Do you think Wounded Warriors receive unfair special treatment?

Sgt Ballard Hall — Fri, 09 May 2014 21:50:38 -0400

As a Wounded Warrior, I always hear the debate on this matter. Some people have told me that I deserve what is given to me in terms of how folks choose to say thank you for my service; meanwhile, other people have told me that I do not deserve no more thanks than any other service member. I can agree to both of those statements, depending on the situation, I guess.

Response by Sgt Ballard Hall made May 9 at 2014 9:51 PM

Sgt Ballard Hall — Fri, 09 May 2014 21:51:54 -0400

Another question would be: does the trauma associated with the service member's reason of being a Wounded Warrior make a difference in how one would respond?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 3:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 03:24:26 -0500

No, No and HELL NO!!!!!! As a former Squad Leader in the Ft Campbell WTB, I saw what the wounded Soldiers and their families went through on a daily basis.

SGT Hall, sometimes the treatment may go to extremes. But that's the exception, not the norm. And I know for a fact that anyone that has said our wounded warriors receive unfair, special treatment would be sucking up that unfair, special treatment if they were in that position.

So fuk what they say.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Jan 3 at 2015 4:13 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:13:27 -0500

No, I firmly believe you deserve what is given to you!!!

Response by Cpl Joshua Vrooman made Jan 20 at 2015 9:32 PM

Cpl Joshua Vrooman — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:32:24 -0500

I think its a very hard question to answer.

I've had a number of vets and admin folk at the VA say I should be grabbing for a disabled check, but frankly, for myself I don't think the few aches and pains and occasional nightmare gives me the right to take money from those that sacrificed far more than I.

I don't believe anyone should pass judgment, especially if they don't know the vet's story. Some wounds are obviously visible. Many are not. Not everyone copes in the same way. Some can live with things like PTSD and lead fairly normal lives. Some need a little more assistance.

The point for me is that we are brothers and sisters in our willingness to volunteer for a noble path, the defense of those who cannot defend themselves. We should always be there for one another.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 11:35 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 23:35:22 -0500

As a veteran of the coast guard I am proud of my service... I do, however, have a higher level of admiration and respect for those who have been in a hostile environment. Yes, I have been in harms way but when you face an adversary that is trying to kill you.... I think that is the ultimate in terms of being in harms way. Thank you for your sacrifice

Response by SGT Alejandro Benavides made Aug 21 at 2016 6:56 PM

SGT Alejandro Benavides — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 18:56:34 -0400

I honestly feel that if a soldier has a disability from Combat or deployment that makes it harder for them to live a normal life then yes! They deserve "special treatment". The difference is that the day I leave the military, I will still be me, I might have some disabilities but I'm still me. My limbs are all there, my fingers are all there. I might not be able to run anymore, but I can still walk on my own legs. I might not be able to throw a ball anymore but I can still use my hand to write or type this. Even though I'm broken, I'm still whole. Where as some of our battle buddies aren't. So yes they deserve all the special treatment they can get.

Response by CSM Michael Sweeney made Aug 21 at 2016 7:49 PM

CSM Michael Sweeney — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:49:27 -0400

More than two years late, but yes... they do get special treatment and it is not unfair. I spent over 29 years on active duty. I retired older and broken down a little, but never served a minute in combat. I do get recognition and thanks for my service, which I am humble about, but those who served in combat, survived and came home with or without their whole bodies, deserve a whole lot more than just our respect. Those severely injured, not just in body but also in mind, need our help and not only our thanks, which falls terribly short.

Response by CW3 Matt Hutchason made Aug 21 at 2016 8:17 PM

CW3 Matt Hutchason — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:17:28 -0400

Unfair special treatment? I don't believe so. Special treatment in general? I don't believe so. Proper treatment commensurate with your injuries? Absolutely. Everybody who swore the oath knew the risks, but that oath comes with the expectation that people who take it will be cared for, and not at their expense, for the duration of any effects of their service. God bless you, and I hope you get all the care you are entitled to.

Response by AN Jeri Moore made Aug 21 at 2016 8:19 PM

AN Jeri Moore — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:19:49 -0400

I got injured in A school, all because I followed the orders of my leadership and kept going when My right side tightened up. Even though things didn't feel right, I was told to keep my ass running. I thought they knew exactly what they were doing and trusted them. It took 10 yrs of constant pain to find I have no cushioning on my hip, and herniated disk. I don't believe I'm a wounded warrior, but I'm not nothing either. I don't really know where I would fit into people's opinion's here. But as long as therapy and neurosurgery are a success, then I can talk myself into not caring about them.

Response by CW3 Matt Hutchason made Aug 21 at 2016 8:53 PM

CW3 Matt Hutchason — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:53:34 -0400

I misread your question. My apologies. In my opinion, wounded warriors don't get unfair special treatment. If anything, they get way less than special treatment, and in some cases, no treatment at all.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 21 at 2016 8:58 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:58:19 -0400

Special treatment? No , just due comp for you and your family, a situation you all have to live with and adjust to. No wounded warrior should never ever have to worry about providing for their family. My greatest respect.

Response by PO3 John Keas made Aug 22 at 2016 8:04 AM

PO3 John Keas — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 08:04:45 -0400

In some ways, no. They shouldn't be treated any different. I know a lot of "Wounded Warriors" who just want to be treated normal. They don't want pity, or to be treated any different.

I don't see the "disability"...I see a Brother of Sister. We may wear a different uniform, but we are still family.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 23 at 2016 6:04 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:04:33 -0400

All service members who deploy deserve the unflinching gratitude of their Leaders and Country. Wounded Warriors should not be treated better as all Soldiers deserve fair and professional treatment. However when it comes to ensuring that the specific needs of Wounded Warriors are being met then it is the responsibility of all to ensure. Keeping in mind that the Military already takes great care of all service members (save some crappy leaders). It is not special nor unfair to ensure that those with special needs are cared for.