Incline: Helping Veterans Get Back to Work

Took a road trip to a visit a Fort yesterday. No, not that kind of fort - although being Memorial Day weekend that would have been cool. My friend Garrett and I headed up to the northwestern corner of Georgia to Fort Oglethorpe to visit our bestie, Mitali.

(Side note: She moved back there over a year ago from the bustling District of Columbia to take care of her Dad, her Baba, who is battling cancer. Her story in itself is an inspiring living by giving one, but I'll save that for later.)

As we relaxed, chatted and enjoyed a sunny afternoon together, she brought up a friend of hers who has started this amazing venture called Incline.  Mitali gets to meet a lot of amazing entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs through her work; I get the privilege of learning all about them from her. Always inspiring.

Yesterday, she shared about her friend, Brittany Laughlin. She is a brilliant young entrepreneur with a proven track record in the tech start-up world, has traveled to every continent and has a network worthy of Warren Buffet's attention. She also grew up with a father in the Navy and has kept this community close to her heart.

Last year, Brittany, whose grandfather and brother have served in the armed forces as well, launched a new start-up called Incline. Incline has a razor-focused mission: To educate, support, and equip military veterans with the skills and resources to pursue full-time job opportunities in technology and engineering. I love it!

Here's a video that explains more:

For Memorial Day, I wanted to share Incline with all of you. We are all just two degrees away from someone who has fought in the military...I know, can you believe it??!...so please tell a Veteran or someone you know about this program and let’s work together to help them find fruitful and prosperous jobs upon their return from defending our freedom! To me, that is what this day is all about. That's living by giving!

We remember!

The Gift of Education to Military Children

Check out Keith Zeier's charity and how his foundation, Special Operations Warrior, is helping military families of fallen soldiers.

To visit his foundation please visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/keys100

Enjoy July 4th by Helping Others

   

      The ultimate gift that was given to Americans was our freedom in 1776. Independence Day celebrates the birthday of the United States of America and this year we are celebrating its 233rd birthday. It's a gift that keeps on giving, thus we should all stop and appreciate it…and in doing so, take some time to give joy to others.

Here are three simple suggestions:

• Good for All Ages: Bake some cookies and take them to a senior citizen home or community center. Throw in some sparklers and those little American flags. Call ahead and arrange to drop them off. They will be so appreciative and what a fun gift for the residents to enjoy and be able to celebrate the 4th.
• Best for Neighborhoods: Friday night make a big batch of lemonade. Spend a few hours making signs and deciding on a cause to which you want to donate your sales.  Get outside Saturday and sell lemonade. Then count your $$ and make your donation.
•  BEST OF ALL: Who can get through this day and not think of the troops home and abroad who continue to work hard to keep our lives safe and our independence secure?  We should all spend some time this weekend thinking about the troops and finding a way to support them.  
  •  Remindme.org. I’ve been impressed with ABC news correspondent’s Bob Woodruff and his wife’s foundation that supports our military - active soldiers, veterans, and families. Make a donation by visiting the website, www.remind.org . Give $7.04 in honor of the 4^th of July …. Or if you have a little more to give, bump it up to $233 in honor of our nation’s 233^rd birthday.
  • Send a card.  Soldiers love getting mail and nothing is more rewarding than boosting someone’s spirits who may be missing their loved ones this July 4^th. There are several organizations that can help you successfully get a card or care package to a soldier overseas.  Anysoldier.com is pretty easy to navigate and you can search a list of registered soldiers to learn a little more about each of them.

Have some more ideas? I'd love to hear them.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy 4th of July!