Kristal O'Connell

Great news! Under the previous policy, eligible Veterans who served at least two periods of service were limited to a maximum of 36 months of GI Bill benefits between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, this limitation has been removed under the updated policy. Now, eligible Veterans can qualify for up to 48 months of total GI Bill benefits.

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You Matter More Than You Know “You never know how or when you’ll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else.” – Denzel Washington Each day you show up, your actions, attitude, and example have the power to influence someone, often in ways you may never see. Whether it’s in your workplace, community, or family, the way you lead your life sends a ripple effect. Be intentional about the energy you bring into the day, because someone is watching, learning, and maybe even inspired by your example. Start this morning with purpose. What impact will you create today? #Leadership #PurposeDriven #LeadByExample #Impact

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My Initial Note: If the casualties are confirmed in the strike on the U.S. Base in Syria then it is time to mop the bastards up and hammer down Iraq and level everything that is not put up by the god himself. I am personally sick and tired of the Iraqi militias constantly targeting U.S. personnel. A strong and swift response is needed. Apparently their master, the Islamic Republic of Iran cannot keep their leash on. Iran must pay a calculated price to feel a very sharp pain that lasts for a long time while losing every arm and leg that it has in the region. Patience and diplomacy cannot be used to negotiate the Islamic fundamentalism and extremism when everything is based on the principles of hate, utter ignorance, Garbage and barbarism. Enough is enough. Updates: ❗ Updates will follow as I get confirmed news on this subject. ❗Stick to official media for official confirmed news and sources. Unofficial Observations based on OSINT: ❗ 1903 EST: Minor damage to the base has been reported. ❗ 1903 EST: NO CASUALTIES have been reported Yet. ❗ 1905 EST: Apparently U.S. service members are safe and sound based on the initial reports.

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AFGHANISTAN AND THE COST OF MILITARY WITHDRAWALS During this Presidential election, much has been made of the chaotic withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan and the tragic loss of 13 service members. The finger pointing and blame over the cost of precious lives and billions of dollars of military equipment left behind has resulted in heightened tensions over the tactics and planning of that operation. Could have it been executed better? Hindsight usually provides better solutions—but historically, military withdrawals are highly complex operations which rarely go smoothly and unfortunately can be costly. The evacuation of allied forces from Dunkirk in WW11 was considered by many a ‘miracle’. With the help of an armada of civilian boats from the British mainland, the war against tyranny was saved as tens of thousands of troops were rescued. However, many were captured, executed and imprisoned. Geographic, diplomatic and political constraints mark many tactical withdrawals and such was the case in Vietnam. The last American soldier left that country in March of 1973–two months after the peace accords were signed, however, President Nixon started the process of drawing down troops as early as 1969. The “Postwar, war” continued and the resulting casualties of Vietnamese were in the tens of thousands, if not more. History dictates, military withdrawals are painfully costly, no matter the country or political leadership at the helm. Something to consider as we cast our votes in this election.

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Some vets get 12 extra months of college benefits under new VA rules   Veterans who served two or more separate periods of military service will be eligible for up to 12 months of additional education benefits under new plans unveiled by Veterans Affairs leaders on Friday. The announcement, made by VA Secretary Denis McDonough during remarks at the Student Veterans of America national convention in Colorado, comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling last April which found the department unfairly limited access to college tuition benefits in certain cases.   Department officials said the move could impact more than 1 million veterans nationwide, although legal experts have said the figure could be closer to 2 million.   To qualify, veterans must have served at least two separate periods of service in the military, each meeting standards for either the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill programs.   Veterans who served at least two years before being honorably discharged and paid into the Montgomery GI Bill during their time in service can qualify for that program. It pays out roughly $2,400 a month in education benefits to individuals. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is more generous, awarding full tuition costs for state universities plus housing stipends and other education assistance payments for individuals who served three years on active-duty after September 2001. Partial benefits are available for anyone who served on active-duty for at least 90 days. Veterans cannot access both benefits simultaneously, and have been required to give up eligibility for one program to access the other. But the Supreme Court, in the Rudisill v. McDonough case, ruled that requirement is unfair for individuals who had enough time in service to qualify for both programs.   Under the new policy announced by VA, a veteran, for example, who served for five years in the Army but then re-enlisted for three years in the Air Force would be eligible to use both education benefit programs. Because of other federal regulations, individuals are limited to 48 months of government education benefits. So a veteran eligible for both programs could use the full 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and then access 12 additional months of Montgomery GI Bill payouts, but would be prevented from receiving more federal assistance after that. The department has set up a page on its website to help veterans better understand the policy updates and their potential eligibility for additional education benefits. In addition, VA officials announced they will extend the expiration dates for GI Bill benefits to any eligible veterans. If a veteran had five years of eligibility left at the time they gave up their Montgomery GI Bill benefits, VA will grant them five years and 90 days of new eligibility to use the benefit, starting now. Full Story Here: https://lnkd.in/gNEvSVU4 #military #veteran #veterans #education #GIBill #college

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Within a week of NC, GA, TN, & FL having parts of their States destroyed, the White House told them they were out of funds. We will see them rewriting their statements to support VP Kamala Harris’s campaign. Oct 3, 2024 - Energy & Climate FEMA is running out of funding, DHS Secretary Mayorkas warns https://lnkd.in/eVW_in5G Within a week of Haiti being hit with floods, Kamala flew down to the Bahamas and handed them 53.7 million dollars in humanitarian aid. https://lnkd.in/eN88-TRk Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted more than $100 million, including $98 million in new funding from the United States. https://lnkd.in/eU9F9Npv USAID is also providing nearly $15 million to support disaster risk reduction, emergency response capacity strengthening, and resilience building across the Caribbean. This funding will bring the total investment by USAID in disaster risk reduction and resilience building in the Caribbean to over $80 million over the past five years. Haiti is the size of Maryland BTW. https://lnkd.in/eU9F9Npv

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Good Morning, Warriors! “The only person standing between you and your dreams is you. Step aside and let your greatness shine.” Too often, we create barriers in our minds that hold us back—fear of failure, self-doubt, or the belief that we’re not ready. But here’s the truth: you’re already equipped with everything you need to succeed. The real battle isn’t with the outside world; it’s with the stories you tell yourself. Imagine what could happen if you got out of your own way. If you stopped waiting for the “perfect moment” and started taking action today. What would your life look like if you gave yourself permission to step into your purpose with confidence and clarity? This week, challenge yourself to silence that inner critic and lean into your potential. The world needs what you bring to the table. So, stop playing small and start showing up for you. Leadership Thought: Every great leader knows that success starts with self-leadership. Before you can inspire others, you must inspire yourself. Action Step: Name one limiting belief holding you back, then write down one action you’ll take today to overcome it. Your greatness isn’t waiting on anyone but YOU. Let’s make it happen. #MondayMotivation #Leadership #SelfGrowth #DreamBig

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#Your #fear #is #small; #your #ability #is #limitless. There are #2roads #in #life: you're winning and learning, and the other is you're losing to the grave. If I wanted to win, I had to stop dying on every hill to find success, love, and peace. So, I learned to let go, walk away, and stay grounded. Fear keeps us fighting & stuck. You are not meant to live fighting anxiety, depression, crappy relationships, stuck in jobs you hate. People with trauma and dysfunction tend to attach themselves to people with problems who also have unhealed trauma. They seek approval, motivated by insecurity. To get where you desire, you must take the necessary road between the two paths: the childhood path that led you to stand here and the path where your dreams and what you deserve reside. Trauma changes our relationship with ourselves and, in turn, our relationship with others. We try to control everything. Learning to accept things I cannot control was the greatest gift I gave myself. I love my sense of smell. I was in Australia nine years ago; I was going out to dinner and was in an elevator, my back facing the door, talking to someone. The door opened. I stepped back. My heel got stuck in the elevator crevice, and I fell backward. It happened in a split second, but I remember thinking, "Brace yourself; your arm is about to break." That didn't happen. A humongous ceramic pot was behind me; the back of my head took the entire fall. The pot cracked, and I went unconscious. I woke up in an ambulance. Confusion and drama ensued. I returned to the hotel with a headache, a concussion, and mentally spent. The next day, I was flying to Sydney. I bought a Krispy Kreme at the airport. It was tasteless. I went into a store, smelled every perfume sample, and decided they put water in all the testers. I googled "head injury and can't smell." There it was in black and white. I had anosmia. Post-traumatic olfactory loss describes anosmia, which results from a head injury. I had suffered #severe #head #trauma to the back of the head. In one split second, I lost my sense of smell and ability to taste. It has yet to return. Freedom is found in acceptance. Choice is #freedom. How you choose to look at anything in life decides how much you suffer. Our experiences in life become a part of us, whether we like it or not, whether we deny it or not, whether we run from it or we don't. Whether I liked it or not, this experience became a part of me. If freedom is found in acceptance, I could only accept that I will most likely never smell or taste again. I began contrasting it: + I can still walk, hear, see, and touch. + I am not a foodie + I didn't die from a blood clot+ I no longer have to smell garbage, sewer, farts, or body odor + I can still think, write, and create People didn't understand why I was not depressed. I said because... Everything in life can be figured out. Yet Another International post of both: #Wisdom #and #Testimony #of: #Heather #Carter

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Priceless

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He Is Too Dangerous To Wield This Much Power!! In business, much like on the battlefield, you don’t always have the perfect tools for the job. Military Grade isn't always your friend Sometimes you’ve got to channel your inner MacGyver and make do with what’s available. Turning everyday items into solutions that get the job done. Just like this Nokia Hammer. Indestructible, multifunctional, and downright overkill. While creativity and resourcefulness are critical, there’s a fine line between ingenuity and inefficiency. If your team is stuck piecing together outdated systems or patching tools with duct tape (figuratively or literally), it might be time to ask the hard questions. Are we staying “resourceful,” or are we resisting progress? Are we getting by, or are we preparing to grow? Are your systems outdated but still doing the job (barely)? Is your team making do with “makeshift” solutions instead of being equipped for real success? Sometimes, the cost of clinging to makeshift solutions far outweighs the investment in better tools, systems, or training. While a Nokia hammer might drive the nail, wouldn’t it be better to have a real hammer in the first place? Or Thor's Mjolnir... just saying! Don’t just survive! Equip your team to thrive. Drive the Mission, Build the Future. What’s the most creative (or hilariously makeshift) solution you’ve seen in your career? Share your stories below and let’s swap some laughs and lessons! Visit Frago22.com #DriveTheMission #BuildTheFuture #Innovation #Resourcefulness #Efficiency #Leadership #GrowthMindset #BusinessTools #WorkplaceHumor #CreativeSolutions

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Yes, military veterans possess a distinctive blend of skills and experiences that uniquely qualify them for success in civilian jobs. These skills are applicable and highly sought after in the civilian workforce, providing veterans with diverse career opportunities. This makes them invaluable assets to any organization seeking to enhance its workforce with talent that is proven, adaptable, and mission-driven. 📌Leadership: Military service instills strong leadership qualities through practical experience in managing teams, making critical decisions under pressure, and inspiring others to achieve common goals. In civilian jobs, these leadership skills translate seamlessly into roles such as team management, project leadership, and executive positions. 📌Communication: Effective communication is essential in both military operations and civilian workplaces. Military personnel are trained to convey information clearly and concisely, whether in combat situations or during briefings. This skill translates into civilian jobs in negotiating contracts, or resolving conflicts. Military-trained communicators excel in conveying messages with precision and impact. 📌Discipline: Military training instills a high level of discipline, instilling habits of punctuality, attention to detail, and adherence to procedures. In civilian jobs, this discipline translates into reliability, consistency, and a strong work ethic. Military veterans bring a sense of professionalism and commitment to their roles, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. ⏱️Time to tap into your exceptional skills and expertise that you bring to the table. #militarytransition #militarysupport #militarystrong #militarylife #militarytraining #usmilitary #militaryspouses #veterancommunity

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💡 Job Seekers: Understanding the Recruiter's Role 💡 As you navigate the job search process, it's important to remember that recruiters work on behalf of the hiring manager to find the right fit for open positions. While we’re here to support you and provide insights, our primary responsibility is to align candidates with the company’s needs. Here’s how you can make the most of your interactions with recruiters: 🔍 Stay Transparent – Share your skills, experiences, and goals clearly to help us understand how you align with the role. ⏳ Be Patient – The recruitment process can take time, as we need to ensure each role is filled with the best possible candidate for the team. 🤝 Be Proactive – Take ownership of your job search by staying engaged and following up on your applications. Recruiters want to see you succeed, and by understanding our role in the process, we can work together towards finding the best match! 💼 Search for your next career here: https://lnkd.in/ejEjpfHN #JobSearchTips #RecruiterAdvice #CareerJourney #HiringProcess #JobHunt #CACI #CACICareers #ClearedRecruiting #ClearedJobs

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Here's another example of Democrats creating an environment supporting election fraud, this time from Arizona -- Democrat Gov Hobbs pushes back on counties who refuse to certify votes due to fraud by threatening them with jail time or with throwing out their votes to allow state results to be certified! Here's the details from Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers: ********* REPOST: You may remember that last election that the Cochise County BOS refused to certify the results because they were shady and tainted. Katie Hobbs threatened them with jail if they didn't certify. So under that threat, they did. Now, those mafia-style tactics are over. THIS IS HUGE NEWS! George Behizy reports: BREAKING: A federal judge in Arizona just ruled that the Democrat Secretary of State can NOT certify the results of the 2024 election if any counties withhold certification due to fraud "Plaintiffs allege that the plain terms of the Canvass Provision require the Secretary to nullify a county’s votes if the county board of supervisors fails to timely canvass... Considering the above, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have plausibly alleged a severe burden on their right to vote. The right to vote is fundamental." - Judge Michael T. Liburdi In 2022, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted to stall certification so they could investigate the fraud that took place. Democrats threatened them with lawsuits, forcing them to certify under duress. Wanting to stop that from happening again in 2024, Corrupt Secretary of State Adrian Fontes added a new provision to the Election Procedure Manual, mandating the certification of statewide results by tossing out the votes from counties that withheld certification. The Rule: If the official canvass of any county has not been received by this deadline, the Secretary of State must proceed with the state canvass without including the votes of the missing county This ruling is a GAME CHANGER because it empowers counties to halt the certification process if fraud occurs in November. Bravo to Judge Liburdi. This is so big. It means they can't shove another fraud down our throats without investigation. No certification without integrity.

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Veterans' Challenges with the VA an the Eroding Trust in the System Understanding the struggles veterans encounter with the VA is crucial. These barriers not only create frustration but also impact their health, well-being, and trust in a system meant to support them. 1️⃣ Time Consuming Navigation Veterans spend hours each week managing VA-related issues, facing complexities like navigating phone systems, rectifying medical billing errors, and seeking community care. Each step is laden with red tape, turning a simple task into a daunting endeavor. 2️⃣ Communication Hurdles Connecting with the right VA personnel proves challenging. Phone systems lead to full voicemail boxes and dead-end transfers, while emails and messages often go unanswered. Limited options for leaving messages force veterans to rely on callbacks that seldom materialize. Or they just stop treatment all together. 3️⃣ Accessing Urgent Care Obtaining urgent medical services like an MRI can be a Herculean task. Full voicemail boxes and unresponsive departments leave veterans with no choice but to visit in person, a daunting prospect for many due to various constraints. Delays in scheduling further exacerbate the situation. 4️⃣ Billing and Reimbursement Struggles Approved care often leads to billing complications, especially with Community Care referrals. Unresolved errors quickly escalate to collections, diverting veterans' attention from their well-being to sorting out financial disputes not caused by them, but the system not processing correctly. If the community care doctor bills the wrong way, then it is denied and the bill goes to the veteran, unless that veteran can reach community care in time to rectify the referral or bill issue. It is extremely difficult in reaching the departments that can support the veteran. Most are working from home, hardly return calls, or follow up on emails. In Conclusion While the VA aims to support veterans, its outdated processes, communication inefficiencies, and lack of accountability have left many feeling neglected. The erosion of trust in the system underscores the pressing need for substantial improvements to ensure veterans receive the care and support they rightfully deserve. As I tell the VA often, when I finally reach someone. "I don't know how the VA can incentivize you to respond to emails, voicemails, and messages, but please consider that the person/veteran on the other end, answered the Nations call when they were asked, the least you could do is answer theirs."

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