Whether it’s a graduation, anniversary or retirement, there are plenty of milestones in life that are cause for celebration. These opportunities to pat ourselves on the back help to remind us why hard work is worth it. As the old cliche goes, “Hard work pays off,” and no one understands this better than the military Veteran. The ultimate payoff being: a safer, better and stronger country for all.

With such an accomplishment under your belt, why wouldn’t you want to celebrate? Your military career shouldn’t be swept under the rug once it’s over, as it is what got you to where you are today. So go ahead, celebrate you. We give you not only permission, but tips for celebrating your military experience in your personal and professional life.

Share Your Skills
What did your time in the military teach you? How to navigate, hike across treacherous terrain, run long distances, lead a team? There are so many skills you could share with your new civilian coworkers, many of whom are curious to learn what it’s like to be a soldier. In fact, there are military-style “boot camps” popping up all over the country that fuel that curiosity. Hold a free course for your colleagues on navigation and map reading or start an early-morning running group that meets every week before work. By using, and sharing the skills of your past, you’re also commemorating your valuable experiences.

Revisit Old Duty Stations
Maybe it’s where your first child was born. Maybe it’s where you met your spouse. Or maybe it’s where you spent months in miserable training conditions that taught you valuable life lessons. Whatever the personal meaning, take a trip down memory lane with a visit to an old duty station. Even if your memories aren’t all fond, revisiting a place of once great importance can do a lot to restore your soul — and your memory.

Take Advantage of Discounts
Veterans Day includes deals for Vets everywhere you turn. Take advantage of these discounts and treat yourself and your family. Websites like Thrillest.com are great at rounding up where to get free or discounted items on Veterans Day each year. In addition, don’t be shy about asking for Veteran discounts on non-holiday outings. Movie theaters, restaurants, hotels and many retail stores offer everyday military discounts for both active and non-active duty Veterans. Also, if you’re a Veteran and haven’t heard of GovX, look it up! GovX gives military and government employees free access to heavily discounted items, from sports tickets, to theme park memberships to concerts.

Celebrate Others
In the same way you want to celebrate your military experience, it’s just as important to celebrate others’ experiences too. In fact, by recognizing fellow Veteran colleagues, neighbors, or friends, you can actually improve your health. According to SUCCESS, celebrating others’ success can increase our feelings of positivity and joy. This leads to greater optimism, which a Harvard study says can protect against health issues like cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease and infection. How exactly can you celebrate other Veterans? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Arrange a lunch outing for you and your fellow Veteran coworkers
• Ask your company to highlight Veteran workers in the company newsletter
• Write hand-written letters of gratitude to Veteran friends you haven’t seen in awhile
• Volunteer at Veteran-specific nonprofits

There are many other ways to celebrate your military experience. Contact SAVI today to learn more.

Adorned in insignia, ribbons, rank, and medals, the military soldier can be likened to a walking resume. Every major milestone — promotions, awards and number of combat tours — is neatly displayed across the soldier’s uniform as a marker of achievement for all to see. The military holds formal recognition as a sacred rite of passage. Such a culture of honor is unrivaled upon leaving the service. Though not a single Veteran would expect such fanfare in the civilian sector, there are still plenty of ways your company can honor Veterans in the workplace. Here are five ways to honor them in your workplace:

• Give a “Salute Package” — A package of goodies that says “Thank you” to your former service-members will go a long way in making them feel appreciated. Package contents can be anything you want, but here are some suggestions to get you brainstorming:
  • One healthy food item plus one sweet treat
  • A gift certificate to the local movie theatre
  • Company swag such as a branded T-Shirt, hat, or a high-quality mug
  • A handwritten note from their manager or the CEO

• Organize a Morning Coffee Hour — Organize a morning get-together to honor Veterans in the workplace with a good cup of joe, donuts, and a chance to interact with coworkers and fellow veterans in a relaxed setting. Be sure to put up signs that make it clear for what, and whom, you’re celebrating.

• Wave the Flag — For Veteran-specific holidays, put small flags all around the exterior sidewalks of your office building, along with flags throughout the inside. If your company has a Veteran’s club or a group of Vets, get them involved with this. It’s a great way to give them a break from the daily grind while getting them excited for upcoming Veteran celebrations.

• Letters of Appreciation — Encourage your staff to write letters of appreciation to their Veteran coworkers. A note coming from a manager and CEO is great, but coming from a coworker can be even more meaningful. This unexpected act of kindness can go a long way in making the Veteran feel appreciated for both his past service and his current position.  

Publication Highlight — Does your company have a newsletter? This could be a way to share the military background of your Veteran employees with the rest of your company. If there’s no newsletter, ask your CEO to send a company-wide email spotlighting the Vets and addressing each by name.

At SAVI, we want to ensure that you’re taking advantage of the privileges and benefits you qualify for as a Veteran or dependent through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The first step to gaining coverage is being informed. Here’s everything you need to know about options for VA dental, vision, and healthcare for dependents in 2020.

VA Dental Coverage

When thinking of your VA healthcare options, it’s easy to direct your focus to medical coverage. However, you may qualify for an all-encompassing dental plan through the VA. 

 Many factors determine coverage, including: 

•       Details of your prior military service, 
•       Your current living situation
•       Your current medical state

Input your information into this VA site to find out your options.

Don’t qualify for dental benefits? You may be able to reduce costs of dental insurance through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).

In order to enroll in VADIP, you must be a Veteran already enrolled in the VA healthcare system or a dependent enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA).

VA Vision Coverage

If you’re already qualified for VA healthcare benefits, you certainly qualify for at least some vision care through the VA as well. According to the VA website, it will cover routine annual eye exams and preventative testing if you already have VA healthcare benefits. 

More extensive vision coverage is dependent upon additional conditions. 

You may qualify if you:

• Have a service-connected disability for which you’re receiving disability payments
• Are a former Prisoner of War (POW)
• Are a Purple Heart recipient
• Receive benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151
• Receive an increased pension due to being permanently housebound
• Have vision problems caused by an illness — or the treatment of an illness — for which you’re receiving VA care. 
• Have vision problems caused by an injury — or the treatment of an injury — for which you’re receiving VA care. 
• Have functional or cognitive impairment severe enough to make everyday tasks difficult
• Have vision and/or hearing loss severe enough you need assistance in caring for yourself

For blind Veterans, The VA offers advanced care options, including: 

•       Inpatient rehabilitation centers
•       Vision-enhancing devices

Learn more about VA vision coverage and apply online here.

VA Healthcare for Dependents

If you’re a Veteran spouse, child, or a primary caregiver, you may qualify for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). It’s a comprehensive healthcare program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services with eligible beneficiaries. CHAMPVA is the only way non-Tricare qualifying dependents can receive VA healthcare. 

 One or more of the following descriptions must be true for you to receive CHAMPVA. If you are: 

• The spouse or child of a Veteran who’s been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional benefit office
• The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability
• The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability
• The surviving spouse or child of a service-member who died in the line of duty

For caregivers, the VA also offers The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). It provides support to caregivers of Veterans injured in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Through this program, caregivers can receive counseling, respite care, education, monetary support and more.

Still Have Questions About VA Healthcare?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to SAVI to learn more about our free Veteran services!

Check out SAVI’s free programs here, or contact info@savivets.wpengine.com to learn more.

Transitioning out of the military can be an exciting and challenging time. Choosing where to live, what your next career might be and what the next chapter of your life will look like can be overwhelming.

As you transition out of the military, staying mentally and emotionally healthy is important. Healthy Veterans make choices and pursue healthy living habits that can reduce stress and anxiety during times of uncertainty.

If you haven’t taken steps to pursue healthy living, now is the perfect time to look for ways to improve your health. Here are a few of our best suggestions from healthy habits that will help prepare and protect you for transitioning to civilian life.

Practice Self-Care

Coming out of the military, many Veterans struggle with the lack of routine and structure in the civilian world. You may not have built-in time for exercise or downtime. This lack of structure may even leave you feeling unproductive and anxious.

One healthy habit that you as a Veteran must build is prioritizing your self-care routine. Building a self-care routine can be as simple as focusing on the activities that are restorative for you. Some suggestions of healthy living self-care practices include daily exercise, getting out in nature and socializing with friends and family.

In addition to some of these basic self-care routines, you should also look into pursuing new and healthy hobbies. If you didn’t have time to develop hobbies while in the service, now is the perfect time to discover some. Daily walks, hiking, biking, gardening, reading, and woodworking are just a few examples of activities that can be enjoyable. If you’re not sure where to start with a hobby, try taking a class in something that interests you. Many organizations from art studios to gyms offer free trial classes.

Establish Routines

The military lifestyle offers regular routines for service-members and their families. Therefore, once you have successfully transitioned out of the military, establishing new routines and practices is critical. One key practice is getting organized by adding structure to your day. Structure can be added through things like using a planner, setting goals, making to-do lists and setting short and long-term goals.

Daily meditation or prayer can also help reduce stress and anxiety during times of change. Journaling or writing about your experiences in the military can help you make sense of your past. It can also help you better cope with what you’re experiencing during the transition.

Make Connections

Your first year post-transition is a critical time to reconnect with immediate and extended family. Although it may seem awkward at first, it’s important to find things in common with your family if some connections have been lost.

For starters, try sitting down to dinner together. Plan some activities you can do together in advance. Take advantage of a more predictable schedule by scheduling times to reconnect. These routines can benefit both transitioning military members and their families.

If you find it difficult to reconnect, consider reaching out to a counselor or mental health professional who can help you establish healthy habits and ways of coping with stress. Research shows that people who stay connected or re-establish connections with loved ones tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Separating from the military is an important time in the lives of all Veterans. Seize the change as an opportunity to build a life that you love and are proud of. Visit our website for free resources for Veterans and more tips on living a healthy life post-transition.

Keyword: Hiring Veterans

Hiring Veterans is smart for companies looking to add employees with diverse skill sets and unique strengths. Because they have been challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally during their time of service, Veterans easily adapt to a variety of workplaces and environments.

In order to attract the right individuals, companies should align their goals with Veterans’ skills and strengths they see as a fit. Here are five ways companies can match their goals to the skills and strengths of Veterans.

1. Create Leadership Opportunities
Veterans are used to leading and following orders depending on their rank and the situation they find themselves in. A company that wants to hire and retain Veterans would be wise to establish leadership opportunities and an organized hierarchy that Veterans can easily adapt to. Veterans will thrive in companies that give them clear boundaries, but also creative leadership opportunities and room for them to grow.

2. Establish a Collaborative Environment
Organizational culture means a great deal to Veterans. They are familiar with working environments where their input and ideas are valued. There is also little separation between home and work life in the military, so many Veterans may expect to find a family-like environment in the civilian workplace. Companies hiring Veterans should create opportunities for collaborative growth and input and avoid micromanaging. Having a company culture that offers opportunities for development, socializing, and gives Veterans a sense of being part of something larger than them is also key.

3. Provide Opportunities To Work Independently
Many Veterans separate or retire from the military in a position of command. They are often used to calling the shots and working fairly independently while heading up a well-trained and diverse team. If your company wants to hire Veterans, it would be wise to create an environment that promotes trust and respect. Give Veterans an opportunity to work independently and they will outperform most civilians. They are hard-working, independent individuals who love to be part of the solution in any workplace.

4. Embrace Challenges
Veterans are both highly skilled and motivated workers who love to analyze and solve complex problems. They are used to thinking on their feet, adjusting plans under tremendous stress and pressure, and motivating others. You would be wise to embrace everyday challenges and make sure that the Veterans who work for you are challenged. Boredom and a lack of challenges is a quick way for Veterans to lose motivation, so make sure you offer an environment where their natural motivation and curiosity is utilized.

5. Prioritize Technology
While in the service, Veterans became accustomed to having access to the latest tools and technology. Since the military is often given the first and best technological advances, Veterans are used to systems and processes that work quickly and efficiently. One of your main company goals before hiring Veterans should be to make sure that your technology is up-to-date and that you are progressive enough for today’s retiring and separating service-members.

Smart companies who are looking to hire Veterans will align their company goals with the unique talents and skills that Veterans bring to the table. If you seek to hire top-quality Veterans, SAVI would love to guide you. Contact us today to find out exactly what resources we can offer to you and your business.