How does talking to fellow veterans and service members help you?

Tamara Crivello — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:00:07 -0500

Finding support from others with similar experiences can be powerful. Connect and share with other service members or vets on PatientsLikeMe, join today at http://www.patientslikeme.com/join/rallypoint (it’s free)!

RallyPoint | PatientsLikeMe

PatientsLikeMe: Share your experiences with treatments. Find patients just like you. Learn from others who know. Join now!

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Jan 18 at 2017 10:03 AM

TSgt Dawn Premock — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:03:07 -0500

Talking to other veterans helped me learn how to deal with my amputation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 10:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:21:52 -0500

Even if we are different branches, there is a commonality that no one else can claim. So the immediate tension of meeting someone new is already gone.

Response by SPC Jason Taylor made Jan 18 at 2017 2:16 PM

SPC Jason Taylor — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:16:30 -0500

Its definitely easier. Knowing that similar experiences have been shared, and common ground can be met right off the bat.

Response by SPC Jason Taylor made Jan 18 at 2017 2:16 PM

SPC Jason Taylor — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:16:31 -0500

Its definitely easier. Knowing that similar experiences have been shared, and common ground can be met right off the bat.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 4:58 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:58:37 -0500

I recently finished an assignment in Italy assigned to a NATO BDE; this afforded me the opportunity to learn the different aspects of how each nation's NCO Corps operates. Not only did I work alongside other nations, I also managed to incorporate our adjacent services into our daily operations; commonality allows for feasibility of joint operations.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jan 18 at 2017 8:06 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 20:06:26 -0500

Tamara Crivello being a USAF Military brat, I've gone my whole life being around Veterans and speaking with them from all branches...my mom would rather go to the commissary on Fort Sam...because they had a larger variety of JAPANESE food...then Randolph's commissary....We were a MULTI branch family...lol......and then there is my DAD...USAF retired...who is a disabled Veterans and has Agent Orange and other things...I've heard it all....and then I joined the USAF...It's a natural thing for me to always speak to/have discussions with fellow Veterans of all branches...I think each time, not only is it a learning experience whether for health or just life in general, but it's also a soothing experience.....a good feeling experience...most of the time.

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 18 at 2017 8:08 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 20:08:52 -0500

an excellent way to obtain Knowledge and experience...

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Jan 19 at 2017 7:59 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 07:59:53 -0500

While deployed you are focused on your job/mission when you talk with other vets who were either there or in similar situations it help to shed some light on why you were doing what you were doing. Most of us only see our little piece of the pie, we always know other thing are going on but sometimes it nice to know how and where you fit into the big picture.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jan 19 at 2017 1:48 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 13:48:36 -0500

Most definitively. People can sympathize, but not empathize unless they've gone through it. My ex-wife (who was in the Reserve while we were married) never deployed but she knew military life more than most.
You can talk at length all day for months to someone, but they won't 'get it'. Each military person's experience in the military is unique. Dealing with that and the emotions and all that come with it is different from everyone else's. With other military and Vets, they have more familiarity and can empathize with each other.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2017 8:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 08:33:19 -0500

Tamara Crivello it is always easier to talk to someone who has been there and that does not need things explained or spelled out. There is a shared experience regardless of when they served.

Response by PO2 Christina "Jian" Phillips made May 10 at 2019 2:37 AM

PO2 Christina "Jian" Phillips — Fri, 10 May 2019 02:37:48 -0400

It lets one know they are not alone and that can be enough. It also creates community and is an undoubted link between people who had to sacrifice, serve, and often suffer for their country.

Response by SPC Harold Denman made May 10 at 2019 9:29 AM

SPC Harold Denman — Fri, 10 May 2019 09:29:01 -0400

It is very helpful. Holding it in does you NO good. Talk to fellow Veterans.