There are several reasons why symptoms of PTSD may increase with age:

· Retirement from full-time work may allow more time to think and you may have fewer distractions from your traumatic memories.

· Medical problems that come with aging may leave you feeling less strong as you used to be, increasing symptoms.

· Disturbing news and images of war on the television may bring back memories.

· You may have tried to cope with stress in the past by using drugs or alcohol. If you stop later in life without a healthier way of coping your symptoms may seem more intense and difficult to deal with.

· As you get older you are looking back over your life and your experiences to try to make sense of them, causing you to re-examine, or re-live traumatic wartime events.

For veterans, any or all of these factors may trigger what is known as Late-Onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS). The symptoms of LOSS are similar to those of PTSD, although LOSS seems to be closely related to the aging process. With LOSS, veterans may have fewer symptoms, or begin having symptoms later in life. People with LOSS may have lived the majority of their life relatively well. As they begin to confront normal age-related changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, or increased health problems, these stresses can trigger emotional reactions about their wartime experiences.

If you, or anyone you know, is having a hard time dealing with past wartime experiences, or are beginning to show signs of PTSD or LOSS, there are a number of things that can help:

· Do things that make you feel strong and safe in other parts of your life, like exercising, eating well, and volunteering.

· Talk to a friend who has been through similar experiences

· Join a support group

· Talk to a professional. Your doctor can refer you to a therapist or find a VA Medical Center in your area that can direct you to where to go for treatment.

· Educate yourself about PTSD and LOSS, and tell your family and friends about it. They will be better able to support you if they know more about what you are going through.

· Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is a lot of help available to veterans suffering from PTSD and LOSS

It may be difficult to ask for help, but you shouldn’t feel bad or have your life disrupted by symptom of PTSD or LOSS. There are a lot of resources through the VA, and as a valued veteran of our military you are entitled to it!

For more information on PTSD or LOSS contact The National Center for PTSD.

(Information for this blog post was found on www.ptsd.va.gov)

Provided by your VA loan professionals at Flagship Financial Group

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• Active duty personnel
• Veterans of different fields
• Some National Guard members
• Surviving spouses of persons who have died while on duty
• The spouses of personnel who are missing in action or taken captive

The VA loan has several advantages over the conventional loan. Some of the benefits of VA loans are as follows :
1. No down payments: Under this program there has to be no money down. The eligible buyers can finance 100 percent of a home’s price without making any down payment. Conventional loans have very high down payment requirements. They at least require 20 percent of the value of the house as down payment. Thus, a lot of people can not afford to take out these conventional loans. The advantage in case of VA loans is that they do not require any down payments.

2. Processed faster: If you are a potential buyer then you must submit your application and request for an appraisal of the property. This should be done before obtaining a VA loan. Some lenders, who have the VA approval for processing automatically, can finalize a loan. They do not need to wait for VA to review the application or the appraisal.

3. Protection of the lender: The VA guarantees that it will provide repayment of the loan in case the borrower can’t. Thus, the lender is safe from any loss in the event of the borrower not being able to pay. This attracts the lenders and so they help veteran buyers in getting better loans.

4. Lowers cost of the buyer: In case of the VA loan the funding fee is approximately between half and 3.3 percent. This may be included in the loan or is supposed to be paid out–of–pocket. The loan is designed in such a way that it is meant to reduce the cost for the buyer.

5. Flexible loan: These VA mortgage loans are not only for purchasing homes. They can also be used to build a new house or buy land. You may also take the loan out to make improvements to an already existing house. Thus, there is flexibility when it comes to VA loans.

The Current VA loan mortgage is a byproduct of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more commonly called the GI Bill of Rights, which was passed by Congress in 1944. Harry W. Colmery, a World War I Veteran, wrote the first draft of the G.I. Bill. The G.I. Bill provided college or vocational education for returning World War II veterans, one year compensation for out of work veterans and also provided different loan types to Veterans to buy homes or start business. The G.I. bill provided low interest, zero down payment home loans for serviceman. The G.I. bill was created to prevent a repetition of the Bonus March of 1932, in which World War I Veterans marched on Washington DC demanding payments of their World War I bonuses. The Bonus March was dispersed by the army and the Veterans were not paid.

The G.I. Bill is considered one o the most significant pieces of legislation ever passed by the U.S. Congress. The education benefits opened College education to the masses, in 1947, veterans made up almost half of the nation’s college students. It allowed millions of families to purchase their first homes and moved many families out of urban apartments and into suburban homes and resulted in the suburbanization of the American in the 1950’s and the postwar baby boom. Prior to the war suburbs tended to be the homes of the wealthy and upper class. The G.I. bill effectively created the American middle class that we know today.

The Success of the 1944 G.I. bill prompted the government to offer similar measures to later generation of Veterans. The Veterans Adjustment Act of 1952 offered veterans of the Korean Conflict that served for more than 90 days, similar benefits that were offered through the G.I. Bill. These bills eventually lead to the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966. Whereas the G.I. Bill of 1944 and 1952 compensated veterans of wartime service, the new bill extended benefits to Veterans who served in war and peace.

Further acts were passed in Congress in following years. The Veterans Housing Act of 1970 removed all termination dates for applying for VA housing loan and also provided VA loans for mobile homes. The Veterans Housing Benefits Improvement Act of 1978 expanded and increased previous benefits given to Veterans. In 1992, the VA loan guarantee program was enlarged to include Reservists and National Guard personnel who served honorably for at least six years. In association with the VA’s program, the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act protects service members from financial woes on their home loan that may occur as a result of active duty commitments, freezing their interest rates at 6%. These acts have allowed Veterans through the years to buy homes when the might not have been able to on their own.

I have often thought of the trials and issues that Soldiers faces when he/she returns home from service. The trivialness of day to day life that they must adjust to is something that we don’t understand. Yet there are those that still oppose what our soldiers do and what they stand for. Do we not realize that they are protecting our freedoms, that they are preserving our way of life? They sacrifice family, love, the comforts of life and their very lives to protect what we all hold dear. Why do we not raise the Red, White and Blue every time they come off the plane? Why are there not throngs of people singing their praise? Have we become too callous to show appreciation for those that serve us? Why do we not serve those that have given everything to serve this Land of Liberty? The following has circulated on the internet and I use it because I believe that it is poignant and to the point.

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard…

To listen to his son whine about being bored.
To keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.
To be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.
To be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night’s sleep.
To be silent when people pray to God for a new car.
To control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.
To be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.
To keep from laughing when anxious parents say they’re afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.
To keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.
To control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.
To remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.
To be civil to people who complain about their jobs.
To just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.
To be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.

The only thing harder than being a soldier. . .is loving one.

Ronald Regan said, ““If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

I believe that compassion and love need to be shown to those that serve this nation. They deserve our praise and support. If we are a God fearing nation, or a Nation that believes in doing good towards our fellow men, then this should be and easy task. God Bless the Troops and God Bless America.

I could write all sorts of paragraphs and pages on why I love living in Utah, but I won’t bore you today with all of that.  What I want to share however, is why I think this state is great and primarily as it relates to pride in one’s country and patriotism.

Just two days ago I had the opportunity to hit up one or Utah county’s Mexican grocery markets; which is one of the reasons I love living here.  We have a great Latin culture among us and some great food.  While visiting this market I was accompanied by a child hood friend from Ohio who actually lives out here too.  As we were driving to the market he asked me, “Have you ever noticed how many American flags there are in this state?”  We had just drove by a car dealership (Ford-American made I mind you) and right smack in the front of the dealership was an American flag that was bigger than most state capitol flags!  I concurred with my buddy that yes I was aware and that I loved it!

I explained to him that in my neighborhood along with many other communities in Utah, that I had paid $30 in a donation to the Boy Scouts of America and in return the scouts hung a flag in my front yard on all US holidays.  I told him there was nothing better than driving home at night and seeing literally 30-40 houses all sporting and honoring the American flag.  My friend said that is was a major contrast to his time in San Francisco, CA.  The cool thing is that my friend who I feel leans a bit left when it comes to political views, had nothing negative to say about all the flags!  He did not necessarily trash talk his time in CA but mentioned you would never see that there.

So is the fact that Utahns sport the American flag a reason to live here?  Sure it is; this is just one example of the extreme patriotism that exists here.  Now if you don’t like seeing US flags everywhere, then don’t move here.  I love this great country and I love Utah.  If I were a retired military veteran or active duty service member and I had the chance to move to Utah, I would do it!

I am the branch manager for Flagship Financial and my loan officers specialize in Utah VA Loans and Utah VA mortgages, so let us know if you do move here or are already living in Utah.

PS,

From my office window right now I have the pleasure of seeing 3 businesses flying the US Flag!  Love it!

With an average of 1.4 million Americans undergoing some form of TBI, the number of scientists and researchers striving to cure these individuals should be ever increasing, however, dwindling budgets continue to compress and squeeze war-related brain injury funding. In 2006, the U.S. House and Senate slashed the allocated funding for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) in half from the previous year.
Traumatic brain injury is the “signature” injury of the Iraq war, according to military doctors and experts. It is imperative for struggling soldiers to find assistance with their TBI-related disability.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person’s brain is physically injured, usually by a sudden force. With military members, this is often the result of a concussive blast or explosion. It can also be caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, or any sudden blow to the head.  Because the damage is internal, there may be no visible head wound.

In prior conflicts, approximately 14% – 20% of surviving casualties had a TBI.

What are the Symptoms of TBI?

Every brain injury is unique and symptoms can vary widely.  Damage to different parts of the brain will result in different symptoms.  TBI shares symptoms with other physical and mental health conditions, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which complicates diagnosis.  Below are some of the symptoms.  Having some of them, however, does not necessarily mean a person has TBI.  Only a doctor can definitively identify and diagnose a TBI.

Common Symptoms Immediately After Injury

• Being Dazed, confused, or “seeing stars”
• Not remembering the injury
• Losing consciousness (being knocked out)

Common Symptoms Later On

• Persistent headache or neck pain
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Loss of balance
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feeling tired all the time, lacking energy
• Ringing in the ears
• Loss of sense of smell and taste
• Slowness in thinking, acting, speaking or reading
• Symptoms that may appear to be mental health conditions
  • Sudden mood changes for little or no reason
  • Difficulty managing relationships
  • Chronic anxiety, depression, apathy
• Short term memory loss
• Getting lost or easily confused
• Having more trouble than usual with
  • Paying attention or concentrating
  • Organizing daily tasks
  • Making decisions

In May 2006, the co-founder of the DVBIC testified to a Senate subcommittee that while “body armor may save troops caught in blasts it leaves many with brain damage,” according to a USA Today news report. Additionally, the article cited several disturbing statistics on the state of TBI and war veterans.

· 10 percent of all troops in Iraq suffer from concussions during combat.

· 20 percent of all frontline infantry troops suffer from concussions during combat.

· Scientists believe the Pentagon must screen all troops returning from Iraq.

· The Pentagon has declined screenings for all returning troops and only screens a small population of soldiers.

· If left untreated or untested, multiple head injuries and concussions can cause permanent brain injury.

Also, several equally disturbing statistics have been reported from several specialized journals including Brain Injury, Internal Medicine, Soldiers Magazine, MIT’s Technology Review and Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. These statistics area as follow:

· Nearly 25 percent of all military veterans of the Iraq war are diagnosed with a mental illness.

· War-related TBI patients often manifest distinct personality changes.

· Of the 35,000 soldiers screened for TBI, approximately 11 percent have had symptoms of mild TBI.

· No treatments currently exist to cure long-lasting symptoms of TBI.

While all this information may seem bleak, it is important to note that the majority of individuals who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury will completely recover in a matter of weeks to months.

The video that I am sharing in this blog post is of a group of 4-5 yr old pre-school children performing for their parents.  As I filmed this video I found myself conflicted.  I had a strong feeling of pride as a parent and also as an American living in a great country where we are free to worship how we want and to wear what we want.  At this same time I felt a bit sick to my stomach as I realized I was hearing this at a private school, not a public school!  Do you think our kids can sing a song with the words AMERICA and GOD in it?  There is no way.

In the past week alone on the news I have seen of kids getting kicked out of school for wearing old navy shirts with the American Flag on them.  I have heard of kids of other races, yet still living here and claiming to be American, being allowed to wear shirts with a flag of another country.  I don’t have any issue with diversity and I think others should be able to wear flags from countries of their roots and nationalities, however why the double standard?  It is absolute garbage and in my option one of the major reasons this country is losing its luster!  How about a recent news story where the ACLU is suing the Federal Government for allowing a white cross to be in a national desert?  Here is what the ACLU says…

“Contrary to what some believe,” said Peter Eliasberg, staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California and First Amendment specialist, “it is not the role of the federal government to advance Christianity or any other sectarian belief. Americans are perfectly competent to make such decisions for themselves without government interference.”

I have to wonder if they would have sued or tried to pull down a monument of the Menorah or perhaps something representing Islam?  I bet the would not have.  Again I am all for religious freedom and freedom of speech, but this double standard in our country is utterly ridiculous.

People need to also realize that they have the RIGHT TO NOT GET OFFENDED SO EASILY.  Political correctness is destroying this Nation that so many are fighting for, have fought for and hopefully will continue to fight for.

Feels good to get this off my chest!

I have often wondered why someone would willingly leave behind their families, their friends— basically their life—to serve their country. Why would someone “volunteer” to get deployed for a year or two and put themselves in such danger? A lot of troops serve their country way beyond that time span. Others for their entire life. I have concluded that their bravery, their honor, and their vision and sacrifice for America and our freedom runs deeper than a lot of people can comprehend. I believe soldiers have such a profound gratitude for the freedom of our Nation and their loved ones that they can’t help but serve our country.

I have also tried to imagine what life would be like if we couldn’t enjoy the freedoms we have. What if it didn’t exist in our country? What if we didn’t have men and women who were willing to enlist in the army today? It would be a disservice to those veterans who served in the past, who fought for their lives and freedom with many dying in the process.

I’m in awe when I think of the soldiers who trust in and rely so heavily on those they serve with. Their lives lie in the hands of the person next to them. I’m amazed at the strength and resilience of these forces. Their unity must be a great thing to experience, just as we citizens of our country must be united and take care of each other. We too must do our part.

I believe in Freedom. I believe in the right to choose. I believe in self-government, the right to bear arms in self defense, and free conscience. The right to free speech, a fair trial, and to assemble. I believe in the right to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor and to provide nature’s necessities. I believe in a United Country (hence, the “United States of America”). I believe in our Soldiers to help us accomplish and sustain this. I also deem that we as citizens have certain duties we are held to—both public and private. Such duties include not stealing, being honest in all our doings, abide the laws of the land, to provide for and protect our families, and of course to help those who are less fortunate, in need and sick. We as citizens need to become economically independent. We need to participate in our society, vote, volunteer, and be family-oriented. Doing these things will help our soldiers keep our country strong and standing. They can’t do it alone.

In today’s world it is starting to become more real to me the way our government and economy is going. And I, like many others, have had an awakening of how truly grateful I am for those men and women who are willing to stand and fight those who dare take our liberty and our rights from us. It has taken me a while to understand what independence means to me personally, but I am now forever changed by it. My appreciation for the thousands and millions of troops who serve now and who have served in the past runs deep. We need to show this appreciation more, not just on Veteran’s Day. They need and deserve that.

I am so proud to be an American. We are all truly blessed to live in this great country. Our soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors are a force for good in the world. This really is the land of the free because of the brave. Let’s not forget that. I am grateful for troops who protect our freedom, who create our freedom, and who support our freedom.

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most notable sites for veterans to visit and remember their fallen comrades before them. It is located just outside Washington D.C. on grounds of the estate formerly owned by the family of Robert E. Lee’s wife Mary Anna Lee. It was established during the American Civil War, but now veterans and military casualties from every war since are buried in this cemetery, bringing the total buried to over 300,000.  There are over 70 sections to the cemetery remembering different wars. There are also many other memorials, such as a section remembering the military nurses, the men who lost their lives aboard the USS Maine, the crew of the Space shuttle Challenger, and the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns represents all of those who lost their lives and have never been identified. There is one man from each war entombed and it is constantly guarded each day. This is a great place to visit and remember all who have lost their lives in battle for their country.

The Iwo Jima Memorial is a statue just outside the walls of Arlington National Cemetery. Based off of a photo taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima, it shows soldiers raising the American flag during battle. It bears two inscriptions that explain its importance; “Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue” and “In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775″.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located in Washington D.C. is a national war memorial that honors the U.S. armed forces who died during the Vietnam War or who have still not been accounted for. It lists the names of all of those killed during the war. It consists of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the Statue of the Three Soldiers, and the most known of the three parts, the Memorial Wall that lists all of the names. It is also surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The Korean War Veteran’s Memorial is also located in Washington D.C. to remember the men and woman who served during this war. It depicts soldiers marching through Korean terrain surrounded by a black wall mirroring their images. In front of them there is a pool of remembrance. Here people can come to pay respect to American bravery.

The Alamo located in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the most historic buildings in the U.S. The building was originally constructed as a mission in 1718, and moved twice before reaching its final destination in 1724. The Battle of the Alamo occurred in 1836, where over 150 Texans died including some of Texas’s folk heroes such as David Crockett, William Barrett Travis, and Jim Bowie. A nice little hint is to go late a night when the lights reflect the bullet holes. It gives it a more intense feeling that a battle really took place.

Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii was the scene of a major attack during World War II, where the Japanese targeted the U.S. On Dec, 7 1941, six Japanese carriers launched 183 planes at Ford Island, following with a fleet of 170 planes at Pearl Harbor. Unwarned the United State’s Navy had no idea it was coming. Nine ships were completely sunk, along with 21 damaged. Many men died that day to protect the base. Today the U.S.S. Arizona still sits under water in remembrance of this devastating day.

Gettysburg Battlefieldin Pennsylvania remains a historic site for veterans still today. The battle fought betweens July 1-3, 1863 was often considered the war’s turning point and also had the most casualties. It was here that the Gettysburg address was given by Lincoln, reminding us of the equality of all people. This battle changed our country and the fallen are still remembered today.

Fort McHenrylocated in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort known for defending Baltimore Harbor against the British during the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay. It was here that Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” as he saw the American Flag rise, giving hope to all of the American Soldiers who had given up. Fort McHenry is a symbol of hope and the American Spirit.

West Point Military Academy is a 4 year coeducational federal service academy that was established in 1802. It is located in New York and played a very important role in the Revolutionary War. West Point is the longest continually occupied post in the United States. It sits on the high ground overlooking the Hudson making it a good look out to prevent the British Ships from sneaking up on them. It is home to many historic sites, landmarks, and monuments itself. Candidates must be of the highest caliber to enter, and many times must receive nomination from a congressman.

The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza was constructed to honor the veteran’s of World War I. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana it was designed to be the headquarters of the American Legion and a memorials to the state and nation’s veteran’s. In a five block radius there is an obelisk, a memorial cenotaph, and the Indiana World War Memorial. The memorial houses a museum, the Shrine Room, and an auditorium all designed to honor veterans.

There are many more places around the country honoring veterans. As well there should be. These men and woman have sacrificed their time, families, and sometimes their lives for our freedom and happiness. We should be grateful and show our respect to them. By visiting these places we can gain a greater appreciation for the service men and woman of our country.

ABOUT LOWVARATES.COM

 For the past 20 years LowVARates.com has been dedicated to serving veteran homeowners. We specialize in providing VA loans to qualified veterans for mortgage purchases and refinances. These loans provide lower interest rates and monthly payments than other traditional loans.

VA loans are currently the only program left that allows no-money-down loans providing a secure mortgage option guaranteed by the Federal Government. Our professional staff and loan officers will assist you to lock in low interest rates and take advantage of the unique opportunity provided through VA loans