This book would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of our good friend Chris Michel, the founder of Military.com, and the contributions of many colleagues and friends. I would like to thank them for their assistance and for supporting those who have answered the call to serve.
On the Military.com team, I would like first and foremost to thank Anne Dwane, Ho Lin, and David Grayson for their central role in preparing the original manuscript. I would also like to thank Ward Carroll, Mark Maxwell, Bill Geddes, Barb Chiles, Rachael Hubbard, and the Monster Worldwide leadership team for their support for this project and the military veteran community.
Many dedicated people on the House Veterans Affairs Committee staff and the members and staff of the Congressional Veterans Job Caucus, the Department of Veterans Affairs, DoD, DOL, and other agencies have contributed ideas, given feedback, offered tips, and shared their store of wisdom over the years. I would also like to acknowledge the support and assistance over the years provided by our friends at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
We at Military.com are fortunate to work with many talented contributors and advisors, who also in one or another have contributed to the book: Dr. Vince Patton, Tom Philpott, Thomas Hall, Carol Osborn, Jack Tilley, Ben Krause, Gary Woods, and Herald “Skip” Kempnich. Special thanks go to our friends at USAA for their contributions to the book and assistance in getting this book in veteran and servicemembers’ hands.
Over the years many friends have supported this project. Thanks also goes to our long time supporters and advocates: Anthony Principi, Bonnie Carroll (TAPS), Max Cleland, General Norman Schwarzkopf, USA (Ret.), General Hugh Shelton USA (Ret.), Admiral James Loy, USCG (Ret.), Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN (Ret.), Sal Giunta, and our friends at the Naval Institute Press whose support has been instrumental in making this book a success, especially Tom Cutler, Emily Bakely, and Nicholas Lyle for their patience and hard work.
Finally, I would like to thank Military.com’s more than 10 million members; it is their insight, know-how, and passion to serve that made this book possible.