What is GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act?

Changes to veterans' benefits and military-related legislation occur regularly, making it important for veterans, their families, and community organizations to stay informed. Government policies can significantly influence a veteran's post-military life, affecting benefits, healthcare, education, and financial planning. Keeping up with legislative developments helps individuals understand how new laws may impact them and allows organizations that support veterans to advocate effectively.

The legislation discussed below extends the period for certain survivor benefits after a veteran's death from one year to three years. This additional time gives eligible beneficiaries an opportunity to transfer or roll over funds into an appropriate account, helping preserve important financial benefits during a difficult time.

Supporting our veterans remains an important responsibility. The men and women who served our country did so honorably, and ensuring they receive the benefits and assistance they have earned reflects our commitment to their service and sacrifice.

GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act,

The bill extends the contribution period for military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell accounts from one to three years, applying to amounts received after enactment and retroactively to amounts received since October 7, 2001, if contributions are made within the new timeframe.It aims to support military survivors' savings options.

Supported by, 

American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS), United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Veterans Survivor Coalition, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.

Other Literature:

New bill would extend military survivor benefit decision deadline

Federal legislation introduced to extend benefits to military survivors

Document Overview: H.R. 9489

• Congress: 119th Congress, 2nd Session

• Date Introduced: June 25, 2026

• Sponsor: Mr. Thompson of California

• Co-Sponsors: Mr. Steube, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Bergman, Mr. Ellzey, Ms. Norton, Mr. Buchanan, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Harrigan, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia, and Mr. Thanedar.

• Referred To: Committee on Ways and Means

Official Title: A Bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the time period for the contribution of military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell education savings accounts.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "GRACE for Military Survivors Act".

Section 2. Extension of Time Period for Contribution of Military Death Benefits

• (a) In General: Sections $408A(e)(2)(A)$ and $530(d)(9)(A)$ of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are amended by striking "1-year period" and inserting "3-year period".

(b) Effective Dates

• (1) In General: Except as provided in paragraph (2), these amendments apply to amounts received under section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, or section 1967 of title 38 of such Code, on or after the date of enactment.

• (2) Retroactive Application (Amounts received between October 7, 2001, and Enactment): The amendments apply to contributions made with respect to amounts received on or after October 7, 2001, and before the date of enactment, if the contribution is made before the later of:

  • (A) 3 years after the date on which the amounts were received, or

  • (B) 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

If you need help drafting a summary, a press release, or an analysis of how these changes impact military families compared to current tax law, just let me know!

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Economic Growth Picks Up in First Quarter of 2026

The U.S. economy posted stronger growth during the first quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing compared with previous estimates. The report showed imports declined, while exports, government spending, and several other components of the economy contributed to overall growth.

Economists often examine these underlying factors to better understand what is driving changes in GDP. Because economic indicators can shift from quarter to quarter, many analysts will continue watching future reports to determine whether this marks the beginning of a longer-term trend or reflects short-term economic conditions.

For now, the increase in GDP is generally viewed as a positive sign, suggesting continued economic expansion and resilience. As additional data become available, economists and business leaders will gain a clearer picture of the direction of the U.S. economy.

A couple of other articles I read:

If you read widely you will begin to understand what some of the possible explanations are. 

• US first-quarter GDP revised sharply higher; but consumer spending nearly stalls
• Q1 2026, Third Estimate | Released June 25, 2026
• US economy grew at 2.1% in first quarter
• U.S. GDP Q1 2026 final estimate revised up to 2.1%

GDP (Third Estimate), Industries, Corporate Profits, State GDP, and State Personal Income, 1st Quarter 2026

• Real U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026, an upward revision from the previous estimate of 1.6%, reflecting stronger economic growth than initially reported.
• Economic growth was supported by increases in business investment, exports, government spending, and consumer spending, while higher imports partially offset overall GDP growth because imports are subtracted from GDP calculations.
• Corporate profits increased during the first quarter, although the pace slowed compared with the previous quarter, indicating continued business profitability amid moderating economic conditions.
• State-level economic performance was broadly positive, with real GDP increasing in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Washington recorded the fastest growth, while South Dakota experienced the largest decline.
• Personal income rose by $222.6 billion (3.4% annual rate) during the quarter, increasing in 49 states and the District of Columbia, reflecting continued gains in household earnings across most of the country.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2026, June 25). GDP (third estimate), industries, corporate profits, state GDP, and state personal income, 1st quarter 2026. https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-third-estimate-industries-corporate-profits-state-gdp-and-state-personal-income-1st

Expectations of Model Victims in Hate and Corruption

 As we continue exploring the Allegory of the Clan—a modern adaptation of the Allegory of the Cave—we move toward a deeper understanding of how prejudice, bias, and systemic injustice can persist across generations. The purpose of this hypothetical learning story is not to single out any particular group or event, but rather to examine how harmful aspects of systems can develop, become normalized, and continue unless they are recognized and corrected.

In this hypothetical scenario, a religious or racial minority is systematically targeted and treated as though its members are less valuable than others. Different rules are applied to them, and those who witness wrongdoing or attempt to report it as whistleblowers experience retaliation. Instead of doing the right thing, responsibility is shifted onto the victims while those responsible for causing the harm receive favorable treatment or protection. Within the story, these outcomes appear to be reinforced by corruption, personal interests, and financial incentives.

Let us also consider that the majority of good people and officials that serve with integrity want to do the right thing and seek to draw the greatest amount of support and trust in society but there are persistant poor actors that undermine that openly violating some important social contracts and foundational values. In the end of the story the misbehaviors were corrected but the desire to dump it on the victims through narratives, retaliation lists, and general coorinated mistreatment clear and willful thereby encouraging more future victims. 

Relating this scenario to the research discussed below, imagine that the targeted individuals are peaceful by nature and have a history of supporting important values others have rejected. They do not seek confrontation, yet they are subjected to discrimination, mistreatment, and even threats of violence. Despite this, the hypothetical justice system continued to dismiss their concerns, assigning little value to their experiences and failing to provide meaningful remedies. As a result, the original victims experience additional harm, and new victims are created through lack of diligence in core values.

This hypothetical illustrates how some people may rely on stereotypes, heuristics, or preconceived assumptions when making judgments about victims, offenders, and responsibility. When institutions fail to examine evidence objectively or challenge their own biases, injustice can become self-perpetuating. The issue is not about punishing individuals for its own sake. Rather, it is about identifying systemic failures, repairing harm where possible, and building institutions that are more just, accountable, and equitable. The outcome is a testimony to the inner unwritten values hidden from public conscious.

Within the learning story, many individuals recognize that wrongdoing is occurring and voice concerns. However, their complaints are largely ignored, dismissed, or met with retaliation. This reinforces the importance of creating environments where ethical concerns can be raised without fear and where institutions remain committed to correcting wrongdoing instead of protecting harmful practices. In our story there is correction but it wasn't because people were necessarily moral or believed in the values they professed. 

Elect the best and brightest and not the most connected. 

*This is a hypothethical learning thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and come to any conclusion you desire. 

Prototypes of Hate and Expectations of the Model Victim

• The study examined how people in North America mentally picture hate crimes, hate crime offenders, and hate crime victims, and how these perceptions influence judgments of responsibility and blame.
• Researchers found that the typical hate crime prototype involved a lower-status White male offender expressing explicit prejudice, committing interpersonal violence while using slurs or verbal abuse against a member of a marginalized group.
• Participants generally expected victims of hate crimes to remain passive during the incident. When victims resisted or did not match this "model victim" prototype, observers were more likely to assign them greater blame.
• The findings suggest that public stereotypes about hate crimes can shape legal and social judgments, potentially influencing perceptions of victim credibility and offender responsibility.
• The authors recommend increasing awareness of the wide variety of hate crime experiences to reduce bias in criminal justice processes and improve fairness toward victims whose experiences do not fit common stereotypes.

Erentzen, C., & Schuller, R. A. (2024). Prototypes of hate and expectations of the model victim. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 39(13–14), 3282–3307. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605241229720

Considering Personalities When Designing Your Executive Team

 When designing your executive team, think beyond technical expertise and consider the personalities and management styles that will best support your organization's long-term strategy. If your company is forward-looking and innovation-driven, research suggests that it is beneficial to include individuals who are entrepreneurial, innovative, and comfortable taking calculated risks. These leaders often help organizations identify opportunities, adapt to change, and drive continuous improvement.

At the same time, an effective executive team should not consist entirely of risk-takers. Different management styles each provide unique strengths. Some leaders are more conservative and excel at maintaining stability, protecting organizational resources, and carefully evaluating decisions. Others are reactive, responding effectively to challenges as they arise, while proactive leaders anticipate future opportunities and problems before they occur.

The goal is to create a balanced leadership team. For example, innovative leaders can push the organization forward, while more cautious leaders provide valuable oversight by slowing decisions when additional analysis is needed. Problem-solving leaders help the organization respond effectively when unexpected situations arise. Providing team members with the authority to challenge decisions and apply appropriate "brakes" when necessary can strengthen strategic decision-making and reduce unnecessary risk.

There is no universal formula for the ideal mix of management personalities. One organization may benefit from a 40-40-20 distribution, while another may require a 60-20-20 balance, depending on its industry, strategy, and risk tolerance. The important point is to intentionally consider the composition of the executive team rather than assuming all high performers will contribute equally in every leadership role.

Ultimately, diversity in thinking, personality, and management style can become a significant competitive advantage. Even highly talented individuals may struggle if their natural management style does not align with the responsibilities of a particular leadership position or the strategic direction of the organization. Building an executive team with complementary personalities and perspectives increases the organization's ability to innovate, manage risk, solve problems, and achieve long-term success.

Management Styles

• The article examines management styles across all organizational levels, arguing that effective management extends beyond executive leadership and influences organizational performance at every level.
• It identifies four primary management styles: conservative, reactive, proactive, and predictive, each representing a different approach to decision-making and organizational change.
• Conservative management emphasizes maintaining stability, preserving established practices, minimizing risk, and ensuring operational consistency.
• Reactive management focuses on responding to problems and environmental changes after they occur, prioritizing adaptability and short-term problem solving.
• Proactive and predictive management encourage anticipating future challenges and opportunities through planning, innovation, data analysis, and forecasting to improve long-term organizational success.

Aslan, M., & Sönmez, S. (2025). Management styles. Journal of Theoretical & Empirical Research on Management, 4, 1–18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394253613_Management_Styles

Lifeguarding on the Beach, Statewide Shortage of Guards, and Summer Vacation Destinations in Michigan

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The phrase of the day was
"Kids, feet first down the slide".
:)

 Lifeguards play a vital role in protecting people from drowning, yet many communities are facing a shortage of qualified lifeguards. One of the reasons I will work a few hours each week, and occasionally fill in, is because of the significant need for trained personnel.

Becoming a lifeguard is not easy. The training is demanding, and not everyone successfully completes it. In many communities, the required training is unpaid because budgets are limited. Lifeguards must meet physical fitness standards, learn emergency medical skills, and be prepared to respond quickly in stressful situations.

The job itself can also be challenging. During my first outdoor shift, the day began warm and pleasant, but by the afternoon the weather had become cooler and windier. As the conditions changed, many beachgoers packed up and left. Throughout the shift, however, the responsibility remained the same: continuously scanning the water, watching for signs of distress, and remaining vigilant. Lifeguarding requires constant attention and dedication.

That experience gave me an even greater appreciation for the work lifeguards do. Not every community has the financial resources to support beach safety programs, yet providing lifeguards helps protect both residents and visitors. Safe, well-maintained beaches also make communities more attractive destinations for tourism. That also means more revenue for businesses and taxes contributing to a cycle 

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(As a side thought one could advertise they have lifeguards in their communities since most beaches don't have them. If you were a family and all other things equal could be a tipping point. Including beaches in summer marketing strategies relates to another type of demographic. The demographic that brings their families and if they have a good time move there, start a business, buy a house, etc. They may also vacation there year after year which is also great.)

Escanaba and Gladstone continue to grow as popular tourist destinations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Both communities offer beautiful public beaches located next to their marinas. Gladstone features concession stands and a well-maintained park, while Escanaba also offers a scenic waterfront park and occasionally hosts concession vendors. Ice cream trucks come often. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, walking, and many other recreational activities, making the beaches just one part of a broader outdoor experience.

One of the most rewarding moments during my first shift came when a couple of children approached and asked why I liked being a lifeguard. I told them that I enjoy watching kids and families have fun while knowing they are doing so in a safe environment. As my shift ended and another lifeguard relieved me, I encouraged the children to ask her the same question so they could hear another perspective. It was a reminder that even young children are curious about the people who watch over them and why they choose to serve.

Overall, my first experience as a lifeguard was very positive. It reinforced the importance of the profession and the valuable role lifeguards play in keeping our beaches safe for everyone.

Tackling the Lifeguard Shortage Crisis

• Lifeguards play a critical role in preventing drownings and enforcing water safety by monitoring swimmers, responding to emergencies, and promoting safe behavior at pools, beaches, and water parks.
• The nationwide lifeguard shortage has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced certification opportunities, low wages, seasonal employment, and the demanding nature of the job, causing many aquatic facilities to reduce hours or temporarily close.
• Staffing shortages increase safety risks by reducing surveillance coverage and delaying emergency response times, potentially leading to more preventable water-related accidents.
• The article recommends expanding access to lifeguard training, offering competitive pay and benefits, increasing public awareness of lifeguarding careers, and providing mentorship and ongoing professional development to improve recruitment and retention.
• Communities, schools, local governments, and aquatic facilities can help address the shortage by supporting certification programs, developing local recruitment pipelines, and creating more flexible training opportunities for future lifeguards.

American Lifeguard Association. (n.d.). Tackling the lifeguard shortage crisis. https://americanlifeguardassociation.com/tackling-the-lifeguard-shortage-crisis/

The History of Great Lakes Lighthouses (Art Photography)

 

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Visualizing the picture on the wall.

Lighthouses have played an essential role in navigation for centuries. Even before the construction of permanent lighthouses in the 1800s, people lit fires along shorelines to help guide ships safely to their destinations. As maritime commerce expanded, lighthouses became critical infrastructure—not only in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but along coastlines around the world, from the Great Lakes to California and beyond.

Although the era of the traditional lighthouse keeper has largely passed, modern lighthouses, navigation lights, and electronic aids continue to guide ships safely through busy waterways. Before these systems were widely established, vessels frequently struck rocky shorelines, reefs, and islands. This was especially true on the Great Lakes, where changing weather, limited visibility, and vast stretches of open water made navigation extremely dangerous.

Here in Delta County, shipwrecks remain an important part of local history. I used to enjoy shipwreck diving, and I'd like to do it again someday. Many people continue searching for famous lost vessels, including the legendary Griffin and stories of Civil War-era gold that may have been lost beneath the Great Lakes. Whether those legends are ever proven or not, the shipwrecks themselves remind us of how challenging navigation once was.

The broader lesson is how technological innovation transforms commerce. Lighthouses dramatically improved maritime safety, reduced shipping losses, and made trade more reliable. Today, we are experiencing another period of rapid technological advancement. While the technologies themselves are far more sophisticated, the process remains familiar: new innovations are developed, adopted, and eventually become essential infrastructure that supports economic growth and everyday life.

As you explore the history of Great Lakes lighthouses, consider not only their architectural beauty but also their tremendous contribution to commerce, transportation, and regional development.

And if you happen to like the artwork featured in this presentation, feel free to purchase a print—it would make a great addition to your wall. Thank you for watching.

History of Michigan Lighthouses

• Michigan's first lighthouse, the Fort Gratiot Light, was built in 1825 on Lake Huron, marking the beginning of a lighthouse system that expanded over the next 170 years to support safe navigation and commercial shipping throughout the Great Lakes.

• 

  
  

  Marquette MI.

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  Responsibility for America's lighthouses evolved from the U.S. Treasury's Fifth Auditor to the Lighthouse Board in 1852, the Bureau of Lighthouses in 1910, and finally the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939, reflecting improvements in management, technology, and navigational safety.
• Lighthouse design advanced from small towers attached to keepers' homes to tall brick and steel towers, with specialized offshore structures built on reefs and shoals to improve safety in hazardous Great Lakes waters.
• Technological innovations, including the adoption of the Fresnel lens, kerosene lighting, electricity, and automated systems, significantly increased lighthouse effectiveness while reducing the need for resident lighthouse keepers.
• By 1983, Michigan's last staffed lighthouse had been automated, and today the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the state's remaining lighthouses and other navigational aids through periodic inspections and maintenance.

Central Michigan University. (n.d.). History of Michigan lighthouses. Clarke Historical Library. https://www.cmich.edu/research/clarke-historical-library/explore-collection/explore-online/michigan-material/lighthouses/history-of-michigan-lighthouses