Hi RallyPoint. LtCol Justin Constantine here for a Q&A. What questions do you have for me?

2016-11-23T09:54:33-05:00

*RP Staff will be monitoring this discussion*

From RP Staff:
Justin Constantine is a former Marine and attorney who works as an inspirational speaker and leadership consultant and serves as a liaison between the corporate and military communities. He survived a gunshot wound to the head while serving in Iraq in 2006.

In addition to helping lead the Wounded Warrior Project, LtCol Constantine has launched his own good-will initiative called My Veteran Calendar. It's a collection of inspirational messages from some great leaders you'd know. You can support this project by grabbing a copy yourself here: http://myveterancalendar.com/

About LtCol Constantine:
Lieutenant Colonel Justin Constantine joined the U.S. Marine Corps after his second year of law school at the University of Denver. While on active duty, Constantine served as a judge advocate specializing in criminal law and was stationed both in Okinawa, Japan, and at Camp Pendleton, California, where he worked as a defense counsel and criminal prosecutor.

Constantine left active duty in 2004. As a Marine reservist, he volunteered for deployment to Iraq in 2006 and served in the Al-Anbar Province as a team leader of a group of Marines performing civil affairs work while attached to an infantry battalion. While on a routine combat patrol, Constantine was shot in the head by a sniper. Although the original prognosis was he had been killed in action, Constantine survived. Through teamwork and a positive mental attitude, he had a successful recovery. Constantine was awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon for his service.

Constantine cites finding Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) was one of the good things that came from his injury. As a WWP Alumnus, Constantine was awarded the George C. Lang Award for remarkable courage and service to his fellow warriors in May 2011. That same year, he joined the WWP board of directors.

In 2007, Constantine began working with the U.S. Department of Justice and in 2008 was invited to serve as counsel for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Constantine was accepted into the fellowship program of the Truman National Security Project in 2009 and was the Honor Graduate of his class at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Following this, he was accepted into the LLM Program at Georgetown University and completed his Master of Laws degree in 2014.

Between 2011 and 2013, Constantine worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on a counterterrorism team. It was during this time he started The Constantine Group, an inspirational speaking business, where he tours the country speaking to corporate, military, and educational audiences on the key topics that have affected his life – leadership, overcoming adversity, teamwork, and the power within us all.

He spends much of his spare time assisting a number of veteran service organizations on wounded service member activities, including fundraising and raising awareness around veterans issues. Constantine also served on a four-year, congressionally mandated task force for recovering warriors, which provides an annual report to the Department of Defense.

Based on his remarkable recovery and continued advocacy for veterans, Constantine received the Commitment to Service Award from the Give An Hour Foundation in 2012. He has also received significant recognition and awards from the White House, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Washington Redskins, James Madison University, and the Tri-State Troopers Fund. In 2014, Constantine was awarded the Lincoln Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a veteran in providing aid and opportunities to other veterans.

Constantine has also been featured in magazines and programs, including Men’s Health, The Huffington Post, James Madison University’s Madison Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Financial Times, and the Department of Labor’s “America’s Heroes at Work Success Stories.”

LtCol Constantine will be stopping by next Tuesday (11/29) at 4:00pm EST for a live Q&A. Ask your questions below:

My Veteran Calendar |

There are over 20 million Veterans across the United States, yet many Americans have never met or spoken with a single one.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Nov 23 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-11-23T09:59:19-05:00

Thanks for your service and dedication LtCol Justin Constantine No question- just my respect and thanks.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 23 at 2016 10:16 AM

2016-11-23T10:16:36-05:00

Thanks for your dedication to duty and your honor to country LtCol Justin Constantine!

Q: What are your thoughts of General (ret) "Mad Dog" Mattis being part of the next administration? (I completely trust and respect him and would serve with him again anytime!)

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 23 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-11-23T10:20:10-05:00

Hi SIr, I was in Iraq in 2006 as well for short time helping collect data for a book written by the CALL for the ARMY convoy security. I know the feeling I been to Iraq 3 times and the last time I was there I didn't have the best feeling because I was not there fighting the enemy I was collecting data from deployed units. Crazy. Thank you for you service and I salute you for what you have done for our nation.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 23 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-11-23T10:23:37-05:00

most interesting ... worth keeping an eye on...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-11-23T11:09:19-05:00

Sir , good to have you on here.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Nov 23 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-11-23T11:33:06-05:00

Thank you for your service to our country Sir. Can you share your thoughts on military service members who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq who may have performed their duties more aggressively and been prosecuted, then sent to prison under the current administration?
Kind Regards,
M. Morris RVT

Response by SN Greg Wright made Nov 23 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-11-23T11:51:05-05:00

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Colonel. No question, just humble respect.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 23 at 2016 11:52 PM

2016-11-23T23:52:21-05:00

SIR, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW I HAD 16.5 YEARS IN THE ARMY AND I HAD GOTTEN SOME BAD EER'S WHERE THERE WAS CONFLICT BETWEEN ME AND RATER I DONT KNOW WHY WHICH COST ME TO BE FORCED OUT I PUT IN A APPEAL IN WHICH IT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE POST COMMANDER SAID IT WAS LATE GETTING TO HIM BUT THAT WASN'T THE CASE THE PAC NCO DIDN'T GET SENT OUT ON TIME BUT I HAD HAND CARRIED IT TO HIS OFF THE PAC NCO AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FROM SURGERY 2 WEEKS BEFORE IT WAS DO. WHEN I PUT IN MY APPEAL I PRODUCED AWARDS THE EER'S THAT WERE GOOD AND WROTE A LETTER ASKING EITHER LET ME FINISH MY TIME OR LET ME RETIRE AND IT WAS TURNED DOWN I ONLY WISH I COULD TALK TO SOMEONE IN PERSON ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME SIR.

SSG MARK FRANZEN
US ARMY
EMAIL ADDRESS IS
[login to see]

Response by SGT Dave Cardella made Nov 24 at 2016 6:14 AM

2016-11-24T06:14:55-05:00

Have a Happy Thanksgiving to my warrior brotherhood.

Response by CW4 Frank Fryer made Nov 24 at 2016 8:22 AM

2016-11-24T08:22:29-05:00

Have a Semper Fi Thanksgiving Marine, Trained Marines Motor T Camp Lejeune 2009-13 Best civ job I ever had; day night/NVGs.

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Nov 24 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-11-24T11:18:56-05:00

No questions at the moment, I do have tears seeing you! Tears of relief and happiness for you and your family! Thank you for all you have accomplished and continue to do so.

VR,
Dona

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-11-24T12:58:02-05:00

LtCol Justin Constantine,
Sir, first of all I want to wish you a Happy Belated 241st Marine Corps Birthday. Thank you for your professional services and your commitment to our veterans society in your community. As a disabled veteran and retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for a job well done on what you have accomplished during your career. It takes another Marine Officer to understand what you and your Marines went through that day. Please have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and your Marines and friends.
I have only one question to ask of you and this is just my professional opinion.I have read about the DOD's decision to integrate Female Marines into our Combat MOS. I don't know what your opinion is on this issue but I am a firm believer that women shouldn't be in any of our combat arms MOS. I.e. Infantry, Artillery, Combat Engineers, Armored Assault Tracked Vehicles and components of our Marine Combat Aviators."How can we as a free Nation that has been in combat, whether large or small wars let our political correctness and our politicians get away with this absurd idea that men and women can do the same physical , demanding commitment to our Marines, but more importantly to the families who are serving now and in the future. Our Marine Corps has definitely changed since I retired, but the spirit, commitment, and honor to serve our Country is still there. "Every Marine is a Rifleman first and foremost". I cannot fathom to think why the sudden changes after being in Harms's Way for the past 241 years of our Corps. To me it would have a very serious detrimental affect on our effectiveness with our Combat Arms Units and our Marines to be able to close with and destroy our enemies foreign or domestic. Our Country want a strong military presence to make peace and not war. But when we forget the fog of battle, then we have already loss the initiative and have let our guard down to the people of our great Nation. Marines are trained to kill our enemies, to protect our way of life. Letting female Marines involved with Combat operations at the fire team level will compromise each and every Marine in the unit and the unit cohesiveness will be loss. Again, I thank you LtCol. Constantine for your continuing services to our veterans and their families. Without your commitment to serve and help our society understand that we are not just cannon fodder, but real people with real lives.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us on RallyPoint.

Semper Fidelis,

Gunner Kaupe

Response by SFC William Farrell made Nov 26 at 2016 12:11 AM

2016-11-26T00:11:32-05:00

Much respect LtCol Justin Constantine. You wounded warriors always impress me. Have you made a full recovery or do you still receive treatment or therapy for the physical wounds? I know the mental ones may always be there. They still are with me more than 44 years after I left Vietnam. Be well.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2016 12:36 AM

2016-11-26T00:36:33-05:00

LtCol Justin Constantine Sir, my question would be, if you have had the opportunity to speak to students at any of our high schools, and if so what was your impression of these young students/potential warriors? Semper Fi.

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made Nov 26 at 2016 3:27 AM

2016-11-26T03:27:26-05:00

Semper Fi LC! You're so handsome after being shot, you must have been a true marvel to gaze upon before hand! I mean that with the greatest respect. Thank you for being a leader who no doubt inspired your men when they needed it most. I wish you the very best sir.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 26 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-11-26T08:23:05-05:00

LtCol Justin Constantine Thank you for your service to this country. I served in OIF 05-07 during the same time you did as part of the 3rd COSCOM providing logisitcal support to the AO and RSOI Support in Kuwait for incoming and outgoing units during that time period. Here is my questions for you:

1. What are the biggest challenges that young, retired, or transitioning service members face in breaking through what I call the "Corporate Veil" to be hired or considered for key positions?

2. Do you still practice law and use that as part of your consulting gig between the Corporate World and the military communities?

Response by SSgt Bill Trevor made Nov 26 at 2016 9:14 AM

2016-11-26T09:14:46-05:00

Thank you Sir for your service. You are an inspiration to all. Semper Fi

Response by Sgt Ian Richmond made Nov 27 at 2016 12:36 PM

2016-11-27T12:36:27-05:00

What do you see are some of the major challenges affecting veterans obtaining good jobs?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Nov 27 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-11-27T15:33:47-05:00

LtCol Justin Constantine Thanks for spending this time with us here on RallyPoint. It's a true honor and I thank you for your service & sacrifice. I'd really enjoy attending one of your inspirational talks...how did you begin doing this and what has been your greatest memory of these events so far?

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Nov 28 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-11-28T14:38:59-05:00

I wish to join others in thanking you for your service as I wish to do for all other vets. Many of us served during a war in which we (verses politicians) were somehow blamed for the war or we were cricized for serving our country. May that never occur again. Thank you for the words shared on your "My Veterans Calendar" project: "There are over 20 million Veterans across the United States, yet many Americans have never met or spoken with a single one."

Having been allowed by God to live a longer life., I have observed some prevailing trends by the today's non-veteran Americans: They seem think that surviving vets: 1) "had it too good (or are even envious) if a vet is retired from service," 2) were "somehow deprived or "mentally off for having served especially if they neet VA assitance," or 2) jealous at "competing with vets" for employment. What have you observed and you suggestions for our younger vets competing in this present generation? God bless you!

Response by Sheila Soto made Nov 28 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-11-28T14:47:00-05:00

Hi,Lt. Col. Justin, U R on my FB site & I just wished U A Happy Birthday not long ago:) I Live in NW SA,TX. Looking forward to your answer to CSM's "?"Re: Gen. Mattis. Have A Marine Major with 7 Tours under his belt is very happy. My:?" 4 U is how best can I help make the Holidays Special 4 Our Wounded Warriors here in SA? We have been caring, supporting Deployed Troops All Branches & Ranks 4 the past 15+ yrs. Just out of my Soc Sec. Hubby is Army NAM Vet 100% DAV & he supports us so we can care 4 the Troops in every place in every war. We would like to spend time with Our Wounded Warriors & would very much value your thoughts on what can we do 4 Them? We have just Joined the Trinity Oaks Group to Volunteer this Spring & Summer & Look Very much Forward to Making the Wk.end Visits to the Guadalupe River, Fishing, Cook Outs & Wonderful Evenings Around the Camp Fire. We R 68 Yrs. Old, I have MS but other then Necrotic Bone DZ & 3 Shoulder Surgery's, am pretty much Biontic LOL With A 20 lb wt. lift restriction. Where can we go to visit with the Warriors in the afternoons hen they have free time? How can we help make their their Families Christmas Better ? Who would we contact? we R both Ret. Medical, I worked as CC/ER Nurse 4 over 30 yrs & Hubby was Resp. Therapist. Thank U 4 Your Time. My E-mail: [login to see]

Response by Sheila Soto made Nov 29 at 2016 6:15 AM

2016-11-29T06:15:53-05:00

Will U B speaking in San Antonio,TX. anytime soon 4 the Public?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 29 at 2016 8:54 AM

2016-11-29T08:54:14-05:00

LtCol Justin Constantine:
I just want to thank you, Sir, ever so kindly, for joining us here; on Rally Point.
It is quite an honor to have you with us, Lieutenant Colonel.
I would just like to know: how you think our military will be affected; once President-Elect Donald Trump- becomes President.
Thanks kindly in advance, Sir.
-Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret)

Response by LCpl Cy Hotchkiss made Nov 29 at 2016 9:37 AM

2016-11-29T09:37:19-05:00

No Question Just want to say SEMPER FI Sir

Response by SP5 John Hardie made Nov 29 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-11-29T10:05:59-05:00

Sir I had a stroke 2 or 3 years ago. I was thinking that if I got ahold of my 201 file, It would help fill in the blanks. If that is possible, I would like your input, or advice . THANK YOU. J.D HARDIE ARMY VET

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Nov 29 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-11-29T10:14:54-05:00

Sir, thank you for your service, dignity, honor and professionalism. I would have been honored to serve under an officer such as yourself. Semper Fi from an Airman.

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made Nov 29 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-11-29T10:23:44-05:00

Where were you stationed in Iraq? I was in Camp Fallujah with the Marine 6th Civil Affairs Group for the first 3 months of 2006. We had two Marines from one of our teams at Hurricane Point who were seriously wounded in Ramadi but survived. Semper Fi for your service!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 29 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-11-29T10:40:36-05:00

No questions, LtCol Justin Constantine! I just wanted to thank you for your sacrifice and service to our nation and to our veterans.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 10:43 AM

2016-11-29T10:43:08-05:00

Thank you LtCol Justin Constantine for doing a great service for the men and women who served our Country proudly. I have served with General Jim Mattis in the Gulf War of 1991 when he was the CO of 1/7 and I was with G-6, 1stMarDiv. The last time I had seen him is at a MCA luncheon held in his honor while he was the CG, I MEF, Camp Pendleton, CA.
Q. How do you feel about women in the Combat Arms MOS considering that the DOD is making all the military services incorporate women in these critical times of conflicts?
Q. During your last few years you had a chance to meet other Wounded Warriors and found out that our military health care services wasn't what we thought it could be, how would you fix this problem with the shortage of professional healthcare personnel?
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your services and constant viligence in what you are currently doing today. Have a great Marine Corps Day Sir. It is a pleasure to have you on RallyPoint.

Semper Fidelis,

Gunner Kaupe

Response by SPC John Zahn made Nov 29 at 2016 10:46 AM

2016-11-29T10:46:45-05:00

I hit wrong button when doing bio. I was not a translator, rather a combat engineer. Howe do I change this error?

Response by Col William Preston Mclaughlin made Nov 29 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-11-29T11:40:47-05:00

Justin, I don't have any questions but just wanted to say Thank You for all that you do for our Veterans and their families.
Semper Fidelis, Preston McLaughlin

Response by Lester Warburton made Nov 29 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-11-29T13:06:18-05:00

First off, Thank you for your service sir. Now the question- Is there a forum or some form of outreach to veterans making the transition from active duty back to the civilian work force or for those wanting begin a business?

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Nov 29 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-11-29T13:50:26-05:00

Thank you, sir for your service and for having the courage to overcome being declared dead. Not many men live the experience of author Samuel Clemmons of when he stated that the reports of his death were exaggerated. Please embrace the wisdom of the great Israelite general Joshua, specifically when he was ordered to be strong & courageous for the LORD God is with him (Joshua 1:9). Understand that in Christ each believer is guaranteed His presence and that where we go, He goes. "For whom the Son sets free is free indeed!"

Response by LTC Michael Parker made Nov 29 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-11-29T17:33:40-05:00

Hey Lt Col Constantine, Mike Parker from your days on the Wounded Warrior Task Force. It is good to see you are doing well!

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Nov 30 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-11-30T13:02:23-05:00

I am a 100% supporter of WWP. However its branding - Wounded Warrior - is a misrepresentation. WWP represents only those service personnel wounded after September 11, 2001. This population of wounded warriors is less than 20% of the total wounded military service personnel alive today.

Response by CWO3 John Ulstrom made Nov 30 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-11-30T16:14:18-05:00

LtCol Justin Constantine What, if any is your opinion of the Navy doing away with Rating Badges on Enlisted uniforms? They are a tradition as old as the Navy itself. They are sort of akin to badges of honor among the enlisted of which I was one for 20 years and 6 years as a CWO3 7118 Warrant Bos'n. Thanks for your input.

Response by Cpl Rob Villegas made May 15 at 2018 3:56 PM

2018-05-15T15:56:44-04:00

Thats bamf sir Semper fi!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 5 at 2019 12:25 PM

2019-09-05T12:25:21-04:00

Any Logicians looking for employment. [login to see] . 7000 grand a month