Blog

Frozen Strawberry Clusters - VOM Magazine - Delaware
09 Sep
0

Recipe – Frozen Strawberry Clusters

Recipe by WellnessbyKay.com

MAKES: 4 Servings
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 Pack of Strawberries
  • 1 Pack Plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 TBSP Honey
  • 1 TBSP Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Pack of Chocolate Chips
  • 1 TBSP Coconut Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Chop strawberries into small pieces.

  2. Mix the strawberries, plain greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.

  3. Add scoops of the mixture to a parchment paper lined baking sheet to form clusters. Place them in the freezer until they are completely frozen solid.

  4. Once the clusters are frozen, melt the chocolate. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a bowl and microwave for 15-30 seconds intervals stirring each time until melted.

  5. Remove frozen clusters from the freezer and dip each into the melted chocolate to cover thoroughly. Use spoon to place back on sheet.

  6. Place the clusters back into the freezer for a few minutes to let the chocolate coating harden and the yogurt re-solidifies.

Then Enjoy!

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
Days to Display the US Flag- VOM Magazine - Delaware
02 Sep
0

Days to Display the Flag (September-November 2023)

Holidays to Display Flag Sept – Nov 2023 Fall Issue

· Labor Day – Sept 4
· Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance – Sept 11, half staff until sunset
· POW/MIA Recognition Day – Sept 15
· Columbus Day (observed) – Oct 9
· Navy Day – Oct 27
· Signing of WWI Armistice – Nov 11, 1918
· Veterans Day – Nov 11
· Thanksgiving Day – Nov 23 And other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States

Non Flag Display Days (for information only)

V-J Day – Sept 2, 1943
· U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps Inc – Sept 10, 1962
· Grandparents Day – Sept 10
· “Star Spangled Banner” written by Francis Scott Key – Sept 14, 1814
· Ladies Auxiliary VFW organized -Sept 14, 1914
· U.S. Constitution approved – Sept 17, 1787
· Constitution and Citizenship Day – Sept 17
· U.S. Air Force Established – Sept 18, 1947
· Autumn Begins – September 23
· Gold Star Mothers Day – Sept 24
· Yom Kippur Begins – Sept 24
· VFW Day, VFW Established – Sept 29, 1899
· Afghanistan War Began – Oct 7, 2001
· U.S. Navy Established – Oct 13, 1775
· National Boss Day – Oct 16
· Grenada Campaign Began – Oct 23, 1983
· United Nations Day – Oct 24
· Halloween – Oct 31
· Daylight Savings Begins – Nov 6 (set clocks back)
· Election Day – Nov 7
· U.S. Marines Corps Established – Nov 10, 1775
· Grenada Campaign Ended – Nov 21, 1983

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
How to Dispose of the US Flag- VOM Magazine - Delaware
26 Aug
0

VFWs can Dispose of American Flags in our Local Area

Find a Location right near you! Search here: www.usflagstore.com

The process and tradition of properly retiring an American flag requires finding a disposal location in your area. At one of these locations (VFW, American Legion, others), your American flag can be properly retired with the respect and gravity that it is entitled. The retirement of an American flag is a time-honored tradition and one that carries a great significance. Taking your flag to one of these flag disposal locations will ensure that the traditions and ceremony are utilized in the flag’s retirement.

As a revered symbol of the United States of America, the flag demands the highest level of respect; and as such should be disposed of in a respectable manner. Provided below are steps to properly retire your own American flag if you are unable to locate a facility. These steps are in accordance with the United States Flag Code (4 USC Sec 8 Para (k), Amended July 7, 1976).

Cecil County, MD:

  1. VFW Post 6027 Cecil County Memorial
    815 Turkey Point Rd North East, MD 21901
    410-287-7817
  2. VFW Post 8175 Elkton Memorial
    208 W. High St. Elkton, MD, 21921
    410-392-3914
  3. VFW Post 7687 Chesapeake City Memorial
    304 Basil Ave Ches. City, MD, 21915
    410-885-5217

New Castle County, DE:

  1. VFW Post 615 Jacob Ferdinand Speer
    1226 Old Cooches Bridge Rd Newark, DE, 19713
    302-368-2672
  2. VFW Post 838 Colonial
    15 W Market St – PO Box 5 Port Penn, DE, 19731
    302-832-8151
  3. VFW Post 3792 Sgt William Lloyd Nelson
    5695 Summit Bridge Rd Townsend, DE, 19734
    302-378-9619

Find a Location right near you! Search here: www.usflagstore.com/flag_disposal_s/2241.htm

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
Elkton Community Kitchen - VOM Magazine - Delaware
19 Aug
0

Business of the Quarter – Elkton Community Kitchen

For 20+ years (since 2001), Elkton Community Kitchen has been serving a hot lunch to their hungry neighbors every Friday. All are welcome!

Their mission is to feed the community of the Elkton, MD area who are in need of a hot, nutritious meal in a safe, kind, and reliable environment with wholesome interaction.

Introduced in 2022 they also began supporting several foster families with a weekly hot meal. Volunteer Providers prepare the meal to serve eight, and it is delivered to the family immediately following the Friday lunch.
Lunch is provided each week free of charge and served in the dining hall of the Elkton Presbyterian Church (EPC) on Main Street.

As a 501c3 non-profit, donations provided to EKC, no matter the size, have the power to make a tangible impact on the lives of countless families struggling to make ends meet. By contributing to their cause, you become an integral part of their community, extending a helping hand to those who need it the most.

Facebook: @ElktonCommunityKitchen
Website: www.ElktonCommunityKitchen.org

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
Male Veteran of the Quarter - David Shiel SSgt, U.S. Air Force - VOM Magazine - Delaware
12 Aug
0

Veteran of the Quarter – David Shiel SSgt

This article is written by and features David Shiel SSgt, U. S. Air Force

My military experience began when I was in Elkton High School and enlisted in the US Air Force in 1979. I graduated from Basic Training, (Lackland Air Force Base, Texas) as an Airman Basic in September of that year.

After basic training, I went to Keesler Air Force Base, in Biloxi, Mississippi for several months of training to be a Wideband Communications Equipment Specialist. My first duty assignment was to Duke Field, at Eglin Air Force Base In Florida. I worked on wideband communication radios, called a Track 97A.

My second duty assignment was a two-year tour to Linsey Air Base, Wiesbaden, Germany. I worked on the upgrade of the European Interior Intrusion Alarm System (Project SAFENEST) and the Tactical Air Control System Mobile Depot Maintenance Program. I was assigned to Linsey Air Base, but I often went on temporary duty assignments and traveled to other bases to install intrusion alarm systems and service, repair, and sometimes overhaul wideband communications equipment.

My third and final duty assignment was to the 5th Combat Communications Group, Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The 5th Combat Communications Group is a specialized highly trained unit of the USAF that sets up advanced communications capabilities anywhere in the world to keep warfighters around the world connected to execute the mission. I enjoyed the four years I served in the USAF and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 15th, 1983.

I would like to thank all active military and veterans for your service to our country. Everyone who enlists in the military is willing to put their life on the line and possibly pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your service and God Bless.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
Estate Planning - VOM Magazine - Delaware
05 Aug
0

Financial Focus: Can you Build an Estate Plan like a House?

This article was written by Edward Jones for us by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Tyler Simonds. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. You can reach Tyler at 410-398-4214

If you’ve ever been involved in building a house — or even if you’ve just heard about it — you know that there’s a well-defined process to be followed. But here’s something to think about: Some of the same steps connected to constructing a home are the same as those needed to build an estate plan.

What are those steps?Here are some to consider:

  • Get the right “builder.”
    Unless you are experienced at DIY, you’ll probably have to hire someone to build a house for you. Of course, you’ll make your wishes known about what you want your house to look like, but you’ll be relying on the builder’s expertise. And the same is true with estate planning — you’ll want to share your goals and vision with a legal professional who’s experienced in creating estate plans.
  • Build a strong foundation.
    “Every house needs a strong foundation” isn’t just a metaphor — it’s true for every house that’s built. And when you create an estate plan, you also need a foundation that includes whatever basic elements are appropriate for your situation — a will, a living trust, power of attorney, etc.
  • Make the necessary additions.
    Even if you’re pleased with your new house, you may eventually decide to make some changes, such as adding on a new bedroom or bathroom. And the structure of your estate plan may need to undergo some modifications, too. For example, if you drew up a will two decades ago, but haven’t looked at it since, it may be out of date — especially if you’ve experienced changes in your life, such as new children or a divorce and remarriage. That’s why it’s a good idea to review your estate plans at least every few years.
  • Protect your investment.
    Of course, when you build a new house, you’ll have to insure it properly. And while there’s no actual “insurance policy” for an estate plan, you do have ways to protect it. For one thing, you need to make sure beneficiary designations on retirement plans, investment accounts, insurance policies and other assets are correct. These designations are powerful and can even supersede the instructions in your estate-planning documents. So, as mentioned, if you’ve had significant life changes involving your family, you need to ensure your beneficiary designations are updated if you want to protect how insurance proceeds, investments and other assets are distributed.
  • Watch for mistakes.
    It’s unfortunate, but mistakes do happen in home construction. Water stains can indicate that water is seeping through cracks in the foundation. Or cracks in retaining walls and garage floors could be a sign that the concrete structures were installed improperly. Estate plans can also contain errors or bad choices. Some are inadvertent, such as failing to put intended assets into a trust, but others are done with the best of intentions, such as naming adult children as joint owners of your assets. Even if your children are quite responsible, this move could give their creditors access to your money. If you want your children to be able to step in as needed, you could find other methods, such as giving them power of attorney.

Following these “construction” techniques can help you create an estate plan that can last a lifetime.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
The Powerful Therapeutic Combo of Cold and Breath - VOM Magazine - Delaware
29 Jul
0

Discover the Powerful Therapeutic Combo of Cold and Breath

By: Rebecca Hummer of Pura Vida Yoga & Physical Training in Maryland

Have you ever taken a cold shower, submerged in an ice bath or even splashed your face with freezing cold water? If so, you instantly noticed a change in your breathing. That instant reset. Yes. Let’s discuss.

This is a great way to reduce stress levels for yourself. But how? Regularly taking cold showers imposes a small amount of stress on your body. By doing this, it leads to a process called hardening in which your nervous system gradually gets used to handling moderate levels of stress. This hardening process in turn aids you to remain calm, the next time you find yourself in a higher stress occurrence. Exposure therapy at its finest.

Cold therapy also helps with higher levels of alertness. The cold showers awakens your body, inducing a higher state of alertness. This is known to stimulate you into taking deeper diaphragm breaths also known as a three part breath. This decreasing the level of CO2 throughout the body, aiding your focus and concentration. Cold showers can keep you ready with a head on a swivel focus throughout the day and week.

Another benefit is your immune response. Studies have suggested that taking a cold shower increases the number of white blood cells throughout your entire body. These blood cells then work to protect your body against disturbing disease. It is believed that this process is connected to and responsible for an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response. Strength in numbers I would say!

Next is the increase in willpower. Many would agree that it takes a strong-willed mind to endure frigid cold temps for an extended duration. Incorporating cold showers/baths into your daily routine, one will begin the process of strengthening their willpower, which then also benefits other aspects of the day. For beginners, one may start with a 30 sec cold shower/bath and increase by will there after.

Lastly, weight loss has been shown from the exposure to cold showers/baths increasing metabolic rate directly. It is known to stimulate the generation of brown fat. Brown fat specifically is a type of fat tissue that in turn generates energy by burning calories. Cold showers are an effective tool for people who are looking to lose a few pounds.
In summary, we hope you cool off, take a load off, or even splash your face to breathe and refresh mind and body. In this process, receptors creating both Dopamine and Noradrenaline will help mental health as well. It all helps to get back to senses. What a great time to start heading into summer while we are blessed with polar opposite warmer temps! Stay Cool!!!

Explore more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
History of Furry Warriors - VOM Magazine - Delaware
22 Jul
0

History of Furry Warriors

Above photo credit: 11/3/1945 WAR DOGS RETURN… First members of infantry scout dog platoons to arrive from overseas get back their land legs by limbering up with their masters, as this one does here. He returned with over 90 dogs that served wth the 5th Army in Italy. (Getty Images)

Article by Lishamarie Hunter

Man’s best friend.

Call ‘em what you want — war dogs or military working dogs — they have been around for centuries worldwide. The states had an unofficial canine war force in World War I, but military dogs did not become officially recognized until March 13, 1942, when a private organization, Dogs for Defense was established to recruit the public’s dogs for the U.S. military’s War Dog Program, known as the K-9 Corps.

WWII in the Pacific theater, Doberman Pinschers served as sentries, scouts, and messengers.

It quickly became apparent there would not be enough of those breed of dogs to meet the demand. They opened up the field to include 30 breeds, led by Airedale Terriers, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Saint Bernards. American donors were given a certificate by the government as a means of thanks for their “patriotic duty.” Dogs were immediately sent into training, where some excelled and others didn’t. Wash-outs were returned to their owners; those who passed were eventually sent into battle from foxholes to beach fronts, where they were utilized for messenger, mine-detection, sentry and scout duties.

Eventually, the military began training its own dogs, but by the war’s end, Dogs for Defense procured approximately 18,000 of the 20,000 dogs. One famous furry warrior was Chips. Chip was a German Shepard/Husky mix was credited with saving many United States soldiers lives. Chip earned a Purple Heart and Silver Star. This German Shepherd mix, one of the most famous combat canines of World War II, once conducted a daring raid on a sniper nest in Sicily, breaking away from his handler and capturing four enemy soldiers.

Five years after WWII, the Korean Conflict triggered the need for military working dogs again. They were chiefly deployed on combat night patrols and were detested by the North Koreans and Chinese because of their ability to ambush snipers, penetrate enemy lines and scent out enemy positions. It reached a point where reports noted the foes were using loudspeakers saying, “Yankee, take your dog and go home!” The dogs were chiefly used to patrol air base perimeters and guarding bomb dumps.

Fast forward to Vietnam – a totally new environment and job description for these “fur missiles,” as some military dog handlers described them. In a terrific chronology, Their duties were widespread – scout, sentry, patrol, mine and booby-trap detection, water and combat. The Viet Cong hated the dogs so intensely they put $20,000 bounty for their capture. These dogs walked sentry and alerted the service members to many Viet Cong ambushes. An estimated 4,000 dogs and 9,000 military-dog handlers served in Vietnam.

During the evacuation of Vietnam, the military working dogs that served our forces and saved many service members lives were left behind. They were classified as “surplus equipment.” Many handlers were willing to pay their dog’s flight home, the military would not allow them to do so. During this time some were transferred to the South Vietnamese military and police units who were not trained to handle them and others were euthanized. It is estimated that of 4,000 that served, fewer than 200 made it back to the U.S. Because of this in 2000 Congress passed the “Robby Law” allowing other law enforcement agencies to adopt the dogs.

In stark contrast to Vietnam, the hot, dusty environments of Iraq and Afghanistan serve up a new set of challenges for military working dogs trained for explosive and drug detection, sentry, therapy and service. Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, was a member of Seal Team Six that killed Osama bin Laden. A new breed of elite canine soldier, a Special Forces dog’s training covers such skills as bomb-sniffing and parachuting from helicopters.

Dogs’ sense of smell is roughly 50 times better than ours, meaning they can sniff out IEDs before they detonate and injure or kill U.S. servicemen in the prolonged Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Ground patrols are able to uncover only 50 percent of these, but with dogs, the detection rate increases to 80 percent, claims the Defense Department. According to retired Air Force K9 handler, Louis Robinson, a fully trained bomb detection canine is likely worth over $150,000, and considering the lives it may save, you could characterize it as priceless.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
Chicken Pot Pie Recipe - VOM Magazine - Delaware
15 Jul
0

Recipe – Chicken Pot Pie

Recipe from the desk of Joan Hogate

MAKES: 8-10 Servings
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/3 cup of butter
  • 1/3 cup of chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup of flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 3/4 cup of chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 2 1/2 cup of shredded chicken
  • 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425. Prepare pie crusts by pacing the bottom into a baking dish.
  2. Melt butter on low heat, add onion. Cook until tender. Slowly stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly, and keep the heat on low.
  3. Gradually add broth and milk, alternating between them. Cook until bubbly.
  4. Add chicken and veggies. Allow to cook for a few minutes so it gets hot. Add to pie dish. Cover with the other crust, flute edges, and cut slits into the top of the crust.
  5. Bake 30-40 minutes, during the last 10 minutes, cover the edges of the pie to prevent burning (I cut a hole in a piece of tin foil). Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More
Hope for Feeling Fearful - VOM Magazine - Delaware
08 Jul
0

Hope for Feeling Fearful

Dee Jones - Light 2 World, Inc.

Dee Jones – Light 2 World, Inc.

Article by by Dee Jones, President of Light 2 World, Inc

Early in our son’s life, he would literally cry and scream in his sleep. Most nights about an hour or less after putting him to bed, we would experience this loud melodic outcry or screams. Off to the doctor we would go, knowing there was something terribly wrong. Even though our son suffered with reflux disease and other issues, we were facing another phenomena called “Night Terrors or Sleep Terrors. This sleep disorder usually occurs around 18 months of age or older in most cases.

A small percentage of infants under 12 months will experience Night Terrors. We were blessed with such a child who endured Night Terrors between 3-6 months old. It was horrible for him and us. We discovered that infants and children who suffer from Night Terrors are still sleeping! He would toss and turn after when he began to sleep. Some children even sleepwalk. As he grew older another diagnosis was given. Childhood insomnia. We quickly learned about the “family bed” as our little one spent many nights with us.

Distinguishing between Night Terrors and Nightmares was helpful information for us. Night Terrors occurs early in the sleep cycle and the infant or child is still asleep, which means sleepwalking may occur. Causes range from heredity, trauma or exposure to trauma or fearful events, and lack of sleep. Nightmares occur later in the sleep cycle and the child or adult may remember what occurred and may not go back to sleep easily. There is hope.

In my 2017 study about feeling fearful, participants was asked to describe what feeling fearful was like. I noted that fear was expressed emotionally, physically, spiritually, and psychologically. Unfortunately, infants and young children may find it hard to describe the fear they feel. Infants and children express fear differently as they develop, thus fear should be addressed appropriately by age or by cognitive development. When an infant or child is sleep deprived, it can affect their emotions, learning ability, energy level, and immune system.

So, what can be done? First, know what you are dealing with. It is best to consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure. An early diagnosis helped us set up a routine to alleviate some of the symptoms he was experiencing. Creating a calm routine at bedtime, and melatonin was prescribed in low doses by our provider. Elevating the crib helped with the reflux at naptime and at night; don’t forgot to apply lots of prayer.

Night Terror prevention is facilitated by using a calm voice and soothing music. Cuddle the infant or rock him/her gently. Do not wake up the child, guide him/her back to sleep or back to bed. Set a regular bedtime and a peaceful environment. If Night Terrors last longer than 30 minutes per episode, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Nightmares are scary dreams that usually occur in the older child and adults. Nightmares keep them from going back to sleep easily. The child is usually awake after the nightmare and may remember the dream. If this occurs, discuss the dream with the child, using language at their developmental level. Protect your child from frightening movies, television shows, or scary stories at bedtime.

Provide a security blanket or toy at night and a nightlight nearby with soothing music can help as well. If your child sleeps with you for a little while, its ok. Return him/her back to their room, rub their back as you pray to assist them back to sleep. There is hope for the fearful. My little one is 6 now and still has a few tummy issues, suffers insomnia, but has very few Nightmares and no more Night Terrors.

For more information regarding Night Terrors and Nightmares, visit the website for Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Light 2 World Inc.

Dee Jones, President
1013 Beards Hill Road Suite M #237
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-459-5060
www.DeeJones.org
www.DeeJones1.wordpress.com
www.Facebook.com/DeeJonesMinistry

Resources:

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Read More