Positive News for The Day! We are proud to announce Wounded Warrior Tennis Program Co-Founder Coach Geoff Griffin will be inducted into the San Diego Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020 for Community Service and… More
Summer 2019 Events and Announcements
Wounded Warrior Tennis Program founders and staff members are as busy as ever. To start the Summer season off, here are a few events and announcements to inform you about the continued work and happenings with the program.
- Tennisfest 2019
Big Thanks to all who stopped by and made a donation to the Wounded Warrior Tennis Program this afternoon during Tennisfest 2019! Great day of tennis and fun for all ages. If you did not have a chance to stop by the event you can still support the program by visiting: www.sdwoundedtennis.org/donate.html
2. San Diego Festival of the Arts
We would like to thank the Kiwanis Club of Torrey Pines for their continual financial support and the opportunity to showcase our Warrior Tennis Program at the San Diego Festival of the Arts this weekend. (Pictured Program Co-Founder Steve Kappes and Warrior Program Tennis Player Mark Gordon)#wwtennis
3. USO San Diego Thanks
A big thanks and appreciation to Bobby Woods and his team @USO San Diego for all their assistance during the arrival and departure days of the annual tennis camp. Bobby and his staff have been a huge help in providing top notch support to our group @San Diego International Airport for the past 8 years. Thank You Team USO San Diego! #wwtennis
4. Thanks to Coronado Rotary Club
Many thanks and appreciation to the Coronado Rotary Club. This is the 8th year in a row they have supported the annual tennis camp. Pictured from L to R: Ivan Dunn-President; Mary Ann McCauley, Steve Kappes, Paul Laedlein – Community Services Director.
Wounded Warrior Tennis Program sends thanks to all sponsors and every donation that is given! Thank you!
2019 Annual Wounded Warrior Tennis Camp Recap
This post is a recap of the 2019 Annual Wounded Warrior Tennis Camp! May 5-11, 2019.
It was another incredible experience at the 2019 Annual Wounded Warrior Tennis Camp in San Diego! Participants came from all walks of life to join together in this journey of a lifetime. It was a week of laughs, fun, and fitness. But it was also filled with weather challenges, seeing new places, and meeting new faces. I have compiled a few extraordinary moments during the week of camp that we would like to share with you.
Sunday: Welcome to San Diego
Monday: Going right to Work!
Tuesday: Challenging Weather; Rain.
The days to come would be full of challenge, hard work, skills, making new friends, and believing!
Wednesday:
Thursday
And of course, its not just about the Tennis.
The Wounded Warrior Tennis Program shares information about how the program impacts these military veterans’ lives, take a view of the local media highlights of the tennis camp in San Diego.
KUSI live at 8:00 am – https://youtu.be/yVAUkVNJMlg
KUSI live at 8:30 am – https://youtu.be/riVKXPfOAqg
KUSI live at 9:00 am – https://youtu.be/-_uDZkAfIuY
KUSI live at 9:30 am – https://youtu.be/f9zwslyFMpM
KUSI 10:00 pm – https://youtu.be/n2m_gj6wvBY
KFMB (CBS) 6:30 pm – https://youtu.be/8jJDLAriJgM
KSWB (FOX) 4:00 pm – https://youtu.be/5Y8DWkGBeaI
Mental Health Monday
MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month
What is anxiety? Anxiety is a normal and mostly healthy emotion. As a result of experiencing disproportionate levels of anxiety, then it can become a disorder.
There are several types of anxiety and is experienced in different ways by different people. According to nimh.nih.gov; there are different types of anxiety. These include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias / Agoria Phobias
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Read entire article here:
Feelings of anxiety can result in various different situations usually from some big event such as for example, a college exam, business presentation, or even a meeting with the boss. The feelings that follow can be distress or fear, and if this is on a daily basis and for no reason, this can be debilitating to ones’ life.
Read entire article here;
Please find additional resource links here:
Wednesday Wellness: The Mantra
A Different Approach To Life Via The Mantra.
Do you find yourself asking the question: Am I living the best life possible today? Do you live life as you dreamed it to be? Are you living life full of everything you imagined it could be? Your answers might be no, I am not living that life. Life is not going the way I thought it would be and your reality of life is definitely not matching your dream life.
Together with the numerous things in life such as stress, job, family, home ownership, and more; life can be a whirl wind of nothing but difficult challenges. So, how can we change this and make your real life more like your dream life.
Well, before you change your external circumstances, you must take control and develop an empowering, nourishing and secure internal world. One way to do this is to change your attitude. According to Mantramag.com, ideas on how to change your reality to help change your attitude are listed below: s
- Accept your freedom
- Recognize your superpower
- Clearing a pathway
- Start Now!
Read complete article here.
So, what does the word mantra mean? It carries a meaning that can be anywhere between ‘intention’ and ‘meditation.’ When exercising this practice, its purpose is to guide you on achieving heightened levels of awareness. Synchronizing the silence and stillness can help you open your mind to a few mindful thoughts. Thoughts such as repeating the words ‘I am strong’ or ‘I am focused’, or any words that can help you achieve a healthy balance state of mind.
According to an article in Chopra.com, the mantra is an instrument of the mind and explains that man is mind, and tra is transport which helps you to achieve a deeper state of meditation.
Life in our current complicated world is full of distraction, stress, and details. The mantra helps one to achieve a life approach that takes you back to a more simplistic and more focused way to live.
Read complete article here.
High Tech Trends For Life After Active Duty!
When I separated from active duty over 20 years ago, I found myself feeling ecstatic and relieved versus being nervous and uncertain about the future. However, I know I wasn’t prepared for the reality of moving forward into civilian life. I didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be finding a job or how I might apply my military experience to a particular career field. I guess I was just young and wanted to enjoy life, take whatever comes my way and roll with it.
Honorable Discharge
I don’t know about you veterans out there, but I felt like I was just let out of a cage. Freedom never felt so good! Deep down, however, I knew I had to buckle down and get to work.
My path finally led me to accept various jobs as a few years past by. Of course, there was no real future with these companies. This ends up causing a lot of frustration for me, so I conclude that I need to get a college degree. As a result of paying into the GI Bill during my first year in the military, I was able to pay for my Bachelor’s Degree!
During my quest in this journey, I faced many challenges. The big burden of concern is; of course, am I going to have enough money to pay bills.
The other huge hurdle is what should I major in at college, as I had no idea. I did not have a clue as to what career fields are in demand at the time. I also want to incorporate my strong interests and things I enjoy doing; but that is an extremely and unlikely feat. As I recall, I was not really informed about the types of careers or industries that are in demand. If my memory is correct, the TAP (Transition Assistance Program) training session I attend informs the group of veterans separating at that time, of primarily topics related to resume formats, job assistance programs and other topics. I do not recall learning about up and coming careers or jobs of the future.
Resources and Links
I am including a few resource links and information about new technologies, careers in demand, and other jobs of the future. I hope you will find these useful in your journey of transition to civilian life, or if you are looking to change or start a new career.
The Best Computer Jobs as of March 2019:
- Mobile App Developer
- Software Engineer
- Video Game Designer
- IT Security Specialist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Web Developer
- Health Information Technician
- Technology Manager
- Database Administrator
Here is an interesting look at the jobs of the future, as in 2030 and the skills necessary to fulfill these jobs.
- Mental elasticity and complex problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- People skills
- STEM
- SMACK
- Interdisciplinary knowledge
Take a look at these career fields, as they may not be something you would think of as your life’s work. But you might be surprised at how interesting, challenging, and how much they may be needed in the future. Read complete article here
This resource lists several career occupations in the healthcare field that are and will be needed in the future. Read complete article here
In conclusion, take command of your future. If you find yourself lost and not knowing what your future holds, like I did when I first separated from active duty; then roll up your sleeves and get to work. There are many resources to help you learn what careers might be a good fit for you based on your interests and skills, etc. It is important to understand that planning your future, especially at a younger age, can have huge positive results! For not only a rewarding work life, but also a healthy and happy one!
More job assessment resources:
Veteran Jobs assistance
How Technology Has Helped Wounded Veterans
Tech Tuesday: How Technology Has Helped Wounded Veterans
For today’s article, I sat down and thought about what information I can compile to be informative and useful to you; our warriors, veterans and families. I, myself, read and hear about the advances in technology for businesses, schools, medical institutions, but I don’t recall learning about how exactly new technology innovations are helping our disabled military veterans. So I put my thinking cap on and began digging online.
I stumbled upon this article called “4 Ways Technology Is Changing The Lives Of Our MilitaryVeterans” from ECN Magazine, and here is a few highlights of this:
- Coding Boot camps: put on by Microsoft since 2013 and are will be up to 300 veterans graduates…
- A smartphone app to help veterans ‘bewell’. (Bewell24 app for veterans)
- Bionic suits and prosthetic arms
- Custom designed and smart homes
Read entire article here: https://www.ecnmag.com/blog/2015/11/4-ways-technology-changing-lives-our-military-veterans
This is a very interesting article and very inspirational. Pioneer Bessie Blunt invents the “portable receptacle support” device to help those with paralysis and/or amputees. She herself faced many challenges and was a nurse, physical therapist, and a forensic hand-writing expert and had dreams of coming up with ways to help those with disabilities.
In one case, she encouraged numerous soldiers with war torn upper limb amputees who lost ability to write, that they learn Braille with their feet.
Read entire article here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/woman-who-made-device-help-disabled-veterans-feed-themselvesand-gave-it-away-free-180970321/
The Bond Between Mind and Body
Mental Health Monday: The Bond Between Mind and Body
The mind is an extremely powerful organ in the human body. It is the center of the all around things that makes us a human being. We all have feelings, thoughts and behaviors and have the ability to be very aware of each of them. When we are in complete tune with each of these emotions, we mostly experience happiness and are content, and have found methods of how to cope with the onset of stress and challenges of life general.
These human emotions, stemming from the mind; however, can be thrown off balance when faced with something unique and life changing. These challenges can change any one of these emotions with a high or low, happy or sad, positive or negative, impact on how us, as humans can think and act. The challenges can be devastating for some, and here are a few other factors that can influence emotions, both mentally and physically.
*Loss of a Job
*A child leaving home or returning
*Dealing with a death of a loved one
*Suffering an illness or injury
*Moving into a new home
*Having a baby
and many others. (Familydoctor.org)
In order to get yourself on the quest to improve your health is to understand that the mind and body connected. So, the goal is to work on getting these behaviors and emotions back in check. There are endless strategies on how to put yourself on the path to improved health, and the first goal is to build your resilience and express your feelings.
Begin with practicing yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation for relaxation and a clear mind.
Learn more on the Mind/Body Connection:
More resources:
Pyschologytoday.com
Tai Chi for Beginners
Upcoming Events Wounded Warrior Tennis Program| Mar-Jun 2019
Mark your calendar for these great upcoming fundraiser and other wounded warrior program events.
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PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to all veterans in order to enhance their mental, social, physical and emotional well-being. This program provides a great opportunity for beginners to learn etiquette, swing skills, short game skills and other important golf knowledge.
The PGA of America and local PGA Professionals are working closely with the VA system across the country to assist veterans in their transition.
Sessions are taught by local PGA Professionals with assistance from trained volunteers and include clubs and equipment if needed, training aids, range balls and weekly golf course access.
INSTRUCTIONAL SESSIONS
Thursdays April 4th-April 25th | 10:00-noon
*We will also schedule a Play Day on the course after the 4th range session.
Stadium Golf Center
2990 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego
SPACE IS LIMITED, REGISTER TODAY!
Contact Scott Mahlberg at smahlberg@sbcglobal.net
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Wellness Wednesday: Tips and Plans On How To Stay Healthy
Wellness Wednesday:
Do you find yourself struggling to find convenient ways to maintain better health? The daily challenges of family, kids, meal preparation, commitments, careers, and others can definitely take a toll. There are so many resources online that provide tips and techniques that can help you manage the daily things in life. So I compiled several ideas from various resources to help you with journey to better health and take control and get yourself back on track. You can make this as difficult or as easy as you wish. Maintaining good health is not easy, it takes work, discipline, and time but can be a worthy investment. This is an investment in you, and your life.
Here are some ideas and I hope you will find these to be helpful.
- Source: Military.com: 10 Tips To Stay Healthy.
- Schedule time with friends and family where it does not involve eating.
- Think of food as fuel and not as a gift.
- When eating out, find three things that are healthy on the menu.
- Do not eat food near or around your office or work.
See Full article here: https://www.military.com/military-fitness/spouse-and-family/10-tips-to-stay-healthy-this-holiday
- Source: gijobs.com: Ways to Stay Healthy After The Military.
- Develop a Post Separation Plan. (More Info Here) http://www.gijobs.com/pt-in-the-civlian-sector/
- Take Ownership of your own Healthcare
- Keep Stress Level Low
See Full article here: https://www.gijobs.com/ways-to-stay-healthy-after-the-military/
- Source: Samueliinstitute.com Make sure to get enough healthy sleep.
- Find ways for a better connection between your mind and body: Consider the following therapies below:
- Progressive relaxation
- Music therapy
- Yoga
- Hypnotherapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
See Full article here: http://samueliinstituteblog.org/healthy-sleep-tips-advice-military-caregivers/index.html
Wednesday Wellness: Salt Caves
Wishing you all a year full of good health, positive energy, and improved wellness in your life! I’ve recently did some research on several helpful tools that you might be interested in using or learning about.
VA Tools:
Did you know about the VA’s Move! Coach App for Android? It contains a self-management guide where each week it builds upon the week before to assist you with keeping good habits that even last once you’ve completed the program. You can learn more about this program here: https://www.move.va.gov/moveCoach.asp
Himalayan Salt Cave:
Have you heard about Salt Caves? Himalayan salt is a natural and can offer incredible relaxing and medicinal benefits. Himalayan salt is helpful in offering the following benefits:
- Respiratory and lung function
- Breathing the air within the salt cave goes into your bronchi and breaks up the mucus and helps you expel it.
- This salt is antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
- The sale contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, bromine, copper, selenium, and iron.
- The salt can help clear and improve skin conditions too.
I’ve recently experience time in a salt cave and enjoyed every minute of it. The setting is incredibly relaxing as you enter you feel the similarities of walking through the sand on a beach. The sensations of silence set the mood from the moment you step into this darkened sound proof room. Himalayan salt fill the walls and the floors as you take your seat and begin the healing process. I felt so relaxed, and did feel the draining of toxins within my sinuses. Read about my experience here:
Essential Oils:
Another hot item trending recently is that of the healing and wellness benefits of essential oils. Here is more you might wish to learn about essential oils.
In summary, you can probably make a bet that you may face a few challenges in 2019. But it can also be the year to take action and make positive changes in your life. Changes that can bring better health and wellness to you, which can mean more happiness, and good things to come! Happy Wellness New Year!
Wounded Warrior Tennis Program 