Special Operations Association of America’s Post

DCUC’s letter to the Senate Special Committee on Aging highlights Defense Credit Unions' commitment to financial literacy, fraud protection, & tailored services for military retirees, veterans, & families. https://lnkd.in/gHBAch8R #CreditUnions #Veterans #Advocacy

We share concerns from many experts & advocates following today's #SCOTUS decision to strike down #JohnsonVGrantsPass. It will surely have devastating impacts on unhoused people in this country — many of whom also struggle with #foodinsecurity. Those who are unhoused are vulnerable in so many ways, which often includes struggling to feed themselves and their families. Punishing people who struggle is anathema to both our Jewish and American values. As our friends at the NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS and University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law pointed out, many of America’s #veterans who fought for our country will be impacted by this decision. They deserve support — not barriers or punishments — as they reintegrate into civilian life following military service. The #JohnsonVGrantsPass decision represents the cruelty towards & desire to stigmatize those most in need. It mirrors and emboldens rhetoric we see and hear every day, and it emboldens us to continue to fight for #veterans & all those who are struggling.

Did you catch last week's briefing by our colleagues at The Brookings Institution Institution on the growth in national deployments of our National Guard units? Here are a few key takeaways: 1) There has been a shift in the role of the National Guard as they have increasingly activated for non-traditional missions including COVID-19. 2) Guard Troops are often unprepared for these unique situations as they typically are "one-off" and not covered in regular training. This can be challenging for the Guard and the communities they serve. 3) Overuse of the Guard can threaten readiness for their traditionally-defined roles. It's important to consider how we can support them during these unique directives while also maintaining their readiness for their original purpose. We're grateful to the Army National Guard and Air National Guard for their service to our communities in the most dire of situations. Let's continue to support them as they navigate these new challenges. See the article in @Military Times here: https://lnkd.in/e_duYPsD #nationalguard #readiness #newstouse

Many California counties are missing a crucial resource for veterans—Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs). These courts focus on rehabilitation, not punishment, and have shown to reduce recidivism rates to under 20%. Yet, too many veterans in California still lack access to this vital support system. Expanding VTCs and military diversion programs could ensure every veteran has the opportunity for healing and a fresh start. The time for action is now—discover why the California Judicial Council must step up. Read more to learn how expanding VTCs can make a lasting difference. https://ow.ly/jSOC50U4xvZ #VeteransTreatmentCourt #LegalInsights #VeteransSupport

Political v Partisan: a lesson in semantics and a small rant As we approach the November election, it’s imperative veterans and, particularly members of The American Legion, understand the difference between the words “political” and “partisan.” The American Legion has been, is, and will continue to be a political organization. The organization and, primarily, its DC office exist solely for political purposes - to lobby Congress on behalf of its membership on matters to “pertaining to the government or the public affairs” of our country. (Political!) The American Legion is not a “firm adherent to one party, faction, or person.” (Partisan!) The organization exists to push forward legislation that benefits its members, regardless of which party may or may not support the legislation. As for politics, I’m not sure when, but as some point, being deemed “political” became a bad thing. I adamantly believe the SIV process should be streamlined for Afghan Allies. I believe immigrants should receive citizenship for serving honorably in our nations military. I believe outdated AUMFs should be repealed, so that Congress no longer usurps the voice of the American people. I believe the Coast Guard should be paid during a federal shut down. I believe the VA should continue to modernize to provide the most efficient and effective service to our veterans. All of those statements are political. None of those statements are partisan. Rather than admonishing members for being political, we should encourage them to be more political - more engaged, more loud, more concerned. Do you think officials should be held responsible for the deaths of 13 servicemembers in Kabul in 2021? GOOD. Say something about it. Do you think it’s malarkey Congress has a seemingly bottomless pit of funds for foreign nations, but not for barracks construction? GOOD. Say something about it. We need more men and women - not less - with the intestinal fortitude necessary to take a stance and stand by it. Be political. _____ 📸: eating a beignet, probably arguing politics #foreignpolicy #veteransstrengtheningamerica #politics #veterans #defense #military #readingcomprehension

Do military families really need to move so much? Moving to a new base every few years is among the most taxing requirements military families face. But is all that effort to uproot really necessary? A new report from a leading advocacy group argues it’s time to give the pace of those moves, known as permanent changes of station, a fresh look. Read the full story here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eRrgVuz7

'Line of duty' are actions and activities that are required or expected of members who serve in particular professions such as law enforcement, military, and public service. When a member dies in the line of duty, we all understand that they lost their life while performing those duties. Rightfully so, those incredible people are honored and remembered for their courage, sacrifice, and service to their communities and countries. They are our heroes who gave their lives to protect, serve, and uphold laws and freedoms. We engrave their names on memorials, tell stories of their lives in ceremonies, and their families are given support by the organizations they served. Members who die BECAUSE of the line of duty are also victims of their profession, albeit in a different way. There are physical and mental injuries, illnesses, and diseases, that are either caused by or related to their profession. Consider soldiers and firefighters who have been lost to cancer due to exposure from hazardous materials. Due to occupational stress and trauma, first responders and military members die from suicide. Those who die BECAUSE of the line of duty are often overlooked or forgotten as their deaths are not as public, nor are they revered as equally tragic. Regardless of why or how, those members are also deserving of respect and recognition as their deaths are often the price paid for dedication to their profession. They are also heroes, but their battles are often fought in solitude. Those members need to be honoured, sharing their stories and having their names engraved to be forever remembered. We mustn't ignore or forget that their colleagues, families, and friends also need and deserve support from the communities and organizations that they once served. I see you. Canada Beyond the Blue "because of the line of duty" Royal Canadian Mounted Police | Gendarmerie royale du Canada #lineofduty #honour #service #suicide #suicideprevention #police #suicideawarness #death #firstresponders #suicidepreventionmonth #military #suicideawarenessmonth #veteran #soldier #firefighter #dispatcher #cancer #trauma #reachout #correctionalofficer #ptsd #ptsi #support #buddycheck #whatsyourtwenty #neveralone #theyallmatter #recognition #strongertogether #becauseofthelineofduty

Each year, LSC grantees serve more than 30,000 veteran households. As our nation recognizes Veterans Day this year, join us for a special event to examine the critical issues facing America's veterans, and how civil legal aid organizations are meeting the need. Register here >> https://lnkd.in/eaCNNcyV #HonorInJustice #Veterans #VeteransDay