Hello, MG Mark Graham here from Vets4Warriors, I'll be by on Tuesday to chat with you. What questions do you have for me?

MG Mark Graham — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:41:35 -0400

*This Discussion Will Be Monitored By RallyPoint Staff*

From RP Staff:

RallyPoint is honored to host MG Mark Graham, former commander of First Army - Division West and Fort Carson, for a live Q&A on August 1st, 2017. General Graham began his career in 1977 as a Field Artillery officer and served honorably for more than 34 years. As a brigade commander in California, he was the first Active Duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard brigade in peacetime. During Hurricane Katrina he served as deputy commanding general of Fifth Army, leading evacuation and relief operations. Graham retired as the deputy chief of staff for FORSCOM G-3/5/7.

Today, he continues to serve as the senior director of Rutgers UBHC National Call Center, and Director of Vets4Warriors. Vets4Warriors is an incredible organization that strives to provide 24/7 confidential, stigma free peer support by veterans to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families. Much like many of you have stepped in to help one another via RallyPoint over the past five years, Vets4Warriors’ team works to make sure military members have live access to those who understand at a time of need. The program is available to military members, veterans and families worldwide.

MG Graham is here to answer questions about his military experience, leadership, and the incredible ways Vets4Warriors is changing the game for military members and veterans in need. Please post your questions below!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 27 at 2017 3:45 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:45:03 -0400

Thanks for letting us know MG Mark Graham. The Army has changed a lot since the 1970s. I enlisted in 1974 when draftees were still serving and VOLAR was the recruiting construct.
Top down decisions rarely tend to be welcomed in the ranks.
Many times decisions are well intentioned such as GEN Wickham's decision to discourage smoking and drinking and embrace healthy eating habits.
How would you advise leaders to go about the process of directing major changes in rules and procedures within the force or business?
What questions do you have COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL COL Charles Williams LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. LTC Private RallyPoint Member CPT Gabe Snell SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" PO1 William "Chip" Nagel

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 27 at 2017 5:06 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:06:53 -0400

MG Mark Graham: WELCOME TO RALLY POINT, MG Mark Graham!
Is today's Army still the number one Army in the world?
Thank you so very kindly for your input; former Commander of the First Army.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by MSG Andrew White made Jul 27 at 2017 5:24 PM

MSG Andrew White — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:24:34 -0400

TAKE CARE OF MY SON CPT (P) MONTAE WHITE IN SPECIAL OPS!!!!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 27 at 2017 5:54 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:54:41 -0400

No questions from me, MG Mark Graham. I just wish to extend my condolences to your wife and you on the loss of your sons. Thank you for your service, sacrifice and for what your wife and you continue to do to help troubled soldiers.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Jul 27 at 2017 7:56 PM

SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 19:56:51 -0400

Sir,

We are seeing declining numbers in our traditional VSO's (Veteran Service Organization) what advice would you give to the younger generation of vets? How do we pick up the torch and become our own best advocate?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2017 12:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 00:46:59 -0400

MG Mark Graham My plan is to commission in ‘19 as a 2nd Lt. and I am curious if you have any advice for new lieutenants? I’m a in the MOANG planning to go active after college. Also I would love to hear some stories of your career and great leadership lessons you learned along the way! Thank you sir!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 28 at 2017 9:10 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 09:10:26 -0400

MG Mark Graham Thanks for being here on RallyPoint and thank you for your devotion and service to our Country.

My question is two part:

1. As Director for Vets4Warriors do you know if that organization has partnered with other non-profit organizations to provide additional services; would you consider it?

2. Do you find that a lot of your time is spent with Vets4Warriors in fundraising to keep the organization viable or have you crack the code on getting donations for that non-profit?

Response by Sgt Trevor Barrett made Jul 28 at 2017 11:21 AM

Sgt Trevor Barrett — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:21:22 -0400

MG Mark Graham thanks for the opportunity to ask some questions! I am new to the world of higher education and for the last year I have been advocating for veterans in and out of college. Sometimes it seems as though bureaucratic rules and politics both in and out of the college can get in the way progress. Although this can be frustrating at times I really enjoy my job and the people that I work with. I also really enjoy helping veterans further their education.

What advice could you offer me in regards to navigating this new career path?

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jul 28 at 2017 12:28 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 12:28:04 -0400

What do you tell employers who are concerned as to the emotional stability of our folks but are reluctant to voice that concern? I have my own answers - wondering what yours is.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2017 12:32 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 12:32:11 -0400

MG MARK GRAHAM, thank you for your time and service.

My question is:

During the evacuation of Hurricane Katrina, what mistakes were made and how can those mistakes be corrected for the next time something like that happens?

My other question is:

If you were offered the chance to be Secretary of Defense would you take the nomination why or why not?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Thank you for your service as well as your dedication to the VETS4WARRIORS.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 28 at 2017 4:02 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 16:02:57 -0400

No question General, just what to thank you for your continuing service to this great country, and the help you supply to the service men and women.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Jul 28 at 2017 6:51 PM

GySgt John O'Donnell — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 18:51:27 -0400

What are your thoughts on the fact the so many retired military Generals in key positions of power in this current administration...and what does it mean to the future of our Officer Corps?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2017 10:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 22:01:57 -0400

MG Mark Graham I have a question,Sir. Why is there not more help for what is referred to as second hand victims concerning sexual assault cases? I know someone who stopped a male on male rape from continuing. All they received was counciling when all they wanted and needed was a transfer to a different unit somewhere else on post or to a different post. I bring this up because sometimes military kids might be the second hand victim, being traumatized by witnessing such atrocities.
I apologize if this is off topic for what you are willing to discuss. But I do feel you may have enough influence to start working towards a change.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2017 11:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:31:07 -0400

NSTR but thanks, General, for being on here!

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jul 28 at 2017 11:44 PM

SFC William Farrell — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:44:32 -0400

MG Mark Graham No questions from me Sir, just thank you for your service and my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your sons. I have read your story several times and narrowly missed you speaking somewhere in Connecticut a year or two ago. Suicide is something I know all too well, having dealt with after Vietnam and then again after the loss of my wife. The hardest one to hit me was a family friend and student of mine, a lovely 14 year old girl who hung herself the day after Christmas. I wish you and your family strength to continue on, spreading the word as you do so openly. I hope to hear you one day in Rhode Island.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 12:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 00:46:44 -0400

Welcome to RP MG Mark Graham Sir. No questions from me Sir. But thank you for your life long commitment and continued services Sir. God Bless

Response by SGT Jen Roy made Jul 29 at 2017 9:24 AM

SGT Jen Roy — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 09:24:44 -0400

I would like to say thank you for your service. I am currently running a group on Facebook called PTSDduetoMST. I suffer from this and so do the others in my group. Here is my question how would you direct people who are suffering a great deal mentally yet they will not speak to anyone in the VA for fear of being singled out, stigma etc. I can only help so far and there are just some that I can not help and nor can anyone in the group. Does your organization have the links or resources to advise these people to go so they can get the help they need? Are calls that made to Vets4Warriors recorded or can they be anonymous? Thanks

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Jul 29 at 2017 9:48 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 09:48:02 -0400

MG Mark Graham thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions. Like many others on here, my condolences to you, your wife, and your daughter for your great loss. I have many questions that I would love to ask a MG but this one is the most prevalent.

MG is quite the accomplishment of rank to make. Were there ever times when you were irritated with the people, leadership, or politics of the military so much you just wanted to finish your contract and go back to your own life? If so, how did you press on through that and stick it out? There are many times when I myself or others I know just want to throw in the towel and say "I'm done with this." However, that may not necessarily be the smartest decision at the time. Looking for words of wisdom and advice for when you are in between a rock and a hard place.

Many thanks sir,
SrA Melissa Chiles

Response by SGT Angel Valentin made Jul 29 at 2017 12:09 PM

SGT Angel Valentin — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:09:36 -0400

Hello sir, I am requesting for my 30 year service certificated, and flag with the pin and other goodies included? I am building a war room in my house, and it would look nice on my wall. It's been 12 years since I proudly retired, and I haven't got it, with all due respect
Angel E. Valentin (Ret)

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 29 at 2017 12:57 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:57:42 -0400

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 MG Mark Graham ON 1 AUGUST 2017.

WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS FROM THE FORMER COMMANDER OF FIRST ARMY – DIVISION WEST AND FORT CARSON MG MARK GRAHAM, WHO RETIRED AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE AS THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR FORSCOM G3/5/7.

POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR MG GRAHAM IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS LIKE HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN COMMANDING ONE OF THE FIRST NATIONAL GUARD BRIGADES, HIS EXPERIENCES FROM A LEADERSHIP STANDPOINT DURING HURRICANE KATRINA, HIS PERSONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE & BELIEFS, AND HIS CURRENT DUTIES AS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF RUTGERS UBHC NATIONAL CALL CENTER, AND AS DIRECTOR OF VETS4WARRIORS.

PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/hello-mg-mark-graham-here-from-vets4warriors-i-ll-be-by-on-tuesday-to-chat-with-you-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me

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.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

Hello, MG Mark Graham here from Vets4Warriors, I'll be by on Tuesday to chat with you. What...

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 29 at 2017 1:34 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 13:34:19 -0400

Sir thank you for coming to RP.

My question is with the lack of trust with Wounder Warrior Project and the subsequent blowback against other vet help orgs, how is yours different? Speaking from experience, I tried to get involved in one, and quit after looking into the actions of the leaders, just to join the same org again later on. Even with new leadership the SAME issues arose, and a large portion quit (to include myself). I'm extremely distrustful of vet help orgs now thanks to that and the fallout from WWP. I'm also skeptical of more mainstream and traditional vet orgs like VFW. Needed help with them after being referred by a CSM, and not only were they no help, the local VFW commander had no clue what I was talking about, and no idea how he and his org could help. Ended up using advice from a Korean War vet, my father (Nam vet), and some buddies who were helping me "wing it" to get what the CSM recommended a professional vet org could do in no time flat. How can you build trust, when you put your worst foot forward?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 2:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 14:13:14 -0400

Good afternoon sir! As a junior enlisted soldier who has his eyes set on earning a commission in the future, I have many questions I'd like to ask, but I'll keep it brief. In the few years I have been in the military, I have heard many gripes and complaints, both in and out of the service, about upper echelon leadership failing to look after the troops they command and instead looking pretty for their bosses and colleagues. As a flag officer, how do you personally maintain rapport with the lower ranking enlisted soldiers you command?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 3:08 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 15:08:25 -0400

Sir, I am an active duty LT and co-founder of a platfrom called OweYaa.com where we link vets and spouses to online project-based internships to help them develop relevant work experience in their transition.

What are the cornerstone issues you see that lead to difficulties in employment and thereby financial difficulties post transition? Do you agree with the statement that a sound financial (meaningful/fulfilling work) standing is the cornerstone to a successful transition?

Response by Michael Wehr made Jul 29 at 2017 3:20 PM

Michael Wehr — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 15:20:22 -0400

As a civilian supporter, I would thank everyone for their service and especially MG Mark Graham for his contributions! I note that I am not sure if this is the proper place to ask this question, but I am encouraged by the questions I read here asking how you might work with other military organizations.

I do not have any experience in the application of military justice. I would like to understand the process and reasoning of military justice and the plight of those American soldiers that are in American prisons for events that occurred in life threatening situations such that it is possible they are innocent or that testimony is in question. I read about them on United American Patriots (UAP) website. It occurred to me other Rally Point military personnel may be interested in this question?

I posted the original question today on ISW, because that information leads me to more questions:
https://www.rallypoint.com/organizations/institute-for-the-study-of-war/answers
Please advise if there are better channels for information and/or the best way to work within the system to help. Thank you for your time and consideration!

I did not want to presume everyone knows about UAP so I added the link here:
https://www.unitedpatriots.org/presidential-petitions

What's most important to Institute For The Study of War employees on RallyPoint

Join discussions by military members and veterans at Institute For The Study of War. Discover career opportunities and get the answers you need from others with your experience.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 29 at 2017 5:38 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 17:38:47 -0400

General Graham, Sir I have a question. So I served as both National Guard Infantryman and Active Duty Army Infantryman in the early to mid-1980's. Saw a lot of change and my Wisconsin National Guard unit was among the first to get the new TOW Humvees back then. So now for my question the Civil Disturbance mission of the National Guard always had me a little curious being in the National Guard and now outside looking in. Most of those Infantry units have very little in the way of non-lethal defenses or non lethal approaches to Civil Disturbance management. The choice seems is just the appearance of the National Guard will quell the Civil Disturbance.

All we had back when I was in as far as equipment were clubs and lexan face Shields...........the next choice for escalation was live ammo it seemed. Will NG units ever be equipped with non lethal Civil Disturbance equipment beyond clubs and tear gas or what exactly is the Pentagon thinking there? They are always a last resort so they do not necessarily need the non-lethal stuff? I have always been curious about this and not really trying to open a can of worms or anything.

Response by SSgt Luke Hunt made Jul 29 at 2017 8:13 PM

SSgt Luke Hunt — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:13:14 -0400

I have a question that has been nagging at me for a while. When I was younger and first started searching for a job, I was told "dress to impress" which to me meant suit tie etc..these days, I am told casual dress is acceptable. Isn't it more professional to dress like you want to make a good first impression?

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Jul 30 at 2017 11:41 AM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 11:41:40 -0400

It's always good to hear from old Soldiers, I enlisted in 1974 and retired in 2016, I have seen many changes in the Army and for me I have watched it go down hill. Would it be so hard for the Army to train like it did in the 70's. I reme,ber 45 day field problems now soldiers complain becasue of four day excersises. So much needs to be done.

Response by SGT Matthew Reid made Jul 30 at 2017 4:06 PM

SGT Matthew Reid — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:06:09 -0400

A friend of mine from high school husband served and passed away from cancer. She does not have a copy of his DD-214 to get credit for a federal position, she is a nurse. Aside from requesting a copy from the National Archives, any suggestions to expedite the process?

Response by SPC Scott Born made Jul 31 at 2017 10:08 AM

SPC Scott Born — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 10:08:11 -0400

Mr Graham I have a question regarding whether or not I should be a part of this site. I didn't serve in the regular military. I spent 4 years in the Ohio Military Reserves. I didn't take an oath to defend the US Constitution, I took an oath to defend the Ohio Constitution. I don't have a dd214, we were never issued one. My driver's license (Ohio) says "Armed Forces" right next to "Organ donor". There are mixed opinions on whether or not thiat service qualifies as military service.

I'm asking you this question now because if this site does not view State Guard as military service, I will ask you to promptly remove me from the site. I'm not a poser, and I would prefer to bow out of this honorably while there's still time. And I don't want to jumped by service men/women and treated as a fake, wannabe, you know all the names.

Can I get a ruling on this?

With Respect
Scott Born

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jul 31 at 2017 11:55 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:55:09 -0400

I have spent more than 11 years running Vets-Help.org. Issues that undermine our ability to reengage inside the world include our mindset, our work ethics, and our physiological issues that can turn into life-changing events without us being aware as it sets in. I found I grew tired of getting fired because of my background and work ethics - sometimes working considerably harder than many around me, but unable to deal with corporate stupidity, so I started my own business and never looked back. As do many other veterans. Physiologically we experience a shortened life expectancy - WW2 vets was 82, Viet Nam vets is 65, and because there are so many similarities between AO and GWI that I suspect that will be the same for our current crop of veterans. The DoD has been found to deliberately understate the extent of injuries to avoid VA comp, which has been testified to in Congress by an LTG. The DoD, and the VA, have consistently refused to acknowledge cause and effect causing early death and resulting misery for our suffering families, and these early onsets directly impact ability to be productive and take care of our families. I would like to spearhead a program that gives us full disclosure so we can treat and prepare accordingly, which is far cheaper for the taxpayer than what we are currently doing. Will you join me and enlist the support of our other retired and active Generals to petition the President and our Congress to do this? I have he numbers to support this and the former head of the OMB for President Obama agreed with these premises.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jul 31 at 2017 12:14 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 12:14:21 -0400

A note of history - in 1921 President Harding named Charles Forbes as the Director of the recently formed Veterans Bureau to deal with the staggering number of claims from our WW1 veterans. By 1924 he was thrown out of office by the US Senate for embezzling $200 million while denying 85% of veteran claims. VA case law is used to determine recognition of our disabilities - but is rooted in the corruption and fraud by Charles Forbes, There is a legal tenet called fruit of the vine - if the vine is rotten, so is the fruit, and it can not be used. Our disabilities are adjudicated using the initial rotten vine of Charles Forbes, which is being used despite the rotten vine tenet. The damage to our GNP is staggering as a result of that. Will you support our efforts to get this wretched and illegal basis for adjudication for the past 100 years adjusted by executive order, as Congress seems incapable of agreeing on anything these days? I have the back up = I am a forensic CPA by background. The VA has said there are 921 linear feet of cases that the VBA must consider in making decisions - that is the combined height of the White House, the Lincoln Monument, and the Statue of Liberty combined, give or take a few feet. A streamlined ability to not use this massive amount of material that slows everyone down would be a relief for everyone and cut down on decision times. And, not coincidentally, cut down on foreclosures and homelessness.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Aug 1 at 2017 1:26 PM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:26:15 -0400

What is going on @ the south pole?

Response by MG Mark Graham made Aug 1 at 2017 3:12 PM

MG Mark Graham — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 15:12:37 -0400

Good afternoon! First I would like to thank Rally Point for hosting this forum and the work they do and for inviting me to join you today. Also, thanks to each of you that served for your service.

I want to start by letting you know a little about the organization I am working with today....Vets4Warriors [login to see]

Vet4Warriors
Discover the Power of Connection
Vets4Warriors is the leading peer support network for a service member, veteran, family member or caregiver who needs to talk to someone who has been through similar situations and can help them get answers to their questions.
Who We Are
Vets4Warriors provides a 24/7 peer support network that any individual in the military community can contact for confidential conversations and trusted solutions to physical, mental or social challenges, before those challenges turn into crises.
Vets4Warriors isn’t a crises or suicide hotline. We are a peer support network staffed by members of the veteran and military communities. Our philosophy is that there are no challenges we can’t help our veterans, military members, their families or their caregivers find the solution for.
We provide a multi-touch and multi-channel service. Clients engage for more than one contact, and there is more than one way to reach us.
What We Do
We provide sustained support to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers through confidential phone, text and online conversation. We are not a single-use resource. Many of the people we help continue to engage with us in an ongoing dialogue that spans months as they work through the challenges that led them to contact us in the first place.

Response by MG Mark Graham made Aug 1 at 2017 4:02 PM

MG Mark Graham — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 16:02:05 -0400

Thanks again for everyone who is currently serving or who has served, and your family members. Thanks too for participating today and for Rally Point for hosting this forum and keeping the conversations going. All the very best. Mark Graham....Land of the Free...Because of the Brave!

Response by CCMSgt Ed Bonfrancesco III made Aug 1 at 2017 5:29 PM

CCMSgt Ed Bonfrancesco III — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 17:29:13 -0400

I am a 25 year combat vet, looking to update medical records on my online ebenefits.va.gov file that are clearly untrue and an attempt to undermine my PTSD. What VA Form would I use? It's titled Psychiatric Medical Evaluation Board Narrative Summary, and there is no signature.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 10:23 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:23:32 -0400

Sir,

Did you commission through ROTC or west point? How did you come about the decision to go become a field artillery officer, and did you ever reclass to another MOS?

v/r

SGT Hood, Joshua a