A bachelor of arts graduate in humanities and social sciences from UMass Dartmouth University, Paul Camara is the president of Axion Specialty Contracting. He oversees the company’s sales, contract securing, and client management matters. Based in Brooklyn, Connecticut, Paul Camara is a member of several military organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Rhode Island chapter.
The VFW traces its roots to the Spanish-American war of 1898 and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902). In 1899 the veterans of the two wars decided to team up to secure and fight for the rights and benefits of the members for their service, especially medical care, housing, and pension, as no measures were in place.
The veterans banded together and formed organizations, later known as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After the first three chapters in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, the organizations grew rapidly, and by 1936, over 200,000 strong. The membership currently stands at over two million.
The organization strives to advocate and lobby for the members’ best interests and has made significant strides over the years. Notable achievements include improving VA medical centers for women veterans, funding the creation of war memorials for veterans of Vietnam, World War II, Women in the Military, and the Korean war, the GI Bill, the National Cemetery system, and compensation for Agent Orange and Gulf War Syndrome victims.
The Gulf war syndrome has baffled many for years. While the war lasted only 43 days, some harmful effects still hounded the veterans decades later. The typical exhibited effects are muscle aches, dizziness, headaches, memory lapses, insomnia, and fatigue.
A veteran of the US Army National Guard, Paul Camara has worked as a contractor and estimator for 30 years. Today, Paul Camara lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he is president of Axion Specialty Contracting. He is also a member of the Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association (ESICA).
ESICA is a trade organization that represents contractors together with their suppliers and distributors. It draws its membership from industry players in the Eastern US region. Its mission is to educate members on technical innovations, government legislation, and other relevant information affecting the industry. It does this through educational sessions, newsletters, and annual conferences in the spring and fall.
In 2023, the spring conference will take place from May 3-5 at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The fall conference is slated for Sept. 6-8 and will be hosted at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. People interested in knowing more about the events can reach out to ESICA through its number (516-922-7855) or email at info@esica.org.
Paul Camara, a veteran and a professional contractor from Brooklyn, Connecticut, is the president of Axion Specialty Contracting company in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Outside his profession, Paul Camara enjoys various hobbies and interests like skiing, biking, and volunteering for children’s school.
Students sometimes struggle in school due to heavy workload, lack of confidence, bullying, and other stressors that are family related. Although educators do their best to help with these situations, external help from volunteers can significantly impact students’ lives by providing emotional support, helping with their personal development, and teaching them how to overcome various challenges.
Volunteers can help children in school broaden their perspectives on their studies and in life. For instance, volunteers may use a different teaching approach from instructors to spark children’s interest in various areas, including arts, humanities, and STEM. Additionally, they can help learners prepare for college applications and provide valuable advice on interview preparation.
Volunteering also positively impacts the community because it assists local organizations and groups and aid in developing good ties between the school and the community. For instance, by providing cost-free services to schools and other organizations through community services, volunteers help institutions run their operations while saving on related costs.
An accomplished executive in Brooklyn, Connecticut, Paul Camara serves as president of Axion Specialty Contracting, a mechanical insulation contractor that provides services in New England. A distinguished military veteran, Paul Camara served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard from 1993 to 2001 as section chief, earning the Army Achievement Medal in both 1997 and 1999.
The Army Achievement Medal (AAM) was instituted on August 1, 1981. Military members who have demonstrated exemplary non-combat meritorious achievement or service are given the award. AAM can also be granted in a combat area, albeit for non-combat meritorious achievement or service. Enlisted service members below the grade of E-7 and members in the grade of O-6 and lower can be eligible for the award.
The rationale underpinning the institution of the AAM was the need for a means to recognize meritorious accomplishments that do not meet the requirements of the Army Commendation Medal (a higher-ranking award). AAM can be awarded with bronze or silver oak leaf clusters.
Paul Camara is an established Brooklyn, Connecticut, professional who guides Axion Specialty Contracting and provides client-driven services. A United States Armed Forces veteran, Paul Camara earned the Army Achievement and Commendation Medals in the late 1990s.
The Commendation Medals started in 1945 at the end of World War II. It recognizes meritorious service when a Bronze Star Medal cannot be awarded since it reflects achievement while fighting an enemy. Originally a Commendation Ribbon, the award transitioned to a medal pendant in 1948.
In 1962, President John Kennedy authorized the award. He broadened its application to those serving in military services allied with the United States who meet the basic criterion of achievement, heroism, or meritorious service. Unlike the Bronze Star, a Commendation Medal may be awarded for acts of heroism involving aerial flight and beyond the scope of direct combat. The only military members ineligible to receive the award are those ranked as general officers.
Based in Brooklyn, Connecticut, Paul Camara heads Axion Specialty Contracting and meets the needs of diverse clients. A sports enthusiast, Paul Camara enjoys watching his kids compete and participates in outdoor activities such as cycling and skiing.
When skiing in a resort or backcountry setting, know the degree of difficulty of the traverse. Across North America, a green circle marks easier slopes, a blue square indicates intermediate trails, and a black diamond denotes advanced terrain. If a marking of a double black diamond, or an EX, appears, the terrain is advanced and only recommended for the most proficient skiers.
Beginning slopes are gentle, wide, and appropriate for all ages and proficiency levels. As a general rule, blue triangle slopes involve a somewhat steep terrain and require tight and short turns at speed skills. Unlike beginner slopes, the course may be un-groomed and involve parallel turns, where the skis stay equidistant and parallel throughout the turn.
With black diamond slopes, expect fast-moving chairs such as T-bars that expose the skier to mountain positions with narrow and steep exit ramps. With the grade significantly steeper, it requires quick reflexes and the ability to navigate sudden obstacles and bumps in a wide range of snow conditions. Whether encountering thick powder or a slick hard pack, the advanced skier must be able to stay on the feet and travel downward in a predictable line.
Before attempting double black diamond courses, the advanced skier must be able to stop quickly near hazards such as cliff faces, whatever the snow condition. Taking risks into consideration, the extreme skier should expect to pass through dangerous rock bands and narrow chutes and comfortably land on their feet when catching air at velocity.
Established on December 18, 1945 by the Secretary of War, the Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level decoration that recognizes servicemen and women of the United States armed forces and foreign military members for praise-worthy service. It is one of five different types of medals granted to soldiers in the ranks of zero to six. It was also originally presented by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy as a service ribbon.
The Army Commendation Medal can be bestowed in combination with designations, commonly referred to as devices, to indicate what it was given for. The devices that may be granted with the Army Commendation Medal serve to recognize valor, combat, and remote service and are denoted by the letters V, C, or R, respectively. Oak leaf clusters are an additional device that may be presented with the medal to signify that it has been bestowed more than once.
To earn the Army Commendation Medal, a military service member must demonstrate exceptional service, bravery, or an act of heroism to his country. It is used to recognize an individual’s combatant or noncombatant heroic efforts or exemplary achievements accomplished by a unit.
The medal can be given to various military service members for various service efforts, including acts of aerial flight, that are less than what is necessary to earn an Air Medal or a Bronze Star Medal. The medal is not typically given to members of the armed forces who have completed a service period of less than six months.
General officers are not eligible to earn the Army Commendation Medal. Retired veterans or discharged after 2002 can apply for the medal using the Awards and Decorations Branch of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Service members commended after December 6, 1941, and before January 1, 1946, can apply for the medal at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
The Army Commendation Medal measures over one inch in height and is designed in the shape of a hexagon. The bronze medal features a bald eagle clutching three crossed arrows. A shield is positioned on the breast of the eagle. One point of the hexagon points upwards on the medal, and the reverse side displays the words, For Military and Merit. The back side of the medal also shows a sprig of laurel and provides space for the recipient’s name to be placed above it. In addition, the medal is attached to a silk ribbon with green and white stripes.
Aside from the army commendation medal designated for members of the armed forces, there are four additional ones to recognize service from personnel involved in joint service performed under the Department of Defence or while in the air force, coast guard, or navy and marine corps. Each commendation medal is given according to specific criteria, devices, and rules. In addition to military commendation medals, service members in the armed forces may earn ribbons, badges, military insignia, and personal decorations. Military members may also be eligible for training, marksmanship, and unit awards.
The National Guard’s primary function is to assist civilian authorities in times of crisis, making it distinct from other military units. The national guard is an essential part of the United States military and plays a vital role in protecting the country. It also supports domestic law enforcement agencies and provides humanitarian assistance. The national guard has the resources and preparation to deal with emergencies like natural disasters and riots.
The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are the two branches of the National Guard. You can join the National Guard if you are a U.S. citizen or national, between the ages of 17 and 35, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You can begin the process by contacting your local National Guard recruiter if you meet these qualifications. Once you have spoken with a recruiter, you will complete an initial screening, followed by aptitude and physical fitness tests. If you do well on these tests, you then attend basic training. You will be assigned to a specific unit after completing the basic training.
One of the greatest benefits of serving in the National Guard is the health care available to all Guardsmen and their families. All Guardsmen and their dependents receive free medical coverage under the Tricare program. Tricare covers routine preventive care such as physical exams, vaccinations, lab tests, x-rays, dental work, vision examinations, hearing aids, and prescriptions. There is no deductible or copay required.
As a member of the National Guard, they could earn extra income while still serving their community. Many states offer stipends to those who perform certain duties. These include working with children, elderly adults, disabled individuals, and veterans.
One benefit of joining the national guard is learning a trade. Many state National Guards offer training programs to prepare you for civilian employment after leaving the military. Training includes everything from carpentry to welding to computer programming.
National Guard members can also enroll in college courses while serving. Many states offer tuition assistance programs to students who enlist in the National Guard. Numerous online universities allow reserve officers to take classes remotely; some states even offer scholarships.
Networking is important in today’s business world. Joining the National Guard allows you to meet hundreds of people. This will enable you to network with people who share similar interests and helps you build relationships with people who might later become future employers.
Even though National Guard service is voluntary, active duty is possible. The National Guard is frequently called upon to assist in the aftermath of natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. However, overseas travel is possible for some deployments, where you could face hostile fire and other threats. As an added downside, military deployments force you to put your civilian life on hold while you prioritize your military duties.
Finding a happy medium between work and personal life can be difficult. Moreover, if you’re a member of the National Guard, you have yet another scheduling obstacle to deal with. Members of the National Guard have to go to training twice a year for a total of four weeks. Because of this commitment, you’ll need to rearrange your weekend plans with friends and family to accommodate training sessions.
In conclusion, joining the National Guard is a great way to serve your country and earn extra cash. If you decide to enlist, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and explore exciting places. Plus, you’ll have access to training programs to help you develop valuable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
There are several reasons to get children engaged in sports. Athletics are an important aspect of child development, and the benefits are not limited to the physical aspect only. Here are the details of how sports can significantly improve a child’s health and development.
First, sports can benefit kids’ physical health as it significantly improves their body coordination, strength, and stamina. They also develop neural pathways to support balance and fine and gross motor functions. Because most sports involve fast and sudden movements and also steady movements, children have the opportunity to develop their fast and slow twitch muscles.
Moreover, early participation in sports contributes to lung and heart health. The more active a child is, the healthier their heart and lungs tend to be.
Emotional benefit is the second type of benefit a child stands to gain from early participation in sports. According to The Sports Journal, early participation in sports helps contribute to a child’s self-confidence. The child can build their self-esteem through encouragement from parents, coaches, and fellow players. Even gestures like a high five after making a point, a pat on the back, or cheers after making a good play benefit the child’s self-esteem.
On the other hand, accepting defeat is an important part of the child’s development, as they will learn not just about sportsmanship and coping with losses but how they can work on themselves to improve and win their next game or event. Constructive criticism is especially important, as the parent or coach can maintain the child’s self-esteem and teach them how to do better.
Furthermore, children also get to learn valuable social and communication skills, especially when playing a team sport. They get to learn about teamwork, cooperation, and selflessness. They discover how to interact with other children from different backgrounds, ages, and personalities. These kids will also learn to work with other children’s strengths and weaknesses to achieve the greater goal of winning. This will help them in the future as they navigate their future careers and relationships.
Getting to practice on time, completing training drills dutifully, and abiding by the sport’s rules help improve the child’s sense of discipline. Discipline is very important to succeed in any sport, as success will require the individual to be willing to take instructions from their coach and abide by rules. This will help the child grow into an adult equipped with self-restraint.
In addition, there are mental health benefits that kids stand to gain from participating in sports. Top of the list is imbibing the culture of strategic and creative thinking and increased focus and attention. Children can leave all their stress and aggression on the field, decreasing depression and stress and increasing levels of elevated moods, especially after a good game.
Sports participation is proven to boost a child’s physical and cognitive development. With the prevalence of video games and an increase in television shows and other sedentary activities that could dull the child’s growth, sports and outdoor activities have become all the more important for child development.
Despite having lived as civilians before joining the army or other branch of the armed forces, many still struggle to adjust to civilian life after serving in the military, partly because their time as a soldier significantly shaped who they are. Additionally, the transition comes with difficulties that could make civilian life overwhelming to the bravest soldier. If this applies to you, there are several strategies you can employ to make the process go more smoothly.
The military is a community-focused institution, and soldiers typically have a strong sense of family. As a result, developing a support system as a veteran can significantly ease your transition process because the community provides a sense of purpose and companionship. Religious organizations, support groups, and family members are examples of such communities. Similarly, staying in touch with other veterans can be extremely beneficial because they will easily understand your experiences and can provide useful insights on transitioning smoothly. You can accomplish this by contacting members of your company or locating nearby veteran groups. Talking to other veterans will allow you to be honest about your military experience and transitioning struggles without fear of being judged.
Also, you may feel lost in the unstructured civilian world if you are a military person used to the disciplined and routine life in the army. But you can overcome this by establishing a routine similar to the one you had while serving. For instance, joining a gym and engaging in activities like weightlifting, cycling, and running can recreate some of the missing structure. Likewise, you could follow your army meal timetable and engage in other similar activities to keep you grounded.
Further, if you are married, it is critical to include your spouse in your transition process – remember, they are also transitioning. Planning your future together will provide you with a sense of security and assurance and ensure that you have the same outlook on the future. Likewise, if you are single, you can use the transition period to define your goals and determine the best ways to achieve them. You could do this with family or friends.
Remember that civilian life will give you many more opportunities to spend time with the people you care about. You could use the transition period to reconnect with loved ones and create new experiences while adjusting to civilian life. Spending time with your loved ones can also boost confidence and provide potential job opportunities through family assistance.
Some veterans find the search for a job difficult. However, several programs exist to help veterans acclimate to the job market, such as the federal Transition Assistance Program, which can provide you with helpful information and connections. To improve your chances, you can also search for companies that are friendly to veterans and interested in the skills they can bring to their workplace. But it’s important to understand that the civilian job market differs from the military in several ways, such as the ability to negotiate a job offer if you feel they don’t recognize your value.
It takes time to adjust to civilian life, and you must be patient with yourself and those around you. However, with time and effort, a new routine will begin to take shape, and you can suddenly find that you are enjoying civilian life, while your time in the military has become a treasured memory.
Paul Camara 