In a constant state of transition. Many have said, and I do believe this to be true, that veterans tend to live in a continuing state of transition after leaving the military. There are many reasons for this. Here are a few: ❌ Looking for job satisfaction ❌ Letting go of the "nomad" lifestyle of continuously moving every couple years ❌ Uncovering something "new" that is an adjustment from service ❌ Sense of purpose ❌ Invisible wounds ...and there are so many more. I'm here to say this is normal. Many veterans go through this. How do you handle it? 🤔 There are two things I am specifically doing to help myself. ✅ Constantly talking with my family about the "weird" things I experience and think about. My wife and I have been together over 25 years, she knows me better than I know myself at times. ✅ Find a way to give back. I have joined local organizations that I believe in and that I want to contribute to. It's rewarding work that makes a difference in someone's life. Don't feel weird and don't think your alone if you feel like you're in a constant state of transition. It's something many of us live every day. You have battle buddies out here going through the same thing, reach out and let's talk. #vetsos #veteran #veterans #veteranshelpingveterans #veterantransition #military #militaryspouse #militaryspouses #militarytransition #transitioningservicemember #transitioningmilitary #transitioningveteran

Veterans Day. Almost invariably, if it comes up that I was in the Army, I will hear “thank you for your service.” The reality is that the Army probably thanked me for leaving its service. I was far from a model lieutenant. Don’t let my countenance in this picture fool you. For those of us born in the 40’s, 50’s and even the early 60’s, we grew up in a world permeated with veterans. Thirteen million served in WWII, about 10% of the country’s total population. In the decades following virtually everyone had some connection to military service. That connection is not there anymore. The other day I saw a piece on the news which cited a survey showing 70% of young veterans are not comfortable with this reflexive expression of thanks. The Marine turned Congressman being interviewed commented that that was likely because most people lack any genuine understanding of military service - nominally good intentions notwithstanding. He called it right. Among the affluent and educated - the elite, if you will - few have served and there are many who know no friends or family members who have served. More than a few times, I have heard peers say that they would never want their children to be in the military. Those same people no doubt thank veterans for their service. If my fellow professionals are not willing to defend us, who will? We live in a dangerous world - and it’s especially scary right now. For students of history, it’s not hard to see how the current situation in the Middle East, Ukraine and the Pacific could spiral into a world war. We can’t simply “outsource” the defense of our country to “other people” - people not like us and with whom we not only have no connection, but not much understanding either. As a society, we must share our burdens. Whether we can or will do so remains to be seen. #veterans #veteransday #military #service

We have 3 Active Duty bases here in Military City USA, so as you may guess we do ALOT of Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims here in Bexar County. The joke in every military town is "Where is Mr. 100%" when people are looking for help. I hate to be the one that spoils it for you, but Mr 100% is a myth! 🤣 However, a VSO is beneficial to ensure that you are submitting the best claim possible. In the end, a VSO cannot make evidence appear out of thin air. The slides I attached can help anyone still on Active Duty to prepare ahead of time. The biggest mistake we see is that your average Veteran does not document things that well, so time is their biggest enemy when leaving Active Duty. 🕙

Taking green *out* of your yard?! It's not as crazy as you think! Moving With The Military Founder and Newrez partner, Maria Reed, shows us how removing some green from your lawn could actually be a good thing. We're talking weeds, of course! 👉 Check out the handy tips in this video 📝 #Newrez #MovingWithTheMilitary #YardWork #CurbAppeal