CSM Jeff Mellinger, a true American hero is retiring after nearly 40 years of service

I am proud to call CSM Jeff Mellinger a friend, and wish I had served with him at the same unit on active duty.  He remains the last draftee from the Vietnam era to continuously serve, nearly forty years.  My first interaction with him was a phone call, and Jeff asked me to help him.  He had just visited a young horribly wounded soldier at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and that soldier was going to die.  The kid had one regret in his life, that he never earned his Ranger Tab.  Jeff asked me if the US Army Ranger Association would award him an honorary tab.  Leaders like Jeff are precious few and far between.  From placing himself in harm's way constantly - his convoys in Iraq were hit 27 times, and twice his personal vehicle was hit - to his love and concern for the grunt soldier, CSM Mellinger has lived up to the Ranger motto:  Rangers Lead the Way.

Rangers Mike Schlitz, Jeff Mellinger, Karl Monger

Here are some great articles.  CSM Mellinger - from a grateful nation, our thanks.


CNN
ABC News video
Huffington
Wikipedia
Michael Yon


This July 4th, Listen to a Veteran (article).  This hits right at the heart of the concept of GallantFew.  A quote from the editorial:  "Abundant research shows that social support — not high-powered clinical approaches, but ordinary, compassionate connecting — has enormous healing power. In other cultures, but less so in our own, communities help the traumatized heal by reconnecting them with friends and others."


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting the National Veteran Small Business Conference on August 15-18th, 2011, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, assisted by Halfaker and Associates LLC. As the largest nationwide conference of its kind, the National Veteran Small Business Conference provides Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs and SDVOSBs) an opportunity to learn, network and market their businesses.  It is the only event of the year where you can learn, exchange ideas, and network with business peers, federal government agencies, prime contractors, and industry experts all in one location.  To learn more about this conference, please go to its homepage at: http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/


And now for something completely different, this week Boone Cutler will fill in for me on The New American Veteran.  He will interview... me.  Boone requested the chance to talk with me about the work GallantFew is doing - and I'm looking forward to the interview!


RLTW  Karl

Bonnie-Jill Laflin on TNAV, Happy Independence Day

The New American Veteran blog talk radio show this week featured Bonnie-Jill Laflin.  Besides being a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Former Miss Dallas-Fort Worth USA and the only female scout in the NBA (LA Lakers), she is a phenomenal human being.  During this interview we talked about some of the projects she is involved in and focused a lot on her charitable work.  Because of her family history (two of her grandfathers served in WWII, one was a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient - and she said it right) she has a very special place in her heart for the men and women who serve and served.  She has been on an amazing 17 Goodwill and USO tours and heads to Afghanistan in August for number 18.

We'll bring her back on the show after August to hear how the trip went - make sure you go listen to this interview, and enjoy the photos below.  Also stop by and visit Baghdad Pups, Hounds and Heroes, Sirius Radio (Inside the Playboy Locker Room), Bonnie-Jill's website, and her Twitter page.

Despite the loss of a leg... read this story and remember it whenever you feel sorry for yourself.

Ranger Rendezvous is coming fast - see you July 25th on the drop zone!

We continue our fund-raising drive to reach $111,111 by 11/11/11.  Please help us help more Special Operations Veterans by donating online at our website or mail a check to GallantFew, Inc 6505 E. Central #205, Wichita KS 67206.  Any donation you make is tax deductible.  The first 100 donors to give $1000 or more will be forever listed as a GallantFew Founding Donor and will receive a polo shirt and wall plaque.  Our most recent Founding Donor is Ranger veteran Charles DeRosa!

As you celebrate Independence Day, remember freedom isn't free.  It's paid for dearly by those such as Ranger Jeremy Katzenberger, killed in Afghanistan June 14, 2011.  I attended his funeral at Fort Leavenworth this past Tuesday.  Ranger Katzenberger Rest in Peace.  You will never be forgotten.

Rangers Lead the Way.

Karl

Tim Abell Returns to The New American Veteran, plus Videos From the Hollywood Sporting Clays Event

Last week I interviewed Ranger veteran and Hollywood actor Tim Abell.  This is the second time I've interviewed Tim on The New American Veteran and it is a show worth listening to.  Tim is the host of Grateful Nation, a show that features wounded veterans by talking about their service, their injury and the path to healing - and due to the generosity of sponsors such as Beretta, Federal and ATK these veterans get to experience a great outdoors adventure.  Grateful Nation has moved to the Outdoors Channel and the season premiere is 4:30 pm Pacific, July 3rd.  For more information about the Grateful Nation, go here.  To listen to the interview, go here.

On June 11th, GallantFew participated in the Hollywood Celebrity Sporting Clays Invitational.  Hosted by Patrick Kilpatrick, the event raised money for GallantFew and several other nonprofits.  Here are some video clips from the day.

Tim Abell, Mike Schlitz, John J. Vogel

Joe Mantegna

Powers Boothe

and of course, Zilda, Lauren and Donna.

Despite the loss of a leg, Army Ranger is back in combat.  This is an amazing story of an Army Ranger who continues to lead the way.  If you ever feel like you have it tough, read and remember this article.

If you missed Bill Whittle interviewing Mike Schlitz and Karl Monger, take 15 minutes and watch the interview.  It tells you everything you need to know about GallantFew.

On 14 June 2011, the Army's birthday, we lost a Ranger in combat.  1/75 SSG Jeremy Katzenberger, RIP.

Crossing of America began in San Diego on Memorial Day and will conclude in New York City on 9/11.  This event raises awareness nationwide for veterans with a beautiful patriotically themed Jeep being driven across the US by some of our veteran heroes.  Along the way celebrities and veterans are hopping in and driving a mile.  Check the website for when it comes through your town and come out, show your support!

Next up on GallantFew's The New American Veteran in Bonnie-Jill Laflin.  Visit the show page to set a reminder and listen live!

We are marching along to our goal of raising $111,111 by 11/11/11.  Help us help more Special Operations veterans by donating!  Our first 100 donors giving $1000 or more will be listed as Founding Donors on www.gallantfew.org, and receive a polo shirt and plaque.  We're almost 25% there - and we need your help. For more information please email me, ranger@gallantfew.org.

Thank you for your support.  God bless the United States, our military, our veterans and especially our Rangers.

RLTW  Karl

PJTV, Veteran Advocate Steve Robinson, Warrior Spirit Band...

Bill Whittle interviews Mike Schlitz and Karl Monger on PJTV's National Security Review (you may have to create a free login to view the video).  Already the response has been amazing - with donations coming in from across the country.  I can't tell you how emotional and humble it makes me feel that our message is connecting.  Your support will help us help more Special Operations veterans reconnect in their home communities.  No SOF veteran goes unemployed, homeless or feels so hopeless that they take their own life under our watch.  For more information or to volunteer, visit our website.

This week on GallantFew's The New American Veteran I interviewed Ranger veteran and veteran advocate Steve Robinson.  Steve epitomizes the Ranger motto:  Sua Sponte, Latin for "of their own accord".  He is living proof that one person can make a difference.  Steve wrote material for PBS's series This Emotional Life and put together this great booklet for the Defense Centers of Excellence, "A Handbook for Family & Friends of Service Members".  Get a free copy here.  This interview is worth listening to, and contains a bonus broadcast of the song "Not Easy Being a Soldier" by the Warrior Spirit Band.  Go here to listen to the  Steve Robinson Interview.

The first all wounded warrior band, Warrior Spirit Band has great music!  They are looking for a new lead singer - if you are interested and live in the Houston Texas area, contact Paul Delacerda.

I recently learned of an organization that helps veterans and family members identify and deal with PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).  Check out their website:  Family of A Vet.

If you are on facebook, check out H.O.O.A.H.  This new nonprofit assembles care packages and ships them to deployed Rangers.  Their facebook page is here.

GallantFew is proud to work with USSOCOM's Care Coalition.  When a wounded or injured Special Operations member is unable to stay on active duty, the Care Coalition refers them to our network to be connected to a hometown SOF veteran mentor.  That mentor helps with resume review, job interview rehearsal and introduces the new veteran to his professional network in order to open doors for employment opportunities that otherwise remain hidden.  Making the transition from "supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States of America" to civilian employment is not easy - and maintaining a meaningful place in the community is essential to a former warrior's emotional fulfillment.

Tune in and listen to next week's New American Veteran on June 23rd, featuring Ranger veteran and Hollywood actor Tim Abell.  Tim is the host of Grateful Nation, the season premiers July 3rd on the Outdoor Channel.

Tim Abell, Grateful Nation host

And on June 30th, I will interview Bonnie-Jill Laflin.  Bonnie-Jill is the first and only female NBA scout (LA Lakers), and is a tremendous troop supporter.  She goes on her 18th USO visit, to Afghanistan in August.  Set a reminder and tune in to the show here.

Bonnie-Jill Laflin

Things continue to move fast.  We have an awesome calling and an awesome responsibility.  Thanks for your trust, support, and involvement.

Rangers Lead the Way!

Karl

Orlando Job Opportunity - Siemens HR Support Specialist

Received this job opportunity through USSOCOM's Care Coalition 17 June 2011:


We have an opportunity for a clerical/data entry person in our Orlando, FL location.  This is like a call center environment.  Any recommendations?

Kind Regards.
Julie


Job Description:


The HR Shared Service Center is a single source for employees to go for Human Resources questions. Services include answers to questions regarding Payroll, Policies and HR Tools as well as management of Leave Administration and Relocation. Employee Data Management is part of the HR Shared Service Center and primarily handles employee data and status changes in the Peoplesoft HRMS system. The HR Support Specialist provides support across Siemens North America to Human Resources Managers and Business Partners for new hire processing and data entry. 

Services include communicating with Recruiting and Staffing, Human Resources and Payroll to ensure employees are set up accurately for pay in the HRIS system. The Support Specialist assists International Human Resources with Delegate master data changes as well as HRIT mass update changes due to mergers acquisitions and divestitures.

Process all new hire paperwork in HRM System
Input employee data changes including promotions, terminations, leaves
Process benefit changes as required
Coordinate with Payroll department to ensure accurate pay
Respond to requests and inquiries from HR Partners.
Follow up with Recruiting and Staffing regarding incomplete paperwork
Assist in creating and executing HR measurement and tracking reports
Comply with SOX control requirements and respond to audit inquiries

Qualifications:
Must have a minimum of 2 years of successful experience in human resources or related field.
HS diploma or equivalent required. 1-2 years of vocation/technical training or an Associate's degree preferred
Data accuracy and attention to detail, Peoplesoft/HRMS experience.
Microsoft Office Tools and typing proficiency is required.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Demonstrates thorough understanding of HR practices and procedures
Excellent people skills and sensitivity to intercultural issues.
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

Capabilities;
Initiative
Change orientation
Communication Skills
Team player
Result and quality orientation
Customer Focus
Professional ethics
Siemens values


From: Nutaitis, Juliann (SC US)
[mailto:juliann.nutaitis@siemens.com]

Hollywood Sporting Clays, Boone Cutler and Care-Givers

GallantFew participated in several events over the past week.  Mike Schlitz and Karl Monger were interviewed by Bill Whittle on Afterburner.  As soon as the interview is available we will post it here.  A year ago Bill interviewed Mike Schlitz on the Veterans Airlift Command.  Take six minutes and watch this.

We also were honored to be included in the nonprofits benefiting from the Hollywood Celebrity Sporting Clays Invitational.  This was a great event, and we have some great video and pictures of celebrities supporting veterans and GallantFew.  We'll get them posted once we sort through and clip the video for uploading.

Boone Cutler, author and Veteran Rights Leader, hosted The New American Veteran Show on June 9, 2011. The show featured the first ever on-air interview with Department of Veteran Affairs Representatives regarding the new Caregiver Program implemented this year through the VA specifically for Combat Veterans from the current wars. This new program offers monetary and health insurance benefits to any person an injured Warfighter selects as a caregiver.  The second half of the show featured author / Warfighter Anthony Farina who discussed the creation of his upcoming movie based on events in Sadr City during the war in Iraq. Together they discussed the proactive effects that Warfighters are making on our society and on behalf of fellow Warfighters.  Make sure you listen to the interview, and remember you can subscribe to a free download of this podcast through iTunes.

This week at 1:00PM Central, Karl will interview Ranger veteran Steve Robinson, Vice President of External Veterans Affairs for Prudential Financial.  Steve is very involved in resolving veteran unemployment issues and participates at the highest levels of our government to identify methods to increase veteran employment and reduce suicide and homelessness.  Listen in!

Looking ahead to next week, our guest is Hollywood actor and Ranger veteran Tim Abell.  Tim is the host of Grateful Nation which kicks off its next season on July 3rd on the Outdoor Channel.  Check your listings, set your DVR!

from left to right, Ranger SFC (ret) Mike Schlitz, Taran Butler, Natalie Burkholder, and Ranger Tim Abell at the Hollywood Celebrity Sporting Clays Invitational.

A stark reminder of reality:  Just received notice that SSG Jeremy Katzenberger, 1st Ranger Battalion, was killed in action 14 June.  He leaves behind a wife and baby, and Ranger brothers that will miss him more than words can express.  GallantFew is here for each of you once you leave the military.  Last week I met a Special Operations veteran who was injured in a "small" explosion.  This ultra-professional, at the peak of his profession, outwardly appeared to have no injuries.  He told me that due to the nature of his injuries, he can no longer sky-dive, no longer SCUBA dive.  Everything that he has trained his entire career to do has now been snatched from him in a white-hot flash.  "What do I do know?" he said.  It's up to us - the SOF veterans that have made our way in the civilian world to reach out and help these brothers transition back safely, peacefully, successfully.

If you want to help us, visit www.gallantfew.org and sign up to volunteer or donate to help us in our mission.  Be one of our 100 Founding Donors - the first 100 to donate $1,000 will receive a nice polo with GallantFew logo, a plaque and will be listed on our website as a Founder.  Join Robbi Schlitz, Bill Cooper, Alan McNiel, Charles DeRosa and more!

RLTW  Karl

Colonel David Sutherland on the "Sea of Goodwill"

On June 2nd I had the privilege to interview Colonel David Sutherland.  COL Sutherland is the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family programs.  In this capacity he also serves as the Director of the Warrior and Family Support Office.

He is co-author of the White Paper, Sea of Goodwill (pdf file), and he coordinates an initiative throughout communities to align the myriad of support organizations and agencies which include governmental, non-governmental, faith-based, community, business, and higher education in a collaborative effort.  Some key points from the interview:

- The current generation is "wired to serve" and is phenomenal in the military.  When they return home, they deserve a rich quality of life.  That quality of life includes education, meaningful employment, access to healthcare information and options.
- These new veterans come home to their families, neighborhoods, communities, and it's these communities pulling together that will ensure the quality of life for our new veterans.
- With 1% of the population a veteran of Iraq and/or Afghanistan, the general public is unaware of the sacrifices. Bob Woodward calls this an "epidemic of disconnection" (he coined the phrase on the Oprah show).
- There is a gap between DoD and the VA, there is a gap between the military and communities.  Yet, there is a tremendous "Sea of Goodwill" that is ready to be tapped and engaged.  In many cases, they only need to be educated and oriented.
 
Click here to listen to the full interview with Colonel David Sutherland.  You may listen to it through your computer or download it for free through iTunes here.

If you want to get COL Sutherland's team to your local community, email kim.mitchell@js.pentagon.mil.

COL Sutherland, you have our heartful thanks for what you are doing for our service men and women, our veterans and our communities.  You are a true example of Rangers Leading the Way!

RLTW

Karl
PS:  Our GallantFew Ranger Challenge continues.  We have a goal of raising $111,111 by 11/11/11 and have raised $13,700 towards that goal.  Please help us get there!  You may donate online here or mail a check to GallantFew, Inc. 6505 E. Central #205, Wichita KS 67206.

PSS:  If you are in South California, come join us June 11th for the Hollywood Celebrity Sporting Clays fundraiser, benefiting GallantFew and some other great organizations!