Sanford Health’s Post

ICYMI: My father served 20 years on active duty and retired from the Navy as a Commander; my husband Aaron, served 34 years in the Coast Guard and retired as a Captain. I know how challenging the transition from active duty to civilian life can be - I’ve witnessed it firsthand. For disabled veterans, the process is even more daunting and their caregivers play an important role in the process. Many caregivers are family members or loved ones who take time out of their daily lives to do this much needed work. But right now, caregivers are struggling. 86% of caregivers say their responsibilities have affected their work or education, and only 21% say they feel they can comfortably retire. It’s clear that they need more support! I'm proud that our Easterseals Affiliates are working so hard to support veterans and military families and the caregivers who play such a key role in their lives. But we can only get veterans and their caregivers part of the way to complete success; we need employers to be active partners in this work. When this work integrates with the support and services that many nonprofits provide, we can create a future where veterans and their caregivers feel supported and their service to our nation is recognized and valued. (Captain Aaron C. Davenport, USCG, retired picuted) Read more: https://hubs.li/Q02w7pb20

🌟 Transitioning Beyond the Uniform 🌟 The journey from military to civilian life is a profound one, no matter if it's after six months or four decades in service. The echoes of concern and anxiety about this change are loud and clear in the conversations I have. For some, there's ample time to prepare, yet for others, especially those facing medical retirements, the clock ticks with urgency and without their consent. Amidst this pivotal transition, the sheer volume of opportunities can be overwhelming, transforming potential guides into a cacophony of choices. TAP classes, designed to ease this journey, often become a blur in a sea of information. Yet, in this complexity, I find my purpose. I'm here to light the path for our Sailors and Coast Guardsmen as they navigate through this maze of opportunities. My goal? To help them identify the resources that align with their unique aspirations, personalities, and needs. It's a reminder that, while I'm here to support, the power to shape their future remains in their hands. Let's embark on this journey together, transforming challenges into stepping stones towards a fulfilling civilian life. Your next chapter is just beginning, and I'm here to ensure it starts on the right foot. 🚀💼 #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #NewBeginnings #Empowerment

The need to relocate every couple of years is one of the challenges of military life, often unseen by those outside the service. For #militaryspouses, it's a recurring cycle of starting anew, impacting not just their personal lives, but also their careers: The unemployment rate for military spouses is five times higher than the national average. At Resource Hero, we've implemented three policies in support of military spouses and their families: - #FlexibleWork hours - Paid/permissive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) leave - Fully #RemoteWork To learn more about how these policies can not only help address military spouse unemployment but also have a direct impact on our national security, read about the 4+1 Commitment, a joint effort between Blue Star Families and Hiring Our Heroes: https://lnkd.in/gSvXs4nB

Essential Insights for Veterans One recurring theme we hear, especially after wrapping up our VetOps monthly workshop, is the drastic shift veterans experience after leaving the military. In the military, everything is provided—housing, childcare, groceries—all within reach on base. One veteran from Nashville shared how he never had to leave the base for anything. When transitioning to civilian life, veterans face the new challenge of managing housing, bills, and more independently. This change is significant whether you're leaving the corporate world for entrepreneurship or transitioning from military to civilian careers. Understanding and preparing for these shifts is crucial for a successful transition. Are you a veteran seeking guidance in navigating this new landscape? Learn more about us on ATLVets website! #Veterans #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment

If you are separating or retiring from the military, do not disregard continued federal service. If you are separating, your time in the service counts toward your retirement as a GS employee. It’s a process called buying back your time. CPS is the highest hiring preference and awards 10 points for veterans that are at or above 30% disabled. CP is another 10 point award but lower the CPS in ranking that is for veterans with less then 30% but more the 10% disability rating. TP is assigned to veterans and awards 5 hiring preference points for veterans that have served during certain periods or were awarded campaign service medals. The jobs we have done in the military offer us the opportunity to combine our education and experience to be hired at higher GS grades. Veterans who have been hired as a GS through usajob.gov, what advice do you have? #veterans #gs #usajobs #military #militarytransition

Honoring Our Home Heroes: A Grateful Salute on Veterans Day Today, we stand united to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have selflessly dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms and upholding the values we hold dear. On this Veterans Day, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the real-life superheroes – our veterans. 🌟 Courage Beyond Measure: Veterans embody the essence of courage, facing challenges and adversity with unparalleled strength. Their unwavering commitment to duty serves as an inspiration to us all. 🤝 A Nation's Debt of Gratitude: As we enjoy the liberties and opportunities afforded to us, it's crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our veterans. Their commitment to service has shaped the very fabric of our nation, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. 🎗️ Recognizing Sacrifice: Behind every uniform is a story of sacrifice – missed milestones, time away from loved ones, and the physical and emotional toll of service. Veterans Day serves as a poignant reminder that freedom comes at a price, paid by those who have stood on the front lines. 🙏 A Heartfelt Thank You: Today, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the heroes who have served in times of peace and conflict. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and your sacrifices have not been in vain. You are the backbone of our nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful. United in Gratitude: recognizing the diversity of our armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Each branch has played a vital role in safeguarding our freedom, and we honor the collective strength of our military. 🎉 Celebrating Resilience: Veterans Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a celebration of resilience. It's a day to honor those who have faced adversity head-on, emerged stronger, and continued to contribute to society in meaningful ways. 🤝 Supporting Veterans: As we express our gratitude, let's commit to supporting our veterans in their transition to civilian life. Employment opportunities, mental health resources, and community support can make a significant impact post-service journey. Thank you again for your service. #veteransday #thankyouforyourservice #thankyouveterans

Every year around this time, I take a moment to reflect on all the brothers and sisters I've met, both in the service and out of the service, compile my own experiences and thoughts about military service, and ponder what Veteran's Day truly means to me. In my younger years, it was more or less a time to thank those who have worn the uniform and sacrificed, in many different ways, to ensure our country and the freedoms ensured to those who live in it endure. At times, it feels like both of those are tested. I often wonder if this will just be how it is in this country. However, as I grow and as I've experienced the painful growth in this country, I would be remiss if I didn't say that Veteran's Day is more than just thanking those who defended our country this time every year. As a veteran myself, I often struggle with the awkwardness of being thanked. It isn't that I don't have the belief that everyone who says that is more than welcome and deserving, but it puts the focus on me rather than the whole. Rather than the reason we served and why those who are serving serve now. Instead, we should use this Veteran's Day to do some introspection. We should take a moment and ask ourselves, "Are we using our freedoms to the fullest and ensuring what was given to us is not wasted?" Are we petitioning our government for what we believe? Are we voting at every level? Are we sharing ideas with our countrymen not to compete or argue who is right but to actualize a better nation? Are we holding up our end of the bargain, where veterans do their part to ensure we have the ability to be the best nation we can be? As a veteran, that would be the best thank you I could ever receive. The hardships all of us have endured, regardless of combat service, medals, job type, years served, branch served in, or any of the various experiences one could have, should not be done in vain. Just like the brutality seen in this post's photo. It should be for something and we, as Americans, have a duty to honor that sacrifice. #veteransday2023 #veterans #thankyouforyourservice #militaryappreciation

Did you know #veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and #GoldStar Families can obtain a free lifetime pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites? Veterans can present one of four forms of acceptable ID (Department of Defense ID Card, Veteran Health ID (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or ID card) at participating federal recreation areas that normally charge an entrance fee. Gold Star Families can obtain information, self-certify they qualify, and download a voucher on NPS.gov Every year, the #NationalParkService offers free entry for all visitors on #VeteransDay (November 11). In addition to the fee waiver, national parks will offer programs, hikes, and other activities. Many national parks have direct connections to the American #military—dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and the freedoms that our veterans protect. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dhJs6jh

If you have seen a Penn Medicine advertisement lately you may have heard us asking: "What's next?" When a Veteran transitions out of the Military, they ask themselves EXACTLY that - "What's next?" If you are a Veteran, member of the Guard or Reserve, or a Family member, I would like to invite you to join Penn Medicine's growing employee Veteran community. Click the QR code below or message me to connect with a recruiter to discuss the MOS transferrable careers available now at Penn Medicine. #veterans #pennmedicine #whatsnext #veteranfriendly

As a proud veteran, I understand the journey of serving our country and the aspirations that follow, especially the pursuit of home ownership. 🏡💙 I've walked the path you're on now, navigating the transition from military service to civilian life. The dream of a home to call your own is not just a goal; it's a well-deserved triumph. Every step in the military has shaped my commitment to guiding fellow service members on their path to home ownership. 🤝💼 Whether you're still in uniform or embracing civilian life, let's make your dream home a reality together. Your service deserves a place to call home. 🏠 #VeteranHomeownership #DreamHomeJourney #ProudToServe