

Beyond the BBQ: Service and Success This Independence Day
Jeff came to me in January of 2024. He is one of those types of guys where when you hear what all he has done, you immediately know his awards and decorations spill over into box 18 of the ole DD-214. First a Marine, then a pararescueman. You don’t see that combo-box every day. Jeff recently got a full Board grant for everything but the kitchen sink. It will make celebrating this Fourth of July that much better for him. While Jeff’s active-duty days may be over, the spirit he embodies is alive and well, and very fitting for a Fourth of July story.

Life in the Fast Lane
The Board has been cranking out decisions like a pasta machine on steroids. Sounds nice enough? The problem? They forgot to mix the dough first, forgot the eggs, and neglected to reference the cook book first. What they’ve thrown in the oven is a mixed bag of decisions. Now don’t get me wrong, there have been some good decisions, but two I got this week were like half-baked lasagna. Burnt and crispy on the outside, cold and wet in the middle. I guess they are worried about their annual report to Congress this year. Maybe Elon has been hanging out at Central Office?

VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Family Members?
If you ever hear someone tell you they know everything about the VA, you can safely grab your hat and head for the door. The VA is the second largest federal agency, soon to surpass the size of the DoD. There are literally hundreds of benefit programs available. Programs range from disability compensation, education benefits, to home loans. Are they all limited to Veterans? What about Camp Lejeune family members? One thing I love about this job is the number of niche areas within an already niche area of law. The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program is one of those. One I had no idea about.
The Rest of the Story: Annette’s Side of Things
I began pestering Annette just before Thanksgiving for some pictures of her and Monte. When I explained what I was up to, she said she didn’t mind if I used their names. I was delighted. The amount of lives you touch doing this grows rapidly. It always brings me joy to share some of these stories. You heard my side of representing Annette in my Thanksgiving post. Now, Annette gives us “the rest of the story”.
Looking for something specific?
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Board of Veterans' Appeals
- Jul 3, 2025 Beyond the BBQ: Service and Success This Independence Day Jul 3, 2025
- Apr 18, 2025 Life in the Fast Lane Apr 18, 2025
- Dec 11, 2024 VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Family Members? Dec 11, 2024
- Dec 4, 2024 The Rest of the Story: Annette’s Side of Things Dec 4, 2024
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CAVC
- Jun 13, 2025 Out of the Trenches, Into the Sea Jun 13, 2025
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Camp Lejeune Family Member Program
- Dec 11, 2024 VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Family Members? Dec 11, 2024
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DIC
- Dec 4, 2024 The Rest of the Story: Annette’s Side of Things Dec 4, 2024
- Nov 27, 2024 A Deserving Widow’s Thanksgiving Just got Better Nov 27, 2024
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Survivor's Benefits
- Dec 4, 2024 The Rest of the Story: Annette’s Side of Things Dec 4, 2024
- Nov 27, 2024 A Deserving Widow’s Thanksgiving Just got Better Nov 27, 2024
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VA Idiocracy
- Nov 23, 2024 BVA Declares War on Most Severe Veterans Nov 23, 2024
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Victories
- Jul 3, 2025 Beyond the BBQ: Service and Success This Independence Day Jul 3, 2025
- Dec 11, 2024 VA Benefits for Camp Lejeune Family Members? Dec 11, 2024
- Dec 4, 2024 The Rest of the Story: Annette’s Side of Things Dec 4, 2024
- Nov 27, 2024 A Deserving Widow’s Thanksgiving Just got Better Nov 27, 2024
- Nov 23, 2024 Why I’m Still on a Mission Nov 23, 2024
Jeff came to me in January of 2024. He is one of those types of guys where when you hear what all he has done, you immediately know his awards and decorations spill over into box 18 of the ole DD-214. First a Marine, then a pararescueman. You don’t see that combo-box every day. Jeff recently got a full Board grant for everything but the kitchen sink. It will make celebrating this Fourth of July that much better for him. While Jeff’s active-duty days may be over, the spirit he embodies is alive and well, and very fitting for a Fourth of July story.