2GIG and ELAN Smart Home Gifted by the Gary Sinise Foundation Provides U.S. Army CPT Jake Murphy with the Control He Needs

BusinessDisabilityGovernmentLifestyle
LinkedIn
Disabled Veteran with his family standing outside their smart home

While on a mission in Afghanistan on July 23, 2011, a pressure plate improvised explosive device detonated beneath U.S. Army Captain Jake Murphy, immediately taking his left foot and causing an anoxic brain injury that put him into a coma.

Against all odds, Murphy emerged from his coma four weeks later and was flown to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he eventually lost both of his legs.

Recognizing Cpt. Murphy’s immense bravery, the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) program provided him and his family a specially adapted smart home with technologies by Nortek Security & Control in an effort to help improve and simplify everyday life for the family of four.

“When designing this home for Captain Murphy and his family, simplicity was key,” said Jason Hanifan of Comware AV, the ELAN dealer that designed the home technology solution. “With that in mind, we personalized the ELAN Control System to make it easy for the whole family to control all the integrated technologies in the 3,598 square foot home.”

Comware AV built the system with an ELAN gSC10 as the main system controller, with an ELAN S1616A providing audio distribution and a 8×8 HDBaseT™ Matrix for video. The Murphy family can manage their home’s security, audio, video, Lutron® lighting, fans and shades, plus thermostats, and door locks through ELAN HR30 remotes in the family room and master bedroom, ELAN 7” Touch Panels in the kitchen and master bedroom, as well as through the ELAN app on their smart devices and with voice control through ELAN’s Amazon Alexa® integration.

With security being essential to the family, Hanifan and his team installed a 2GIG security system with over 40 sensors wirelessly connected to a 2GIG GC3 panel, which is integrated into the ELAN control system. According to Hanifan, “In addition to the intrusion sensors, we added 2GIG Glass Break Detectors to monitor for the sound of breaking glass in the home, 2GIG Motion Detectors, ten 2GIG Smoke Detectors, plus Carbon Monoxide Detectors.”

Murphy and his family can easily review the status of their home’s doors and windows before leaving the house or turning in for the night, using the GC3 panel, two 2GIG SP1 secondary touchscreens or any of their ELAN interfaces. If a door is left open, the 2GIG system will annunciate exactly which doors or window are open, and where. For further security, an ELAN network video recorder captures video from six ELAN surveillance cameras, all which can be managed from within the ELAN app.

To simplify the home control, Hanifan and the Comware AV team personalized automated scenes, such as “good night,” which automatically locks the doors and adjusts the lights, or “away” which automatically locks the doors, turn off the lights and sets the thermostats to a certain energy-saving level. “By initiating the ‘relax’ scene, the lights will switch to their designated level and the TV will go on,” said Hanifan. “With ELAN, the scene options are endless, which is ideal for Captain Murphy and his family. For example, when he wakes up in the morning he simply needs to say ‘good morning’ and everything will adjust to his desired settings. It’s that easy.”

For the Murphy family, music and entertainment are important aspects of home life. The Comware AV team installed 18 SpeakerCraft AIM282 speakers to maximize audio performance, and added a 1,000-watt Sunfire HRS10 subwoofer so the family can really “feel” the entertainment in the media room.

To ensure that all of the home’s technology receives uncompromised power for optimal operation, the system components plug into a Panamax M4315-PRO power conditioner with BlueBOLT® remote power management, while a Panamax MB-1500 battery backup guarantee protects the system in case of a power outage.

According to Scott Schaeperkoetter, Director of Operations for the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, the smart home system has completely transformed everyday life for the Murphy family. “We’re constantly looking for new ways to improve the lives of these veterans and with Nortek Security & Control’s line of smart home and security solutions, we’re able to completely customize the smart home technology in each home to fit the individual needs of the veteran and their family,” he said. “We’re honored to be able to support their journey to regain their independence.”

About ELAN
ELAN®, from Nortek Security & Control, develops an award-winning line of whole-house entertainment and control solutions distributed through a comprehensive channel of select dealers throughout the United States, Canada, and countries worldwide. The ELAN 8 update was honored with the “2017 Human Interface Product of the Year” award, and continues to expand its intuitive functionality with security, climate, surveillance and video distribution products and integrations. To learn more, visit www.elanhomesystems.com.

About Nortek Security & Control
Nortek Security & Control LLC (NSC) is a global leader in smart connected devices and systems for residential, security, access control, and digital health markets. NSC and its partners have deployed 5 million connected systems and over 25 million security and home control sensors and peripherals. Through its family of brands including 2GIG®, ELAN®, Linear®, GoControl®, Mighty Mule® and Numera®, NSC designs solutions for security dealers, technology integrators, national telecoms, big box retailers, OEM partners, service providers, and consumers. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, NSC has over 50 years of innovation and is dedicated to addressing the lifestyle and business needs of millions of customers every day. For further information, visit nortekcontrol.com.

$3.5 Million in Grants to Support Veteran Small Business Owners

BusinessFinance
LinkedIn
Slightly upward curved hundred us dollar bills lying on the us flag

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced $3.5 million in grant awards to support outreach organizations focused on veteran small businesses. The grants provide critical funding to create new Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) in Alaska, California, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada and South Carolina, strengthening training and counseling services for aspiring and existing veteran and military spouse small business owners. In the U.S., there are nearly two million veteran-owned small businesses, employing over five million people and generating over $1.3 trillion in annual revenue.

“Our service members have protected our nation with selfless honor and sacrifice, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting them with resources and opportunities as they pursue their American dreams of business ownership,” said U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “With this expansion of our veteran-focused network of small business centers, we can help more transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses start and grow their businesses and advance our economy.”

VBOCs are responsible for conducting Boots to Business classes for transitioning members and their spouses, aiding in putting together business plans, they provide mentorship and resources, and so on. These centers are available in nearly every state.

“VBOCs are a one-stop shop for business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business,” said Timothy Green, acting associate administrator for the Office of Veterans Business Development. “The new centers will provide additional resources to increase support and access for nearly two million veteran-owned small businesses. The expanded locations aim to enhance the veteran small business owner experience with more opportunities for training and less appointment wait times.”

Organizations receiving grants from the SBA have demonstrated a commitment to addressing challenges that veteran-owned small businesses face and helping them succeed through the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. The VBOC program has expanded from 22 to 28 locations, fully servicing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. Grants will support a range of services, including:

  • Business planning: Provides veterans with training and counseling on accounting, financial planning and management.
  • Accessing capital: Helps veterans understand the multitude of sources of capital available to them, as well as helps them access financing, loans and grants.
  • Marketing and outreach: Provides marketing and outreach services to promote veteran-owned businesses in their communities and beyond.
  • Transitioning: Provides Boots to Business instruction to help active-duty service members transition out of the military.

Grant recipients and the areas impacted:

  • Seattle Economic Development Fund- Business Impact Northwest: Seattle, Washington. Covering area: Alaska.
  • University of Texas Arlington College of Business: Arlington, Texas. Covering area: Nevada.
  • Carmel Veterans Service Center: Colorado Springs, Colorado. Covering area: Colorado.
  • Nebraska Enterprise Fund: Oakland, Nebraska. Covering area: Nebraska and Iowa.
  • The Citadel: Charleston, South Carolina. Covering area: South Carolina.
  • Long Beach City College: Long Beach, California. Covering area: California’s LA County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Orange County, Santa Barbara County and Riverside County.

For more information on these and other local VBOCs, visit sba.gov/vboc.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration

The Hiring Guide for Small Business Owners

Business
LinkedIn
hiring sign in business window

Hiring employees is more than just a job ad and some interview questions. You’ll want to make sure that your future employees are being properly cared for according to federal and state laws. Here’s what you need to know:

Hire and pay employees

Before finding the right person for the job, you’ll need to create a plan for paying employees. Follow these steps to set up payroll:

  • Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Find out whether you need state or local tax IDs
  • Decide if you want an independent contractor or an employee
  • Ensure new employees return a completed W-4 form
  • Schedule pay periods to coordinate tax withholding for IRS
  • Create a compensation plan for holiday, vacation and leave
  • Choose an in-house or external service for administering payroll
  • Decide who will manage your payroll system
  • Know which records must stay on file and for how long
  • Report payroll taxes as needed on a quarterly and annual basis

The IRS maintains the employer’s tax guide, which provides guidance on all federal tax filing requirements that could apply to your small business. Check with your state tax agency for employer filing stipulations. 

File taxes with employees or independent contractors

Distinguishing between employees and independent contractors can impact your bottom line, or your total revenue once expenses have been deducted. Your bottom line ultimately impacts how you withhold taxes and helps you stay legally compliant during tax season. Learn the differences before hiring your first employee.

An independent contractor operates under a separate business name from your company and invoices for the work they’ve completed. Independent contractors can sometimes qualify as employees in a legal sense. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guide breaks things down so you can make a more informed decision.

If your contractor is discovered to meet the legal definition of employee, you may need to pay back taxes and penalties, provide benefits and reimburse wages stipulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Plan to offer employee benefits

Health care and other benefits play a significant role in hiring and retaining employees. Some employee benefits are required by law, but others are optional. Required employee benefits include:

  • Social Security taxes: Employers must pay Social Security taxes at the same rate as their employees.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required through a commercial carrier, self-insured basis or state workers’ compensation program.
  • Disability Insurance: Disability pay is required in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico.
  • Leave benefits: Most leave benefits are optional outside those stipulated in the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
  • Unemployment insurance: Varies by state, and you may need to register with your state workforce agency.

Optional employee benefits

Your small businesses can offer a complete range of optional benefits to help attract and retain employees. Even if a benefit you offer is optional, it might still have to comply with certain laws if you choose to offer it.

Businesses that offer group health plans must comply with federal laws. You can read more about those laws in the Department of Labor’s advisory guide.

Employees can expand coverage through the Affordable Care Act and some may qualify for benefits via the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Businesses must extend the option of COBRA benefits to employees who are terminated or laid off. For more information and resources to help small businesses make decisions about health insurance coverage, visit HealthCare.gov.

Retirement plans are a very popular employee benefit. Consider offering an employer-sponsored plan like a 401k or a pension plan. The federal government offers a wide range of resources to aid small business owners in choosing their retirement plan and pension.

Employee incentive programs

Employee incentive programs can boost morale and create more draw for open positions. Common incentives include stock options, flex time, wellness programs, corporate memberships and company events.

If your budget allows, you may want to consider investing in benefits administration software to make your accounting process easier and more efficient. Detailing these benefits in the employee handbook helps your staff make decisions, and they can use it as a reference for workplace requirements. 

Follow federal and state labor laws

Protect workers’ rights and your business by adhering to labor laws, which means you must ensure that business practices align with industry regulations.

This includes learning applicable laws for hiring veterans, foreign workers, household employees, child labor and people with disabilities, among others groups. You must also comply when terminating an employee, laying off workers or downsizing the company.

Consult the Department of Labor’s federal and state law resources for more information.

Source: Small Business Administration

NVBDC Conference Elevates Businesses

BusinessEvents
LinkedIn
NVBDC Conference Elevates Businesses collage of attendees

Another year is in the books for the annual NVBDC Reserving Veteran Business Connections Conference, a collaborative effort held in partnership with the prestigious Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

The Reserving Veteran Business Connections event is designed to foster connections and opportunities for veteran business owners and showcase networking and collaboration’s power in driving economic growth and diversity for NVBDC-certified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect, learn and propel their veteran-owned business to new heights by engaging with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the state of Michigan’s Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Small Business Association (SBA), Toyota, Rocket Companies, Kohler, Flagstar Bank, Comerica Bank, Tenneco, Stellantis, DTE, Freddie Mac, Cornerstone Consulting Organization LLC (CCO), Consumers Energy and Dell.

The 1:1 matchmaking sessions were the event’s highlight. They enabled veteran business owners to interact with supplier diversity professionals and transition from relationship building to contracts with NVBDC corporate members.

Keith King
Keith King
From Left to right: Chris Sim, Keith King, Leonie Teichman
From Left to right: Chris Sim, Keith King, Leonie Teichman
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Genevieve Hayes, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Genevieve Hayes, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, Keith King
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Sheila Harton Montgomery, Teresa LeFevre, Keith King, Cameron Boli
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Sheila Harton Montgomery, Teresa LeFevre, Keith King, Cameron Boli
From Left to right : Leonie Teichman, Keith King, Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor, Annette Stevenson
From Left to right : Leonie Teichman, Keith King, Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor, Annette Stevenson
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor
From Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor

Conference attendees heard from a renowned economist, academic leader and advocate, Dr. Fred McKinney, who presented on Revitalizing Supplier Diversity Opportunities and Challenges. Moreover, attendees also had the opportunity to hear from supplier diversity professionals who provided insights into procurement opportunities, financing strategies and best practices for business growth.

The seventh annual NVBDC-Federal Reserve Matchmaking Conference leaves a trail of educated, inspired and motivated veteran entrepreneurs armed with insights, connections and strategies to elevate their businesses to new heights.

We invite you to register for our upcoming National Veteran Business Matchmaking Conference to be held live in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 8-9, 2023, by visiting NVBDC.ORG/EVENTS.

Photo credit: NVBDC Staff

How the DoD is Teaming Up with Small Businesses

Business
LinkedIn
Successful businessman clarifying provisions of contract with business partner, discussing terms of agreement, explaining strategy or financial plan

By C. Todd Lopez

The Defense Department’s Office of Small Business Programs has several efforts underway to make it easier for the U.S. small business community to become more involved in providing goods, services, technology and research to support our nation’s defense.

At the Professional Services Council in Arlington, Virginia, Farooq A. Mitha, the director of the Office of Small Business Programs, spoke to representatives of small businesses about his office’s most recent efforts, including the department’s newly released Small Business Strategy.

About 96% of the department’s Procurement Technical Assistance Centers have been rebranded as APEX Accelerators in the past few months. Those APEX Accelerators have an enhanced mission of helping existing and new businesses strengthen the defense industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity and establishing resilient and diverse supply chains.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of market research using these entities,” Mitha said. “We’re going to connect them closer to our other prime contractors that are looking for subcontractors to be part of their supply chains.”

The APEX Accelerators will also do more training with small businesses on issues related to cybersecurity and foreign ownership, control or influence that might affect their ability to work with the federal government. Efforts are also underway to reinvigorate the Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF), which hasn’t been funded since 2019. That program was designed to help small businesses get their technology from the prototype stage to the production stage—a period when many companies fail, commonly called “the valley of death.”

“We’ve gone four years without money into this program,” Mitha noted. “That is a big, big problem at a time when we’re spending more dollars doing prototyping. We need to support more companies to go into production and transition their technologies.”

The RIF will support streamlining entry points into the defense marketplace for small companies and enable better long-term planning for small business programs. Recently, Mitha advocated for the permanency of the Mentor Protégé Program (MPP)—a pilot for over 30 years. This led to Congress making MPP permanent in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

Additionally, two new programs have been implemented under Mitha’s leadership: The Small Business Integration Group and a new credential with the Defense Acquisition University (DAU).

The Small Business Integration Group, under Mitha’s leadership, will include services, the defense agency, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the industrial base and small business stakeholders. This group will work together to form a stronger industry and communicate the needs amongst departments in a more organized fashion.

The DAU will also offer a new credential that will help anyone in the acquisition workforce earn their small business credential. Mitha says of the program, “We’ve now established common courses, curriculum and training for all these professionals. But we’ve made it a credential, not a career field. So, what that means is that anybody in the acquisition workforce can get the small business credential.”

Mitha said he expects more instructors and capacity will be needed to help the thousands of acquisition professionals across the department who may want to get the small business credential.

For more information on how the Office of Small Business Programs and the Department of Defense can help your business ventures, visit va.gov/osdbu.

Source: Department of Defense

Your Next Mission (Critical)

BusinessCareer
LinkedIn
man holding laptop in data center setting

By Carrie Goetz

Many veterans may not be exposed to the mission critical industry—aka—the data center industry. Veterans serving on the IT side will undoubtedly understand the concept of a data center. For those that didn’t serve in the technology sectors, don’t think this industry is not for you. As a brief explanation, the mission critical industry is responsible for constructing, operating and maintaining data centers. By way of explanation, every known digitally documented thing “lives” in at least one data center. Every bit, every byte, every conversation and even transitory data will have some stint in a data center.

According to Arizton, the global data center market is set to reach 288.3 billion by 2027, up from 215.8 billion in 2021. Plainly put, the industry is not going away. The depth and breadth of jobs within the industry are vast. While some veterans will have directly transferable skills, other skills map well to skills needed to fill the over 300,000 open jobs requiring people over the next couple of years. The industry is a bit of an enigma for those without an IT background. At a recent Heroes in Transition event in San Diego, the overall theme was to show transitioning Soldiers some of the industry’s opportunities and the purpose surrounding the industry.

As we discuss the industry, let’s tie this back to the “every known digitally documented thing” statement above. That one sentence discusses the need for diversity within the industry. If everyone’s data is in them, shouldn’t everyone be represented in the industry that supports that data? The need for TRUE diversity is vital. We haven’t reached gender parity (not even close). We aren’t in every country on the planet. We don’t represent everyone yet. But we do have jobs for every background, skill level and education level. In fact, the majority of the positions within the industry are learned on the job. Veterans are in great demand.

Site Selection

Building a data center starts with site selection. Telecommunications, power and latency are the prime considerations for the site. Not that these necessarily need to be in place, but the ability to get them to the site is critical. Envision a piece of land somewhere. Everything you can imagine that needs to be at a home site is required here, at a much grander scale. Site selection involves real estate, logistics and liaising with telecommunications carriers, power companies, municipalities and the state or country. These jobs exist with all data centers, and many cities with large data center allies have their own liaisons, too.

Construction and Build

Careers in construction and building design are private commercial versions relatable to anyone in construction from the military. Jobs range from engineering and drafting to hands-on trades. In fact, we owe the trades everything! If it weren’t for the trades, nothing would be built. There are many construction firms out there that specialize in mission critical buildings. Some are design-build, and some are just construction. Some larger colocation (colo) data center builders that lease space have in-house construction arms. While others rely solely on contractors. Regardless, the building, power, cooling, telecommunications, generation, electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters and heavy machine operators are just a few of the skills in demand for construction.

It’s Built, Now What?

Once constructed, the building becomes an ecosystem supporting information technology and systems within the space. Every single thing that gets installed must be maintained within the ecosystem. The information technology systems also must be installed, maintained and at some point, replaced. Many jobs in operations lend well to skills obtained in the service. Operations personnel must think fast on their feet and react calmly to find a solution. And while you may be thinking, “I don’t understand the ecosystem,” there are books to help and certifications that will fill in your skills gap. In fact, many college-trained individuals get the exact same certifications to learn to support the data center.

Operations jobs can be chaotic, so if you thrive on chaos, operations could be right up your alley. If you don’t thrive on chaos or have had enough, thousands of jobs in and around the industry support operations without the frenzied pace.  Vendor companies need sales, systems engineers, designers and customer service personnel. Human resources, marketing, accounting and logistics are also in demand.

Where’s the Purpose?

The purpose is yours for the taking. Whether you find purpose in helping others or being a guardian within the industry, there are plenty of ways to gain fulfillment. For those in the military that crave working as a team, this entire industry is a team. People here are helpful. This industry is one of the most extensive ongoing apprenticeships ever. People learn from each other. We need diversity to keep groupthink in check and ensure that our platforms are kind, serve all and, most importantly, are safe.

The stark reality is that the internet isn’t completely safe. Our children are not inherently safe on the internet. We simply can’t assume it’s always someone else’s job to foster safety. But then, veterans don’t. Veterans have stepped up and shown character through their service. We need these guardians in our industry, from construction to the cloud and everything in between.  If travel is a passion, many of these jobs lead you around the globe. Want to be a homebody? These jobs are everywhere. You probably look at data centers every day and don’t even realize it. Most every company either has one or uses one someone else runs. The cloud is technically a data center that provides services to users.

If you are transitioning or a prior service member, rest assured you are in demand. Training is available. Organizations such as Salute Mission Critical, Overwatch, iMasons and others will help you find your path. I, too, am happy to help and make introductions. Lastly, thank you for your service. We are all in your debt. It’s time to pay it forward, and our industry is working to do just that!

Carrie Goetz is an Amazon best selling author of Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers and associated educator’s reference with an extensive career in the data center industry. She is published in 69 countries. She is the inaugural AFCOM/ Data Center World Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, 2023 Top 25 Women in Mission Critical and 2023 ICT Woman of the Year recipient.

First Palauan Marine to Achieve the Rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant

Government
LinkedIn
Palauan Marine at Camp Blaz becomes first to achieve the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant

By Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Tan

In a historic moment for the Republic of Palau, an island country republic of the United States, one of its own has achieved the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) in the United States Marine Corps. This achievement marks the first time a Palauan has attained the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps.

On May 12, 2023, Master Gunnery Sgt. Milton Donatus was frocked at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam, in front of a formation of Marines, family, Marine veterans and the Consul General of the Republic of Palau on Guam.

Donatus was born and raised in Ngkeklau in the state of Ngaraard.

“I remember growing up, and before going to bed, we would ask our grandmother to tell us stories about what it was like on the island during World War II. We didn’t have a TV back then,” said Donatus. “She would tell us stories about the Marines and how they saved groups of people who were going to be killed by the Imperial Japanese Forces. That’s when I knew all I wanted was to be a Marine.”

At 18, Donatus traveled 805 miles from Palau to Guam in hopes of joining the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, he was a couple of years too early as the Guam Marine recruiting station was closed down. He lived with his aunt and uncle and worked various jobs around the island until the recruiting station opened. Finally, on April 28, 2000, the recruiting station reopened, and Donatus was the first and only young man to enlist during the reopening ceremony.

At MCB Camp Blaz, Donatus serves as the operations chief and is responsible for the establishment, management and operation of the base’s current and future force laydown. He is also the base’s Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor.

“Master Gunnery Sgt. Donatus is a Marine’s Marine, and there’s no other Marine I would want as my operations chief,” said Lt. Col. Colter Bahlau, MCB Camp Blaz operations officer. “He exudes the patriotism that is rich within the Republic of Palau, and he sets the finest example when it comes to work ethic, physical fitness and leadership.”

This summer, Donatus moved to Twentynine Palms, California, to serve as the operations chief for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. Since joining more than 23 years ago, he’s served in various locations around the world. He deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, and he deployed twice to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

The calling to be a Marine is now entrenched in Donatus’ family. He is the oldest of four brothers who all joined the Marine Corps, and one of those brothers is a staff sergeant who continues to serve as a bulk fuel specialist. Donatus’ son, following in his father’s footsteps, is also a mortarman and an active-duty sergeant serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Donatus’ daughter plans on joining the Marine Corps when she turns 18.

“I strive to live my life in a manner that inspires others to challenge themselves and take action to change their future. If I didn’t take action and listen to my grandmother, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Donatus. “Every day I strive to be like my mentors who inspired and continue to inspire me.”

Donatus recognizes that the rank he now wears is not a personal achievement but a reflection of his mentors and the community that raised him.

“There are only a handful of Palauans who have achieved the rank of E-8 in the Marine Corps,” said Donatus. “They paved the way for men like me, and when they return to the islands, they carry the pride and leadership qualities ingrained in Marines.”

As Donatus continues his service in the Marine Corps, he hopes his accomplishments will inspire future generations of Palauans to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

“I plan on staying in the Marine Corps until they are ready for me to get out,” explained Donatus. “I came here to do 20 years, and that flew by in a flash. I have seven more years that I can serve, and I’m intending to stay for the whole 30.”

Sources: DVIDS, Wikipedia

2023 Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Conference Recap

EventsGovernment
LinkedIn
award recipients at NCOA hold plaque together smiling

The San Antonio heat fueled the enthusiasm of NCOA members who gathered at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk on July 18-21 for the 58th Annual NCOA Conference and Vanguard Awards Banquet.

The Resolutions Committee met to help set the Association’s legislative course for the coming year. NCOA’s Director of Government Affairs, Levi Sadr, facilitated the meeting. The Committee reviewed the Association’s resolutions for relevance and continued need.

The theme for the opening icebreaker was “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.” Delegates donned their favorite team colors, jerseys and T-shirts, mixed and mingled, competed in a variety of Auxiliary-hosted games, and enjoyed plenty of Mexican-style fare—the perfect recipe for a night to remember!

Accomplishing the business of the Association kicked off on Wednesday with the opening ceremony. NCOA President Paul Kingsbury welcomed the delegates, as did Brigadier General Russell Driggers and CMSgt Casey Boomershine, the Commander and Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio. Mrs. Janet Driggers briefed the delegates on the Five & Thrive Program, which aims to improve the Quality of Life challenges in five focus areas (childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment) by highlighting preventative measures, promoting best practices and fostering community partnerships.

Richard Schneider, NCOA’s long-time Director of State and Veterans Affairs, was inducted into the NCOA Hall of Fame with his four children—Rich Schneider, Kristin Bond, Leslie Schneider and Fiona Schneider—proudly in attendance.

As always, we are grateful to the Senior Enlisted Leadership Panel participants who took time from their busy schedules to attend the conference and update our delegates on what was happening in their respective services. Representing the Sergeant Major of the Army was CSM Brian Hester, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Futures Command; representing the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was SgtMaj Michael Pritchard, Command Senior Enlisted Leader FMFLant, MARFORCOM, MARFORNORTH; representing the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy was FLTCM Delbert Terrell, Fleet Master Chief, Personnel, Manpower and Training; representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was CMSgt Edwin Ludwigsen, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center; and representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force was CMSgt Jacqueline Sauve, Advisor to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. SSG Martha Erosa, President of the Fort Sam Houston Audie Murphy Club, was moderating the panel.

NCOA collage of event attendees and award recipients

Photos left to right: Senior Enlisted Panel; NCOA Board of Directors; NCOA Auxiliary Board of Directors; Vanguard Award recipients, MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, USA, Sgt Shawn B. Henson, USMC, IT2 Thomas D. James, USN, and SSgt Austin S. Kier, USAF. ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, USCG recipient , was unable to be in attendance; Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey and Banquet keynote speaker SgtMaj Michael Pritchard; Vanguard Banquet Master of Ceremonies James Sullivan, CMSgt, USAF (Ret); Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Schneider’s children with NCOA Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson; Robert Barnett accepts the NCOA Chairman’s Award from Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey.

Small and Large Regional Chapters of the Year were recognized during the awards luncheon. NCOA’s Military Vanguard recipients were presented with life memberships in the Association. Chairman of the Board Gerald Morey presented the NCOA Chairman’s Award to Robert Barnett. NCOA’s Executive Director, Joe Terry, presented Appreciation Awards to a number of sponsors who have been instrumental in supporting the Association—USAA, Doc-Development, United Healthcare, Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association. The Awards Luncheon wrapped up with the traditional Parade of Checks. Thank you to the individuals and chapters that made donations to support the Association’s benevolent programs and membership development program.

Wrapping up a full day, delegates convened for the NCOA Annual Business Meeting where SMSgt Gerald Morey of Great Falls, Montana; Marine Corps veteran Vicky Hensley of Wingate, Texas and 1LT Ashley Gardner, USAFR, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, were elected to serve on the NCOA Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, members of the International Auxiliary attended the Auxiliary’s Annual Business Meeting, where Lee Fike of San Antonio, Texas, and Tammy Sullivan of Mather, California, were elected to serve on the Auxiliary Board of Directors. The Auxiliary’s Outstanding Performers were recognized, the Betsy Ross Top Recruiter Award for 2022 was presented to the Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary, Barbara Weatherill received the Auxiliary Top Supporter Award, and the Auxiliary’s President’s Award was presented to Scott Rodowick.

Thursday kicked off with a variety of informative briefings by Tuesday’s Children, AAFES, USAA and Women Veterans Concerns; the Honorable James Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor VETS; Doc-Development; CMSgt Tanya Johnson, Senior Enlisted Leader of the Defense Health Agency; and Ms. Maureen Elias, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Knights of the Square Table held their annual assembly to accomplish the business of the Knights of the Square Table—new Knights were dubbed, existing Knights were elevated, fallen Knights were honored, and the course for the upcoming year was set.

The stars shined brightly on Thursday evening during the Vanguard Awards Banquet, where CMSgt (Ret) Jim Sullivan, chairman of the Central Valley Chapter, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Hats off to Jim for a job exceptionally well done!

NCOA’s superstar chapters were recognized. The Rogue Chapter from Medford, Oregon, was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Large Chapter of the Year and the Magnum Force Chapter from Bridgeport, Michigan, was named the 2022 Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year. The Trails End Auxiliary from Portland, Oregon, received the 2022 Auxiliary Chapter of the Year Award.

The guest speaker for the evening was Sergeant Major Michael Pritchard. Then the focus turned to the reason for the evening—honoring this year’s heroic Military Vanguard Award recipients.

The amazing stories of MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, U.S. Army; Sgt Shawn B. Henson, U.S. Marine Corps; IT2 Thomas D. James, U.S. Navy; SSgt Austin S. Kier, U.S. Air Force; and ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, U.S. Coast Guard, had delegates glued to their seats with tears in their eyes. The Vanguard stories appear on the NCOA website.

Friday morning was the Breakfast with the Boards—nothing like a hot, hearty breakfast to start the day off right as delegates prepared to depart amid promises to keep in touch and choruses of “see you next year.”

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our generous affinity partners and sponsors whose support helped make this year’s conference a resounding success. A huge THANKS to our Conference Partner: USAA; Platinum Sponsors: Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association; Gold Sponsor: GEICO Military; and our Vanguard Sponsors: USAA, United HealthCare, Doc-Development, BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental and Vision Programs, and the NCOA JROTC Program.

Special thanks to Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), BeneFeds, Columbia Southern University, Conviva Care Center, Dixie Flag and Banner Company, Doc-Development, Excelsior University, GEHA, Grand Canyon University, Robert Haltiner, Humana Military, HEB, Jordan Ford, National Cemetery Administration, NCOA Air Academy Chapter, NCOA Knights of the Square Table, NCOA International Auxiliary, NCOA Mountain Post Chapter, NCOA Oregon State Advisory Council, Operation Gratitude, PGK Sir Ted Pilihos, Quilts & Crafts, Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson, Southern New Hampshire University, PGK Sir Richard Steinberg, Sir Joseph Terry, NCOA Trails End Auxiliary, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The Wash Tub, Lady Barbara Weatherill, Western Governors University and Xpert Media Management.

Are You a Veteran Entrepreneur? Get Certified and Connect with Top Companies

Business
LinkedIn
veteran and businessman shaking hands US flag in background

If you’re a small business owner who belongs to an underrepresented group, you may be eligible for certain business certifications that can help you access more government contracts and private-sector opportunities.

Certifications for groups like veterans, service-disabled veterans, disabled veterans, milspouses, minorites and more promote supplier diversity, which encourages the use of diverse businesses as suppliers. These certifications also come with access to exclusive resources and networks, leading you to new business opportunities.

Here’s an overview of different types of business certifications and how to begin the application process if you’re eligible.

The following organizations offer many of the business certifications currently available to diverse small business owners:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA is a government agency that provides support and opportunities to entrepreneurs and small businesses. This organization offers certification programs like the Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (SDVOSB) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Programs, HUBZone Program and 8(a) Business Development Program, which make businesses eligible for certain government contracts.

Minority-centered organizations: Some minority-centered organizations, such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), offer certifications that helped minority entrepreneurs gain new business from the private sector.

Other government and industry organizations: There are also certifications that are provided by state and city governments. The contracts they award are smaller and typically only within their jurisdiction.

Why Become a Certified Business?

Business certifications come with various perks and resources that can help your company stand out among competitors and scale your business faster.

Access to contracts: The federal government, as well as certain private sector corporations, set aside contracts to be awarded to businesses with certain verified certifications. These contracts are only given to businesses with these certifications in order to ensure equal opportunity.

Ability to form joint ventures: Once you become certified, you often can join other businesses within your certification in order to compete for certain contracts.

Additional management and technical assistance: Many of these certification programs also offer management and technical assistance to help their businesses grow and succeed.

Types of Business Certifications

Veteran-Owned Business Certification

As a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, there are two different certifications you can apply for if you’re starting a business. The Vets First Verification Program is a federal government program that grants certification for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). With these certifications, you’re granted competition for certain contracts that are set aside for veterans and veterans who became disabled while in the act of service.

To qualify for these certifications, you must be a small business that is at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans who manage the business daily. To apply for SDVOSB, you also must have a service-connected disability.

For business certification in the private sector, the National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise (VBE) is a program that offers certifications as a marketing tool for businesses that want to work with VBEs. Like its federal government counterpart, your small business must be at least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans.

While there are a wide range of business certifications and certifying bodies available to small business owners, here are some of the most well-known types:

Small Business Certification

The 8(a) Small Business Certification was designed to help create equal opportunities for small business owners who are “socially or economically disadvantaged.” The federal government awards at least 5% of contracting dollars for 8(a) businesses and allows them to compete for set aside and sole source contracts.

To be eligible for the 8(a)program, your small business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are economically and socially disadvantaged. Additionally, the owners must manage day-to-day operations, make long-term decisions and have a personal net worth that is less than $750,000 and a three-year average adjusted gross income of $350,000 or less.

If you meet these certifications, you can apply to become an 8(a)business by registering on the SBA’s website. Once you complete the application, you will receive a letter informing you of your approval or rejection. If you were approved, your certification lasts for a maximum of nine years. However, you’ll be subject to annual reviews in order to maintain your standing in the program.

HUBZone Business Certification

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) is a program with the goal of growing businesses in historically underutilized areas by awarding them at least 3% of federal contract dollars each year.

To qualify for the HUBZone program, your small business must be located in a HUBZone, have at least 30% of its employees living in a HUBZone, and be 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, a Native Hawaiian organization or an Indian tribe.

You can apply for your HUBZone business certification on the SBA’s website. While there is no limitation to the length of how long a business can have a HUBZone certification, they will have to recertify for the program once a year. Additionally, an examination of your business will be required every three years.

Women-Owned Businesses Certifications

If your business is majority-owned and operated by one or more women, you may be eligible for the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business program.

This program was created to aid female business owners by awarding them contracts within specific industries where women are underrepresented. A minimum of 5% of contracting dollars are given to woman-owned businesses each year by the federal government.

There are two types of woman-owned business certifications offered by the National Women’s Business Council: Woman-owned small business (WOSB) and economically-disadvantaged woman-owned small business (EDWOSB).

To qualify as a WOSB, your small business must be for profit and 51% owned and operated by women who are U.S. citizens and work within the business full-time.

If you’re looking to qualify as an EDWOSB, your business must meet all of the above requirements for a WOSB, as well as the economic requirements of an 8(a) certified business. If you already have an 8(a) certification, you can also apply for an EDWOSB certification as well. You can apply for both woman-owned business certifications through the SBA’s website.

Minority-Owned Businesses Certification

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is an organization that is committed to integrating Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) equally in the public and private sector. This organization provides MBE certification for minority-owned businesses.

The NMSDC network consists of over 12,000 certified MBEs that are connected to over 1,400 large corporate members. Not only is it a significant certification within the NMSDC but being MBE-certified helps in government circles to gain federal contracts as well.

To qualify for MBE certification, your small business must be 51% minority-owned and operated, and the owners must be involved in daily management. The NMSDC defines a minority as “an individual who is at least 25% Asian, Black, Hispanic or Native American.” This is established and proven through a combination of screenings, interviews and site visits.

If your business meets these criteria, you can apply to be an MBE through the NMSDC’s website. Once you’ve submitted all the required documents and paid the application fee, you’ll get an email and letter if you’ve been approved. If your application was not approved, you may submit a letter of appeal.

B Corp Certification

A B Corporation is a for-profit business that is driven by a social mission. These companies use their profits as a means for positive impact for their employees, communities and the environment. They are certified by the SBA and are overseen by the B Lab, a governing body that ensures B corps are meeting their standards for impact.

Becoming a B Corp requires your company to have a positive social impact. For a business to certify as a B Corp, they must complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and meet the legal requirements. The BIA evaluates the applying company and their impact on their employees, consumers, community and the environment. Once you complete the BIA, you’ll pay a fee. Once approved, your certification will last for three years, after which you’ll be subject to a reassessment to determine if your company still means the criteria.

Source: NMSDC.org

Making Time for All the “Lasts” Before You PCS

LifestyleMilitary Spouse
LinkedIn
article author and her two small children posing on beach boardwalk

By Kristi Stolzenberg

Monday night, 7:30, mid-April, along with half a dozen other parents I’ve never met, I’m sitting in one of the many metal folding chairs lining the mirrored wall of a dance studio. I’ve got a nice social distance around me because in order to make sure dinner happened before class, I postponed my desperately needed post-run shower. This isn’t unusual (the shower postponement), but because I completely forgot it was Parent’s Night at our daughter’s dance studio, instead of waiting for her in the safety and solitude of my car, I find myself awkwardly sitting amongst strangers trying to mask my sweat, smell and dry, prickly legs which are on full display thanks to the running shorts.

Feeling really great about my self-care and parenting, I enthusiastically jot down notes as the dance instructor outlines the details of the end-of-year recital—where to be and when, instructions on makeup and hair, song title—hoping the passion with which I take notes will help me earn back some parenting points and salvage the first impression I’m making. Then the instructor asks the line of parents for a volunteer to help backstage at the recital—essentially herd the sequin-clad cats, make sure they’re buttoned up in their costumes, and touch up hair and makeup.

Please understand that I am not “that” dance mom. Our daughter loves it, and she’s a brilliant dancer, but it is her own thing. I’m not the type to tell her to put more energy into her leap thingy on counts seven and eight. My ballet buns have never won awards. And I’m pretty sure when I did her makeup for photos last year, the instructor or another mom completely redid it. I’m not exaggerating when I say we showed up to her first recital with her ballet costume still wadded up in the bag it came in, and when I walked in and saw everyone else’s moms had fluffed their tutus, hung them in garment bags, and neatly bagged hair, makeup and tights in separate pockets, I knew I was the weakest link in that room.

I paint this three-paragraph story to explain why I did what I’m about to tell you. After three Mississippi’s of silence, I raised my hand. I volunteered to be dance mom or backstage mom or whatever it’s called. I did this not because I’m qualified. And I certainly didn’t do this because I have time just lying around—I didn’t even have time to shower on a routine Monday. In fact, there probably isn’t a worse time for me to take on a responsibility that is going to stress me out. The recital, as it happens, falls right smack dab in the middle of our PCS—literally right in the middle.

I absolutely did not need one more thing on my plate. But I did it, willingly. Why? Because after last year’s recital, our daughter begged me to be the mom backstage. It is something important to her, and she is important to me, so I am making time not only for her to dance in her last Virginia recital, but to get way out of my comfort zone to make it memorable for her.

And when it comes to those “lasts” leading up to a PCS—the goodbye parties, the “real goodbyes” to the close friends (which are becoming more dramatic with each year as we near the teens), and the last dinner at your favorite place, every parent will tell you that they run a tight race with all the lasts at the end of the school year—award ceremonies, field days, class parties, field trips, yearbooks, and thank you gifts for every last faculty member at the school (P.S. this last one should also be read sarcastically).

The packing and planning and house hunting and selling that go into a PCS—even one just five hours away to a place we’ve already lived once—take up a lot of headspace. And you know “a lot” is an understatement. When you have to dedicate so much memory and critical thinking to things as wild as, “Make sure to put a do-not-pack sticky note on the litter box,” or pulling the old towels out of the linen closet so you can use those after everything is hauled away and trash them on your way out, there isn’t a lot of brain power or energy left to dedicate to really being present (or presentable) at all these lasts. In fact, I just realized as I typed that last line, that I now need to not only figure out what a dance mom wears—recital-worthy dress or jeans and a t-shirt—but I need to also make sure whatever it is doesn’t get packed…along with all of our daughter’s dance costumes.

But here are a few lessons along the way that prove that while you might have 47 tabs open in your brain at all times during a PCS, it’s worth carving out time for the lasts before you pull away from your duty station for the last time:

  • Your kids will remember what you made time for and what you didn’t. If you’re doing it right, your kids don’t know a fraction of the stress and strategy that go into PCSing. They just know that you didn’t have time for their game or awards ceremony or to set up a last hangout with their friends.
  • You’ll always regret it if you don’t hit your favorite pizza place, curry place, park, running trail, or visit with a friend one more time. If you’re tempted to skip any of these, just remember how unfinished moves felt during COVID. If you didn’t move during COVID, ask someone who did. If I could travel anywhere right now for 24 hours, I would be back in Iwakuni eating eggplant curry, level six with garlic naan at Devi, and then I would spend the rest of my day buying up all the blue and white pottery in Yamaguchi prefecture.
  • You’ll miss it when you’re gone. I don’t care how badly you want to leave a place; you will always miss pieces of it—whether the people you knew, the places you frequented, or just who you were as a family there. Don’t be so set on leaving that you deprive yourself of just one more memory.

Maybe you’ll look like a living public service announcement for the importance of self-care, maybe you’ll be distracted, and you’ll definitely be exhausted and unsure of whether you’re coming or going but show up. Do all the lasts. Soak it up. Make the time, take pictures, give hugs, make a few more memories for the road, and, if I’ve taught you nothing else, prioritize showering before leaving the house whenever you can.

Source: MilitaryOne Source

The 2023 Ultimate Guide to the BEST Places for Disabled Veterans to Live

Disability
LinkedIn
Paralyzed veterans seated in their wheelchairs

Hill and Ponton Disability Attorneys

As a veteran with a 100% disability rating, you have many benefits available to you. These benefits can make your life much easier and help you live more comfortably.

This blog post will discuss the best states for a 100% disabled veteran to live.

We will look at each state’s tax exemptions, educational benefits, housing assistance, and financial assistance.

We hope these lists help service members and their families make the best decision for their future!

Here’s a list of all the questions we’ll cover:

  • What states have the best 100 VA disability benefits?
  • What are the most popular benefits in each state?
  • What state has the most VA benefits?
  • Which states have tax exemptions?
  • Do veteran dependents also get benefits?

What States Have the Best Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans?

Alaska

Alaska provides generous benefits for disabled veterans.

Some of the key benefits include:

  • Alaska Property Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating can receive a tax break on the first $150,000 of assessed value of their home.
  • Free Camping Passes: Disabled veterans in Alaska can enjoy free camping passes through the Natural Resource Commissioners Office.

Florida

Florida offers excellent benefits to disabled veterans.

Here are some notable benefits:

  • Driver’s License Fee Exemption: 100% disabled veterans in Florida are exempt from certain driver’s license fees.
  • Hunting and Fishing License: Disabled veterans are entitled to free hunting and fishing licenses.
  • Property Tax Exemptions: Veterans with a 10% or greater disability rating can benefit from a $5,000 deduction on their home assessment for tax exemption purposes. Additionally, real estate owned and used as a homestead by a veteran with a permanent and total disability is exempt from taxation.
  • Disabled Veteran License Plate: 100% disabled veterans in Florida are eligible for a free Disabled Veteran license plate.

Idaho

Idaho offers various benefits and support to disabled veterans, including:

  • Property Tax Reduction: Qualified veterans in Idaho may receive reductions of up to $1,500 on property taxes for their homes and up to one acre of land.
  • Income Tax Deductions: Older disabled veterans may be eligible for deductions on their income tax.
  • Grocery Tax Credit: Disabled veterans in Idaho may qualify for a grocery tax credit.
  • Outdoor Recreation Discounts: Idaho veterans with 100% service-related disabilities can enjoy free camping in state parks and free day-use access.

Illinois

Disabled veterans in Illinois are entitled to several benefits, such as:

  • Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Disabled veterans can obtain free hunting and fishing licenses.
  • Disabled Veteran License Plates: Veterans with disabilities can receive free Disabled Veteran license plates.
  • Homestead Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% can benefit from a $5,000 homestead exemption, reducing the assessed value of their home for property tax calculations.

Nevada

Nevada provides valuable benefits to disabled veterans, including:

  • Property Tax Deduction: Disabled veterans in Nevada receive a property tax deduction corresponding to their level of disability. This deduction can be applied to their home or an automobile.
  • Low-Cost Care: Disabled veterans can access 24-hour care in Nevada State veterans homes at a reduced cost.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers various tax credits, exemptions, and benefits to disabled veterans.

Some notable benefits include:

  • Tax Credits and Exemptions: Disabled veterans, including those who are double amputees, paraplegic, or permanently and totally disabled, can benefit from tax credits and exemptions on real estate occupied as a principal place of abode.
  • No State Income Tax: New Hampshire does not require anyone, regardless of veteran status, to pay state income tax.
  • Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption: Disabled veterans are exempt from driver’s license and motor vehicle registration fees.

Texas

Texas is often considered one of the best states for disabled veterans.

Noteworthy benefits include:

  • Housing Grants: Texas offers various housing grants to disabled veterans, including those for home modifications and weatherization.
  • Free Driver’s License: Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating in Texas are entitled to a free driver’s license

Virginia

Virginia is known for its strong support and benefits for disabled veterans.

Some of the benefits available in Virginia include:

  • Property Tax Exemptions: Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability can receive property tax exemptions on their primary residence.
  • Employment Assistance: Virginia provides job placement assistance and resources for disabled veterans seeking employment.
  • Education Benefits: Veterans in Virginia may be eligible for education benefits, including tuition assistance and scholarships.
  • Healthcare Services: Disabled veterans in Virginia have access to comprehensive healthcare services through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
  • Transportation Assistance: Virginia offers transportation programs to help disabled veterans access medical appointments and other essential services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits to veterans throughout the United States.

Each state may have its own additional benefits for veterans.

Here are some popular state benefits for veterans in different states:

Alabama

  • State Veterans Homes Program
  • Tax exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed home value for disabled veterans
  • Free camping passes for disabled veterans

Alaska

  • Alaska Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
  • Free camping passes for disabled veterans

Arizona

  • Special veteran license plates
  • Donations to veteran organizations through license plate fees

Arkansas

  • Tax exemption on military retirement pay
  • Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption for disabled veterans receiving Special Monthly Compensation

California

  • CalVet Home Loans for veterans purchasing homes
  • Tax exemptions, tuition waivers, and recreation discounts

Continue on to Hill And Ponton to read the complete blog.

Providing Business, DVBE. Employment & Educational Opportunities For Veterans

Leidos Video

USVM Commercial

Alight

Alight

About USVM

VIBN Conference

Robert Half