Different Military Medals Veterans Can Earn

If you’ve ever walked by a military member wearing their dress uniform, you might have wondered what their medals and ribbons mean. There are hundreds of military decorations and awards, each with its history and significance. Although some of these are easier to identify, here are six significant awards you can easily spot.

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest award given to US service members. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Since the medal was first created during the Civil War, it has only been given to those who have shown extraordinary bravery in battle. There are three different versions of the award, and all of its recipients are provided it by the president.

Distinguished Service Cross

The Medal of America is given to individuals who have shown exceptional courage and bravery in combat. The second-highest award for military service is the Distinguished Service Cross. President Woodrow Wilson established the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918 to recognize the sacrifices made by US troops during the First World War. Before the Air Force Cross was established in 1960, it was also given to members of the Army Air Forces.

Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is the second-highest award that’s given to members of the military. It’s also shown to individuals who have displayed extraordinary bravery in combat. The Navy Cross was established in 1919 to recognize the actions of those who served during the First World War. It’s given to individuals who exhibited extraordinary bravery in combat.

Air Force Cross

The Air Force Cross is a prestigious military award for service members who have distinguished themselves in combat. In 1960, the Air Force Cross was established to recognize the actions of individuals who displayed extraordinary bravery in combat. Some individuals who have received this award include George Day, a World War II veteran, and John Chapman, an airman posthumously granted the Medal of Honor.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Besides the Air Force, other military branches also have awards for service members who display extraordinary bravery in action. The Air Force’s Distinguished Flying Cross can be given to members of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and DHS for actions while flying. The Air Force Cross was established in 1926 to honor outstanding military service. Some individuals who have received this award include former President George HW Bush and Thomas Stafford, an astronaut who commanded the Apollo 10 mission.

Purple Heart Medal

The Purple Heart is often confused with other awards given by the US military due to its long history. In 1782, President George Washington established the prize as the “Badge of Military Merit.” It was initially meant to be given to soldiers who exhibited extraordinary bravery in battle. The award was initially given to enlisted soldiers and non-commissioning officers for their military service. This was a revolutionary idea since most awards were given to officers.

Resources for Female Veterans

Veterans can be faced with numerous challenges upon ending their years of service to their countries. Some of these challenges differ depending on what they experienced, where they are relocating to, and even their gender. Female veterans might experience challenges to a different degree upon returning home. Discover some of the resources available to female veterans below.

GRACE AFTER FIRE

Through its programs, Grace After Fire provides support and resources to female veterans who are returning from active duty. They are able to re-engage with their families and communities in a more supported way through the help of this organization.

NATIONAL WOMEN VETERANS UNITED (ILLINOIS)

NWVU’s goal is to provide female veterans with the necessary information and resources to make informed decisions regarding their VA benefits. It also aims to help them avoid experiencing homelessness and provide them with the necessary resources to secure a safe and secure shelter. To ensure that the services provided to female veterans are adequate, NWVU advocates for better delivery of these services in various federal, state, and local government agencies. It also monitors the distribution of housing vouchers.

SERVICE WOMEN’S ACTION NETWORK

Through its various programs and initiatives, the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) has been able to help female veterans and servicewomen of all eras improve their access to various benefits and opportunities. It also educates policymakers about the issues that affect them.

FATIGUES TO FABULOUS

The national campaign “F2F” was created to support female veterans and those who serve in the military. It aims to help raise awareness about the various issues that female service members face when they return home. It was supported by three non-profit organizations: The Society for Women’s Health Research, Grace After Fire, and Business and Professional Women’s Foundation.

The goal of the campaign is to help women successfully transition into civilian life and navigate the healthcare system. Through its partners, F2F has been able to provide various job training skills such as resume writing and interviewing techniques.

For decades, returning home has presented women with a variety of services and forms. The challenges they face can range from housing to employment. The campaign F2F was created to honor the mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, and other relatives who have served in the military.

ACADEMY WOMEN

Academy Women is a non-profit organization that provides programs and resources to female officers from the various officer development programs in the US. The organization brings together former and current female military officers, cadets, and midshipmen who are committed to its mission. Through a global network, they hope to provide their members with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their careers and communities.

Great TED Talks That Veterans Should Check Out

Veterans consist of some of the greatest men and women in our country, with each giving a portion of their lives in order to protect the United States. Some see active duty, others don’t, and regardless of this, veterans often struggle to transition back to civilian life. They might have a hard time finding a job, or perhaps they were injured during their service and are struggling with that. Others struggle with mental health problems. The treatment of veterans is something we’re constantly looking at and trying to solve, and there have been some great TED Talks that also discuss problems facing veterans. Let’s take a look.

A New Mission For Veterans: Disaster Relief – Jake Wood

According to a survey, over 90% of US veterans want to continue serving their country once they’re discharged. At the same time, natural disasters constantly affect the world and change people’s lives. In response to this, Jake Wood, the CEO of the nonprofit organization Team Rubicon, talks about how veterans can help with the response to disasters. He also talked about the importance of having a sense of community and self-worth, something many veterans tend to seek once returning to civilian life.

Deaf In The Military – Keith Nolan

For Keith Nolan, the goal of becoming a US military member was always at the top of his list. Unfortunately, due to being deaf, he was automatically disqualified from the military. In this talk, he talks about his experiences finding ways to fight for his country when his country wouldn’t let him. His experience includes two years of ROTC, becoming a teacher and guiding other like-minded students, and founding the Maryland School for the Dead Cadet Corps.

The Military Case For Sharing Knowledge – Stanley McChrystal

During his time leading the US military’s efforts against al Qaeda in 2003, General Stanley McChrystal was able to rely on information and secrets to make his decisions. However, after the unconventional battle that he was involved in, he started to believe that the culture of keeping classified information was counterproductive. In his talk, McChrystal discussed the importance of actively sharing knowledge.

How To Talk To Veterans About War – Wes Moore

When Wes Moore joined the US Army, he initially did it in order to pay for college. However, his experience became so important to him that he decided to write his book “The Other Wes Moore.” In this talk, he discusses the shock of returning home from Afghanistan and how it affected him. He also talks about the importance of asking other veterans to share their stories.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.net

Great Books That Veterans Can Enjoy This Summer

Memorial Day was a few weeks ago, and while this article might be a little late, I thought I’d write about a few great military books that veterans might enjoy. There are countless military books available to read out there, from exciting fictional tales to non-fiction, first-person accounts to actual military operations from throughout history. If you’re a veteran looking for something to read, or maybe someone who wants to better understand the veterans in your life, try reading one of these great books.

A Hard and Heavy Thing – Matthew Hefti

After nearly a decade of war, Levi, an army sergeant, is contemplating suicide. He has been through a lot, and he has come to the point where he can no longer justify his actions. In one of his most tragic decisions, he made a fatal mistake that led to the deaths of three soldiers and injured two others. He risked his life to save his best friend Nick, who was disfigured and badly burned. Despite being awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Iraq, the guilt he carried after that day still lingered. When Levi returns home and begins to spiral out of control, Nick must step in and save him.

Redeployment – Phil Klay

In Phil Klay’s Redeployment, readers are invited to take a look at the war in Afghanistan and Iraq through the eyes of the soldiers who went through these conflicts. The characters’ struggles with guilt, fear, and brutality are all part of a larger story that asks us to understand what happened to them. In “Redeployment,” a soldier has to learn what it’s like to return to domestic life after having to kill dogs for eating human corpses, all while being surrounded by people who don’t understand what he’s been through at all.

Why Marines Fight – James Brady

For over two centuries, the US Marines have been regarded as some of the most admired warriors in the world. In James Brady’s The Marines, he tackles the subject head-on, and he interviews some of the most prominent and experienced combat marines from various wars, including the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Through his interviews, Brady was able to gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who served their country. Brady’s interviews allowed him to create an authentic portrayal of the American story, which is told through the eyes of the soldiers. Americans who can experience this part of a soldier’s life will find it hard to forget.

The Ha-Ha – Dave King

After suffering from PTSD from his experience in Vietnam, Howard Kapostash is now middle-aged and lives a lonely life. He avoids contact with people due to his inability to speak, read, or write, but when his former high school friend enters a drug rehabilitation center, he begins to open up. His former classmate’s son is the only friend he has, and he begins to feel like a father figure.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.net

The Best Podcasts For Home Improvement Enthusiasts

Getting into home improvement can be an amazing experience. Maybe you figured out how to fix that leaky faucet in your kitchen all by yourself and now you want to start fixing everything in the house. Or perhaps you bought a new home that also happens to be a fixer-upper, so you need to start renovating if you want it to be a comfortable home. There are loads of reasons to get into do-it-yourself home improvement, and if you’re looking to easily learn more as you go about your day, a home improvement podcast might be exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some of the best home improvement podcasts out there today.

Young House Love

For those who love home renovation, this podcast is a great way to keep up with all the latest trends and learn more about the projects that are happening in the market. John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love created a new podcast to talk about their DIY home renovation projects in Virginia, while also touching on trends in design and the digital world.

The Money Pit Home Improvement Show

The Money Pit Home Improvement Show is a nationally syndicated call-in radio program that covers all the latest home improvement and decor topics. It’s also a great way to get in touch with other people who are interested in the same. Unsure of how to install new power outlets? Maybe you’re looking into re-doing your floors. Have no fear, as The Money Pit is here to help you out.

Fix It 101

You need to fix a leaky faucet, but you’re not sure where to start. The hosts of the podcast, which is called “Fix It 101,” tackle various home improvement projects that can be done by yourself, even if you’re an amateur at these things. They cover practically every home improvement topic, from leaky faucets to installing a wall mount for your new TV. They even discuss whether or not it’s a project that you should hire a professional for.

Fix It Home Improvement

This podcast covers a variety of home improvement topics, including kitchen and garden repairs, as well as storage and garage organization. Topics such as grass seed, wood-burning stoves, and pocket knives have also been covered. You can find this show pretty much wherever you can download podcasts: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music, or wherever you want to listen to them.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.com

Great Podcasts For Veterans In 2022

One of the best ways to keep up with what’s going on with military veterans all around the country is to check out some military podcasts. If you don’t know what a podcast is, it’s essentially a talk radio show that you can listen to on the internet. That means all you really need is a computer or your cellphone. There are dozens of great podcasts for military veterans, by military veterans that talk about news in the world of veterans, as well as share entertaining or inspiring stories about their time in the military or as a veteran. But where to start? Here are a few great podcasts about veterans.

Frontlines of Freedom

This weekly talk show hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Denny Gillem, known for his experience as a combat veteran, covers a variety of topics, including military readiness, homeland security, and veteran activities. The show features guests such as cabinet members, admirals, and generals. Aside from regular guests, the show also features discussions with other prominent individuals such as politicians and military officers.

Veterans Helping Veterans

Veterans Helping Veterans aims to help veterans navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs claims and regulations. It features guest speakers from various veteran organizations and the private sector who discuss the ways in which the system works, as well as discussing the way these systems can be improved.

American Heroes Network

The show features guests from various organizations and groups that are working to make a difference in the lives of US veterans. It also talks about topics such as helping those who have been severely injured while serving our country, as well as providing homes for our troops. American Heroes Network airs weekly, and each episode is about an hour long.

Talking With Heroes

Over the years, Bob Calvert, host of Talking With Heroes, has interviewed thousands of individuals, including military personnel, Gold Star families, veterans, military support groups and so much more. Each episode features interviews with a large bevy of American heroes, with each interview delving into their military experiences, as well as what life has been like after leaving the military.

This article was originally published on ChuckSchmalzried.net

7 Civilian Career Paths for Veterans

Getting back into the workforce can be a daunting task for many military veterans. One of the most common concerns they have is finding a job that honors their skills and experiences. According to Navy Federal, more than 250,000 military veterans enter the workforce each year. These are a few of the top fields that military veterans transition into after their service is up.

HEALTHCARE

The healthcare industry is a rewarding and mission-focused field that allows former service members to channel their skills into a rewarding career. Some of the most common fields that veterans can pursue in this industry are hospital operations, logistics, and medical research.

Read the full blog here.

VA Health Care and Medicare: Should You Enroll in Both?

VA health care is an integrated system providing care at selected facilities. It is a health care system for those who left active military service in honorable conditions.

Medicare is a U.S federal government-funded national healthcare program that gives coverage to people who are 65 years old or older but do not have health insurance. Younger persons with specified diseases or eligibility qualifications also benefit from Medicare.

Each healthcare system has doctors, facilities, and pharmacies that should serve its members to get treatment at subsidized rates. Sometimes there is an overlap between the types of health care needs that both plans cover.

There is a provision to allow those in VA Health Care to enroll in Medicare without renouncing the former. Many veterans are eligible. Is there a need to enroll in both VA health care and Medicare?

Reasons to enroll in VA Health Care and Medicare

Guarantee of coverage

It is not a guarantee the government will fund VA Health Care. The Department of Veterans Affairs submits a budget, but it guarantees that the federal government will allocate the requested amount. Beneficiaries receive a reduced coverage if government appropriates a lower budget. Some veterans in the lower priority group might lose their coverage.

Wider coverage

VA restricts coverage to care by doctors and hospitals within the veterans’ community care program. VA members widen their coverage by joining both VA health care and Medicare. It saves them from paying medical expenses from their pocket for care at a non-VA facility, even during an emergency. They also get an alternative to healthcare at a subsidized price if they live far from VA facilities.

Safeguards against penalties

VA coverage may end at some point when a veteran passes age 65 or decides to concentrate on Medicare. The veterans who lose their VA coverage before signing up for Medicare Part B wait for a period before getting coverage unless they have other insurance paid by an employer or another source. The waiting period without coverage can lead to penalties that Medicare adds permanently to Part B premiums.

VA Health Care is premium and deductible free. Nonetheless, access to care can be problematic, and there is no guarantee of coverage for every year. Veterans who enroll in VA Health Care and Medicare benefit from guaranteed coverage.

Military Discounts When Shopping for a Car

Numerous automakers love to express their gratitude to military servicemen as well as their household members by providing special discounts on their cars. Automakers offer military benefits both domestically and abroad. If you are a former or active duty trooper, the following are current discounts available.

Subaru

Reservists and active military members receive a significant discount from Subaru. Retirees and veterans who buy a vehicle within a year of their separation date are also eligible for discounts. A $500 discount on the military personnel’s agreed-upon price is also available. In addition, any applicable cash bonuses will lower the price even further.

Nissan

Members of the Reserves, Active Duty and Retired Military are all eligible. They must have been in service for at least two decades. Veterans must also have recently left the reserve or active duty service within the last two years. The Nissan Military Program would save them $500, and it can be combined with established regional and national incentives.

Toyota

Retirees, household members, active-duty soldiers, inactive reservists, and veterans released within twenty-four months are eligible for a $500 discount on qualified Toyota vehicles.

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson offers a military discount to active-duty troopers. Flexible term options, zero down payment, and lower rates are among the discounts available.

General Motors

Their discount program allows qualified participants to buy or lease vehicles at a reduced price from a participating dealer. They should confirm prior to purchasing because vehicle eligibility can sometimes change.

Ford

Their Military Appreciation program is open to both current and former military personnel and household members. Discounts are good for both leasing and buying a Lincoln or Ford that meets the requirements.

BMW

BMW is a special initiative tailored for US military personnel stationed abroad. Warranty, huge savings, and VAT-free purchases are all included in this package.

Volvo

Volvo provides a variety of incentives to military personnel serving abroad. This includes free shipping for five years to the United States, free maintenance for three years, and a four-year global warranty.

Military Autosource

Military AutoSource provides exclusive military discounts and rewards and the cheapest price guarantee and exclusive lender financing options. The new vehicle can be either delivered to the United States or where the military personnel is currently stationed overseas.

DIY Home Projects for the New Year

There are many things that a homeowner can do to create a new look for 2021. Creating a new look in their homes can help them to feel better about their homes and add value. The more improvements that they do, the better the home will look and feel.

Lighting

Having warm light in any room can help make it better. There are many different lighting options that homeowners can install to help their rooms look better. Adding fairy lights to the bedroom can create a magical appearance. Adding cabinet lighting in the kitchen can help improve the kitchen aesthetic and help to allow you to see better when preparing food on your countertops.

Adding a Bookshelf

Adding a bookshelf can create a place for the homeowner to display their favorite books, pictures and can create an added storage space. For example, if the homeowner has artwork that needs to stand up, a bookshelf is a great idea.

Adding a Corkboard Wall

A corkboard wall is easy to install and can create a unique look. A corkboard wall can be used to display fun photographs of family and travels. This can be done in a small area of the wall or the entire wall itself.

Accent Wall with Removable Wallpaper

Accent walls are very popular and can add to the color of the room. However, a homeowner may not want to paint the wall. A good idea is to use removable wallpaper. This can create a unique look on the wall without having to do any painting.

Make A Headboard for the Bedroom

Adding some things to the bedroom can make a real difference in the aesthetic of the home. If there is no headboard, one can be created easily out of wood and fabric. There are many ideas online about making a headboard.

Create New Window Coverings

Adding a pop of color to the windows can help brighten a room greatly. Window coverings can be changed out to better fit the home’s aesthetic. For example, if the homeowner is going for a light and bright feeling, sheer window coverings that allow the light in will help.

There are many things that a homeowner can do themselves in their home for 2021. These things will help make the home brighter and feel more like home to the homeowner.

Originally published to chuckschmalzried.com.