General Casey here for a live Q&A. I'll be by on February 7th at 10:00AM ET to talk about the Veterans' Creed. What questions do you have?

2018-02-02T12:54:45-05:00

General Casey retired as the 36th Chief of Staff of the US Army. He is the Chairman of the Board of the USO and remains committed to seeing that the men and women who have served this country so well have the opportunities to contribute to the society that they served.

Eleven VSO’s (AMVETS, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), HillVets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Reserve Officers Association, Student Veterans of America, Team Rubicon Global, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project) came together last fall and developed a Veteran’s Creed, each of whose elements reflects the foundations of Veterans’ culture, military creeds and related VSO missions.

We believe that a creed developed specifically for Veterans could be a powerful tool to both codify the principles by which Veterans live and to enhance their sense of mission in society. It can also enhance the public’s understanding of Veterans and highlight the positive capabilities that Veterans bring home from military service.

Veterans’ Creed

1. I am an American Veteran

2. I proudly served my country

3. I live the values I learned in the military

4. I continue to serve my community, my country and my fellow veterans

5. I maintain my physical and mental discipline

6. I continue to lead and improve

7. I make a difference

8. I honor and remember my fallen comrades

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2018 1:06 PM

2018-02-02T13:06:13-05:00

I continue to carry the Army values card that I earned in basic training in my pocket. This card is helpful because it is a tangible representation of an accomplishment that I remember. Are there any plans to create cards with the Veterans Creed on it?

Why not implement the awarding of a Veterans Values card by a Veterans Service Officer as part of out-processing? Or task a county Veterans Service Officer to present these Veterans Values cards to veterans at the closest VA?

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Feb 2 at 2018 1:24 PM

2018-02-02T13:24:10-05:00

Dear Sir, thank you for coming by. I just recently published a book called THE MIRROR for our veterans WHY a CREED when our American people treat our Veterans on the street like shit, should they have to follow this CREED everyday when they have to stand outside and beg for food and money and be spit on and worse then that live in the COLD. Just another GIMIK but I don't support the veterans creed or the other Creeds because todays military is a lot different from back then when there was so many CREEDS. you should be trying to help Veterans on street with PTSD then earn buck off a CREED. my two cents.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 2 at 2018 5:14 PM

2018-02-02T17:14:06-05:00

GEN George Casey I have two questions for you today Sir:

1. Were you responsible for developing the 'Veterans Creed' or were there others involved as well?

2. What are you doing to help our Veterans today or what are your future plans?

Thank you.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 2 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-02-02T17:15:59-05:00

RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!

RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH GEN George Casey ON FEBRUARY 7, 2018 AT 11:30 AM ET TO TALK ABOUT THE ‘VETERANS CREED’!

WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK GEN GEORGE CASEY THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS ROLE IN PROMOTING THE ‘VETERANS CREED’ AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO HIM PERSONALLY AND TO ALL VETERANS.

POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR GEN GEORGE CASEY IN ADVANCE ON THE TOPIC OF THE ‘VETERANS CREED’.

PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/general-casey-here-for-a-live-q-a-i-ll-be-by-on-february-7th-at-11-30am-et-to-talk-about-the-veterans-creed-what-questions-do-you-have

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

Austin Rutherford Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Montgomery Granger CSM Troy McGilvray Sgt Joy Bedford SGT Private RallyPoint Member PO2 Kristine Lilja-King Jeff Webb MSgt Walter Clack FN Lexi Schroeder SA Keith Bell CSM Felipe Mendez SPC Edward Banning MAJ Christopher Brewer SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. CPT Dave Brest SSG Shawn Mcfadden [~427368:SGT Anthony Shore

General Casey here for a live Q&A. I'll be by on February 7th at 11:30AM ET to talk about the...

The Veterans’ CreedEach element of the Creed is rooted in a Veterans’ military experience and designed to remind, inspire and unite Veterans in continued service to our country. • I am an American Veteran A statement of pride in being a Veteran • I proudly served my country A statement of the significance of their service • I live the values I learned in the military A commitment to strive to be a person of strong character • I continue to...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 2 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-02-02T17:30:50-05:00

No questions General, just thanking you for helping other veterans.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-02-02T17:40:03-05:00

Sir, this will be drawn out questions, so please bear with me.

The people that decided to join the service did so for many different reasons. Some did it for college. Some did it to escape unemployment. Some did it to serve a higher calling. Regardless of the reason, we have (as you are well aware and did so yourself) sacrificed a lot of our blood, sweat, tears, and in many cases, lives. We don't do it for ribbons and medals and parades. We rarely seek out recognition for our service. What we do seek is to be treated in the manner in which we were promised when our terms of service come to an end. Why is it that the agencies of the government that are dedicated to the welfare and treatment of Veterans do so in a lackluster, and sometimes degrading fashion? Why do so many Veterans get delayed treatment or no treatment at all? If the answer(s) to these questions is about funding, then that leads to the question of why is funding an issue? It is my belief that these concerns are what is making the disconnect of Veterans to the rest of country and causing a rift that goes against the Creed

Response by Kimberly Bilyeu made Feb 2 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-02-02T18:51:01-05:00

GEN CASEY, I am in awe of your inspiring words for Veterans. As a widow of a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, I can say with certainty that he lived his remaining days upon this earth with humility and love for his fellow man. He was the kind of man that showed respect for all, and never allowed any chance to help anyone who asked, to go by. I thank God for all of our Veterans. God Bless them all, and you Sir!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 2 at 2018 9:33 PM

2018-02-02T21:33:47-05:00

Great opportunity here folks to talk to a genuine leader! Last I spoke with GEN Casey was on an LZ in Al-Anbar Province after some fierce fighting (I was a 1SG with 1-36 Infantry then). He took the time to talk with the troops and look them in the eye, a genuine, concerned leader!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 2 at 2018 11:04 PM

2018-02-02T23:04:39-05:00

GEN George Casey: As a Veteran, General Casey, I strive to lead by example. I also strive to inspire with my Christian faith. I honorably and very proudly served my country; and I continue to serve: my community (Especially at my local VA Hospital), my country and the world.
I am the coach of six groups on Facebook; and, I strive to assist Active Duty, Veterans and Police Officers of the world.
GENERAL CASEY, SIR, THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT, GREAT HONOR OF JOINING US HERE ON RALLY POINT! Enjoy your stay on Rally Point, GEN George Casey!
Most Sincerely,
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Feb 3 at 2018 8:17 AM

2018-02-03T08:17:58-05:00

Good morning, sir GEN George Casey Moving forward to challenge ourselves as to how to best strengthen our military branches in the areas of security, education, and fitness, is there a full comprehensive plan on how to train our active servicemen, retirees, veterans, and civilian allies? COL Mikel J. Burroughs Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin Maj William W. 'Bill' Price TSgt Joe C. Maj Marty Hogan

Response by Cpl Tim Callahan made Feb 3 at 2018 5:37 PM

2018-02-03T17:37:02-05:00

GEN George Casey Sir, with much respect. I love that we have an all inclusive creed. We are many branches but one team. Do you see the rest of the world stepping up, joining this team and putting an end to these long and arduous wars?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 4 at 2018 9:07 AM

2018-02-04T09:07:00-05:00

Sir, I have no questions. I just want top say thanks for your leadership. I departed Iraq in Feb 2004 so never met you down range but I do remember when you took over the Rear Command post at Slav Brod in 1996. My unit was leaving as you were coming in. I did have the privilege of briefing you and the V Corps Rear CDR once during a V Corps exercise. My Army Reserve unit did the G2/3 Ops for V Corps Rear. Having followed your career after that, I was impressed at your leadership style.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-02-04T11:40:39-05:00

Agree and when we all work together we can make a difference within our Communities and Society!

Response by PO3 Michael James made Feb 4 at 2018 11:52 AM

2018-02-04T11:52:13-05:00

General Casey.. Sir; YES.. at one time.. "Veterans' Creed" its ALL "I" ... I's have been fulfilled by most ALL Veterans.. Where are the promises made to us ?? When will our Veterans receive the promises made to us in reference to our honorable service ??? We have seen the delays by the Government, we hear and sometimes see the response of the VA .. Its totally UNACCEPTABLE ... Cancer 2 times, 2 Aorta Aneurysms, 8 tubes crammed into my heart.. Sleep Apnea.. on oxygen daily.. muscle/joint no longer working together .. Plus doctors had to open my left kidney.. Total, 20 operations.. (it was NOT "TAB" soda) Did the VA HELP ?? ... NO.. Requested FOIA from the Government, four times.. This too, Denied !! Its delay, deny.. However, at this time I am still alive !! We can Honorably Serve our Country, when Will our Country Honor our Service ???? When will the country again realize its freedoms, its Security, its entire way-of-life is because of the sacrifices made by our Four branches of our Military, and our Coast Guard !!! This is the Responsibility of our Government !!! We Need Leaders who lead by Example.... not words !!! With Respect...

Response by CPO Nate S. made Feb 5 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-02-05T10:47:53-05:00

Sir, I love the "Veteran's Creed". Inclusive and straight-forward. Thank you!

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 5 at 2018 1:53 PM

2018-02-05T13:53:47-05:00

Several people have already addressed concerns we all have over the VA health care system and things like over prescription of certain medicines so Ill take a different approach in response to the "something missing." I'm of the belief that one of the largest risk factors facing veterans is a large disconnect between civilians and veterans, I believe both sides have played a role in widening that divide and that many are suffering socially or even at work because of misconceptions that they may face. This may not be AS big of an issue as the health care system, but it certainly contributes to lower employment numbers as well as higher rates of suicide amongst veterans. What, if any, ideas have been floated among the military or government agencies to combat this issue and what can we do to help?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2018 2:20 PM

2018-02-05T14:20:41-05:00

Good day Sir,

I read the Veteran's Creed and I really like it, I'm still serving and will someday become a vet myself.

Please pardon me as my question may nor be directly related, but it has to do with the plight of the vets with regards to DEERS offices.

For the past 10 years DEERS offices have reduced tremendously and my inquiries reveals that lack of funding/Personnel is the reason.

For example;Houston TX alone lost 4 Locations in the past 4 years, the only one at Ellington Field has up to 6 hours wait, always over crowded and sometimes people drive over 4 hours, only to be turned back that the office is full to capacity. Yet there is not way to call in advance. This is the story everywhere.

I actually hate to see our Vets, mostly the older ones who are either ill or physically handicapped go through such stress just to update their records. Thanks for this opportunity.

Response by SSG Ernest Bledsoe. made Feb 5 at 2018 4:28 PM

2018-02-05T16:28:08-05:00

How come we veterans don’t have our own senator and congressman in the White House

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2018 4:47 PM

2018-02-05T16:47:32-05:00

GEN George Casey Thank you for being an inspiration to us all!

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Feb 5 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-02-05T17:49:14-05:00

Sir, I have a civilian member question Do you believe in Jesus Christ and "God Bless America" ? http://www.christrevealed.com

Christ Revealed Documentary Series

Watch Now the #1 Christian Documentary of 2018.

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Feb 5 at 2018 7:00 PM

2018-02-05T19:00:42-05:00

This is good...

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Feb 5 at 2018 9:55 PM

2018-02-05T21:55:10-05:00

Great idea, but wasn't the American Legion or VVA interested?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2018 8:00 AM

2018-02-06T08:00:53-05:00

Much in the way the Marine Hymn resonates with Marines past and present, this creed just doesn't come across as coming anywhere close to that. While I can see some of those who have worn the uniform over a decade enjoying this, I just can't seem to find the appeal or do I believe my soldiers with a single enlistment would enjoy this.

This just seems to me, to be a bandage, without the adhesive, to the bigger problem of the general disconnect with the American people and us. I feel like we can do better. How often while growing up did we learn about the soldiers who fought in WW2? Yet, people outside the military know next to nothing about Iraq and Afghanistan, or hell, Vietnam/Korea. We are slowly slipping away as one of America's forgotten wars and while National Geographic is putting out some good stuff (Long Road Home, Chain of Command), my family back home knows next to nothing on how we live(d).

My question for you is why did you develop this creed and why aren't we doing more to connect the American people to us.

Response by MAJ William Roberts made Feb 6 at 2018 2:18 PM

2018-02-06T14:18:05-05:00

I truly respect and admire you for all you have done for our country and for your continued service. With that said, this creed is not exactly what I was hoping for from someone with your leadership and experience. The suicide rate of our veterans is out of control, largely because of the horrible care at our VA and its broken systems. There must be a way for our young men and women to be able to access care without having to jump through so many hoops. We just have to find it. The VA is just not the answer until we get it fixed. We need powerful influential leaders like you to find resources like SITRIN in New Hartford New York and get that information out to our veterans so we can really start saving lives. Perhaps we can make civil service civilians start living up to a creed of caring for our veterans before they are allowed to start their cushy little jobs. I am a retired field grade officer and I had to fight constantly with the VA to get care despite being 100% disabled. I eventually went outside the VA for my surgeries since I knew they could not be trusted. I was fortunate to have more than 20 years of service and could afford to do this. Many of our young men and women cant. They need your help. Can you and will you take up the gauntlet and help us end Veteran Suicide?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 6 at 2018 6:31 PM

2018-02-06T18:31:32-05:00

GEN George Casey - Thanks for having this discussion with us. Pulling from line 2 of the Veterans' Creed, what was your proudest moment of service while you were in uniform?

Response by SPC Andrew Deemer made Feb 6 at 2018 6:44 PM

2018-02-06T18:44:46-05:00

Did you agree with the massive draw down that ended thousands of good soldiers careers, like mine, over mediocre b's. I got screwed for one mm of body fat. I gave up after that because they weren't willing to fight for me, so why should I?

Response by SSG Dennis Jackson made Feb 7 at 2018 1:45 AM

2018-02-07T01:45:34-05:00

Sir, I still carry the Army creed with my best friends dog tags I wear. I try and live my life by that creed and live for my best friend who did not make it home. When I first retired it was really hard, because it seemed that training and war was all I knew and was good at. The Army taught me to live my life by a code and that is something they can never take from me. It was my pleasure to serve with you and to constantly see you and the example of the code you lived by.
SSG Dennis Jackson, Retired, U.S. Army.

Response by MG Gale Pollock made Feb 7 at 2018 8:40 AM

2018-02-07T08:40:58-05:00

General Casey, How might we facilitate our Veterans more visible involvement in society's challenges? I think of the opioid epidemic, sexual harassment, general discrimination--we learned that these behaviors were unacceptable in the military. How do you see us using the Veteran's Creed to assist our larger society?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2018 9:12 AM

2018-02-07T09:12:11-05:00

Good morning GEN Casey
First let me thank you again for taking the time to chat with me in the Admirals lounge in DC a few months ago and then reaching out as requested. To this I would like to ask if you feel that the veterans creed could be used in our never ending effort to recruit for the military. We are struggling to find qualified and willing applicants for active and in my case Reserve Service. What do you think about adoring the creed and using veterans to help USAREC and ARCD connect to the veteran family members as well as the applicants with a dual message? We served and we are better for it and now so should you...
Thoughts?
Thank you again and thanks for continuing to serve.

Response by SGT S Johnson made Feb 7 at 2018 9:20 AM

2018-02-07T09:20:54-05:00

GEN Casey Thank You for Your service, and I will always remember over in the sandbox when You came to visit your hair was longer than mine, after I was just reamed out for not getting a Haircut
I would like to know why there isn't more public education to civilian and private employer's about how ALL returning Combat Vets Are NOT Bat $hit Crazy!!!
KROGER co BULLIES & FIREs Our Heroes For PERCEIVED PTSD!!!
This is How UN-TRUTHFUL, KROGER co
RUINs VETERANS REPUTATIONs
PLEASE Read Why KROGER Family are HYPOCRITES
How they Disrespect OUR FLAG & US MILITARY Vets
causes.com/posts/913652

Response by CPT David Gowel made Feb 7 at 2018 10:04 AM

2018-02-07T10:04:02-05:00

GEN George Casey thanks for joining us on RallyPoint. I like the concept of the Veterans Creed for a lot of reasons and think it is something that will be useful to help veterans excel in civilian companies after they transition out of uniform. Have the VSOs behind this creed started working with any corporations to bring in VSO representatives to talk to Employee Resource Groups about it and the reasons it could be helpful to Veterans in the workforce?

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 7 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-02-07T10:24:34-05:00

Sir - good outline of points for a Veteran's Creed. In what context(s), venues, or events would you envision this creed being used?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 21 at 2018 2:29 PM

2018-02-21T14:29:53-05:00

GEN George Casey: I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO WARMLY WELCOME YOU TO RALLY POINT, GENERAL CASEY! THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT, TREMENDOUS HONOR OF BEING WITH US, SIR.
I never knew that there was a Veterans' Creed.. I believe it to be a TERRIFIC CREED FOR US VETERANS TO LIVE BY, GENERAL I strive to be the best and most honorable Veteran that I can Possibly be.
THANKS AGAIN, GENERAL CASEY, FOR JOINING US HERE ON RALLY POINT.
MAY YOU EXPERIENCE A STELLAR AND OUTSTANDING DAY, SIR!
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by SPC Al Lohn made Apr 6 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-04-06T13:51:08-04:00

I served in 58 to Jan 1960 and active duty with 237th Engineer battalion. And from 1960 to 62 in the Army reserve. I'm very proud of being a veteran. I pray that the lord watches over our service men and women. May he grant our fallen heroes eternal rest and lets his perpetual light shine upon them.
Al Lohn

Response by MIDN 2/C Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2018 2:44 PM

2018-05-08T14:44:51-04:00

Sir, how do we heal the military-civilian gap?