March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. From the football field to the battlefield, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are on the rise. The Department of Defense has made significant strides in regards to the education and prevention TBI, and the delivery of health care services to the military. The Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM) is a collaborative DOD-NIH program to bring together clinicians and scientists to catalyze innovative research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research.

March is also National Kidney Month, and we hope you will take a few minutes to get to know Sergeant Jacob Chadwick, a brave Marine who was there for his nation when we needed him. Now he is in need of help. If you know his story, then perhaps you can help, or know someone who can.

In addition to serving country, education is one of the main reasons that many men and women join the Armed Forces. It is a tremendous benefit. As college acceptance letters begin to arrive, you will find an education area on MilitaryConnection.com here. There are additional links to key education resources below. If you’re undecided on the school or program you want to attend, we hope you will check out some of the military/veteran friendly schools featured in this newsletter. Many of them are online.

When the next tour is back home, it's on MilitaryConnection.com - The Go To Site.

Sincerely,

ATTENTION: Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay deadline has been EXTENDED TO April 8, 2011

Time is running out to apply for retroactive bonus pay for 145,000 military personnel who were forced to remain on duty beyond their original discharge date, following the September 11th attacks. Congress has approved back pay of $500 for each month of involuntary service; the average lump-sum due is between $3,500 and $3,800. Applications must be submitted by April 8th, 2011. Submit your application online at www.defense.gov/stoploss.

Hero Needs Kidney Transplant

We'd like you to meet Sergeant Jacob Chadwick, Iraqi War Veteran, husband, new father, son, brother. Jacob has faced every battle head on. But now he is facing a battle that he can't fight alone. Jacob needs a kidney transplant. Complicating the matter is his blood type, which is O. If you or someone you know can be a hero and help this brave young Marine and his family, please contact Jacob's wife Victoria at jvechadwick10@hotmail.com They have sacrificed and served our nation with honor. Let us show them our gratitude by helping them at this critical time in their lives.

Click here to read his story.

2011 Power Your Business Conference for Veteran & Military Business Owners - April 26th First Come Basis

The Veteran and Military Business Owners Association (VAMBOA) will be co-hosting the Power Your Business Conference on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Amgen's Corporate Offices in Thousand Oaks, CA. Registration is on a first come basis.

Click here to register today!

Featured School

Six Sigma, Project Management, Information Systems Security, Contract Management and more available 100% online through  prestigious Villanova University! Take advantage of the military education benefits you earned and the exclusive savings you deserve. All of Villanova’s online courses qualify for military tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits. In addition, active-duty servicemembers, reservists, veterans, spouses and dependents receive 15% off each course! 24/7 convenience combined with the academic excellence of Villanova. Click here for more information.

SHOW FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN THAT AMERICA CARES

TAPS Organizers Hope Thousands Will Post Thank You Notes, Photos & Videos Before Memorial Day

Express your gratitude and support for the families of our fallen military. The Give a Thousand Thanks project aims to collect thousands of messages, photos and videos to remind those left behind that America appreciates the service and sacrifices their families have made. The messages, photos and videos will be displayed at the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar & Good Grief Camp in Washington, DC over Memorial Day weekend, where they will be seen by hundreds of surviving families of our fallen military. Postcards can also be mailed in and will be displayed at the event. For more information, go to www.GiveAThousandThanks.org. For more information about TAPS, go to www.taps.org or call toll-free 800.959.TAPS.

Career Without Limits

The best people. The most advanced technologies. Welcome to the incredible world of General Dynamics C4 Systems

Whether you're a recent graduate, experienced professional or separating military, General Dynamics C4 Systems allows you to utilize your unique perspective and knowledge to help develop the next generation of technologies that will help protect our nation. It is a culture built on individual innovation and creativity. If you're ready for a career without limits, you're invited to explore the possibilities at General Dynamics C4 Systems. Click here for more information.

Proud Yellow Ribbon School

Don’t just further your education. Further your life.

Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, a proud Yellow Ribbon participant, is deeply committed to helping qualifying veterans get the education they’ve earned—at little tono cost.

The College of Professional Studies allows students to balance family, work, and military obligations, while pursuing their education.  Students can complete coursework on campus, online or through a combination of both. Veterans can accelerate their education through the Fast-Track program, which allows graduate students to earn their degree in as few as 12 months and undergraduate students to complete their studies in as few as 18 months.

Visit them online at www.northeastern.edu/militarycps or call 1- (866) 627-9810.

Military Housing Assistance Fund
Free Closing Cost Grants to help Military families Achieve the American Dream They Are Defending

Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) is a nationwide non-profit organization that provides home buying services and financial assistance to men and women in uniform when purchasing a home. This is a free grant that never has to be repaid. The grant is used to help with the closing costs associated with the purchase of the home. Their mission is to expand housing opportunities for our military families. You do not need to be a first time home buyer. As long as your credit status allows you the opportunity to obtain a mortgage, they will help you own your dream home.

Read some Q&As.

Compete!

CASTING SOF OPERATORS for “Most Lethal”

Producers of GRB Entertainment/Spike TV are currently casting the World’s Best Special Forces Operatives to compete in an array of combat challenges for the title of “Most Lethal” and up to $100,000.  They’re looking for operators who are currently INACTIVE, physically and mentally strong, and great with weapons.  Must be eligible to work in the United States. 

For more information or to recommend a particular person for the show, please contact REBECCA at 818.640.1670.

Military Spouses

MyCareerSkill is a Distance Learning Initiative offering MyCAA approved, fully funded Career Training for both the Medical Front Office Assistant & Administration Program and Pharmacy Technician Program to train military spouses for exciting new careers in Health Information Systems Administration! These 100% online video-based distance learning programs not only prepare a student for a rewarding career, they validate a student's knowledge through nationally recognized industry certifications. The online learning portal and easy to use portable training allow a military spouse to learn at home or remotely while tracking her progress. Students also have access to interactive learning support over the Internet featuring live online mentors and self-paced learning materials. All brought to you by Florida Gulf Coast University. Learn More

Apps

TBI and PTSD Aided by Technology

Smartphone applications and upgrades designed to aid in the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are coming in April, providing new options for service members and their families. Users monitor anxiety, stress, depression, brain injury, post-traumatic stress or general well-being, and the results are charted over time. The goal is to a gain better understanding of emotions and the events they are linked to or caused by, and provide health care professionals with better data for diagnostic planning and the treatment analysis.

Developers at T2 are making an upgraded version of the software also available for iPhone and iPad through the iTunes store. Coming in April is a new app called “Breathe2Relax,” a portable stress management tool.

Visit their website: http://t2health.org/

Tell a friend...

If you know someone who would like to receive our newsletters, you can refer them to our registration page: Military Connection Premium Services to be added to our mailing list and be able to access all premium areas of MilitaryConnection.com.

Military Dependents

Scholarship Applications,
April 1st to May 15th

Scholarship Program Accepting Applications 

ThanksUSA provides financial need-based scholarships to children and spouses of US military personnel. Now starting its sixth year, ThanksUSA has awarded 2,200 scholarships worth almost $6.5 million and plans to award 500 scholarships at $3,000 each in 2011.  

Awards granted to dependent children and spouses are for first-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. Spouses may also use the award for non-degree licensure/certification programs regardless of whether an undergraduate degree has already been completed.
For eligibility requirements and application, visit them on the web.

Free Photos For Military

HeartsApart.org was created to keep families connected while our military men and women are serving abroad. Through their efforts and their volunteer photographers, HeartsApart.org provides our soon to be deployed servicemen and women with pictures of their spouses and children, at no charge. The photographs are printed on waterproof and durable bi-folded cards, which fit securely in their uniform pockets. HeartsApart.org believes that our military personnel deserve and need the memory of their families to carry them through the difficult times that lie ahead. 

Click here for more information.

The Army of Women is dedicated to representing all women in breast cancer research. Women of all ages, ethnicities, sizes, and shapes, both women who have had breast cancer and women who have not, are being asked to volunteer. Regardless of whether you are African American, Asian, Caucasian, or Latina, regardless of your age or lifestyle, you are needed. The Love/Avon Army of Women will accelerate the research necessary to discover ways to prevent breast cancer. The goal is 1 million. For more information or to sign up, click here.

Research Study Examining Military Combat Experiences

20 minutes of your time could help other service members and veterans. An anonymous online study is being conducted to understand the impact of combat deployment. Your contributions may lead to improved resources to meet the needs of military service members, veterans, and their families. If you take part in this study, you will be asked to complete an online anonymous questionnaire battery that asks about your work in the military, exposure to combat, emotions, and behavior. Your participation is expected to take approximately 20 minutes. If you have deployed at least once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, are between 18 and 65, able to write and read English at an 8th grade level or higher and are willing to respond to a completely anonymous online survey, click here

George to the Rescue

Do you need help with a specific area of your home that needs to be re-constructed, re-furnished, or completely re-done. If you (or someone you know) has a deserving story, George to the Rescue wants to hear from you. Current makeover areas are: DC, Dallas-Fort Worth, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia and New York. If you’ve overcome some difficulty, or help out others, George would love to rescue you. Please send an email to: kelly@onsetproductions.com. Please make sure to include: your name and/or the person's name you would like to have rescued, age, location, phone number, email address, your story, pictures (of the person to be rescued, and the room that needs to be rescued)

Service Disabled Veteran Business Owners

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) offers cutting edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post 9/11 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines with service connected disabilities—and a passion for entrepreneurship! The EBV is committed to opening the door to entrepreneurship and small business ownership to these veterans, developing their competencies in the many steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture, and in coordinating with programs and services unique to veterans and others with disabilities.

Click here for more information

Free Government Resource Sites

Attention All Veterans!

There are a large number of websites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file and/or ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Most of this information is free and available to all veterans, but you have to ask for it. We invite you to look over the list of websites in the event that one or more of them will be advantageous to you. We also recommend that you bookmark the page for future use.

Check out our Veteran Government Resource Sites Directory

Career Planning & Resume Assistance

Wendy Enelow has over 20 years of experience packaging and presenting top military talents for great career opportunities. Her articles have appeared on hundreds of career-related websites, and she is the featured careers columnist for The American Legion Magazine. If you have a general question about your resume, Wendy is here to help. Send your questions to info@militaryconnection.com and put "Ask Wendy" in the subject line. To see Wendy's column on MilitaryConnection.com, click here.

Newman's Own Award Program

Newman's Own, Fisher House Foundation, and Military Times Media Group are joining together in presenting $75,000 in grants to the most creative military quality of life improvement plans. Complete the online application and tell us about your innovative idea to improve the quality of life for military families, and your organization could be awarded up to $15,000 in funding. For more information, click here.

Application Deadline: May 12, 2011

Check out your benefits!

The Post 9/11 GI Bill covers

• Tuition & Fees
• Monthly Tax Free Housing Allowance
• Up to $1000 Annual Stipend for books & supplies
• Register for benefits
• More

Check out our Education Area including our Veteran School Directory & thousands of scholarships.

Military Spouse Friendly Featured School

Calling All Military Spouses

Allied Schools are military, veteran and spouse friendly. Get your career enhancement & post military training with a school that knows what service members need from an education.

Since October 2008, they have awarded over $86k in scholarships. They offer over 20 career training courses.

Here are some benefits of an Allied education:

100% online courses available • Active Military qualify for Tuition Assistance • Nationally Accredited Career Training

Learn more!

Featured Employer

Registration for the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

Registration for the VA's premier adaptive summer sporting event—the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic—opened February 1, offering recently-injured Veterans an opportunity to learn adaptive summer sports (surfing, kayaking, sailing, cycling, and track and field) under the guidance of world-class instructors. Registration is open to up to 100 recently-injured Veterans who receive care at VA medical facilities nationwide. The concept for the clinic is to use adaptive sports to help injured Veterans build confidence and redefine their future. This year's clinic takes place September 18 – 23 in San Diego, California. If you know a recently-injured Veteran who might benefit from an adaptive sporting experience—from surfing at La Jolla Shores to sprinting around the track at the Olympic Training Center at Chula Vista—then please encourage them to register today. For information about the clinic or to register, click here.

Conference: Women and War: Hidden Strengths, Hidden Wounds presented by The Soldiers Project

Conference: Women and War: Hidden Strengths, Hidden Wounds presented by The Soldiers Project More women service members are fighting in Iraq/Afghanistan than in any other American war, but because only one in ten service member is female, they are often painfully alone. The unique psychological issues of women in combat and the women who wait at home are often unrecognized.. The Soldiers Project is presenting this conference dedicated to understanding the complex and unique psychological challenges faced by women who serve in the military and the women at home with loved ones who serve. The Soldiers Project provides free psychological services to military personnel (and veterans) who have served during the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts and their families and loved ones. To register go to: www.thesoldiersproject.org

We previously told you about The Education Center At The Wall, an educational facility that will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials. It will tell the stories of the individuals who served and sacrificed in Vietnam and, in doing so, will teach visitors about the values embodied by all those who serve in all of America's wars.  Since we brought you that story, they have raised over 1/3 of the funds needed to make The Education Center at The Wall a reality. But there is still a long way to go.

Click here for more information.

Nationwide Casting

The Discovery Channel Announces Nationwide casting for "The Assailant"

Once again, a nationwide search is currently being conducted to find contestants who have what it takes to compete in grueling challenges of physical strength and mental acuity. Candidates must be physically fit enough to succeed in each ramped-up, high stakes, action-packed challenge. Marines, SWAT, FBI, Black Ops, rescue workers, Navy SEALs, stuntmen/women, firefighters, police officers, and anyone who thinks that they have what it takes to survive this adventure are encouraged to apply by emailing ivette@metalflowersmedia.com

MilitaryConnection.com has joined forces with eKnowledge.com to offer COMPLIMENTARY SAT & ACT Test Courses. These tests will help you or your loved ones gain admittance to the college of your choice.

You can register here

The COMPLIMENTARY SAT/ACT sponsorship covers 100% of the total retail cost of the $200 program; there is a nominal charge of $13.84 (per standard program) for registration, licensure, order processing, distribution, customer service and technical support.

Through the participation of 230 Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in 42 States, Iraq Star provides free reconstructive surgery to wounded American Warriors returning from Iraq & Afghanistan wars. If you are in need of cosmetic surgery for wound scars, burns, shrapnel or dental injuries, or know someone who is, please contact them at IraqStarinfo@aol.com or visit them on the web at www.iraqstar.org.

VAMBOA is a non-profit trade association working to ensure the development, growth and prosperity of Veteran Owned Businesses, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) and Military Businesses of all sizes. VAMBOA will serve the needs of the veteran and military business communities by uniting veteran and military business owners for collaboration, connections and contracts with both private corporations and government agencies. Join today and take the survey to let them know what issues are important to you. Membership is Free!  You have honorably served our nation. VAMBOA is here to serve you and be your voice.

Visit our Job Area - Check out our Job Board with thousands of jobs in many occupational areas. Register as a Job Seeker and upload your resume so that Employers can find you. You should also check out our Virtual Job Fair of top jobs, and all the valuable employment resources we provide.

If you are interested in advertising your Job Opportunities, contact us: inquiries@militaryconnection.com

The Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM) is a collaborative DOD-NIH program implemented by the Uniformed Services University (USU) bringing together multidisciplinary clinicians and scientists to catalyze innovative research in traumatic brain injury
(TBI) research.

CNRM's six programs address the full spectrum of TBI with special focus on militarily relevant forms of TBI such as blast, penetrating, and repeat neurotrauma events, including the effect of high anxiety and the concurrent development of PTSD with TBI.

If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, or to find out more about their studies, please visit their website.

For more information, click here or call 1-855-TBI-CNRM or

We have reached a milestone on Twitter…over 75,000 followers! For lots of interesting tidbits, follow us at http://twitter.com/thegotosite.

VA Provides National Caregiver Support Line

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has launched a toll-free National Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274. The Caregiver Support Line was created to recognize the significant contributions made by caregivers allowing Veterans to remain at home surrounded by family and friends. Open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time; licensed clinical social workers will be available to answer your questions, listen to your concerns and directly link you to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center. Each VA Medical Center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator who can locate assistance tailored to your unique situation.

Visit them on the web: http://www.caregiver.va.gov/

Win a Custom $100K Motorcycle & Help Wounded Warriors

September 11th, 2011 will be the day that the new owner of this custom built motorcycle will be announced.  This one of a kind motorcycle has been a part of Iraq Star's a year-long campaign to raise awareness and donations so that Iraq Star can assist our Wounded Warriors. Iraq Star provides reconstructive surgery to American Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Your minimum $100 donation will get you in the running. For more information, or to enter, click here.

Tillman Military Scholars

The Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active servicemembers and their dependents. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically the ever-growing population of veterans and dependents of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The online application will open on March 7, 2011 at: http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/tillman-military-scholars/apply/. A limited number of applications will be accepted. Prepare your application now and be ready to apply early. For more information, please contact veteranscholarships@pattillmanfoundation.org.

CalVet Connect can help you successfully re-enter civilian life by connecting you to the veteran’s benefits and services you have earned.

By completing a one page form, a Veteran Services representative will contact you to answer your questions and connect you with the appropriate service providers. To fill out the form, click here.

WEDDLE'S, the leading authority on employment websites, evaluates over 10,000 to select the Top 100 Employment Websites.

MilitaryConnection.com is once again honored to have been selected as a Top 100 Employment Website.

MilitaryConnection.com is one of the most comprehensive Military & Veteran directories of resources & information on the internet with thousands of pages. One of our areas of focus is connecting Military & Veteran candidates with top civilian & government employers. Check us out today!

This year’s Crystal Heart, the USC School of Social Work’s highest honor for community service, will pay tribute to actor Gary Sinise for his dedication to our troops and veterans, and for his work with Iraqi children. The W. June Simmons Distinguished Alumni Award will be bestowed upon Stephen Peck for his commitment to serving homeless veterans. Fred Wulczyn will be presented with the Flynn Prize for Research for his exceptional scholarship. A reception will be followed by the dinner and program. Prices for individual tickets (which are tax deductible) start at $300, and table reservations start at $5,000. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit them on the web.

Military Mom Talk Radio

Catch Debbie Gregory's return visits to Military Mom Talk Radio. Be sure to listen to the January 17th & February 28th podcasts hosted by Sandra Beck and Robin Boyd. Military Mom Talk Radio provides a powerful platform for women to discuss their ideas, issues, and concerns with respect to the military lifestyle. Military Mom Talk Radio encourages women to share their experiences of being a military wife and mother.

Click here for Talk Radio

As more and more men and women in uniform return from Iraq and Afghanistan, there is an increasing need for mental health care. The VA is reaching out to Veterans in crisis and their families to raise awareness about suicide prevention resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The PSA encourages Veterans in crisis to call the crisis hotline number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a trained VA mental health professional, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The PSA can be viewed at here.

An online Veterans Chat program, which provides the ability to communicate anonymously online in real-time with a trained VA mental health professional, can be accessed through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s web page. Suicide is 100% preventable, and it is everyone’s responsibility.

Pioneer Services - serving the military for over 20 years

When you need a simple, affordable military loan, Pioneer Services is here to help. Their online application is fast, easy, and confidential. They offer personal installment loans with manageable payments and no hidden fees. Fast, affordable military loans from $500 to $10,000 are available for all ranks and branches and retired military.

Hundreds of Deals & Discounts for Military

Thanks to BradsDeals.com, we have a list from "A" to "Z" of stores and businesses that offer year-round discounts to Active Duty Military and Veterans. To see the entire list that includes offers from Retail stores, Restaurants, Lodging and more, click here.