Veteran's Administration (VA) Disability Pensions

Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or are 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war. (Veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8th, 1980, or officers who entered active duty on or after October 16th, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum period of active duty). The veteran's discharge must be for reasons other than the veteran's own willful misconduct.

Payments are made to bring the veteran's total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Un-reimbursed medical may reduce countable income for VA purposes.

Congress establishes the maximum annual improved disability pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable income of the veteran, spouse or dependent children. When a veteran without a spouse or a child is furnished nursing home or domiciliary care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed $90 per month after three calendar months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursing-home care is being continued to provide the veteran with rehabilitation services.

For more information, please visit the VA website.

(Copy of Authentic Work)

Holiday Meals for Deployed Service Members

During this holiday season, it is important for everyone to remember all those who serve and are deployed around the world in defense of our nation. This is one of the toughest times of the year to be away from home.

I was recently asked what service members eat during the holiday time. I can tell you after having spent two years in a combat war zone that the food is pretty good. (All things considered to include the fact that I was not in a remote mountain area of Afghanistan) For the most part, we had all the comforts of home. However, I do recall at one point fresh eggs we not available due to a "bird flu" scare. Overall, we could count on having a well balanced diet.

There were special days of the week that everyone looked forward to. Every Wednesday was considered "surf and turf" day. On Wednesdays steak, crab-legs and shrimp were served. Now please do not get it twisted, the steaks were not what you would eat at Outback but you could tell the military "muckitee-mucks" hearts were in the right place.

Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were the biggest meals by far. You could count on the best food and layout that would make even the most discriminating restaurant critic blush. So for those of you preparing to deploy or for those family members of deployed service members around the world, please know that you or your loved ones will be well fed during this holiday time.

Seasons Greetings and Merry Christmas!

Veteran's Administration (VA) Disability Compensation

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of veteran's dependents, and is paid monthly. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. The benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.

It is important to note that injuries as well as illness that are diagnosed within 1 year of separation from active duty will be presumed to be service connected. It is very important to file your for benefits if you feel you were injured as a result of service or your preexisting injury was aggravated as soon possible. Waiting to file could complicate as well as prolong the possible awarding of benefits.

Please be aware that if your application is received within the year you are separated from the military, your benefits will start the day after you are separated. For example, if you file for VA Disability Compensation 11 months after separation, if awarded benefits, you will receive "back pay" for the entire 11 months. However, if you wait to file after the year you are released, not only will you have to prove service connection, your benefit amount will start when you filed your claim. Since it can take 18 months or more to receive any benefit, I would encourage you to file as soon as possible.

To be eligible for Disability Compensation, the service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. For more details visit the VA Web site.

Selecting a "deployment friendly" bank

One of the most important decision a service member can make prior to deployment is the selection of a financial institution. Selecting a good financial institution is very important as there are many things to consider relating to financial transaction during your deployment. Some things to consider include, ease of use, the ability to make wire transfer and accessing your bank account online just to name a few things.

It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.

You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!

Selecting a "Deployment Friendly" bank

One of the most important decision a service member can make prior to deployment is the selection of a financial institution. Selecting a good financial institution is very important as there are many things to consider relating to financial transaction during your deployment. Some things to consider include, ease of use, the ability to make wire transfer and accessing your bank account online just to name a few things.

It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.

You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!

Service Member Support Toll-Free Numbers

Crisis and other toll-free numbers are often listed in the front cover or first few pages of the phone book. You may also want to check under “Social Services” in the blue or yellow pages for additional hotlines and local numbers.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Medical Centers: 1-800-827-1000
Persian Gulf War Helpline: 1-800-749-8387

Focus on Recovery Helpline
A 24-hour national alcohol and drug abuse addition and treatment hotline: 1-800-374-2800 or 1-800-234-1253

National AIDS Hotline
Talk to someone who knows about HIV/AIDS and can tell you about AIDS services in your city or state: 1-800-CDC-INFO

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
1-800-838-4357 (1-800-VET-HELP)

National Crisis Hotline
1-800-784-2433

National Suicide Support Number
1-888-784 2433 (1-888-SUICIDE)

Combating Battlefield Strees

Tom and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admerial Mike Mullen

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how removed from war service members are upon their return, they continue to face battles. Returning service members face unseen enemies....Stress!

Whether you wear a medal on you chest or just courage in your heart, the effects of war are real. Service members should never be ashamed to seek mental health counseling. There is no shame in recognizing that you are having problems dealing with the effects of your combat deployment. In fact, it is honorable and shows a great deal of courage for you to seek out and get the treatment you need to succeed. In the past seeking mental health counselling may have affected your ability to obtain or keep a security clearance or even certain jobs in the military. Recently there have been changes on security clearance application procedures. You are now allowed to check the "no" block when asked if you have any mental health issues as long as you are seeking and undergoing treatment with a mental health provider. As l look back over the two years I spent deployed to the Iraq war theater of operations, I am amazed at the many experience I have had. I have held positions that helped service members return home for much needed Rest and Recuperation as the Deputy Chief of USARCENT's R&R Program. The R&R program, with nearly a billion dollar per year budget, did just that.

I also on a more relevant note to this book held the position of S1/Adjutant. However for me by the end of my deployment I learned that the truly most important thing in life was the connection you have with family and friends. Family is and will always be the most important thing in my life. My wife has surprised me with her strength and courage. Remember when you serve, your entire family serves with you. When you are under stress so is your family. It took a combat deployment for some to realize this fact. If you suffer from stress associated to your deployment contact your base mental health provider or the Veterans Administration. They are well equipped to assist you as you navigate on your road to recovery and mental health bliss.

Never let your relationships become a casualty of war!

Book release celebration for The Service Members Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine should know prior to be deployed!

It is finally here! I would like to announce the world wide release of my new book "The Service Member's Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine should know prior to being deployed". Copyright 2009

The book will be available through most major on-line retailers to include Amazon. (As this is a new release, it may take a couple of weeks to "filter" it's way through the system.)

If, however, you would like to purchase an autograph copy of my new book, the only place to get it is though this website! So to all of my loyal "blog" readers, make sure you place your order here now!

I hope you all enjoy reading my book as much as I have putting it together. I truly hope that it helps all that read it.

God Bless!

Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha

Veteran's Day

     CPT Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha flying over Iraq with the symbol of The United States.

Happy Veteran's Day to all our Veterans! A day to honor and celebrate all the men and woman that have fought and served to keep our country safe! May God Bless you all!

Mailing Property During Your Deployment

From souvenirs to additional equipment, it is surprising just how much “stuff” service members acquire during their deployment. Most service members, after spending a year in a deployed environment, will accumulate a tremendous amount of property. I was surprised at how much “stuff” I had acquired after only being in Kuwait for 1 year. It should then come as no surprise that after spending two years in the desert, I pretty much amassed a small museum of artifacts and items that I had picked up along my travels throughout the Middle East.

The question that comes up often among service members deals with shipping personnel property back home. The answer is not as simple as one might think. Making a hasty decision could cost you hundred dollars in unnecessary packaging and shipping expenses at the post office. All too often service members will pay hundreds of dollars to ship their items home. However, there is an avenue of shipping your personnel property home that cost nothing.

The Central Receiving and Shipping Point or “CRSP Yard” as it has come to be known in some circles is a great opportunity for service members to ship large amounts of personnel property home at no cost. Well actually the items are not sent to your home but to a military center closet to your home. From there, you must retrieve the items.

You may ask yourself why do this when all you may want to do is put everything in your unit designated “conex”? That may be an option; however, most unit conexs have to be packed for shipment as much as 45 days prior to the unit departing from theater. Most importantly not all deployed service members will return to the home station of the unit they deployed with.

As an example, when I was deployed in 2006, I was considered an Individual Agmentee (IA). My Reserve Unit was a unit in Michigan but my deploying unit, with whom I had no previously relationship with, was in South Carolina. Sending my personnel items in the Unit conex of the South Carolina unit would make no sense as I live in Michigan and that is were I would return. Also, the unit I deployed with left a year prior to my redeployment in 2008.

Shipping my property through the Central Shipping and Receiving Point or “CRSP Yard” was the perfect choice for me. However, it is important to point out that you will still have the restriction on items sent in the mail in much the same way as you would at the post office. For example you will not be able to mail back hazardous material, weapons, or classified material in most cases.

Arrangements may have to be made for customs agents to inspect your shipment prior to mailing. However, if you are willing to undergo a few minor inconvenaces, the “CRSP Yard” may be the way to go when shipping personnel property home.

Service Members and their Political Activities

It seems that for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with politics. As a child growing up on Pawley’s Island South Carolina, I was one of those rare children that would enjoy watching the news as well as Sunday morning talk shows. Even to this day when I want to relax, I will sit down in front of the television and watch a good talk/news program. If I have to take a long road trip I will listen to talk radio over a music station any day. However, doing this drives my daughter Marissa crazy as she is a huge Hannah Montana and Keyshia Cole fan.

I do not know were this fascination with news, information and politics came from but for what ever reason; it is at the core of who I am. Maybe it came from a recorded sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I heard as a child. As I recall the name of Dr. King’s sermon was “The Drum Major Instinct”. That sermon affects me to this day. If you ever get a chance to read it in it’s entirety you should but it would be even better if you heard the words as spoken by Dr. King. The following is just a small part of that sermon.

“…And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be
important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be
great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your
servant. That's a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the
thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means
that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have
a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your
verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve.
You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have
to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You
only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you
can be that servant…”

http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/publications/sermons/680204.000_Drum_Major_Instinct.html

While a student in college at The University of South Carolina, I ran for several political offices. These offices ranged from being appointed as Chief Student Advocate to running for student Senator, as well as my failed but valiant attempt at becoming student body President. I actually did pretty well considering I was considered the new kid on the block and was out spent by my opponents. You would be surprised at what some of those kids spent to run for office. You would have thought we were trying to run for President of the United States.

I remember campaigning like I was running for President of the United States. In fact, I coined the phrase “State of the University Address”. When asked about some of the changes I would bring into office if elected, I responded that I would give weekly State of the University Addresses to keep the students informed about the goings-on on campus.  To this day, I am proud I came up with that phrase.

However, when it comes to political activities while in uniform, service members must think twice. I have been involved with many election campaigns over the years from local, state and federal elections but while wearing the uniform there are certain types of activities that I, nor any other service member, can undertake.

In short while in uniform, a service member can not carry on certain types of political activities. Types of activates forbidden while in uniform include but are certainly not limited to attending rallies, using government vehicles or conducting political activities while working, using their military influence to interfere with the election process as well as speaking before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

I should also point out that as an officer serving in the military, it is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or UCMJ to speak out against the President. I remember a case of a military General that made some disparaging remarks about then President Clinton. After those remarks came to light the general was forced to resign.

However, you are allowed to speak as a private citizen and of course while not in uniform about a particular candidate you would like to support. You can give money to the candidate just as any private citizen can do. According to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, you may also “attend partisan and nonpartisan political fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions, or activities as a spectator when not in uniform and when no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.” Remember, you must not be in uniform! For more information relating to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 which relates to political activities by members of the armed forces visit: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134410p.pdf

Outward Bound Wilderness Excursions for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom Veterans

After spending time in a combat zone you will certainly need some time to relax and unwind. One program designed to do just that is the Outward Bound Wilderness Excursions for OEF/OIF Veterans. Outward Bound is an international non-profit outdoor education program which is offering fully funded outdoor adventure excursions to all OEF/OIF veterans. It doesn't matter what your current military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) - you're eligible to attend as long as you deployed in support of OEF/OIF combat operations while in the military.

These five-day excursions offer adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, canoeing, and dog sledding in beautiful wilderness areas in Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, and Minnesota.

All expedition costs for lodging, equipment, food, and instruction are completely funded by a milt-million dollar Sierra Club grant, including the participants' round-trip transportation between home and the wilderness site.

That is right, these excursions are offered at no cost to the participant! In my book I talk about other great programs that are offered free to veterans.

For more information pertaining to the Outward Bound OEF/OIF War Veterans Expeditions check out their website at www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans/html

Voting While Deployed

It occurred to me during the presidential campaign of 2008 that I am witnessing history in the making. For the first time in American presidential politics all the major candidates are Senators. For the first time in the history of American politics an African American and a former prisoner of war (POW) all have a real and viable chance of being elected President of the most power country in the world, The United States of America.

Yes-siry this is a very exciting time for me indeed! After all, I have always been a political conesore. In December of 2007, I completed an extensive certification training program and was certified by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program as a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). As a VAO, I am responsible for providing accurate, non-partisan voting information and assistance to service members and others attempting to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Voting is more then just a constitutional right but it is also a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many have fought and died to give individuals around the world the opportunity to take part in democracy. Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote matters and your vote counts! It matters not how much money you have, your position in society or your birth lineage, all votes count the same.

For example, the President’s vote carries the same weight as the homeless town bum living on the street. Bill Gates’ vote carries the same weight as the single mother on welfare with 5 children to feed. That is the beauty of our electoral system in America. While you are deployed, you should not give up your right, your duty to vote. You should and must vote!

You may be asking yourself how I can vote when I am deployed and serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere outside of the United States for that matter? The answer is simple. Obtain an absentee ballot. With an absentee ballot you will be able to write in your candidate of choice and have your vote counted as though you never left the comforts of home. It is important to contact your individual state for greater details on the voting process as every state has their own election roles. A good starting point to get information may be found at http://www.fvap.gov/index.html

USO

                                                     

                                                                               The Unit

Dennis Haysbert (24 and Allstate Commercials)

Michael Irby

Max Martini

Robert Patrick (Terminator and other great movies)

                                                      Me and actress Scarlett Johansson

Pro Golfers in the Photo:

Tom Lehman

Butch Harmon

David Feherty

Tom Mengesha :)

Tom Watson

Joe Inman

Howard Twitty

                                               Me and Cheryl Underwood (Comedian)

                                                                 Me and Tom Watson

The United Services Organization or USO is known as a service members home away from home. During my travels both as a deployed service member on active duty and as a part time Army Reservist, I have found the USO to be an Oasis of calm in the middle of my hectic travels.

According to the USO’s own website, “the USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress — and enduring style of USO delivery — is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers worldwide, including ten mobile canteens located in the continental United States and overseas. Overseas centers are located in Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Qatar, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam, and Kuwait. Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.3 million times each year. The USO is the way the American public supports the troops.”

During my combat deployment I worked closely with the USO in Kuwait. Among the entertainers and celebrities that visited soldiers included world-renowned golfers such as Tom Watson and Butch Harmen as well as movie stars Scarlett Johansson and actors from the Unit, The Terminator and the hit TV show 24.

 
Additionally there are USOs throughout the country that serve as rest stops for service members at airports around the country. While returning from my two-year combat deployment, I stayed over night at the USO located at the Chicago airport and was treated like royalty. Most important it did not cost me a dime. I was also provided with more food then I could eat, a phone card to make phone calls, use of a computer, gym and television.

For more information about the USO check out there website at www.uso.org

President Bush signs bill that included a pay raise for U.S. troops!

Today President Bush signed a bill that does among other things give a pay raise to our service members! The increase is said to be 3.9%.

It also appears that more founding is on its way for service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan along with tighter restrictions for all those contractors out there.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve or ESGR is a Department of Defense agency with its stated goal to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.  This organization recognizes outstanding employer support as well as seeks to increase awareness of the law, and resolve conflicts through mediation.  ESGR has three main goals.  They are to Inform, Recognize and Mediate.

Informing is accomplished by establishing face to face briefings with the service member, their employer and their unit.  The term "Bosslifts" came about from this processes.  This gives your employer a first hand experience of the service member's experience of military life.   Additional information is provided to the employer such as leave of absence templates, sample letters to employers and USERRA wallet cards through the service members local ESGR field committee and www.esgr.mil

ESGR also recognizes employers who are supportive of their service member worker through the ESGR Patriot Awards program.    This award is a great way to tell your boss, "I appreciate your support!".  The service member may nominate their boss at www.esgr.mil

Mediation is a free service offered by ESGR.  They provide a professionally-trained Ombudsmen to help clear up misunderstandings between the service member and the employer.  It is important to note that ESGR volunteers are available in every state and U.S. territory to provide assistance.

The bottom line is that your civilian job is protected.  The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law which protects your civilian job while you serve in the military whether or not you volunteered for duty!

Some key provisions include the following.  If you have been deployed for 1-30 days of service, you must return to work the next scheduled day (after safe travel home and 8 hours rest).  If you are deployed for 31-180 days, you must reapply for reemployment within 14 days after service completion.  If you have been deployed for 181 days or more, then you have to apply for reemployment within 90 days after service completion.

You should know that USERRA has a 5 year job protection limit.  The employer is not required to reschedule work missed due to military service and you are not required to find a replacement worker.  

Furthermore, USERRA does not require the use of earned vacation to perform military service and USERRA only requires your employer to provide unpaid leave of absence.

For more information contact 1-800-336-4590 or www.esgr.mil

Interview with Captain Tom "The Adjutant" Mengesha

Interview with CPT Tom Mengesha author of The Service Member's Guide to Deployment; what every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed.

Why did you chose to write a book giving advice to service members who are deployed?

Actually my book is not only for deployed or deploying service members, it is also for family and friends of service members who want to better understand what happens and what to expect when their service member is deployed. However, to answer your question directly, I saw a need and decided to fill that need.

How has your experiences both in the military and civilian life made you knowledgeable on the topic of military deployments?

I have served in the United States Army for over 23 years both as an enlisted soldier and officer. I have deployed several times to the countries of Panama, Korea and most recently to the Iraq war theater of operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have spent two years (from 2006 thru 2008) in a combat zone. Moreover, I served in various positions to include but not limited to Deputy Chief Theater for Rest and Recuperation, C1 Battle Captain and as Adjutant for Base Support Battalion-North.   I have also received numerous wartime service medal awards.  Not only am I a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan, I also served as an Adjunct college Professor at The University of Maryland University College in Kuwait where I taught Business Law and Business Ethics.  Additionally, I was an instructor with Central Texas College in Kuwait where I taught Criminal Justice and Criminal Law classes.  I enjoy imparting knowledge unto others.

So why write this book?

When I was deployed in July of 2006, I had many questions on what to expect and how my family would be protected and assisted during my deployment. While the military has programs to help, there was a great deal of information that was not shared. Additionally, the information that was out there, was not easy to find. I wanted to write a book that gave the deploying service member, their family and friends information so they would be better prepared to "survive" the deployment experience. I also wanted to make it easier for them to find that information. Sort of like a "one-stop-shop" book on military deployment advice.

Are their programs offered to deployed service members that are not offered to other service members or the general public?

Yes! You would be surprised at the number of government and private programs in place that will either reimburse the service member for certain out of pocket expenses for child care or even pay the total cost for their children to attend summer camps. There are even programs in place that will send a returning service member on a week long, all expense paid trip to a camping, rock climbing, and/or boating expedition. When I say all expense paid, I mean all expense paid! (airfare to and from their home, food, and lodging)  Even I as the Adjutant was unaware of some of these programs.

What is the biggest advice you would like to give a service member that is about to be deployed?

PREPARE!, PREPARE!, PREPARE!  There is a saying that goes something like; "People who fail to plan, plan to fail!"  That is very true in military life and certainly with deployments.  As with most things in life preparation is the key to success. It was my hope when writing my book that if I could ease the stress on a deploying service member and their family, then the writing of my book would not have been in vain.

Any final thoughts?

Yes... As long as you remember your training, stay focused on the mission at hand you will be just fine. You are about to embark on an adventure that few Americans will ever experience. (less then 1%)   Be safe, enjoy the ride and may God Bless You!

Information about Armed Forces legal assistance for financial matters

If you are struggling financially, you are not alone. You can get help.

Recently the economic news across the country has not been good. Consumer prices are rising. Real estate prices are falling.

Foreclosures are up. Often this impacts renters too, who are forced to relocate when their landlords are forced into foreclosure.

Military members face many of these same challenges.

A new law allows the government to pay for some local moves when military members or their dependents are forced to move because their landlord is facing foreclosure. There are also a number of laws specifically designed to help military members when they face economic or legal difficulties.

Legal proceedings can be delayed. Military members generally cannot be evicted unless a court orders it. Mortgages can be renegotiated. Grants or low cost loans may be available.

If you are having problems making ends meet or are being forced to move from your rented home, you can get free, confidential help from a number of sources:

-- Your Installation Family Readiness/Support Center can provide financial counselors.

-- Your military legal assistance office can provide a licensed attorney. This web site will identify the military legal assistance office closest to you: http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php

-- Military OneSource can provide financial counselors --24/7-- by calling, toll-free, 1-800-342-9647.

Outward Bound Wilderness Excursions for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom Veterans

After spending time in a combat zone you will certainly need some time to relax and unwind.  One program designed to do just that is the Outward Bound Wilderness Excursions for OEF/OIF Veterans.  Outward Bound is an international non-profit outdoor education program which is offering fully funded outdoor adventure excursions to all OEF/OIF veterans.  It doesn't matter what your current military status is (active, inactive, discharged, retired) - you're eligible to attend as long as you deployed in support of OEF/OIF combat operations while in the military.

These five-day excursions offer adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, canoeing, and dog sledding in beautiful wilderness areas in Maine, Texas, Colorado, California, and Minnesota.  

All expedition costs for lodging, equipment, food, and instruction are completely funded by a milt-million dollar Sierra Club grant, including the participants' round-trip transportation between home and the wilderness site.  

That is right, these excursions are offered at no cost to the participant!  In my book I talk about other great programs that are offered free to veterans.

For more information pertaining to the Outward Bound OEF/OIF War Veterans Expeditions check out their website at www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans/html

September 11, 2001

There are certain events in a person's life that when they occur, leave an indelible imprint on their life. For some it was the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for others it was the assassination of President Kennedy.  The event for me were the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

I remember that day like it was yesterday.  On September 11, 2001, I was a young attorney practicing out of Flint, Michigan. In fact I had only been practicing law for a little more then two years at the time of the attacks.  My practice focused on Criminal Law, Family Law as well as a few other areas.  On that fateful day I was representing a client in family court.  As I recall, I was sitting in Judge Farrah's court room (one of the family court judges) in Flint, Michigan when all of a sudden one of my colleagues, attorney Jay Clothier, ran into the court room and stated that a plane flew into one of the twin towers in New York City. Little did Jay and I realize the gravity of the situation. I left Judge Farrah's court room and went back to my office. Downstairs from my office was the headquarters of the Genesee County Bar Association. From there I watched both towers fall as well as millions of other Americans on the morning television show Good Morning America.

I remember remarking to Angie Lewis (my administrative assistant at the time) that I might be deployed soon because of the attacks and to start making plans in case I was in fact deployed.   My deployment did come, however, not for some 5 years latter.

The sequence of events on September 11, 2001 changed America forever. On that day, The United States of America lost its innocence. The land of the free was no longer as free as it once was. Open and free travel no longer seemed as open and free following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Subsequently, America soon found itself at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of service members needed to adequately fight the war was tremendous. The number of service members on active duty were not enough to engage in effective combat. As such, the burden to pick up the slack fell upon the Reserve and National Guard forces of our military. Not in recent memory has there been a greater number of service members deployed conus or oconus. From a military development standpoint, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan provoked the number of deployments to grow substantially. Since September 11, 2001, over 1.7 million service members have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Operation Enduring Freedom’s military focus is on securing the nation of Afghanistan, while as its name suggest, Operation Iraqi Freedom is concerned with securing the nation of Iraq. In addition to the service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of service members were deployed to Kuwait and Qatar in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Moreover, tens of thousands service members were deployed in support of contingency operations around the world.

So what happens when you receive your "orders" to go? Generally speaking your Unit, if you are deploying as a unit, will receive unit orders informing the Command that their unit will be deployed. If on the other hand you are an individual deployer as I was, you could receive your initial order via a phone call followed by orders requesting that you report for active duty. The amount of notice given to a service member ranges anywhere from several months in advance to only several days prior to the date ordered to active duty. I received my orders only three weeks before my scheduled day to report for duty.

There have been millions of Americans deployed to war zones around the world since this great country was founded over 230 years ago, however, recently it appears that many soldiers are deploying in greater frequency then ever before. In addition, some of those deployed are on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th deployment. In many cases, the deployment is involuntary and not knowing all of the information that will make the deployment less stressful creates a tremendous burden not only for the deploying service member but the family of that service member as well.

Deployment is much like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. You first have the uncertainty of the entire event much like what you feel as you enter the gate to a roller coaster that you have never ridden before. You are unsure if you will make it. You may even attempt to get out of it at the very last minute. The roller coaster makes its climb and just as you begin the process of family planning and the actual deployment, you become anxious and nervous. After you’ve made it to the top of the roller coaster, you brace yourself for your quick decent, and at this point you realize there is no turning back. This is a similar feeling to what you may experience upon reaching your mobilization site but you brace yourself anyway and prepare for the many highs and lows this ride will offer.

In my new book, I will attempt to share some insights for service members and their families as to of what to expect during the time of deployment and the best way to minimize many difficulties sure to occur...  How to take care of business at home before taken care of business overseas. 

What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed.

So you have learned that you are about to be deployed! There may be all sorts of emotions you now feel. You may be scared, you may be excited, or maybe you do not know how to feel. One thing is certain, your life will never quit be the same. Soon reality will set in and you will wonder to yourself what am I suppose to do now? How will my family be taken care of? What will happen to my job? If you are self-employed, you may wonder what will happen to my business?

If you are a family member of the deploying service member, you may be wondering how to get in contact with that service member while they are deployed? What will happen if there is a family emergency? Most of all you may wonder if and how you will be able to stay in contact either as a deployed service member or the family of the deployed service member?

My book "The Service Members Guide to Deployment..." was written just for you, the service member and the family! After reading my book these as well as other questions will be answered giving you a greater sense of comfort during this stressful time of uncertainty.

Reuniting with family after a combat deployment

It has been said that it can take anywhere between 6 and 18 months to fully recover back to "normalcy" after a combat deployment. I can tell you that the relationships you maintained and possibly improved upon will shorten that time. For many the first emotion felt after coming home from a combat deployment may be surprising to some. Things to look for upon a service member's return from a combat deployment and how to react are as follows.

1. The returning Service Member may have moments of isolation.
2. They may also have high emotions.
3. You as the family member should listen but do not react to the service member's possible expressions of anger.
4. However, you should never accept emotional or physical abuse.

It has been said that war is hell! However with proper planning you as well as your family and other relationships will survive. It is very important to take your time and expect a readjustment period. You have been gone away from home for a very long time. This absence is only compounded if you have small children. When I left home my son was 9 months old and upon my return he was nearly 3 years old. I saw a tremendous growth. There was an adjustment that we both made. Even though you may not notice, you as well as your loved ones have changed in many ways. Take it slow and seek help if needed from your local family support center or religious/spiritual advisor. Do not let your marriage become a casualty of war.

What happens if you die while serving in a combat zone

Once the word got out that I was a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan it seemed that I was appointed to any assignment that remotely dealt with law, investigations or legal matters. One such appointment dealt with being selected and appointed as a Casualty Officer. That required attendance to a week long training seminar located at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait were I learned the ends and outs of notification of the death of service members to families as well as the death benefits that are provided to the surviving family. During my deployment, I was was assigned to investigate the death of a soldier and make "a line of duty" or LOD determination as to cause of death. My investigation could have resulted in a recommendation that the deceased service member did not die "in the line of duty" and as such was not entitled to the benefits afforded to service members who are killed or die while serving. My findings could have resulted in the non-payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the surviving families. However, as a result of my investigation, I recommended and my recommendation was accepted that death benefits should be paid to the beneficiary.

So what happens if you die while serving in a combat zone? Well if that happens, all I can say is it sucks to be you! However, if you prepared adequately, your loved ones will be better prepared to move on with their lives. One of the first things you should be aware of is that within 72 hours of your death in a combat zone your family will receive check sent via electronic funds transfer to the their bank account in the amount of $100,000. That money should be used to take care of the survivors affairs until the Service Member's Group Life Insurance or SGLI is paid usually that take place within 30 days. Unless otherwise selected, the policy will pay $400,000. (This amount is in addition to the $100,000 already received in the first 24 hours) In addition to those money paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries, there are more entitlements that would be paid upon your death. In my book, I go into detail about those other death benefits.

Upon your death, your next of kin must be notified within within 24 hours of your death. The notification is made by someone of the same or higher rank and usually that person is accompanied with a Chaplin. The sole purpose of the notification is to inform the next of kin and let them know that a family military advisor will be appointed to assist with the rest of the process in addition to the explanation of other benefits to assist the family.

As it relates to the cause of death, there will be no speculation given. The lessons learned from the death of famed football player turned soldier Pat Tillman are many. Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. However, much of the information was put out early on was wrong and some have even claimed intentionally distorted to make the military "look good".

With regard to property, you should know that all of your property will inventoried and shipped to the next of kin. A little known fact, if you have a computer, that computer will be shipped to a location were it will be scanned for anything that may be offensive to the next of kin, such as a spouse. The rational for this is simple. If something like a love letter to anyone other then the spouse is discovered that letter will be deleted from the system. This is said to be done to protect the entrust of all concerned. For more information surrounding the events that take place upon your death in a combat zone refer to my new book. "The Service Member's Guide to Deployment."

"If" by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

Arrival at the Demobilization Station

Arrival at your demobilization station may bring mixed emotions. On the one hand you are very excited about going home to see loved ones yet on the other hand you may be a little curious as to the changes made in everyone's life as well as the changes that you have made during your deployment. I will never forget the words of another survive member, SGT Lakesha S. McNeil from Mississippi, prior to departing for my first deployment. She indicated that no mater who you are, you will certainly be affected by your combat deployment experience. If I ever run into SGT McNeil in the future, I will let her know that she was right.

Upon my arrival at Ft McCoy Wisconsin, my demobilization station, I was eager to get my demobilization process underway. Service members returning from a combat deployment must undergo thorough records checks and medical evaluations to ensure, not only their records are in order but their mind and body are well and prepared to be reintroduced to civilian life.

I found this process to be very well organized and easily navigable. The process of demobilization consist of several stations. In my case, I was considered and Individual Redeployer. That meant that I did not have to navigate the demobilization process with a large unit. Instead, I was able to just slide in where I could get in! Expecting to spend as much as a week or more at the demobilization station, I spent less then 3 days. I have heard of horror stories of service members spending weeks at their respective demobilization stations. Often times the reason is being considered a "medical holdover". Among the stations that each service member must process and clear consist of the following.

1. Audiology
2. Record Review
3. Chaplain
4. Legal
5. Dental
6. Retention
7. Medical
8. LODs
9. ACAP
10. Finance
11. DD214
12. ID Card
13. QA Survey
14. Final SRC Checkout

No matter how much preparation one does in preparing to deploy, I am amazed how important things get missed. For example as I processed through the ID Card station, I learned that I was never coded as someone serving on "Contingency Operations" duty. In a nut shell, that meant that if someone in the future had questioned if I had ever served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, much less served in Kuwait, they could have denied certain benefits that are only available to those who serve under that coding. They certainly would have required me to jump through more hoops to prove I was eligible for certain benefits.

I have some very important advice for those National Guard and Reservist out there. If you have built up Leave days, it is imperative that you depart theater in enough time so that you do not lose those days. Unless you fall into a certain category such as having served in Iraq or Afghanistan with the hopes of taking advantage of the Post Mobilization Respite Absence or PMRA.

PMRA is a program designed to offer benefits to those service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan without taking their required time off with the family. If for example a Reservist or National Guard service member serves two consecutive tours in those countries, they would be offered additional non-chargeable leave days. They would not lose those days even if they did not have available days to take them. Instead what would happen is that upon reaching their demobilization station, their orders would be extended giving them the opportunity to take their leave without the loss of their benefits and entitlements.

If you arrive at your demobilization station with more leave days then you have left on your orders, you could end up losing certain benefits that you would not have lost if you had enough days on your orders to cover those days. The best way to illustrate my point is to consider the following. Service Member "A" departs Kuwait with 10 days left on his orders but has 30 days of leave built up. Upon arriving at the demobilization station, he would be able to use up to 10 days of transitional leave and be required to sell back the remaining 20 days.

Why is that important you might ask? Well when Service Member "A" sells back his 20 leave days, he will lose his "day for day" credit for his retirement calculation thus cause a possible reduction in retirement benefits. Additionally he will lose his housing allowance which can be calculated at over $2,000 per month for some service members.

Now consider Service Member "B". She departs Qatar with 35 days left on her order but has 30 days of chargeable leave. Upon arrival at her demobilization station, she would be able to take her entire 30 days of leave plus earn her day for day credit for retirement purposes. In addition she would also continue receiving her housing allowance. Service Member "B" is a much happier and wealthier service member.

However, you can avoid the paroles of Service Member "A" by just ensuring you depart theater with enough time to utilize all of your earned chargeable leave. There are exceptions to this such as obtaining a letter from an O6 in your chain of command. However, you must plan ahead. Remember YOU are the only one that is responsible for your career!

It can not be stressed too much, it is very important that you keep accurate records of your file and ensure your file is correct and updated! Without over exaggerating, I have gone through no less then 4 Soldier Readiness Processes or SRPs prior to mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, during my demobilization phase after my two years of active duty, it was discovered that my records were not coded correctly and not giving me credit for serving in contingency operations. So in fact there was not a record of me serving in a war zone. How could this happen you might ask? Well I will respond by saying what the fine young woman told me as I past through her "ID Card" section; "If it is not THEIR records, no one cares." In other words, you are the best custodian of your career and records. No one else will put as much time and effort into ensuring your files are up to date as you!

Battlefield Stress

Whether you wear a medal on you chest or just courage in your heart, the effects of war are real. Service members should never be ashamed to seek mental health counseling. There is no shame in recognizing that you are having problems dealing with the effects of your combat deployment. In fact, it is honorable and shows a great deal of courage for you to seek out and get the treatment you need to succeed. In the past seeking mental health counselling may have affected your ability to obtain or keep a security clearance or even certain jobs in the military. Recently the have been changes on security clearance application procedures. You are now allowed to check the "no" block when asked if you have any mental health issues as long as you are seeking and undergoing treatment with a mental health provider.

As l look back over the two years I spent deployed to the Iraq war theater of operations, I am amazed at the many experience I have had. I have held positions that helped service members return home for much needed Rest and Recuperation as the Deputy Chief of USARCENT's R&R Program. The R&R program, with nearly a billion dollar per year budget, did just that. I also on a more relevant note to this book held the position of S1/Adjutant. However for me by the end of my deployment I learned that the truly most important thing in life was the connection you have with family and friends. Family is and will always be the most important thing in my life. My wife has surprised me with her strength and courage. Remember when you serve, your entire family serves with you. When you are under stress so is your family. It took a combat deployment for some to realize this fact.

If you are suffer from stress associated to your deployment contact your base mental health provider or the Veterans Administration. They are well equipped to assist you as you navigate on your road to recovery and mental health bliss.

The Power of a Power of Attorney!

The sequence of events that were set in motion on September 11, 2001 changed America forever. On this day, The United States of America lost its innocence. The land of the free was no longer as free as it once was. Open and free travel no longer seemed as open and free. Subsequently, America soon found itself at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of service members needed to adequately fight this war was tremendous. The number of service members on active duty was not enough to engage in effective combat. As such, the burden to pick up the slack fell upon the Reserve and National Guard forces of our military. Not in recent memory has there been a greater number of service members deployed conus or oconus. From a military deployment standpoint, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan caused the number of deployments to grow substantially.

Since September 11, 2001, over 1.7 million service members have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Operation Enduring Freedom’s military focus is on securing the nation of Afghanistan while, as its name suggests, Operation Iraqi Freedom is concerned with securing the nation of Iraq. In addition to the service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of service members were deployed to Kuwait and Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Moreover, tens of thousands service members were deployed in support of contingency operations around the world.

There have been millions of Americans deployed to war zones around the world since this great country was founded over 230 years ago, however, recently it appears that many soldiers are deploying in greater frequency then ever before. In addition, some of those deployed are on their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th deployment. In many cases, the deployment is involuntary and not knowing all of the information that will make the deployment less stressful creates a tremendous burden not only for the deploying service member but the family of that service member as well.

Deployment is much like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. You first have the uncertainty of the entire event much like what you feel as you enter the gate of a roller coaster that you have never ridden. You are unsure if you will make it. You may even attempt to get out of it at the very last minute. Just as in the case of a roller coaster ride as it makes its climb, you must begin certain aspects of preparing for your deployment with the same uncertainty. After you’ve made it to the top of the roller coaster, you brace yourself for your quick decent, and at this point you realize there is no turning back. This is a similar feeling to what you may experience upon receiving your mobilization orders, but you brace yourself anyway and prepare for the many highs and lows this ride (known as a deployment) will offer. 

One of the first things you want to do upon notice of your impending deployment is notify family and loved ones. However of great importance is the preparation and safekeeping of a power of attorney. Never underestimate the power of a power of attorney!

When considering securing a power of attorney, know that there are two types. A special power of attorney and a general power of attorney. A general power of attorney gives another person broad and far reaching authority to handle your affairs. A special power of attorney only provides for specifically limited handling of your affairs such as selling your vehicle or preparing your taxes. Regardless of the type of power of attorney you give, there should be a specific termination date. As an attorney, I recommend powers of attorney terminate after one year has passed.

The following two "case scenarios" should provide a clearer illustration of the power of powers of attorneys.

Case Scenario 1:
“Service Member” was ordered to active duty to be deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Service Member” has been married for 18 years to a wonderful person, “Spouse”.

“Service Member” loved “Spouse” very much and wanted to ensure “Spouse” was able to take care of things in “Service Member’s” absence. Prior to “Service Member” departing for duty "Spouse" was given a Power of Attorney.

Do to the stress and temptations of “Service Member's” absence, “Spouse” files for divorce. However, due to “Service Member” not fully understanding the difference between a general power of attorney and a special power of attorney, “Service Member” gave "Spouse" a general power of attorney.

What do you think happened? In this case scenario, "Spouse" was given a general power of attorney. As such "Spouse" had far reaching authority to act on behalf of "Service Member". "Spouse" was able to withdrawal $10,000.00 from "Service Member's" bank account, sell "Service Members" 1965 Cobra, and withdrawal money at will from "Service Member's" bank account. "Spouse" did this while filing for divorce from "Service Member" and receiving all of the military housing allowance that totaled nearly $2,000.00 per month. Needless to say that upon "Service Member's" return from deployment, "Service Member" was depressed and had to seek counseling. Not to mention all of "Service Member's" assets were gone and "Service Member" had little recourse as "Service Member" gave "Spouse" a general power of attorney.


Case Scenario 2:
“Service Member” was ordered to active duty to be deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “Service Member” has been married for 5 years to a wonderful person, “Spouse”.

“Service Member” loved “Spouse” very much and wanted to ensure “Spouse” was able to take care of things in “Service Member’s” absence. Prior to “Service Member” departing for duty "Spouse" was given a Power of Attorney.

Do to the stress and temptations of “Service Member's” absence, “Spouse” files for divorce. However, prior to deploying to Afghanistan, “Service Member” read the book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment;what every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. Copyright 2008 by CPT Thomas A. Mengesha “Service Member” gave "Spouse" a special power of attorney.

What do you think happened? In this case scenario, "Service Member", though was unhappy about getting a divorce, was very happy about obtaining a special power of attorney to handle the very limited duty of ensuring taxes were paid during the absence of the deployment. With a special power of attorney, the person who receives the power can only carry out the specific instructions laid out in the document.

As a licensed and practicing attorney in the State of Michigan, I strongly recommend giving only specific power of attorney to handle those very limited situations that may arise during a deployment. I cannot think of any reason that a service member would want to give a general power of attorney to anyone. Remember it is easier to add or broaden the power then cut back, Particularly if the person who has the general power of attorney is acting in bad faith.

Financial Benefits of Service While Deployed

There seems to be a great debate among the service members that are deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The debate centers around the belief by those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan that service members serving in Kuwait are less deserving of Rest and Recuperation Leave and that their service is less dangerous and thus not worthy of receiving all the benefits of those serving in a combat zone. (Despite the fact that service in Kuwait is considered service in a combat zone!)

The fact of the matter is those serving in Kuwait, Qatar and other locations in the region but outside of Iraq and Afghanistan are just as vulnerable to being attacked and killed as those service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those serving in Kuwait may get a false sense of security, as they are not being shot at daily. But all must rest assure that even in Kuwait, that boarders Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as those serving in Qatar home to the media conglomerate Al Jazeera that has been viewed by some as very pro Islamic extreme, have forces living within their borders that would love to do serious harm to the American way of life as well as kill service members.

The bottom line is, never let anyone tell you that you are less of a combat soldier and not deserving to wear the combat patch nor receive the benefits of being in a war zone. The truth of the matter is we are all in this war on terrorism together and the war in Iraq could not succeed without the support and service of those serving in Kuwait as well as others around the world.

Moreover, we are all away from family, friends and love ones and regardless of where you serve you feel the separation.

There are many financial and other benefits that service members have as a result of their deployment in the combat zone. As discussed earlier, they will receive certain tax benefits as well as additional money does to their service in a combat zone. There are also various savings and investment programs that should be considered. Here are a couple for you to think about. In my book, “The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed." I go into great detail outline and discussing the major programs.

Relieve in Place and Transfer of Authority “RIP/TOA”

Now that you have arrived in theater and know where you will work, you probably are wondering what happens next? Regardless of where you end up, prior to jumping into your job, you will go through what is referred to as a RIP/TOA. RIP/TOA stands for Relieve in Place and Transfer of Authority. It is the sequence of events where one military unit replaces another in a theatre or area of operations. This is an opportunity for the outgoing unit to train their back-fill. Usually what happens during this time is the outgoing unit personnel will continue doing their job while the new unit personnel sit next to the outgoing personnel. This is done for about a week. Subsequently, the new unit service members will then take over and the outgoing personnel will ensure the job is being done correctly. This is also referred to as the “right seat/left sear” ride which is part of the RIP/TOA process. It is said that this phrase has its origins in drivers education were the student driver and instructor sit side by side.

Once the right seat/left seat training is completed there is generally a ceremony referred to as the Transfer of Authority or TOA. This basically means the new unit personnel have assumed all responsibilities and duties of the outgoing unit personnel.

As you begin your tour of duty I recommend that regardless of your duty location that you make the most of your time in your new controlled environment. How you spend your time will be detected by the location and mission you have.

For example service members stationed in Qatar may have greater freedoms then say someone in Kuwait. Service members in Kuwait will have greater freedoms then service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, one thing is certain; you will have some free time. How you use it can pay big dividends to you in the future.

While I was deployed to Kuwait I focused on myself and what I wanted to change about myself. A major goal I had while I was deployed was to become more spiritually in tune with life. So I started reading the bible and a book written by Rick Warren entitled "Purpose Driven Life". That book helped change my life.

As I indicated earlier in this book, when I was mobilized I weighed in excess of 316lbs and had a 54 inch waist. Getting in shape was a major goal I had. At the end of my deployment I had dropped approximately 100lbs and reduced my waist size to 38 inches. This took sacrifice and commitment. There are many misconceptions about military food, however, one thing is certain, while you are in a deployed environment on a major military installation lack of food will never be a problem. In addition you will be exposed to no less then 4 feedings per day and all the cake and ice-cream you desire. It takes a disciplined person who is committed to losing weight to avoid falling into the trap of gaining weight.

In my book; The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. I discuss in great detail how I made some remarkable positive life changes in mind, body and soul.

Prisoner of War "POW"

I have never been officially declared a Prisoner of War or POW but I have been detained against my will. Being a prisoner of war must certainly be one of the most terrifying conditions a service member must face. Most POWs are mistreated and certainly (in most cases) not treated as well as POW's held by the United States. As a POW, expect to be held in conditions that are trying both mentally and physically. You may be confined and restrained to a very small area and have your movements strictly controlled. You should also understand that even as a POW, you have a Code of Conduct that must be followed.

The Code of Conduct is the legal guide for the behavior of military members who are captured by hostile forces. The code itself is broken down into six Articles that address various situations that may arise. The military Code of Conduct is as follows:

Article I
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III
If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

As a POW, you may become sad, depressed and even suffer from anxiety attacks, you must always keep your wits about you! You are confined and possibly even separated from your other prisoners, you may never know what the future holds. Always know there are people and forces out there that are trying to reach you and set you free.

If you find yourself a Prisoner of War the following are some things that have helped me through my ordeal as a detainee.

1. Start a routine or an activity to keep your mind off your current condition and circumstance.
2. Exercise. Even in a confined environment, you can do activities to stay in shape.
3. To the extent possible eat as best as you can, there are actually certain foods that have stress lower properties. According do some nutrition experts, foods that help fight anxiety are:
a. Berries, any berries
b. Guacamole
c. Mixed nuts
d. Oranges
e. Asparagus
f. Chai tea
Understand as a POW you will only be able to eat what is offered, but at least now you have and idea of some good food choices.
4. Get as much fresh air as possible. Every opportunity you have should be a chance to take in some fresh air. When I was a detainee, I suffered an anxiety attack like non other I had surfered before. What helped me was taking in as much fresh air as possible.
5. If there are other POW's at your facility it may be helpful to build relationships . The company of others is a good thing during stressful times. When I was a detainee, I along with another detainee, shared a small space his name was Anthony Wright and he was from Chicago. While we had extremely different backgrounds, we both did a lot to keep each other's spirits up. We would tell each other jokes and share the limited supplies our detainers provided us. Anthony Wright helped me survive my ordeal as a detainee and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Lastly, you should never give up hope. You should pray to whatever power gives you strength as well as spiritual renewal. The power of prayer is real and should not be taken lightly or for granted. Remember your training. Remember you are not alone. Remember they may have your body but never your mind! Remember that your family, friends and country love you and will never forget you. Keep the faith. Pray and most of all, always remember that God will be with you...always!

The Mobilization Station

Once the service member completes their initial in processing with the unit that they will be deploying with, it will be time for their onward travel to their Mobilization Station. After completing my initial in processing and deployment ceremony at Fort Jackson located in Columbia, South Carolina, I departed South Carolina and was flown to Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin to start my training with my unit. I was assigned to the 3rd Personnel Command (Forward) for deployment to the Iraq war theater.

Being sent to a mobilization station is not generic to the Army alone. All service members in some form or another will be sent to a mobilization station for processing prior to being sent into the war zone. You may be wondering what a mobilization station is. Service members who are deployed are sent to what is referred to as a mobilization station. The Department of Defense (DOD) defines a Mobilization Station as "the designated military installation to which a Reserve Component unit or individual is moved for further processing, organizing, equipping, training, and employment and from which the unit or individual may move to an aerial port of embarkation or seaport of embarkation."

Despite all the very good training I received during the two months that I was at my mobilization station, I found that I had a great deal of "down time". I have spoken to hundreds of deployed service members and the consensus is that the time spent at the mobilization station can and should be shortened. Many service members have told me that they are bored and restless. While I strongly believe in being prepared to go to war, there comes a point of diminishing returns and you just end up wasting time and resources that could better be used for something else.

If you are a Commander and want to use the time spent at your mobilization station wisely, I would suggest to the extent possible, you identify to a degree of certainty what specific jobs your service members will do once they arrive in theater and train them as they would fight. The "kitchen sink" approach to training is not only a waste of time but a poor use of valuable resources during the time of war. It was during my mobilization station time that I learned what my first assignment for the first half of what would turn into a 2 year combat deployment would be. I was appointed as the Deputy Chief for Theater Rest and Recuperation or R&R. With this knowledge, I was able to communicate with the outgoing Deputy and learned a great deal of what I would be doing prior to even arriving in Kuwait.

One the biggest pieces of advice I would like to share with a deploying service member is to use the time you spend at the Mobilization Station to get your "head in the game"! You will be gone from home for a year or more and now is the time to get ready for what in all likelihood will be the first long absence away from your family that you will have experienced in your life and certainly in the life of young children if you have any.

It was also during the time I was at my mobilization station that I made certain covenants with myself. The first half of 2006 was a very stressful time in my life both personally and professionally. In addition to those conditions, my health was getting worse. At the time I reported to my unit for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I weighed 316lbs and had a waist size of 54 inches. I made a commitment that during the time I was at my mobilization station I would get into shape as well as develop a healthy life style. I also endeavored to get spiritually stronger. One way I would accomplish this was by reading the book by Rick Warren entitled "Purpose Driven Life". By the way "Purpose Driven Life" has been one of the best books I have read to date. The book has helped me in all areas of my life.

In my book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. I outline the steps I took to lose 100lbs of fat in a healthy way. I also discuss in great detail other positive life changing activities that everyone should follow while they are deployed.

Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss (FLIPL)

One would be amazed at just how many hats an Adjutant wears in the course of any given day. One such hat I wore on several occasions was that of an Investigator. I would investigate all sorts of interesting things that included the investigations of solders accused of disrespecting a Non Commission Officer (NCO), another case involved the cause of death of a service member which required me to make a recommendation as to rather or not his death was in the “line of duty”. However, the most tedious types of investigations I have been appointed to investigation dealt with the loss of government property by service personnel.

It is mind boggling to know that every year tens of thousands if not millions of dollars worth of property go unaccounted for in military inventories. I have found that the typical situation involves poor accountability of government property and rarely does it involved theft of government property. However someone will have to pay for the lost, misplaced or damaged property and typically it is the person who signed for the property.

I would advice any service member, be they a Commander or Private, to ensure they accurately keep accountability of all property they are signed for. And while it may be time consuming and tedious, ensure that if you loan out property that you are signed for, ensure that the person who takes the property from you signs for the property. You want to always ensure the property is signed for down to the user level. NO EXCEPTIONS!

If you find yourself the target of a Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss or “FLIPL” remember some important basic points. First, if you have properly kept accurate records of all property you are responsible for, you will have little to worry about. This includes ensuring your hand receipts are up to date and all property is sub-hand receipted down to the user level. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You will generally have 30 days to contest the findings of the FLIPL investigator and even given the opportunity to speak with an attorney. After the 35th day has passed, the recommendation of the findings and recommendations of the FLIPL Investigator will go to the approving authority for action which may include recoupment of all or a portion of the value of what has been lost.

When taking the loss value of the property into consideration, the FLIPL Investigating Officer can reduce the amount of loss via the concept known as deprecation. There are formulas use to do this, however, one such formula will allow for the reduction of lost property value due to depreciation by up to 25%.

One final point to remember is that in most cases, the actual amount of loss to be recovered from the “Respondent” is limited by their base pay. So for example, if “Respondent” losses 2 million dollars worth of property, the most they would have to pay would be up to one month of their base pay and for the average service member that would be less then $4,500.00 per month.

For more information on the role of the FLIPL Investigator and what to expect if you are a “target” of an investigation check out the Department of the Army Pamphlet 735-5, "Financial Liability Officer’s Guide" at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p735_5.pdf

Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces

It seems that for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with politics. As a child growing up on Pawley’s Island South Carolina, I was one of those rare children that would enjoy watching the news as well as Sunday morning talk shows. Even to this day when I want to relax, I will sit down in front of the television and watch a good talk/news program. If I have to take a long road trip I will listen to talk radio over a music station any day. However, doing this drives my daughter Marissa crazy as she is a huge Hannah Montana and Keyshia Cole fan.

I do not know were this fascination with news, information and politics came from but for what ever reason; it is at the core of who I am. Maybe it came from a recorded sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I heard as a child. As I recall the name of Dr. King’s sermon was “The Drum Major Instinct”. That sermon affects me to this day. If you ever get a chance to read it in it’s entirety you should but it would be even better if you heard the words as spoken by Dr. King. The following is just a small part of that sermon.

“…And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be
important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be
great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your
servant. That's a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the
thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means
that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have
a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your
verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve.
You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have
to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You
only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you
can be that servant…”

http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/publications/sermons/680204.000_Drum_Major_Instinct.html

While a student in college at The University of South Carolina, I ran for several political offices. These offices ranged from being appointed as Chief Student Advocate to running for student Senator, as well as my short but valiant attempt at becoming student body President. I actually did pretty well considering I was considered the new kid on the block and was out spent by my opponents. You would be surprised at what some of those kids spent to run for office. You would have thought we were trying to run for President of the United States.

I remember campaigning like I was running for President of the United States. In fact, I coined the phrase “State of the University Address”. When asked about some of the changes I would bring into office if elected, I responded that I would give weekly State of the University Addresses to keep the students informed about the goings-on on campus.

However, when it comes to political activities while in uniform, service members must think twice. I have been involved with many election campaigns over the years from local, state and federal elections but while wearing the uniform there are certain types of activities that I, nor any other service member, can undertake.

In short while in uniform, a service member can not carry on certain types of political activities. Types of activates forbidden while in uniform include but are certainly not limited to attending rallies, using government vehicles or conducting political activities while working, using their military influence to interfere with the election process as well as speaking before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

I should also point out that as an officer serving in the military, it is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or UCMJ to speak out against the President. I remember a case of a military General that made some disparaging remarks about then President Clinton. After those remarks came to light the general was forced to resign.

However, you are allowed to speak as a private citizen and of course while not in uniform about a particular candidate you would like to support. You can give money to the candidate just as any private citizen can do. According to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, you may also “attend partisan and nonpartisan political fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions, or activities as a spectator when not in uniform and when no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.” Remember, you must not be in uniform! For more information relating to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 which relates to political activities by members of the armed forces visit: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134410p.pdf

Voting in a Deployed Environment

It occurred to me during the presidential campaign of 2008 that I am witnessing history in the making. For the first time in American presidential politics all the major candidates are Senators. For the first time in the history of American politics a woman, an African American and a former prisoner of war (POW) all have a real and viable chance of being elected President of the most power country in the world, The United States of America.

Yes-siry this is a very exciting time for me indeed! After all, I have always been a political conesore. In December of 2007, I completed an extensive certification training program and was certified by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program as a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). As the VAO, I am responsible for providing accurate, non-partisan voting information and assistance to service members and others attempting to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Voting is more then just a constitutional right but it is also a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many have fought and died to give individuals around the world the opportunity to take part in democracy. Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote matters and your vote counts! It matters not how much money you have, your position in society or your birth lineage, all votes count the same.

For example, the President’s vote carries the same weight as the homeless town bum living on the street. Bill Gates’ vote carries the same weight as the single mother on welfare with 5 children to feed. That is the beauty of our electoral system in America. While you are deployed, you should not give up your right, your duty to vote. You should and must vote!

You may be asking yourself how I can vote when I am deployed and serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere outside of the United States for that matter? The answer is simple. Obtain an absentee ballot. With an absentee ballot you will be able to write in your candidate of choice and have your vote counted as though you never left the comforts of home. It is important to contact your individual state for greater details on the voting process as every state has their own election roles. A good starting point to get information may be found at http://www.fvap.gov/index.html