Bridgewater veteran offers smartphone app for fellow veterans

 New Jersey National Guardsmen during a 2009 parade honoring their return home from Iraq.

Now even veterans can say — there's an app for that.
A Bridgewater veteran is offering a new smartphone app for fellow veterans faced with the challenges of returning from duty and transitioning back into civilian life.
Lloyd Deans, a six-year veteran of the New Jersey National Guard, has designed "Deans List," a free smartphone and tablet app which, for the first time, aggregates military and veteran resources, news feeds and social media for easy access to veterans.
"I want to provide veterans and their family the best resources all in one place at the palm of their hands," Deans said.
Deans, who was deployed to Iraq in from 2008 to 2009, served as a team leader in the Escort Platoon in the High Value Detainees Internment Facility in Iraq. He was chosen over 120 peers to be part of an elite guard force for a special multi-national program, and in January 2009 was named Soldier of the Month as part of the special program block in Task Force MP North. He returned home in 2009.
Deans is currently a Mental Health Supervisor at Vets4Warriors, a 24-hours-a-day peer support, information and referral program for National Guard and Reserve service members and their families around the country. The program is sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve and operated by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Deans maintains comprehensive and updated resources so Vets4Warriors can make appropriate referrals. He has also initiated multiple social media platforms to develop contacts with military personnel in need of resources and business development opportunities.

"Deans List," available for the Apple iPhone and iPad in the App Store, and for Android devices at Google Play, performs the following functions:

• Compiles the most current and relevant resources for veterans and their families, such as where to find military discounts, employment opportunities, apps, peer support, legal services, health and wellness resources, veteran services, education and family resources.
• Delivers news feeds covering veteran issues, such as medical, employment, family issues and breaking news.
• Provides video feeds covering relevant topics such as testimonials, user-generated content, military life, comedy and alternative medicine.
• Allows instant chat with other military personnel in the Deans List community. Users can ask questions, make statements, post pictures, engage on current topics, etc.

"I am currently researching the use of new technology, such as apps and near-field communications to connect with soldiers and their family members to provide resources for specific needs," Deans said.