Unlike my tree trimming ability (it was a rough weekend and I do not want to talk about it), I have been up to something really rewarding. The video below, with the tongue-in-cheek title, Bill Speaks, contains the inside story about something that I’m very proud of. Oh, and note the Super Heroes band-aid… verification… Read More
I’m a pretty big fan of TED talks. This one “Our Lonely Society Makes it Hard to Come Home from War” is particularly powerful. Violence and and extreme stress may be the root causes of PTSD, but we all bear the burden for perpetuating it. Take a listen. ~Bill Learn more about the… Read More
A brief but powerful line from President Obama’s Armed Forces Day Proclamation this year, says it all: “They give their best for America, and they deserve the best from us.” Today is the 67th observance of Armed Forces Day. We owe our thanks to 2,500,000 active and reserve military personnel, with more than 150,000 active… Read More
I have a few Google alerts set up to stay informed about Veteran related matters throughout the country. One of these searches is focused on Arizona Vets. More often than not the Navajo-Hopi Observer pops up in my results. The Navajo-Hopi Observer is a relatively small newspaper, but clearly one with a big heart. They… Read More
I’m going to keep this short because what inspired Officer Stoddard already says so much about him. Mesa, AZ Police Officer and U.S. Army Veteran Sean Stoddard is our honoree this Thank You Thursday as he sets out to help other Veterans transition back into civilian life. Motivated by his interaction with troubled Veterans and… Read More
I recently read a fantastic National Geographic article online. It lead me to the K9s for Warriors website where I was thoroughly impressed. I’ve been following K9s for Warriors on Facebook for quite some time. Befitting its name, the organization provides service dogs to Veterans and active duty military personnel with PTSD and traumatic injury…. Read More
One week ago today, U.S. Army Veteran Brandon Jenkins was inadvertently caught in the destructive path of a local criminal. The motorcycle he purchased after his recent deployment in Afghanistan, was driven over and destroyed in a senseless act of road rage. Fortunately Mr. Jenkins was not seriously injured, but another victim who’s car was… Read More
Our next door neighbor Katie was about 5 when we moved in and we watched her grow into a remarkable young lady. Katie’s family has always had good reason to be proud of her, but this week the entire city of Gilbert can be proud as well. Katie has been working with Operation Welcome Home… Read More
Fisher House Foundation crossed our radar just last week when Arizona’s very first one opened in Tucson. Fisher House provides a ‘home away from home’ for military families when military personnel need medical treatment. Each home is placed near a VA medical facility and can accommodate up to 21 families with absolutely no lodging cost…. Read More
I am well aware of the issues, some might even argue horrors, surrounding the VA medical system. Various accusations have been proven valid: delays, falsified records, mismanagement, but the most wide-spread and agreed upon complaint seems to be that no one is listening. Today’s Thank You Thursday recognizes the Phoenix VA for stepping up, taking… Read More
