Tag: members

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featured program members

Featured Program: Wall of Warriors

We invite you to bring in a photo for our “Wall of Warriors,” a special collection of photos displayed in the Madison County Veterans Center. This dedicated space honors our chapter members during their time in uniform, serving as a tribute to their bravery and service. Each photograph tells a unique story of commitment and sacrifice.

About the Wall of Warriors:

  • Honoring Service: Celebrate the bravery and dedication of our chapter members by displaying their photos in uniform.
  • Unique Stories: Each photograph represents a personal story of commitment and sacrifice, highlighting the diverse experiences of our veterans.
  • Community Tribute: The Wall of Warriors serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and service of our veterans, fostering a sense of pride and community within our chapter.

How to Participate:

  • Submit Your Photo: Bring in a photo of yourself or a loved one in uniform to be featured on our Wall of Warriors.
  • Contact Us: For more information or assistance with your submission, please contact Kris Morlen at kris.morlen@gmail.com or call the Madison County Veterans Center at 859-575-1738.

Help us honor the incredible stories of our veterans and their service. We look forward to adding your photo to our Wall of Warriors!

Learn more about our Wall of Warriors and other featured programs on our members page.

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #WallOfWarriors #HonorOurVeterans #VeteranCommunity

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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 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.

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announcements meetings members

August 2024: Monthly Meeting / Workshop Reminder

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Chapter 55 | Madison County, KY

Dear DAV Chapter 55 Members,

I hope this message finds you well. We have several important updates and reminders for you this month. Your active participation and engagement are vital to the success of our chapter and the support we provide to our veterans.

Monthly Meeting Reminder

Date: This Saturday, August 12th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Madison County Veterans Center

Please join us for our monthly meeting where we will discuss ongoing initiatives, upcoming events, and other important matters. Been away for a while and want to get involved? This is your chance!

Lunch & Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop

(Following the meeting, 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM)

Immediately following our monthly meeting, we will be hosting a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop. This workshop is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge to better support our veterans who have experienced trauma. It will be an informative and valuable session for all attendees.

Follow Us on Social Media

Stay connected and up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and member spotlights by following us on social media:

Facebook: DAV Chapter 55 Facebook
Instagram: DAV Chapter 55 Instagram

We’ve begun highlighting the volunteers and programming that make our chapter possible. Share our posts and help spread the word about the great work our chapter is doing! New featured team member and program posts go out each Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

For more information on our programs and events, visit our website.

Hope to see you Saturday. Thank you for your dedication and service.

Warm regards,

Dr. Travis L. Martin
Adjutant, DAV Chapter 55