Posts Tagged ‘U.S. Military Veterans Center in SL’

I can’t believe its been about a month since Andy or I have posted anything! For two people who usually have a lot to say about a lot of things it’s very shocking.

I decided I would sit and write a post but, nothing popped into my head while I sat and looked at a blank post page.

I began to think about things I have read about Niches and Flagship content and realized we no longer have one in reality. (BTW.. there is a killer e book out by Chris Garret for free, swing by and pick it up. His is a blog I personally enjoy reading.)

As many know, we have been around for a long time, with a website that had tutorials and free content for use with 3d applications like Poser, and 2d applications like Photoshop.

Due to deployments and all that happy stuff that happens in life when the US Military owns you, that content was all put on a forum to make content sharing easier on the people who wanted to help donate resources, they didn’t have to wait on me to get their email requests, upload and put on a page.

With all the tutorials on the web now a days, it’s hard for us to do one that hasn’t been beaten to death. If you do a search for “how to make a brush tip in Photoshop CS2″ you come up with page upon page of how to do this. We still do tutorials that have been requested. I think that helps us not become just another repeat tutorial place on the internet highway.

Coming up with brand new never seen before techniques is not really as easy as I thought it would be. I guess that takes that “niche” out of the loop.

Yes, I do the rant of the injustices in the world and the chronically moronic people that inhabit our planet, but do I really want to make that my niche?

We have a lot of things on here now about Second Life. That could be our niche… maybe…. Andy and I decided that we do not want to be just another Second Life blog out there. Sure we will keep interested people in the loop of whats going on in Second Life, and what they might find interesting.

My blurb tonight about Second Life could be the art going on across the grid. We ourselves have been exhibiting many fantastic artists in our museum monthly. We have two incredible artists exhibiting this month, one who is doing a Meet the Artist party this Saturday; Van Caerndow. I am excited for the art going on
on Second Life, it’s been a fantastic journey. Everything you see on SL is a work of art.. the models, the builds, the textures… THE MUSIC!!

There is so much musically going on in Second Life. If you have ever clicked over and looked at our Nevermore website, you will see the artists we have that play our venue. Music that may never be heard around the world if it wasn’t for Second Life. Myspace doesn’t reach as many musically for unsigned artists as Second Life is proving to.

Me and my sister Sabby hanging out with two of my favorite SL Musicians and friends, Lightnin Lowtide and Zachariah Loon

Ballet is even IN Second Life! The Pixel Ballet puts on original ballets monthly that includes their own textures, built sets, musical scores and animated choreography.

Living Goddess - Pixel Ballet

There is so much art in Second Life, it’s hard to decide what to do at any given time.

Non Profit and support groups abound in Second Life. The Wounded Warrior Project has joined with the US Military Veterans’ Center in Second Life to hold monthly fund raisers for the Project. Nevermore kicked off the first one, holding a Pirate ship party.

Relay for Life is well underway and the teams are kicking some serious butt on the drive to Relay For A Cure. If you remember on a past post, I pointed out that RFL in Second Life was the third biggest relay in the world, raising over a quarter of a million USD.

From the way this post has gone, maybe Second Life is our niche, or at least mine… maybe…

Left to Right: Nomad, Me, Lightnin (Looks like we are contemplating together) OMG!!, Buster and Sabby

Popularity: 14% [?]

The U.S. Military Veterans Center in Second Life (SL) .is the foremost resource center for real-life veterans, active duty service members and their families. It is supported by primarily by donations and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any US government agency.

It includes an information center, a memorial garden, museum, a chapel, and a replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Two national veterans organizations, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and a family support organization are also represented .

In addition to its physical headquarters, the US Military Veterans Center is also a social group. Currently there are 240 members. The members of the group provide services to veterans and their such as classes and seminars on topics that pertain directly to them. The group also includes coalition members, veterans of allied forces who served and fought next to US forces.

U.S. Military Veterans Center in Second Life (SL) was started by a real life Desert Storm combat veteran of the U.S. Navy, a member of the Disabled Veterans of America, and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who saw a need to bring veterans together for support and also to exchange information about programs, resources and services for veterans.

Since its launch, U.S. Military Veterans Center in Second Life (SL) has been instrumental in assisting several veterans. One individual, who is a disabled combat veteran who uses a wheelchair as a result of his injuries, was looking for assistance to make his house more wheelchair accessible.

One staff member, after reviewing the Veterans Benefits Handbook, confirmed the veteran was qualified for grant assistance. After contacting the DAV, the National Service Officer confirmed the veteran is eligible for a $50,000 grant to assist in making his home wheelchair accessible as well as an additional $11,000 to adapt his automobile in a likewise fashion.

Another individual was looking for resources relating to PTSD. After visiting the U.S. Military Veterans Center in Second Life (SL), he found the information he needed and was unable to find on his own. After consulting a checklist provided by the Center, he realized he could be suffering from this debilitating condition and scheduled an appointment with a counselor for the following week.

The Disabled American Veterans has conducted a feasibility study to determine whether Second Life can be used to deliver outreach and services to disabled American veterans and has decided to move forward. They have purchased a large area recently beginning construction on what will be a virtual convention center and home for the DAV in SL. Veterans who find U.S. Military Veterans Center in Second Life (SL) while exploring SL have joined DAV.

Another veteran, who leads a local VFW Post, has built a post as an extension of the VFW Post website. He saw an opportunity within SL to reach younger veterans without geographic hindrance and to provide them with the necessary information to transition to civilian life. He has also referred at least 6 individuals who were having problems with their VA disability ratings to VFW National Service Officers.

Some of the information provided by the VFW extension includes details of VFW programs and services, links for individuals to make donations to VFW sponsored programs (VFW Foundation, Operation Uplink, MAP, etc), PTSD Resources for service members and their families, and online recruitment links.

Popularity: 1% [?]