A Second Act in Service: How Leadership Skills Translate to a Successful Career in Mediation and Arbitration

From the Boardroom to the Bargaining Table

Transitioning from a high-stakes leadership role into a new career can seem like a big leap, but for many, it’s a logical next step. Professionals like Marc Goldstein, New York, demonstrate how a background in leadership provides the perfect foundation for a successful practice in mediation and arbitration. The very skills that make someone a great CEO, general, or senior partner—strategic thinking, communication, and composure under pressure—are the same ones that help resolve disputes effectively.

This career shift isn’t about starting from scratch; it’s about repurposing a finely honed skill set. Instead of directing a company’s future, a mediator guides parties toward a mutually agreeable outcome. The arena changes, but the core function of leadership—influencing positive results through wisdom and guidance—remains the same. It’s a powerful way to continue making a meaningful impact.

The Art of Active Listening: A Leader’s Secret Weapon

A great leader knows that speaking is only half of communication. The other, more critical half, is listening. In a corporate setting, this means truly hearing employee concerns, understanding market feedback, and absorbing complex information to make sound judgments. This is not passive hearing; it’s an active process of understanding another person’s perspective, motivations, and pain points.

In mediation, active listening is everything. A mediator must listen not just to what is being said, but also to what is left unsaid. 👂 They pick up on subtle cues, emotional undercurrents, and hidden interests that can unlock a path to resolution. Leaders who have spent years mastering this art can quickly build trust and rapport, making disputing parties feel heard and understood, which is often the first step toward reconciliation.

Strategic Problem-Solving in a New Context

Leaders are professional problem-solvers. Whether it’s a supply chain disruption, a budget shortfall, or a competitive threat, they are constantly analyzing complex situations and devising plans to overcome challenges. They learn to see the big picture, anticipate future obstacles, and identify multiple paths to a desired goal.

This strategic mindset is invaluable in arbitration and mediation. A dispute is essentially a complex problem with emotional and financial stakes. A skilled neutral can dissect the issue, identify the core points of contention, and help the parties brainstorm creative resolutions they may not have considered. They don’t just see the conflict; they see the potential for agreement that lies beneath it.

Neutrality and Impartiality: The Cornerstone of Trust

While a leader is partial to their organization’s success, they must practice impartiality internally every day. They have to make objective decisions about resource allocation, promotions, and conflict between departments. They learn to set aside personal biases and friendships to make calls that are fair and for the greater good of the whole.

This practiced objectivity is the very definition of a mediator or arbitrator’s role. Parties must trust that the neutral has no hidden agenda and will treat each side with equal respect and fairness. A leader’s history of making tough but equitable decisions builds an inherent credibility that is essential for gaining the confidence of all involved in a dispute. It’s a reputation for fairness that precedes them. ✅

Managing High-Stakes Emotions with Poise

Leading people means managing emotions—both your own and those of your team. A good leader stays calm during a crisis, shows empathy for their people’s struggles, and inspires confidence when morale is low. They understand that decisions are often driven by feelings as much as by facts, and they know how to guide conversations constructively.

Disputes are, by nature, emotionally charged environments. Anger, frustration, and fear can easily derail progress. A former leader, now mediator, is accustomed to this high-stakes atmosphere. They can de-escalate tension, validate feelings without taking sides, and create a safe space where parties can express themselves without the conversation devolving into chaos. This emotional regulation is a superpower in the resolution process. 🧘

The Authority of Experience: Building Credibility Instantly

A long and successful career in a particular field brings with it a certain gravity and respect. When a veteran of an industry speaks, people listen. Their authority comes not from a title, but from a deep well of knowledge, a history of proven success, and the wisdom gained from weathering countless storms.

In a mediation or arbitration setting, this earned authority is a tremendous asset. When a neutral has direct experience in the subject matter of the dispute—be it construction, finance, or intellectual property—the parties are more likely to respect their insights and guidance. This credibility helps move the process forward, as the parties trust that the neutral understands the nuances and realities of their situation. It’s a level of trust that can’t be taught, only earned. 🏆

Finding a New Purpose in Guiding Others

For many successful leaders, the drive to achieve is eventually replaced by a desire to give back. They’ve built companies, led teams, and achieved their professional goals. The next chapter is often about sharing their wisdom and helping others find their way. It’s a shift from personal ambition to a legacy of service.

A career in mediation and arbitration offers a perfect avenue for this new purpose. It is a profession dedicated entirely to service—helping people and organizations move past conflict and find peace. For a seasoned leader, there can be no greater satisfaction than using a lifetime of skills to bring closure, restore relationships, and allow others to move forward. It’s a second act that is not just successful, but deeply meaningful.

Navigating VA Loans and Housing Transitions: When Selling Your Home ‘As-Is’ Makes Financial Sense for Veterans

Understanding the Veteran’s Journey in Real Estate

For service members and veterans, the path to homeownership comes with unique opportunities and challenges. The VA loan is an incredible benefit, opening doors to homeownership that might otherwise be closed. But what happens when it’s time to sell, especially when a quick move is on the horizon? Many veterans find that a traditional home sale doesn’t fit their timeline, and that’s where alternative options, like selling to cash home buyers, become a game-changer.

Your life isn’t always on a civilian timeline. A Permanent Change of Station (PCS), a new job, or family needs can demand a fast and efficient home sale. A conventional sale can get bogged down with showings, buyer financing issues, and lengthy repair negotiations. For a veteran needing to move forward without delay, understanding all your selling options is key to a successful transition into your next chapter.

What Does Selling a House “As-Is” Actually Mean? 🤔

Selling a property “as-is” is a straightforward concept. It means you are selling the house in its exact current condition, without making any repairs or offering any warranties about its state. The buyer agrees to take the good, the bad, and the leaky faucet, so to speak. This doesn’t mean you can hide major known defects, as disclosure laws still apply, but it does mean you are not obligated to fix them.

The main appeal of an as-is sale is its simplicity and speed. You bypass the entire process of getting quotes for repairs, managing contractors, and worrying if the finished work will satisfy a picky buyer. The trade-off can sometimes be a lower offer price compared to a fully renovated home, but many veterans find the benefits of a quick, guaranteed closing without any out-of-pocket repair expenses far outweigh the difference.

The VA Loan, Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), and Your Sale

The VA itself doesn’t lend money; it guarantees a portion of the loan, which reduces the risk for private lenders. To protect both the veteran and the lender, the VA established Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). These are a set of standards ensuring the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. Think of it as a baseline for a move-in-ready home—no major safety hazards, a solid roof, and working utilities.

Here’s where it gets tricky for sellers. If your home has a dated electrical system, a failing HVAC unit, or a roof at the end of its life, it likely won’t meet MPRs. This means a potential buyer using a VA loan can’t get financing until those issues are fixed. You could pay for the repairs yourself, but that costs time and money you may not have. This is a primary reason an as-is sale to a cash buyer, who doesn’t need a VA-appraisal, is such a practical choice.

Scenarios Where an “As-Is” Sale is a Smart Move for Veterans

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is one of the most common reasons a veteran needs a fast home sale. You might have orders with a tight deadline, and the stress of selling a home from another state is immense. An as-is sale allows you to close the deal, get your cash, and focus on your move and your family without the lingering burden of a house on the market thousands of miles away.

Another frequent situation involves an inherited property. Perhaps you’ve been left a home that hasn’t been updated in decades or has fallen into disrepair. The emotional and financial weight of renovating such a property can be overwhelming. Selling it as-is to a company that specializes in these types of homes lifts that weight from your shoulders, turning a potential liability into an immediate asset.

Financial Freedoms: The Bottom Line of an As-Is Sale 💰

Let’s talk about the money you save upfront. Renovations are expensive. A new roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and kitchen or bath updates aren’t far behind. When you sell as-is, you completely avoid these costs. You don’t have to dip into your savings or take out a loan to get your home “market-ready.” The offer you receive is a clean number, not a starting point before you subtract repair bills.

Beyond repairs, consider the other costs of a traditional sale. You typically pay real estate agent commissions (often 5-6% of the sale price) and may be asked to cover a portion of the buyer’s closing costs. Many cash home buying companies cover all closing costs and charge no commissions. What you’re offered is what you get, providing a level of financial certainty that is rare in real estate.

Restoring Your Full VA Loan Entitlement

A big question for veterans is about their VA loan entitlement. This is the amount the VA will guarantee on a future home loan, and it’s a benefit you can use over and over. When you sell a home that has a VA loan on it, your entitlement used for that loan remains tied up until the loan is paid off in full.

A fast, as-is sale to a cash buyer is one of the quickest ways to pay off the existing mortgage. Once the old loan is settled, your full VA loan entitlement is restored. This puts you in a powerful position to act quickly on your next home purchase, whether it’s at your new duty station or in the city you plan to call home after service. There’s no waiting period and no uncertainty.

Taking the Next Step with Confidence 🚀

For many veterans, the most valuable resource is time, and the biggest enemy is stress. An as-is sale directly addresses both. It provides a clear, predictable, and fast process that respects your unique circumstances. Instead of seeing it as getting less for your home, reframe it as a strategic choice that buys you peace of mind and financial agility.

Every veteran’s situation is different, so it’s important to consider what matters most to you. If a guaranteed closing date, no repair hassles, and immediate cash in hand align with your goals, then an as-is sale is an excellent tool to help you move forward. It’s a clean break that allows you to confidently step into the next phase of your life, unburdened by the loose ends of a traditional home sale.

What Veterans day means to me essay

The purpose of the Veterans day

On October 1, Veterans Day is celebrated all over the world. According to the international classification, an elderly person is considered to have reached 65 years of age. There are more than 629 million in the world today, almost every tenth person on Earth. This holiday is an opportunity for all of us to remind ourselves of the human duty of caring and attentive to “elderly people.” Older people are wisdom, experience, knowledge, and courage. They withstood all time trials and became a model of resilience and endurance. Every year the memory of the Second World War erases, and with them, the lives of veterans are extinguished like lights. They are witnesses of history, and bearers of a culture of the last century, so we do not lose the opportunity to gain knowledge about the world, society, and life. On this day, the world is talking about the active actions taken to protect the interests of the elderly, the creation of favorable living conditions for them, and the unresolved in this area. It is a reason to think about the interconnectedness of generations. Veterans and the elderly have suffered hardships. They went through the horrors of totalitarianism, famines, war, and repression but managed to survive and carry through life the best spiritual qualities of the generation – honor, dignity, education, and tolerance. They are a part of history, and the younger generation should also be aware of important historical events. So, when students get the task to write what Veterans day means to me essay, it is not a surprise. A theme sets a particular course for your work and a goal you must achieve.

How to write an essay about Veterans day?

Most students often underestimate the art of writing a good essay. One reason is that the task may seem easy, and it can be assumed that everyone can write a decent essay. So, there are several recommendations on how to write a valuable essay:

The introduction is one paragraph. Use attention traps such as a quote, a poem, a question, a thought, an unusual fact, an idea, or a funny story. There is no need to state the main idea in the first sentence. But it should lead to it or somehow relate to the main idea or thesis and contain the essay’s main provisions.
The main body is 2-3 paragraphs. Express yourself clearly. Support main ideas with facts, reflections, ideas, vivid descriptions, quotes, or other information or material that intrigues and grabs the reader’s attention.
The conclusion is one paragraph. Demonstrate your potential in this area. Show your views on the problem.

Essay writing service – a win-win variant for any writing assignment

In case of trouble or lack of time, students have a good solution – they can write any kind of work for you. It is much more convenient to shift these concerns onto the essay writers. Before sending the text, it will undergo an additional check in the quality department, where they will study the level of uniqueness, the correctness of the design, and the completeness of compliance with the requirements described when ordering.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

Governor's Working Group on Veterans Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Governor Announces Appointment

Governor Announces Appointment of General Cornell Wilson to the Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) The VA recently appointed General Wilson, the Governor’s Military Affairs Advisor (and Chair of the Governor’s Working Group) to the Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to advise the Secretary and Congress about benefits and provisions of healthcare and services to minority Veteran. Read more

Presidential Proclamation

Obama Designates November as Military Family Month October 31 – President Barack Obama today signed a proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month. Click here for the full text of the proclamation.

Governor Announces Extension of Veteran CDL Training Courses

On October 10, Governor McCrory announced the extension of a military truck driving training program, a joint venture of Johnston County Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Fort Bragg. Established in November 2013, 76 former service members have graduated with their commercial driver license certification from one of six sessions. Each session consists of an 8-week program of didactic learning and driving instruction. Two more sessions will be added, and organizers are seeking […]

FTCC Ranks 2nd in 2015 Best Career and Technical Colleges

Fayetteville Tech Community College (FTCC) Ranks 2nd in 2015 Best Career and Technical Colleges According to a recent survey, FTCC ranked second and Edgecomb Community College ranked 14th in national rankings based on culture, student support, academic policies, academic quality and financial considerations. A copy of the article can be found here, with a list of the top 36 ranked career, technical, and community colleges here.

Report: State needs task force on veterans

A recent report from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division calls on state lawmakers to create a task force for veterans, service members, and their families and for the task force to draft and implement a five-year strategic plan. The report comes on the heels of Executive Order 49, which Governor McCrory signed in April. It created a veterans working group with a goal of “making North Carolina the state of choice for veterans”, in part by fostering collaboration between […]

VA Awards SSVF Surge Funding

VA Awards SSVF Surge Funding to 6 NC Communities and HUD-VASH Vouchers 9 NC Housing Authorities On September 30, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced additional surge funding to existing participants in the Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) program. Six grants were awarded to agencies in NC: Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry serves approximately 300 participant households in twenty-six counties in western North Carolina. Community Link Programs of Travelers Aid Society of Central Carolinas, Inc. […]

CPCC Receives Two Grant Awards

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Receives Two Grant Awards On September 29, the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Education announced $450M in grants to community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education as part of their job-driven training initiative, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program. CPCC was the only community college in NC to receive a grant, which totaled nearly $2.5M. The purpose of the program is to provide […]

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald Visits Duke University

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald Visits Duke University In a recent visit to Duke University, Secretary McDonald met with medical students to promote the VA as an ideal place of employment. The VA is facing an estimated shortage of 28,000 physicians, nurses, other healthcare providers, and administrative staff. Click here to read more

Wounded Warrior Project Annual Survey

Wounded Warrior Project Releases Results of 5th Annual Survey On September 16, the Wounded Warrior Project released the results of their annual survey. More than 21,000 wounded veterans responded. Highlights include the following: Primary type of health coverage: Veterans Affairs at 59.2%, up from 52.7% in 2013 The top five reported injuries and health problems experienced during post-9/11 service were (1) sleep conditions (75.8%), (2) post-traumatic stress disorder (75.2%), (3) back, neck, and shoulder problems (72.3%), (4) depression (67.1%), and […]

President Obama Visits Charlotte

On August 26, President Obama attended an American Legion conference and spoke about his plan to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). His plan is four-prong: to increase VA funding in 2015, to expand suicide prevention training, to eliminate the claims backlog, and to end veteran homelessness. For more details, click here.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

VISN 6 Newsletter

VISN 6 Publishes its Monthly Newsletter The Voices of VISN 6 provides information on developments in medicine, technology, and access that impact health care for Veterans in our State. VISN 6 includes the VA Medical Centers and facilities in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and part of West Virginia.

HUD-VASH Vouchers

HUD-VASH Vouchers Go to Chatham County The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the awarding of $7 million to 24 local public housing agencies across the country to help nearly 1,000 homeless veterans find permanent housing. The supportive housing assistance is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. In NC, Chatham […]

Ending Vet Homelessness

Two Areas in NC Pledge to End Veteran Homelessness The National Alliance to End Homelessness is now tracking the cities where mayors and other local government officials have signed onto the challenge to end veteran homelessness. As of July 22, they have developed a map, which indicates which mayors or other local government officials have committed to join the initiative. So far in NC, two areas have made this pledge—Asheville/Buncombe County Continuum of Care (CoC) and Raleigh/Wake County CoC. For […]

Interview with Dr. Ken Blackman

On July 6, Stories from the Road featured an interview with Dr. Blackman, a recovering veteran who is committed to helping peers and training them. Click here to read more.

All-American Veterans Center

All-American Veterans Center at Fayetteville Technical Community College – a Best Practice for Vets On June 16, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) opened its All-American Veterans Center to support its student veterans. Named as one of eleven outstanding Student Veteran Centers in the country by the Student Veterans of America, FTCC has enrolled about 3,000 student veterans since 2012. To read more, click here.

US Department of Labor Announces Recipients of Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program

In a June 26 press release, the US DOL announced grants totaling $36,710,368 awarded to 156 organizations nationwide to provide more than 12,000 veterans with training to help them succeed in civilian careers. Two grants went to North Carolina—the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, Inc. ($200,000) and the Volunteers of America of the Carolinas, Inc. ($299,435). Click here to read more.

Walking through Grief: Tools for Finding Hope Along the Grief Journey

The Fort Bragg Employee Assistance Program is hosting a 10-week support group for individuals experiencing the death of a loved one. The session provides both support and coping strategies. The closed group begins on August 7 and ends on December 11. A box dinner is available at 5:30; the group runs from 6 to 7:30 pm. To obtain more information and to register, contact Lisa Taylor at Lisa.M. [email protected] or 910/396-5784.

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University promotes interdisciplinary scholarship about social, psychological and economic issues that affect the veteran and military family community. Areas of interest include education and employment-focused programs, and to this end, they develop policy and research briefs and resources. Two resources that may be of particular interest to those assisting veterans in their pursuit of careers are Guide to Leading Policies, Practices & Resources: Supporting the Employment of Veterans and Military […]

Defense Centers of Excellence: From Service Member to Civilian: Tools for Transition

The DCoE recently posted resources to assist service members reintegrate into their communities. Resources include information about education, employment, financial health, and life stress. Read more.

Battered Women’s Justice Project

The Battered Women’s Justice Project recently released an online publication, Representing Victims of Intimate Partner Violence Connected with the Military – A Handbook for Civil Attorneys. Aimed toward civilian attorneys and legal advocates, the handbook provides information on legal topics that affect military members and their spouses that have been involved in intimate partner violence. A copy of the handbook can be downloaded from http://www.bwjp.org/files/bwjp/files/attorney_handbook_2014.pdf.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

NC STRIVE 2015! Conference

On June 16, NC STRIVE (Student Transition Resource Initiative for Veteran’s Education) held its inaugural conference with 200 attendees from two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities across the State. Representatives from the University of North Carolina General Administration and fourteen schools from the UNC System; eleven private four-year colleges; and the North Carolina Community College System and 23 community colleges participated. The purpose of the conference was to share best practices to better serve veterans, service members, […]

Governor Announces New Strategy to Address Veteran Homelessness

On June 17, Governor McCrory will hold a press briefing on his new statewide strategy to address Veteran homelessness through the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families and its component agencies (e.g., NC Department of Commerce, the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the NC Division of Veterans Affairs, etc.) in partnership with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development in concert with Mayors, municipalities, and the North […]

Governor Signs House Bill 595

On June 3, Governor McCrory signed House Bill 595 into law. This law provides credit for military police training and experience toward a Veteran’s Law Enforcement Officer Certification. Read more

Governor Discusses Veteran Treatment Courts on CBS Sunday Morning

On May 24, Governor McCrory appeared on CBS Sunday Morning to discuss the value of veteran treatment courts in diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system to judicial monitoring and the provision of treatment and support services. He specifically mentioned veteran treatment courts in the counties of Harnett and Cumberland. Read more

Infographics

Funded by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance Center has assisted members of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families in developing infographics on specific topics. If you use any of these infographics, please email Dr. Fang ([email protected]) as to how you are using them. We would love to know if they are helpful and/or how they can be improved or disseminated. […]

HUD-VASH Vouchers

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Awards HUD-VASH Vouchers The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the awarding of its 2015 HUD-VASH (VA Supportive Housing) vouchers. In this partnership between two federal agencies, HUD provides rental assistance while the VA provides case management and clinical services. Nearly $65 million will help about 9300 homeless veterans across the country. Read more In North Carolina, 11 housing authorities received $1, 520,514 to support 264 vouchers.

NCDVA Partners with Duke EPIC on VSO Training

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA), in partnership with the Duke Evidence-based Practice Implementation Center (EPIC), recently announced a two-year initiative to train Veterans Services Officers so that they can provide improved mental health services to veterans and their families. Other partners include the NC Department of Human Services and the Behavioral Healthcare Resource Program in the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work. More info

Results of Survey of NC Military Families

The North Carolina National Guard; the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services; the Governor’s Institute on Substance Abuse; and Military One Source partnered to develop and administer an online survey of military families. Of the 59 respondents, 53 had received services from the NC National Guard Family Program, 42 from Military or Army One Source, 37 from the NC National Guard behavioral health line, and 22 from Community Care of North Carolina. Similar to other […]

VA Establishes MyVA Advisory Committee

On March 13, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the establishment of the 14-member MyVA Advisory Committee. The Committee brings together skilled experts from the private, non-profit, and government sectors to assist in reorienting the Department to better meet the needs of Veterans. This Committee is charged with advising the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with a focus on improving customer service and Veteran outcomes and setting the course for long-term reform and excellence. The first meeting will occur […]

Operation Homefront Awards

Established in 2002, Operation Homefront is a nonprofit that has assisted thousands of military families, with 92% of its total donations going directly to programs that provide that support. Every March it announces the recipients of the Military Child of the Year Award—one from each military service including the National Guard. This year the Marine Corps award recipient is from NC—Christopher-Raul Rodriguez, 17, a senior at Lejeune High School, Camp Lejeune. He is the school’s team captain for varsity baseball […]

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Governor Announces Veterans Employment Initiative

On March 5, Governor McCrory announced an initiative designed to assist veterans in seeking jobs. Retired Major General of the US Marine Corps General Cornell A. Wilson, the Governor’s Military Affairs Advisor; Ilario Pantano, Director, NC Division of Veterans Affairs; and Will Collins, Executive Director of NCWorks are among those expected in attendance in Camp Lejeune. Cisco Systems, a committed partner, has been instrumental in preparing Veterans for high tech jobs through its Networking Academy. “We want veterans to work […]

Veterans Health Conference at UNC-Charlotte

On February 24, UNC-Charlotte College of Health and Human Services hosted the Veterans’ Health Conference, with Ilario Pantano, Director, NC Division of Veterans Affairs and Retired Major General Marianne Mathewson-Chapman, former Deputy Surgeon General of the National Guard as the keynote speakers. The conference addressed the need for a coordinated effort to improve healthcare for military and veterans and for culturally competent health and social service providers. Read more

Welcome Home NC

The Walmart Foundation has awarded a three-year $1M grant to Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) to provide assistance to post-deployment veterans in accessing education, employment, and services in the Charlotte area. The initiative calls for community agencies and organizations to partner with IVMF to provide a coordinated approach. The Walmart Foundation conducted a nationwide search and selected Charlotte based on the work of the Charlotte Bridge Home and the city’s corporate community. A rollout of the […]

Meeting Update

Due to the forecast for February 25-26, NC Emergency Management will need the Situation Room that we were planning to meet in. At this time, we will need to postpone our meeting. We will look for another date next month and get back to you all as soon as possible with a new date.

NC Governor’s Council on Homelessness

On February 9, Governors McCrory announced appointments to the newly formed 18-member Council on Homelessness. Three members have been involved with the Governor’s Working Group—Ilario Pantano, Director, NC Division of Veterans Affairs; Angela Harper, housing specialist, NC Department of Health and Human Services; and Denise Neunaber, Director, Executive Director, NC Coalition to End Homelessness. Read more

NC Division of Veterans Affairs Releases 2014 Annual Report

On January 29, the NC Division of Veterans Affairs released their 2014 annual report, providing a look at what the agency has accomplished in moving the State toward meeting its mission of making North Carolina the most Veteran friendly state in the country. Increases in the following areas were reported: 113% gain in the completion of Veterans’ benefit claims from 11,405 in 2013 to 24,256 in 2014; 38% growth in service locations from 13 in 2013 to 21 in 2014; […]

Tarheel of the Week

TJ Breeden was recently honored as the Tarheel of the Week by the News and Observer. TJ is founder and executive director of eMerging Entrepreneurs, Inc. in Durham. One of his programs trains Veterans to start their own businesses. Read more

UNC Charlotte Conference

UNC Charlotte Conference to Assist Veterans Reintegrate into their Communities On February 24, the UNC Charlotte College of Health and Human Services is hosting a conference, Boots to Books, to educate faculty. Read more

Upcoming NC PIC Conference

Next NC Practice Improvement Collaborative Conference to Highlight the Behavioral Health of Military Families On March 10, the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the Governor’s Institute on Substance Abuse, and the Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center are sponsoring an all-day Practice Improvement Collaborative conference to highlight behavioral health best practices for military families in North Carolina. Speakers will include Diane Coffill, Director, Families Program, North Carolina National Guard; Steven L. Sayers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, […]

Troops to Teachers Program

Recently the Troops to Teachers (TTT) Program made local news when it described teaching as a possible career for Veterans. The NC Department of Public Instruction is responsible for the implementation of this program in NC. Additional information about this US Department of Defense-funded program can be found here. Read more

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Average Spending Per Veteran in North Carolina

On January 13, NPR featured a story on how counties vary in terms of benefits spending for veterans. Where a veteran lives may affect how much money is spent on benefits, including health care. Whereas the national average is $6,088, the average spending per veteran is greater in the NC counties in which the VA Medical Centers are located. In terms of medical spending, NC falls below the national average ($8,731 vs. $9,840). Of the four counties where VA Medical […]

Jan 14 Meeting Postponed

All, Due to the forecast for icy conditions tomorrow, NC Emergency Management will need the Situation Room that we were planning to meet in. At this time, we will need to postpone our meeting. We will look for another date next month and get back to you all as soon as possible with a new date. Best wishes Bruce Sprecher

Top 10 Colleges for Vets

Top 10 Colleges and Universities for Veterans in North Carolina College Factual reviews colleges and universities and publishes the list online in order to help veterans and active duty service members identify schools that are likely to be supportive of them and their unique needs. It recently announced the top 10 colleges/universities for Veterans in the State. Fayetteville State University Campbell University University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of North Carolina at Pembroke Methodist University East Carolina University North […]

74 Additional HUD-VASH Vouchers Awarded to NC

On December 8, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs jointly announced the awarding of additional supportive housing vouchers for homeless Veterans and their families. The Fayetteville VAMC (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) will oversee 26 vouchers ($162,081) to the Wilmington Housing Authority and 4 vouchers ($24,597) to the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority. The W.G. “Bill” Hefner VAMC in Salisbury will oversee 18 vouchers ($112,236) to the Housing Authority of the City of Charlotte […]

Governor Continues to Push for Businesses in North Carolina to Hire Veterans

On November 20, Governor McCrory released a web video urging employers to hire veterans. Watch the video.

NC DHHS Crisis Solutions Initiative and Mental Health First Aid

DHHS is committed to implementing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as part of Governor McCrory’s NC Center for Safer Schools and the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services’ Crisis Solutions Initiative. MHFA is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports. MHFA uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis […]

Deputy Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Speaks to NC Medical Society

Deputy Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Speaks to NC Medical Society On November 12, Glenn Batten, Deputy Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, participated in a panel, Quality Care for Veterans, at the annual meeting of the North Carolina Medical Society. He outlined resources available for veterans throughout the state and encouraged doctors and their veteran patients to call 844-NC4-VETS if they have questions or to visit their website.

Veterans Treatment Courts in North Carolina

North Carolina is joining other states in establishing veterans treatment courts. The purpose of these courts is to divert veterans from the traditional criminal justice system and link them with programs, benefits, and services they have earned. On November 12, the first veterans treatment court in North Carolina celebrated its first anniversary by graduating six veterans in Harnett County. The next day Gov. McCrory was on hand to celebrate the opening of the second veterans treatment court in Cumberland County. […]

NC4Vets Resource Guide

Just launched – NC4Vets Resource Guide for Veterans, their Dependents and Survivors. Includes information on employment, healthcare, VA benefits, housing personal services, and education. View the Resource Guide

Veterans Day Free Meals

NC restaurants and retailers are offering free meals and other discounts to service members, veterans, and their spouses on Veterans Day, November 11. Click here to obtain a list of the Veterans Day Free Meals 2014.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Spirit of ‘45

On October 25, Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, Rowan Hospice & Palliative Care, the Embassy Suites-Greensboro, and their sponsors, many of them Veteran organizations, hosted the Spirit of ’45 WWII Veterans Celebration Dinner. Over 100 WWII Veterans, including 4 women, were recognized at the event. Keynote speakers included WWII Veteran, retired Major General F. Lloyd Wilkerson, and Secretary of the newly created NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, retired Major General Cornell Wilson, Jr. Nearly 450 attended the Celebration. Honored […]

New NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

On October 20, GEN Cornell Wilson will be sworn in as the first Secretary of the newly created Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. An open house will be held at the Department: November 10, 2015 Seaboard Building, 413 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 Beginning at 9:45 am GEN Wilson and other officials are expected to speak at 10:00 am. The public is invited to attend the open house.

Operation: GoodJobs

The Governor has made Veteran employment one of the priorities of his administration: “Veterans are extremely important to our nation and we must continue to honor and support them in any way we can – and that includes helping them find jobs. Veterans are a real selling point for businesses in North Carolina, and I want to make it easier to connect veterans to businesses who are looking for hard-working and intelligent men and women.” A recent partnership of the […]

Community Mental Health Summit

The 3rd annual Community Mental Health Summit was held in Durham on August 27 at the Durham Arts Council. This year’s event was attended by nearly 100 community mental health providers, Veterans, and VA employees in an effort to increase collaboration between Veteran-centric entities in the area and expand resources available to Veterans in North Carolina. Special emphasis this year was placed on addressing the needs of our state’s increasing number of aging Veterans, women’s health and domestic violence issues, […]

Governor Forms Public-Private Partnership to Help Transitioning Veterans and their Families

Governor Forms Public-Private Partnership to Help Transitioning Veterans and their Families On September 1, Governor Pat McCrory announced a $1 million gift from the Walmart Foundation to a public-private partnership designed to help newly separated Veterans transition into civilian life in the State. Led by the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs NC4VETS, partnerships have been formed with NCServes, a network of service providers for Veterans and their families in Charlotte that is collaborating with the Institute for Veterans and […]

Military Supports 578,000 Jobs in North Carolina

On August 18, the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission and the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced that the military supports 578,000 jobs in the State and that 368,000 are in the private sector. The study also found that the military boosts personal income in the state by nearly $34 billion and contributes $66 billion to Gross State Product (GSP). In the next three years, 78,000 active duty personnel will separate from the military in North Carolina, and many will […]

Buncombe County’s First Veterans Treatment Court

In March, a new Veterans Treatment Court opened its doors in Buncombe County. The court offers justice-involved Veterans who are charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony offenses and struggling with addiction, mental illness, and/or co-occurring disorders (PTSD/TBI) with an intensive treatment program. Participants who successfully complete this 18-24 month program may have their case dismissed, consistent with North Carolina law. More info

Governor Announces GWG Appointments

On July 24, Governor McCrory announced thirty appointments to the Board of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families. View the List of Appointees

New Training Program for Veteran Support Specialists

Developed by Duke University’s Evidence Based Implementation Center (Duke EPIC), the 40-hour Veteran Support Specialist (VSS) Program is a grant-funded initiative for Veteran Service Officers of the NC Division of Veterans Affairs. The program offers comprehensive guidance and training on effective ways to serve veterans and includes topics such as recovery, peer support, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, trauma informed care, conflict resolution, suicide prevention, and integrated health care. More information

VA Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services (HVCES)

Launched earlier this month, this new initiative features community employment coordinators (CECs) at each of the four VAMCs in NC. CECs are responsible for identifying job-ready Veterans and establishing relationships with local employers. Veterans receive individualized assistance and resources in finding the types of stable jobs needed to sustain housing. NC CECs are the following individuals: Asheville VAMC: Russell Drewes Durham VAMC: Patrice Epps Fayetteville VAMC: Tara Gilbert-Ross Salisbury VAMC: Quentin Sanders Read more

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

Upcoming Events

North Carolina News

Hearing Loss a Problem

Hearing loss is a preventable condition that has affected at least twenty-five percent of soldiers who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, and it is not solely a combat-related condition. Fort Bragg Spec. Jon Michael Cripps of the 18th Airborne Corps, whose hearing loss is attributed to the constant noise of computers, generators, and air conditioners states “You think about maybe getting wounded in battle, getting those kinds of scars,” but “Losing your hearing is just not something you think […]

Homeless Vet Programs Having an Impact

A new report from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indicates that homelessness among veterans has decreased 17.2 percent since 2009. Advocates and Veterans Affairs staff attribute this decline to the success of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, and the VA-HUD partnership which provides vouchers for veterans to rent from private market landlords. The numbers have not declined for all veteran groups though, as pointed out by advocates who report an increase in […]

VA Finds High Rates

In a recently completed study by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), researchers found that sexual assault rates were higher than previously reported. The study conducted using anonymous surveys mailed to 1,100 previously deployed female servicemembers found that 22.8 percent of women servicemembers reported experiencing sexual assault, and 48.6 percent reported experiencing sexual harassment. The results of this study highlight the importance of providing ongoing prevention programs and the continuance of treatment programs for women servicemembers and veterans across the […]

PTSD Rates Higher

New data from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shows that more Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans than previously reported have sought care for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The new numbers indicate that of the veterans who requested care, 30 percent were seeking care for PTSD, 4 percent more than previously reported. The report also revised the total percentage of veterans seeking mental health treatment upwards to 53.3 percent. The numbers that were higher than expected are likely to […]

Local Mother Talks PTSD

Local mother, Gail Wert talks candidly about the effect that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has had on her son Kevin, a Servicemember deployed for one year in Afghanistan. Ms. Wert describes the changes she has observed in her son’s behavior and functioning due to PTSD, and how these changes affect his daily life. For the complete story and accompanying video, click here.

Veterans Transition Help

A news series highlights the work of the non-profit Charlotte Bridge Home, an organization that assists veterans transitioning to civilian life. To date, approximately 250 veterans or veterans’ family members have received assistance relocating to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, a number that the organization expects to grow. Staff members meet with veterans and their family members to determine what transition assistance they might need, including help with obtaining employment. Click here to read the first report in the series.

New Military Policy

Starting this month, the U.S. military will utilize breathalyzer tests at Marine bases to combat the high rates of reported alcohol use among troops. The new policy subjects Marines to twice yearly random tests, and depending on the results, a positive test could result in referrals for additional testing, screening, or medical evaluations. The new policy aims to improve the overall health of the troops and to reduce the incidence of alcohol abuse among military personnel. This new policy will […]

Gubernatorial Visit

The Governor and Governor-Elect visited military bases together on Friday, December 14, 2012. The visits highlight the contributions the military community has made to North Carolina and the Nation and served to reemphasize leadership’s commitment to support these communities. Click for details on the visit to Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

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