Military Disability Made Easy’s Post

Do you know the importance of this important holiday? Do you know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day? If not, take just a few minutes and spend it with us as we talk about the differences between these two holidays.

As I reflect on our celebrations of Memorial Day and D-day, I am so humbled. Countless brave, selfless Americans sacrificed everything to protect our freedoms and the American way of life. I am so thankful. Today our freedoms are not being used to have robust debates to bring about positive change. Instead, they are being used to polarize, divide and tear our nation apart. You are either "for us" or "against us." If you are "against us" then you are the enemy. Instead of tolerance we have mocking, ridicule and outright hatred. Where is tolerance in this? Tolerance does not mean I accept, celebrate and endorse your view point or personal lifestyle choices. Rather, it means I can disagree with your view or choice and still respect you as a person and treat you with the common courtesy and respect that all deserve. Tolerance is a fundamental by-product of individual rights and freedoms, yet it is lacking in today's society. Our brave military sacrificed everything to preserve our way of life. Today we have people who have never served or sacrificed anything for anyone doing everything they can to destroy our way of life. What has happened to our nation? It must break the hearts of our veterans. May we as a nation reflect on this and relearn common courtesy, decency, tolerance for and respect of others. May we use our freedoms to make our communities and nation a better place to live for all, not worse.

Happy Friday! As many of you know, this coming Monday marks Memorial Day here in the United States—a time when people pause to remember and honor those who have given their lives in military service. While this day may be a distinctly American observance, the spirit of remembrance is universal. In the U.K., Remembrance Day falls on November 11, honoring military members who have died in the line of duty. Similarly, in Argentina, the Day of the Veteran and the Fallen in the War of Malvinas on April 2 serves as a time to honor their national heroes. Such days remind us that many nations have set aside time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, reflecting a universal respect and gratitude that connects us all.   ‣  Reflecting on Memorial Day leads us consider the profound impact of those who have served and the lessons we can learn from their dedication and spirit. Across the world, countless men and women have laid down their lives to pursue freedom and peace. This shared history, though marked by the horrors and tragedies of military conflicts and wars, also brings to light the resilience and courage of the human spirit.                    ‣ What can we learn from them? First and foremost, the importance of service to a cause greater than oneself. Whether on the battlefield, in our communities, or within our company, the concept of service drives us to work not just for personal gain but for the betterment of all. It encourages us to think critically about how we contribute to society and support one another. ‣ We can also recognize their sacrifices by striving for excellence and integrity in everything we do. Our work here might not compare to the gravity of military sacrifice. Still, we can honor their memories by ensuring our efforts and initiatives aim to genuinely improve our communities and environments.                 ‣ Lastly, the harsh realities of war remind us of the preciousness of peace. As a global team, we have a unique role in fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse groups. Let's embrace this responsibility and strive to be ambassadors of peace through our corporate culture and the services we provide, promoting collaboration over conflict in every interaction.

This week marks the 23rd anniversary of 9/11/2001, a day that remains etched in my memory as vividly as the events of Pearl Harbor or the assassination of JFK are for previous generations. As a US Navy veteran, I lived through that day and witnessed firsthand the profound impact it had on our nation. In the wake of such tragedy, it’s easy to become consumed by the darkness, to dwell on the fear, anger, and sorrow that followed. It would be natural to focus on the negatives, and honestly, it would be understandable. However, today I want to offer a different perspective. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, our country faced unimaginable challenges. We were confronted with fear and uncertainty, but we also saw something extraordinary. We witnessed a nation coming together, setting aside differences, and uniting with a common purpose. Despite our flaws and divisions, we chose to focus on rebuilding, on supporting one another, and on moving forward as a unified front. That spirit of unity was powerful and enduring. It helped us overcome obstacles and forge a path towards recovery and growth. Although the intensity of that unity may have waned over time, the essence of what we achieved together remains a beacon of hope. As we reflect on this anniversary, let us remember that we don’t need another tragedy to bring us together. Let’s choose to foster this spirit of unity and collaboration in our daily lives. By supporting each other and working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community. Let’s carry forward the lessons of unity and solidarity from that fateful day and strive to embody them in our actions today. Together, we can continue to grow, heal, and make a positive difference. If the past 23 years have taught us anything, please don't wait to tell someone how you feel, how proud you are of them, or just give that hug. On a light ending, “Be excellent to each other.” - Bill and Ted's excellent adventure.

🏃♂️ The Journey of Resilience and Inspiration: Watch My 5K Walk/Run at Westgate Resorts (Video Link Below) For me, this wasn’t just another race it was a journey through physical pain, emotional highs and lows, and the relentless determination that comes with being a disabled veteran. The video I’ve created from this experience is more than just a race recap. It’s a story. A story of setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and proving to myselfand hopefully to all of you that disability is not a barrier to achieving dreams. 🌟 Why you should watch: • It’s a rollercoaster of emotions one that mirrors life’s ups and downs. • It showcases the grit and perseverance it takes to accomplish a task that once seemed impossible. • It’s a reminder that while we can’t change the past, we absolutely have the power to shape our future. I invite you to watch this video and reflect on your own challenges. Let it remind you that no matter how tough the journey gets, you have the strength to keep going. If I can push through my limits, so can you. 🎥 Watch, share, and let me know how it resonates with you. Let’s spread the message that resilience knows no bounds. THERESA IRVING #Inspiration #Veterans #Resilience #NeverGiveUp #WestgateResorts #GoalSetting #5KRun #DisabledVeteran #DreamBig #TheFluffyPoodle #MotiveFateLLC Video link here: https://lnkd.in/eCD8R5Nm

🎖 In a recent article I gave you a sneak peek into my family & personal life, because supporting our Veterans is near and dear to me. Here are 6 meaningful ways you can show your gratitude privately or publicly throughout the year and especially this month. Feel free to share or repost. I will provide hyperlinks to the resources mentioned via the comments.

From Brother Roo…🙏🏼😔🫡🫡🫡🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🫵 We veterans do take this very seriously: Here's some ground rules for this weekend: 1. Don't wish me a Happy Memorial Day! There is nothing happy about brave men and women dying. 2. It's not a holiday, it's a remembrance. 3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington or your local VA or local Veterans Cemetery. 4. Don't talk to me how great any one political power is. Talk to me about Eugene Ashley, Brian Bucher, Nate Chapman, John Levitow, Jon Mills, Mitch Nelson, Chris Kyle, Neil Roberts, John Chapman, Robert Miller and countless other of our Special Forces heroes too numerous to name who made the ultimate sacrifice. Attend a Bell Ceremony, Roll Call or any other type and shed some tears. 5. Don't tell me I don't know what I am talking about, I have carried the burden all too many times for Warriors who now stand their post with God. 6. Remember the Fallen for all the Good they did while they were here. 7. Reach out and let a Vet know you're there, we're losing too many in "peace". One more thing, as a Veteran, when you come together, when you have that BBQ, before you eat, circle up and say a prayer. Raise a glass to your Brothers and Sisters that are gone. Then you don't say a word. After that, eat and enjoy each others company.

Solid advice here on this Veteran's Day gratitude holiday:

Memorial Day, from the perspective of a veteran, is a solemn day of remembrance and honor. It’s a day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have fallen in the line of duty, protecting the freedoms and values we hold dear. For veterans who have experienced the realities of war firsthand, Memorial Day carries a profound significance that goes beyond the typical celebrations and gatherings. It’s a day marked by memories of comrades who never made it home, whose laughter and courage are remembered in the quiet moments of a veteran’s heart. It’s a time to think about the families left behind, the empty seats at dinner tables, and the personal stories of bravery that ended too soon. Veterans understand the weight of loss and the price of freedom in a way that is deeply personal and often painful. Memorial Day is not about the living; it’s about honoring those who have given their lives for something greater than themselves. It’s about the men and women buried in cemeteries across the nation, who were more than just soldiers; they were loved ones, friends, and family. For veterans, the day may also bring a mix of emotions, including pride in their service and a sense of camaraderie with those who understand the cost of war. Yet, it can also be a challenging time, as the focus on military service and sacrifices can trigger memories and emotions related to their own experiences. As a nation, we can honor the true meaning of Memorial Day by participating in commemorative activities, observing moments of silence, and supporting organizations that provide resources and support to veterans and their families. It’s a day to ensure that the legacy of the fallen is not forgotten but is carried forward with respect and gratitude for the freedoms their sacrifices have secured.