Troy Valberg’s Post

Should the amount of set aside for the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business be increased from 3% to 5% to recognize the contributions that Veterans who have fought for the country should have parity with other set aside groups? In my opinion, the amount set aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) should definitely be increased from 3% to 5%. Veterans who have fought for our country deserve recognition and support for their sacrifices, and giving them parity with other set aside groups is a crucial step. Increasing the set aside amount for SDVOSB reflects the gratitude we owe to our veterans. These brave men and women risked their lives to protect our freedoms, and it is only fair that our society provides them with opportunities to thrive in the business world as well. By increasing the set aside amount, we can ensure that veteran-owned small businesses have a higher chance of success, which ultimately leads to economic growth and stability for these heroes. Moreover, veterans bring unique skills and experiences to the table. Their military background has equipped them with a strong work ethic, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. These qualities make them valuable assets in the business world. By increasing the set aside amount, we not only recognize their contributions but also harness their skills for the betterment of our economy. Parity with other set aside groups is crucial for promoting equity and inclusivity. If other disadvantaged groups receive higher set aside percentages, it only makes sense to provide the same opportunities to our veterans. This ensures fairness and equal access to resources for all individuals who have faced significant challenges and obstacles. Increasing the set aside amount for SDVOSB to 5% is not only a matter of recognizing the contributions of veterans but also promoting economic growth, leveraging their skills, and ensuring fairness among different set aside groups. Let's honor our veterans by giving them the support they deserve in the business world. #veterans #sdvosb #departmentofveteranaffairs #sba #depatmentofdefense #congress #senate #chamberofcommerce #economy

Veterans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out (VHV): Empowering Veterans in the Justice System. This week, we were honored to host Ron Self, Founder and Executive Director of Veterans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out (VHV), on the Your Next Mission® video podcast for a profound conversation. 𝐀 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 23 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐬. With approximately 200,000 incarcerated Veterans in our nation, the takeaway…VHV’s approach to the reduction in recidivism and suicide for our Veterans is extremely important. #DidYouKnow VHV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans within the justice system. Founded by Ron, with the mission of providing mentorship, counseling, and resources to all Veterans in need. They are committed to fostering a sense of community and empowerment for Veterans during their reintegration process. 🤝 How VHV Helps Veterans: 👉With their established curriculum and interpersonal involvement, VHV have reduced the number of Veteran suicides in and outside of the facilities that participate ion their program. 👉Offers mentorship programs to provide guidance and support for Veterans navigating the complexities of the justice system. 👉Provides access to counseling services to address mental health challenges and trauma experienced by Veterans. 👉Facilitates peer support groups, creating a safe space for Veterans to share experiences and seek mutual support. 👉Assists Veterans with job placement and access to educational opportunities to aid in their successful reentry into society. 👉Collaborates with community partners and organizations to ensure Veterans have access to comprehensive support services. VHV's programs have helped countless Veterans find hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. How? ⁉️By addressing the unique needs of Veterans in the justice system, VHV contributes to reducing recidivism rates and supporting Veterans successful rehabilitation. VHV's commitment to empowering Veterans fosters a ripple effect of positive change, not only in the lives of individual veterans but also in their Families and communities.  #Veterans #JusticeSystem #Empowerment #Community #VHV #FacetheFight American Freedom Foundation Council on Criminal Justice Jim D. Seward U.S. Army Soldier For Life Texas Veterans Commission Kristin Walt Caroline K.M. Smith Teresa Duncan, PhD Brian Pearce Gordon Sumner Ph.D. Dwayne Whiteside Babs Chase Tiffany Benjamin Ted Hacker Jack Tilley

Finding purpose again. Wrapping my head around being a disabled veteran was not easy. I fought it for a long time. I refused to accept my plight. Because of that, I allowed myself to suffer. Once I finally put the work in on my mind, though, I not only advanced my thoughts, but my body followed suit too! As my mentor, Lauren Johnson, likes to say, mindset isn't everything, but it does affect every. #veterans #injuryrehab #mentalhealth #mindsetcoach #mentalfitnesscoach #mentalfitnessthing.

It isn't that we want to be invisible. Just understand, we didn't do it for your gratitude. We did it to 1) escape our current situation, often poverty, many times, abuse; 2) take a step up in life, education, opportunity, even "place" or belonging; 3) future proof ourselves, often to gain a label we saw as identification, inclusion, and respect; 4) find our true selves; 5) any combination or a variety of other reasons. Perhaps just a simple, "I know what you did. It was significant and my freedom benefited from it. My family is safe and you were part of that. I am grateful and I see you." Not very short, but isn't that really what you meant to say anyway? And maybe, just maybe, you could pay off our student loans that we acquired to continue our rise out of our past (especially those of us with service-connected disabilities) while also ensuring homeless and hurting veterans have access to all the care we need? https://lnkd.in/gUz5XB8g #VeteransDay #DEI #AdvocacyMatters #TYFYS

🇺🇸Veterans - Resources are becoming scarce. Recently, I was referred to three Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) – but none were able to assist. This was after doing my own thorough investigating. 👉🏻The first one - Operation Home Front - has changed its requirements for assistance and only serves recently transitioned veterans. 👉🏻Salute Inc. has now become a VSO targeting an 80% or higher disability rating. 👉🏻Salvation Army and other local VSOs get tossed around a lot – assuming these organizations assist with monetary needs while my experience as a Post 9/11 Veteran is that's NOT the case. Most do not pick up the phone nor respond to email inquiries. Why is this important?💡 💙Because 22 a Day. (Which many of us believe to be higher than reported). 👉🏻Because we have hundreds of VSOs who share a list of referrals which are oftentimes unable to assist or lack the funds. 👉🏻Because we are led to believe that help is out there – all you have to do is ask. Truth is oftentimes uncomfortable – and requires the preferred narrative to be re-addressed.💡 💙If you know a veteran who needs help – please make sure you understand their needs and TO WHOM you are referring. And Remember...not all that glitters is gold. The people working in these organizations are oftentimes paid employees - and in some roles, paid quite well. It's all for nothing if the resources aren't getting to the veterans who need them. It makes you question - who is the money going to? And why aren't more people looking into this? 🤷🏻♀️ #veterans #militarycommunity #veteranresources #truthmatters #realtalk

How can a military veteran do good to society? Military veterans bring a wealth of experience, skills, and dedication to the table, making them valuable assets to society in countless ways. Here are some avenues through which they can do good. Direct service: Public safety and security: Veterans' discipline, leadership, and tactical skills can be invaluable in roles like law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services. Community outreach and development: Veterans can leverage their organizational skills and empathy to support and uplift underserved communities, mentor youth, or lead neighborhood watch programs. Education and training: Veterans can share their unique knowledge and expertise by teaching in schools, vocational programs, or even starting their own training initiatives. International development and peacebuilding: Veterans' cross-cultural understanding and crisis management skills can be crucial in promoting peace and stability in conflict zones. Advocacy and leadership: Veterans' rights and welfare: Veterans can use their voices to advocate for better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for their fellow veterans. Social justice and policy reform: Veterans can champion the causes they care about, leveraging their leadership skills and public profile to influence policy and raise awareness about important issues. Mentorship and coaching: Veterans can offer guidance and support to young people or transitioning veterans, drawing on their own experiences to help others navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Entrepreneurship and innovation: Starting businesses: Veterans' drive, resilience, and problem-solving skills can make them successful entrepreneurs, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. Developing new technologies or solutions: Veterans' technical skills and firsthand experience with complex challenges can lead to innovative solutions in areas like healthcare, disaster preparedness, or sustainable technology. Sharing their stories and experiences: Educating the public about military service: Veterans can dispel misconceptions and promote understanding of the challenges and sacrifices made by those who serve. Inspiring others through storytelling and creative expression: Veterans can share their stories through writing, music, art, or other creative mediums, fostering empathy and connection with the civilian community. Ultimately, the ways in which a veteran can do good to society are as diverse as the individuals themselves. Their unique skills, experiences, and passions can be channeled into countless initiatives that make a positive impact on the world. #veteransgivingback #heroeshelpingheroes #saluteservice #servingbeyondduty #makeadifference #militarytomainstreet #veteranstrong #neverstopprotected #fromwarriortoshepherd

It's Friday and the 1st of December! Are you ready for the hectic Holidays? Today let us continue our discussion about when you become too big or too busy as an individual (or organization) to take care of those coming up the pipeline. When are you too big to care? Do you stop caring? Do you find alternative means to assist individuals? When do you go out of your way when someone is struggling? Lets spark up this discussion. I have a few more questions I ask in the video. I want to hear from you so we can all grow and advance together! Stay Good! #individualdevelopment #individualgrowth #organizationalgrowth #peoplehelpingpeople #veteranshelpingveterans #frago22 #merrysithmas

It's Friday and the 1st of December! Are you ready for the hectic Holidays? Today let us continue our discussion about when you become too big or too busy as an individual (or organization) to take care of those coming up the pipeline. When are you too big to care? Do you stop caring? Do you find alternative means to assist individuals? When do you go out of your way when someone is struggling? Lets spark up this discussion. I have a few more questions I ask in the video. I want to hear from you so we can all grow and advance together! Stay Good! #individualdevelopment #individualgrowth #organizationalgrowth #peoplehelpingpeople #veteranshelpingveterans #frago22 #merrysithmas

It’s more than a call, it’s a lifeline. #CheckonaVet As we gear up for the launch #CheckonaVet this upcoming Tuesday and on the 12th of every month, I've been reflecting on the topics and points of emphasis when making that call. Launching #CheckonaVet raises important questions about the varied challenges our #Veterans may face. When you are on the phone, What if… 👉 The Veteran is Medically Ill? Resources: Encourage them to reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for healthcare support. The VA provides comprehensive medical services and assistance tailored to Veterans' unique needs. Or see what healthcare coverage they qualify for. 👉 The Veteran Has Suicidal Thoughts? Resources: Urgently recommend the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide confidential support. Cohen Veterans Network is also a great resource, with more than 24 clinics nationwide in 16 states. But also talk to them on a personal level. 👉 The Veteran Stumbles Upon Financial Hardships? Resources: Guide them to organizations like Wounded Warrior Project, which offers financial assistance programs for Veterans facing economic challenges. 👉 The Veteran is Going Through Marital Issues? Resources: Suggest connecting with Military OneSource, offering counseling and support services for military families, including marriage counseling. Mabe even offer some insight from your perspective. 📱CALL 800-342-9647 Additionally, #Veterans may face challenges such as homelessness, legal trouble, PTSD, unemployment, or difficulties transitioning to civilian life. Organizations like the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Hire Heroes USA, Still Serving Veterans, The Salvation Army Your Next Mission® can provide tailored assistance. Let's use #CheckonaVet as a platform to not only connect but also to share valuable resources and make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our nation. Make the call. It’s more than “ I hope you are okay, It’s a lifeline. AS Always, it’s about God. IT’s about Familiy. It’s about Veterans! #SupportOurVets #VeteransSupport #CommunityEngagement American Freedom Foundation Ted U.S. Army Soldier For Life Mark Army Emergency Relief Michael David Jamie Randy Andrew James Jim Kristen Tiffany Teresa Matt Michelle Michelle Kristin Chad Kevin Jon Michael Eric Andrea Bruce Brian Scott

To all the #veterans in my network who are interested, or already engaged, in entrepreneurship efforts, please take a look at the info below.