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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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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 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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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 members public education workshops

Register – TIC Workshop – Understanding Trauma and Providing Compassionate Care

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: This workshop educates participants on providing trauma-informed care, focusing on understanding the impact of trauma on mental health, recognizing symptoms, and applying supportive strategies. Attendees will learn to create safe and healing environments, ensuring their interactions are compassionate and informed by an understanding of trauma’s effects. This training is essential for fostering resilience and recovery in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Date & Time:
August 10, 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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featured program members

Featured Program: VA Claims Support

Navigating the VA claims process can be challenging, but our DAV Service Officers are here to help. With expert guidance, we ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

Role of DAV Service Officers:

  • Claims Preparation: Assist in preparing and submitting claims, ensuring all necessary documentation is included.
  • Understanding Entitlements: Help veterans understand their entitlements and track claim statuses.
  • Appeals Representation: Represent veterans in claim denial appeals, providing support every step of the way.

How to Get Help:

  • Appointment: Veterans are encouraged to call the Madison County Veterans Center at 859-575-1738 to arrange an appointment. Leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
  • Drop-Ins: Visit during “Open” or “Service Officer” hours for initial intake and scheduling follow-up appointments as needed. Check our calendar for available times.

Documents to Bring:

  • Proof of Service (DD-214)
  • Service Medical Records (SMRs)
  • Private Medical Records
  • Supporting Statements from family, friends, or fellow service members
  • Any previous VA correspondence or claim documentation

Whether you need help starting a claim, understanding your benefits, or navigating an ongoing process, Theresa and our team are ready to assist.

Learn more about our VA Claims Support on our VA Claims Support page.

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #VAClaims #VeteransBenefits #ServiceOfficer

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featured program members

Featured Program: Academic Mentoring

Our DAV Chapter 55 Academic Mentoring Program is dedicated to supporting student veterans in their educational pursuits. Led by Dr. Travis L. Martin, author of “War & Homecoming: Veteran Identity and the Post-9/11 Generation,” our program offers free tutoring and mentoring to help you succeed.

Dr. Martin provides direct support to student veterans; mentorship on research and assignments pertaining to veterans for all students.

About Our Program:

  • Personalized Tutoring: Benefit from tailored academic support in various subjects to address the unique challenges faced by veterans.
  • Career Guidance: Prepare for career opportunities that leverage your skills as a veteran.
  • Maximize Education Benefits: Learn how to effectively use your education benefits for the best outcomes.
  • Success Skills: Gain insights into improving your academic performance and retention.
  • Resource Connections: Access a network of state and national resources for additional support.

How to Get Involved:

Join us and enhance your academic journey with the support of DAV Chapter 55. We are committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals!

#DAV55 #VeteranSupport #AcademicMentoring #StudentVeterans #HigherEducation

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announcements partners public education workshops

Register – Crisis Safety Planning Workshop: Code Red

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: Join us for “Code Red,” a crisis safety planning workshop designed to help participants develop personalized safety plans for mental health crises. Through guided steps, participants will learn to recognize warning signs, create effective coping strategies, identify supportive social contacts, and know which professionals to reach out to during a crisis. Each attendee will leave with a tailored plan, enhancing their preparedness for managing mental health challenges.

Date & Time:
July 13, 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