Latest news with #NationalMilitaryAppreciationMonth
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Allsup Veterans Appeals Advocating For Veterans Amid Record VA Disability Claims And Ongoing Backlog
Allsup Veterans Appeals provides resources to help veterans in honor of National Military Appreciation Month in May Brett Buchanan, U.S. Army veteran and director of Allsup Veterans Appeals Belleville, Illinois, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of National Military Appreciation Month this May, Allsup, a nationwide provider of disability benefits assistance, and its Allsup Veterans Appeals℠ (AVA) acknowledges the sacrifices of veterans and active-duty service members, reaffirming its commitment to securing the benefits they've earned due to the increasing backlog and complexity of the VA disability appeal process. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) processed more than 2.5 million disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal year 2024—a 27% increase over 2023 and the highest volume in the history of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This continued surge highlights the growing complexity of the claims and appeals system, emphasizing the critical need for expert guidance to help veterans secure the full benefits they've earned through service. This volume of claims not only reflects increased filings by veterans, but also contributes directly to the rising number of appeals. As of May 2025, the VA reported more than 877,000 pending disability claims, including over 201,000 rating-related claims delayed beyond 125 days—highlighting the urgent and escalating challenge veterans face in navigating a complex and overwhelmed system. 'The VA disability claims and appeals process is difficult to navigate and extremely congested,' said Brett Buchanan, U.S. Army veteran and director of Allsup Veterans Appeals. 'Veterans shouldn't have to navigate this alone. Our team of VA-accredited Claims Agents is here to guide them through every step in their appeals, ensuring they receive the benefits they've rightfully earned.' Among new recipients of VA disability compensation in 2024, tinnitus remained the most frequently awarded service-connected condition, followed closely by musculoskeletal and hearing-related impairments. These top conditions contributed to a substantial portion of the 3.26 million total service-connected disabilities awarded during the year, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Benefits Report. In response to the increasing complexity and volume of these claims, AVA's VA-accredited Claims Agents offer veterans a strategic edge and can assist in the following areas: Veterans who are denied service connection for a disability. Veterans who need to determine the best path for their VA appeal. Veterans who need a Higher-Level Review. Veterans who must file a Supplemental Claim. Veterans who need to appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Veterans who must file a Notice of Disagreement. For veterans navigating both VA and SSDI claims, Allsup provides expert support to help them receive the full range of benefits available through their military service and employment. If you or a veteran you know has questions about VA disability benefits, please call 888-372-1190 or visit ABOUT ALLSUP Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, disability financial solutions, return to work, and healthcare benefits services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Learn more at and follow Attachment Brett Buchanan, U.S. Army veteran and director of Allsup Veterans Appeals CONTACT: Rebecca Ray Allsup (618) 236-5065 Laura C. Sala Allsup (618) 409-7079 in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trust Over Trend: Anti-PR Unveils Why Awareness Campaigns Are Losing Credibility
JOTO PR Disruptors unveils the power of Anti-PR during high-visibility months like National Military Appreciation Month. By redefining authentic brand messaging with purpose-driven storytelling, companies like Zeel are setting the standard for connecting with audiences who crave trust and relevance. TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Every May, brands flood the media with tributes to veterans for National Military Appreciation Month—but most fall flat. In a marketplace where consumers see between 6,000 to 10,000 ads a day, high-visibility dates often amplify the noise rather than break through it. (1) Traditional PR strategies and cookie-cutter campaigns get drowned out in oversaturated messaging, with every brand saying the same thing. "You shouldn't sell WHAT you do. You should sell WHY it matters," says Karla Jo Helms (KJ), Chief Evangelist of Anti-PR™ and strategist at JOTO PR Disruptors™. "Brands relying on conventional tactics are missing the point. It's no longer about being part of the conversation—it's about shaping the narrative with purpose." Breaking Free from PR Gimmicks A State of the Connected Customer report shows that 68% of consumers believe brands should demonstrate real action, not symbolic gestures, during awareness campaigns. (2) Despite this clear mandate from the public, many brands make the mistake of launching loud, generic messaging with low impact during awareness or purpose-driven events. However, this strategy often backfires, causing their messages to fade into the background and fail to connect with today's discerning consumers. Anti-PR flips the script. Rather than chasing attention through hype, it emphasizes authenticity, mission alignment, and real action—core elements that are increasingly in demand. "Consumers today are too savvy for slogans. They want purpose," Helms explains. "Trust is currency. If you're not showing up with something real, you're not showing up at all." Lead with Why, Not What One standout example of this approach in action is Zeel, a leading provider of in-home medical massage. Instead of relying on generic "thank you for your service" phrases, Zeel took meaningful action by offering a permanent 20% discount on all medical massage therapy services for veterans and active-duty members. This program wasn't just a marketing gimmick—it was a bold move rooted in their values. Key elements that set Zeel's campaign apart: Radical Transparency: Communicating their long-term goal of redefining access to care. Data-Driven Storytelling: Backing their initiative with measurable outcomes tied to veteran wellness. Real Action: Committing to lasting change, not one-off PR stunts. Timely Relevance: Aligning messaging with key healthcare issues that matter most to today's veterans, while actively engaging military and vet communities. Zeel's campaign isn't about riding a wave of seasonal relevance—it was about advancing a mission statement. The initiative became a proof point of how purpose-aligned messaging earns visibility, loyalty, and lasting impact. Authenticity Is the New Differentiator Anti-PR doesn't just help brands stand out—it strengthens trust and drives ROI by fostering deeper connections with audiences. Companies that embed their values into every campaign—not just during awareness months—build reputations that endure. "Brands that miss the mark during cultural moments like Military Appreciation Month are wasting powerful opportunities," says Helms. "But those that align action with truth are remembered—not just for what they said, but for what they did." About JOTO PR Disruptors™ Founded by PR veteran Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors™ emerged from extensive market research with CEOs of fast-growth companies. The agency combines crisis management skills with advanced media algorithms to develop Anti-PR® campaigns. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JOTO PR is globally recognized for its innovative Anti-PR services. More information is available at About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™.She learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References: 1. Adfuel Inc. "The Daily Ad Exposure: How Many Ads Does the Average Person See Each Day?" Adfuel, 27 June 2024, 2. Eversoll Duggan, Cheyenna . "The Empathy Advantage: Using Customer Data to Personalize Marketing | Simon Data." 2024, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JOTO PR™ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How ‘Call of Duty' Says It Is Getting More Veterans Jobs Than the U.S. Government
As Memorial Day approaches and National Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, here's a timely fact: the largest private funder of veteran employment in the United States is a video game. Tied to Activision's long-running military game franchise 'Call of Duty,' the aptly named Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) has placed over 150,000 veterans in jobs since 2009 and has been surpassing the federal government's placement efforts since 2022, according to the organization's president, Dan Goldenberg. More from Variety Blizzard's BlizzCon Fan Event to Return in 2026 Under New Owner Microsoft Gaming 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' Scores Franchise's Biggest-Ever Launch Weekend, Microsoft Gaming Says Why Activision's Test of 'True Success' With 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' Isn't Sales, but Cultural Awareness The initiative has raised $48 million through sales of special accessory packs in 'Call of Duty' games alone (one of which recently launched in collaboration with real-life vets First Sergeant Korey Staley and Captain Florent 'Flo' Groberg), in addition to other donation streams, and 'every cent of which is going to putting vets in jobs,' Goldenberg says. 'The 'Call of Duty' community has been generous. Activision, as partners, have been incredible. They've all kind of come together in this ecosystem,' Goldenberg told Variety. 'And one thing I know for sure is we've had more measurable social impact than anyone I know of in the gaming industry. I can't think of another cause where it's not so much the money raised, it's the impact out. Others may have raised more money, but we've put — including the in-game stuff and other donations and corporate partnerships — close to $100 million against this problem. And as a result, 150,000 vets have jobs, their families are more secure. Meaningful employment is just so core to so many other challenges a vet may encounter. If you have a meaningful job, you probably have health care, you have colleagues, you have purpose.' According to C.O.D.E., it costs $628 per placement of each vet. The average starting salary for vets in these placements is $75,000, and 93% are receiving full-time placement. Goldenberg says the program has seen an 89% retention rate at six months. Additionally, 20% of the program's veterans placed are women. Launched in 2009 by former Activision chief Bobby Kotick and co-chaired by General James L. Jones beginning in 2012, the Call of Duty Endowment started out a time when the unemployment rate for veterans 'was super high,' Goldenberg said. 'It stemmed from this very successful gaming franchise that said, 'We've gotten really big, and we owe a lot of our success to the people who inspired us. We'd like to find a good way to give back to them,'' Goldenberg said, adding that 'initially, we looked like a lot of corporate foundations writing big checks. But the difference was the discipline that had made Activision and 'Call of Duty' so successful was being applied to trying to solve a social problem here.' C.O.D.E. is currently bracing for a higher number of unemployed veterans amid the recent job cuts across government service, a popular sector for vet placement, under the administration of President Donald Trump. But Goldenberg says the techniques the endowment already has in place — methods it has been building on through years of trial and error — will help significantly with this influx. 'A lot of it was vetting our partners, and we insisted on a return on our investment,' Goldenberg said. 'The difference was, it was a social return. We wanted to see a lot of vets put in jobs. And when we started, we were at parity. Our cost per placement was about the same as the federal government's efforts.' And with 'consistent disciplined vetting and accountability of our grantees on a quarterly basis,' Goldenberg says the Endowment has pulled ahead. 'It works. So last year, we placed vets in jobs for 1/15th the cost of placement of the government with much higher quality outcomes in terms of average starting salary, retention rates, and the percentage of those jobs that are for full-time employment,' Goldenberg said. 'And I guess the big lesson out of it is the discipline of business can really make a big difference for social cost. That's been our unequivocal experience. We didn't go in for brands. We looked for nonprofit partners who we thought for the dollar could accomplish the most social impact, and that's what we've gotten.' As for how the actual 'Call of Duty' video games can help vets, a study done by the Entertainment Software Association found that 86% of surveyed U.S. vets said video games provided them with a 'healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.' 'And not surprisingly, 'Call of Duty' is their favorite game,' Goldenberg says of the study's findings. 'When I've talked to friends who've been forward, when I've gone forward, you would think, and people from outside will say, 'Don't you get enough of the military thing?' And no, it's like a great way for them — especially when we were in active combat, people would come back to the forward operating bases, and they use it to decompress and have fun,' Goldenberg says. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Study: Utah a ‘middle of the pack' state for military retirees
May is National Military Appreciation Month — so it's an apt time to ask: Is Utah a 'vet friendly' state for military retirees? Sort of — when compared with other states and the District of Columbia. The Beehive State ranks about in the middle of the country in its ability to provide a comfortable military retirement, according to a study released by WalletHub. Utah is ranked No. 29 in the study — scoring a high mark in the 'Economic Environment' rankings category, but much lower in 'Quality of Life' and 'Health Care' rankings. The top five states for American military retirees, according to WalletHub, are South Carolina, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Virginia. The bottom five? The District of Columbia, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington and Oregon. 'Transitioning from military to civilian life isn't easy, but the best states for military retirees make that adjustment as smooth as possible,' said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. 'In addition to providing the conditions necessary for our veterans to thrive financially, they also have ample resources for taking care of military retirees' physical and mental health.' The study notes that many American men and women who wore their country's uniform face major struggles 'including post-traumatic stress disorder, disability and homelessness, which are especially difficult to deal with during this period of economic difficulty.' Veterans also must consider how state policies on military benefits vary — along with the 'relative friendliness of different job markets and other socioeconomic factors' when deciding where to live following military retirement. WalletHub compared Utah with other states' abilities to provide a comfortable military retirement by analyzing a data set of 28 key metrics — ranging from the number of veterans per capita to the number of Veterans Affairs health facilities to job opportunities for veterans. Analysts measured three key dimensions: first, economic environment; second, quality of life; and third, health care. The 'economic environment' dimension included several economic metrics such as how the state taxes military pensions, the share of veteran-owned businesses, job opportunities for veterans, the number of military bases, housing affordability and academic credit opportunities offered to veterans. Given the state's strong overall economy, it's little surprise Utah was listed as fourth in the nation in that dynamic. Utah didn't fare nearly as well in the 'quality of life' and 'health care' rankings — scoring 31st and 47th, respectively. The 'quality of life' metrics include a state's share of veterans, share of VA benefits-administration facilities per number of veterans, share of homeless veterans and idealness of weather. The 'health care' metrics include the number of VA health facilities per number of veterans, quality of VA hospitals, veteran suicide rates, and physicians and mental health counselors per capita. South Carolina secured the study's 'Best State for Military Retirees' top spot because of its many veteran-friendly policies. 'The state allows businesses to give preferential hiring to veterans, offers academic credit for military service, and has veteran treatment courts, which give services like treatment and mentoring to veterans in the criminal justice system,' according to WalletHub. 'South Carolina doesn't tax military pensions, either.' Maryland, meanwhile, finished just behind South Carolina in the rankings, in part because it offers extensive health care options and has a large number of VA Benefits Administration facilities per capita, ensuring veterans receive support. Maryland also allows employers to give preference to veterans when hiring and has veteran treatment courts. Despite the presence of large military facilities such as Hill Air Force Base and Camp Williams, Utah still has a comparatively small number of veterans per capita — ranked 48th. Alaska, Montana, Virginia, Wyoming and Maine have the nation's highest concentrations of veterans. For housing affordability, Iowa and Kansas offer veterans the best opportunities. Hawaii and California are at the bottom of the list. But Kansas offers the fewest job opportunities for veterans, according to WalletHub. New Hampshire and Alabama top the 'job opportunities' tally. Meanwhile, based on how states voted in the 2024 presidential election, red states are more friendly towards military retirees than blue states.
Los Angeles Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Flex-traordinary! Push Ups for Charity event in Costa Mesa surpasses fundraising goal for the Boot Campaign
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Recoup Personal Training in Costa Mesa sponsored a Push Ups for Charity event Saturday to raise funds for the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit group supporting veterans and military families through a health and wellness program. 'I have a family history of military vets and also active members, so it's always been our cause,' said Matt Fetters, Recoup's owner. 'This is our 14th year raising money for this Push Ups For Charity event, [so far raising] over $250,000. Our goal this year is $25,000 and we certainly expect to exceed that.' Among the physical and emotional health wounds addressed by the Boot Campaign are post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, insomnia and chronic pain. The U.S. Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 after the month-long observance was proposed by the late Sen. John McCain. The purpose was to generate more public support for service members. In attendance last Saturday was retired U.S. Army veteran Cassandra Cantin of New Braunfels, Texas, an ambassador for the Boot Campaign who has benefited from the program. 'After serving one year in Kuwait in 2003, I returned as a combat support hospital nurse,' Cantin said. 'I retired in 2011 and wasn't able to face the realities of war that I had been through.' In 2015 she became one of the first female vets going through the Boots program; she hoped it would help resolve the insomnia she was suffering. 'It helped me greatly, immensely,' said Cantin, who is now able to sleep eight hours a night instead of two. 'Everything Boot Campaign does is tailored toward individuals.' Tiffany Wright, the partnership and programs coordinator for the Boot Campaign, was on hand to represent the charity. 'It's really special and very humbling that Recoup completely supports our organization,' Wright said. 'We are proud of their relationship with us.' Of the 125 plus mixed blend of friends, family, clients and businesses turning up for the event, about 45 people took part in the push up challenge. Each round consisted of up to four competitors who had pledged to do as many push ups as possible during the 90 second allotted time to raise money for the campaign. The grand finale of the Push Up challenge was performed by Fetters himself, who added three medicine balls as his platform to make the workout more strenuous. 'Get fit, have fun and make a difference,' is my slogan,' said Fetters. 'My personal dollar amount raised was $2,500 by doing my push ups. That was raised through a collection of pledges from our clients, friends and family.' After the event Fetters said funds raised through the push-up challenge, a raffle and T-shirt sales surpassed the $25,000 goal.
