We were sent to Ft Ord, California. (It has since closed.) When we got there I was dumbfounded! This was all new to me, and I wasn’t ready for such a big change in my life.

We were sent to our barracks and we unloaded every thing by our bunks. Then the scary moment happened. The drill Sargent came and shouted, attention! We weren’t sure of what we were suppose to do, so he shouted louder.

That got our attention, and we all jumped up and stood at attention. (Our first learning event.)

He came strolling down the barracks, and looked each “soldier,” in the eye, and said “You will become a man by the time I am through with you.”

After that he stood at one end of the barracks and introduced himself.

“I am Sgt. McDonald. I will be in your leader for the next eight weeks.”

You will obey my every command.

He finished he speech and told us to line up outside. He did the lining up of each roll and said, “This is where you are supposed to be every time we gather here.” (Second learning event.)

He taught us how to march, and listen to his cadence. That was actually fun. He marched us to the supply building and led us inside. It was a huge place, and the soldiers in charge were ready to push us through.

First stop handed you all your underwear, The next group handed us our shirts. The third group handed us out pants.

Then we were given our boots. this took a lot longer, because we all had to try to shoes on they handed us. I was lucky because the first pair fit me.

We got the rest of our stuff, and the Sargent marched us back to our barracks, He told us to put on our new clothes, and that was all we could wear while in training.

It was an exhausting day, but I felt good about the results. I had my full military uniform.

Doug

In April of 1959, I was “flunking”, out of college. Two other friends and I decided to join the Army. It was called “the buddy system.” The first thing we had to do was pass a physical. We went up to Portland, Oregon to do that.

There were about 25 guys there having their physicals. They had us line up, and then the horror started. They told us undress. We were all naked.

The two doctors came out and started their examinations. One was in the front and the other was in the back. The one in the front said to cough while he was feeling your privates. The other told us to bend over and he inserted his finger up our rear. That was extremely embarrassing for me.

I was just an 18 year old kid who had never faced another close to this.

_________________________________________________________________________________

We all passed that and walked down a long hall way. There were stops all along the way where they were doing other tests. We all somehow made through that hallway.

Then they did some testing. Actual testing. They wanted to see how smart we was. The test seemed pretty easy to me, and was told I aced it. (This was the guy who was flunking out of college!)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

On the way home all three of us sat in silence. We were dumbfounded about what we had just been through.

More tomorrow on the wonderful life in the military.

Doug

e

______________________________________________________________________

I am 86 years old and a veteran. I was an elementary teacher for 22 years. After I retired, I worked at a department store. After that I began writing.

I need to use a walker. I had some serious medical things that happened to me. I got a spinal infection, and it knocked me down. I was bed ridden for several months. Then I woke up one morning and had severe pain in my lower back. I went for E-RAYS and they found that I not only had severe spinal problem, but both of my hips were full of arthritis.

I went to a spine clinic, and they gave me an injection in my right hip for the arthritis. It cleared that up. I had several more procedures to attempt to help with my lower back. I won’t know how that went until March 24th.

I will keep updating you on my well being often.

---

My first book that I finished was called, Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.

The book was published in 2022, and it went on to receive a national award.

My second book, Signs of Hope for Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life is finished, and t will be off to the publisher later today.

This book was a team effort. God and I wrote this book. I really mean that. I looked back at the book today, and wondered how I came with some of the topics. It was God telling me to put them in.

This book will help veterans and current service members cope with life. They will get help with being wounded, PTSD, depression, loneliness, and much more.

I wrote the book as a memoir. I share my time in the military, from basic training, through discharge.

There are some humorous things that happened, and some that broke my heart.

___________________________________________________________________________________

I am glad you are joining me on this adventure, and I will start tomorrow sharing many different things on life, and my daily routine while in the military.

Doug

Finally I have the promised document ready for you. I had some technical difficulties, and go it straightened out.

Just go to pages, click on it and it should be there. Remember you have to subscribe in order download. That is the only cost to you.

This document is full of resources for you to use to get the help you really need as a veteran, or currently serving.

Remember, you have to subscribe to this site to get it. It is absolutely well worth it.

ENJOY!!

Doug

Resources for the Military & Veterans

The following pages are resources for the military and are very extensive in that they cover many areas of a military person’s life. Use this to guide you to whatever help you need. Each site has been individually screened. Be aware that since the publication of this book some links may no longer exist. If some links don’t work below, put them in your browser. They might work there.

Note: This list was compiled (and current) in mid-2025. You can also find it on my websites https://dougbolton.com/ and https://www.dailysignsofhope.com/ where all the links below are live. I will periodically update it as I discover new resources.

As you know there are many sources for the military. I have sorted them out and only put in the most important ones.

Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988 then press 1 or text 838255

Responders are available 24/7 to help active-duty service members and their families and friends through a crisis. Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, along with their loved ones, can receive free, confidential support.

This is probably the most important resource you will find. If you are depressed or know someone in the military who is battling depression, use this hotline to get help immediately. They also have a website: http://www.veteranscrisisline.com

General links that will help you with everything

http://www.military.com Best military link there is. Highly recommended.

https://www.projecthealingheroes.org/maketheconnection You can connect with family and friends here, and it is also full of helpful information for the military.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ Full of helpful thoughts and ideas that cover most problems people in the military may face.

http://www.militaryfamily.org This site covers some of the unusual aspects of military life, like help for the kids and spouses.

https://www.usa.gov/military-and-veterans A very good site to help with burial and survivor benefits, employment, health issues, and housing help, as well as the place to get your documents and personnel records. 

http://www.vfw.org A general site for help with many issues a veteran faces. It has lots of discounts as well.

Financial help for loans of any kind

http://www.vamortgagecenter.com This link is very good at explaining the benefits of a VA loan. It talks about lower rates, lower payments, no money down, etc. Good source.

https://veteran.com/va-loans-vs-conventional/ It goes deeply into why you should seek a VA loan over a conventional loan. Rated great service in a survey.

http://veteransunited.com Home loans for veterans.

http://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com Quick small personal loans from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00

http://www.armedforcesloans.com Another company that makes small loans up to $5,000.00. You can personize your loan to fit your needs. No credit; no problem. (Note: this is not a private connection.)

http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans Covers all phases of home loans including refinancing, help for disaster relief, etc. Good site.

http://www.newdayusa.com You see this a lot on TV. Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, USN (Ret.) is the chairman of the company, and he is highly respected. 

Health

http://www.health.mil The official website of the Military Health System and the Defense Health Agency. 

https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/professional-interests/military-veteran-mental-health Excellent resource for those seeking help with any mental health issues. It is full of information and other resources.

http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp Great link for mental health. I also like the feature about helping the veteran with burial situations, including burial flags, burial site locations, services, headstones, etc. I haven’t seen any other site that is so helpful with this.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/preventing-veteran-suicide This is a direct article of the American Psychological Association dealing with suicide.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2014/01/26/mental-health-support-online-for-military-spouses/ Excellent article for spouses of deployed military who need mental health help. I highly recommend this link.

Burial benefits

http://explore.va.gov/memorial-benefits Complete coverage for burial. I highly recommend this link for those seeking that kind of assistance.

http://www.neptunesociety.com/veteran-cremation Cremation specialists.

https://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial/burial-allowance.html This is taken from www.military.com and is specific about burial allowances and money that could be paid to the families.

https://www.mrfa.org/miscellaneous/what-to-do-when-a-veteran-passes-away/ This is the best link I have found that has detailed information on what to do if your loved one passes away. I highly recommend it.

Disability benefits

http://www.military.com/benefits This is a repeat link from above, but it is a link that has everything, including disability benefits you need as a military person.

 http://www.veteransbenefitslawfirm.net/ This is a great link for veterans who have been denied compensation benefits. They charge 20%, which is deducted by the VA from your lump sum payment for retroactive benefits. (Many lawyers will seek monthly payments for the life of the settlement.) I am in the process of appealing my denial for compensation right now. I may contact this source myself.

Job hunting

http://www.resumeengine.org Excellent site for military people who need help finding a job and putting together a great résumé. I highly recommend it.

http://www.indeed.com/ Another great spot to find what job openings there are. You just put it in your area where you live and go for it.

http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs Here is that great site again. It has a page just for you to find jobs.

http://www.hireveterans.com Great site to find jobs in your area. Lists states that have openings and what the jobs are. Has the latest news in the business world as far as jobs.

http://jobcenter.usa.gov/resources-for-veterans– Good site to look at the jobs, and how to find them.

http://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/resources.asp A complete list of all the veterans connect sites that help with jobs.

https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ Great site for help in job hunting.

Job hunting for spouses

http://www.operationwearehere.com Excellent site for spouses to find out how to do résumés and job hunt. Highly recommended.

Health insurance

http://www.usaa.com/insurance/health/ This site has dental, vision, and Medicare coverage. They also have auto, home, and life insurance.

Life insurance

https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/ This is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs and is a good site to answer all your questions about life insurance.

Auto insurance

http://www.usautoinsurancenow.com This is a quote site. Just put in your zip code to see the discounts in your home state. They also have some very good hints about how to save money when getting your auto insurance.

http://www.usaa.com This site comes up for other categories. A good site with very competitive rates. Go to “insurance” and click on “auto insurance,” and it will take you to that page.

Education

http://www.amu.apus.edu This is American Military University. They have an extensive online program just for veterans, as well as programs for family members. I suggest you take courses in this even if you are still in the service. It will prepare you for the private sector. They allow some credits for work experience.

http://www.trident.edu Trident University has received rewards as the most affordable online college. There are many online courses to choose from. Good choice.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill This is one of the most important sites for you if you want to go to college. The GI bill is a wonderful way to be able to afford college and get your degree. Highly recommended. I used this source myself, and I didn’t have to pay back a dime because I went into education. That may be true for your field of study as well. Check it out.

http://www.gijobs.com/state-education-benefits-for-veterans This is a great site for finding education benefits in your home state. It includes all fifty states and connecting links to find military education benefits.

(With any online schooling, be sure to check out their credibility.)

PTSD help

http://www.maketheconnection.net Wonderful site to find help you need. When you get to the site click on “Conditions,” and then click on PTSD. You will also see many other issues a veteran may be facing. Highly recommended.

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/web-resources/military-resources.asp This is a page from the Department of Veterans Affairs website. Highly recommended.

http://www.usacares.org A crisis-centered site. Quick help for those in dire need of housing, mental help, etc.

Veteran care facilities

http://www.topveterancare.com Good site to locate the type of facility you need for assisted living, etc. (Includes finding in-home care.) Enter the type of care you’re looking for and enter your zip code to find the options in your area.

Help with money and investing

http://www.themilitarywallet.com This is a great site to find out about discounts, investing, taxes, total list of benefits, etc. Highly recommended.

Connecting with other military people you have met

https://www.vetfriends.com/?source=bingvetfriends Great site to find buddies you had while in the military.

http://www.rallypoint.com/ Another great site I personally use. I have connected with many military people right in my hometown through this site.

Wounded Warrior help for families and soldiers

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.com This is a nonprofit organization that reaches out to wounded warriors and finds help for them in many ways. As with all nonprofits, you may want to check their status as far as integrity, etc. It is always wise.

http://www.heartbeatforwarriors.org A different kind of help in that features programs like “Back in the Saddle” (a program for soldiers to feel the comfort of riding horses), “Scuba Warriors” (scuba diving where soldiers can move limbs that didn’t work very well before), and morale building programs to help the warrior feel wanted. Highly recommended.

Help for parents in the military with children

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/ A great site to find assistance for your disabled child if you are a parent in the military.

http://www.survivingdeployment.com Another great site to help families who face deployment.

http://www.militaryfamily.org A comprehensive site that helps families in many areas like scholarships for spouses, activities for the children of military members, adoption, marriage-divorce, survivors, wounded and caregivers. Highly recommended.

http://www.parentcenterhub.com A place to find what resources may be found in Parent Centers throughout the United States. Just put in your state to find your local Parent Center. They help in many areas.

http://www.militarychild.com This is a site to help the child in a military family find places to get their education. Especially helpful for families who have many new assignments.

Housing allowance and benefits

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil This is a site to check on what to go through to get housing allowance, per diem, etc.

https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ This is another good site to check on what benefits you deserve.

Blind veterans

http://www.bva.org This is the only Congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization dedicated to helping with the needs of our blind veterans and their families. Highly recommended.

Welcome Home videos

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=military+coming+home+surprise Yes, you have seen those wonderful videos of soldiers returning home to surprise their families. Well, here’s the place on YouTube to find several all in one spot. Get out your hankie and enjoy.

Free things for military families

https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/10-freebies-for-kids-every-military-family-should-know-about/ All kinds of free and reduced things available here—books, tutoring, national park admission, etc. You can request books by submitting your family’s address and reading preferences on their website.

https://unitedthroughreading.org/app/ This site includes a way for military members to record themselves reading a book. United Through Reading keeps military families reading together, no matter the distance

Places for women veterans to volunteer

http://www.armywomen.org Great place to find ways to help others, this nonprofit organization reaches into the communities and helps like Meals on Wheels, clothes mending, helping in hospitals, etc. 

Help finding a partner for life

http://www.militarycupid.com Yup! There is even a site to connect with others for dating purposes. It is like other online dating sites except it concentrates on military people.

Facebook

Just put the military branch in the Search feature:

U.S. Navy

United States Air Force

U.S. Army

U.S. Marine Corps

The National Guard

U.S. Navy

US Navy SEALs

Coast Guard

You can also put in a division you may have been connected; for instance, the 1st Cavalry.

Here are some individual sites that are very good for veterans:

Concerned Veterans for America https://cv4a.org/

Soldiers’ Angels https://soldiersangels.org

Stop Soldier Suicide https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/

Blue Star Entrepreneurs https://veteranentrepreneurship.org Another good site for help in job hunting.

Military One Source https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

U.S. Forces Korea https://www.usfk.mil/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://choose.va.gov/

Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com/ Care packages for the troops. Like the page to show your support and get involved.

Social networks

You can find other resources on most social networks. You just need to search.