Do platitudes of "Support the Troops" simply ring hollow?

COL Sam Russell — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:25:19 -0500

"As a nation, we don’t do enough to actually take care of our veterans and instead settle for well-intentioned but nearly useless tokens of gratitude. Instead of making sure no veteran, or anyone for that matter, has to sleep on a park bench or goes without the help so many desperately need, we allow ourselves to think that a “like” on Facebook or a moment of applause at a sporting event somehow repays millions of men and women for defending our way of life."

http://www.forwardprogressives.com/refuse-support-troops/

Why I Refuse To "Support Our Troops"

I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday. Like many other people who are old enough to remember that day, I can tell you where I was and what I was doing on that crisp September morning when the world as we knew it changed forever. At the time I worked at a gym, and within …

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 7:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:37:21 -0500

Sir, I don't know if you have seen the latest Walmart campaign to convince people to put a green porch light out to show their support of veterans. Sorry, show me your support by actually supporting veterans. Anything else doesn't really count.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 8 at 2015 7:37 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:37:29 -0500

Yes in many cases the platitudes of "Support the Troops" simply ring hollow COL Sam Russell. Thankfully there are still some gestures of supporting the troops that are from the heart.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 8 at 2015 7:44 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:44:20 -0500

Unfortunately, we've ALL grown desensitized to anything wrapped up in the American Flag. From the panhandler who claims to be a vet to the power-retailer that boasts "Veteran Friendly," we have to sift through the sh** to find truth in such claims. Meanwhile "collateral damage" is created by those who have become jaded: Veterans will continue to suffer by those unwilling, skeptical, or disingenuous to lend a "helping hand."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 7:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 19:51:56 -0500

COL Sam Russell I think the numerous requests for help for veterans desensitize the public. It's no longer shocking or unusual to see someone holding a sign such as the one you posted, requests for help for veterans, stories about veterans needing help..... People hear stories of fraud regarding stories such as this and are skeptical when they encounter them and they are less likely to help as a result.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 7:06 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 07:06:56 -0500

Everything and every campaign can ring hollow or be meaningful.

"Thank you for your service" can be as meaningless or a heartfelt thank you.

The other side to the meaning is how we take it. Personally, I give the benefit of the doubt to the side of good.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Nov 9 at 2015 9:14 AM

SSG Michael Scott — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:14:35 -0500

Amen

Response by SSG David Fetty made May 31 at 2017 4:23 AM

SSG David Fetty — Wed, 31 May 2017 04:23:31 -0400

I believe in the beginning, it was sincere, but more and more it seems it's just another way of saying "Have a nice day". Something that's expected to be said, with no feeling behind it.