According to WTNH-TV in New Haven, Cardona served in the military for 18 years. Shortly after she was honorably discharged in 2000, she began receiving service-related disability benefits from the V.A. for carpal tunnel syndrome that developed as a result of her military duties. In 2010, Cardona legally married her longtime partner in Norwich, Connecticut. She then applied to the V.A. spousal benefits.

Military veterans with a service-connected disability of 30% or more are eligible for dependency benefits for their spouses. Cardona is rated 80% disabled by the V.A. She has been told by the V.A. that her wife does not qualify as a dependent.

It’s that time of year again. Fundraising activities are in full bloom, non-profits are gearing up for their big day in the sun, parties, happy hours and other events are scheduled in the hopes of finding those willing to donate and give back to their community – and we all know someone sponsoring something for their favorite charity.

I have given my time and money to many non-profits. As I discussed in my first column about giving back, those organizations include: HRC (Local Chapter), Rainbow Business Coalition  (Board of Directors), Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange (Board of Directors), Smartride (Rider), Tuesdays Angels (Rider), The Pride Center at Equality Park (Founder), Broward House (Donation), Business Professional Group (Board of Directors) and AidsWalk (Walker). In that column, I told the story about how I was able to join the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce as the Business Development Director for GLBX because of my involvement with the Board of Directors.

In this column, I would like to guide you down the road of Charitable Giving and help you recognize the rewards you might receive in your life, including friends, colleagues, networking relationships, business opportunities and jobs.

When I first started riding my bike for local charities, I discovered how many people I know and work with who shared my interest in riding. As an example, many local business owners are fellow riders and have become clients, networking colleagues and potential clients. My partner, Kevin Murdoch, and I have ridden in the “SmartRide” for 3 years (165 miles from Miami to Key West benefiting HIV/AIDS organizations in Florida). This November, we are doing it again. Earlier this year, we joined the “100% Solution Bike Ride for Life” (220 miles from Las Olas & A1A to Ft. Pierce

benefiting “Tuesdays Angels”). I have learned through riding and giving back how mixing charitable work with business colleagues strengthens relationships. Sometimes, the connections you make have a lasting impact on your life, work and career.

On the ride to Ft. Pierce, we met Jerry Byers. Jerry is an inspiration to me in my life. He is in his 7th decade and is in incredible shape. I am 43 years old and Jerry, who has ridden 13 times in the “100% Solution Ride,” not only finished the 220 miles, but did it an hour faster than I did. While riding, Jerry shared this story of his charitable work and how it created profit for his business. He is a general contractor and volunteers for “The Pride Center at Equality Park” by doing their maintenance and repairs.  Being a giving individual showed the people around him who he is as a person, as well as giving them a glimpse of his strong character. Because of his continued dedication to “The Pride Center,” he earned 2 large remodeling contracts for prominent community leaders.

I know no better example of giving back than Mark Martin and his contribution to “AidsWalk.” Two and a half years ago, Mark volunteered to head up the team, “Club Us”. He led that team to become the largest contributor to the AidsWalk several years running with a grand total of $125,000 to date. His organizational skills, leadership abilities and drive set him apart in our community. Aids Health Foundation was so impressed with Mark Martin and Club Us that when it came to hiring a new Relations & Development Regional Director, the first person they thought of to fill the position was Mark. As Director, Mark did not let them down. Hired only a few months before the 2011 AidsWalk, he was able to produce a highly successful walk raising a total $640,000 – beating all expectations. I am personally looking forward to next year’s event and all he will bring to it. Thanks Mark!

On the walk of charitable giving, you will always find more than you give! You can create opportunities you never thought possible.

You will meet people that will enrich your life. You can make connections that will last a lifetime. So I ask you, are you ready to GIVE BACK?

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant.