Tag: announcements

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smartguide

DAV55 SmartGuide

The DAV55 Chapter SmartGuide is an essential resource designed to provide local veterans and their families with all the information they need about the services and programs our chapter offers. This guide is your one-stop source for navigating the comprehensive support available through DAV Chapter 55.

What’s Inside the DAV55 Chapter SmartGuide?

  • Comprehensive Information: Detailed insights into veteran benefits, services, and programs offered by our chapter.
  • User-Friendly Design: Organized for easy navigation to help you find the information you need quickly.

Why You Should Download and Share the DAV55 Chapter SmartGuide: The DAV55 Chapter SmartGuide is more than just a resource; it’s a tool to help veterans and their families access crucial support and services. By downloading and sharing this guide, you can help ensure that every veteran in our community is aware of the benefits and programs available to them.

Get Your Copy Today: Download the DAV55 Chapter SmartGuide now and stay informed about the extensive support and services available to you. Empower yourself and your fellow veterans by sharing this essential resource.

DAV55 Smartguide (PDF)Download
DAV55 Smartguide (Document)Download

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featured program members

Featured Program: Golf

Are you passionate about golf or eager to learn the game? Our DAV Chapter 55 Golf Program offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, build camaraderie, and support fellow veterans. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a complete beginner, we welcome everyone to join our vibrant golfing community.

About Our Program:

  • Inclusive Environment: Our golf program is open to all veterans, regardless of skill level.
  • Events and Tournaments: Participate in our regular golf events and tournaments designed to foster camaraderie and friendly competition among veterans.

How to Get Involved:

  • Learn More: Stay updated on our program details by visiting our Golf Program page.
  • Contact Us: For more information or to sign up, please contact Kris Morlen at kris.morlen@gmail.com or call the Madison County Veterans Center at 859-575-1738.

Join us on the green and be part of a community that values support, friendship, and fun. We look forward to golfing with you!

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #GolfProgram #VeteransGolf #CommunityEvents

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announcements online events partners public education

Join SMVF Talks for Suicide Prevention Awareness: VA SAVE Training

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, SMVF Talks is hosting a special VA SAVE training to raise awareness and provide practical steps to support those at risk of suicide within the Service Member, Veteran, and Family (SMVF) community.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, September 12th

Time: 6:00 PM (EST)

Location: Online via Zoom (link and QR code below)

The session will be led by Megan Vanoli, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator with the Lexington VA. The VA SAVE training aims to help attendees recognize the signs of suicide risk, ask the right questions, and encourage life-saving help-seeking behaviors. The acronym SAVE stands for

  • Signs of suicidal thinking
  • Ask the person about suicide
  • Validate the person’s feelings
  • Encourage them to get help

This training is especially valuable for providers, professionals, and anyone interested in learning how to support the SMVF population. SMVF Talks takes place on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM EST and offers a valuable opportunity to learn from veterans and experts on topics relevant to the military community.

Please share this important information with your contacts and help raise awareness.

Zoom Meeting Details:

  • Link: Join Here
  • Meeting ID: 812 5398 2596
  • Passcode: 205582

Scan the QR Code Below to Join:

RSVP:
RSVP is not required, but appreciated. Please send an RSVP to info@biak.us.

Brought to You By:

  • Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK)
  • Kentucky Friends of Veterans

Visit http://www.biak.us for more information.

For more updates, follow SMVF Talks on Facebook: SMVF Talks/Facebook

For more information or to get help, contact:
Heath Dolen
Project Manager, SMVF Behavioral Health
Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities
Phone: (502) 782-6160
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Help spread the word to assist Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

SMVF TALKS September 2024 Flyer PDF.pdfDownload
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announcements partners public education

Veterans: Stand Together on 988 Day – “No Judgment. Just Help”

🎖️ Veterans: Stand Together on 988 Day – “No Judgment. Just Help”

This Sunday, September 8th, we unite as a nation to recognize 988 Day, a day designed to bring awareness to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a lifeline for our brothers and sisters in arms. The challenges veterans face are unique, and so is the support offered through 988, where trained responders are ready to listen, 24/7.

What’s 988?

  • 🔸 Quick & Confidential – Just dial 988, and press 1 for veteran-specific help.
  • 🔸 Immediate Support – Whether it’s PTSD, depression, or moral injury, 988 connects you with someone who understands what veterans face.
  • 🔸 No Judgment. Just Help – This lifeline is for YOU. It’s not about where you’ve been but about getting you the support you need now.

💻 Explore the Toolkit

SAMHSA has developed a powerful toolkit to help us spread the message. You can access it here: 988 Day Toolkit. Let’s flood our social media and veteran networks with this message. Every post could save a life.

🇺🇸 Kentucky Veterans: We Need Your Voice

Help us amplify this important message by using Kentucky’s 988 logo in your posts: Download Logo.

📊 Check Out the Impact

Take a moment to see how 988 is already making a difference here in Kentucky. The public-facing 988 dashboard tells the story of the lives we’re saving: View Dashboard.

Why Veterans Need 988

  • 🔹 1.5x higher suicide rate among veterans
  • 🔹 Many veterans face mental health struggles long after leaving the battlefield
  • 🔹 988 connects veterans directly to responders who understand these challenges

By sharing these resources, you’re not just spreading awareness—you’re providing lifesaving support. This is a battle we fight together. Share the message, stand up for your fellow veterans, and let them know there’s always help at 988.

Important Links:

🔗 SAMHSA 988 Day Toolkit
🔗 Kentucky 988 Dashboard

⚠️ Your Voice Saves Lives

📞 Dial 988 – Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line

Best regards,

Your DAV Chapter 55

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announcements members public education workshops

Register – QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Workshop

Empowering Communities with Suicide Prevention Skills

Join us for the DAV55 Fall 2024 Workshop Series, an enriching set of training sessions aimed at enhancing community resilience and mental health awareness. These workshops, led by the EKU Trauma and Suicide Prevention Team, provide invaluable lessons on crisis management, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care, equipping attendees with essential skills to support themselves and others in times of need.

Description: The QPR workshop equips individuals with the skills to act as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. The session covers the three critical steps of QPR: Questioning someone about suicidal thoughts, Persuading them to seek help, and Referring them to appropriate resources. Participants will learn to identify warning signs, communicate effectively, and provide crucial support to those in need, thus playing a pivotal role in preventing suicides within the community.

Date & Time:
September 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM (Potluck meal begins immediately following the monthly DAV meeting)

Location:
Madison County Veterans Center, 1215 W Main Street, Richmond, KY

Details:

  • Free
  • One Hour
  • Open to the public
  • Accompanied by a light meal
  • Evidence-based and taught by trained clinicians

Contact Information:
For more information, please email contact@dav55.org.

Registration Link:
Register Here

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Paul Mazurek

Paul Alan Mazurek serves as the Judge Advocate for DAV Chapter 55. Fun facts about Paul:

  • Retired Staff Sergeant from the Kentucky Army National Guard, dedicating 21 years of service with the 2123rd Transportation Company.
  • Deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Desert Storm during his military career.
  • Beyond his duties at DAV Chapter 55, he is the Chairman of the Madison County Veterans Committee and the coordinator and cook for the Friday Veterans Breakfast.
  • Enjoys photography, video games, and spending quality time with his granddaughter.
  • Passionate about working with the DAV to give back to his community and support fellow veterans.
  • Treasures the camaraderie and sense of family within the chapter.

Learn more about Paul and our team on the Staff page.

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featured program members

Featured Program: Career Pathways

Transitioning from military to civilian life presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding a new career path. At DAV Chapter 55, we understand these challenges and are here to support our veterans every step of the way. Our “Career Pathways” program is designed to help veterans translate their military experience into successful civilian careers.

Drop-In Hours:

  • When: Every other Thursday
  • Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
  • Details: Check our Community Calendar on the homepage for specific dates.

Meet Cris Thompson: Our Career Pathways Expert Cris S. Thompson serves as our Career Pathways guide, leveraging her expertise as an Organizational Psychologist and Consultant. As a veteran spouse, she is dedicated to helping veterans build career pathways and obtain meaningful employment that promotes their overall quality of life. Cris holds an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a BS in Human Services, and she is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Veterans and family members can reach her at cris@cstnavigation.com or 859-200-6524, with virtual meetings available by appointment.

Program Offerings:

  • Resume Building: Craft resumes that effectively translate military experience into civilian terms, highlighting transferable skills and accomplishments.
  • Job Seeking Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance to confidently navigate the job search process, from understanding job descriptions to preparing for interviews.
  • Strengths Identification: Identify and emphasize unique skills and experiences that are highly valuable in the civilian workforce.

Why This Program Matters: Veterans face distinct challenges during career transitions. Our Career Pathways program offers tailored support that acknowledges the depth and breadth of military experience. Cris Thompson’s expertise ensures that veterans not only have strong, market-ready resumes but also the confidence and skills to succeed in interviews and beyond. By participating in this program, veterans can better understand how their military service has prepared them for civilian careers, opening doors to fulfilling and rewarding opportunities.

How to Get Involved:

  • New Veteran Clients: If you are a veteran looking to receive mentorship and career guidance, please complete the intake form on our Career Pathways page.
  • Area Businesses: We invite businesses to partner with us to support veteran employment. Please fill out the partnership form on our Career Pathways page.

We invite all veterans to take advantage of this valuable resource. Whether you’re just starting your job search or looking to refine your approach, the Career Pathways program is here to help you achieve your career goals.

Contact Us:

Learn more about our Career Pathways program on our Career Pathways page.

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #CareerPathways #VeteranEmployment #CareerSuccess

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featured program members

Featured Program: Friday Community Breakfast

Start your Friday mornings with a delicious breakfast and great company at the Madison County Veterans Center. Our weekly community breakfasts provide a welcoming environment for veterans to connect and enjoy a meal together.

Event Details:

  • When: Every Friday, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
  • Where: Madison County Veterans Center
  • Who: All veterans are welcome, and you may bring your family or significant others.

Experience the Power of Camaraderie:

  • Build Community: Engage with fellow veterans and their families in a supportive and friendly environment.
  • Find Purpose: Discover how being part of a vibrant veteran community can provide a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
  • Explore Offerings: Learn about the various programs and services available to veterans, including group therapy sessions, support groups, and other resources.

Our weekly breakfasts are more than just a meal—they are an opportunity to forge lasting connections and find a sense of purpose within the veteran community. Whether you are new to the area or looking to reconnect, Fridays at the Madison County Veterans Center are the perfect place to start.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing a meal together.

For more information, please contact us at 859-575-1738 or email contact@dav55.org.

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #CommunityBreakfast #VeteransCommunity #VeteranCamaraderie

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Ben Thomas

Certainly! Here’s a revised “Meet the Team” post for Ben Thomas:

🌟 Meet Ben Thomas! 🌟

Ben Thomas is the current Chapter 55 Treasurer. Fun facts about Ben:

  • A retired USAF veteran with over 8000 hours of flying time on various manned reconnaissance platforms, with combat experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
  • Served as a subject matter expert and force manager in the A2 and A3 branches at the Pentagon.
  • Held senior executive roles at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence before transitioning to the private sector.
  • Dedicated a decade to small business consulting before focusing on volunteer work, particularly with veterans and outdoor activities.
  • Plays a vital role as treasurer and support driver for Chapter 55, providing crucial support to fellow veterans.
  • Volunteers alongside his wife at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

Learn more about Ben and our team on the Staff page.

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announcements meet the team

Meet the Team: Travis Martin

Dr. Travis Martin serves as the Adjutant for the Madison County, Kentucky chapter of Disabled American Veterans. Fun facts about Dr. Martin:

  • Handles administrative duties and record-keeping with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Coordinates communications and newsletters, ensuring our members stay informed and connected.
  • Manages chapter documentation and correspondence, maintaining our records efficiently.
  • Enjoys spending time with his dogs, Bartleby and Glori, his cat, Journey, and his school of fishes.
  • Passionate about plants and gardening, as well as playing video games.
  • Always ready to assist veterans, family members, and students, offering support and guidance.

Learn more about Dr. Martin and our team on the Staff page.