#military and veterans health care program

[sharpdecisions]

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[batboyblog]

What Joe Biden has Done for LGBTQ+ People

I wanted to list out everything The Biden Administration has done for Queer people in the last 3 and a half years, but according to GLAAD it'd been 337 moves (and I noticed they missed a few things...) there was just no way to list every ground breaking first Queer person ever nominated to fill this or that job, every ally with a historic LGBT rights record nominated for a top job, every beautiful statement of support, every time he tried to get Congress to pass the Equality Act (support it!) So I've gone through and done my best to pick the ones I think were the most important, but everyone should check out the full list!

Day 1: Signs executive orders banning discrimination and ordering a full review of all federal agencies policies to better include and support LGBT people

Pete Buttigieg becomes the first openly gay person nominated and confirmed for a cabinet level post as Secretary of Transportation

Revokes Trump’s 2018 ban on transgender military personnel

Department of Housing and Urban Development implements LGBTQ protections in housing, becoming first federal agency to implement Pres. Biden’s executive order

First President to recognize and proclaim Trans Day of Visibility

Department of Justice Civil Rights Division issues an official memo that the Supreme Court's Bostock decision against LGBT workplace discrimination also applies to education through Title IX

HUD withdraws a Trump Administration proposed rule change, and reaffirms trans people's rights to seek shelters matching their gender identity

HHS announces the withdrawal of Trump Administration rules that allowed discrimination by healthcare organizations against LGBT people.

The State Department and later Homeland Security announce babies born to Queer couples overseas will be American citizens if one parent is American, in the past the child only qualified if they were genetically related to the American citizen parent.

The Justice Department files against a West Virginia law banning trans students from school athletics

Department of Veterans Affairs announces it will offer gender confirming surgery for transgender veterans. There are an estimated 134,000 transgender veterans in the U.S. and another 15,000 transgender people serving in the armed forces.

President Biden Signs a law making the Pulse Night Club a national memorial

The State Department creates an X gender marker for passports and other documents, allowing gender affirming identification for non-binary and intersex people for the first time.

The Census Bureau for the first time issues a Survey with questions about sexual orientation and gender identity

On the 10th anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Veterans Administration announces that soldiers discharged for homosexual conduct, gender identity or HIV status qualify for veterans' benefits

Dr. Rachel Levine becomes the first trans person confirmed by the US Senate when she was nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Health, she also became the first trans flag rank officer when she was sworn in as a 4 star Admiral for her job as head of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, his makes her the highest ranked trans person in government

Holds the first ever vigil in the White House for Transgender Day of Remembrance

HHS announces rule change to reinstate and expand protections against discrimination in the Affordable Care Act, including denying coverage for gender-affirming care.

Social Security Administration reverses a Trump Administration policy and allows benefits claims by surviving partners in same-sex relationships, whose partner died before marriage equality was legal

President Biden signs the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (a bill he helped originally craft in the Senate) which for the first time has grant programs dedicated to expanding and developing initiatives specifically for LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence

The TSA announces new technology and policy shifts to improve the customer experience of transgender travelers who have previously been required to undergo additional screening due to alarms in sensitive areas.

The Social Security Administration allows people to edit their gender and name on records for the first time without legal and medical documentation

The US Air Force announces it'll offer medical and legal aid to any personnel families affected by state level anti-trans youth bills.

Karine Jean-Pierre becomes the first Lesbian to serve as White House Press Secretary

on 50th anniversary of Title IX The Department of Ed strengthens protections for Students against sexual harassment and discrimination

Veterans Affairs announces survivor benefits now extended to partners from relationships before marriage equality was legalized in 2015

President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act into law enshrining protections for marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples

The Department of Ed announces new rules around athletic eligibility under Title IX, declaring blanket bans on trans students violate the law and setting up strike standards for schools

The White House announced a suit of new protections for LGBTQ people, including a new job at the Department of Ed to combat book bans, a joint DoJ Homeland Security effort to combat violence and threats and HHS evidence-based guidance to mental health providers for care of transgender kids

President Biden signs an Executive Order directing HHS to protect LGBTQI+ youth in the foster care system, a rule they later passed requiring Queer foster children to be placed in affirming homes

The Biden administration joins families of transgender youth in Tennessee and Kentucky in petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review and reverse a circuit court ruling allowing a ban on mainstream health care to be enforced

President Biden Signs a EO expanding on past EO on equality and helping underserved communities

The Department of Education's Civil Rights office opens an investigation into the death of Nex Benedict. President Biden in his statement said: "Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities. Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today. Nonbinary and transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know. But nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves. In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children.”

[polyamorouspunk]

Taking a moment out of my hectic day to talk about veteran suicide. Had a customer at the other register and I made my way over to him and told him I liked his shirt. He told me he was a veteran himself and shook my hand and I told him I knew I veteran who, but I couldn’t even say it. I went back to my register nearly in tears. I understand the military is a huge talking point for right-wingers but saying that people need better access to homes, better access to mental health services, better health care, etc. that all directly impacts veterans even though a lot of them run on their own programs. Yes, the military sucks, yes, a lot of soldiers have committed legit war crimes and crimes against humanity, but the health, homelessness, and mental health of veterans is still an epidemic.

[beauty-funny-trippy]

[Condensed from a June 11, 2024 Military.com article by Ronald Lackey (Retired Major, U.S. Air Force)] –

When running for president in January 2016, Trump held a "fundraiser" for veterans. However, he didn't give the money to veterans' charities until after investigative reporters revealed that veterans had not received the donations. [Turns out, Trump was illegally siphoning money from the charity, using it like a piggy bank for his own personal gain.] Trump was fined $2 million by a judge for fraud and deceptive practices tied to the event.

As president, Trump canceled a visit to an American Cemetery near Paris, telling staffers, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." During that same trip, he also told senior staffers that the U.S. Marines who died there were "suckers" for getting killed. Trump didn't even want to be seen with veteran amputees because, he said "it doesn't look good for me."

More ominously, Trump said high-ranking military members who disagreed with his political beliefs should be executed.

This is the total disregard Trump has for the honorable men and women who sacrifice their bodies, family time, and even their lives for an American cause greater than themselves.

President Biden, however, has been concerned with veterans for decades. His late son, an Army officer, died of cancer that the president believes came from his exposure to chemicals in wartime burn pits. That loss has driven a very personal commitment to the welfare of military members. While serving as president, Biden has signed more than two dozen laws that benefit veterans, including the PACT Act, which expanded the benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals.

Working with partners in Congress, Biden's administration also expanded veterans access to health care and child care; took steps to curtail veteran homelessness (and asked Congress to triple its housing vouchers to needy veterans); lowered health care costs for World War II veterans; and expanded support to military suicide prevention programs (and established the 988 Veterans Crisis Line).

Biden has demonstrated his commitment to veterans' welfare throughout his decades of public service. His reelection would genuinely benefit military members and veterans.

Trump has shown only contempt.

~Ronald Lackey, Retired Major, U.S. Air Force

[insert-witty-user-name-here]

10+ Good Things Biden has Done: Healthcare, Housing, and LGBTQ+ Edition

Just a list of 10+ good things Biden has done in the last 4 years because I’ve been hearing too much rhetoric that it doesn’t matter who you vote for. It does make a difference. 

Find more 10+ good things here, here, and here.

Increased access to healthcare and specifically codified protections for LGBTQ+ patients against discrimination. (x) 

Strengthened women's reproductive rights by increasing access to reproductive health care, improving confidentiality to protect against criminalization for patients receiving reproductive care, and revoked Medicaid waivers from states that would exclude providers like Planned Parenthood, and more. (x)

Expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans through the PACT Act (x)

Cemented protections for pregnant and postpartum workers through the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. 

Improved access to nursing homes for those who receive Medicaid services and established, for the first time, a national minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes to ensure those in their care receive sufficient support.  (x) 

Lowered healthcare costs for those with Medicare which capped insulin for seniors at $35 a month, made vaccines free, and capped seniors’ out of pocket expenses at the pharmacy through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Fully vaccinated 79% of American adults against COVID-19 (I know this is old news now this is a big deal) 

Banned unfair practices that hide housing fees from renters and homebuyers when moving into a new home (x) 

Reduced the mortgage insurance premium for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages and clarified that inflated rents caused by algorithmic use of sensitive nonpublic pricing and supply information violate antitrust laws. (x) 

Increased protections for those saving for retirement from predatory practices. (x)

Helped millions of households gain access to the internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. (x) 

Restored net neutrality (net neutrality is a standard which ensures broadband internet service is essential and prohibits interna providers from blocking, engaging in paid prioritization, and more.) (x)

Increased protections for loan holders as well as increased access to loans (x)

Cut fees that banks charge consumers for overdrawing on their accounts. (x)

Reaffirmed HUD’s commitment to remedy housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (which was– surprise, surprise– halted under the Trump administration). (x)

Required the U.S. federal government and all U.S. states and territories to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial civil marriages by passing the Respect for Marriage Act, repealing the Defense of Marriage Act.

Reversed Trump’stransgender military ban.

Proposed investments in a lot of programs including universal pre-k, green energy, mental health programs across all sectors, a national medical leave program for all workers and more. (x) 

Last… let’s also not forget all the truly terrible things Trump did when he was in office. If you need a reminder, scroll this list, this one mostly for giggles + horror, for actual horror about what a Trump presidency has in store, learn about ‘Project 2025’ from the Heritage Foundation. I know this post is about reasons to vote FOR Biden but let’s not forget the many, many reasons to vote for him over Trump.

Looking for more?

10+ good things Biden has done in education and immigration

10+ good things Biden has done in the justice and courts system

10+ good things Biden has done in climate and labor

A few other notes

Voting for Biden or Trump shouldn’t be the only reason you vote. You know what elections have more power over your life? LOCAL elections. If you’re not feeling jazzed about Biden… vote for someone really cool running for mayor, or your rep, or on your school board and then begrudgingly vote for Biden. 

A reminder that if someone online is trying to discourage you to vote there’s a good chance they are a paid actor to do so. Voter suppression was a well-documented tactic during the 2016 election and I’m sure the trolls are out in force again. 

Check your voter registration here, make a plan to vote, and encourage your friends to vote as well. 

All in all, yeah… there’s a lot of shitty things still happening. There’s always going to be shit but things aren’t going to change on their own. And that change starts (it certainly doesn’t end) with voting. 

Go vote in November.

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

House Republicans are making clear that they intend to seek cuts to entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare with their new majority in the 118th Congress.

Their plans to target health care programs follow demands from a group of conservatives that helped elect House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) over the weekend. Those far-right lawmakers have sought across-the-board spending cuts in order to tackle the growing national debt.

But the narrow House GOP majority ― McCarthy can afford to lose just four votes on any bill ― is far more divided on cuts to defense spending than for entitlement programs.

“I’m all for a balanced budget, but we’re not going to do it on the backs of our troops and our military,” Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a former Army Green Beret, said Monday during an interview on Fox Business. “If we really want to talk about the debt and spending, it’s the entitlements programs.”

As part of his list of concessions to conservatives, McCarthy reportedly agreed to cap spending for the next year at fiscal 2022 levels, which would amount to over $130 billion in cuts from last month’s $1.7 trillion government funding bill.

Republicans don’t plan to alter benefits for current Social Security and Medicare recipients, according to Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).

“What we have been very clear about is, we’re not going to touch the benefits that are going to people relying on the benefits under Social Security and Medicare,” Roy said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But we all have to be honest about sitting at the table and figuring out how we’re going to make those work, how we’re going to deal with defense spending and how we’re going to deal with nondefense discretionary spending.”

The Republican Study Committee proposed a budget for fiscal 2023 that would gradually increase the eligibility ages for Social Security and Medicare, and change the Social Security benefit formula for people 54 and younger, while not changing it for people closer to receiving benefits.

Democrats are likely to oppose those changes, as well as any cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and an ensuing standoff could result in another government shutdown. The 2018-2019 lapse in federal funding lasted 35 days after a fight over former President Donald Trump’s border policies and immigration.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, warned last week that Republicans were “all but guaranteeing a shutdown” by demanding to cap spending at fiscal 2022 levels.

“These types of cuts would harm communities and families across the United States who are already struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living,” DeLauro said in a statement. “They put support for our Veterans, law enforcement, small businesses, and military families at risk.”

[nursing-student-guide]

Florence Nightingale, first practicing nurse epidemiologist. Developed the first organized program for training nurses, the Nightingale Training School for Nurses (St. Thomas' Hospital, London). Established the first health-maintenance-and-restoration-based nursing philosophy. Known as the "lady with the lamp" during the Crimean War (1853) where she volunteered, traveling the battlefield hospitals nightly to treat the wounded.

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross (1881). She risked her life provided self-taught nursing aid to wounded soldiers on the battlefields during The Civil War (1860-1965), and became referred to as the "Angel of the Battlefield". One of the first women to work for the federal government, she made the Office of Missing Soldiers to aid in the reunion of more than 20,000 soldiers with their families. While providing aid during the Franco-Prussian War (1869), the Red Cross movement was first brought to her attention, inspiring her to bring the movement to America.

Dorothea Lynde Dix, an advocate of indigenous people and the mentally ill. She visited multiple mental institution, reporting her findings and advocated for better managed institutions, eventually establishing asylums of her own. During The Civil War (1860-1865), she aided the Union army by recruiting more than 3,000 nurses and was designated as the Superintendent of Army Nurses. She was known and respected for providing aid to the wounded soldiers from both Confederate and Union sides.

Mary Ann Ball, aka Mother Bickerdyke. She was a hospital administrator for the Union soldiers during The Civil War (1860-1865), regulating supplies and provision for the troops. Referred to as one of the best "generals" during the war for her efforts and organizations of military hospitals, following the war she remained an advocate for veterans - becoming an attorney for those who faced legal issues. 300 hospitals were built to aid the wounded over 19 different battlefields from her involvement.

Harriet Tubman, provided safe passage for slaves during the Underground Railroad movement. Known as the "Moses" of her people, her actions resulted in more than 300 slaves being lead to freedom. She provided nursing aide to the Union forces during The Civil War (1862-1865). Following the war, she played in active role in causes including the Womens Suffrage, and created the "Harriet Tubman Home for Indigent Aged Negroes" where orphans and the elderly could be taken in and care for.

Mary Mahoney, brought awareness to the cultural and racial diversity in nursing, emphasizing respect and the inclusion of all in the profession. The first African-American to receive an official education for the nursing profession (New England Hospital for Women and Children, Boston - 1874). She became the first African-American member of what is now referred to as the American Nurses Association, and helped start up the National Association for Colored Graduate Nurses in 1908.

Isabel Hampton Robb, a large influence in the advancement of the nursing social status in society. She influenced the system of nursing education by implementing a grading policy in the program to improve the quality of the students graduating from the program. She authored the comprehensive and foundational text, Nursing: Its Principles and Practice (1893), and helped to standardize the nursing education all around. She served as president of both the National League for Nursing Education and what is now referred to as the American Nurses Association.

Lillian Wald, opened the Henry Street Settlement (1893) with her fellow nurse graduate, Mary Maud Brewster. Addressed the health needs of poor immigrant families residing in tenements of New York City's Lower East Side. Coined the term "public health nurse", she fought for public health care, women's rights, and children's rights. Her and Mary Brewster started the Visiting Nursing Service of New York. During her work at the Henry Street Settlement, she established one of the earlier playgrounds and aided in paying salary to the first Public School Nurses in NYC. She had a hand in starting up the United States Children's Bureau, the National Child Labor Committee, and the National Women's Trade Union League.

Mary Adelaide Nuting, known for becoming the first nursing professor in 1906 (Columbia Teachers College), and assisted in getting nursing education in Universities across the states. She attended the first nursing training following Florence Nightingale's inflence (John Hopkins Hospital Training School - 1889). Throughout her advancement in the nursing profession working at the school, she assisted in advancing the program - brought in scholarships and on-the-field experience; her work influencing other Universities create and better their own nursing programs. Founder of the American Journal of Nursing (1900), she also became the first registered nurse in the state of Maryland. Several of her authored and coauthored books are still implemented today in nursing programs throughout the nation.

[sharpdecisions]

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[ssolessurvivor]

"let me see your hand"

memes - always accepting! - @goldenboybarracuda (so I had this idea...I'M FLOORING IT!)

There came a time when public speaking was the most uncomfortable thing Logan had ever done, but given his time, years ago now, when he did need to speak up...he could say he's not terrified of it now. But when Alex said he wanted Logan to join him on a press release, of which he conveniently didn't let him in on the details, all he was told was to wear his dress uniform as it was something involving veterans.

So here they stood before the announcement would be made to go out there, and Logan could feel himself shaking. Alex's soft command, that as it were, brought their hands together. The size difference was entirely expected, and Logan chuckled at the full knuckle length his fingers were shorter on Alex's lithe hands. There was something like a glint of mischief in Alex's eyes that Logan thought to ask about, but it was interrupted with a languid kiss that took his breath away.

Alex didn't let go of him.

Not while they were out of view, listening to Ellen's address of the press for a speech her son would like to address to the public. And while Logan had a thought that surely he'd been seen in public with the First Son in rather intimate moments, he was still surprised at the way the other led him to the podium hand in hand. Logan stood back next to the flags, visible to cameras off Alex's left side, and Ellen to the right. Assuming parade rest, Logan listened to the clicking of the shutters, at least 50 of them, maybe more, and willed himself to be calm like he had been trained to be all those years ago. Given the way he knew his uniform glinted with the few medals on his lapel though, he felt a weight to represent veterans across the country, and so he kept his back straight and his head held high.

Logan always lost himself whenever Alex talked about anything at length he was passionate about, and this was no exception. He and his sister made quite the team in writing great things and executing them beautifully. He heard a few things regarding veterans affairs, the standards of care for returning soldiers, and then...the dangers of off world deployment. It had been an ongoing issue since his return, the Mars mission even causing him immense worry regardless of how many years off it truly was. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see June waving at him in her soft way and he couldn't help but smile at her. But by then, he'd just heard the words echo through the room, hitting him so hard he had to take a couple steps in place: military space programs would be banned from now on and all programs would be defunded.

Alex turned and extended his hand back to Logan, and his world almost went mute. The veteran hesitated for only a second before he reached out for that hand, and allowed himself to be pulled to the podium where they stood together, their fingers interlacing and resting on the podium for all those clicking cameras and disorienting flashes to skyrocket.

The only other thing he heard before he simply let his world vanish, where he only gazed upon Alex and his beautiful spirit in this setting, watching him blossom into the natural leader he was always meant to be, Logan squeezed his hand.

"In memory of the Mimas crew, of which former Commander Finnegan survived at the loss of his health, secondary family, and very nearly his life, this law comes to pass..."

[darklordofthesimp]

I don't know much about other countries but in the US, the US military does have a bad reputation among certain groups of citizens.

For one, it doesn't provide a lot of support to veterans after they come home. A lot of them end up homeless or struggle with mental health issues like PTSD on their own.

Another thing is how much the US government spends on the military. Out of all other countries, the US spends the most on the military. A fraction of what the US military receives could go into funding things like universal health care, free education, and affordable housing. Some people like to argue against the funding of programs like these so the military can offer things like financial aid for college as incentives to get more people to join the military.

Of course there are other things the US military did like the killing of innocence civilians, helping many of the dictators in Latin America come to power, and flooding local law enforcement with military grade equipment like tanks.

But this are some of the reasons me and other US citizens don't like our military :)

Don't like the people who join or don't like the machine behind it?

[e1igius]

a small breakdown of some of hucks issues , why they were chosen for the character.

Depression - VA estimated that about 1 in 3 Veterans visiting primary care clinics has some symptoms of depression; 1 in 5 has serious symptoms that suggest the need for further evaluation for major depression; and 1 in 8 to 10 has major depression, requiring treatment with psychotherapy or antidepressants. (2008 , VA.gov) - polls indicate rates haven risen

Body Dysmorphia - A survey of advanced individual training of tri-service personnel at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, was performed combining the dysmorphia concern questionnaire, a supplement questionnaire, and demographic factors. Our study shows a higher than expected prevalence rate of BDD and MD in service members. ( 2016 , MilMed ) - The U.S. Marine Corps' Body Composition and Military Appearance Program (BCMAP) standards were not developed from populations that reflect the current makeup of the force and the fitness requirements that they are subject to. Research suggests that the implementation of these standards could drive marines to adopt unhealthy behaviors, primarily those associated with disordered eating, to meet the standards. ( 2022 , RAND )

Alcoholism - The relationship between military personnel and alcohol has a long history of contention and difficulty. According to a recent survey conducted by the Department of Defense, one-third of service members meet the criteria for hazardous drinking as well as a possible alcohol misuse issue. Members of the armed forces are especially prone to binge and hazardous drinking: One Department of Defense health survey found that 42.6 percent of Marine Corps service members had engaged in binge drinking within the last 30 days ( 2019 , DELPHI )

PTSD - PTSD is 3 times more likely among Veterans who deployed compared to those who did not (of the same service era). Some factors in a combat situation may contribute to PTSD and other mental health problems, including military occupation or specialty, the politics around the war, where the war is fought, and the type of enemy faced. ( VA.gov ) Survivors of sexual assault have an increased likelihood of meeting criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are also comparatively more likely to exhibit higher levels of PTSD symptom severity ( 2018 , SAGE journals )

Internalized Homophobia - this man's a white texan man who comes form a very conservative 100% live red die red household do i really have to explain why he has internalized homophobia over the fact that he is bi ????? and how that affected his mental health ???

[franchisingmagazineusa]

Veterans and Franchising: Exploring the Best Franchises to Buy

For many veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life, owning a business can be an attractive opportunity. The discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills developed in the military make veterans particularly well-suited to entrepreneurship. One of the most accessible pathways for veterans to start their own business is through franchising. With a proven business model and ongoing support, franchising opportunities for veterans can offer the structure and guidance many former service members are looking for.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best franchises to buy for veterans and why franchising can be an ideal choice for those looking to own a business.

Why Franchising is a Great Fit for Veterans:

Veterans often excel in franchise ownership due to their experience working within systems, following procedures, and leading teams. Franchising provides a business model that aligns with these strengths. By purchasing a franchise, veterans gain access to an established brand and a proven system of operation, which reduces many of the risks associated with starting a business from scratch.

Additionally, many franchisors recognize the value that veterans bring to their business and actively seek them as franchisees. These franchising opportunities for veterans often come with special incentives such as discounted franchise fees, financing assistance, and training programs tailored to meet the specific needs of veterans.

What to Look for in the Best Franchises to Buy:

When evaluating the best franchises to buy, veterans should consider several factors to ensure that the opportunity aligns with their goals, interests, and financial situation. Here are some key aspects to look for:

1. Initial Investment and Financial Support:

The cost of buying a franchise can vary widely, so it's essential to understand the initial investment required. Some of the best franchises to own offer flexible financing options and discounts specifically for veterans, making it easier to get started. Veterans should also consider the ongoing costs of running the franchise, such as royalties, marketing fees, and operational expenses, and ensure these align with their financial capabilities.

2. Franchisor Support and Training:

One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating franchising opportunities is the level of support and training offered by the franchisor. The best franchises to buy provide comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance to help franchisees succeed. Veterans should look for franchisors who have a strong track record of supporting their franchisees and fostering a community of collaboration and success.

3. Industry Fit:

Another important consideration is the industry in which the franchise operates. Veterans should think about their skills, interests, and long-term goals when choosing a franchise. Whether it's a home-based business, a retail operation, or a service-oriented franchise, the best franchises to own are those that align with the franchisee’s values and career aspirations.

Top Franchising Opportunities for Veterans:

Many veterans find success in a variety of industries, and the best franchises to buy span sectors such as fitness, home services, education, and health care. One popular option is service-based franchises, which often require low start-up costs and provide essential services to local communities. These types of franchises can be ideal for veterans who enjoy hands-on work and want to engage with their local communities.

Additionally, fitness and health-related franchises are on the rise and can offer excellent franchising opportunities for veterans with an interest in wellness and physical activity. These industries tend to attract customers who prioritize their well-being, providing stable demand and opportunities for growth.

Finally, the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable business solutions has opened up many franchising opportunities in the green sector. Veterans who are passionate about the environment and want to make a positive impact can benefit from these franchises, which offer a fulfilling and profitable venture.

Conclusion:

Franchising presents an exciting path for veterans to transition into business ownership while leveraging the skills and discipline honed during their military service. With numerous franchising opportunities for veterans available, it's important to evaluate each opportunity based on factors such as initial investment, franchisor support, and industry fit.

The best franchises to buy are those that align with the veteran’s personal interests and long-term goals while offering strong support and a proven business model. Whether it’s in-home services, fitness, or eco-friendly industries, veterans have the potential to thrive as franchise owners and contribute to their communities in new ways.

For those seeking the best franchises to own, now is a great time to explore the many franchising opportunities designed to help veterans succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.

Source:https://franchisingmagazineusa.blogspot.com/2024/09/veterans-and-franchising-exploring-best.

[treatnow]

A Half-Truth is a Whole Lie

** I'm from the government and I'm here to help. ** We're doing everything humanly possible to get your better. ** I have nothing but your best interests in mind. ** All men are created equal. ** Secretary of Defense McNamara's and Vice President Cheney's justifications for going to war. ** To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.   Let’s confront an obvious “truth” facing us: despite obvious differences of opinion about the “best” way forward as a society, we are generally in agreement that we can fix problems. Scientists have split problems into “tame” and “complex” and “wicked.” “Tame” problems have a clear definition, and it is easy to identify the point at which they are solved . Complex problems have a clear agreement on the nature of the problem, but not on the solutions . In contrast, wicked problems lack agreement on both their definition and their solution. They are people problems, not math or science problems.  A wicked problem is a social or cultural issue or concern that is difficult to explain and inherently impossible to "solve." Examples of wicked problems today include things like education standards, tax policy, health care, climate change, affirmative action, when to go to war, and immigration. And, of course, how to treat and heal brain wounds. Even the definition of “brain wound” is a wicked problem when doctors aren’t trained in the new science.  Wicked problems never have straight-forward solutions. By their very nature, wicked problems are human problems. When elevated in the political arena, wicked problems can’t be solved, only managed. It’s that old dilemma: do you want to make a statement, or do you want to make progress? Unless people who disagree really want to make progress, there’s no managing a wicked problem: there’s only a dialogue of the deaf that results in continued suffering, lack of progress, accusations, prevarication, finger-pointing, and resentment.  Let’s face it: politics is more and more running from wicked problems. Even tame problems like seat belt use started out as am wicked problem which eventually was tamed by resort to math, engineering, and economics and gradual demonstrations of results.  Lately, polarized politics turns all problems into wicked problems. Thus, politics has become a series of half-truths dressed up as policy statements that become rallying cries and wish lists. The HARD work of compromise is necessary to turn wicked problems into a series of small steps toward legislative compromise and lasting change. Not a solution, but a series of manageable steps and compromises that equal progress and positive change.  Concerning Veterans, four half-truths that have become whole lies are instructive.  One, service members have been told that there’s little that can be done for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) other than pass through a variety of palliative care facilities: the NICoE, DVBIC, Intrepid Spirit Centers, PREP programs, specialized care, and a seemingly endless set of appointments for drug distribution, talk therapy, physical and occupational and various therapies designed to allow patients to learn new ways to live with the new, sub-standard normal.  Current reports from the DVBIC at Walter Reed belie the advertisements: “The underlying goal of DVBIC is to ensure that active duty military and veterans with brain injury receive the best evaluation, treatment, and follow-up.” It is at best only half true. More and more patients report unwillingness to properly diagnose TBI, choosing “mental health” or PTSD as the diagnosis. Treatments ignore a proven, safe, and effective use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). The VA and Military medicine continue in their ignorance about the proven science, including ignoring positive results with patients using HBOT after leaving Walter Reed. Two, Veterans with Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) are rarely told that they can probably avoid lower limb amputations if only the VA would routinely use an on-label, proven, insured, and widely available use of HBOT. There is an implied promise that VA doctors will use EVERY means available to avoid amputations. The VA’s malignant behavior in NOT informing patients about the availability of HBOT outside the VA means that patients get a half truth: we are following a healing protocol where the ultimate path may be amputation. Since the protocol does not include HBOT as an option, the VA reports the following harrowing numbers: 796,340 Veterans have died from Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) and Lower Limb Amputation (LLA) in the past 22-years, more than all the Veterans KIA in all the U.S. Wars (623,982) since the beginning of World War I. Approximately 94% were not offered HBOT treatments. Three, numerous Veterans and other USG employees have been victimized by Havana Syndrome (aka Anomalous Health Incidents or AHI). The overwhelming majority of those who have come forward have not been properly diagnosed for the injuries they experienced. A widening gulf between promises from the USG related to care, insurance, treatments and support are honored in the breach.  Leaving aside the politics of the origins, methods, timing, responsibility, and continuing attacks, the victims have been mistreated and effectively told that they are no longer worthy of honorable treatment and care. Instead of adequate treatment of what appears to be traumatic brain injuries in a majority of the cases, victims receive limited care, limited financing of care, abuse during care, and a cold shoulder from parent agencies as their lives and careers go downhill. Imagine being told that your headaches, migraines, fatigue, balance, mental abilities, hearing loss, memory, anger, depression and more are in all probability a result of a mass psychogenic illness or, worse, an attempt to get increased disability payments? One struggles to find the half-truth in the on-going saga of a government abandoning its very best.   Four, service members affected by BLAST overpressure are receiving renewed interest as a result of work in the Senate Armed Services Committee. A parade of government witnesses continues to affirm that they are doing everything humanly possible, even though it is common knowledge that DOD is not doing enough to prevent injuries. Here’s a half truth: DOD and the VA claim to be learning from their own research about BLAST overpressure. The other part of the equation that is a whole lie is that neither DoD nor the VA will use HBOT to heal the brain wounds resulting from BLAST overpressure. This is especially onerous since doctors inside Marine units prescribe HBOT for TBIs, allowing not-for-profit HBOT clinics and foundations to pay for the brain wounds. Despite the successes in the TreatNOW Coalition clinics, TBIs have not even been adequately diagnosed in service members committing suicide from the very units called out by the New York Times as suffering inordinate numbers of brain casualties.   The validity of using HBOT for wound healing to the brain is validated in the most recent research. Unsurprisingly, delivering oxygen under pressure safely and economically leads to effective wound healing. The FDA already approves HBOT for wound healing. That statement is true. What would make it even more true is if medicine recognized that "invisible wounds" should be treated as wounds. HBOT is essentially already on-label when the new science of brain wounding is taken into account. Numerous other interventions for brain wounds with comorbid maladies have a much better chance of effectiveness when the concussion cascade is interrupted, healed, and reversed. That statement is also generally true. The half-truth and, thus, whole lie, is that medicine in the DoD and the VA claim to be keeping up with the new science in their Centers of Excellence. Yet they disdain and ignore the Mechanisms of Action of brain wounding, and the interventions in use around the world that are healing those wounds. The sad fact is also that the VA and DoD persist in continuing to repeat the lies that their research proves that HBOT is unproven, unsafe, ineffective, costly, risky, or worse. The rest of the world and over 31,000 satisfied HBOT patients -- among them over 12,000 active duty and Veterans -- know the truth revealed in over 21 peer-reviewed clinical trials. ****************************** The TreatNOW Mission is ending service member suicides. Along the way, we have learned that we can end suicidal ideation, help end symptoms of PTSD, get patients off most of their drugs, and heal brain wounds to end the effects of BLAST injury, mild TBI Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome, and polytrauma from AHI and Burn Pits. Diabetic Foot Ulcers have become a major emphasis. www.treatnow.org Heal Brains. Stop Suicides. Restore Lives. TreatNOW Information provided by TreatNOW.org does not constitute a medical recommendation. It is intended for informational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied, are being made Read the full article

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"PTSD Programs for Veterans: Specialized Support for Healing and Recovery"

PTSD programs for veterans are designed to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served in the military. These programs offer tailored therapies and support to help veterans cope with and overcome post-traumatic stress disorder. Through a combination of counseling, group therapy, and evidence-based treatments, veterans receive comprehensive care aimed at improving mental health and overall well-being. With a focus on understanding and addressing the specific needs of those who have served, these programs provide essential tools and support for achieving lasting recovery and a renewed sense of purpose.

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Josh McConkey with “Be The Weight Behind the Spear”

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The Crucial Role of Defence Officials Welfare Organisation (DOWO) in Supporting Military Personnel

In every nation, the dedication and sacrifice of military personnel are invaluable. These brave men and women serve their country with unwavering commitment, often facing challenges that most civilians can scarcely imagine. To support these heroes, the Defence Officials Welfare Organisation (DOWO) emerges as a beacon of hope and assistance. DOWO is deeply committed to its mission of initiating, promoting, and executing welfare initiatives for both active and retired personnel of the Armed Forces, including those from the Paramilitary, Police Forces, Central and State governments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Registered under the Society Act of 1860 by the Government of India, DOWO operates with the highest standards of integrity and dedication, adhering strictly to the guidelines set forth in its founding principles.

A Mission Dedicated to Welfare

At the heart of DOWO’s mission is the well-being of its beneficiaries. The organisation operates on a no-profit, no-loss basis, which underscores its commitment to serving without any financial gain. This unique operational model allows DOWO to prioritize the needs of military personnel and their families above all else, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to those who need them most.

The welfare initiatives spearheaded by DOWO are comprehensive, encompassing various aspects of life for both active and retired personnel. These initiatives include healthcare, education, housing, and financial assistance, among others. By addressing these critical areas, DOWO ensures that military personnel can focus on their duties without worrying about the well-being of their families or their future after retirement.

Healthcare and Well-being

One of the primary concerns for military personnel, both active and retired, is healthcare. The physical and mental demands of military service can lead to a range of health issues that require specialized care. DOWO is committed to providing access to quality healthcare services for its beneficiaries. This includes everything from routine medical check-ups to advanced treatments for injuries and illnesses sustained during service.

DOWO also places a strong emphasis on mental health, recognizing the unique psychological challenges faced by military personnel. The organisation offers counseling services and mental health support to help veterans and active-duty members cope with the stresses of military life, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related conditions.

Education and Skill Development

Education is another critical area where DOWO makes a significant impact. The organisation understands that the families of military personnel, especially their children, deserve access to quality education and opportunities for skill development. DOWO provides scholarships, financial aid, and vocational training programs to ensure that the children of military families can pursue their educational goals without financial constraints.

Moreover, DOWO recognizes the importance of skill development for retired personnel. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and many veterans may require additional training to adapt to new career paths. DOWO offers programs that equip retired personnel with the skills they need to succeed in the civilian workforce, ensuring a smooth transition and continued financial stability.

Housing and Financial Assistance

Housing is a fundamental need that DOWO addresses with great care. The organisation assists in providing affordable housing options for military personnel and their families, ensuring that they have a safe and comfortable place to live. This support extends to retired personnel, who may face challenges in securing housing after their service ends.

Financial assistance is another crucial aspect of DOWO’s welfare initiatives. The organisation offers various forms of financial aid, including emergency relief funds, pension schemes, and loans at favorable terms. These financial resources are designed to provide a safety net for military personnel and their families, helping them navigate the financial challenges that can arise during and after service.

A Lifeline for Military Personnel and Their Families

The Defence Officials Welfare Organisation plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of military personnel and their families. By focusing on healthcare, education, housing, and financial assistance, DOWO ensures that those who have served their country receive the care and support they deserve. Operating on a no-profit, no-loss basis, DOWO’s commitment to its beneficiaries is unwavering, making it a lifeline for military personnel in need.

In a world where the sacrifices of military personnel often go unrecognized, DOWO stands as a testament to the importance of supporting those who have given so much for their country.