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No one can live greatly alone. We all need the support and encouragement of others to stay the course and reach our full potential. Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial for implementing the Dare to Live Greatly mindset. Start by seeking out mentors who have walked the path before you. Look for people who embody the qualities you aspire to and who can offer wisdom and guidance along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Next, build a community of like-minded individuals who share your values and goals. This might include joining a small group at church, participating in a ministry or service project, or cultivating friendships with people who challenge and inspire you. Finally, be intentional about the voices you allow to speak into your life. Surround yourself with positivity, truth, and encouragement. Limit exposure to negative influences that drain your energy and distract you from your purpose. Living greatly is a lifelong journey that requires courage, faith, and perseverance. But when you dare to embrace the challenge, the rewards are immeasurable. You’ll experience a life of purpose, impact, and joy that surpasses anything the world offers. So take that first step today, and watch God transform your life in ways you never thought possible.

As a federal holiday, Memorial Day means many government offices, banks, and post offices are closed. This includes all non-essential federal government agencies and most state and local government offices. Many schools and universities are closed on Memorial Day, giving students and staff a three-day weekend. However, some institutions may hold commemorative events or ceremonies. In the private sector, many businesses choose to close or operate with reduced hours on Memorial Day. This is especially common in banking, finance, and professional services industries. However, retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues often remain open, and some may even offer special Memorial Day sales or promotions. Are you unsure if a business is open on Memorial Day? Don’t leave it to chance. Check its website or call ahead to confirm its hours. Planning ensures you and your loved ones a smooth and enjoyable holiday weekend.

The Army Rangers are the best of the best. They’re an elite group of soldiers that specialize in special operations missions. These guys are on another level. Rangers are a special operations force that conducts raids, airfield seizures, and other challenging missions. They’re a rapid deploying force that can engage the enemy anywhere in the world. The 75th Ranger Regiment is the Army’s premier light infantry unit. It comprises some of the most physically and mentally tough soldiers out there. Rangers are trained to operate in all environments, from urban combat to mountain warfare. They’re experts in special operations tactics and techniques. As part of the special operations community, Rangers often work alongside other elite units like the Navy SEALs and Delta Force. They’re called upon to handle the most challenging and sensitive missions. I’ve seen firsthand the impact Rangers can have on the battlefield. Their ability to strike hard and fast is unmatched. When Rangers are on the ground, the enemy knows they’re in for a rough day.

In the past, veterans who received both VA disability and military retirement pay had to offset one benefit against the other. This meant they effectively lost out on a portion of their retirement pay. But thanks to recent changes in the law, many veterans can now receive both benefits in full. This is known as Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP). To qualify for CRDP, you must have a VA disability rating of 50% or higher and be eligible for military retirement pay. If you meet these criteria, you can keep your full retirement pay along with your VA disability compensation.

As a Christian, I’ve always wondered: Can we serve in the military with a clear conscience? All to ask, military and Christianity … do I have to choose between the two? This question has haunted me for years. On one hand, we’re called to be peacemakers. On the other hand, we’re told to submit it to governing authorities. This tension is not quickly resolved. Here’s the thing: Christians have been asking this question for a long, long time. It’s not a new dilemma. Believers from way back in the early church days up to now have struggled to figure out if faith and military service can coexist. And let me tell you, the answers are rarely simple.
Christians are called to live out our faith in everything we do, including military service. But what does the Bible say about war and peace? And how have Christians in the military navigated these issues throughout history? Let’s explore these questions and the complex realities Christian soldiers face today.

If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably heard about the widespread issue of PFAS contamination at military bases. It’s a serious problem that’s causing significant environmental and health concerns. But what exactly is PFAS? And why are they such a big deal? PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. In the military, PFAS are commonly found in firefighting foam, used to extinguish fuel fires. This foam has been used extensively in training exercises and emergency response situations at military bases worldwide. The problem is that PFAS are highly persistent in the environment. They don’t break down naturally, so they can accumulate over time and contaminate soil, water, and even the air we breathe.

Once you understand the unique missions of each branch, the next step is to align your own career goals with the opportunities they provide. What are you passionate about? What skills do you want to develop? Each branch offers different career paths and specialties. For example, if you’re interested in aviation, you might consider the Air Force or Navy. If you want to work with cutting-edge technology, the Space Force or Air Force could be a good fit. If you’re drawn to the medical field, all branches have medical personnel, but the Army has the largest medical corps. It’s also important to consider the culture and lifestyle of each branch.  Some, like the Marine Corps, are known for their intense physical demands and warrior ethos. Others, like the Air Force, have a reputation for a higher quality of life and more technical focus. When I was considering which branch to join, I did a lot of research and soul-searching. I talked to recruiters, veterans, and active-duty members to get a feel for each branch. Ultimately, I chose based on which branch aligned best with my personal and professional goals. The key is to do your homework and be honest with yourself about what you want out of your military career. Don’t just choose based on what looks cool in the movies or what your friends are doing. This is your future, so take the time to find the right fit for you.

The thought of the military draft coming back is enough to make anyone break out in a cold sweat. I mean, the idea of being forced to serve in the armed forces, leaving behind your family, friends, and the life you’ve built? It’s the stuff of nightmares, right? But here’s the thing: the military draft hasn’t been used in the United States since 1973. That’s right, it’s been over 50 years since the last time anyone was drafted into the military. So why are we even talking about it now? Well, the truth is, the Selective Service System, which is the agency responsible for maintaining a list of potential draftees, is still very much alive and well. It’s required by law for all men between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service, just in case the draft is ever reinstated.

PTSD is so much more than just bad memories or nightmares. The symptoms can infiltrate every aspect of your life, challenging even basic daily functioning. The emotional and psychological symptoms of PTSD can be some of the hardest to deal with. Many people feel hopeless, detached, or numb. You may have angry outbursts or irritability that make it hard to interact with others. Negative thoughts and distorted feelings of guilt or blame are common. You may feel like the world is dangerous and have difficulty trusting anyone. Maintaining close relationships can feel impossible. These symptoms aren’t a sign of weakness – they’re a normal response to trauma. But they can make daily life and work incredibly difficult. I’ve seen clients struggle to even leave the house due to severe anxiety and depression. PTSD also has genuine physical symptoms that can disrupt daily functioning. Sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares are extremely common. You may have trouble falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night. This chronic lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory. Imagine trying to get through a workday exhausted and unable to focus – it’s a recipe for poor performance. Many people with PTSD also have an exaggerated startle response. Loud noises or unexpected touches can trigger intense fear or even flashbacks. This hypervigilance is exhausting and can make it hard to relax or feel safe anywhere. Chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues are also common physical symptoms. Dealing with these, on top of the emotional impact of PTSD, can make maintaining employment feel impossible.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who’s experienced a traumatic event. However, the risk is much higher for our brave military personnel, especially those in combat roles like Navy SEALs and special forces.

The unique challenges and stresses of military life can take a serious toll. Constantly being on high alert, witnessing violence and death, and losing close friends – it’s no wonder that PTSD rates are through the roof among our service members.

The Basics of PTSD

So, what exactly is PTSD? In a nutshell, it’s a stress disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. We’re talking life-threatening situations, serious injury, sexual violence – the kind of stuff that would shake anyone to their core. To be diagnosed with PTSD, you need to have symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event for at least a month. It’s not just a little stress – it’s a full-blown mental health condition that can interfere with your day-to-day life. Now, imagine dealing with all that while also in a combat zone. Our military personnel are exposed to traumatic events regularly. Firefights, IED explosions, seeing fellow soldiers injured or killed – it’s all part of the job, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Research shows that facing combat is a significant reason why some people end up with PTSD. The VA estimates that up to 20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD. That’s a staggering number.