Hiram Figueroa Jr’s Post

The name of the vessel the guys are aboard is Captain Jim. And this is for a really important reason. • Captain James Simpson was a hugely respected and well loved submariner. • In 2020 Jim's family, friends and colleagues were left shocked and completely devastated when he tragically took his own life. The news of Jim's death sent shock waves through the entire submarine community with everyone left stunned and struggling to comprehend how this had happened to someone like Jim; someone who had shown no indication that his mental health was suffering and a man who excelled at everything in life, from his career, to being a father and everything in-between. • A fund within the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity was set up in order to prevent another person suffering as Jim did and another family having to deal with such devastation to their lives. That fund is called Help - Jim's Story  • The whole crew have spoken with Jim's family, and two of them worked with him. And so, barely hours out on the water, and Jim's story was in Dan's mind, so he sent us this video. 💖 • If you can support this extraordinarily important fund, please do so today at https://lnkd.in/eutwHFkv • The team are sponsored by: Jacobs Rolls-Royce NSSLGlobal Resilient Nutrition Babcock International Group Gill Marine Team Forces • We are very proud to be working with our incredible outreach partners to inspire the next generation:  SeaCadets Never Such Innocence Reach the World Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation Association of Wrens & Women of the Royal Naval Services • #HMSOardacious #atlantic2023 #atlanticcampaigns #submariner #worldstoughestrow #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #atlantic #rowing #adventure #mentalhealth

Did You Know... ...that Bross & Frankel, P.A. is proud to support local organizations dedicated to making our community a better place for all? For the upcoming 2024 year, we have selected to support the following three worthwhile organizations: Project Help, Inc - a support system for veterans and their families who need help during and after their transition from military to civilian life New Jersey Future - an organization promoting long-term sustainable growth and prosperity in New Jersey Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife - a local South Jersey rehabilitation center for injured and displaced wildlife We encourage you to visit their pages and learn more about supporting the missions important to their organizations. #brossandfrankel #brossfrankel #disabilitylawyers #disabilityattorneys #socialsecuritydisability #SSD #SSDI #longtermdisability #LTD #veteransdisability #veteransaffairs #veteransbenefits #workerscompensation #personalinjury #DidYouKnow #corporatesponsors #corporatesupporters #sponsors #supporters #proudtopartner

What Veterans can learn from Wreaths Across America On December 16th, the annual laying of wreaths coordinated by Wreaths Across America (WAA) takes place once again. The large group that lays wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery tends to get most of the attention, but it's important to remember this will happen at more than 3,400 locations. I still remember my first WAA at Arlington National Cemetery in 2008. About 5,000 of us placed 10,000 wreaths in 2 sections. It was fun, moving, and chaotic. Afterwards, I was skeptical when I read the vision to put a wreath on all 270,000 graves in Arlington in one morning – surely an impossible task. I kept going every year. More volunteers showed up and more graves got wreaths. Incredibly, I participated in December 2014, when every grave in got a wreath.  For #Veterans facing challenges in a new job, or growing their business, or completing their education, the success of WAA provides relevant insights: - Be bold – having big aspirations is a good thing. Plan to be great in your job, have a thriving business, or be a top student. - Stick at it – work hard and get better every day. Putting wreaths in Arlington every year showed changes needed to reach the goal. - Enlist the help of other Veterans – like the companies that got involved with WAA, enlist other Veterans to help you. They want to be asked. #VHV | Veterans Helping Veterans #Community #WreathsAcrossAmerica

"Check your problems at the door." This was (and still is) a saying some companies use to attempt to draw a hard line between work and home. At Hoffmann Brothers, we take an approach aligned with something I learned from the best leaders I worked with in the Marine Corps. Being "Mission Ready". In the Marines, Mission Ready meant that: (1) you were trained and equipped to complete the assigned mission, AND (2) things on the home front were in a good place, allowing you to focus on the work we needed to do. Our job as leaders is to be able to assist with both. Not just #1. My Marines could have been incredibly well trained and well equipped for a mission. But then life happens. Divorce. Loss of family members. A spouse losing their job. Aging parents. Addiction. Rebellious kids. Suicide. No matter how well trained or well equipped you are, these things most certainly affect your team’s mission readiness. Over the last year, Hoffmann Brothers' team members have experienced all of the challenges listed above. Some in the last month. Some in the last week. We certainly cannot solve every problem and have every answer. But we can listen, provide support, and share access to various resources and employee assistance programs. I take pride in our company's holistic approach to caring for our team members, both at work, and when appropriate, on the home front. #MissionReady #EmployeeAssistancePrograms #TeamSupport

Today, several Triangle Veterans had the honor of meeting with the team at Charlie Mike, a local non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of veterans grappling with unseen wounds of combat, one veteran at a time. Charlie Mike's mission resonates with the belief that standing together at home, just as they did during wartime, can facilitate each other's journey back to a fulfilling life. During our visit, we delved into one of Charlie Mike's cornerstone programs: the Canine Battle Buddy Training Program. Dogs have proven to be invaluable companions in addressing emotional needs, with documented outcomes showing that emotional support and therapy animals significantly contribute to emotional healing and stability. These benefits are directly linked to reduced suicide rates and the cultivation of a renewed sense of purpose in veterans' lives. The team at Charlie Mike identifies and rescues dogs from animal shelters, transforming them into "battle buddies" trained to support veterans. In this process, they are not only saving the lives of these animals but also offering vital support to veterans in need. This initiative is just one of the three pillars of support that Charlie Mike offers to veterans. At Triangle, we take pride in our partnership with Charlie Mike and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting their noble cause. If you know a veteran who could benefit from their services, please share the link with them. The battle against unseen wounds is often silent and unnoticed, but together, we can help Charlie Mike in their mission to save veterans' lives, one at a time. https://loom.ly/deOq13g

Today, several Triangle Veterans had the honor of meeting with the team at Charlie Mike, a local non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of veterans grappling with unseen wounds of combat, one veteran at a time. Charlie Mike's mission resonates with the belief that standing together at home, just as they did during wartime, can facilitate each other's journey back to a fulfilling life. During our visit, we delved into one of Charlie Mike's cornerstone programs: the Canine Battle Buddy Training Program. Dogs have proven to be invaluable companions in addressing emotional needs, with documented outcomes showing that emotional support and therapy animals significantly contribute to emotional healing and stability. These benefits are directly linked to reduced suicide rates and the cultivation of a renewed sense of purpose in veterans' lives. The team at Charlie Mike identifies and rescues dogs from animal shelters, transforming them into "battle buddies" trained to support veterans. In this process, they are not only saving the lives of these animals but also offering vital support to veterans in need. This initiative is just one of the three pillars of support that Charlie Mike offers to veterans. At Triangle, we take pride in our partnership with Charlie Mike and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting their noble cause. If you know a veteran who could benefit from their services, please share the link with them. The battle against unseen wounds is often silent and unnoticed, but together, we can help Charlie Mike in their mission to save veterans' lives, one at a time. https://loom.ly/deOq13g

As we mark another Armistice Day, I reflect on the profound legacy of those who served before us, those who stand beside us, and those who will follow in our footsteps. Today is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for peace and freedom. In the quiet moments of this day and in the observances tomorrow, let us remember the bravery and resilience of our veterans. Their stories, often untold, are etched in history, shaping our world in ways that often go unseen but are always deeply felt. They remind us that peace is not a given; it is hard-won, often at a great cost. I am proud to stand with my fellow veterans, current service members, and the families that support them. We share an unspoken bond – a commitment to something greater than ourselves. It’s a bond that transcends borders, politics, and time. Wear your poppies with pride - and let us not only look back with respect and honour but also forward with hope. Let’s renew our commitment to peace, understanding, and the betterment of our world. Let us strive to create a future worthy of the sacrifices made by those we pause to remember. Lest we forget. #ArmisticeDay #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #VeteransDay #PoppyDay #RespectOurVeterans #NeverForget #InHonour #ServiceAndSacrifice #ArmedForcesCommunity Landmarc Solutions SSAFA the Armed Forces charity X-Forces Enterprise

☕ Coffee for a Cause Spotlight: Warriors and Quiet Waters 🇺🇸   This month, we proudly support Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation through our Coffee for a Cause initiative.   After years of selfless service, post-9/11 combat veterans face the daunting challenge of transitioning back to civilian life. Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation provides a transformative sanctuary for these veterans and their families. Through the healing power of fly fishing in the serene landscapes of Montana, the foundation empowers veterans to rediscover purpose, regain inner peace, and rebuild connections with loved ones.   How They Make a Difference:   Healing Through Nature: Warriors and Quiet Waters organizes therapeutic fly fishing experiences that offer veterans a calming retreat in nature, promoting mental and emotional healing. Building Community: The foundation fosters a supportive community where veterans can connect with peers who understand their experiences, providing a crucial network of camaraderie and support. Promoting Resilience: By teaching the art of fly fishing, Warriors and Quiet Waters equips veterans with a new skill set that promotes resilience and personal growth beyond their military service. Why Your Support Matters:   When you purchase our French Vanilla- Blend of the Month, a portion of the proceeds directly supports Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation. Your contribution helps fund retreats, workshops, and ongoing support for veterans, enabling them to thrive in their civilian lives.   Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Together, we can help veterans find peace, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.   #Grounds4Cause #CoffeeForACause #WarriorsAndQuietWaters #SupportOurVeterans #HealingThroughNature #CommunitySupport

Learn more about how gift planning can make a difference in the lives of disabled American Veterans, their families and the dogs we rescue for our programs. https://bit.ly/40tOIbg #plannedgiving #legacygift #semperk9 #servicedogs4vets

Community + Military + Trust = 😃 Often times, active duty service members will flag an issue to surrounding communities, which they could otherwise not discuss, for one reason or another. For instance, I was not initially tracking the proposed homeowners insurance rate hikes. A #marine, who lived along the coast, was told he couldn’t testify at the state capitol regarding the hikes and their impact on quality of life. So, I testified. Years back, I was quite vocal about concerns surrounding the COVID vaccine and its inconsistent implementation across the Marine Corps. Nearly every concern I voiced was merely an amplification of concerns from SEAs and COs in the greater 5 county area. Most recently, I sat through recruiting sessions which were objectively frustrating to the #Marines in the room. Politics abound, they felt they couldn’t speak up, so I took down their concerns. When we look at successful defense communities, there is one common thread across them all - they are the voice of the base. Whether it’s milcon, policy, or programming, no one knows better than the marines what is needed. But often times, no one can advocate for those things quite like their civilian counterparts. When communities listen to and effectively relay base concerns, you see success. Alternatively, when the trust between community and commands erodes, you see significant struggles. If at any point the bases cannot trust their surrounding community to properly advocate on their behalf, fissures will grow. In larger teams, like Allies for Cherry Point or NCMAC, you’ll find we tend to have passion projects, or areas we’re a bit more focused on than others. For instance, I track the budget and milcon, but solely to back-fill when someone else isn’t available in conversations. My specialty is “people.” If you need to know what the Marines are thinking about any given topic, at any given time, that’s where I come in. Whatever your passion is, identify it, lean in, and use it to support the base. #semperfi 📸: that’s my best friend ☺️ ____________ Association of Defense Communities (ADC) #marinecorps #2maw #2mef #northcarolina #militaryaffairs #milcon #defense #veteransstrengtheningamerica #betheone