December 2017 - Military Veterans Resource Center

December 27, 2017

Published by Krystle Proper at December 27, 2017

Healthy Habits – Just How Healthy is Your Salad?

By: Kelly Koons With the New Year approaching, many of us are re-evaluating our lifestyles and setting goals for a healthier year. One way you might go about this, is by your food choices. Many people opt for a salad when they are seeking a healthier option at a restaurant or drive-thru, but is that salad really that much healthier than the combo #5? Here are some tips for insuring you get the most nutrition out of your salad. Although a salad smothered in Caesar, Ranch, or Blue Cheese dressing may be delicious, they serve little to no purpose in the nutrition department- in fact they are filled with fat, calories, and are high in sodium. A great substitute for salad dressing is olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, or an avocado. If all else fails, ask for it on the side, and only eat a little. One salad topping that tops the list for most is, meat. When ordering a salad it’s important to assure the meat is lean and not deep fried or breaded. Fried chicken and bacon are poor choices, even though it may taste good, they can be filled with bad carbohydrates, fat, grease, multiple calories, and high in sodium. Instead substitute with a grilled meat or turkey bacon that is smoked. Caesar and western salads are infamous for croutons and tortilla strips which carry no nutritional value and pack extra calories, sodium, and carbohydrates. Try substituting chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts instead (be sure the nuts […]

December 21, 2017

Published by Krystle Proper at December 21, 2017

Making a difference one pair of shoes at a time

There is nothing like the feeling you get when you put on a nice, comfortable pair of shoes. But what if you did not have the resources to keep good shoes on your feet, especially during the cold winter months? A good and sturdy pair of shoes are a means to living a better life. Especially for veterans living without a means of transportation except their own two feet. Thanks to a new partnership with The Shoe Project, Military Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) will be able to provide sturdy shoes to hundreds of veterans and their families now and into the future. From what started as a failed business attempt, then later a hobby of sorts, blossomed into something special for the Hamilton teen who started the venture five years ago. John Ferguson, 17, a recent graduate of Lakota East High School in Hamilton, started collecting shoes and shipping or hand-delivering them to people around the world when he was 12-years old. The Shoe Project, which started in his family’s garage is now an international nonprofit with an army of over 500 volunteers in 50 countries that has helped more than 15,000 people around the world to date. John Ferguson handed off local operations to Lakota East High School’s AP Government class, taught by Tisha Grote. Outreach is being handled by his father, Andrew, as John is headed off to study at Harvard next fall after completing a year with the U.S. State Department in China. John Ferguson is backed […]

December 14, 2017

Published by Krystle Proper at December 14, 2017

Thriving through the holidays

Ryan Sargent Warm homes, big dinners, reconnecting with friends and family. The holiday season has the potential to bring joy and heart-warming memories. While we were growing up, we were exposed to traditions and ways of celebration and connection. If those experiences were warm, loving, and supportive, then the holidays can be a wonderful time to deepen our gratitude for the selfless gifts of love we’ve received, to continue traditions, and create some of our own. If those experiences weren’t all that great, this time of year can stand to be a stark reminder of what was missing in our past, and perhaps what’s still missing today. If we’ve experienced loss, our grief can be compounded during this time. If our family relationships are strained, our stress levels can skyrocket with the thought of seeing certain people. Whether our holiday season is a scene from a Hallmark movie or a Stephen King novel (or somewhere in between), being intentional and prior planning can ensure that we not only survive the holidays but continue to thrive. Below are a few tips to practice healthy behaviors and decision making through the holiday season: Not Everyone Will Be Happy: We can’t make everyone happy. Even our best efforts can leave someone upset. Define some personal boundaries and honor them. Pace yourself. Make a road map of events and activities you’ll be participating in – only do what you want to do, and be honest with others about your plan. What do you […]

December 7, 2017

Published by Krystle Proper at December 7, 2017

Military Veterans Resource Center to host holiday appreciation event on Dec. 12

HAMILTON, Ohio (Dec. 6, 2017) – Military Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) will host an Holiday Appreciation event on Tuesday, Dec. 12 for MVRC veteran clients and community partners. The event is being held in appreciation of local veterans helped by the center and as a thank you to the Hamilton community partners for supporting MVRC this year. Veterans Services Specialist Dan Dunaway will have snacks, special treats, tours, festive entertainment and more. The event will be at the Hamilton resource center, located at 633 High St., Ste. 101 from noon until 4 p.m. Representatives of the East Lakota High School AP Government class who have donated more than 400 pairs of new shoes since October will be on hand as well. Their project was started by John Ferguson a few years ago. The shoes are worth from $50 to over $150. More details can be found at www.TheShoeProject.org. For more information about Military Veterans Resource Center or the open house, contact Dan Dunaway at 513-252-2395. Military Veterans Resource Center is a non-profit organization that helps veterans develop self-reliance and independence by providing access to the resources they need to successfully manage their lives. The organization is based in Columbus and operates four centers throughout Ohio. ###

December 7, 2017

Published by Krystle Proper at December 7, 2017

Military Veterans Resource Center’s fifth annual career fair will feature Dayton’s top military friendly employers

DAYTON, Ohio (Dec. 8, 2017) – Military Veterans Resource Center invites all job seeking veterans to attend the fifth annual “New Year, New Career,” military career fair, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018. The career fair is free of charge for attendees and will feature more than 40 of Miami Valley’s top employers. The event will take place at the Hope Hotel & Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center, located at 10823 Chidlaw Road adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Companies across industries will be looking for qualified veterans to fill immediate openings,” said Len Proper, executive director of Military Veterans Resource Center. “Last year, more than 100 military job seekers attended. “Many received interview invitations on the spot and were quickly hired.” Participants should bring their resume and be prepared to speak with potential employers about their skill sets and experiences. Professionals will also be on hand to review resumes and help attendees with their interview skills. Veterans interested in attending the career fair can pre-register by contacting Kelley Koons at 937-329-9559. Military Veterans Resource Center is a non-profit organization that helps veterans develop self-reliance and independence by providing access to the resources they need to successfully manage their lives. The organization is based in Columbus and operates four centers throughout Ohio. ###

December 6, 2017

Published by Krystle Proper at December 6, 2017

Healthy Habits

By: Kelley Koons A few weeks ago a friend of mine said something that really resonated with me, which leads me into the first edition of Healthy Habits. We were talking about our health, wellness, and fitness when my friend said, “I’m starting my health and fitness journey now, so I can be ahead of the game and go into 2018 feeling great!” I realized at that moment how many people use the holidays as a scapegoat to put off health and wellness. November and December are filled with giving, so many of us become consumed with that tradition, that we forget about self care- mentally, physically, and nutritionally. When January rolls around, the gyms are so crowded, people get frustrated or discouraged waiting on a piece of equipment to become available. They almost set themselves up for failure, and the January rush can make a health journey all the more intimidating for a beginner or someone who wants to get back into it. Often times you’ll see the gym crowd or the supplement isle at the grocery store die down late January or early February. Much of this is due to crash dieting, over-training, or in general, over doing it. This can lead to quick burn out, fatigue, low energy, high blood pressure, and injury. By starting off slow, retraining yourself on fundamentals and gradually moving in the right direction with nutrition and workouts you’ll be much more likely to be successful. If you have a goal of improving […]