Editor’s Note: This story is part of our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — The Oscar E. Wilson American Legion Post 75 is a nonprofit that works to strengthen the Crestview community, promote patriotism and support veterans and their families.

The group's weekly events such as dinners and other fundraisers are used to provide scholarship money to area students, and take care of necessities for veterans and other area residents in need.

Some issues they've tackled recently in Crestview include:

•donating new picnic tables to a local nursing home.

•supporting annual Christmas toy runs and motorcycle drives.

•raising funds to repair a veteran's home.

•raising funds for families of ill or deceased veterans.

They are currently raising funds to build a home for a disabled veteran, Mark Benoit, the post's historian, said.

One of the annual programs the Crestview post participates in is the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Through the contest, high school students learn more about the U.S. Constitution, leadership, duties, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Students who do well at the local levels progressively advance to the national American Legion contest.

The post also has a Young Marines program for youths age 8 through high school. The program focuses on developing discipline, mental, moral and physical strength among participants. Youths also learn about attention to duty, love of God, and fidelity to the U.S. and its institutions, according to the Post 75 website.

The Crestview organization also includes the The American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Riders (for motorcycle enthusiasts).

Visit http://www.alpost75.org, the Facebook page, or call 689-3195 for information on post membership or events.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: American Legion Post 75 helps local veterans

CRESTVIEW — Shortly after 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3, the Crestview Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of South Ferdon Boulevard and Aplin Road.

When officers arrived on scene, it was determined that there were two motorcycles and a pick-up truck involved in the accident, according to a CPD media release.

There were two motorcycles driving northbound on Ferdon Boulevard, one a 1998 Harley Davidson, being driven by 31-year-old Michael L. Rose of Enterprise, Alabama. The second motorcycle was a 2010 Harley Davidson, being driven by 50-year-old Cranston Tickle of Laurel Hill, with his wife as passenger, 49-year-old Robin R. Tickle.

A black 2004 Dodge Pickup being driven by 19-year-old Timothy J. Commee of Crestview, made a right turn on a red light off of Aplin Road, attempting to drive north on South Ferdon Boulevard. During the turn, Commee entered into the path of the two northbound motorcycles. Because of the impact, all occupants of the motorcycles were thrown from the motorcycles, according to the release.

When officers arrived on scene, Robin Tickle was unresponsive and resuscitative efforts were underway. She was transported to the Trauma Center at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, where she later died as result of her injuries. Her husband was also transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, with multiple broken bones; he is currently listed in serious condition.

Although two helmets were observed in the buckled position near the motorcycle, witnesses stated neither driver nor passenger was wearing the helmets at the time of impact.

The second motorcyclist, Michael Rose, was transported to North Okaloosa Medical Center with a broken arm. He was listed in stable condition and expected to be released.

The driver of the 2004 Dodge pickup truck, Commee, was uninjured.

This is an ongoing investigation; charges may be pending.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman dies in Crestview multi-car traffic accident

Most universities or colleges' first season football games are with an un-ranked team that they think 99 percent of the time will mean a sure win.

This year it’s a lot different for some of the top 10 teams in the nation, with the other top 15 using the first game as a team builder for a long winning season. This includes teams like University of California at Los Angeles, which is looking to upset Texas A&M. But then, it's gameplay as usual for contests like Oklahoma versus University of Texas at El Paso.

Here are your 10 picks for the week plus a tie breaker for Sept. 2.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida State Seminoles (at the Atlanta, Georgia new stadium): Jimbo Fisher has Florida State rating of No. 3 in the National. After this game it’s a big drop to No. 11, and Alabama by 17.

2. Florida Gators vs. Michigan Wolverines: Its an upset in the making, as the odds makers are calling the Wolverines the winner. But wait — the Gators have a huge bite on them and pull this one out. Florida by 3.

3. LSU Tigers vs. BYU Cougars: This game is so evenly matched, which has a very big repercussion on the outcomes. LSU drops to 20th in the top 25 and drops its Coach Ed Orgeron also. Hey, they can swap with Florida Atlantic Owls Coach Lane Kiffin. BYU by 6.

4. Texas A&M Aggies vs. UCLA Bruins: Wow! Aggies give up 7 points just to go to California, and what a tune up for the Aggies, who march up and down the field. Texas A&M by 21.

5. Louisville Cardinals vs. Purdue boilermaker: Cardinals do a lot of flying in this game. Louisville by 21.

6. California Golden Bears vs. North Carolina Tar Heels: This should be a good game at Chapel Hill, NC for all to see as the Tar Heels win by 18.

7. Virginia Tech Hokies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: This game is Sept. 3 at Landover, Maryland. Some may be very angry that this game is on a Sunday, and the Hokies will wish they were back in Blacksburg, Virginia after this game is over. West Virginia  by 10 (only Notre Dame/BYU can play on Sunday).

8. Boston College Eagles vs. Northern Illinois Huskies: The Eagles have the same team as 2016, with the same results but with this game they win their first right out of the box. Boston College by 10.

9. North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: This is a very close game, and only the “fan support” causes N.C. State pull it off by 3.

10. Tennessee Volunteers vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: This is a Sept. 4 game in the new Atlanta stadium. The Volunteers were a big disappointment for most of their fans and were calling for the coach Butch Jones to follow Lane Kiffin over to Florida Atlantic. Yes, this is one of the hot seats in college football, but Tennessee pulls it out and wins by 14 and Coach Butch Jones is safe for another game.

The Tie Breaker: Maryland Terrapins vs. Texas Longhorns. This is where the Longhorns begin their comeback season. Texas by more than 20

See you next time for week two of the SEC/ACC picks.

Bill Everett is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and lives in the Baker area.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The top 10 college football picks

CRESTVIEW — An ode to retiring reference librarian Sandra Dreaden's love of the arts is now visible.

Crestview Public Library employees and friends gathered and surprised Dreaden Aug. 25 with a plaque that names the library's art gallery in her honor.

Her library colleagues, Rita Florence, Marie Heath, Sharon Jones, Melissa Mercer, Audrey Milcarek, Sandy Nearbin,  and Heather Nitzel; her husband, Art Dreaden; and local arts enthusiast Brian Hughes were among those present.

Library Director Marie Heath said, "I thought we needed to do something to make sure her name was placed somewhere on this building forever. We can't name the library after her, but (we can do this)," Heath said.

Hughes recalled that Dreaden began working at the library when it was located at what is now the Northwest Florida State College Crestview branch on U.S. Highway 90. He said she was instrumental in getting local artists to display their works at the gallery, which the Friends of the Crestview Library designed and funded.

After the presentation, Dreaden discussed how her husband and son, Cody, worked to install a system of channeled strips for the gallery section due to the walls not being very straight.

Hughes and Dreaden immediately started picking out locations for the plaque after the presentation.

The plaque reads, "Sandra Dreaden Gallery Wall" is placed near the desk where she helped so many visitors during her work as the reference librarian.

Dreaden, who worked for the library for over 16 years, announced her retirement due to health reasons in August.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Dreaden receives art wall plaque

CRESTVIEW — County residents who want to learn more about saving money have a local resource.

Okaloosa Saves supports building wealth and reducing debt by delivering financial education, programs and resources to area youths and adults, Jill Breslawski said.

Breslawski is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences employee. She became the Okaloosa Saves coordinator when she joined the extension office staff as a Family and Consumer Science agent.

"That means I am the link between Okaloosa Saves and America Saves, their parent organization, and can bring all of the research and materials offered by the University to our savers," she said.

The Okaloosa Saves program opened in 2003 to encourage residents to build wealth. The nonprofit organization also launched a Military Saves component in 2005.

Breslawski said one of the biggest obstacles savers face is living on their income.

"No matter what people make they tend to spend that money in order to 'keep up with the Joneses,' they end up living above their means, not below."

One of the first steps to stop doing that, according to Breslawski, is tracking how the money is spent.

"Every time you go to the store and buy a bottle of water or fill up on gas, write it down and then divide your spending into wants or needs. Did you have to spend that money or did you want to?"

She says that people should then identify their weekly, monthly or yearly expenses and pay those right away.

"Also figure into those expenses an amount you can save. You have to pay yourself first," Breslawski said.

How does a person differentiate between their wants and their needs?

Needs are something a person has to have to survive, where as wants are items based on personal preference.

For an example, Breslawski said, you may need a house. "A want is a house on the beach with eight bedrooms and six baths. If you can afford it, that’s fine, but I don’t want to lose out on a comfy retirement because I had to have something fancy."

When asked whether saving was ever an issue for her, Breslawski said, "Sure, saving money has been an issue. There are so many temptations and nowadays with the click of a button, you can order instantly. Oh and if you can’t afford it, 'they' will give you easy payments or offer you a credit card.

"The way that I overcame my struggle to save is by adjusting my direct deposit to send a portion of my pay into my checking account and a portion into my savings account. Automatic savings! I don't even have to think about it," she said.

Breslawski has been able to see first hand the impact Okaloosa Saves has had on area residents. She recently presented a check for $1,000 to a Niceville member.

"We were very happy to have a local winner for the national #imsavingfor contest," the UF/IFAS agent said.

They also finished the Teach A Child to Save annual campaign in July, wherein 177 Okaloosa children saved a total of $9,792.61 to compete in the contest, which awarded $50 to six winners who'd saved the most over the campaign time period.

"Since 2004, we have had 3,146 youths save $311,125.51 in Okaloosa County," Breslawski said.

How to join Okaloosa Saves

People may text or visit the organization's website to become a member.

Text "OKSaves" to 95577, then answer up to six questions about their individual saving history or get tips to do so.

They may also go to okaloosasaves.org and click the "Take the Okaloosa Saves Pledge."

"You will be asked a few simple questions about your savings goal, enter your e-mail and zip code and you are a Saver," Breslawski said.

"The reason we ask for an email is so that we can send you savings tips. Don't worry we don't spam, and if you don't want e-mails you can always opt out," she said

The group's Facebook page provides tips on savings, free webinars, and information on upcoming events. Future activities include speaking events and a real life simulator for youths and young adults called Living On My Own. The simulator will enable them in decision making such as where to live and types of insurance they may need.

Contact Breslawski, jbreslawski@ufl.edu or 689-5850, for more Okaloosa Saves information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Saves helps residents with their finances

CRESTVIEW — A community fixture for more than 40 years aims to offer top customer service in addition to its quality products.

Wise Equipment began as a small business selling Stihl chainsaws out of a Crestview barn in 1974. The business, founded by John Wise, flourished and had to move four years later to a larger area — the three city lots the company still sits on today at 1147 S. Ferdon Blvd.

Today, Wise Equipment is owned by Jim, Lynne and Edna Wise: John’s son, daughter-in-law and wife. Jim, a marketing graduate of the University of Florida, had approximately 20 years of retail experience before joining the company with his family in 1993, and has since managed the business' day-to-day operation.

These days, the business sells lawn equipment and related repairs and maintenance, with support for Stihl, Toro, Kubota, John Deere, Echo Bear Cat and SCAG Power Equipment, according to its website.

Wise Equipment currently has 14 employees, more than half of whom have been part of the staff for more than 10 years. Their combined industry experience reaches approximately 238 years, according to Jim.

“We have a wonderful staff,” Jim said. “They take a lot of pride in doing right and pleasing the customer. They know that the ultimate boss is our customer.”

The company regularly supports local military endeavors and aids local schools through various sponsorships. According to Jim, they will never say no to a student who comes into the store asking for support.

Although there are some local competitors in the industry, Jim said that hasn't affected business. Wise Equipment advertises in various ways, from newspaper, radio and billboard advertisements; and, Jim said, word of mouth goes a long way.

“If you do a good job, the customer will advertise for you,” Jim said. “What keeps us here is our service department. The service that we provide is what keeps us in business.”

And, according to Jim, Wise Equipment's customers make the business great.

“We literally have the best customer base in the world,” Jim said. “Our customers are just really, really good folks. We have enjoyed living here … and you have to have a service mentality to enjoy this business.

“The public is entitled to the best we have, so that’s what we try to give them."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'The ultimate boss is our customer'

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

‘LADIES WIGGIN’ OUT FOR A CAUSE’ BENEFIT: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 7, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, in the Emerald Coast Theatre space. Features an 80’s psychedelic rock ‘n roll theme. The Ladies Night event includes wine, food, music and happenings. Attendees get a swag bag with a wig inside, then Avantgarde Salon artists will transform each person's look with hair and makeup touch-ups. Followed with food and entertainment, including a photo booth and silent auction. Advance tickets cost $75; at-the-door tickets cost $100. VIP tickets with a designer wig are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Purchase at www.eccac.org or call 833-9237, extension 283. Proceeds benefit the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

SISTER CITY FRANCE TRIP: The Crestview Area Sister City Program welcomes residents to join the Sept. 7-18 journey to Noirmoutier, France. Participants stay with host families in this immersive cultural and educational experience. They must join the Crestview Area Sister City Program and assume responsibility for their own air travel arrangements to and from France. Dues are currently $20 per individual, $2 per full-time student, and $30 per family. Details: www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

HISPANIC FEST 2017: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, Emerald Coast Convention Center,1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Family-oriented, cultural and educational event showcases the best of Hispanic folklore; features live and DJ music, food and culture. Performances from start to finish, and 60 vendors. Includes a tribute to military by the Village Belles. Includes facepainting, games, clowns, magicians, piñatas. Proceeds benefit the 13th Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta.

ARMY REUNION, 100TH ANNIVERSARY:  Sept. 13-17, Arlington, Virginia. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. The association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the division, which was formed in France during World War I. Details: Secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net, 224-225-1202, or visit www.2ida.org. 

‘MAKING THE MOST OF A JOB FAIR’ SEMINAR: 1-3 p.m. Sept. 14, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach. Bobby Turner will present the information.

MA-CHIS POW WOW: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16 at Troy University's main campus practice field, 601 University Ave., Troy, Alabama. Parking and admission for the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama event are free. Vendors include food, jewelry, Native American items and pottery, among other things. Demonstrations of Southeastern Indian skills and daily life activities are scheduled. Small gifts will be given to children at the event.

‘HERITAGE ALIVE! CRAFT CLASS SERIES’: Learn a new skill and make something uniquely yours at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all classes.  Call 678-2615 for more information or visit www.heritage-museum.org.

Upcoming events include:

• Knitting — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring yarn and size 8 circular needles. Cost: $20; or $15 for museum members
• Loom Weaving — 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. Weave on a loom with Sandy Sutton. Cost: $70; or $65 for museum members.

The museum is at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

JOYNER-KERSEE TO SPEAK: 5 p.m. VIP and 6:30 p.m. main event Sept. 21 at Boys & Girls Clubs of South Walton, 427 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. Six-time Olympic track and field medalist, and BGC alumna Jackie Joyner-Kersee will address the BGC 4th Annual Steak & Stake fundraising dinner attendees. VIP tickets cost $150. Regular tickets cost $100. Contact Crystal Mayes, 344-7763 or cmayes@bgcec.com to purchase or sponsor.

TACKLE FAMILY HOMELESSNESS FUNDRAISER: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 22, Hurlburt Soundside Club, 107 Kissam St., Hurlburt Field. The Fresh Start for Children and Families sixth annual event benefits Fresh Start programs. Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $1,000 for an MVP sponsorship at http://bit.ly/2wFv7J8. Live music by The Mulligans, live and silent auctions, food, cash bar, etc. Football jersey or casual game attire is suggested.

'KINGS OF HARLEM' PERFORMANCE: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Layon Gray's off-Broadway play depicts the story of the Harlem Rens, the first all African-American basketball team formed in the 1920s and their struggles against the overt racism and discrimination encountered in establishing their legitimacy as a professional team.

Tickets cost $37.50 at the theater box office, www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, or by calling 729-6000. 

OKALOOSA COUNTY AUGUST WORKSHOP RESCHEDULED: Out of respect for former State Sen. Greg Evers, his family, friends, and former constituents, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners rescheduled its August public workshop. To allow county staff and residents to attend memorial services for Evers, which were scheduled at the same time, the public workshop moved from Aug. 29 to Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. The workshop will take place in the Crestview City Council Chambers.

OKALOOSA LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION PUBLIC HEARING: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 7, in room 142 of the Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, 805 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview. Fort Walton Beach. Chairman Mel Ponder and members of the Okaloosa County state legislative delegation invite you to join them. Delegation members will hear public comments on proposals for the 2018 Legislative Session. They may also consider and vote on a “local bill” (which is state legislation that only pertains to a municipality, taxing district, or school district within the county).

HEALTHY OKALOOSA TOWN HALL: 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 5 at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm, 4080 Second Ave., Laurel Hill. RSVP required to HealthyOkaloosa5210@flhealth.gov or call 344-0662. The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County will have a town hall meeting on making Okaloosa a healthier place to live, learn, work, and play. Community members will review draft copies of the 2017 Community Health Assessment, and ask attendees to provide feedback on the CHA and help identify priority public health issues.

REP. WILLIAMSON MEETS WITH CONSTITUENTS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21, Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. State Rep. Jayer Williamson will discuss area concerns, issues and the upcoming legislative session. Call the district office, 850-995-3698, for information or to make an appointment.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
• 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

HACKERS GOLF TOURNAMENT: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30, Blackstone Golf Course, 108 Blackstone Lane, Mossy Head. Call 682-3212 or visit crestviewchamber.com for sponsorship opportunities. The chamber is also selling $5 raffle tickets for a propane Broilmaster Grill with a retail price of $1,597. Purchase tickets at the chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Winner announced after the golf tournament, and need not be present to win.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Two North Okaloosa residents have progressed in their military training.

Pvt. Second Class Omunique Williams completed Army Basic Combat Training Aug. 17 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

She is now attending Advanced Individual Training in Fort Lee, Virginia, to become an Automated Logistics Specialist.

Williams graduated from Crestview High School in 2017. Her parents are Clayton and Mary Williams of Crestview.

Pvt. Ethan Davis completed Army Basic Combat Training Aug. 11 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He will continue his One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning to become an Infantryman.

Davis graduated from Walton High School in 2017. His parents are Crystal and Johnny Snyder of Baker.

Over 10 weeks, Williams and Davis learned basic tactical and survival skills, along with how to shoot, rappel and march.

They also learned the basics of Army life and military customs.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa residents complete basic Army training

CRESTVIEW — Boots Across America’s national certification course educates loan officers, real estate agents and housing professionals on how to work with military clients. 

Now, Sharon Calderon, a Crestview resident, joins their ranks, according to Crew Lending, part of the Gold Water Bank, N.A-Mortgage Division.

The Boots Across America Certified Military Home Specialist Course provides the tools and knowledge needed to work with military borrowers in a fast-paced, competitive market.

It also includes timely advice for housing professionals regarding foreclosure prevention, with tips they can give their clients to help them avoid mortgage delinquencies.

The course can result in greater numbers of military families attaining affordable homes through knowledgeable professionals who understand the unique circumstances brought about by military service.

“I’ve been on all sides of the home buying process,” Beverly Ray Frase, the course’s author, said. “I know where the speed bumps are, especially for our military men and women. Working with a certified housing professional should move them down the path to an accurate and timely closing.

“I am a wife of a Vietnam veteran, my son is currently in the U.S. Army, and I grew up in an Army environment and therefore this program is important to me.”

The course helps all housing professionals make sense of the military language, rank and pay system. It also outlines what happens when a service member is injured, and explains how their pay will continue during hospitalization and treatment.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Military housing course certifies Crestview resident