This is longevity ! Thank you Tom
It is an honor to recognize our Treasurer, Tom Lynch, on his 20 years of faithful and dedicated service to Florida Chapter 3.
COMES A Soldier's Whisper - Social Media Post
It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Jeanne Gibson, our beloved Rosie the Riveter, has passed away today, July 29, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100.
At just 18 years old, Jeanne left her home in Minnesota in the summer of 1944 and answered her nation's call, becoming a welder at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. With determination and grit, she helped build destroyers that strengthened the Allied war effort during World War II. She later continued her service with the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau, Alaska, embodying the resilience and patriotism of the Greatest Generation.
Yet Jeanne's legacy extended far beyond the war.
She earned her Ph.D., dedicated three decades to teaching, earned her private pilot license, and spent the rest of her life proving that courage, determination, and purpose know no age. In 2024, Jeanne and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation's highest civilian honors, recognizing the extraordinary women whose sacrifices and determination helped secure victory during World War II.
She had a special gift for encouraging young girls, reminding them that no dream was too big and no obstacle too great. Through her words and her example, she inspired generations to believe in themselves and pursue lives of courage, service, and purpose.
Jeanne remained a tireless advocate for preserving the legacy of the Rosies, volunteering at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on "Rosie Fridays" and ensuring the stories of the women who helped win the war would continue to inspire future generations.
Though Jeanne has taken her final flight, her legacy will never fade. It lives on in every story she shared, every young person she inspired, every life she touched, and in the enduring example of courage she leaves behind.
Our hearts are with Jeanne's family, her fellow Rosies, and all who were blessed to know and love her.
At just 18 years old, Jeanne left her home in Minnesota in the summer of 1944 and answered her nation's call, becoming a welder at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. With determination and grit, she helped build destroyers that strengthened the Allied war effort during World War II. She later continued her service with the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau, Alaska, embodying the resilience and patriotism of the Greatest Generation.
Yet Jeanne's legacy extended far beyond the war.
She earned her Ph.D., dedicated three decades to teaching, earned her private pilot license, and spent the rest of her life proving that courage, determination, and purpose know no age. In 2024, Jeanne and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation's highest civilian honors, recognizing the extraordinary women whose sacrifices and determination helped secure victory during World War II.
She had a special gift for encouraging young girls, reminding them that no dream was too big and no obstacle too great. Through her words and her example, she inspired generations to believe in themselves and pursue lives of courage, service, and purpose.
Jeanne remained a tireless advocate for preserving the legacy of the Rosies, volunteering at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on "Rosie Fridays" and ensuring the stories of the women who helped win the war would continue to inspire future generations.
Though Jeanne has taken her final flight, her legacy will never fade. It lives on in every story she shared, every young person she inspired, every life she touched, and in the enduring example of courage she leaves behind.
Our hearts are with Jeanne's family, her fellow Rosies, and all who were blessed to know and love her.
VA Tests GLP-1 for Alcohol Use
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Thursday, July 30, that it has begun enrolling veterans in a nationwide clinical trial testing whether semaglutide, the GLP-1 medication marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, can reduce heavy drinking among veterans with alcohol use disorder.
The trial, named the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans study, or CRAVE, opened recruitment on July 28 and will enroll more than 600 veterans between the ages of 18 and 80 at 18 VA medical centers.
VA reports that alcohol use disorder has been diagnosed in more than 400,000 veterans nationwide.
Participants with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo over 24 weeks, followed by a safety evaluation. Researchers will track changes in alcohol consumption, overall health, and quality of life. Semaglutide is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management but is not approved to treat alcohol use disorder, and VA researchers are studying whether the drug acts on the brain's reward pathways in a way that dampens craving.
VA has cautioned veterans not to self medicate and not to substitute these medications for established treatment without first consulting a health care provider.
The trial, named the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans study, or CRAVE, opened recruitment on July 28 and will enroll more than 600 veterans between the ages of 18 and 80 at 18 VA medical centers.
VA reports that alcohol use disorder has been diagnosed in more than 400,000 veterans nationwide.
Participants with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo over 24 weeks, followed by a safety evaluation. Researchers will track changes in alcohol consumption, overall health, and quality of life. Semaglutide is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management but is not approved to treat alcohol use disorder, and VA researchers are studying whether the drug acts on the brain's reward pathways in a way that dampens craving.
VA has cautioned veterans not to self medicate and not to substitute these medications for established treatment without first consulting a health care provider.
7th Infantry Division's Post
On July 14, 2026, the 7th Infantry Division stood with the family of Sgt. DeLoren D. Dage as he was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sgt. Dage served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Dec. 2, 1950, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in North Korea and was listed missing for 75 years. On Jan. 15, 2025, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified his remains, finally bringing him home.
During the service, Sgt. Dage was welcomed into the Order of the Bayonet, honoring his service and sacrifice.
Welcome home, Sgt. Dage. Trust In Me.
(Photos by Staff Sgt. Cayce Watson)
Sgt. Dage served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Dec. 2, 1950, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in North Korea and was listed missing for 75 years. On Jan. 15, 2025, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified his remains, finally bringing him home.
During the service, Sgt. Dage was welcomed into the Order of the Bayonet, honoring his service and sacrifice.
Welcome home, Sgt. Dage. Trust In Me.
(Photos by Staff Sgt. Cayce Watson)
Facebook posting by Forrest Sanders
VA SUBCOMMITTEE CONVENES CRITICAL SESSIONS
The House Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee convened a pair of critical sessions in recent days focused on preserving long term access and capacity across the nation’s sacred final resting grounds, opening with a June 25 legislative hearing and following with an oversight hearing on outreach, upkeep, and community partnerships at veterans cemeteries. Lawmakers pressed top officials from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and Arlington National Cemetery regarding rapid infrastructure demands and the effectiveness of the VA’s 75 mile service standard. Oversight panels expressed bipartisan concern that the existing radius framework fails to account for severe rural geography and extensive travel times, effectively preventing isolated veterans from receiving their earned burial honors.
Witnesses from major veterans organizations testified to the urgent need for earlier, seamlessly coordinated end of life planning that bridges medical care with direct memorialization and survivor benefits. Following debate over funding for the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, the subcommittee advanced a bipartisan legislative package featuring H.R. 8552, the “Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026,” H.R. 9006, the “Locating Our Unclaimed Veterans Act,” and H.R. 6588, the “PROVIDE Act.” The measures guarantee annual inflation adjusted compensation increases while expediting disaster relief and the dignified identification of unclaimed veterans.
Witnesses from major veterans organizations testified to the urgent need for earlier, seamlessly coordinated end of life planning that bridges medical care with direct memorialization and survivor benefits. Following debate over funding for the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program, the subcommittee advanced a bipartisan legislative package featuring H.R. 8552, the “Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026,” H.R. 9006, the “Locating Our Unclaimed Veterans Act,” and H.R. 6588, the “PROVIDE Act.” The measures guarantee annual inflation adjusted compensation increases while expediting disaster relief and the dignified identification of unclaimed veterans.
How to Turn Military Experience Into Civilian Job Success
By guest columnist Michael Longsdon
By guest columnist Michael Longsdon
For transitioning service members and veterans, the hardest part of job hunting often isn’t the work, it’s explaining it. Military occupational specialties, mission language, and award phrasing can read like a different dialect to hiring teams, even when the responsibilities match real business needs. That military experience translation gap creates familiar employment challenges veterans face: resumes that get overlooked, interviews that drift into confusion, and strong leadership that doesn’t land on paper. Clear civilian job market language turns proven service into credible value.
Quick Summary: Military to Civilian Job Success
Lock In Your Resume: Final PDF Check Before You Apply.
Once you’ve translated your experience into clear, employer-ready language, make sure it stays that way when it leaves your hands. Before you submit applications, save your finished resume as a PDF so your military experience, formatting, and tailored skills read consistently across devices and hiring systems, and so the file stays professional and effectively uneditable. That simple step helps prevent avoidable issues like shifted bullets, broken spacing, or sections that suddenly re-flow when opened on a different computer. If you realize at the last minute that you need to delete pages (for example, to remove an extra page created during edits), here’s another resource to help you remove those pages and re-save a clean, submission-ready file.
Turn MOS Duties Into Resume Wins, Step by Step.
Your goal is to take what you did in uniform and present it the way civilian employers screen, compare, and hire. This process helps you convert mission language into measurable outcomes, then tailor each resume so it is easy to understand and easy to match to the job.
Career-Transition Questions Veterans Ask Most
Q: What is the STAR method, and how do I use it without rambling?
A: The STAR method is a structured manner for behavioral questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Pick one story, state the situation in one sentence, then spend most of your time on what you did and what changed. End with a measurable result or a clear before-and-after.
Q: How do I fix a resume that sounds “too military” without dumbing it down?
A: Keep the substance, change the labels. Swap acronyms for plain job functions, then add one line of context like tools used, scale, or outcomes. Ask a civilian friend to explain what you did in one sentence and revise until they can.
Q: Can I use mission examples if I cannot share details?
A: Yes. Focus on transferable problems like safety, deadlines, quality, and coordination, and remove sensitive specifics. Use ranges and relative results such as “reduced delays” or “improved on-time completion.”
Q: How should I network as a veteran if I hate “selling myself”?
A: Treat it like information gathering, not self-promotion. Ask for a 15-minute conversation about the role, then follow up with a short thank-you and one relevant accomplishment. Consistency beats intensity.
Q: Why does it feel so competitive even when my experience is strong?
A: Many roles attract heavy competition, and remote options can be especially crowded. Still, the unemployment rate for veterans is lower than the non-veteran population, which is a strong sign your skills can translate when presented clearly.
Apply Military Experience to One Civilian Role, Starting Today
It’s easy for a confident job search to stall when military language doesn’t seem to match civilian postings, and networking feels awkward during a career transition. The path forward is a steady mindset of military experience leverage: translate duties into outcomes, tell clear STAR stories, and build real conversations one at a time. When that approach is used consistently, skills translation success shows up in sharper resumes, stronger interviews, and more responses, fueling veteran employment motivation. Pick a target role, translate one set of bullets, and share it with one new contact.
Your transition to a civilian career doesn’t have to be a solo mission, and navigating the civilian job market requires the same camaraderie and dedication you found in the service. For continued mentorship, advocacy, and a community profoundly dedicated to honoring and assisting those who served, connect with Rolling Thunder®. Explore their veteran support networks, find a community of peers who truly understand your journey, and empower your next chapter today.
Quick Summary: Military to Civilian Job Success
- Translate military duties into clear civilian skills and measurable outcomes.
- Tailor each resume and application to the job description and required keywords.
- Prepare interview stories that connect your service experience to the role’s needs.
- Build a networking plan that uses veteran-friendly contacts and professional connections.
- Apply consistent job search steps that turn military strengths into civilian hiring value.
Lock In Your Resume: Final PDF Check Before You Apply.
Once you’ve translated your experience into clear, employer-ready language, make sure it stays that way when it leaves your hands. Before you submit applications, save your finished resume as a PDF so your military experience, formatting, and tailored skills read consistently across devices and hiring systems, and so the file stays professional and effectively uneditable. That simple step helps prevent avoidable issues like shifted bullets, broken spacing, or sections that suddenly re-flow when opened on a different computer. If you realize at the last minute that you need to delete pages (for example, to remove an extra page created during edits), here’s another resource to help you remove those pages and re-save a clean, submission-ready file.
Turn MOS Duties Into Resume Wins, Step by Step.
Your goal is to take what you did in uniform and present it the way civilian employers screen, compare, and hire. This process helps you convert mission language into measurable outcomes, then tailor each resume so it is easy to understand and easy to match to the job.
- Collect “raw” MOS and mission inputs
Start by pasting your MOS/rating description, top 3 to 5 duties, and two recent mission or training summaries into a single working document. Add any numbers you can remember, such as team size, equipment value, volume handled, time saved, safety results, or readiness rates. This gives you the building blocks to rewrite without guessing later. - Convert duties into results using a simple CAR format
Rewrite each duty as Context, Action, Result so the reader sees impact, not just responsibility. A concrete model like the civilian achievement using CAR shows how a basic maintenance duty becomes a quantified outcome. If you cannot share exact figures, use ranges or relative results such as “cut turnaround time” or “improved inspection pass rate.” - Translate military terms into civilian skill labels
Replace unit-specific terms and acronyms with plain-language equivalents that match common business functions like operations, logistics, compliance, training, or project coordination. Keep one line of specificity by naming the tool, system, or environment in civilian words such as “inventory system,” “safety program,” or “equipment accountability.” This preserves credibility while removing the “too military” feel. - Tailor each application to the posting’s keywords
Copy the job description into your working document and highlight repeated skills, tools, and requirements. Mirror those exact phrases where they honestly apply because employers train ATS to filter by specific keywords and missing them can stop your resume before a person reads it. Then reorder your bullets so the most relevant achievements appear first. - Run a quick “civilian clarity” and pitfall check
Scan for acronyms, long duty paragraphs, unexplained medals, and generic lines like “responsible for.” Confirm every bullet starts with a strong verb and ends with a result, even if the result is quality, speed, safety, cost, or readiness. Finally, ask a non-military friend to summarize your role in one sentence to confirm your message lands.
Career-Transition Questions Veterans Ask Most
Q: What is the STAR method, and how do I use it without rambling?
A: The STAR method is a structured manner for behavioral questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Pick one story, state the situation in one sentence, then spend most of your time on what you did and what changed. End with a measurable result or a clear before-and-after.
Q: How do I fix a resume that sounds “too military” without dumbing it down?
A: Keep the substance, change the labels. Swap acronyms for plain job functions, then add one line of context like tools used, scale, or outcomes. Ask a civilian friend to explain what you did in one sentence and revise until they can.
Q: Can I use mission examples if I cannot share details?
A: Yes. Focus on transferable problems like safety, deadlines, quality, and coordination, and remove sensitive specifics. Use ranges and relative results such as “reduced delays” or “improved on-time completion.”
Q: How should I network as a veteran if I hate “selling myself”?
A: Treat it like information gathering, not self-promotion. Ask for a 15-minute conversation about the role, then follow up with a short thank-you and one relevant accomplishment. Consistency beats intensity.
Q: Why does it feel so competitive even when my experience is strong?
A: Many roles attract heavy competition, and remote options can be especially crowded. Still, the unemployment rate for veterans is lower than the non-veteran population, which is a strong sign your skills can translate when presented clearly.
Apply Military Experience to One Civilian Role, Starting Today
It’s easy for a confident job search to stall when military language doesn’t seem to match civilian postings, and networking feels awkward during a career transition. The path forward is a steady mindset of military experience leverage: translate duties into outcomes, tell clear STAR stories, and build real conversations one at a time. When that approach is used consistently, skills translation success shows up in sharper resumes, stronger interviews, and more responses, fueling veteran employment motivation. Pick a target role, translate one set of bullets, and share it with one new contact.
Your transition to a civilian career doesn’t have to be a solo mission, and navigating the civilian job market requires the same camaraderie and dedication you found in the service. For continued mentorship, advocacy, and a community profoundly dedicated to honoring and assisting those who served, connect with Rolling Thunder®. Explore their veteran support networks, find a community of peers who truly understand your journey, and empower your next chapter today.
Anti-Squatter Bill Introduced
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill introduced targeted federal legislation on July 2, 2026 aimed at eliminating a predatory real estate loophole that has increasingly victimized deployed service members. The newly introduced bill creates strict federal criminal penalties and expedited eviction protocols specifically designed to protect the primary residences of active-duty military personnel while they are away on global assignments. The legislative push follows a series of high-profile incidents where deployed troops returned home to find unauthorized individuals occupying their properties under fraudulent lease agreements.
Under existing state laws, service members frequently face months of gridlocked civil court battles to remove illegal squatters, forcing families to exhaust thousands of dollars in legal fees while their properties sustain damage. The new bill closes these gaps by establishing a fast-tracked, mandatory 72-hour eviction timeline if the property owner is verified as a deployed service member, shifting the enforcement mandate directly to federal and local law enforcement. It also classifies the intentional targeting of a service member's home for illegal occupation as a federal felony.
The Fleet Reserve Association offers its full, unyielding support to this long-overdue property protection bill. It is an absolute outrage that a Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guardsman on deployment should have to worry about their family home being seized by predatory opportunists back home. Forcing service families to navigate sluggish, state-level civil court battles while managing the immense stress of a deployment is a direct violation of the "Sacred Trust." The Association will aggressively lobby for the immediate passage of this bill, ensuring our front-line personnel have an ironclad legal shield protecting their properties while they are on watch.
Under existing state laws, service members frequently face months of gridlocked civil court battles to remove illegal squatters, forcing families to exhaust thousands of dollars in legal fees while their properties sustain damage. The new bill closes these gaps by establishing a fast-tracked, mandatory 72-hour eviction timeline if the property owner is verified as a deployed service member, shifting the enforcement mandate directly to federal and local law enforcement. It also classifies the intentional targeting of a service member's home for illegal occupation as a federal felony.
The Fleet Reserve Association offers its full, unyielding support to this long-overdue property protection bill. It is an absolute outrage that a Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guardsman on deployment should have to worry about their family home being seized by predatory opportunists back home. Forcing service families to navigate sluggish, state-level civil court battles while managing the immense stress of a deployment is a direct violation of the "Sacred Trust." The Association will aggressively lobby for the immediate passage of this bill, ensuring our front-line personnel have an ironclad legal shield protecting their properties while they are on watch.
Effective Stress Solutions for Veterans to Improve Daily Life
By guest columnist Michael Longsdon
For post-9/11 veterans, older-era veterans, and military families supporting them, everyday stress can be easy to dismiss as “just life” after service. The core tension is that veterans' stress challenges often look like irritability, shutdown, sleeplessness, or constant pressure to stay in control, yet they can steadily shape veteran mental health. Over time, the effects of stress on health can show up in energy, pain, and concentration, while the impact of stress on relationships can erode trust and communication. When daily functioning and stress start steering decisions, routines, and confidence, naming the problem becomes the first step toward real change.
Understanding Veteran-Specific Stress Triggers
Stress after service is rarely “one thing.” It often comes from a cluster of veteran-specific drivers like the shift to civilian life, work pressure, money strain, health worries, family tension, and isolation.
This matters because once you can name your top drivers, you can stop treating every bad day like a personal failure. Some stress also has a distinct moral layer, and a wound to the conscience can quietly shape anger, guilt, and withdrawal.
Picture a veteran who is short-tempered at home. The real pattern may be a rough commute, a demanding boss, medical appointments, and feeling alone after leaving a tight unit. Over time, veterans diagnosed with PTS may face higher risk when stress stacks and stays unnamed. With your triggers clear, job stress can be turned into a workable plan from burned out to in control.
Test a Career Reset: 6 Steps Toward Veteran-Friendly Entrepreneurship
When work pressure stays high long after you’ve identified the triggers, changing the mission entirely can be a practical way to regain control. If your current job is driving unsustainable stress, opening a small business can let you shape your workload, environment, and priorities in a way that fits your needs. Start by validating a business idea, choosing a simple structure like an LLC, completing the basic setup paperwork, and sketching a realistic first-month plan so you’re acting with intent rather than reacting to burnout. An all-in-one platform like ZenBusiness can also streamline key tasks such as forming an LLC, staying on top of compliance, building a website, and organizing finances.
Use 7 Same-Day Stress Relievers That Fit Military Life
Stress doesn’t need a perfect schedule to improve. These same-day tactics are built for veteran life, direct, practical, and easy to repeat when work, health, or family pressure spikes.
Habits That Keep Stress Skills Consistent
Quick tactics work best when they become automatic. These habits turn veteran-tested stress tools into daily and weekly anchors you can repeat confidently, even when life gets loud.
Two-Minute Morning Baseline:
Tiny Start Movement
Evening Downshift Cue
Small Joys Debrief
Weekly Connection Appointment
Common Questions Veterans Ask About Daily Stress
Q: What are some common causes of stress specific to veterans' everyday lives?
A: Many veterans feel stressed by sudden loss of structure, unpredictable schedules, and the pressure to “perform” in civilian roles. Triggers can include crowded places, loud noises, or feeling on edge even during normal errands. Start by naming your top two stress drivers, money pressure or career transition, then pick one small daily action you can repeat.
Q: How can establishing a consistent routine help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress?
A: A routine reduces decision fatigue and gives your day a predictable frame, which can calm a constantly scanning mind. Keep it simple: fixed wake time, one priority task, and a reliable wind-down cue. If you miss a day, restart at the next checkpoint instead of starting over.
Q: What role does physical activity play in managing stress for veterans?
A: Movement helps discharge stress energy and can shift your body out of “high alert.” Tracking something like HRV can also help you notice when recovery is improving, even if mood lags. Choose a low-friction option you can do anywhere, like a short walk or a few pushups.
Q: How can improving sleep and diet contribute to better stress management?
A: Better sleep and steadier meals reduce irritability and make it easier to stay in control when life gets noisy. Try a consistent cutoff for caffeine, a protein-forward breakfast, and a regular bedtime window. If sleep is rough, focus first on the same pre-sleep steps each night rather than perfection.
Build Veteran Stress Resilience Through Small Weekly Habit Changes
Daily stress can feel relentless when transitions, finances, and family demands stack up at once. The most reliable stress management summary is simple: use motivational strategies that favor gradual habit building, clear priorities, and consistent progress approaches rather than trying to fix everything at once. Over time, those steady choices reduce reactivity, improve decision-making, and support veteran empowerment in work and home life. Progress comes from small, repeatable actions, not perfect days. Choose two changes to start this week and keep them visible in a short plan you can revisit. That steady follow-through protects health, strengthens resilience, and builds the stability that makes everything else easier.
Understanding Veteran-Specific Stress Triggers
Stress after service is rarely “one thing.” It often comes from a cluster of veteran-specific drivers like the shift to civilian life, work pressure, money strain, health worries, family tension, and isolation.
This matters because once you can name your top drivers, you can stop treating every bad day like a personal failure. Some stress also has a distinct moral layer, and a wound to the conscience can quietly shape anger, guilt, and withdrawal.
Picture a veteran who is short-tempered at home. The real pattern may be a rough commute, a demanding boss, medical appointments, and feeling alone after leaving a tight unit. Over time, veterans diagnosed with PTS may face higher risk when stress stacks and stays unnamed. With your triggers clear, job stress can be turned into a workable plan from burned out to in control.
Test a Career Reset: 6 Steps Toward Veteran-Friendly Entrepreneurship
When work pressure stays high long after you’ve identified the triggers, changing the mission entirely can be a practical way to regain control. If your current job is driving unsustainable stress, opening a small business can let you shape your workload, environment, and priorities in a way that fits your needs. Start by validating a business idea, choosing a simple structure like an LLC, completing the basic setup paperwork, and sketching a realistic first-month plan so you’re acting with intent rather than reacting to burnout. An all-in-one platform like ZenBusiness can also streamline key tasks such as forming an LLC, staying on top of compliance, building a website, and organizing finances.
Use 7 Same-Day Stress Relievers That Fit Military Life
Stress doesn’t need a perfect schedule to improve. These same-day tactics are built for veteran life, direct, practical, and easy to repeat when work, health, or family pressure spikes.
- Do a “minimum effective” workout: Aim for 10–20 minutes today: brisk walk, ruck with a light pack, bike, or a simple circuit of pushups, air squats, and planks. The goal isn’t crushing a workout; it’s giving your body a clear “stress exit.” If motivation is low, use the rule: start with 5 minutes and you’re allowed to stop; most days you’ll keep going once momentum kicks in.
- Use a 2-minute breathing reset (box breathing): Inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4, repeat 4 rounds. This is a fast way to downshift when you feel keyed up before a meeting, in traffic, or after a tough phone call. Pair it with a physical cue like putting both feet flat on the floor to signal “stand down” to your nervous system.
- Add a short mindfulness check-in after movement: Right after your walk or workout, do 3 minutes of quiet attention: notice breathing, then scan from jaw to shoulders to hands and release tension. Evidence suggests mindfulness can reduce stress hormones, which is one reason it pairs well with training and recovery. Keep it tactical: you’re not trying to “clear your mind,” you’re practicing control of attention.
- Set a sleep “gate” you protect like a mission time: Pick a lights-out target and set a 30–45-minute wind-down gate before it: dim lights, no heated conversations, and no work messages. If you wake from nightmares or hypervigilance, don’t fight the whole night, reset with a quick drink of water, 1–2 minutes of slow breathing, and a return-to-bed routine you repeat the same way every time. A sleep survey found 63% of people who report not sleeping enough also frequently experience stress, so small sleep wins often pay off fast.
- Stabilize stress with “protein + color” meals: For your next meal, build a simple plate: a palm-sized protein (eggs, yogurt, chicken, beans) plus one colorful produce item plus a carb you tolerate well. This reduces the blood-sugar spikes that can feel like anxiety, especially if you’ve been living on caffeine and skipped meals. If you’re in a career-reset phase, this also supports budgeting: buy 2–3 go-to proteins and repeat them to cut decision fatigue.
- Create hard work-life boundaries with a shutdown ritual: Choose one daily cutoff (even if it’s late) and do a 3-step shutdown: write tomorrow’s top 3 tasks, close tabs, and physically leave the workspace. If you’re building a side business or testing an idea, boundaries keep the “always on” grind from eating your recovery time. Tell the family your cutoff and what you’re available for after.
- Strengthen your social support with one concrete reach-out: Text one person today with a direct ask: “Can you do a 10-minute check-in tonight?” or “Want to walk Saturday morning?” Stress isolates, and isolation amplifies stress, so make connection measurable. If you don’t have a go-to person, start with low-pressure community contact: a veteran group, faith community, or a standing weekly coffee.
Habits That Keep Stress Skills Consistent
Quick tactics work best when they become automatic. These habits turn veteran-tested stress tools into daily and weekly anchors you can repeat confidently, even when life gets loud.
Two-Minute Morning Baseline:
- What it is: Before screens, note mood 1 to 10 and name one priority.
- How often: Daily.
- Why it helps: It creates a stable starting line and reduces reactive decisions.
Tiny Start Movement
- What it is: Choose a “starter set” you can’t fail, like five squats.
- How often: Daily.
- Why it helps: The mini habits approach lowers resistance and builds reliability.
Evening Downshift Cue
- What it is: Use the same cue nightly: dim lights, stretch two minutes, brush teeth.
- How often: Nightly.
- Why it helps: A repeated cue trains your brain to transition into recovery.
Small Joys Debrief
- What it is: Write three good moments, practicing paying attention to small joys.
- How often: 3 to 5 nights weekly.
- Why it helps: It redirects attention away from threat scanning and rumination.
Weekly Connection Appointment
- What it is: Put one walk, call, or coffee on the calendar.
- How often: Weekly.
- Why it helps: Planned contact reduces isolation and boosts follow-through.
Common Questions Veterans Ask About Daily Stress
Q: What are some common causes of stress specific to veterans' everyday lives?
A: Many veterans feel stressed by sudden loss of structure, unpredictable schedules, and the pressure to “perform” in civilian roles. Triggers can include crowded places, loud noises, or feeling on edge even during normal errands. Start by naming your top two stress drivers, money pressure or career transition, then pick one small daily action you can repeat.
Q: How can establishing a consistent routine help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress?
A: A routine reduces decision fatigue and gives your day a predictable frame, which can calm a constantly scanning mind. Keep it simple: fixed wake time, one priority task, and a reliable wind-down cue. If you miss a day, restart at the next checkpoint instead of starting over.
Q: What role does physical activity play in managing stress for veterans?
A: Movement helps discharge stress energy and can shift your body out of “high alert.” Tracking something like HRV can also help you notice when recovery is improving, even if mood lags. Choose a low-friction option you can do anywhere, like a short walk or a few pushups.
Q: How can improving sleep and diet contribute to better stress management?
A: Better sleep and steadier meals reduce irritability and make it easier to stay in control when life gets noisy. Try a consistent cutoff for caffeine, a protein-forward breakfast, and a regular bedtime window. If sleep is rough, focus first on the same pre-sleep steps each night rather than perfection.
Build Veteran Stress Resilience Through Small Weekly Habit Changes
Daily stress can feel relentless when transitions, finances, and family demands stack up at once. The most reliable stress management summary is simple: use motivational strategies that favor gradual habit building, clear priorities, and consistent progress approaches rather than trying to fix everything at once. Over time, those steady choices reduce reactivity, improve decision-making, and support veteran empowerment in work and home life. Progress comes from small, repeatable actions, not perfect days. Choose two changes to start this week and keep them visible in a short plan you can revisit. That steady follow-through protects health, strengthens resilience, and builds the stability that makes everything else easier.
RIDE FOR FREEDOM XXXVIII UNDERWAY
We have made it to Brevard County, and have had a wonderful time so far. Just to keep you up to date, here's what's been going on:
Friday Festivities
Opening Ceremony Mike Erdman Toyota
Flag Raising and Tour at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Lunch at Sponsor Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Friday Festivities
Opening Ceremony Mike Erdman Toyota
Flag Raising and Tour at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Lunch at Sponsor Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Friday Gold Star Families Dinner
Kennedy Space Center
Flag Raising at the Veterans Memorial Park at the amphitheater
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Then we drew the lucky winner of the raffle V-Rod:
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Enjoyed a free concert at the brand new amphitheater at the Veteran's Memorial Park
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And, today we roll:
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"Stoney" Stoneberger Funeral
On Monday, May 4th, 2026, Robert Eugene Stoneberger Jr., Spec 5, USA (Former) was laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery. Members of RT Chapter 3 were joined by CMA #160, American Legion Riders, and Patriot Guard riders. Stoney will be deeply missed.
For pictures please visit:
www.facebook.com/groups/cmalightriders160/permalink/26413705468314396/?rdid=x4l9uImzk1PBzxcQ
For pictures please visit:
www.facebook.com/groups/cmalightriders160/permalink/26413705468314396/?rdid=x4l9uImzk1PBzxcQ
Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency
A DPAA team recently traveled to Lae, Papua New Guinea, to receive a unilateral turnover of possible remains from Mundate Village Chief Muta Fonni, who had safeguarded them since 2015.
This incredible development materialized after a local villager researched the DPAA mission online, prompted by stickers left behind by a previous recovery team. The seamless transfer was made possible by the grassroots advance work of the villagers and our partner from the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG), Mr. Maine Goga, who expertly navigated local laws and explained the vital DPAA and NMAG partnership.
This mission is a prime example of how community outreach, interagency coordination, and strong international partnerships advance our mission to provide the fullest possible accounting of our nation's missing. A special thank you to the U.S. Embassy - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) for their swift coordination in overcoming local logistical challenges, ensuring our team and partners could safely execute this mission.
This incredible development materialized after a local villager researched the DPAA mission online, prompted by stickers left behind by a previous recovery team. The seamless transfer was made possible by the grassroots advance work of the villagers and our partner from the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG), Mr. Maine Goga, who expertly navigated local laws and explained the vital DPAA and NMAG partnership.
This mission is a prime example of how community outreach, interagency coordination, and strong international partnerships advance our mission to provide the fullest possible accounting of our nation's missing. A special thank you to the U.S. Embassy - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) for their swift coordination in overcoming local logistical challenges, ensuring our team and partners could safely execute this mission.
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DEFENSE POW / MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY (DPAA)
DPAA personnel gathered outside the Daniel K. Inouye DPAA Center of Excellence on March 29 for an honorable carry ceremony for possible remains from Stony Beach in Laos.
Click here for the whole story.
Click here for the whole story.
TRICARE and VA Community Care
The TRICARE program and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Care Network continue to demonstrate the growing scale and importance of outsourced healthcare delivery for servicemembers, retirees, and veterans. According to March updates, TriWest Healthcare Alliance has processed more than 36.7 million TRICARE claims totaling over $8.3 billion, alongside 17.8 million VA community care claims since March 2025. Beneficiaries and veterans have collectively received tens of millions of appointments and encounters, underscoring the increasing reliance on private-sector provider networks to meet demand across the total force.
Access to care remains a central focus, with both systems advancing policies and tools to improve the patient experience. The Defense Health Agency has implemented a new policy allowing patients to request chaperones during medical or dental visits at military treatment facilities, reinforcing transparency and trust within the Military Health System. On the VA side, TriWest is supporting the rollout of the External Provider Scheduling system, a digital platform that enables real-time appointment booking with community providers. This system is designed to reduce delays by issuing referral authorizations at the exact time of scheduling, addressing a long-standing pain point for veterans.
Digital modernization efforts are also being paired with a heightened focus on cybersecurity risks. TRICARE officials are currently warning beneficiaries about fraudulent websites designed to mimic the MHS GENESIS patient portal to steal sensitive personal and medical information. These scams highlight the need for extreme vigilance as more healthcare services shift online. Simultaneously, the VA’s scheduling modernization effort reflects a broader push to streamline digital access while safeguarding patient data by strictly limiting the sharing of electronic health records to authorized providers only.
Both systems are also expanding support services that address the broader well-being of beneficiaries and veterans. TRICARE has introduced virtual community groups focused on chronic conditions such as mental health and diabetes, creating peer support networks led by trained facilitators.
Access to care remains a central focus, with both systems advancing policies and tools to improve the patient experience. The Defense Health Agency has implemented a new policy allowing patients to request chaperones during medical or dental visits at military treatment facilities, reinforcing transparency and trust within the Military Health System. On the VA side, TriWest is supporting the rollout of the External Provider Scheduling system, a digital platform that enables real-time appointment booking with community providers. This system is designed to reduce delays by issuing referral authorizations at the exact time of scheduling, addressing a long-standing pain point for veterans.
Digital modernization efforts are also being paired with a heightened focus on cybersecurity risks. TRICARE officials are currently warning beneficiaries about fraudulent websites designed to mimic the MHS GENESIS patient portal to steal sensitive personal and medical information. These scams highlight the need for extreme vigilance as more healthcare services shift online. Simultaneously, the VA’s scheduling modernization effort reflects a broader push to streamline digital access while safeguarding patient data by strictly limiting the sharing of electronic health records to authorized providers only.
Both systems are also expanding support services that address the broader well-being of beneficiaries and veterans. TRICARE has introduced virtual community groups focused on chronic conditions such as mental health and diabetes, creating peer support networks led by trained facilitators.
Vickie Colson & Tom Lynch
For those who don’t know, we had a Brother go down yesterday during our Poker Run. It was slow speed, and a single bike/no collision incident. Needless to say, he did suffer injuries but is “A OK”.
I posted this on our Rolling Thunder® Chapter 3 Florida Facebook page, but I wanted to share it here as well.
“A BIG shout out to Amvets 57 and Ed & Crystal Gasco for all your help yesterday. With out Y’all’s help yesterday it would have been a lot more difficult on the Chapter. Your Brotherhood/Sisterhood is much appreciated.
By the way, he was the Road Captain. “
Embers 57 Lake City and Ed & Crystal Gasco. Thank you.
I posted this on our Rolling Thunder® Chapter 3 Florida Facebook page, but I wanted to share it here as well.
“A BIG shout out to Amvets 57 and Ed & Crystal Gasco for all your help yesterday. With out Y’all’s help yesterday it would have been a lot more difficult on the Chapter. Your Brotherhood/Sisterhood is much appreciated.
By the way, he was the Road Captain. “
Embers 57 Lake City and Ed & Crystal Gasco. Thank you.
STOLEN FLAGS UPDATE
Photo by Lillian Hamman, Main Street Daily New, Gainesville, FL
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All eight flags that were stolen from the Newberry Veterans Memorial in August were replaced last week after U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack traveled to Newberry to deliver new ones.
After the flags were stolen, Cammack announced that her office would work with the Department of Defense to provide the new flags, which included a United States flag, a POW/MIA flag and one for each branch of the military. City Manager Jordan Marlowe told Mainstreet that although replacement flags have been flying in place of the stolen ones, the new flags from Cammack are the same quality and official brand as those flying at the state level. |
This is outrageous!
Who would do such a thing? I hope they catch whomever is responsible and they are treated like the criminals they are.
If you know anything about this incident, please contact local law enforcement |
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A Messaage From Sysco
Laura Livengood, SHRM-CP
Manager, Human Resources
Sysco South RDC
Laura Livengood, SHRM-CP
Manager, Human Resources
Sysco South RDC
Good afternoon,
We are deeply appreciative of the time and effort your group took to put together the flag raising ceremony for the Sysco South RDC. It was a memorable event for everyone there. Below is an article we are submitting for publication in our Sysco international newsletter. We thank you for the generous gifts of the American and POW/MIA flags that show our support for our country and those who have served it, especially for those who still remain unaccounted for.
Good afternoon,
We are deeply appreciative of the time and effort your group took to put together the flag raising ceremony for the Sysco South RDC. It was a memorable event for everyone there. Below is an article we are submitting for publication in our Sysco international newsletter. We thank you for the generous gifts of the American and POW/MIA flags that show our support for our country and those who have served it, especially for those who still remain unaccounted for.
TAPS
Founder, Rolling Thunder® Inc.
Arthur "Artie" Muller
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Neshanic Station, NJ – Arthur "Artie" Muller, 80, entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born in New York City, NY, to the late Arthur J. and Cecilia (née Pereira) Muller, and grew up in Elizabeth, NJ. Following his marriage, he lived in Roselle Park, NJ, and Linden, NJ, before making Neshanic Station his home in 1979.
Artie pursued carpentry and graduated from Thomas Edison Vocational School in Elizabeth, class of 1963. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, achieving the rank of sergeant E5 and serving as a combat veteran during the Vietnam War. Artie dedicated over 22 years to Exxon Research & Engineering in Annandale, NJ, where he worked as a senior construction mechanic. His expertise in carpentry contributed significantly to numerous home improvement projects throughout the years.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Artie served as the founder and executive director of Rolling Thunder, Inc., a veteran’s organization that has expanded to 40 chapters today. This organization also led to the establishment of Rolling Thunder Charities, Inc., recognized as one of the most impactful non-profit organizations for veterans in the United States, allocating 95% of all donations received directly to support veterans.
Artie took pleasure in outdoor activities, including fishing with his sons, riding his motorcycle, maintaining his home's landscape, and visiting picturesque locations across the United States such as Wildwood, New Jersey, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore, and Texas. As a skilled mechanic, he gained significant knowledge from his childhood experiences of constructing hot-rods with friends. Artie was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges, NJ.
In addition to his parents, Arthur was predeceased by his sister, Mary Heintz.
Artie is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elaine M. (née Ciuba) Muller; two loving sons, Michael C. Muller of Flemington, NJ and Joseph D. Muller and his spouse Nickcole of Pennsylvania; four dear siblings, Cecilia St. Miklosy, Carol Hurst, James Muller, and John Muller; two treasured grandchildren, Alivia Muller and Gavin Muller; and cherished several nieces and nephews.
Artie pursued carpentry and graduated from Thomas Edison Vocational School in Elizabeth, class of 1963. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, achieving the rank of sergeant E5 and serving as a combat veteran during the Vietnam War. Artie dedicated over 22 years to Exxon Research & Engineering in Annandale, NJ, where he worked as a senior construction mechanic. His expertise in carpentry contributed significantly to numerous home improvement projects throughout the years.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Artie served as the founder and executive director of Rolling Thunder, Inc., a veteran’s organization that has expanded to 40 chapters today. This organization also led to the establishment of Rolling Thunder Charities, Inc., recognized as one of the most impactful non-profit organizations for veterans in the United States, allocating 95% of all donations received directly to support veterans.
Artie took pleasure in outdoor activities, including fishing with his sons, riding his motorcycle, maintaining his home's landscape, and visiting picturesque locations across the United States such as Wildwood, New Jersey, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore, and Texas. As a skilled mechanic, he gained significant knowledge from his childhood experiences of constructing hot-rods with friends. Artie was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges, NJ.
In addition to his parents, Arthur was predeceased by his sister, Mary Heintz.
Artie is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elaine M. (née Ciuba) Muller; two loving sons, Michael C. Muller of Flemington, NJ and Joseph D. Muller and his spouse Nickcole of Pennsylvania; four dear siblings, Cecilia St. Miklosy, Carol Hurst, James Muller, and John Muller; two treasured grandchildren, Alivia Muller and Gavin Muller; and cherished several nieces and nephews.
To All,
Garry is home now. He has to have Home Heath and and OT and PT to recover more.
Thank you for all the prayers and kind words and thoughts.
Paula J
Garry is home now. He has to have Home Heath and and OT and PT to recover more.
Thank you for all the prayers and kind words and thoughts.
Paula J
Newberry Veterans Memorial
Today, the City of Newberry Government received a $90,000 donation towards the Newberry Veterans Memorial from the Community Foundation of North Central Florida! I am speechless!
This is a tremendously generous gift, but beyond that, this community has responded to this initiative in an incredible way. The Veteran’s Memorial is now fully funded, and it is through your support! There are a lot of folks we need to thank. Commissioner Mark Clark has been the project manager, and he will make sure that we show our gratitude to everyone who has made this happen. For now, I just want to say thank you! T
This is going to be a beautiful memorial: a memorial every man and woman who has served this Country can be proud of!
#NewberryProud
This is a tremendously generous gift, but beyond that, this community has responded to this initiative in an incredible way. The Veteran’s Memorial is now fully funded, and it is through your support! There are a lot of folks we need to thank. Commissioner Mark Clark has been the project manager, and he will make sure that we show our gratitude to everyone who has made this happen. For now, I just want to say thank you! T
This is going to be a beautiful memorial: a memorial every man and woman who has served this Country can be proud of!
#NewberryProud
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The Pat Tillman Foundation identifies remarkable military service members, Veterans and spouses, empowering them with academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and a diverse, global community of high-performing mentors and peers. Scholarship application is open now and closes on February 1, 2025, at 23:59 PT.
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Marine Corps Foundation Scholarships
Mid Florida Marine Corps Foundation has extended the deadline for applications for their scholarship program. Below is some information that may be helpful to Marine Corps active duty, spouses, and families of those who could benefit from these scholarships.
For more information, please visit The Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation
www.centralfloridamarines.org/scholarships
www.centralfloridamarines.org/scholarships
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Hero’s come in all shapes and sizes and can appear when unique circumstances demand their appearance. Such is the case with one of our Rolling Thunder members’ wives. Last week Fawna donated a piece of her kidney to one of our Veterans. She participated in a program through the Mayo Clinic that matches Veterans with donors. Wow! Prayers for the recovery of both the Veteran and our Rolling Thunder Heroin. And special kudos to a Lady that defies the norm and quietly steps up when the circumstances demand an appearance.
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