Family sees benefits from joining Sea Cadets

Courtesy of this week’s North Jefferson News:

Stephen Duncan probably did not know that his enlistment in the U.S. Navy was going to inspire almost his whole family to join a version of the military.

But it did just that when the Hayden family traveled to Great Lakes, Ill., to see Duncan, now 24, graduate from boot camp.

“We saw kids in their dress whites when we went to Great Lakes,” said Karla Duncan. That was her family’s first exposure to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

The Sea Cadets program is for children ages 14-17 and is one of the closest things to the military that kids can join.

Mark and Karla’s three youngest children — Seaman Apprentice Joshua Duncan, 16; Seaman Apprentice Micah Duncan, 14; and Apprentice Cadet AnnaMarie Duncan, 12 — all joined the Valor Division unit of the Sea Cadets in the past year.

The Valor Division, which recently moved from Leeds to Trussville, also includes Navy League Cadets for kids ages 11-13.

In August, the parents got involved by becoming instructors in the Valor Division. Mark is the unit’s public affairs specialist, while Karla handles supply.

Lt. JG Kenneth Youngblood is the commanding officer.

Mark Duncan said he decided to get involved partly because the unit needed help and also because he wanted to contribute.

“You wake up one day and realize you’re 46 and you wonder, ‘What have I done?’”, he said.

He and his wife believe wholeheartedly in the program. They say it has changed them and their kids for the better.

Their involvement has inspired Mark and Karla to lose a total of 53 pounds since August. The Sea Cadets enforce the same height and weight restrictions as the U.S. Navy, so the couple could not wear the Sea Cadets uniform until they met those standards.

As for the kids, the Duncans hardly recognize their children when the family goes to drill every month.

“They walk differently, they carry themselves differently,” Mark said. “When they’re in uniform, they’re so patriotic and eager to help. They just transform.”

The Duncans said the Sea Cadets is not for the faint of heart.

“It is just like being in the military,” Karla said. “If they forget part of their uniform, they do the push-ups, not their parents. They’re learning responsibility.”

The unit drills every month. Cadets learn marching and facing movements and military courtesy such as saluting.

They also have opportunities to earn awards, ribbons and advance their rank.

“They don’t hand them out like candy,” said Mark. “You really have to earn them.” The Duncan children have earned six ribbons each.

Cadets are required to live up to the unit motto of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.”

Cadets have numerous options to train with actual military units in fields such as SEAL training, scuba school, photojournalism, naval intelligence, marksmanship training, mine warfare ops, JAG legal training, aviation flight training and more.

Mark and Karla Duncan are thrilled with the way Sea Cadets is shaping their family.

“We love it,” said Karla. “This is one of the best things that has happened to our family.”

Wow, congratulations to the Duncans!!

Applebee’s says “Thanks” this Veteran’s Day with free food

I love to see things like this and always make sure to give my business to places that support our troops and veterans. It looks like we’ll be hitting Applebee’s the next time we go out.

According to the Applebee’s website, this offer is “available during business hours on November 11, 2009 at participating Applebee’s. (Dine-in from limited menu only.) Beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service.”

Valid veteran and active duty identification accepted:

• U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card
• U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card
• Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW)
• Photograph in uniform
• Wearing uniform

For more information and to see the dine-in menu, visit www.applebees.com/vetsday

(H/T: Karie @ Wife of a Wounded Marine)

Alabama Guard unit returning from Iraq

Printed in this weekend’s The Birmingham News:

An Alabama Army Guard unit that deployed to Iraq last December is due back in Alabama this weekend.

About 190 soldiers with the 158th Maintenance Company were scheduled to arrive Tuesday in Camp Atterbury, Ind., said Alabama National Guard spokesman Norman Arnold.

The 158th, out of Tallassee and Tuskegee, was based in northern Iraq and was charged with maintenance and repair of vehicles in convoys that were supporting military operations in the area. Arnold said the unit should be back in Alabama this weekend.

About 15 Guard soldiers with the 115th Signal Battalion from Decatur returned home a few weeks ago from a mission in Iraq.

At present, the Alabama Guard has around 1,600 soldiers and airmen in and around Iraq and Afghanistan.

Emergency Payments for Veterans Awaiting VA Educational Benefits

Posted earlier today to the Soldiers’ Angels Network blog:

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has authorized advance payments up to $3,000 for Veterans who applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payments.

If you are a Veteran who has applied for one of VA’s education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the Fall 2009 term, you can request advance payment through this website, www.advancepay.gibill.va.gov.

Advance payments will be issued by the U. S. Treasury within 3 workdays (Monday through Friday) following submission of this request. Payments will be in the form of a check sent through the U.S. mail. You should therefore anticipate an additional 3 days (excluding Sundays) for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your check.

Visit one of VA’s 57 regional offices across the country to immediately receive an advance payment. You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and your course schedule when you visit the regional office. A list of VA’s regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.

Starting on October 2, regional offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays for advance payments. Regional offices will also be open on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.

The advance payments will be reconciled with future education payments owed to our veterans.