Posted on Mar 11, 2019
As a veteran, I have never been treated as badly as I was treated at a recent DAV event. Did I do the right thing?
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As a veteran, I have never been treated as badly as I was treated at a recent DAV event.
My father passed away last Thursday. I needed to get out of the house so I noticed there was an event for veterans looking for work.
I am a veteran that has been looking for work for about 6 or 7 years. My father would've wanted me to go. So I went to the event. I expected a warm welcome and to be treated with respect.
A small young boy in an ill fitting mismatched suit tapped me on the shoulder while I was filling out a job application, said he didn't think I was a veteran and told me to leave.
I told him I am a veteran and I was filling out a job application.
He said he didn't care and asked me to leave.
I asked him why and he offered no logical or rational explanation. He got aggressive and insistent, so I began to leave with no recourse on my part. I simply said this doesnt make sense and isn't fair and began to leave.
On the way out, a middle aged woman in a pantsuit got a security guard to escort me out of the building. I said it wasn't necessary because I was leaving.
I am a veteran. I was filling out a job application. This is the worst thing I can imagine.
I fully expect these people to be disciplined appropriately. I wonder if they are veterans? Judging by how they treat real veterans like me, I doubt it.
If they aren't veterans, wouldn't it make sense to let them go and hire veterans with college degrees like me?
What can you do to amend this travesty?
If we can't find a fair and amicable resolution, in the interest of fairness, I will have no choice but to start calling and messaging funding sources and the press. This cannot happen to veterans like me.
Please let me know what you can do to right this wrong by Thursday May 14th 2019. One week from the incident. Isn't that fair?
My father passed away last Thursday. I needed to get out of the house so I noticed there was an event for veterans looking for work.
I am a veteran that has been looking for work for about 6 or 7 years. My father would've wanted me to go. So I went to the event. I expected a warm welcome and to be treated with respect.
A small young boy in an ill fitting mismatched suit tapped me on the shoulder while I was filling out a job application, said he didn't think I was a veteran and told me to leave.
I told him I am a veteran and I was filling out a job application.
He said he didn't care and asked me to leave.
I asked him why and he offered no logical or rational explanation. He got aggressive and insistent, so I began to leave with no recourse on my part. I simply said this doesnt make sense and isn't fair and began to leave.
On the way out, a middle aged woman in a pantsuit got a security guard to escort me out of the building. I said it wasn't necessary because I was leaving.
I am a veteran. I was filling out a job application. This is the worst thing I can imagine.
I fully expect these people to be disciplined appropriately. I wonder if they are veterans? Judging by how they treat real veterans like me, I doubt it.
If they aren't veterans, wouldn't it make sense to let them go and hire veterans with college degrees like me?
What can you do to amend this travesty?
If we can't find a fair and amicable resolution, in the interest of fairness, I will have no choice but to start calling and messaging funding sources and the press. This cannot happen to veterans like me.
Please let me know what you can do to right this wrong by Thursday May 14th 2019. One week from the incident. Isn't that fair?
Posted in these groups: 
DAV
DAV
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 12
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I would not have left, sought the person running the event, shown them my 214. Why did they run you out? Did you have your 214?
Many of those events are pipelined from standing programs or are register in advance things. I’ve supported other events where homeless and destitute vets are prioritized, those are usually employment events. Those are usually social services, treatment, cloths, and haircut events. The participants are triaged at the door and escorted to certain stations based on needs.
I’d simply write a one page letter with the 5 Ws to the local DAV with a copy of your 214 so there will be no confusion in the future, requesting a response. There is a piece of this that’s missing.
Many of those events are pipelined from standing programs or are register in advance things. I’ve supported other events where homeless and destitute vets are prioritized, those are usually employment events. Those are usually social services, treatment, cloths, and haircut events. The participants are triaged at the door and escorted to certain stations based on needs.
I’d simply write a one page letter with the 5 Ws to the local DAV with a copy of your 214 so there will be no confusion in the future, requesting a response. There is a piece of this that’s missing.
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SGT (Join to see)
LTC Jason Mackay - agreed. They generally bend over backwards to make sure the veteran is taken care of.
If this situation actually happened, it was certainly be the exception, not the rule.
If this situation actually happened, it was certainly be the exception, not the rule.
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Sgt Justen Ortloff
Something just doesn't add up.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericskaggs
Also claims to be a combat vet from Desert Storm
Air Force | Aircraft Armament Manager
Owner/Founder at BuckGet.com
Dates of Service: Jan 1992 - Jan 1996
@EricGSkaggs
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Replying to @WhiteHouse
I am a disabled uncompensated Gulf War Desert Storm era combat veteran that was "left behind". How will this executive order help me? Will you or someone please help me get the disability and GI Bill I was promised and deserve? Ideas?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericskaggs
Also claims to be a combat vet from Desert Storm
Air Force | Aircraft Armament Manager
Owner/Founder at BuckGet.com
Dates of Service: Jan 1992 - Jan 1996
@EricGSkaggs
Follow Follow @EricGSkaggs
More
Replying to @WhiteHouse
I am a disabled uncompensated Gulf War Desert Storm era combat veteran that was "left behind". How will this executive order help me? Will you or someone please help me get the disability and GI Bill I was promised and deserve? Ideas?
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Sgt (Join to see)
LTC Jason Mackay, I saw the initial post by A1C Eric Skaggs and started researching the issue he experienced... Basically, Eric went to a Recruiting Event put on by a company named "RecruitMilitary". As the name states, the are a military recruiting company. They say that the DAV is a "Strategic Partner" and use the DAV Logo in their literature to provide a level of comfort to those seeking jobs... The DAV is not affiliated in any kind of Legal way that I know of... I am a Massachusetts DAV Commander of Chapter #90, Norwood, MA, so I understand more than most about the DAV and what we do for our Disabled Vets. There is no way the DAV would ever treat a Veteran the way A1C Eric Skaggs was treated at this recruiting event... Suffice it to say that I have communicated this with Eric and have provided him with information on "RecruitMilitary" and have provided the contact info for a DAV Chapter in Pittsburgh, PA, as He stated to me that He lives in Pittsburgh...They may be able to assist him or at least steer him in the right direction.
Best regards,
Kerry
Best regards,
Kerry
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This story sounds an awful lot like there is more to the story.
Did they challenge your credentials? That should have happened in the registration process.
Does characterization of service matter? From your other post, I could see that being a factor. Shouldn't be, but maybe.
I don't think you were treated well, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it. You served. You have been looking for work for 7 years. This job fair didn't have a good outcome - probably not the first time that has happened. Let it go and get back on your horse. Life is more important than filing a hurt feelings report.
Did they challenge your credentials? That should have happened in the registration process.
Does characterization of service matter? From your other post, I could see that being a factor. Shouldn't be, but maybe.
I don't think you were treated well, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it. You served. You have been looking for work for 7 years. This job fair didn't have a good outcome - probably not the first time that has happened. Let it go and get back on your horse. Life is more important than filing a hurt feelings report.
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Sgt (Join to see)
1Sgt Jerry Healy: I have responded several times, the last to CMSgt Virgil Horsley. I have made contact with Eric and this is not a DAV issue, but a recruiting company named "RecruitMilitary"... They say they have strategic partners and use the DAV Logo with a typed DAV and a link to our National Organization. I've provided eric with information regarding both the DAV In Pittsburgh and related that He should Google "RecruitMilitary" to obtain factual data...
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1SG (Join to see)
Sgt (Join to see) - I appreciate the work you do for Veterans. By the way this is unfolding, this particular gentleman seem to be in need of some professional assistance.
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Sgt (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) - Yes, I agree... I entered into Eric's discussion and took what He said at face value..., thinking at that time that there were a few things weren't adding up... That said, I continued to try and help until about 11:30pm or so and had to hit the sack... I just don't know whether I was strung along... Oh well...
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I'm not sure what is going on here with this particular situation but I know DAV is a fantastic organization. Perhaps you just had a bad experience. Come to think of it, a lot of what you say in your posts doesn't make much sense. You claimed in another post that you received General Discharge under Honorable Conditions because you broke your wrist while on duty and couldn't lift more than 5 pounds. That isn't the way it works Dude. It's never been the way it works --you are leaving something out --something really important that made you get that discharge. Likewise, with your post here, I think you are leaving something out. To put it another way, I am suspect of your truthfulness in your posts.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Having read most of all of the current posts by Eric Skaggs and the responses by all of us, I think that we may have been had... too many things do not fit into the puzzle... I'd like to think I helped someone, but am not sure... His story is like the sheep who cried wolf! Am I wrong here???
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A1C George Lyda
I don't know whether a General (?) or Medical Discharge gets it. Get your papers, present them to the person in charge and go from there.
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A1C Eric Skaggs I am sorry that you were mistreated, but what is the rest of the story. If a small boy is asking you to leave, why did you not ignore him or ask some of the staff that was there to help you out? The small boy is not a veteran and I do not know about the lady. Did you not question them as to why they wanted you to leave?
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A1C Eric Skaggs
The small boy was probably about 20 but was very short. He could've been a veteran but I doubt it. He was agitated, insistent and aggressive. He couldn't be ignored. And he was making a scene. He seemed to be following orders from the middle aged lady who helped him kick me out. There were no other obvious workers around. I questioned them. The boy said he thought I wasn't a veteran and the woman said nothing when I asked why she was doing this. She just said the security guard would escort me out.
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Sgt (Join to see)
A1C Eric Skaggs - If he was about 20. he was not a small boy. I would have stayed.
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Thank you for your question A1C Eric Skaggs... If you read my profile you would have seen that I am a DAV Commander of DAV Chapter #90, Norwood, MA. My Chapter is part of DAV Department of Massachusetts. I am appalled at what happened to you when you were applying for a job at an apparent veteran job fair... First and foremost, the DAV would NEVER turn away a Veteran regardless of whether He or She was a disabled Veteran... We always try to help our brothers and sisters in arms... Also, we do not seek, look for or employ young people to help a Veteran with any applications or Veteran claims... When we have a function each of us wears his or her cover (cap or hat) like the one I am wearing in my photo. We also would ask you questions like what branch were you in or what was your MOS or AFSC (Air Force), how long did you serve, where did you serve, etc. We would also ask you how we could help you... In my Chapter, we have men and women from all branches and they all take their role as Veteran very seriously...
So, Eric, I believe that this job fair was not run by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), but some other organization saying they were acting on Veterans behalf. I for one can't help you outside of my state, but if you Identify what state and city where this occurred, I may be able to steer you in the right direction... In Massachusetts we have NSOs and VSOs (National Service Officers and Veteran Services Officers) VSOs are usually located at City or Town Hall and have limited computer access into the National System. You might check with your local city or town to find out if they have a VSO... Let me know how you make out... by messaging me...
So, Eric, I believe that this job fair was not run by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), but some other organization saying they were acting on Veterans behalf. I for one can't help you outside of my state, but if you Identify what state and city where this occurred, I may be able to steer you in the right direction... In Massachusetts we have NSOs and VSOs (National Service Officers and Veteran Services Officers) VSOs are usually located at City or Town Hall and have limited computer access into the National System. You might check with your local city or town to find out if they have a VSO... Let me know how you make out... by messaging me...
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A1C Eric Skaggs
It was the event on May 7th at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have found out ot was run jointly by DAV and a company called RecruitMilitary. Here is a link to the event https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi2pPnJx_vgAhWMTd8KHTodC50QzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fdav-recruitmilitary-pittsburgh-veterans-job-fair-tickets [login to see] 3&psig=AOvVaw2r0P-pid9uvKbILR2ekJ04&ust= [login to see] 35807
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Sgt (Join to see)
Eric, Through the link you gave me, I was able to Google the Company involved. The Company is "RecruitMilitary" and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI), the largest military-focused recruiting company in the U.S. Together, BMI and RecruitMilitary offer employers access to more than 1,400,000 military job seekers via services that include contingency recruiting, military job fairs, a job board, employer branding, a military base publication and more.
This Company has paid employes and they have a number of what they call "Strategic Partners" and they show a DAV Logo and their National Link... However, the job fiar you attended was run by "RecruitMilitary". You can Google this to get all the particulars including the Senior Staff of the Company...
If you live in Pittsburg, here is the Pittsburg DAV contact info:
DAV Pittsburgh, PA 15240
Chapter: GR PITTSBURGH #8
Oakland VAMC University Dr Room DE 123
Tel: [login to see]
I hope this helps you.
This Company has paid employes and they have a number of what they call "Strategic Partners" and they show a DAV Logo and their National Link... However, the job fiar you attended was run by "RecruitMilitary". You can Google this to get all the particulars including the Senior Staff of the Company...
If you live in Pittsburg, here is the Pittsburg DAV contact info:
DAV Pittsburgh, PA 15240
Chapter: GR PITTSBURGH #8
Oakland VAMC University Dr Room DE 123
Tel: [login to see]
I hope this helps you.
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A1C Eric Skaggs: I posted already, but I noted in another post that you are from Kentucky... you can try DAV Department of Kentucky as follows:
Department of Kentucky
Mailing Address:
PO Box 129
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Ph: [login to see]
Fax: 502-805-003
Also, just so you know, the majority of DAV Members are Volunteers, not employees... Our committed duty is to assist Disabled Veterans, but we do help any Veteran that we can to help them find the information that the Veteran needs...
Good luck, Eric.
Department of Kentucky
Mailing Address:
PO Box 129
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Ph: [login to see]
Fax: 502-805-003
Also, just so you know, the majority of DAV Members are Volunteers, not employees... Our committed duty is to assist Disabled Veterans, but we do help any Veteran that we can to help them find the information that the Veteran needs...
Good luck, Eric.
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Sgt (Join to see)
I replied on another post with the info regarding a Chapter at the VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh... Please check my other responses... I have to hit the sack, but let me know how you make out... Send me a separate message from this thread...
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Wow...I don't even BEGIN to know what to say to that...I'm life member DAV, my wife and I have known them for a fairly long time now, we had them start my total perm disability claim, then moved it to an attorney, as mine was really involved, though they did certainly try to help us, by all means. I mean, I've NEVER heard a scenario like that, certainly, not that I don't believe you, of course...purely as a suggestion, did you at least just try calling their state or national offices, to explain what happened at all? I only suggest that as we've gotten to know a good many of their higher staff, we donated a car to the their state office by us at one point, we've gone to their annual state dinner by us a few times...I can only assure you that, from what my wife and I have seen, that what happened in your case was by all means atypical, at least from what we know of the group, thus, please trust what I tell you, and believe what I say, call the state office where you are, I'm sure it's listed on the web, as well as possibly their national offices in, I think, KY, as well as Wash, DC, I'm positive they'd be most helpful to you in your efforts, honest, if you'd care to chat further, please of course just let me know, OK?
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Sgt (Join to see)
Capt Daniel Goodman,
Check out my responses to Erics questions... I now know what happened and it wasn't the DAV, but a recruiting Company named "RecruitMilitary".
Check out my responses to Erics questions... I now know what happened and it wasn't the DAV, but a recruiting Company named "RecruitMilitary".
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Capt Daniel Goodman
Oh, OK, got it, much appreciated, still seemingly illogical, certainly, esp with a name like that, in any event, though I've got zero clue who they are, purely from the name...still, with a name like that, one might still have expected a more suitable welcome, if it wasn't intended for him, at least a somewhat more courteous low key explanation why, at any rate, just an observation, for whatever it might be worth, at any rate, I'd thought....
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Respectfully, this hardly sounds like a travesty. And if this is the worst you’ve ever been treated, then count your blessings, because you’ve led a charmed life.
That said, if the situation happened as described, is it possible that there was a miscommunication? Why would you leave, simply because a small young boy with no parental oversight was mouthing off? Why would you expect a logical, rational explanation from the aggressive young child wearing a ill fitting mismatched suit?
The child isn’t a veteran, and maybe the lady was concerned because a child without his parents was semi-arguing with a man (not his father) who then walked away when the kid get loud and aggressive? Maybe she thought the kid was going into ‘stranger/danger’ mode?
Honestly, as described, the situation doesn’t make sense, but it’s not that bad, even it it played out exactly as described. (I’m a little more dismayed that a veteran didn’t try to find the parents of a little kid who was by himself, apparently causing trouble).
What type of solution would you like to see to this situation?
That said, if the situation happened as described, is it possible that there was a miscommunication? Why would you leave, simply because a small young boy with no parental oversight was mouthing off? Why would you expect a logical, rational explanation from the aggressive young child wearing a ill fitting mismatched suit?
The child isn’t a veteran, and maybe the lady was concerned because a child without his parents was semi-arguing with a man (not his father) who then walked away when the kid get loud and aggressive? Maybe she thought the kid was going into ‘stranger/danger’ mode?
Honestly, as described, the situation doesn’t make sense, but it’s not that bad, even it it played out exactly as described. (I’m a little more dismayed that a veteran didn’t try to find the parents of a little kid who was by himself, apparently causing trouble).
What type of solution would you like to see to this situation?
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A1C Eric Skaggs
To me, he seemed like he was a small young boy. He looked like he was about 20 and was about 5 feet nothing. He wasn't just an unaccompanied child. That's a funny miscommunication. He worked for DAV. Does that help?
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SGT (Join to see)
A1C Eric Skaggs - it makes it a bit more clear. (As described, ‘A small young boy‘, gives the impression of a child).
Respectfully, as you quite misleadingly described some details of the situation (however unintentional), it’s possible that other details of the situation are also inaccurate or misleading.
Assuming everything happened as described, no, blanket firings/hirings aren’t warranted. For all you know, the small guys dad just died that week, also, and was having a bad day at work. And the lady caught the tail end of an argument/disagreement between the two of you and was just doing her job.
I don’t think veterans are entitled to jobs, simply because we’re veterans. Honestly, I think your best recourse is to simply go to the next event and when you see those two folks, immediately introduce yourself. You already have a good story for an ice-breaker.
Best of luck.
Respectfully, as you quite misleadingly described some details of the situation (however unintentional), it’s possible that other details of the situation are also inaccurate or misleading.
Assuming everything happened as described, no, blanket firings/hirings aren’t warranted. For all you know, the small guys dad just died that week, also, and was having a bad day at work. And the lady caught the tail end of an argument/disagreement between the two of you and was just doing her job.
I don’t think veterans are entitled to jobs, simply because we’re veterans. Honestly, I think your best recourse is to simply go to the next event and when you see those two folks, immediately introduce yourself. You already have a good story for an ice-breaker.
Best of luck.
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Report it. That the most horrible thing I've heard. I send apologies to you. You didnt deserve that.
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As part of my Master's Degree I did a paper on post-traumatic stress disorder in the workplace, defining what most employers and employees with PTSD needed to know. I bring this up because during my studies in this report and my surveys and information-gathering I was startled at the blunt and utter ignorance of the civilian World in regards to Veterans and Veterans needs in the workplace. You're not alone.
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