MAY 2023
Helping Veterans
build rewarding careers
& meaningful lives
  1. Mission Moment
  2. Staff Spotlight
  3. Workshop Highlight
  4. Events/ Training
  5. Contact SSV
MISSION MOMENT: How Your Support is Helping Veterans
When it Rains...
The past few years have brought a series of unexpected tragedies into Dee Dee’s life. An OIF Veteran and former Army Medic, trained to succeed in difficult situations, now finds herself overwhelmed. These events left her crying "What did I do wrong? Why me?"

First, her husband (also a Veteran) was diagnosed with dementia. Initially, she was able to work while he attended adult daycare, but COVID ended this service and left her as his sole, around-the-clock caregiver. As his illness progressed, he was admitted to the hospital for an extended time prior to his passing. That same week she received more devastating news, she had cancer.

Dee Dee had hoped to return to work, spend time with her children, and find a new normal without her husband, but that proved impossible now. The extensive medical and burial costs had depleted their finances and she now had a new person to care for, herself.
 
For the past 6 months, she has battled cancer and it has taken a toll on her body, devastated any remaining finances, and strained her relationships. She can no longer pay for her home, her car, or the needs of her children... “There just weren’t any more people to ask for help, until I talked to SSV.”
Still Serving Veterans is offering Dee Dee help in several ways; a VA Counselor is assisting her with filing a new VA disability claim, possibly identifying much-needed (and earned) benefits; however, this process could take several months, her Career Counselor is looking for new roles after her treatments, and our Veteran Resource Coordinator has brought together an army of people and community organizations to not only move furniture but to move mountains bringing Dee Dee safely to a place where she can focus on her health and start to dream of a new future. 
This is what Homelessness can look like. Dee Dee says goodbye to all of her belongings as she packs up the home she knew with her husband and children, and moves it into storage, unsure when the boxes will be opened again.
On the side of the moving van was the poignant question, 'Where Will U Go Next?' Yes, Dee Dee is officially Homeless right now, but she has hope. Like so many Veterans, she is a fighter, ready to battle cancer and ready to start over, out of the shadow of mounting debt. With a little luck and support, she hopes to see the sunshine at the end of this very stormy period in her life.
"Huge Thanks" from Dee Dee to VFW 2702, NAVFOC, & American Legion 237.
Veteran impact like this would not be possible without the recent gifts in support of SSV's North Alabama Veterans Resource Connections services, provided by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, the Paulette Risher Fund, and Redstone Thrift Shop.  
VA and Resource services are only available at our Huntsville, AL office. Career & Transition services offered nationally.
Staff Spotlight:
Steve Johnson of WHNT News 19’s Leadership Perspectives sat down with SSV's CEO, Retired Rear Admiral Rich Landolt to discuss how we're helping Veterans. WATCH NOW
Welcome Kiley Salmon, SSV's new Marketing & Communications Associate. She is a Military Spouse and long-time advocate for Veterans.
Welcome Arneda “Mo” Jackson, US Navy Veteran and our newest Veteran Career & Transition Counselor located in the Phenix City, AL office.
Be the Beat!
SSV staff recently took part in Hands-Only CPR training. Learn how you can save a life with CPR.
Workshop Highlight:
JUN 22 – Interview Skills Workshop (Virtual/no-cost)
"When it comes to interviewing, Veterans are already 50% ready. We understand how to be professional and confident in unknown territory. This Interviewing Workshop covers the remaining 50%, which provides reassurance and helps Veterans understand that interview questions are seeking specific content in their responses." - Instructor Kate Vogel McCray, ACT, Veteran Career and Transition Services Program Manager, Still Serving Veterans, Major (Retired), U.S. Army - REGISTER
Sep. 15 Event - Sponsorship Opportunities OPEN Now - LEARN MORE
Oct. 12 Event - Sponsorship & Team Registration OPEN Now - LEARN MORE
Huntsville, AL Veterans, get recognized at HC Football Club home games - REGISTER
JOB FAIRS & TRAINING: NEVER A FEE at SSV! LEARN MORE
Sign up to take any of our no-cost career preparation workshops to get ready for the civilian job market, or meet one-on-one with a Veteran counselor for Career Assistance.
All of our services are offered at no cost to the Veterans and employers we serve through the generosity of individuals, corporations, community partners and other benefactors like The Call of Duty Endowment.
Empowering Veterans to find fulfilling post-military careers and build meaningful lives they love.
Tell your Veteran friends about our services!
P.S. Stay in touch!
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866-778-4645