The Mess
Believe it or not, there aren’t many places on the net where genuine people with similar backgrounds can come together in a state of trust and openness to meet, share stories, laughs, fears, concerns, build friendships and then leave feeling a bit happier.
Military Network is a Buddy System…We are all military people, serving or former. This is your Mess so call in anytime and tell us what’s on your mind.
Mike and Steve
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I live in the great state of California. About ten years ago I was sitting in a Starbucks reading the LA Times. I was down in my luck (devorce) and reading to fill time.
There was an article on the front page that caught my eye….something like CA Supreme Court Rules Outreach Out. Basically they had discontinued the states contracting ADVANTAGE to women and minority business. But…
On the last paragraph of the inner third page they said the DVBE Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise was still active.
There began a journey as I applied to become a DVBE from Sacramento our state capitol and the search for a way to make money. Then a public utility that supports the DVBE program sent me to UCLA business school…a five thousand dollar crash program at the Anderson School of Business. I was on my way.
Fast forward then years. I own three online enterprise that deal with Public Works construction. Thats all the school, roads and bridges. I have a paid and certified lobbiest that keeps tabs on the new veteran laws that come out of Sacramento every legislative year. We kick some major ass when they try to restrict the veterans GROWING bennifits.
California is very supportive and generous to Veterans. I just wish the other 49 were half as supportive as California. The federal government does a pretty good job but their opportunity programs are still too complex for most veteran business owners.
Fast back twentyfive years when I was a state licensed paving contractor. The best employees I ever had were veterans. They like to finish a job and do it right. Talk about being on time…In fact I would say they are the most trusted individuals a company can find. God Bless American….and all its Veterans : )
Note:
Henry Sprague the author is the father of a PHD son and DVBE owner of Paving Net the first Public Works Construction Supply purchasing machine thanks to Calif’s aggressive laws to support veterans and disabled veterans.
Henry, thank you for your contribution. It takes a vision, courage (which none of us lack), self belief, determination and persistence to succeed. You have demonstrated all of those qualities. I know that your story will act as an inspiration to others.Keep up the good work and please keep us updated on your progress.
Wishing every success for the future and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Best regards,
Steve
If any member can assist Rudy, we would be grateful. Please contact him direct.
“I am a service disabled veteran. I am registered to sell goods and services to the US Gov – so far not luck. I file all the reports have all the required numbers – but i can’t find the list of products and services the gov wants. Help me if you can.
Rudy Oliver, 248.770-0492 FAX 248.644-3781
rudyoliver.237@gmail.com
Service disabled Veteran”
Thanks,
Steve
Sent Rudy a bit of helpful info just now.
gdz
Gary, great stuff…thanks. That’s what this is all about. Proud to have you aboard. Let us know how we can help you. Best regards, Steve & Mike
Folks, I have transferred these discussions from other pages in the interest of keeping the information consolidated.
Gregg Schleiff
October 27th, 2009 at 04:11
I am a small business owner and a veteran of Desert Storm. How could this organization help my business and how could I help this organization?
erik shearn
October 27th, 2009 at 04:42
I am a service disabled veteran owned Architecture firm. Does this network have other A/E design firms and design build contractor members. SAVR Inc. Is here to help other firms team with a quality Architect to purse projects with sdvob and vob set asides. Please feel free to visit my website http://www.savrarc.com or email eshearn@savrarc(dot)com.
Steve Jeffery
October 27th, 2009 at 11:15
Gregg, thanks for responding. We are proud to be able to help you.
Firstly, we are not an organization. Mike and I recognized the serious challenges and hardships that Veterans and families are facing during this economic crisis. We chose to do something about it by contributing our time, money and resources to establish and build a forum that brings together Veterans nationally to work together to provide priority hiring of Veterans and their families and also to give Veteran owned businesses priority in all purchasing decisions to help them survive and grow.
We have captured our mission and our goals succinctly on the homepage. The response from the military community in just a short time has been extraordinary. We have received offers of support from all quarters and we are working with these members to rapidly to pull this together into a range of focused services and options.
Our first priorities as outlined are jobs for Veterans and support for Veteran businesses. We yesterday launched the MilNet job search facility, providing access to more than 4 million jobs nationally. We are about to release another major initiative to support and help build Veteran owned businesses. Other initiatives we have in train in conjunction with other Veteran owned businesses will help transitioning Veterans establish their own businesses; access preferred funding facilities; assist with Veteran housing; focused training; personal development; buiness advice and guidance and others.
Gregg, if you can send us details of your business, your unique skills/experience, any special deals you may have for Veteran consumers we will work with you to outline a strategy to move forward.
I hope this response has adequately addressed your query.
We look forward to working with you.
Again, please find additional information from other pages.
Pat Teddy
October 26th, 2009 at 03:54
Can you tell me is there a cost, and if so what is it and any terms. Thank you, we think this is great.
Pat Teddy
VP Sales
ERI Group, LLC
Veteran Owned Small Business
Steve Jeffery
October 26th, 2009 at 10:16 · Edit
Hi Pat, thank you for your support. No there is no cost to Veterans. Let us know how we can help and also whether you would like to contribute newsletter articles and other material.
Best wishes,
Steve & Mike
jon berall
October 26th, 2009 at 14:36
The medical device described on the website is the Best rendition of the video laryngoscope ( larynx-scope ): used to place a breathing tube into a persons windpipe to give oxygen when the person is not breathing, or not breathing well enough to sustain life and prevent strokes and heart attacks. Our product will be used on the front lines and in the backup ERs and ORs.
As I write it is being evaluated by AFMESA: Air Force Medical Equipment Support Activity, Ft. Detrick, Maryland.
Twelve devices were submitted for the competition. We are in the Final Four.
The product is Japanese-made. The manufacturer is reluctant to come to the USA. I am not a big enough company for them to deal with. In this regard they are correct, as my resources are minimal, and at this stage this becomes a more expensive project than I can now manage, requiring multiple evaluation units for starters. And having one supplier for a critical device is never safe. And when that supplier is not American the risk is greater.
Steve Jeffery
October 26th, 2009 at 15:01
John, thanks for this. How can we help? Also, maybe you could post this again on our Bulletin Board so that others can see.
Hugh McPherson
October 27th, 2009 at 04:23
The article is timely and right on the mark. CSN sets up and manages corporate drug testing programs. The latter includes federally and State mandated testing. Through the use of a national network of providers, CSN can offer extremely affordable rates for its services.
I will personally work with you to make sure your program is both effective and compliant. Our regulatory consulting comes at no additional charge. CSN focuses on what it does best – assisting you in maintaining a drug free work environment. An easy first step toward reducing unwanted costs and increasing productivity.
US Army Retired.
Ed Mahoney
October 27th, 2009 at 08:32 · Edit
Gentlemen,
I am the most highly qualified SDVOSB General Contractor in Nevada.
I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
After engineering school I worked for the DOD at the Naval Ordinance Lab and in the Trident Sub Program for two years.
I have been a Licensed General Contractor for thirty (30) years.
I have been to DOD conventions and seminars until the cows came home.
I am listed in VetBiz, CCR, S.A.M.E., and a dozen others.
I am Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.
Nothing. My efforts have produced nothing. Veterans come last. Business as usual.
My challenge to you is, get me contracts so I can employ veterans. I will build anywhere, anytime , anything, and under any conditions, including combat. There are men with guts to get the job done. 70% unemployment in Nv construction.
Stop talking and start doing.
Regards, Ed Mahoney 775-720-4772 ejmahoney@rigidsteel.biz
Steve Jeffery
October 27th, 2009 at 10:31
Hugh, thanks for raising awareness of your services to the Military Network community. We are about to release another major initiative, which you will find useful for continuing to build a presence nationally. Check back soon to keep up to date on events.
Steve Jeffery
October 27th, 2009 at 10:43
Ed, thanks for the article. The reason Mike and I formed this community is to bring a focus on Vets working together and supporting each other with first preference on jobs for Vets and their families and first preference in engaging with Veteran owned businesses to give them every chance of surviving and growing during this time of financial crisis.
We volunteer our time, money and our resources to this cause and we are grateful and encouraged by the fantastic response from Military people.
The contracts situation as you describe is a challenge we recognize and are in the process of addressing. We are working with other Veterans who have been successful in winning contracts and who are keen to explain to others how to go about it.
Let me know when would be a good time to call you to discuss further.
Hi There, Quick Question:
I recently came across my late fathers 1943 WWII military combat records and I am wondering if there is a web site where these can be posted. These are a piece of history and may be lost if we do not attempt to save our heritage. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks, Ray
Personal E-mail: manauto@msn.com
Hi Ray, I regret the delay in responding to your query. Yes, your father’s combat records are a valuable record. I would offer to place them on this site, but as you can see it’s a pretty dynamic environment and changes all the time. Can I suggest that you contact a War Museum, War Memorial, State Library or similar. They may at least be able to point you in the right direction.
Let us know how you go. The feedback would be interesting for others.
Best regards,
Steve
Hello All:
My name is Richard Blodgett and I would like to let you know of a Blog (of mine) that HONORS the actions of our troops, at the moment of truth. I recieve and post articles, emails and stories from the people who were there, at the time of battle.
I would love for you to visit my Blog and to leave me a contact address, if you have a story for me to publish for you. If you like what your reading at the Blog site, you can click of the “Follow” button below the main Blog Photo and the articles will be updated about every other day.
Again, thank you for your time and here are my Blog and Website URLs:
http://salutingmilitaryvalor.blogspot.com
http://www.militaryflagdisplaycase.com
Sincerely;
Richard Blodgett