Harris Hurley Haywood Professional Athletes With Military Service
Army/Terrance Bell-
Harris Hurley Haywood is a world-class race car driver with over 35 years of professional experience under his belt. Haywood has won multiple events, including five overall victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, three at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and two at the 12 Hours of Sebring. He is credited with the 1988 Trans-Am title, two IMSA GT Championship titles and 23 wins, three Norelco Cup championships, a SuperCar title and 18 IndyCar starts. But before his racing career began, Haywood was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as a specialist 4 with the 164th Aviation Group near Saigon, Vietnam. After serving his one tour, Haywood returned to the United States and began his racing career, where he used many of the lessons he learned in Vietnam to help him become a better driver. Haywood credits his service for giving him one of the most critical skills to have as a racecar driver: the ability to adapt.
Cheapest Places To Retire
As you consider where you want to retire as a senior, the cost is most likely at the top of your lists of concerns. If you are on a budget you need to find a place to live that allows you all of the comforts and amenities of retirement, without breaking the bank. Check out the cheapest states, cities, and places around the world as you narrow down your options.
State For Disabled Veterans: Illinois
Illinois rounds out our top 5 best states for disabled veterans in 2023, coming in at #5/5.
The state of Illinois offers a wide range of benefits for disabled veterans, which well discuss in this section.
State of Illinois disabled veterans or surviving spouses with a VA disability rating of 30% to 50% receive an annual property tax exemption of $2,500 on their primary residence.
Disabled veterans or surviving spouses with a VA disability rating of 50% to 70% receive an annual exemption of $5,000 per year.
And Illinois veterans or surviving spouses of veterans with a service connected VA disability rating of 70% or higher are completely exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residences.
Illinois does have a flat income tax system, which means that everyone, regardless of income level, is taxed at the same rate.
The current state income tax rate in Illinois is 4.95%.
However, military retirement pay, SBP payments, and VA disability pay are tax free in Illinois.
The Illinois Veterans Grant Program pays tuition and fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges for eligible Illinois veterans.
Finally, Illinois disabled veterans with a 10% VA rating or higher are exempt from purchasing a hunting and fishing license or a habitat stamp.
Illinois Disabled Veteran Benefits Quality Score: 72.5/100
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Things To Do In Colorado Springs
Families will love Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Elitch Gardens, both of which offer military discounts. Spend a day hiking through Garden of the Gods or up Pikes Peak. Play a full 18 at Patty Jewett Golf Course. Bring your appetite to Old Colorado City and sit down for a meal at Mountain Shadows Restaurant. Try local craft beers at Trails End Taproom, the first self-pour taproom in Colorado Springs. Or grab some beer and grub at Bristol Brewing Company, which is housed in an old elementary school.
- Military Bases Near Minneapolis: Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station
Harsh Minnesota winters arent for everyone, but if youre willing to brave the snow, Minneapolis has tons of perks for veterans! Part of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis offers residents big-city amenities and plenty of job opportunities with major employers like Target, UnitedHealth Group, and Best Buy. Although the city isnt known for its active military population, its home to 16,424 veterans. In addition, two nearby VA hospitals with five-star ratings from the Department of Veterans Affairs help make Minnesota one of the best states for disabled veterans. And did we mention that military pensions and retirement pay arent taxed in Minnesota?
Things To Do In Omaha
Head down to the Old Market for fine dining and shopping. Learn more about Omahas Union Pacific roots at Durham Museum. Listen to live music at Midtown Crossings Jazz on the Green. Enjoy a juicy steak and a glass of whiskey at The Drover. Take a tour of Nebraska Brewing Company and sample their brews. Catch the best of college baseball with the NCAA Mens College World Series at Charles Schwab Field Omaha . And you cant miss out on the top-rated Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, which offers military discounts!
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The Best Places For Military To Retire
Retirement is a door that an average of 10,000 people in the United States open every day. As a long-standing active duty service member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force, your retirement journey may be right around the corner. The question is: What will be on the other side of that door when you finally hang up your military service uniform? In other words, in what state will you live out your golden years? This article will help us get a better understanding of the best places for military members to retire by referencing relevant information and statistics that may affect our decision.
Military veterans who are preparing for retirement are in an enviable position. Many people in the civilian population arent wondering where they can retire, but if they have the means to retire at all. Indeed, just over half of non-retirees expect to have enough money to enter retirement once they reach that age, according to a Gallup survey. This compares to 80% of current retirees who do have the financial resources to maintain their standard of living.
Thanks to the Military Retirement Fund, full Social Security benefits, money building in your 401 and making consistent contributions to your savings accounts and investments, financial stability isnt a question for you.
- Veteran population
- State tax environment
Fort Hood: Austin Texas
Fort Hood is about one hour north of Austin, Texas. It’s a popular location for military retirees because it contains the only VA Medical Center in the area. Living here gives you access not only to Austin, but also other great Texas cities like Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
Texas is one of the best places for military retirees to live it has no state tax on military pay, and a relatively low cost of living, which makes it a great place to maximize your military pension. The Austin area also offers numerous federal jobs and defense contract positions. Read more about the Fort Hood area here.
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Nas Pensacola: Pensacola Florida
Florida is one of the best states for military retirees. Spend some time in the Sunshine State and you will soon see why: great weather, white-sand beaches, and convenient access to numerous military bases throughout the state. Also, Florida does not have a state tax on income or on military pensions, so you can get the most out of your benefits here.
While there are military bases throughout the state, the panhandle area has the highest concentration, with six military bases on Floridaâs Gulf Coast. Pensacola, near the Alabama border, is home to NAS Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels. There are three VA facilities and one Naval Hospital right in Pensacola, and you will find several college campuses nearby if you want to continue your education.
You can learn about military bases across the country and find the right fit for your “forever home” by using the free Area Guides and Neighborhood Reviews on PCSgrades. They are all written by and for military families! Access our free member benefits here.
Things To Consider When Moving
When looking at finding a new home after retiring from the military, it is crucial to consider your needs. Depending on your rank and years of service, you may be eligible for a pension from $20,000 and upwards.
Though higher ranking members will earn significantly more, consider the yearly amount before making any decisions. $20,000 a year will go much further and allow for a higher quality of life in the countryside when compared to living costs in a highly populated city.
Before making any big decisions, such as buying a house, consider the following:
- What is your cost of living, including car insurance and other expenses?
- What quality of life are you looking for?
- What are the taxes like in the specific area?
- Is climate important?
- Will you need to travel?
If you are moving to a new city, consider starting with a trial run. This can include booking a short-term rental and spending a couple of months in the area before committing to a lease or mortgage. Make a list of what you are looking for and what is important, and thoroughly assess the area.
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How To Decide If The Time Is Right To Retire
It may be that you already have a good sense of where you want retirement to take place but cant decide on when to bring your military service to an end. In other words, even though you know when youre eligible to retire, the time may not be right. Thats a decision that should be left to you and your family. If the ultimate determination comes down to finances, theres a general rule of thumb that you can go by. According to economists and financial gurus, during retirement you should aim to be earning around 80% of what you do now. Lets say your annual salary is $75,000. When you multiply that number by .80, that amounts to $60,000 .
Of course, you may be able to live comfortably on less than this if, in retirement, you wont have the expenses that you do now. For instance, you may have a child who is old enough to live on their own, perhaps youre not far away from paying off your mortgage or car loan. You might even have more income streams in retirement than at the present time.
Even when youre in a comfortable position financially, there may come a time in which you need a military loan. Omni Financial is there for you whenever you need us in retirement too. In addition to active duty military loans, we also provide personal loans to career-retired service members regardless of their branch. For more information, contact us today or visit us at an office near you.
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Things To Do In Minneapolis
Catch a show at Theater Latté Da. Head over to Northern Brewer to learn how to brew your own beer. Try a brunch spin on Minnesotas classic wild rice with the Mahnomin Wild Rice Porridge at Hells Kitchen. Tailgate with family and friends at Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves games throughout the year.
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Can You Retire Overseas And Still Collect Your Military Retirement And Va Disability
The answer to this frequently asked question is yes! Living overseas does not prevent you from receiving either of those entitlements. In fact, Defense Finance and Accounting Service offers international direct deposit in many countries, so you can have your military retirement pay deposited directly into a local bank. Visit the DFAS website for more details.
The VA website has information about using benefits and service for veterans living overseas.
Overall Best States For Veterans To Retire: Florida
Again, no surprise here: Florida is the #2 overall best state for disabled veterans to retire in 2023.
Florida offers military retirees a ton of fantastic benefits.
Also, Florida is one of 9 states with no state income tax, so your earnings go a long way.
Florida also exempts military retirement pay for military retirees, Survivor Benefit Plan payments, and VA disability compensation payments from state taxes.
Furthermore, the state of Florida has the second best veteran benefits program in the nation , which offers incredible state benefits to retired military members.
Floridas Congressman C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Program is one of the best education benefit programs for military retirees, veterans, and disabled veterans in the United States.
Florida waives out-of-state tuition fees for all retired military and honorably discharged veterans who reside in the state and who are enrolled in Florida public, post-secondary institutions.
Florida also provides scholarship opportunities for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or who are rated at 100% P& T by the VA.
In addition, the state of Florida benefits from large federal VA expenditures, with over $17 billion directly benefiting military retirees, veterans, and disabled veterans .
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $17.3 billion
TOTAL EXPENDITURE BY VETERAN: $11,620.12
All these factors combined make Florida the #2 best state for military retirement in 2023.
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Melissa Stockwell Professional Athletes With Military Service
Harry How/Getty Images
Melissa Stockwell is no stranger to athletic successes. A paralympic triathlete swimmer, Stockwell has competed in the Paralympics twice, one of which earned her a bronze medal. She is a three-time gold medalist in the ICU Triathlon World Championships. Before her athletic successes, Stockwell served as an Army Officer in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. She served from 2002 to 2005 and spent the latter part of her military career deployed in Iraq. While leading a convoy in Baghdad, Stockwell was struck by a roadside bomb, resulting in the loss of her left leg. She retired from the military after the accident, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for her service. Along with taking an interest in swimming, Stockwell worked as a prosthetist and served on the board of directors of the Wounded Warrior Project. Besides her numerous achievements in triathlons, Stockwell holds the title of the first Iraq veteran to be chosen for the Paralympics.
In 2018, the VA issued a report, The Military to Civilian Transition: A Review of Historical, Current, and Future Trends. More than 8,500 veterans, active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members and dependents identified their transition challenges:
- Navigating VA programs, benefits and services 60%
- Finding a job 55%
- Adjusting to civilian culture 41%
- Addressing financial challenges 40%
- Applying military-learned skills to civilian life 39%
Maintaining a laser-like focus on a goal is critical.
Or not.
Best States For Veterans To Retire
After retiring, many veterans are left with the question of where to live next without the need to adhere to station change. When choosing, veterans should consider benefits available in state, healthcare options, tax exemptions and many other factors when looking for their next home.
Here is a list of the 5 best states for veterans to retire, according to WalletHub.
1. Virginia
WalletHub ranked Virginia the number one ranked state for military retirees. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services offers many advantages for retired veterans through 26 benefit service offices. The services are provided free of charge and help connect veterans with information on current federal, state and local programs throughout Virginia.
When it comes to looking for a post-service career, veterans can join the Virginia Transition Assistance Program. VTAP helps transitioning service members and their spouses seeking employment, education and entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition, veterans eyeing state employment can receive a five percent addition to their test scores, and disabled veterans can receive a 10 percent addition.
2. South Carolina
Additionally, disabled veterans are eligible to receive a free hunting and fishing license. Any South Carolina resident who is 100% disabled may enter any state park at a reduced rate.
3. Florida
4. South Dakota
5. Alaska
Abi Pepin is a summer intern for the Military Times covering evergreen stories and working on social media platforms.
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Is It Hard To Retire Overseas
Thats one of the questions we answer through these interviews.
How do you get the legal authorization to live in another country? What are some of the pros and cons of living abroad? What do current expat retirees wish they had known or done differently before moving to another country?
You can learn all that through these interviews.
Naval Station Norfolk: Virginia Beach Virginia
The southeast corner of Virginia has a high population of active duty and retired military familiesâand for good reason! The Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas boast several major military bases. In addition to the sprawling NS Norfolk, there are the smaller bases of NAS Oceana, Dam Neck, Little Creek, and Fort Story in Norfolk, with Joint Base Langley-Eustis further north in Hampton Roads.
Because of its strong military connections, the area has a large number of federal jobs, defense contract awards, and jobs using military skills, making it an ideal location to launch your second career. There are several major colleges and universities nearby if you choose to continue your education: The College of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, and Hampton University. There is also a major VA hospital that serves the region.
Norfolk’s cost of living is much more affordable than Northern Virginia around the D.C. area. One downside is that Virginia does tax military pensions, so do your research and compare your budget to other potential locations.
When you are ready to look for your âforever homeâ after military service, PCSgrades can connect you with top-rated real estate agents who are familiar with military moves, VA loans, and all the details of military retirement. !
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Grand Forks Afb: Grand Forks North Dakota
You may be surprised to learn that Grand Forks public schools are some of the best in the nation. Families who settle here after retiring from the military can be confident that their children will have great educational opportunities. They can even attend the University of North Dakota in town.
The Grand Forks area has a healthy low unemployment rate of 3.1% and a cost of living nearly 6% below the national average. Military retirees and their families will have access to several VA medical clinics.
Grand Forks is located a stone’s throw away from the Minnesota border, with easy access to plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities.