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Hello, my brothers and sisters of other mothers – military, Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors - and those who support or advocate for them.
Greetings from 30-thousand feet over Ohio (Kentucky?), returning from Texas after participating in Reda’s truly remarkable and wholly-authentic military family event at the Texas Lyceum. (Watch for updates on social media…)
Welcome to the 101st (102nd?) edition - an abbreviated one at that (no. really.) - of the Rosemary Report, because everyone is swamped with Veterans Day emails, messages and activities. So, when you have a moment later, since I need to finish before we land, please check out the great orgs that I have to slide to the next missive including, NMFA, MCEC, TAPS, UTR BSF, MSAN, just to name a few.
Note: Just because this is briefer doesn’t mean it’s going to be neater.
Remember, this info is meant for you to share, share, share with your own coconut telegraphs, tribes, FRGs, networks, through social media, emails, e-newsletters, to whomever, wherever.
The usual housekeeping items:
· No last names to protect the innocent
· GTK means Good to Know
The moment these missives are not helpful to you, please opt out. (My feelings will not be hurt, but we will miss you!)
Foam the runway…
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
Here’s a unique opportunity to watch history (and sausage) being made. The Senate will hold a meeting in the Russell Senate Office Building on Tuesday, 14 November at 1500 to (take a deep breath) break the Tuberville logjam. This could be the event we (especially 350 families) have been waiting for. Come to DC and watch in-person (no. really.) Watch parties are also encouraged.
WHY NOT?
Check out the list of hundreds of Veterans Day discounts, free meals and services available to you this week! Restaurants, haircuts, bed and breakfasts, car washes, spas, travel and more! While not an exhaustive list, many discounts are listed here.
GTK: Exclamation points are VA’s not this e-newsletter author’s, as she believes they are crutches…like profanity. Just sayin’
GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
There is seemingly no end to the entities that use MFAN’s survey results to adjust policies, enact laws, in order to better support and empower military families in new and important ways. Bringing the housing issue forward? MFAN survey. Food insecurity out of a whispered-problem to the front? MFAN.
It couldn’t be easier to get involved – use this link to share with your groups: milfanet.org/surveypartner
A MUST READ
Long-recovering journalist and exceptional writer, Terese, completed a remarkable literary accomplishment after a 16 year toil, Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose a book about our community’s beloved Greg, wounded warrior, motivator, movie actor, inspiration. Prepare to be dazzled.
ONE MORE…
"Battle Scars" begins with “what is unquestionably the most jaw-dropping story” former network correspondent, Chip, who writes about being embedded with a front-line Marine battalion in 2003 - but the heart of the book is about how the war changed the lives of those Marines and their families over the 20 years since they came home -- for better and for worse.
GTK: Spoiler alert – the book highlights PTG – Post Traumatic Growth – a no-kidding happy ending to those with PTS who seek professional help.
DID YOU KNOW…
There are many Veterans and family members who are eligible but not taking advantage of services that are covered by VA. Check to see if you or someone you know is eligible for any of the four health care benefit programs for Veterans’ family members and dependents (beneficiaries). Read all about it here.
COMMISSARIES
Are still open.
LEGAL SUPPORT
The group of milspouse #BadAss lawyers at MSJDN offer much, including;
· State licensing advocacy, enabling military spouse attorneys to continue practicing law through countless military moves by advocating for state-level licensing reciprocity;
· Homefront to Hired, dedicated to developing career opportunities for military spouses; and
· Justice for Military Families, bringing pro bono legal services to Gold Star families and veterans.
NOTHING TO SEE HERE…
VA will not be collecting on debts after they discovered overpayments of pensions to low-income veterans or their survivors. Stuff happens. Please reassure those who may think they are impacted. More info here.
HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY
We see him almost every time we go to the Commissary – he is stocking shelves with his gnarled hands and slow, labored movements. A permanent stoop belies any discomfort but his Vietnam Veteran ballcap offers a hint of where he has been. He rarely initiates a hello but will reply if you’re close enough for him to hear you. And when you are close enough, you will hear a few mutterings and observations but also passages from the Code of Conduct.
“…If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades…”
Maybe he does it to pass the time, maybe to keep his brain exercised, maybe because it helps to feel a part of something larger than what he does nowadays. It is as if no one can hear or is listening, but we can and we are.
The Commissary is one of the places where the military-connected can understand the human endeavor, human nature that comes with military service – customs or behavior that wouldn’t fit in anywhere else. Behavior that brings kindness, a smile of understanding and appreciation or an outstretched hand.
Whether military, Veteran, family member , caregiver or survivor – watch and listen for those who may need to feel as though they are still part of a community. Isolation is often the leading causal factor for failing physical or mental health, what the experts call maladaptive coping or worse – suicidal ideation.
Reach out to a Veteran who may not expect it from you and wish them a happy Veterans Day. One word, a hello or small favor can make all the difference.
Keep me posted on what is going on with you!
Yours in the fight for good,
Rosemary
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