Do You Give Time to Fellow Veterans, or Give Lip Service?

SP5 Andy G. — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 16:49:55 -0500

Do you REALLY help fellow veterans, or simply give the expected lip service? You are about to be challenged.

OK – so one of my pet peeves is seeing everyone hopping on the “troops” bandwagon – either because they want to feel “cool”, or imply that their business really caters to the military and veterans (when their real objective is to make more money off the backs of those served and now serve).

The good news today is that members of the military and veteran communities are often referred to as heroes, and are typically given the respect they deserve by society in general.

What a contrast to the 1970s, when we were yelled at, spit upon and worse; it’s almost unfathomable today.

Everywhere you go, you see “Thank Our Troops” tribute signs hanging from shop windows, manufacturing facilities, on flags and “Support the Troops” bumper stickers. Corporations are getting in on the act by proclaiming: “we hire veterans”. Bull crap (can I say that?). They have ALWAYS hired veterans simply because veterans have been a part of US society since 1771, and they are part of the civilian employment pool.

And veteran non-profits are all over society’s love of the troops – and they are raking in tons of cash (just like retailers). But that’s another pet peeve.
I see more lip service than action.

The burning questions is: What are YOU doing to help your fellow veterans ?
Really – what tangible effort do you put forth to lend a helping hand – and I don’t mean sending off a few bucks to some veteran no-profit hoping that your money will be put to good use. That’s easy (and a cop-out).

I’m talking about quality, one-on-one time and energy that you put forth to create a tangible difference in some veteran’s life.

For my part, I donate my time and expertise as a mentor to veterans who are trying to start their own small business (because I know they can’t depend on corporations that say “we hire vets”).

I charge handsomely to review business plans and provide executive-level advice to non-veteran clients (or well-established veteran-owned companies making big profits).

But it’s the new veterans just embarking on building their American Dream who can least afford expert advise are the ones who need it most. If I can help another veteran create a financially secure future for their family, I know that THEY will pass it on in their later years.

So now – if you have a skill, or time, or connections, what are you doing to help veterans?

If you haven’t started, now’s the time.

WILL YOU MAKE A PLEDGE NOW?

Post it here as your reminder, and give yourself a deadline.

Some pledges may look like these:

- I’m a REAL ESTATE AGENT, and I’ll help a veteran family new to town find an apartment, I’ll help negotiate with the landlord, and I’ll help that veteran find a job before the end of the month – with NO commission expected.
- I ‘m a BODY SHOP MANAGER, and although I don’t need another employee, I’ll hire a veteran for one month just to give them a “resume item”, and start them on a path to a new employment career.

Of course, this assumes that you take action on FINDING the veteran. Maybe a new vet attending your church? Think about advertising your service to veterans in Craig’s List (post the real estate help in the Rentals Available section).

There it is – now Man-up / Woman-up.

No lip service accepted! You’re now free to post below.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 5 at 2015 5:05 PM

TSgt David Holman — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:05:47 -0500

I can't really say that I have a pledge, but continuing to serve those who have served is something I really want to do. After I finish my career, I hope to go to PA school, and want to work at the VA. Not because they pay great (one of the lowest paying positions for PAs), not because it is glamorous (we all know what the perception of the VA is, especially among civilians), but because those who have served deserve to have someone caring for them who have been in their shoes, and can relate to their situation.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 18 at 2015 2:39 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:39:56 -0400

I don't charge the vets anything, I just listen to them. About 2 years ago I found http://www.Battle-Bro.com and every day I get five (5) new names to call of men & women whom have requested a call from a counselor. There is a short, simple vetting process but you soon get permission to log in and get your daily names. Usually, about 80% of the people are Vets and they usually are suffering from PTSD. I served 73-79 in the ARMY so I understand them and can relate to many of their issues.

I don't give "lip service" to ANY activity where I am involved. Whether it's Battle-Bro, Church or the Helping Hands Food Pantry where we serve 600-1,000 drive-thru families with boxes of food we receive in all week and pack into boxes according to family size. That's called First Friday. All very rewarding!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 18 at 2015 5:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 17:35:47 -0400

I help veterans with PTSD, and do an inventory of entitlements with them. Quite a few veterans do not know of VA and SS caregiver funds.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 21 at 2015 4:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 16:02:45 -0400

I primarily treat veterans with all my attention.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Feb 28 at 2021 11:57 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:57:27 -0500

I am a VETERAN TRANSITION MENTOR/NAVIGATOR/ADVOCATE and i will help you get the help I did!

https://go.veterati.com/hMQrsg

Mentor Profile

"What a journey on my #TransitionRoad... Military Service to Veteran Support to Entrepreneur! Let me help you, and your family, find your next season in life...Come join with me, and we travel along your #TransitionRoad together!If my Schedule is full, reach me on LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/in/stephanporter"