Posted on Apr 2, 2015
Sgt Brandon Bunch
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Recently I met with some high level political leaders at a Roundtable discussion concerning veteran issues while at SXSW in Austin, Tx.

Many topics were covered during the two hour meeting. The one that chapped my ASS was a discussion over "those 10% of veterans" with the entitlement mentality.

No I'm not talking about what benefits you are entitled to after you complete your service: i.e. GI Bill, VA home loan, or other benefits. I'm talking about those who have allowed themselves to feel as if society owes them something, hell as if the world owes them something. It pisses me off when I meet some veteran and the first words spoken isn't their name, who they are, what their about; its "Hi I'm a disabled (war) veteran..." Who gives a crap besides me & you?

Please don't ever let your injuries define who you are! Let the skills you learned and experiences you lived set you apart from your peers. Believe me people will respect you more for that.

Yes please be proud that you served, wear it with honor and distinction but DO NOT use it as a Krutch or allow it to set limitations in your life!

Rant over!

Thanks for your service and Semper Fi!
Posted in these groups: Military civilian 600x338 TransitionEntitlements logo EntitlementsScales of justice Business
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Responses: 16
SSG Gerhard S.
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Great points, and well said Sgt Brandon Bunch I remember going to a function at my City hall a while back, and talking with a veteran with a Tuskegee Airmen cap. I thanked him for his service, and he asked me if I was a veteran. (I was wearing civilian clothes, but my haircut may have given me away.) His next question was asking if I got my 100% disability. I told him no, and his immediate come back was to tell me that HE could help me get it, and that then I could get State tax breaks, and free hunting licenses, and other "benefits". I thanked him kindly, but declined. I know this isn't exactly what you were referring to, but in addition to the entitlement mentality, there are also some people who are out to game the system. To be clear, I am NOT referring to any service members who ARE disabled. This guy didn't even know me and he's telling me he can get me a 100% VA Disability. No thanks, I've got a good job, and I'll leave the disabilities to those who need and deserve them.
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CW5 Desk Officer
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Here you go, Sgt Brandon Bunch. Here's a Command Post from what I consider to be one of the 10% you mentioned.

https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/do-retirees-really-deserve-access-to-aafes-stores-more-than-non-retirees
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MAJ J5 Strategic Plans And Training Officer
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You beat too it.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
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Entitlement:

Well I stubbed my toe getting ice cream at the PX at Basic training and I got a medical discharge so I don't see why I'm not eligible for VA benefits like the guy who got his leg blown off by an IED in Afghanistan. I put in my time and served, what's the problem? Why am I being discriminated against? I should have received the full 100% disability and not the mere 50% needed to get my tattoos at the base PX.
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