In light of the boom of CrossFit gyms in the United States, 13 in 2005 to around 3,400 in 2012, it's time for our readers to check out a CrossFit.  Most of our U.S. military heroes have likely heard of CrossFit, but now there are no excuses not to try it because CrossFit gyms opened across the nation.   Read below to learn about CrossFit, and in upcoming articles on its related CrossFit Games.

History of CrossFit
CrossFit was founded by Greg Glassman.  The first CrossFit affiliated gym opened in Santa Cruz, California, in 1995, the same year Glassman was hired to train the Santa Cruz police department.  CrossFit adaptations include programs for children, pregnant women, seniors, football players, and military special forces candidates.  According to an article in the CrossFit Journal, a U.S. Army eight week study found that "every athlete experienced an increase in their work capacity, measured in terms of power output, with an average increase of 20%."  The Army concluded "the CrossFit program was successful in increasing every athlete’s general level of physical fitness."

Explanation of the CrossFit Community
CrossFit is essentially a back to the basics gym blended with uniform-intense exercises and methods.  Inside a CrossFit gym  visitors are unlikely to be visually amazed by the surroundings, instead.  The hardworking inhabitants of CrossFit gyms are the impressive eye-catchers.  It's all about pushing limits from petite-powerhouse women lifting two times their weight to guys flipping monster tires in the parking lot.  The atmosphere is usually welcoming if you buy into the Crossfit methods.  However, be sure to learn some of their lingo.  To get started remember the following:

• WOD is the  Workout of the Day posted inside each gym;
  
• PR is Personal record;
  
• Rx’d or as prescribed or as written is the WOD done without any adjustments;
  
• CFT or CrossFit Total is Max squat, press, and deadlift; and
  
• AMRAP is As Many Reps or Rounds as Possible.

Some of the operators and trainers at CrossFit are military heroes.  A new charitable effort has been undertaken by a military hero and CrossFit Hammond owner, Brad McKee, and his team at the Disposable Heroes Project (DHP).  DHP raises money for military heroes primarily through special CrossFit WOD's.  According to their website, DHP focuses its efforts on funding of monuments and memorials, both virtual and static, Educational Scholarships for school expenses, and Troop Welfare.  Find more information about this organization at http://thedhproject.org.

As with any new fitness program, take the gym for a spin before committing to a long-term contract.  Also consult your physician in advance for guidance.  CrossFit might not be for you so visit multiple gyms to find your comfort zone.  Whether you train at CrossFit and/or for the CrossFit Games, we plan to support your fitness transformations with more articles soon.  Ask questions and we will hunt down the answers.  Check back soon for more exciting things to come!

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general fitness information.  Consult a licensed physician before beginning any new fitness program. For Love of Country is not affiliated with any of the businesses or organizations contained herein.  

Source: http://wikipedia.com/wiki/crossfit
Source: http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ_USArmy_Study.pdf

One of the best ways to attract an employer is to differentiate yourself.  Being a U.S. military hero now has even more benefits in this competitive job market.  Hiring a U.S. military hero will benefit employers, but not all employers are aware of the recent financial and tax benefits made available to them.  

According to the U.S. House Committee on Veteran Affairs, there are 900,000 unemployed veterans in the United States.  In an attempt to reduce this figure, the U.S. government recently amended and expanded the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) with the VOW to Hire Heroes Act signed into law by the President on November 21, 2011.  

One of the advantages to this Act is it improves the transition process from military service into civilian life. For instance, a service member is now encouraged to apply and receive veterans preference status before leaving military service.  Furthermore, the Act provides the opportunity to refine skills during one year at a  community college or technical school.

What do employers need to know?  This Act expands the definition of WOTC’s veteran target groups, and the changes apply to veterans hired after November 22 until December 31, 2012.  Due to the recent amendment, employers are encouraged to hire all types of veterans and disabled veterans after which the employer will receive a credit from $2,400 to $9,600.  To learn more about applying for this credit follow the links as follows:    

1. Individual Characteristics Form (ICF) Work Opportunity Tax Credit Form 9061
   
2. Conditional Certification, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, ETA Form 9062
3. Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Form 8850

In these difficult times make full use of these available benefits and information to secure a new job.  Ensure that you catch a prospective employer's attention by mentioning these possible financial and tax benefits at the appropriate time during the hiring process.  This type of helpful information might even boost your starting salary.  Good luck!

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general legal information to the readers.  Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal advice on your situation.  

Sources: 
Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov/pub
Hiring Veterans – Tax Credits in a Nutshell, February 2, 2012, Karin Durkee

In this article we conclude our series by discussing two related-important legal issues of custody and child support.  The rights of our military heroes are more protected than in the past as long as they are aware of their rights.  The JAG office can sometimes perform services to assist with child custody and support issues, however.  The court battles often require the experience of a local family law attorney to negotiate and file motions to modify custody and/or child support. 
 
Child Custody
Child custody and child support are distinct issues not to be confused.  Child custody generally involves the physical custody of the child.  The parents might receive an award of joint or shared custody of a child.  Visitation is the time awarded to a parent or other family member in lieu of having joint custody.  If deployed, a service member should abide by any existing court order, which will likely order the service member to exchange the child with the other parent before leaving the United States.  Our government has also sought to protect rights of deployed parents to regain custody and visitation once they return from deployment. 

Custody Modification
It is possible to modify the custody arrangement.  A custody modification can be accomplished without costly litigation if the parties proactively discuss their need for a modification.  In cases of children of service members or veterans, the need for a custody modification is often the result of a proposed relocation.  In North Carolina, the courts considered the child’s best interests to determine whether to modify custody or visitation.  A court might also refuse to modify a prior Order unless a substantial change of circumstances has occurred; however, a move for employment reasons is likely a substantial change of circumstances. Based upon the case law, a court will likely use several factors to determine the child’s best interests.  If a trial court uses these factors to determine the child’s best interests then its decision is more likely to be upheld on appeal.

Passports and PKPA
To get a child's passport the government requires the consent of both parents in the majority of cases.   To get a child's passport the government requires the consent of both parents in the majority of cases.  In unfortunate cases some parents have taken a child outside of the country without the permission of the other parent.  As a result, governments have implemented laws and signed treaties, including the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA).  United States service members and veterans are subject to these laws.  

Setting a Child Support Amount
Child support is the money provided to meet the child's needs.  Both parents have a duty to provide support for their children.  Everyone should understand that the military’s purpose for their support requirements is to be a temporary solution. The military prefers assisting with enforcement of SAPS and orders, rather than setting a long term support amount. Once a SAPS is signed or court order on support is entered it is the controlling document.  Even if no court order exists, a service member may be required to pay retroactive child support if the custodial parent makes this claim. 

Child Support Modification

In the previous article in this series we discussed military benefits available in addition to health care benefits.  Once you are a veteran consider using your entrepreneurial talents, and take advantage of opportunities to contract with government entities.  In this article we breakdown the business formation process and offer start-up tips for organizing your business as a veteran.  

Establishing a Business Entity
According to the IRS, the most common forms of business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and S corporation.  Establishing a business entity can be accomplished in a few simple steps or it might require the expertise of a professional.   The basic requirements for establishing a business are usually found on a state's secretary of state or corporations website.  Often,the government will provide forms on its website to complete, print and mail to its office.  If you are considering an online company to organize your business, use a reputable company and ask questions about who completes and submits the government forms.  

Advantages and Disadvantages
Popular reasons to establish a business entity include minimizing personal liability, avoiding double taxation, and including investors.  Many businesses start as sole proprietors because it is simple and affordable to form, however.  The sole proprietorship does not offer the protections of other business entities.  Traditionally, businesses used the S corporation, but the Limited Liability Company has become more popular because it combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation.  A nonprofit business offers tax benefits for the business and its customers.  Due to abuses, nonprofit entities have recently undergone increased scrutiny by the government, and therefore a nonprofit owner must carefully follow the government's guidelines to become a nonprofit.  Remember to shop around to get thoughts from multiple professionals.