How Killeen compares to Fort Hood | Marilyn Metzger posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2025)

In 2023, I was cited for parking at Devils Lake campgrounds when my "National Parks Pass" was not accepted. After paying the annual $38 non-resident fee and an extra $5 for not having a sticker, I reached out to the Wisconsin DNR for a pass this year but was told it's exclusively for Wisconsin Resident Veterans. I discovered a critical loophole benefiting Veterans and their families seeking access to Wisconsin state parks. While the state of Wisconsin requires residency for certain benefits, the ICE AGE National Scientific Reserve at Baraboo/Devils Lake falls under a Federal program, allowing Veterans, Gold Star families, and individuals with disabilities to utilize the "America the Beautiful" pass. Thispass grants a lifetime of free access to these natural wonders. It's not about the money; it's about acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who have served the country. Many Veterans, including those living paycheck to paycheck, deserve access to places like Baraboo/Devils Lake. Educating staff on available programs for Veterans is crucial in ensuring inclusivity and respect. As a Veteran and VA employee, I will always advocate for those in need. As public servants we should always strive to find a way to "Yes" instead of defaulting to bureaucracy. Let's ensure all Veterans who have dedicated themselves to our country can enjoy the healing powers of beauty of places like Baraboo/Devils Lake without financial barriers. #Veterans #VeteransHelpingVeterans #AccessToNature #Advocacy#Stop22 Links to Pass information in the comments.

20

3 Comments

Relocating your family can be tough, especially for military families. At Synergy Real Estate, we understand your unique needs.If you're moving to Odessa, Texas, here's what you need to know about schools, housing, and the community:🏫 Schools: Odessa has some excellent schools. Look into the top-rated options like Reagan Elementary and Permian High. Research in advance and find out what fits best for your kids.🏠 Housing: Aim to find a home close to your work and the schools of your choice. We specialize in military relocations and can help you find the perfect home quickly.👥 Community: Odessa has a welcoming community with plenty of activities for families. Visit the local parks, join community events, and get involved. It makes a big difference!Relocation doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right information and support, it can be a smooth transition for your family.Military families, what are your top concerns when moving to a new city?#MilitaryRelocation #OdessaTX #FamilyLiving #SynergyRealEstate#RealEstate

A valuable new resource for military families: A searchable database for housing complaints related to privatized housing. This initiative promotes transparency and empowers tenants to make informed decisions. A step in the right direction to improve military housing conditions. #MilitaryFamilies #HousingSolutions

1

On the cover of today's Opinion section of the #DallasMorningNews, I finish a series of three columns on the changing nature of work in America. I am seriously concerned America's waning work ethic is a crisis in our country that threatens our place as the shining beacon on a hill. We should remember our forebears' hard work brought us from plucky revolutionaries to the most prosperous nation in the history of the world. Twenty percent of prime-age workers are not looking for work--that's 21 million people. Of that cohort, 12 million people have not worked in three years. How the combined populations of Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia aren't working when jobs abound is shocking. President Grover Cleveland established Labor Day to celebrate the effort people made, saying, “Under our form of government, the value of labor as an element of national prosperity should be distinctly recognized.” We should give back that holiday because the spirit that defines it is sagging.There are currently twice as many jobs available as people looking for them. Want to turn the economy around? Getting some of these people back working would go a long way.See the full article: https://lnkd.in/gtCcnzRPI had previously written about some positive changes made by the Dallas City Council with regard to child care (https://lnkd.in/gDts77zW) and a second piece on the great work being done by #marvinkey and #robholmes at #ForgeNow. Military veterans and others are becoming plumbers and electricians through their trade school.

57

6 Comments

Blue Star Families released the findings of their 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey on March 12, 2024. The survey received over 7,400 responses from active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, Veterans, and their family members.The top five issues affecting families, according to the survey, are:1. Military Spouse Employment (49%) - #1 Issue identified by Active-Duty Spouses2. Time Away from Family (38%) - #1 Issue identified by Active-Duty Service Members3. Military Pay (37%)4. Housing Concerns (36%)5. Children's Education (33%)When specifically addressing:Education Access and Quality - "A greater proportion of active-duty family respondents who relocated since their child(ren)’s education plan was created reported their child received the same services/accommodations as their previous school system within six months if they were enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). " 6 months! Wow!Click on this link to view the Full Release Results: https://lnkd.in/ehF5J4nyWhat are your thoughts? Comment below!#BlueStarFamilies #MilitaryFamilies #LifestyleSurvey #MilitaryChildren #SpecialEducation #EFMP

14

1 Comment

Owning a home gives you the freedom to choose school districts, neighborhoods and more desirable housing options. And unlike living on base, buying builds equity, which can really come in handy down the line. #valoans #veterans #pcs

Finally a true example that someone is cutting thru for our disabled and homeless veterans, delivering on the promises never fulfilled til now.At last, for THIS will be an example of a true Win for our disabled Veterans who will finally get what they need and deserve, as the most warranted persons that serve our Nations Country.How do we help the disabled.How do we make it infectious?Will our Communities who make promises really get involved to help and do something?Can the most wealthy and our celebrities also teach us and be the role models, alongside our Investors, to find opportunity together?How can you bridge the gaps in Community?Can Tech carry the message?Instead of complaining, I’m trying to figure how to be a bridge and do something different to help the problem. The Allies who cannot come into true partnership, the Mentors not willing step up for so long, or hints for women to fold are not helping. Can we try something different?I know I cannot change a world, only myself, but what bliss it could be, and what magic we could experience if we try#whysendwomenmessagestofold?#mindset #mental health #helpwomen#womenhelpingmen #womensocializgtonurturepartnerships#incommunitty#helpwomenbepartofinnovativesolutioning #helptoCaregivingwomentoo

Having a VA campus nearby can help veterans work after separating from the military and remain healthy in retirement. The West Los Angeles VA campus sits amidst several wealthy neighborhoods and pre-dates them all. In fact, its land was donated to the federal government in 1888 specifically to house veterans, a move that the LA Times said back then, "will cause land in that section to advance in value, and the trade thrown into the way of our merchants will be considerable.”In the 1970s, the VA prohibited veterans from living permanently on the land and entangled itself in a wild array of leases on the 388-acre plot — from soccer pitches to parrot sanctuaries. These land use agreements have inhibited the government from solving a massive homeless veteran crisis of its own creation.Many VA critics say leases that have been repeatedly deemed illegal are allowed because some of the city’s most powerful entities — including politicians and members of the Hollywood elite — have pushed for them. Behind the Department of Defense, the VA is the second-largest agency in the entire federal government with over 400,000 employees. So it's clear that America's unhoused veteran problem is also a jobs problem. Why are veterans living in the streets when a massive property staffed by so many is being leased to entities like UCLA?Click to learn more and to read HOME OF THE BRAVE: https://lnkd.in/gYXBwicZ

4