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- VA Unveils Revamped Burn Pit Registry & How Skirted Soldier is Brewing up Hope
VA Unveils Revamped Burn Pit Registry & How Skirted Soldier is Brewing up Hope
Plus how robotic pets are creating real connections for isolated veterans.
Nick Kellermeyer
August 06, 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: VA Unveils Revamped Burn Pit Registry
Health & Wellness: Veteran Wins 4th Olympic Gold Medal
Product Of The Week: The Skirted Soldier
Finance: Launching Your Civilian Career
LEGAL NEWS
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the launch of a redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, aimed at reducing the burden of participation for veterans and service members. This update is a response to extensive feedback from veterans in a push to open up the registration process.
The registry, which now automatically enrolls approximately 4.7 million veterans and service members, is a meaningful step forward in addressing the health challenges faced by those exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards. This massive expansion covers those who served in specific locations in or near the Middle East between August 2, 1990, and August 31, 2021.
"This tool is a significant improvement in making data available in a way that better serves all those who were exposed to burn pits and other hazards."
The redesign of the registry not only simplifies the process for veterans but also enables critical research that could lead to treatments for those affected by toxic exposures.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research are investigating the use of low-intensity electrical pulses to enhance soldiers' sleep quality. This study aims to make short sleep periods more restorative, addressing the widespread issue of sleep deprivation among service members.
Vincent Hancock, a 35-year-old Army veteran, secured his fourth Olympic gold medal in skeet shooting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hancock's remarkable achievement places him among an elite group of only six athletes to win the same individual Olympic event four times.
Capital Caring Health and Ageless Innovation are distributing robotic companion pets to veterans with dementia and those experiencing social isolation. The "Robotic Pets for Vets" program aims to provide joy, companionship, and emotional support to veterans in Long-Term Care Centers across the nation.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
The Story: Air Force veteran Rhonda Smith founded The Skirted Soldier in March 2018 from her four-acre "farmette" in Blue Knob, Pennsylvania. After leaving active duty in 2001, Smith felt disconnected from her fellow female veterans and the military environment. She dreamed of starting a business that supported and empowered forgotten female veterans.
Inspired by her time living on a German farm during her service and her mother's love for tea, Smith launched the business with a modest $1,000 budget. In only three and a half years, the company's reach has grown to 25 states and more than 50 Pennsylvania locations, in addition to online sales.
Smith's commitment to giving back is a cornerstone of The Skirted Soldier. To date, she has donated over $5,000 to female veteran organizations, including grants for female vets in agribusiness. Her efforts extend beyond financial support; she also sends "combat care packages" to female soldiers and hosts tea parties for female veterans in nursing homes.
"Having the ability to help out a fellow battle buddy with even a small part means a great deal to me.”
FINANCE
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right job. This article offers insights on how to use your military experience to secure a meaningful career post-retirement, emphasizing the importance of networking, tailoring your resume, and exploring industries that value military backgrounds.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
Disclaimer: The Homefront Report, in association with HomefrontLaw.com, is an informational newsletter. The content of this email does not constitute legal, health, or financial advice.