. Military-Civilian: Hot Jobs, Events, and Helpful Information for Veterans Seeking Civilian Careers: January 2018

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

MOLLY'S NEWSLETTER - THE VETERAN'S ADVOCATE [JAN04/VOL04] - REL 01/30/18 [b3-4]

Heart MOLLY'S NEWSLETTER - THE VETERANS' ADVOCATE [JAN04/Vol04] - rel01/30/18   
      Dedicated to the lasting memory and 'living legacy' of Patrick "Pat" Gualtieri, U.S. Army, Vietnam Veteran [d.07/21/15]
      [Announcements, events, information, musings, philosophical whimsy, resources, even trivia ... to engage, inspire and enjoy!]

Greetings, family, friends, veterans' community and interested parties!

As January 2018 winds down and the short but lovely month of February approaches, I hope you're making the most of 2018 in new ways that match your goals and wishes. You can make it happen - whatever it is - endless possibilities, say I, the eternal optimist! May you enjoy more of what you 'want' vs. 'have' to do! 

Some shareworthy information:
 Postage stamps: The price increased by 1¢ from 49 to 50 cents a/o Jan. 22, 2018! 
 Super Blue Blood Moon (rare celestial occurrence) - January 31, 2018Blood Moon occurs when Earth passes between Moon and Sun, giving Moon a reddish tint… more commonly known as a lunar eclipse. Blue Moon combined with a Supermoon (Moon is at its closest point to Earth…appears 14% bigger / 30% brighter than normal) is a rare phenomena called a Super Blue Blood Moon. The last time all of these events occurred simultaneously in the Western hemisphere was 1866.
■ Daylight saving time: Begins at 2am on Sunday, March 11, 2018 - set clocks 1 hour forward (as in Spring ahead/Fall behind)!
 Speaking of Spring - it officially beings Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 9:16am- just 50 days away!

PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc. [ThePatFund.com
This 501(c)3 non-profit organization, created in 2015 in memory of Patrick "Pat" L. Gualtieri, continues Pat's "living legacy" of helping others. Our veterans have a permanent place in heart and mind for their service and sacrifice. May we be empowered to always remember our servicemembers as Pat Gualtieri exemplified with passion and purpose... touching the lives of others... producing world-class events that honor service. His spirit, personality, vision, tenacity, contagious enthusiasm, positive, 'can-do' attitude continue to inspire us... We carry the torch of freedom in meaningful ways, consistent with our Mission and Primary Pillars of support [Education / Suicide Prevention / Special Needs - TBI/PTSD/Other]. Your generous donations enable us to continue this important work; thank you and keep 'em coming! 

Featured event upcoming: big outreach for in-kind donations (see attached flyer)!  Seek to make this year's annual PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc. 'Valentine's For Veterans' event even better than last year which was a home run! Items needed include but aren't limited to hats, gloves, scarves, socks, stationery, cards (especially handmade); playing cards, electronics, stuffed animals, toiletries (men/women), etc. Multiple drop-off locations (Brooklyn, Manhattan). We bestow beautiful, handmade cards, candy, assorted gifts and goodies to our veterans at local VA facilities. Thank you in advance for your anticipated participation this year. Pat Gualtieri created the Valentine's initiative (then titled 'The Goodwill Valentine's Caravan') and we honor him by continuing this legacy!
                                                              
To this end, on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, we held our annual, by-invitation-only Valentine card-making event, produced by PLG Veterans Assistance Fund and graciously hosted by The Municipal Bond Women's Club of New York (MBWCNY)! End result: A productive, fun evening of social engagement, refreshments and 170 beautiful, handmade cards that will be presented to veterans for Valentine's Day with much love! 

Special Announcement!!! Save the Date!
U.S. Army, Vietnam veteran, the late Patrick ("Pat") Gualtieri will be recognized and honored posthumously by U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Ft. Hamilton's annual Vietnam Veterans Ceremony! Stay tuned for additional info!    

Community Events

January 2018

Tuesday, January 30, 2018
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Town Hall Meeting with Martina Parauda, Director, VA NY Harbor Healthcare System
Time: 10am / All Veterans Welcome!
Location: NY Campus - Atrium

Tuesday, January 30, 2018
TRAVIS MANION FOUNDATION SOCIAL – Join TMF for a social!
Time: 6PM
Location: Croton Reservoir Tavern 108 W 40th Street, between 6th Ave./Bway - (downstairs bar). Learn more about what's ahead for 2018 and connect with veterans and supports in the TMF community. The bar operates happy hour specials from 5-10pm. TMF will cover light appetizers Here’s all you need to know- and where you can sign up: http://bit.ly/2CWRQDW


February 2018

Tuesday, February 6th - Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Strong Star Training Initiative - Now accepting Applications for an upcoming Training in NYC: Participate in a Learning Community in Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. Hosted at Columbia University & New York State Health Foundation. The Learning Community will include: ▪  Pre-workshop readings and webinars ▪ 2-Day in-person workshop in Prolonged Exposure ▪ 6 months of weekly phone case consultation ▪ Monthly advanced practice webinars ▪ Organizational consultation ▪ 30 Continuing Education Units (includes 3 in ethics and 3 in diversity) 
LEARN MORE & APPLY: www.strongstartraining.org

Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Veteran Information Session! Topics of Discussion include: Services / New Staff / Job Industries / Training 
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Bronx Workforce1, 400 East Fordham Road, 7th Floor, Bronx, NY 10458
Call Amauri Espinal at 718-960-4677 for more details or register at: https://veteranpartnermeeting.eventbrite.com 

Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Event. Join us for this amazing networking event hosted by the AUSA NNJ chapter, bringing together service members, veterans, nonprofit leaders, ROTC cadets, corporate leaders, government officials, higher education officials and members of numerous military associations. Special guest speaker is LTC Justin Constantine, Purple Heart recipient and American hero; come meet and greet this amazing American. 
Time: 1800 /6:00pm / Dress Code - Business casual
Location: Harvest Moon Brewery, 392 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ
RSVP: By February 2, 2018 / Cost $5.00 per person - ROTC cadets, student veterans and soldiers E5 and below are FREE
To register and pay online: https://socialseam.org/events/260 
For more info or questions, contact: Col. Dennis Dougherty / email: doughertydj@comcast.net / phone: 908-230-4020

Thursday, February 8, 2018
New Jersey Veteran Employment Workshop Transitioning military members, veterans, and spouses: Join us 830-5pm, for a Veteran Employment Workshop presented by Hire Heroes USA and BASF.
Time: 8:30am-5:00pm
Location: BASF Campus, 100 Park Ave., Florham Park, NJ  07932
Event will consist of career coaching, job search strategic planning, an expert panel Q&A session, and speed networking. More info and to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-jersey-veteran-employment-workshop-registration-40909827395

Friday, February 9, 2018
Boots to Business Reboot: Starting or Growing a Veteran-Owned Business - Sign up for Boots to Business Reboot, an entrepreneurship training program for veterans and their spouses.
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Rd., Bronx, NY 10468 / 3rd Floor, 3-D-22 Front
For more information and registration: aamoroso@arsenalpartnerships.com / Tel: 518-326-6328
To Register, go to: https://sbavets.force.com

Friday, February 16, 2018
Free Tax Preparation Day - Services provided for Qualified Veterans by Ariva. Who is eligible? Households with: ▪ less than $54,000 income with dependents or ▪ less than $30,000 income with no dependents. Certain restrictions apply as not all types of returns can be prepared. 
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Bronx Vet Center, 2471 Morris Ave Suite 1A, Bronx NY. 
Call 718-367-3500 to schedule an appointment time.

Thursday, February 22, 2018
Free Veterans Financial Workshop
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Queens Vet Center 75-10B 91st Avenue Woodhaven, NY 11421
Please RSVP with JoJo 718-296-2871 ext. 7767


March 2018

Thursday, March 8, 2018 – SAVE THE DATE
DAV/Recruit Military New York Veterans Job Fair
Time: 11:00 AM  –  3:00 PM
Location: Venue still TBD - more info to follow - stay tuned!

Tuesdays, March 13th - May 8, 2018
Signature Bank invites you to participate in the First Time Investor Program (FTIP) designed for United States Veterans. This year the Bank is devoting its efforts to assisting America's Veterans, and we are pleased to support our commitment to our heroes' future by giving participants $1,000 to add to their own $500 in their investment account, for a total of $1,500. (Note: Certain conditions apply.)  Signature Bank will also provide each participant with a 6-month subscription to the Wall Street Journal.   
Eligibility to Participate: Must be US Veteran / 2017 taxable income doesn't exceed $55,000 / Must have $500 of your own funds to invest
Time: 6:30pm-8:15pm - Tuesday evenings
Location: Signature Bank, 1177 Ave. of the Americas - 4th Floor, NYC 10036 (between W. 45th/46th Sts.)
For more information, contact: Michael Schwartz, Director of Community Development-SVP Tel: 646-822-1820 / mschwartz@signatureny.com or
Joan Bartolomeo, Assistant Director, Community Development Tel: 646-981-2424 / jbartolomeo@signatureny.com 

Thursday, March 22, 2018 - SAVE THE DATE!
Every year Fort Hamilton (USAG), Brooklyn, NY hosts a ceremony in March to honor Vietnam Veterans. This year, it will be an honor for Colonel Sicoli, Command Sergeant Major Stephens and the Soldiers of Fort Hamilton to honor the service of US Army, Vietnam Veteran, Patrick ("Pat") Gualtieri posthumously during this year's event! ["I am over the moon for this distinguished and well-deserved honor", says Molly!]
Time: 11am – 12pm (end time approximate)
Location: Fort Hamilton Community Club
Stay tuned - more information to follow!

Friday, March 23th - Sunday, March 25, 2018
AFTER HER SERVICE.  M-SPAN at the University of Michigan presents a new program for women veterans called "After Her Service." After Her Service is aimed at building personal resilience and professional success by combining a skill-building retreat with six months of individual professional coaching. 
Location: New Orleans, LA
All travel expenses for the weekend are covered. Visit http://m-span.org/our-programs/after-her-service/participating/ to learn more and apply!

Saturday, March 24, 2018 - SAVE THE DATE!
2018 Vietnam Veterans Day - annual event produced by United War Veterans Council! Includes the following:
Reading of Names of the Fallen / Tribute March / Wreath Laying Ceremony 
Stay tuned - more details to follow!

Friday, March 30, 2018
The Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island along with Adelphi University invite you to join us as we come together for the screening of Blood Stripe (rescheduled date)
Time: 6:30pm / movie begins at 7:00pm
Location: Adelphi University, Performing Arts Center, Concert Hall, Garden City, NY
Blood Stripe: A scarlet stripe that runs down the dress trousers worn by officers of the United States Marine Corps. Synopsis - Our Sergeant returns home after a third tour with the Marines. Unable to sleep, wracked by paranoia and anxiety, it is clear that in addition to the scars she bears on her body, Our Sergeant carries unseen wounds. When a boisterous homecoming party provokes an explosive outburst, Our Sergeant has nowhere to turn, and so she runs... deep into the North Woods. Discovering a picturesque summer camp on a lake, Our Sergeant seeks refuge and at first, finds solace. But she cannot outrun her own heart of darkness and the pristine wilderness becomes fraught with peril.
RSVP Required, Rhea Spina RSpina@mhanc.org / 516-489-2322 x1260
This screening is free of charge and open to all - Veterans, Family Members, Friends and the General Service Provider Community!
Q&A w/Filmmaker/Star to follow screening  / https://www.bloodstripefilm.com/

Request for Speakers - Special Announcement

Request for veterans to participate in Black History Month Veterans Panel with NYC Dept. of Health/Mental Hygiene- Headquarters in L.I.C., NY.
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 12:00-2:00pm
■ Looking for Veterans Candidates to speak on a Panel / Male or Female (3 Males already selected) / Time Frame: 1 to 1 1/2 hrs.
■ Veteran willing to speak on experience before or after learning, benefit or impact effect of military life etc.
(People who are good at speaking or presenting information please)
Addition
Date/Time: Monday, February 26, 2018  - Theme: Summary of Black American Veteran in War
■ Looking for Key Note Speaker Black American Veteran High Profile or any other person of this caliber Tuskegee Airmen, Purple Heart etc. 369th Harlem Hell fighters
POC: Carla Redix, DOHMH Health Police; Manhattanville Health Center, 21 Old Broadway, NYC 10027

Resources
 
VA101 “How Can I Help You” Resource Guide - This is a good document (see attachment) that has phone numbers and links to many of the VA Healthcare, Benefit, and Burial resources.  Some of the weblinks may be forwarded now due to the recent VA website upgrade (www.vets.gov)  

Military-Civilian: We work to connect military veterans and their families seeking civilian jobs with companies who have open career opportunities. If you or anyone in your network is looking for work either stateside or overseas, I encourage you to check out the job posts in the Careers Directory of my site http://www.military-civilian.com. All career postings are free to view; no login required; you can submit your resume directly there. You can also sign up for our Hot Jobs newsletter or RSS feeds to get all our job posts straight to your inbox, or join our Hot Jobs for Veterans and their Families group on LinkedIn at http://bit.ly/Military-Civilian 

Free Yoga For Servicemembers, Veterans, & Their Families. Mats/Blocks provided; no experience necessary.
When: Thursdays
Time:   12pm-1pm
Location: Bronx Vet Center, 2471 Morris Ave., Suite 1A, Bronx, NY 10468
Contact: Mr. Bongioanni (Mr. B) for details: 718-367-3500

Attention all veterans and spouses of veterans who are interested in a rewarding career in teaching. Please contact Dr. Peter Leibman ---Director of Troops to Teachers for New York State and Associate Professor at St. Francis College. There is a teacher shortage as baby boomers retire and quality role models are needed. Contact Dr. Leibman at: 718-489-5282  or email at pleibman@sfc.edu. Dr. Leibman will review your experience and background and share the most expeditious path to becoming certified. You can be at the “head of the class” sooner than you think!

VA Decision Ready Claims Program Expands to Include More Types of Claims- As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ongoing efforts to modernize and improve Veterans' experience with the disability claims process, VA unveiled its latest enhancements to the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) program, which will expand the pool of Veterans, surviving spouses and service members eligible to participate in the program. More info attached about DRC and link here with a video that describes process more:  https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/DRC.asp


Job-Seekers, Students and Career-Builders: NY Resume Workshop offers Professional & Student Coaching for YOUR path to a BRIGHTER FUTURE.  Services include: Professional & Academic Assessment; Resume & Cover Letter Assistance; Interview Prep & Pointers; Social Media & Reputation Advisement. ALL services conducted in person for optimal results. Contact nyresumeworkshop@gmail.com or call 516-4357-3990.  Reasonable rates! Veterans receive a 20% DISCOUNT!


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PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc. [501(c)3]- [ThePatFund.com]
Established in memory of my beloved life partner, U.S. Army; iconic Vietnam veteran, Patrick ("Pat") Gualtieri [d. July 21, 2015]; the consummate event specialist, producer, leader, mentor, visionary, family member, friend, life partner and more... well respected [and sorely missed] in the veterans' community and beyond... Donations needed - individuals and corporate sponsorship welcome; thank you! Your donations enable PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc. to continue Pat's 'living legacy' and commitment to our veterans community in multiple ways. See prior newsletter with PLG's... 2017 year-end recap and active community engagement! 
Kick-starting 2018 is our annual 'Valentine's For Veterans' initiative (see event flyer). Thank you in advance for your anticipated support to help make this a most successful event for our veterans at local VA facilities.    

Remember A VEteran Inc. = R A V E© [M.Levi, Founder] [raveusa.org] is pleased to have co-sponsored the 'Valentine's for Veterans' at the Brooklyn, VA and looks forward to reprising this once again in 2018! Additional initiatives underway in local communities. Goal is to inspire the youth of our city and nation-at-large to 'Remember A VEteran' in various ways; pay it forward! Visit website for expanded info including Mission/Vision Statements.  R A V E has a special interest and extended outreach to students for Valentine cards! 

Reminder: Use mlevi426@aol.com for communications; advise changes to your status/contact info. Keep your emails, events, and comments coming! You continue to inspire me; I'm proud to be a veterans' advocate and carry the torch to 'help mankind' [Pat's mantra]. I've taken this on in meaningful ways to preserve our freedom, honor, recognition, remembrance, and respect for service... and continue Pat's 'living legacy'...

Molly's Newsletter The Veterans' Advocate is independently produced with dedicated effort; every other week or weekly as needed. Every effort is made to keep pace with the tremendous influx of information for considered inclusion; subject to review; limitations apply given time/space constraints. Stay tuned for next release - new information/resources regularly added; no representations made. Feel free to share. Your interest, support, and donations are appreciated; thank you. [The PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc. and The Veterans' Advocate assume no responsibility for the professional ability and/or integrity of events and resources listed.]


Favorite Pat quote:
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”  - George Washington

In patriotism and friendship and so much more...  I leave you with continued good wishes for abundant good health, much happiness, peace, prosperity, and joyful moments. Sharing a great quote by Henry David Thoreau (a favorite poet, philosopher, historian...) that inspire me:"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined."
Molly   

Marleen "Molly" Levi, Veterans' Advocate; Author/Consultant/Special Events
Founder, PLG Veterans Assistance Fund Inc. [ThePatFund.com]
Founder, Remember A VEteran Inc. [R A V E] [raveusa.org]
Producer/Editor, The Veterans' Advocate (Molly's Newsletter)
Member organizations:
AVVA/VVA, Chapter#126, Manhattan
Rolling Thunder#1, Brooklyn
General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of NY
BAOC, CNYC, FINRA, FWA, GMWC, MBWC, NATAS, Toastmasters Intl.
Email: mlevi426@aol.com  /  H: 718-946-0242  / C: 917-669-7620

Monday, January 29, 2018

IT Professionals Remote Training GI Bill Funding

IT Professionals Remote Training GI Bill Funding: A Computer Career! This is a fantastic choice for veterans looking to transition to civilian life by becoming an IT professional. If you sign up, you could be eligible for financial aid through the GI Bill and Veterans Administration programs. Together, we’re able to give our nation’s finest the tools they need to play a supportive role in the community and the workforce.


http://www.military-civilian.com



[VetJobs] Veteran Community Partner Information Session 2/7/2018 @ 10AM - Bronx, NY

http://WWW.NYC.GOV/WORKFORCE1

How to Apply for a Discharge Upgrade
















Answer a series of questions to get customized step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a discharge upgrade or correction. If your application goes through and your discharge is upgraded, you'll be eligible for the VA benefits you earned during your period of service.

https://www.vets.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions

Military-Civilian Testimonial 1/27/18











Getting The jobs Out

Good afternoon,

My name is Jarod Nanna and your information was passed onto me through one of the VA organizations. I am currently finishing Graduate School at Nova Southeastern University in Multi-disciplinary Studies. I am interested in a position with your company. If you would email me back at your convenience, so that we may discuss potential opportunities. Attached is a copy of my resume’. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Jarod N

Ranger Road












Please share, and have those interested contact Ranger Road/Mikhail Venikov directly at:


Ranger Road is a nonprofit charity providing veterans the necessary tools to be successful during the crucial transition from military to civilian life. It was founded by Army Ranger, MMA fighter and Police Officer, Mikhail Venikov. Ranger Road believes the bond and camaraderie created in the military is truly special and an experience only those who have served are able to grasp an understanding of.
By pushing towards lasting solutions that bring veterans with and without disabilities together with civilians, we can be part of a community and support system that thrives on community involvement, physical and emotional wellness. The activities and programs developed have been proven to help veterans handle stress, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and improve the overall wellness of the veterans.
In order to assist our veterans we need your help! By supporting Ranger Road you are supporting innovative, result-oriented programs, and increasing public education and participation.
ABOUT RANGER ROAD
Mikhail is the founder of Ranger Road which was established in 2015. After graduating high school he joined the 2nd Ranger Battalion and was deployed 3 times with the Rangers. He competed and won the 2006 Best Ranger competition which was shown on the Discovery Channel.
After finishing his military service, he began training for MMA. He has 6 professional MMA fights under Team Alpha Male with Urijah Faber. In conjunction with fighting, he had been accepted into the Sacramento Sheriff’s Academy and after completion, he began his law enforcement career. He is happily married and loves nothing better than working with our American Heroes.
Mikhail Venikov
https://www.rangerroad.org/