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Chapter One

Friday, January 09, 2009 20:05 | Jeffrey Backus

            My first introduction to the Fallbrook office of the Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center (SWVBRC ) was during the month of October 2008.  I was reading the Fallbrook Newspaper and saw the picture of a man that I recognized.  I read the article and realized that I had crossed paths with him before.  I remembered that he was an administrator in the United States Marine Corps and that we had served together.  I filed the information in the back of my head, with the intent on stopping by one day soon to say hello.  I was also curious to see if the Fallbrook SWVBRC would be any help in my transition from an active duty United States Marine to civilian. 

            A couple of weeks later, while I was shopping in downtown Fallbrook with my wife, Hitomi, I remembered that there was a new Veterans Center in the vicinity.  I asked the owner of the business we were in where the new Veterans Center was at.  The kind lady had no clue that this new Veterans Center even existed.  As we progressed down Main Street, I asked each proprietor where is this place?  NONE of them were even aware that it existed!  I found it hard to believe that something that was important to me didn’t seem to be important to other people.  I finally found a store owner that had heard of the Veterans Center, but wasn’t sure where it was located.  She made a few phone calls, and eventually got the street name for me.  It was right around the corner on Fig Street across from a quilt store that my wife wanted to visit.  I had dropped my wife off and drove up and down Fig Street a couple of times before I located the office.  I parked back at the quilt store, walked across the street, and entered the Fallbrook SWVBRC office for the first time.  I was greeted by a young man by the name of Daniel Boothe.  I asked if Albert Renteria was around and was told he might be in later in the day.  I asked Daniel a few questions and got a quick tour of the facility.  During the conversation, I indicated that I was retiring soon as a Chief Warrant Officer 5.  Daniel volunteered the information that he was a Private in the United States Marine Corps and worked for the Camp Pendleton Scout (base newspaper).  I immediately sensed that there was a bit more to the Private Daniel Boothe story than was evident.  Daniel then called Mr. Renteria on his cell phone, and let me have a few words with him.  I told Mr. Renteria that I would stop in some time for a chat. 

            I stopped in at the Fallbrook SWVBRC a couple more times over the next few weeks before I finally caught Mr. Renteria in the office.  He was busy with a client, but welcomed me to sit and listen.  I found that the young man would be signing his “Articles of Agreement” form the next day and was invited to witness the event.  Mr. Renteria and I finally decided that we had become acquainted while assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California during 1995.  Little did we know that we actually went back a bit farther than that. 

            Al and I spent close to two hours that evening chatting about the Marine Corps and retired life.  The conversation kept returning to the mission of the Fallbrook SWVBRC and that it was about reducing, if not eliminating homeless veterans from the streets of America by 2035.  I didn’t realize that I was getting most of the first hour or so of the Orientation.  I remembered that I told my wife that I was running down to the local hardware store to pick up a couple of items and that I would be right back.  I excused myself and promised to show up at the signing event. 

            That evening, after begging my wife’s forgiveness for not calling her to say where I was at  and enjoying a reheated dinner, I explored the Fallbrook SWVBRC web site.  It didn’t take very long for me to decide to register.  Within a few minutes of registering, Al replied with a note thanking me for my time and inviting me to read the “Learners Blogs”. 

            The following day, I arrived a few minutes before, fifteen minutes early to be exact, the signing event.  I was introduced to several men who were noted to be fellow veterans, to include Daniel who I had met during my first visit.  I had some interesting conversations with a couple of the men.  I noted that there was a pretty wide variety of folks there, from young Veterans to an old grizzled double retired Veteran that made me feel like I was still a youngster.  There were actually four men signing the “Articles of Agreement” form.  Each man signed and dated his form, and each of the witnesses also signed the form.  I was honored to be invited to sign each form, even though I was not yet part of the program.  After all the signing was done and pictures were taken, we listened to a couple of the participants explain how the Fallbrook SWVBRC had already helped to advance a concept.  Al reiterated the mission and importance of following through with the 14 step program.  I needed to be elsewhere, so I excused myself and thanked Al for allowing me to participate.  Al asked when would I be interested in going through the Orientation; we decided that the next day would work. 

            I arrived at 1000 (10 am civilian time) on 31 December 2008 to meet with Al and go over the Orientation.  Al started the Orientation by asking if I needed the heat turned up, as it was a bit chilly in the office.  I declined and used my jacket to keep my fingers from turning to ice.  Since we had already gone over much of the first hour, Al was able to breeze through much of that information quickly.  Al hit hard on the fact that 23 to 40 percent of all homeless people are Veterans.  He iterated the primary mission and that the Veterans Business Resource Centers were about assisting Veterans to start or improve a business.  His vision is to provide a network of office spaces in support of Veterans owned businesses that hire Veterans.  After the introduction to the functions and various eligibility requirements, I was asked to recite a brief history of my life over about ten or fifteen minutes.

            I started by indicating that although I was raised mostly in Washington State, I was born in Newport Beach, California during July 1960.   I have one older sister and a younger brother (RIP) and sister who are twins.  We moved numerous times throughout my school years, but always returned to what I consider to be my home town of Orting, Washington.  My parents were divorced when I was about ten years old.  We moved from a large house to a smaller house across town.  Both of my parents eventually remarried and I gained a half sister and two step siblings out of those deals.  At some point in my early teens, I decided that I was going to join the Army as a grunt, probably after seeing hundreds of Soldiers marching past my home.  The Army unit Commander had decided that they should walk from Yakima, Washington back to Fort Lewis, Washington after an exercise.  Soon after I graduated from Orting High School during June 1978, I visited the Army Recruiter.  He told me that I could be a grunt, and offered me “Private First Class (PFC) out of Boot Camp”, then got me all signed up and asked me when I wanted to ship.  I told him that I would be ready to ship at the end of the summer.  The Army recruiter kept in close contact with me all summer, too close, and I eventually told him I wasn’t interested anymore because he wouldn’t honor my wishes.  Two weeks later, on 25 September 1978, I walked into the Marine Recruiters office and asked if he had any “job openings”.  He looked at the ceiling and made a crossing motion near his heart.  I had changed my mind about being a grunt though, I now wanted to be an Automobile Mechanic.  After I explained that the Army had me signed up, to include the PFC out of Boot Camp, he said that we could do that too.   He asked me when did I want to ship, after looking at the calendar, I replied, how about Monday, he replies how about Friday.  I replied, I sure would like to enjoy one last weekend with my friends.  He said, no problem, ship Monday as a Private.  I replied that I would see him Friday!  I’ll never forget looking over my shoulder as we drove away from my Mothers house, seeing her and my siblings waving goodbye.  About half way to the Recruiters office, I heard a “beep-beep”, I look down, and my Father was waving goodbye to me too.  Boot Camp was interesting and somewhat challenging, I did well, mostly because it seemed like most of my fellow recruits were doofus’ and screwballs.  I’m sure they felt the same way about me, but I was the 4th Squad leader most of the time and I could march.  I was ordered to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland to become an M60A1 RISE Tank Mechanic.  APG is an Army base, and I soon learned the difference between an Army PFC and a Marine PFC!  I spent a year at 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California where I soon irritated enough of my senior Marines to rate a “hot fill” transfer to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  My one year tour in “Gitmo” went by very quickly, and I soon found myself stationed at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, California which is in the middle of the Mohave Desert.  I was introduced to a young lady there by one of my friends, fell in love and was Married on Halloween 1981.  I did not immediately enjoy the desert surroundings, so as soon as I was able to ship over, I did.  I requested and was granted orders to 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California and was assigned to Ordnance Maintenance Company (OMC).  My son was born a few months later on April Fools day 1983.  Shortly thereafter, we parted our ways.  I then met my current wife, Hitomi, got married and have enjoyed a blissful 22 years.  During my tour at OMC, I was introduced to an M60A1 RISE Tank with a turret problem, the Main Gun would not elevate or depress in the manual mode.  Since that problem was a test question, I was able to troubleshoot and figure out that a key component was missing.  I ordered the part, fixed the turret and almost instantly became one of the best tank turret Technicians in the USMC.  One year later, I was selected to become a part of the new Light Armored Vehicle program.  I was sent to the Infantry Training School, Camp Pendleton, California where I helped build the maintenance shop from scratch.  A few years later, I was selected to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).  I was promoted to SSGT on the morning of 1 October 1986 and that afternoon was informed that I was a Warrant Officer Selectee.

            At this point, Al asked, WHEN did you go to The Basic School?  After I replied, February through April 1987, he said, “We were Warrant Officer classmates!”  So, we actually first met more than two decades ago in 1987 vice 1995.  After getting back on track with my life story, I came to the point of my mandatory retirement from the United States Marine Corps after 30 years, 2 months and 2 days of active duty on 30 November 2008. 

            The second and third hours of the Orientation were filled with information.  Al showed me his VA Card and ensured that I had at least initiated my Veterans Administration (VA) disability package.  I was introduced to the S.W.O.T. concepts of strength, weakness, opportunities and threats.  This part of the Orientation was a real eye opener for me, as I realized that I had not done a very good job preparing myself to transition from active duty to a civilian.  Al encouraged me to document my trials and tribulations while I go through these processes because if a senior Marine had issues, what are the junior Marines putting up with!

            The fourth hour of the Orientation started with an in-depth description of the 14 step program.  Al asked me a few “simple” questions about a chess board and how many moves I could make in certain situations.  This series of questions evolved into the 4 to 9 options of life, the P.I.E. factor, Science of the hunch, three pillars of e-commerce, tile to carpet and the domain of the brain.  All of these concepts that were foreign to me were soon made to make sense as they were explained and inter-related with each other.  Al encouraged me to relate my experiences, such as the Tank Turret repair, with problems and situations that I might encounter during my transition.

            Al asked if I was still interested in joining the program.  I kind of felt all along that I was going to become a member of the organization, so I said yes.  We settled on Friday, 9 January, where I was the first Learner to sign the “Articles of Agreement” in the new year of 2009.

            Initially, the whole process of signing the “Articles of Agreement” appeared to be blown out of proportion and made to seem much more important than it really was.  After reflecting on this occasion, I understand why the signing is a formal occasion.  It is much like the life altering occasion where a Marine Recruit is presented with his Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem after completing the Crucible, the “Articles of Agreement” reflect the roadmap of my reintegration into the civilian populace and my dedication to the eradication of the words “homeless” and “Veteran” being used together in the description of a person. 

            I want to thank all the folks that took time out of their day to witness my signing of the Articles of Agreement.

Comments

  • Saturday, January 10, 2009 15:56 | Deleted user
    Jeff, I enjoyed reading your history and appreciate your years of service to our country. SWVBRC is an excellent way for us fellow veterans help each other and in turn be able to give guidance and direction to the less fortunate.
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    • Sunday, January 11, 2009 07:19 | Chris Thayer
      Dr. Cloonan, I love that you and Jeff are Learners also. Recently there is a picture of all of the Learners under the regular blog and the caption is “The Veteran Force”. That is so awesome. I see all of you working together as a powerful, healing force for positive change. Thank you for being part of this ground-breaking organization. Together, you are helping our veterans and our communities heal and be stronger and more connected. Thank you and God Bless. Chris
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    • Sunday, January 11, 2009 15:37 | Jeffrey Backus
      Dr Cloonan, I also thank you for your service. I hope that my words are in line with what Al had in mind! I hope to be able to gain knowledge from some and give to others.
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  • Sunday, January 11, 2009 07:04 | Chris Thayer
    Hello Jeff,
    It is so inspiring to see a senior officer participating in the SWVBRC program. I feel Al Renteria and all the participating veterans and community members are breaking new ground here. This is the time to create new and successful models for veterans to reintegrate into civilian life. You have served your country well and you deserve to have a successful and happy life after serving your country!

    Since anything is possible and this is new ground, I feel confident from reading your background that you will study the situation and create wonderful results. You have the tenacity and fortitude to stay with the task and make things better. I appreciated your level of sharing and you are helping me to be a better person by sharing your life and your experiences. Thank you for this privilege.

    “SUCCESS IS ALREADY WITHIN YOU”, one of my favorites quotes that I found from an unknown author. Please remember this as you are transitioning into your new civilian life. Think big and treat yourself and your family to all the treasures life has to hold. You deserve it and all of us want to be supportive and reassure you we care, because we do.

    All the best, Chris

    PS – What a small world! I grew up in the upper desert in Bishop, California and know what the hot, dry desert near Barstow and Mojave is like (this is why I now live by the ocean – haha)! Also, I do volunteer work part-time with Camp Pendleton and have worked with the 3rd Amphibious group “3-trak” and was blown away by the size and mobility of the amtraks and their wonderful group. Also, I was a “911” dispatcher for the City of Newport Beach for many years. You see, we all have more in common than we realize but if we don’t share we will never know. God Bless.
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    • Sunday, January 11, 2009 12:57 | Eleanor Tobias
      Hi Jeff! I read your history with great interest. As a matter of fact I read it three times because there was so much to absorb, not the least of which was your 30 years in the Marine Corps! Congratulations and thank you for all those years of service to our wonderful country. An interesting quirk of fate was you and Al reuniting after all this time! I imagine you had a lot to talk about and will continue to as you work together for our veterans.

      I find it hard to believe that none of the proprietors could tell you where the Center was located!! The grand opening was on November 1 and it was splashed in the papers! However, it is an indication that more work needs to be done to get the communities involved, because that's what it is all about.

      You will be a valuable addition to the Center. Your attention to detail can be so important to the veterans in their reintegration process. So, congratulations, and welcome aboard!! Best wishes, always.
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      • Sunday, January 11, 2009 15:44 | Jeffrey Backus
        Ms Tobias, Thank you for your comments. I've been working on ideas to "get the word out" about the Center to more of the good folks in Fallbrook and the surrounding communities.
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    • Sunday, January 11, 2009 15:40 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Thayer, thank you for your motivational words. I spent four years with 3rd Tracks (91-95) and still have many friends there.
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  • Monday, January 12, 2009 08:41 | LeRoy Scheller Jr
    Welcome Jeff to our veteran family in Fallbrook and I enjoyed reading your brief history. Like you I also spent time at Barstow but I really enjoyed my time there. I look forward to reading more of your story . Let me oncemore welcome you to our Swvbrc family.
    LeRoy
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    • Wednesday, January 14, 2009 15:39 | Jeffrey Backus
      Mr Scheller, thank you for the warm welcome. I have enjoyed our conversations at the center and look forward to our next visit.
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  • Tuesday, January 13, 2009 02:27 | Darlena Wills
    Jeff, congrats on signing on as a Learner. I look at your transition from military to civilian life in a different way. I couldn't imagine going from being a lazy ol' civilian to military life all in one day. You on the other hand....at 4:59 PM you're a U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 5 but at 5:02 PM you're a civilian. You DO have your work cut our for you. Think of it this way, you're coming into the civilian life well trained, now you just have to get used to the slower pace. :-) I'll keep reading, you keep writing. ~darlena~
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    • Wednesday, January 14, 2009 15:42 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Wills, Thank you for your comments. There is a bit of culture shock going both ways (civilian to military and back). I'm hoping that my experiences, good and bad, will help some other folks to get through with less issues and/or problems.
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  • Sunday, January 18, 2009 07:39 | Dean Backus
    Wow where to start. You really seem to feel at home with this group they must do A great service to veterans of all branches. Do they have any dealings up here in the seattle area. It sounds interesting Ill be back to visit your blog again and keep in touchtell Hitomi that I said Hi
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    • Monday, January 19, 2009 04:38 | Jeffrey Backus
      Dean, Thank you for your service. A new Veterans Business Resource Center recently opened in Vancouver, WA, it's not exactly in the 'Seattle' area, but it's closer than Fallbrook.
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  • Sunday, January 18, 2009 09:37 | Fielden Coleman
    It was a pleasure to meet you and read you post. I look forward to your future entries. Good luck on the program.
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    • Monday, January 19, 2009 04:40 | Jeffrey Backus
      Fielden, I also wish you good luck on your blog.
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  • Sunday, January 18, 2009 09:42 | Samuel Luna
    Jeff,it was good to meet you sir,hope to talk to you soon.Thanks for joining swvbrc,good luck in your retirement.
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    • Monday, January 19, 2009 04:41 | Jeffrey Backus
      Sam, it was good to meet you too, and I'm waiting anxiously for you to post your blog!! I'm hoping that my "retirement" is shortlived.
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  • Sunday, January 18, 2009 18:11 | Laurel Crabbs
    Hi Jeff,
    It is with great pride that I add a comment to your blog. I have known Jeff for many, many years. It is hard to believe how slow and how fast thirty years has passed by. I remember so very well the evening you come home and I ask you what you had been doing-it went pretty much like this: "Hi Jeff". "Hi Mom". "Whatcha been doing Jeff?" "Joining The Marines, Mom". Aunt Margy was the next one to say something, and she ask when you were leaving. During these 26 or so seconds I was thinking I would have time to get used to the fact that you would be 'going away', and my thinking was, it would be a few weeks, or a month. As it turned out, it was only a few days. I have no doubt it was a good decision, even tho it meant you being gone. Getting out of Orting was also a good thing, sad to say the town offered so little to the young people living there. It is nice to go back once in a while to visit.
    After basic everyone was so excited- Jeff is coming home- and coming home for Christmas. Those two weeks went very fast-and your new life was underway.
    Now, another new life has begun for you and I truly wish you the best. I know you will find something else to do, and pray it is as meaningful to you as the past 30 years. I believe finding this organization is one stepping stone to finding what you are looking for. GOD BLESS YOU, and Thank You for your service to our country.(sorry it also included missing so many holidays along the way.) Love, Mom
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    • Monday, January 19, 2009 04:55 | Jeffrey Backus
      Hi Mom, Thank you for taking the time to comment. Knowing that I had a caring family "back home" always made the day go by a bit quicker especially when things were not going very well.
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      • Thursday, January 22, 2009 08:59 | Lyndon Dellis
        Very pleased to meet you Jeff. You are a huge asset to the organization. Look forward to working with you.
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  • Thursday, January 22, 2009 19:10 | Karen Meadows-McGraw
    Thank you for your writing. Your willingness to share your history was very enjoyable. It is also great that you and Al are old class mates. WIth each storey I read I am encouraged to see what will be next for each individual. Your path ahead is bright. Thank you for your service and your willingness to share.
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    • Monday, January 26, 2009 04:21 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Meadows-McGraw, thank you for your kind words and taking the time to comment on my blog. The mission can not be accomplished without the support of our local community members.
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  • Monday, January 26, 2009 03:21 | KIRK FERGUSON
    Sir, Although I do not have all the information concerning this program just the thought of you and a few motivated people helping veterans warms the heart. I had the pleasure of working for you in the past, during that time I have seen first hand your intrest in others and a willingness to look out for us junior Marines. I hope that this program helps you continue where you left off in the Corps. If you were to keep me informed with programs and transformation into the civilian sector that will assist myself and other i would be greatful. Keep charging forward and don't loose focus. If you need anything from me don't hesitate to call. YAT YAS!!!!!
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    • Monday, January 26, 2009 04:25 | Jeffrey Backus
      Gunny, Thank you for the support, both previously and now. I will always give support if it is possible. Thank you for your service!
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  • Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:55 | Daniel Boothe
    Jeff, I can completley relate to your immediate feelings on the Articles of Agreement. Initially I felt the exact same way, why make such a big deal about something so small. Only after getting involved and making the center a bigger part of my life did I realize how big of a deal the occasion really is. I have come to learn and feel that the signing is not only a symbolic representation of dedication and commitment, but more of a ceremony encouraging and enforcing the support we have for each other.
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    • Thursday, January 29, 2009 15:08 | Jeffrey Backus
      Dan, thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. Thank you for your service to our great country.
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  • Thursday, January 29, 2009 11:55 | Larry Payton
    Jeff, certainly enjoyed your writings regarding your military excperience. I too am a veteran and alway interested in what my fellow military veterans experienced during their course of service. Based on your experiences with this site, I will be following further and exploring opportunities to also participate. Hooaa! Larry
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    • Thursday, January 29, 2009 15:13 | Jeffrey Backus
      Mr Payton, Thank you for your service to our country during time of war. Please feel free to stop in at the Fallbrook Veterans business resource center for a tour of the facility. Your experience with turning your military training into a civilian career would be a great benefit to they group.
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  • Tuesday, February 03, 2009 23:21 | Roger Reed
    Hi Jeff, I was glad to read your comments and touch base with you on my signing day Jan 31, 2009. I thank you for taking part in the SWVBRC and telling the other veterans and community members what we are doing at the center and helping all your fellow veterans current and future to have a brighter prospect. With the vision that we can indeed end veteran homelessness soon. We all want a veteran that has served honorably to enjoy the rewards or their service with as much dignity and hope as possible. We Learners will begin paving the way for scores of more Vets that come after us. Helping ourselves but at the same time helping others by becoming community organizers and supporters. We are the Community and we serve the Community. That's cool.
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    • Wednesday, February 04, 2009 09:14 | Jeffrey Backus
      Roger, thank you for what you are doing for the Veterans Center. I look forward to getting to know you over the next few months.
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  • Friday, February 06, 2009 10:05 | Deleted user
    Jeffrey Wayne Backus joined the Marine Corps in 1978 when he was just out of high school ... Jeff wasn’t from a military family, so it was a huge surprise to me to be told he was leaving ... It made me sad that he was going away, after all he was my brother. Throughout high school we hung out in different circles, but we had recently gotten closer so I was a little hurt that I hadn’t known of his plans … I thought of and missed him each and everyday he was away at boot camp but some months later he did return home, I picked up Jeff the Marine at the airport, I remember thinking that this was not my brother sitting up stiff straight in the back seat. But it was and has been ever since, for the last thirty years to be exact … He is ordinary and yet extraordinary, he is the most humorous person I know and yet the most serious, he is physically powerful and yet weak when he needs to be ... My brother is a Marine who offered some of his most vital years in service of his country, and who forfeited his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. I am and always have been so proud to tell folks that my brother is a Marine, and saying it out loud this many years later still causes me to feel that much better about myself ... I should have said it out loud to you though Jeff … I thank you Jeffrey Wayne Backus, Marine and brother, for all that you have done and I pray that you find yourself the most fulfilled you’ve ever been in your new civilian life. This is not the end – just a new beginning, the best is yet to come Jeff and I look forward to sharing it with you … With all my Love your sister, Candie
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    • Thursday, February 12, 2009 06:57 | Jeffrey Backus
      Candie, thank you again for your words and thank you for picking me up at the airport. For what it's worth, Dave and I should have died in that yellow Pinto the day you let me borrow it. It wasn't our time though, and I was able to pull it out of the spin and off the other side of the road before the oncoming traffic got to us.
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      • Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:28 | Deleted user
        I never did like that car! For all it represented and now for this! Funny, this is how Mom found out so much about us too - later =0... Anyway, I meant every word that I said, especially about sharing your new life with you, we need to promise each other that we will do this much more often than we have the past thirty years because I have missed you so, so much. Good luck! Candie
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  • Saturday, February 28, 2009 06:41 | Deleted user
    "The following day, I arrived a few minutes before, fifteen minutes early to be exact, the signing event."

    Jeff, that's standard Marine time, fifteen minutes early :)

    I think you capture the significance of the Articles of Agreement in this post. While I am not a Marine, I have a Marine brother, and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony was life altering for me as well, as a family member.
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    • Thursday, March 05, 2009 05:34 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Long, I had to learn the hard way to always strive to be a bit early... Semper Fi.
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  • Thursday, April 02, 2009 00:25 | Deleted user
    Hi Jeff,

    I'm so glad that you have found such a good resource where not only are you helping others transition and educate, but you, yourself are also getting the guidance and comradery needed at this time of your life. Thank you for inviting me to share in your newest journey! (I'll try to keep up!)

    Love, Audrey ;0)
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    • Wednesday, April 08, 2009 15:33 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Bray, thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I know you are busy as are most folks.
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  • Friday, April 17, 2009 11:37 | Taffy Dalby
    Jeff, I appreciate your deep insight to the Articles of Agreement and it's mark on your journey through life and with SWVBRC! I thank you for your service to our country as a Marine; I am a daughter of a Marine Captain whose life was cut short but he already had near retirement at 33 years of age.
    It is of the utmost importance to us the community, that others like you may find this hope and link up to become all that you were gifted to be. Arm and arm we will bring each one in so that no one needs be homeless or without hope.
    Gratefully,
    TDalby
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    • Saturday, April 18, 2009 04:50 | Jeffrey Backus
      Ms Dalby, Thank you for supporting our Servicemembers and mostly, I thank you for your Fathers service. I have talked to many Marines about Operation Interdependence, they are also grateful for those gifts.
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  • Friday, June 12, 2009 17:20 | Jonathan Newhouse
    Hi Jeff;

    I have just begun reading some blogs, (a new concept for me), and noticed your very interactive with responses. I believe that makes a profound charecter statement about you, and though we have met but once, you seem most genuine and dedicated to the humankind. I salute to your honor.
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    • Thursday, June 18, 2009 01:03 | Jeffrey Backus
      Mr Newhouse, Thank you for your service to our Country and for the positive comments. I look forward to reading your story too.
      Link  •  Reply

DOD Welcome home-small.jpg A welcoming home for our Troops.

Welcoming home our men and women doesn't end after the crowd disperses, it MUST continue on for the life of the Veteran! They've served us, now we will serve them with programs that work so they reintegrate into society.

We are a national public benefit nonprofit organization that educates American Communities about best practices to serve Veterans.  We honor their service by empowering Veterans to apply their training and skills to successfully transition to productive careers and enterprises.

We provide free vocational training 24/7 to all of our members through our website, in addition to local events.  We believe the tenet that American Communities are the ultimate beneficiaries when Veterans claim their benefits and invest in productive endeavors.

The SWVBRC enlists the support of members of local Communities like you to increase Veteran awareness of the value of obtaining a VA card and receiving earned benefits.

Sponsorships, donations, volunteers and support from communities like yours enable us to reach out to Veterans and empower them to transition back into successful, productive enterprises that ultimately benefit all Americans and support future generations.

The Internal Revenue Service has determined that Southwest Veterans' Business Resource Center, Inc. is an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A donation to SWVBRC, Inc. is deductible to the extent permitted under law.

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