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Afghanistan War Commission Releases First Report
Plus, how Teak & Twine’s mission-driven gifts are building lasting relationships and empowering small businesses.
Nick Kellermeyer
October 22, 2024
The Homefront Report brings you the best news and resources that U.S. military veterans need to know.
This week we cover:
Legal News: Afghanistan War Commission Releases First Report
Health & Wellness: Veterans Step Up to Save Hurricane Survivors
Product Of The Week: Teak & Twine
Finance: Avoiding Rental Scams Targeting Veterans
LEGAL NEWS
Afghanistan War Commission Releases First Report
The Afghanistan War Commission has released its first interim report to Congress, marking a significant step in its mission to assess the 20-year conflict and develop lessons for future policymakers and warfighters.
This independent commission, established by Congress, aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. Since its launch in August 2023, the Commission has made substantial progress. It has conducted over 30 plenary meetings and research sessions, hired 35 nonpartisan professional staff, and received extensive briefings and documentation from government agencies.
The Commission's work is organized around five thematic teams covering military operations, security force assistance, policy and diplomacy, development, and intelligence and counterterrorism.
"The Afghanistan War Commission hopes that our research and recommendations will not only help prevent and better prepare us for future conflicts but also provide a semblance of catharsis for all who served and sacrificed during the war.”
This initiative is particularly significant for the estimated 800,000 military Veterans who served in Afghanistan. The Commission has actively engaged with the Veteran community through virtual roundtables, conferences, and collaboration with Veteran Service Organizations. It has also established a dedicated Veterans' portal on its website, inviting Afghanistan War Veterans to share their perspectives and experiences, with over 200 responses received so far.
The final report, due in 2026, will offer veterans a deeper understanding of the war's legacy and provide valuable lessons that can shape future military and policy decisions.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Former law enforcement officers and military veterans are taking matters into their own hands to rescue hurricane survivors in North Carolina. With FEMA reportedly out of funds, these volunteers are using their skills and resources to deliver emergency supplies by helicopter to stranded residents.
John Looney, a Vietnam War veteran turned social worker, is making a difference at the Wheeling Vet Center. Drawing from his own experiences with PTSD, Looney helps fellow veterans come to terms with and manage their trauma, creating a supportive environment where "veterans take care of themselves."
Veterans are turning to online platforms like YouTube to share crucial information about benefits and resources. Jason, a Marine veteran, has amassed over 115,000 subscribers on his Veterans InfoTap channel, bridging the gap in transition support and encouraging veterans to seek help from accredited organizations like DAV.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Teak & Twine - Gifts with Purpose
The Product: Teak & Twine creates beautifully curated gift boxes, combining unique products from small businesses to ensure each gift tells a story.
The Story: Teak & Twine was founded by Torrance Hart, a former Air Force officer who brought the values and discipline she learned during her eight years of service into her business. Growing up in a Navy family, Torrance was always drawn to entrepreneurship, and in 2015, she turned that passion into reality by launching Teak & Twine while still on active duty.
Originally focused on wedding gifts, the company found a new direction when a corporate client requested gifts for her tech team. This pivot opened the door to corporate gifting, allowing Teak & Twine to grow into a thriving business that now serves Fortune 500 companies and employs over 75 people.
Torrance's military background deeply influences how Teak & Twine operates. In the Air Force, she learned the importance of resilience, attention to detail, and going above and beyond to meet expectations. These principles became the foundation of the company’s signature service, where client needs are anticipated and met with exceptional care.
Today, Teak & Twine partners with thousands of businesses, offering memorable gifting experiences that not only delight recipients but also support small businesses and make a meaningful social impact. Torrance’s commitment to excellence and service has transformed Teak & Twine into a leader in the corporate gifting space, while her military values continue to guide its growth and success.
“When I was in the Air Force, I had customers too and I had deliverables that I had to meet. … Now it’s a different customer and a different deliverable, but the organization, the discipline, and the drive to go above and beyond for the client remain the same.”
FINANCE
Avoid Rental Scams Targeting Veterans
Rental scams are a growing threat, especially for veterans seeking housing. Scammers often pose as landlords, using fake listings to lure in potential renters. They pressure victims to sign leases and make payments without ever seeing the property. Learn how to spot the warning signs, such as unusually low rental prices and requests for unconventional payment methods. Discover essential prevention strategies to safeguard your finances and ensure your housing search is secure.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Perfect valor is to behave, without witnesses, as one would act were all the world watching."
Disclaimer: The Homefront Report, in association with HomefrontGroup.com, is an informational newsletter. The content of this email does not constitute legal, health, or financial advice.