Author Archives: Janet

Veterans Day 11-11-11

Posted on by
Reply

Many thanks to all our men and women in uniform today and yesterday. The military serves to teach people that life goes far beyond oneself. When one serves one learns about honor, duty, respect, commitment. All character traits that serve a person well in the military life and beyond. As we celebrate today, all those that serve, we are thankful that the military continues to be an avenue of learning life traits that will serve the veteran as well. Check out militarymilestones.com for a custom ring that will help you remember the milestones of your military career.

Veterans Day 2010

Posted on by

Thursday, November 11, 2010 marks Veterans Day.  The following link records the history of this day which marks a day of honor for all those who have served their country in the military.  We honor all Veterans and are thankful for their service to our great country.

“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France.

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA’s General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee’s chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

Military Jobs-Greater Satisfaction than working at Disney!

Posted on by

Disneyland the happiest place on earth but working there-there might be a better alternative.   Listen to this story:

“Are you happier than Mickey Mouse? Would you trade your kevlar helmet for a career that offered a sweet set of mouse ears and free entry to the Magic Kingdom? You might think so, but don’t toss out your MRE just yet.

The Christian Science Monitor this week reported on a study that ranked the most “blissful places to work.” And though the military features such potential job hazards as incoming mortars and roadside bombs, every single branch — and the Army National Guard — ranked above Disney. And Microsoft, for that matter.

The study, conducted by an online career-guidance tool, considered such factors as opportunities for growth, compensation, benefits, work-life balance, career advancement, senior management, job security and whether the employee would recommend the company to others, according to the CSM

“Corporate America could learn from our military’s unique programs. The bottom line is that when a company provides opportunities to grow and tools to improve skills, it creates a happier work environment,” CareerBliss vice president Rick Wainschel told the Monitor.

The Air Force was the top military branch on the list, coming in at No. 5 overall, followed by the Army National Guard (7), the Marine Corps (8), the Navy (9) and the Army (11). Microsoft came in at No. 39 and Disney, proprietor of the so-called “Happiest Place on Earth,” ranked No. 41.”

Female Navy Officers Join Sub Crews

Posted on by

More opportunities are opening for women officers in the Navy.  In 1973 the Navy first allowed women to serve in noncombatant roles and in 1973 female sailors were allowed in combatant ships above the surface of the ocean.  Next year the Navy is opening the doors for 12 Female Officers to have a major role in submarine service.  This marks a new day in the 110 years of history for the submarine fleet.

“Six female officers each will join the crews of the USS Wyoming, USS Georgia, USS Maine and USS Ohio, Navy Submarine Group 10 officials announced in a news release.

Three female officers will be assigned to each of the subs’ two crews.

Submarine Group 10 is commanded by Rear Adm. Barry Bruner, who leads the Navy’s Women on Submarines Task Force.”

Veteran Benefit Bill Passes Congress

Posted on by

Before Congress broke for the election recess they put together a bill to help veterans.

“Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

– Prohibits early termination fees for certain contracts (like cell phone service and residential leases) after troops receive orders to relocate to and area that “does not support the contract.”

— Reauthorizes a recently expired VA work-study program, and expand the type of work available for participating veterans. Officials said the change allows for veteran students to complete work study in congressional offices, state veteran agencies, and similar opportunities.

– Requires the VA to verify to operate a database of veteran-owned small businesses and service-connected veteran-owned small businesses, “in an effort to end contracting with businesses that fraudulently claim to be owned by a veteran.”

– Authorizes $10 million more to provide dedicated services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.

– Allows 100 percent disabled veterans to receive free Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage for two years following separation from active or reserve duty.

– Increases the automobile allowance for disabled veterans from $11,000 to $18,900.

– Allows parents whose child died while on active duty to be buried in a national cemetery with that child (provided the veteran has no living spouse or children).

– Instructs the Institute of Medicine to carry out a comprehensive review of best treatment practices for chronic multi-symptom illness in Gulf War veterans.”

The President is to sign the bill soon.

A New Leader for the Marine Corps

Posted on by

Many are suggesting that the survival of the marines is based on their new leader, General James Amos.

“Defense Secretary Robert Gates selected and Barack Obama nominated the courtly, patrician Amos in preference to blunt-spoken Gen. James N. Mattis – a choice seen at the time as a snub of Mattis, who exudes machismo and is fully as blunt-spoken as current commandant Gen. James T. Conway, but who also cites lessons from classic literature and quotes poetry. Gates has ordered a major review of the Marines’ mission. Critics say Gates is ready to challenge the need for amphibious-assault capability and – in an era of tightfisted budgeting – the existence of the Marine Corps itself. “In the 21st century, what kind of amphibious capability do we really need to deal with the most likely scenarios, and then how much?” Gates asked rhetorically in a speech last May.

On Amos’ watch, Marine leaders must show progress with controversial programs like the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Gates wants to cancel or cut back on EFV, a 68,000-pound amphibious assault vehicle capable of 25-30 knots at sea and 45 miles per hour on land, but with a history of technical issues and cost overruns. An Aug. 24, 2010, demonstration for the press at Oceanside, Calif., in which a revised, improved SDD-2 prototype of the armored, aluminum-hulled EFV performed without any flaw, may have helped the program. Said Conway: “There are programs that are absolutely and vitally important. One of those is our EFV.”

But is Amos, 63, the right choice to replace Conway, also 63, as the top leatherneck in troubled times? He is the first naval aviator to lead the Marines. Using the callsign “Tamer” (as in “lion tamer”) Amos logged thousands of hours in the cockpits of F-4 Phantom IIs and F/A-18C/D Hornets and has more experience flying from aircraft carrier decks than most Marines. In 2003, as a major general, Amos commanded the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. More importantly, Amos is comfortable on Capitol Hill and among industry CEOs. An officer who worked with him said Amos is soft-spoken but persuasive.”

Despite the controversy about who better to replace the outgoing Marine leader we hope that the Marines stay strong for many years to come.  They have been the life blood of our military.  Marines serve honorably and well defending our country and all we stand for.  We wish our marines and their leaders the best of success in this challenging time.

Find that custom Marine military ring at the best web site for custom military jewelry.  Militarymilestones.com

How to Best Prepare for that Job Interview after the Military

Posted on by
Reply

The Interview–They say there is a science for doing that job interview correctly.  How to dress, how to act, what to say, pressure upon pressure.  The questions can be the most challenging-how to answer them the “correct” way.  But, you as the former military person have an added advantage.  You have proven you can handle pressure-with collective confidence.  Who else has had the experiences and challenges that your military career has afforded. you?  Understanding your personality -the following article may help you in that regard.

“On the surface being asked to describe your personality appears to be a straightforward interview question, but if you answer too hastily, you may end up sounding like every other candidate. You must think about what makes you unique and how you can make yourself stand out and be remembered

Interviewers ask this question for a couple of reasons: to hear where you place the emphasis in your description and to see how quickly and creatively you can think on the spot. Don’t give the interviewer the same answers everybody else gives. Think about new ways to get your message across and sell yourself.

Spice Up Your Answers

Take a look at these typical answers and how you can make them more unique

Typical: “I am a high-energy person.” This answer needs more detail.

Unique: “I am energized by challenges and problems.”

Typical: “I’m a hard worker.” This is the most common phrase used. It shows no imagination

Unique: “I do whatever it takes to get the job done, sometimes working 10-hour days.”

Typical: “I am a quick learner.” This is an overused phrase that has lost its effectiveness.

Unique: “I can hit the ground running and come up to speed faster than anyone I know.”

Typical: “I’m analytical.” This is a lackluster answer that doesn’t reveal much

Unique: “I’m a wiz at analyzing data and transforming it into useful information.”

Typical: “I’m very organized.” This answer is understated.

Unique: “I am a person who can bring order to chaos.”

Typical: “I’m reliable.” This answer needs more information to get the point across.

Unique: “I pride myself on my record of never missing deadlines.”

Typical: “I’m good with customers.” The answer needs clarification.

Unique: “I build great relationships with customers; they always ask for me.”

Scripting Exercise

Describing your personality is like writing ads for a product. What makes you unique? Are you the type of person who would fit into this organization? Your job is to convince your interviewer that you have the perfect personality for the position.

Make a list of personality traits that describe you. Determine the qualities you would like the interviewer to remember after the interview. Incorporate some of the same words used in the job posting.

For example, if the job listing reads: “Must have five or more years’ experience managing a diverse population of employees,” you might say to the interviewer:

“I am a person who values other people’s qualities and contributions. My employees would tell you that I am a fair manager who listens when they have something to say.”

The more specific you are with your answer, the better your chances of leaving a lasting impression. Interviewers talk to several candidates in a single day. What will make you memorable?

Order that special, custom ring to mark the military milestones of your military career.  A piece of jewelry that reminds you and shows others of your remarkable career.  Check out www.militarymilestones.com

Many Sad as Great Career Comes to an Early End

Posted on by
Reply

There are many reasons that military careers come to an end.  Some of those reasons might be age, health, other priorities but for General McChrystal his retirement came to an end due to a journalist who chose to print a story that the General and his staff thought was off the record.  This is a sad day for our country when a good soldier who has much to give can no longer serve.

“Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who commanded the International Security and Assistance Force in Afghanistan until brought down by a controversial article in Rolling Stone magazine, retired Friday evening in a bittersweet ceremony at Fort McNair near Washington, DC.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey said McChrystal was “a remarkable Soldier and leader [with] a truly remarkable career in both peace and war,” and Defense Secretary Robert Gates called him “one of the finest men-at-arms this country has ever produced.”

McChrystal acknowledged to the 400-plus troops, family members, friends, and officials that timing of his retirement was not his idea.

“Look, this has the potential to be an awkward and sad occasion,” he said. “My service did not end as I would have wished.”

McChrystal was recalled from Afghanistan in June and subsequently fired on the heels of a Rolling Stone article that that included quotes – most from members of his staff – that spoke disparagingly of Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and other administration officials. McChrystal was replaced by Army Gen. David Petraeus, the general largely credited with turning around the war in Iraq in 2007 who went on to be commander of U.S. Central Command.”

Bravery Among Our Soldiers May Soon Be Honored

Posted on by

The American People are so very grateful for the service of our Men and Women in Uniform.  We know the sacrifices that are made by these brave and dedicated folks to protect and preserve the freedoms that we all enjoy.  For the first time in this current war a living person is  to receive his nation’s award for bravery to protect his fellow soldiers.

“U.S. officials say the military has sent the White House a recommendation to award the Medal of Honor to a Soldier for bravery in Afghanistan, which could make him the first living recipient since the Vietnam War.

The military says the Army Soldier ran through a hail of enemy fire to repel Taliban fighters in a 2007 battle, saving the lives of a half dozen other men. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity and declined to name the Soldier because he is still under consideration for the honor.

The nation’s highest award for valor has been awarded only six times in the nine years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq – and all were awarded posthumously.”

On the Fourth of July we say Thanks.

Posted on by

It is difficult being far from home. Most of us like to travel but when the travel is over it is always special to be heading home. Being away from “home” for extended periods of time is an additional hardship. We all love our homes and all the joys that family life brings to each of us. Those familiar places and customs we take for granted when we are home. The special place we like to shop or that favorite restaurant we enjoy going to eat. When we are away from those simple pleasures it is a difficult thing. As we come to this great holiday -the 4th of July. Let us remember those men and women who are serving our country far away from “home”. Lets appreciate them and think of ways to support them and encourage them while they are in harms way. They are the reason we have this great holiday to celebrate. Their service has given this great country and those of us who live in it wonderful freedoms and enjoyment which they are “Away” from. We want to say thanks to the men and women who give of themselves to make home a special and important place for us all.

Article Written a General Resigns

Posted on by

In these days of fast news and embedded journalists information was given and written which caused a breakdown in the chain of command of one of our countries’ leading generals.  Relationships are always a challenge but in the middle of a war miles from home they can become even more difficult.

“U.S. President Barack Obama accepted the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal during a brief meeting at the White House today after a magazine article attributed incendiary comments to him and his staff about the conduct of the war in Afghanistan and some of the civilian leaders who manage it.”

“The president announced in a brief statement from the Rose Garden that he had nominated Central Command’s top officer, Gen. David Petraeus, to succeed McChrystal.”

Our hope is that this disruption will not impact the war negatively.  That our fighting men and women will prevail and they will accomplish the goal that our country has asked them to do.

Military Facilities in Washington State Receive Funding

Posted on by

Having lived for almost 30 years in the State of Washington it is a special place to me.  Many military families retire in the greater Seattle area because of the great military shopping there, medical facilities and other benefits.  Last I counted there was an Army Post, Air Force Base, and several Navy Bases.  It is always great fun to check out what the base, post exchanges have on hand!

“The US Senate passed a military construction bill Tuesday that includes nearly $399 million for bases in Washington State, with about one-third of the funding targeted for Fort Lewis.”

Now with this additional money being spent at these facilities the advantages to retired and active-duty military will only get better.  Can’t wait to check it all out!  Yeah Washington.

Buy your special military member a custom ring, or other piece of military jewelry.

Operation Appreciation: Blue Star Museums

Posted on by

Active duty members (guard and reserves) and their families can enjoy free admission to many museums during the summer months.  “More than 600 museums in 50 states have signed up so far to participate in Operation Appreciation.”

This is great to see the military family appreciated this way to add places they can go to free of charge.  I love to see ways our country shows appreciation for the sacrifice these families give to all of us.

To give a special gift of appreciation to your service member go to www.militarymilestones.com for that custom ring.

Remembering What Memorial Day is All About

Posted on by

“Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860′s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.”

I hope all of us can pause on this Memorial Day Weekend to give thanks for all those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we who are alive can continue to enjoy the freedoms of our wonderful country.  Let us not take these gifts for granted but stop to give appreciation to all who have served to make this nation great.

Buy your favorite military member a custom military ring at www.militarymilestones.com.

Protection of Military and Civilian Computer Network

Posted on by

Fort Belvoir will be home of new cyber warfare units protecting the nation’s military and civilian network of computers.  “The Army will consolidate 21,000 soldiers in its cyber warfare units under a new unified command led by a three star generl, the Pentagon announced Friday.”

Check your internet for the best custom military rings at www.militarymilestones.com