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9th Annual Whiskey & War Stories – March 22, 2025 in Va Beach

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

The Silent Warrior Foundation is announcing their 9th Annual Whiskey & War Stories at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort March 22, 2025.

This year we are honored to have British SAS veteran Christian Craighead and former Google employee Meyli Chapin. Both Christian and Meyli were immersed in the DusitD2 complex terrorist attack in the Westlands District of Nairobi, Kenya on January 15-16, 2019. Christian famously earned the internet nickname “Obi Wan Nairobi” after images and video of him repeatedly entering the complex to rescue civilians and engage the terrorists within emerged in news reports and on the internet.

For his actions he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, one of only around 60 ever awarded for “acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy”.

Meyli was trapped in her room by herself for 17 hours of the 22 hour seige. Her experience inspired her to author the book “Terrorist Attack Girl, How I Survived Terrorism and Reconstructed My Shattered Mind”.

ABOUT THE EVENTLOCATION:MARRIOTT VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT RESORT4201 ATLANTIC AVENUEVIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451

SCHEDULE:

VIP NIGHT

(MEET AND MINGLE WITH OUR SPEAKERS)

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025

(INCLUDES WHISKEY TASTING BY TARNISHED TRUTH DISTILLERY AND TACO BAR)

DOORS AT 5PM UNTIL 10 PM

GALA NIGHT

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025

COCKTAIL HOUR, AUCTION, DINNER AND FEATURE PRESENTATION

DOORS AND COCKTAIL HOUR 5PM

AUCTION 5-9 PM

DINNER 6 PM

FEATURE PRESENTATION 7:15 PM

CONCLUSION 9:00 PM

(CIGARS ON THE OCEANFRONT DECK AFTERWARDS)

Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Christian and Meyli and hear them relate their experiences during the Dusit D2 complex terrorist attack.

Back as our moderator this year will be Retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief Dave Hall. Please join us and our friends from one of our favorite international special operations units, the storied British SAS for this exciting event. Doors open at 5:00 pm and the event will conclude around 10:00 pm.

Individual ticket prices are $175 per person, and various table sponsorships are available. All proceeds benefit the Silent Warrior Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity serving our Special Operations Community since 2010.

The auction this year includes clones of Christian Craighead’s rifle and pistol, a copy of his custom TG Knives knife, as well as industry donated optics and equipment.

ABOUT THE CHARITY

FOUNDED IN 2010, THE SILENT WARRIOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND WAS SET UP BY RECONNAISSANCE MARINES IN MEMORY OF THEIR FALLEN BROTHERS.

Originally founded as the Silent Warrior Scholarship Fund, our mission was to award scholarships to any college-bound person based on direct familial relationships to a Reconnaissance Marine/0321 or Critical Skills Operator/0372, based on academic achievement and financial need.

Our revised mission includes support for our Special Operations Veterans & their families by providing funding for emergency assistance, mental health services, education, scholarships, HBOT and for service dogs.

Special hotel rates at both the Marriott Virginia Beach Hotel and the Cavalier Hotel are available for those attending our event for a limited time. Rate link is on the event registration site:

9th Annual Whiskey and War Stories | Auction Frogs

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Guest Post, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Big Guns Coffee: Fueling Service Members with Innovation and Purpose

Saturday, March 1st, 2025

For service members, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a lifeline. Whether fueling pre-dawn PT, long deployments, or late-night missions, the right brew keeps warriors sharp and ready for whatever comes next. Big Guns Coffee is a veteran-owned company that doesn’t just talk about strength—it brews it.

A Military Legacy, A Coffee Revolution

Big Guns Coffee isn’t your average coffee brand. Founded by Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker T. Shane Johnson and his 9-year-old daughter Charli, this company embodies resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

T. Shane, who has overcome homelessness and life-threatening adversity, built Big Guns Coffee with the same unwavering determination that carried him through the toughest challenges of his military career. Charli, a budding entrepreneur with big ideas, envisioned a company that would not only produce exceptional coffee but push the boundaries of how and where it’s grown. Together, they launched the first-ever indoor hydroponic coffee farm in North Carolina—a bold step toward sustainable, American-grown coffee.

A Perfect Fit for Those Who Serve

As Big Guns Coffee expands, it aligns with the mission of The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which provides goods and services at U.S. Army, Air Force, and Space Force installations worldwide. With its presence in department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and more across 30+ countries and four U.S. territories, the Exchange has long been a trusted provider for service members. Big Guns Coffee is ready to be part of that legacy, bringing fresh, bold, and American-roasted coffee directly to the men and women who defend our nation.

Hydroponic Coffee: Innovation Meets Sustainability

For decades, coffee has been grown in tropical regions, thousands of miles from where it’s consumed. Big Guns Coffee is changing that narrative by pioneering hydroponic coffee farming, a soil-free method that allows coffee plants to thrive in nutrient-rich water. This innovative approach delivers superior quality by eliminating soil inconsistencies and exposure to harmful pesticides, resulting in a cleaner, richer flavor. It also champions sustainability, using significantly less water than traditional farming while reducing environmental impact and preventing fertilizer runoff.

Most importantly, it brings American-grown coffee to the forefront. Traditionally, coffee production in the U.S. has been limited to Hawaii, but Big Guns Coffee’s hydroponic farm in North Carolina introduces a fresh, homegrown option that is reshaping the industry.

Expanding Access: Bringing Big Guns Coffee to Military Retailers

Big Guns Coffee is on a mission to bring high-quality, fresh-roasted coffee directly to military communities. By partnering with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, the company aims to make its blends more accessible to service members at home and abroad. Whether grabbing a cup before heading to the flight line or stocking up for field exercises, troops deserve the best—and Big Guns Coffee is ready to deliver.

A Veteran-Owned Business That Understands the Mission

Military-serving retailers like the Exchange prioritize brands that understand the unique needs of service members. As a veteran-owned company, Big Guns Coffee is built on the same principles that drive military excellence—discipline, resilience, and mission focus.

“Our goal is simple: to provide high-quality coffee to those who push their limits every day,” says T. Shane Johnson. “As a Marine, I know firsthand the importance of a strong cup of coffee. Now, we’re taking that commitment even further by bringing American-grown coffee to military communities worldwide.”

A Bold Future for Big Guns Coffee

With 38 specialty blends sourced from around the globe, Big Guns Coffee already offers an impressive selection. But the future of coffee is growing in North Carolina, where the first hydroponically grown coffee beans are being cultivated for military personnel and coffee lovers alike. The company is also exploring new ways to expand access, including their Sprouts Farmer’s Market launch in May, ensuring that service members, veterans, and their families have a go-to source for fresh, mission-ready coffee.

Posted in Guest Post, Veterans | Comments Off on Big Guns Coffee: Fueling Service Members with Innovation and Purpose

The Next Ridgeline by the Green Beret Foundation

Thursday, February 13th, 2025

Are you recently retired, separated, or preparing to transition out of service? The Next Ridgeline 2.0, a Green Beret Foundation program, empowers Green Berets and their families to navigate a purposeful transition. This program provides comprehensive support and resources, creating a seamless pathway to meaningful post-service opportunities.

Join us in finding your next Ridgeline in 2025. Submit your request for Next Ridgeline support:

greenberetfoundation.org/request-support

Posted in Guest Post, SOF, Veterans | Comments Off on The Next Ridgeline by the Green Beret Foundation

TRICARE Online Patient Portal Decommissioning: Download Your Health Records Now

Sunday, January 26th, 2025

FALLS CHURCH, Va. –

On April 1, the TRICARE Online Patient Portal will no longer be available. The Department of Defense’s new electronic health record—MHS GENESIS—has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. As part of the transition, the DOD is decommissioning the TOL Patient Portal.

If you want to keep a copy of your legacy health records for personal use, you must download them from the TOL Patient Portal before April 1.

“All military hospitals and clinics have transitioned to MHS GENESIS. We encourage you to take these important steps to save your personal health records before the TOL Patient Portal decommissions,” said Rear Adm. Tracy Farrill, Principal Deputy, Assistant Director for Health Care Administration, and Military Health System EHR Functional Champion at the Defense Health Agency. “Your medical history is a valuable resource for managing your health, and saving your records now ensures you have access if you need it.”

Here’s what you need to know before the TOL Patient Portal decommissions.

Why is the TOL Patient Portal decommissioning?

The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal has replaced the TOL Patient Portal. As detailed in the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook, MHS GENESIS allows you to access your EHR 24/7. You can also book and cancel appointments, request prescription refills and renewals, see clinical notes and certain test results, and exchange secure messages with your military healthcare team.

The change from TOL to MHS GENESIS eliminates the need to maintain two systems and streamlines EHR management.

What will happen to my records?

Provider access: Your provider will continue to have access to your complete health records.

Personal access: You can use the steps below to download your legacy records for personal use before April 1. You can also request a physical copy from your military hospital or clinic’s records management office. To do this, you’ll need to complete a request form in person, and then return at a later designated time to pick up the records. Beginning April 1, if you want your legacy health records, you’ll have to follow this process.

What should I do now?

To keep copies of your legacy health records, follow these instructions:

Visit www.TRICAREOnline.com.

Log in: Sign in using your DS Logon, CAC, or DFAS myPay credentials. If you don’t have a DS Logon, you’ll need to create one by clicking “Need An Account.”

Access: On the TOL homepage, click the blue “Health Record” button to view your personal health data.

Find data: Select “Download My Data.” You’ll see several data categories.

Customize: Choose the person, data types, date range, and format for the records you want to download.

Download: You can choose to download your records in portable document format (.pdf) or as a (.xml) continuity of care document. The CCD format allows you to share your data with family, caregivers, providers, and healthcare systems, or to document data in your preferred personal health record.

Save: After downloading, you can either open the file or save it securely for future use. You can also print your records and store them in a safe place.

Important details

Your records won’t transfer to MHS GENESIS once TOL decommissions.

Your TOL health records only reflect periods of time when your military hospital or clinic was using TOL. Note: If you moved from one duty station to another, and one military hospital or clinic used TOL and the other used MHS GENESIS, your records in MHS GENESIS may have gaps. You’ll find these “gap” records in the TOL Patient Portal. Be sure to download them.

You can only download your records from the past 30 years, from the date you log in to TOL.

Protect your health information. When you download or print your personal health information, it becomes your responsibility to keep it safe. Use secure options. Avoid saving personal data on unsecure devices or platforms.

It’s also important to know that if you’re planning to file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, this decommissioning won’t affect your ability to do so. Providers will still have access to your complete health records.

Can I see my children’s health records?

Yes. You can view all available health data for your children under the age of 12. For children aged 12 to 17, you may view COVID-19, coronavirus, and flu test results, as well as allergies, vitals, and immunization data.

Due to state privacy laws, there are limits to what health data you can view online for your children aged 12 to 17. You can request printed results from your child’s clinic or provider.

Don’t wait—take action

Remember: The TOL Patient Portal will only be available until April 1. Take the time now to download and store your health records to ensure you can easily access them if needed.

To get started or learn more, visit the TOL Patient Portal.

By TRICARE Communications

Posted in Medical, Press Release, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Syracuse’s IVMF Offers No-Cost Google Cybersecurity Certificate to Veterans, Spouses

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families is offering a no-cost Google Cybersecurity Certificate for veterans and military spouses as part of its Onward to Opportunity career training program. Research shows that a successful transition out of the military is predicated on finding the next impactful civilian career in which they can deploy their military-specific skills.

Veterans and military spouses are well-suited toward this career field that addresses threats and protects Americans’ data. Most cybersecurity jobs are fully remote, making them especially adaptable for spouses of active duty service members who move frequently and balance careers with their partners’ military service. Many veterans have IT/cyber experience from their military service that translates well to the civilian sector, and credentials like this make them more competitive in the job market.

Key Benefits:

No cost / no military/VA benefits required—program is fully-funded through a grant from Google

Entry-level program—no experience required

Self-paced, virtual learning

180 hours (target completion: six months)

New cohorts start each month

Access to career resources (resume review, interview prep, career support)

Discount exam voucher code toward CompTIA Security+ Exam

Nine continuing education units (CEUs) that can be applied toward specific college degrees

Cybersecurity Stats: High Demand, High Salaries

Cyberseek.org estimates that in 2023, there were more than 572,000 job openings requiring cybersecurity-related skills, and employers are struggling to find qualified candidates. On average, cyber roles take 21% longer to fill than other IT jobs.

Most entry-level positions offer nearly six-figure salaries.

One cyber attack every 39 seconds

95% of digital breaches caused by human error

$10.5 trillion total American business loss anticipated in 2025

Veteran Transition Stats:

The federal government spends $13 billion annually on military-to-civilian transition programs, primarily on education services, such as the GI Bill

The majority of veterans need – and want – the opportunity to go straight into the workforce.

Nearly two thirds of the nation’s 4.1 million post-9/11 veterans report that their civilian jobs don’t adequately align with their skills and education, even six years after service.

An estimated 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year, and more than half struggle with employment after service.

Posted in Cyber, Press Release, Training, Veterans | 1 Comment »

HunterSeven Offering Cancer Screening for Veterans at SHOT Show

Monday, January 20th, 2025

Posted in Medical, SHOT Show, Veterans | Comments Off on HunterSeven Offering Cancer Screening for Veterans at SHOT Show

Fire Support: A Veteran’s Guide to Health, Healing, and Life Beyond Service

Sunday, January 19th, 2025

Discover the Essential Guide to Veteran Wellness with “Fire Support: A Veteran’s Guide to Health, Healing, and Life Beyond Service”

Are you a veteran looking to navigate the complex landscape of health, healing, and life after service? Look no further than “Fire Support,” by Erik Lawrence, your go-to resource for both conventional and holistic health solutions.

What You’ll Find Inside:

– Alphabetically Organized Entries:** Dive into any topic from A to Z, whether it’s understanding PTSD, exploring alternative therapies, or managing physical health. Each entry stands alone, offering you immediate, targeted guidance without the need to read the book cover-to-cover.

– Comprehensive Appendices:

– Support Organizations: Connect with groups dedicated to veterans’ well-being.

– Health Considerations: Insights into both physical and mental health tailored for veterans.

– Alternative Health: Explore a range of holistic treatments and practices.

– Healing Steps: Practical advice from a trauma/re-entry counselor on starting your healing journey.

– Nutrition and Fitness: Special diets, recipes, and 20 fitness rules designed for those over 40 to keep you in top shape.

– Further Reading: A curated list of additional resources for deeper exploration.

Book Details:

– Format: Paperback

– Size: 7”x10”

– Pages: 310

– ISBN: 978-1-961989-20-7

Whether you’re battling the invisible wounds of service or looking to enhance your physical health, “Fire Support” is designed as your personal field manual for thriving in civilian life. Use it like a dictionary or encyclopedia—find your topic, get your answers, and reclaim your health and vitality.

Order Your Copy Today at vssbooks.com and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life beyond service.

Erik Lawrence’s “Fire Support” – Because every veteran deserves the support to heal and thrive.

Posted in Guest Post, Veterans | Comments Off on Fire Support: A Veteran’s Guide to Health, Healing, and Life Beyond Service

Dr Frank Butler Receives Presidential Citizens Medal for Groundbreaking Contributions to Trauma Care

Sunday, January 5th, 2025

President Joe Biden presented Dr. Frank K. Butler, Jr., with the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal in a ceremony at the White House, Jan. 2, 2025.

This award, one of the highest honors a civilian can receive, recognizes Butler’s extraordinary contributions to battlefield trauma care and his enduring impact on both military and civilian medicine.

Dr. Butler’s legacy began during his service as a Navy SEAL, where he developed an intimate understanding of the unique challenges faced in combat environments. Transitioning to medicine, he spearheaded the creation of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) in 1996, revolutionizing battlefield trauma protocols. TCCC’s principles—focused on prehospital care—were initially adopted by elite units such as Navy SEAL Teams and the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. Over time, these protocols became the standard of care across the U.S. military and influenced trauma care worldwide.

During his 11 years as Chair of the Department of Defense’s Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Butler led a multidisciplinary team of trauma care experts who drove advancements that saved thousands of lives during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The innovations he championed—including the widespread use of tourniquets and hemostatic dressings—not only improved survival rates in combat but also reshaped emergency medical responses in civilian contexts. His push to train and equip every soldier with these life-saving tools has had far-reaching effects, from military operations to first responder and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Butler’s influence extended beyond the battlefield. As a member of the White House advisory team on civilian IED injuries and a founding member of the Hartford Consensus Working Group, he played a critical role in the development of the national “STOP THE BLEED®” campaign. Launched in 2015, this initiative empowers bystanders to act as immediate responders, significantly improving outcomes for victims of severe bleeding.

Over his illustrious career, Butler has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the American College of Surgeons Distinguished Military Lifetime Achievement Award, the Military Health System Battlefield Medicine Innovation Award, the U.S. Special Operations Command Medal, and the Military Health System Research Symposium Distinguished Service Award, a lifetime achievement award. Notably, he was the inaugural recipient of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Award, now named the “CAPT Frank K. Butler” award in his honor.

The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”

Butler’s groundbreaking contributions have left an indelible mark on military medicine and the nation. From transforming the way trauma is treated on the battlefield to influencing global trauma care standards, his work has saved countless lives.

As President Biden presented the medal, he highlighted Dr. Butler’s unparalleled dedication to saving lives and advancing medical care, noting that his work “revolutionized trauma care.”

Story by Sharon Holland, Uniformed Services University

Editor’s note: If you’d like to know more about CAPT Frank Butler, MD, (USN, Ret) who started out as a UDT/SEAL, check out the upcoming War Docs Podcast episode, “NAVY SEAL TO DOCTOR: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND TRANSFORMATION”

Dive into the captivating story of CAPT (Ret) Frank Butler, MD, a Navy SEAL who swapped combat boots for a stethoscope, demonstrating that resilience and dedication know no bounds. This episode reveals how military discipline and a medical family heritage inspired a seamless transition to a career in healing. Join the podcast for an enriching conversation about courage, commitment, and the pursuit of a medical mission. Perfect for enthusiasts of military and medical narratives, this story is sure to inspire and motivate. The episode featuring Dr. Butler will be available on YouTube on 6 JAN 25 and will launch on all major podcast platforms on 10 JAN 25.

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Veterans | 2 Comments »