How would you spend $18 Million per Year on Service Members, Veterans, and their Families?

2018-10-19T09:05:10-04:00

RP Members, Connections, and Friends here is a great question provided by a great Civilian Supporter Nicci Eisenhauer

IMAGINE: You’ve got $18 MILLION per year to spend ANY WAY YOU WANT on support for Service members, Veterans and/or their family members (or any combination). How would you spend it?

Active-duty, guard and reserve Service members, Veterans and their families (spouses, domestic partners, and their children) have many unmet needs. Excluding changing anything the VA already offers (but feel free to fill GAPS!), how would you spend the money?

Go ahead, be creative! Maybe you would target the money at only one problem for one specific group OR you might split it up for various purposes: programs, memorials, events or grants for one or more of the different groups. Remember, too, that there are generations of Veterans whose service dates back to WWII. There’s also ROTC and JROTC! Whatever you can think of that matters to you, the only limit is $18 million total per year.

Let’s try to well-organize of everyone’s unique ideas so it’s easy-to-follow. Let’s try this:
1> If your idea is totally new (not already mentioned), or includes a combination of ideas, go ahead and start a whole new comment thread. Feel free to be detailed and say why your ideas (or someone else’s) are important (or not)! However…

2> If someone has already posted your idea and you have nothing more to add, please just simply vote up or down (versus saying: “Good idea/bad idea!” with nothing more to add).

Sound off!

Response by Alan K. made Oct 19 at 2018 10:02 AM

2018-10-19T10:02:09-04:00

That's an easy one....Feed a whole lot of folks that are not quite able to make ends meet by way of food pantries and soup kitchens attached to housing for homeless Vets, Families and Children especially....I figure you could cover 2 states with that.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 19 at 2018 10:25 AM

2018-10-19T10:25:46-04:00

I would have to hire someone to help me spend that much. A member of Congress perhaps...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 10:58 AM

2018-10-19T10:58:01-04:00

Active Duty bases have the Fischer House, right? What about a house off post for Veterans and their families? For down on their luck Veterans? $18 million a year can buy a pretty good size house and stock it with clothes and food. I would add offices in that house with SMEs on Financial Planning, Resume Building and Employment Expert. Small Medical Staff to include a Medic, a Nurse Practitioner or PA, and a Behavioral Health Specialist. The possibilities are endless

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Oct 19 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-10-19T12:43:34-04:00

There are quite a few Vet organizations that I would be more than happy to contribute to. There is never enough money to go around.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 19 at 2018 3:17 PM

2018-10-19T15:17:34-04:00

1. If this were an annual block grant of $18M with no strings attached and no associated bureaucracy then I think it might be worth taking advantage of for one or more organizations.
2. If bureaucracy is involved as it most likely would be , I would opt that this funding be devoted as efficiently as possible. I would devote the funding to expanding housing for completely disabled veterans near VAMCs. Priority to veterans without family or whose families abandon them.
a. I would get Habitat for Humanity and Samaritans Purse involved in the building and maintenance of the homes.
b. As veterans die the housing would be cleaned and made available for other veterans. Not hospice per se but an expanded version of tiny houses focused entirely on veterans
Thanks for posing the question my friends COL Mikel J. Burroughs and Nicci Eisenhauer and thanks for mentioning me, my friend. SSgt Terry Kohler

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2018 7:32 PM

2018-10-20T19:32:27-04:00

Well since there’s about 18 million veterans I would give each veteran a million dollars. Lol.. just saying lol

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 21 at 2018 8:07 PM

2018-10-21T20:07:47-04:00

Raise in pay for A.D. Reserve and Guard and monthly checks for Comp and pension..

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Oct 21 at 2018 8:30 PM

2018-10-21T20:30:54-04:00

Nicci Eisenhauer Some many needs. Clothing for children. Child care for the children of spouses. We need to concentrate on those who really aren't effected by deployment. They are the ones left behind, and need extra help.

Response by SSgt Carrie Foster Campbell made Oct 21 at 2018 9:21 PM

2018-10-21T21:21:08-04:00

The biggest gap I see at least for myself is educational benefits for those that served post-Vietnam and pre-Gulf War. I am currently struggling with getting education benefits. I served from 77-91 with no age limit or and ALL colleges and Universities would qualified. Also set up food banks and shelters for homeless, underemployed Veterans only. No pre-qualification. All are welcome regardless of gender identity, or sexual orientation, but must be a Veteran. That's my short answer.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Oct 22 at 2018 9:30 AM

2018-10-22T09:30:51-04:00

The biggest need I see is for creating a smooth transition from uniform to civilian status. I think a series of regional transition centers would be a good investment in our veteran population. These facilities would be located in a general area based upon need, and would allow separated personnel to transition "home." Some states might have one or two (New England) while others might have quite a few (TX, CA) due to geographical size.
Effectively set it up like a small town in rural America 50 years ago, where local farmers grew surplus for sale in town, houses were built by local crews from lumber & materials from a local hardware store or lumber yard instead of Home Despot... give veterans and their families pathways to learn to be civilians that don't involve deep immersion techniques.

The wife and I have talked about buying a large farm, putting in a block of tiny (ish) houses and setting it up as part farming training part farm incubator for veterans. I think building on that concept would be an excellent way to go.

Response by Sgt John H. made Oct 22 at 2018 10:16 AM

2018-10-22T10:16:49-04:00

Health Care is of great concern always. I know first hand how difficult it is to make VA appointments, especially when you are ill. There is not an adequate system to provide transportation to appointments for those who need it. I would try to develop a transportation system....

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 23 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-10-23T11:02:53-04:00

I don't think that there is any reason to increase spending. The problem with our veteran assistance isn't funding, it's bureaucracy. The VA and veteran services are overly top heavy and, as such, much of the funding is spent on maintaining the bureaucracy. Rather than throwing more money at a blackhole, we need to reform the system. Instead of spending hundreds of billions on maintaining our own hospital system, which is woefully inadequate, why not issue vouchers to service members with service connected disabilities to be used at medical facilities. The GI bill is in essence a school voucher. Why not use the same method for medical care? Yes, it would still cost a lot, but we'd have fewer veterans waiting for treatment and it would undoubtedly cost less than operating multiple hospitals that are failing to provide medical services in a timely manner.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 23 at 2018 2:48 PM

2018-10-23T14:48:18-04:00

Homelessness! I was homeless for two years and it was humiliating buy I survived and saw others as well! Having a roof over your head is the first start to life getting right! Thanks to veteran services who helped me acquire a rental!

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Oct 23 at 2018 2:49 PM

2018-10-23T14:49:10-04:00

24/7 Daycare facility - priority for active duty single parents, not bankers hours! They need a reprieve from their everyday lifestyle to move their career along and to be able to have the same abilities as those married couples whom have been able to make it, e.g. an education, the ability to study for promotion boards, or maybe a simple date every now and then, or maybe to fix a vehicle, go shopping, etc... Then, reduced income, Junior Enlisted, WO1 (only), 1LT/ 2LTs depending on COLA rates/locations. Yes, young officers need help sometimes too, they just won’t admit to it! Always found that to be bothersome to keep good troops in or newly single mothers from getting out!

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Oct 23 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-10-23T14:51:32-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I would figure out how to get some of the money into the USO making it available at least near most active duty military, and I would enjoy going to one as a veteran. Was a great experience met some awesome people. And you could count on a dance every Saturday night.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Oct 23 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-10-23T14:55:27-04:00

https://www.gofundme.com/hopkins-family-in-need

Click here to support Hopkins Family in need. organized by Sarah Hopkins

I have went into preterm labor. We do not know what is ahead of us. All we know is that we will be in the hospital for a few months. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 23 at 2018 3:10 PM

2018-10-23T15:10:32-04:00

housing, education, clothing, basic needs. anything to give the veterans chances that they may not get anywhere else

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Oct 23 at 2018 3:19 PM

2018-10-23T15:19:48-04:00

There are some very noble ideas in this thread, all of them worthy of 18 million dollars.
I would split this up. I would put 5 million in a scholarship fund for military dependents (children). The money would be invested, and at the outset of the program five scholarships for one year of tuition at a public college (Max 12k) would be awarded based on a yet to be determined essay question(s). Depending on how the investments grow, more scholarships could be awarded as the fund grows over time.

The rest of the 13 million would used to ensure that no enlisted soldier has to go on the SNAP program (food stamps).

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Oct 23 at 2018 3:24 PM

2018-10-23T15:24:11-04:00

Put the money in a trust to generate income to add to existing programs, to help them expand what is already working..

Response by CMSgt Steve Pennington made Oct 23 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-10-23T16:42:28-04:00

Without hesitation I would put it toward quality of life issues for family support, especially those Guard and reserve personnel deployed from units that are geographically remote from major bases and facilities.

Response by SGT Mike Moschkin made Oct 23 at 2018 7:09 PM

2018-10-23T19:09:38-04:00

Soldiers emergency relief fund !

Response by PO1 Robert George made Oct 23 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-10-23T19:49:14-04:00

no strings attached medical/psychological research-move the needle forward as far as possible for all the afflictions vets face...ptsd, ao, loss of limbs, etc. also re-integration efforts after the battles are fought...i know there's work being done in all of these but not nearly enough. just 'bringing them home alive' is insufficient

Response by SFC David F. Podesta made Oct 23 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-10-23T21:51:44-04:00

$18 million per year is not a lot of money, so we have to prioritize and take care of one problem at a time. In my experience tons of money was spent on our big boys toys, and teaching the troops what they need to know, but damned little has been spent on military families. I would start there. Housing, family support for deployed members - psychological support, stress reduction, and the like. Give me $18 BILLION and I'll run with it and solve all sorts of issues that have been given too little support. $18 million is a drop in the bucket, but I'd start at housing.

Response by CPT Stephanie Lincoln made Oct 24 at 2018 4:35 PM

2018-10-24T16:35:12-04:00

I would overhaul the DoD Nutritional Program. They have failed in every way and they need to clean slate and start all over minus the influence of big food companies.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Oct 25 at 2018 2:16 PM

2018-10-25T14:16:33-04:00

I remember when this war on terror started. I saw celebrities like Martin Sheen and others holding bibbles and saying that they were protesting for the troops and their families. When servicemembers depoly, they know what they are getting themselves into (I did). I always said that if a celebrity wanted to do something for me or my family. They they should go a see them and take them out for dinner, and get to know them.

All they did was protest for no good reason (al least in my opinion). I would like to use the money a start a program to help the moral of the families that are left behind. Also establish scholarships for the children of the service members who paid the ultimate price and sacrifice for our country.

Some families are in need of help around their homes, that would be a good way to spend some of the money. Helpping with repairs. These are some of the things that some of my Soldiers had to deal with while deployed. I know there will be other ways to spend the money, but these are the things that hit close to home for me and my former Soldiers.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Oct 26 at 2018 7:24 AM

2018-10-26T07:24:56-04:00

There is a need for more organizations like the Three Hots & A Cot we have here in Birmingham.
Website: https:/cotsforvets.org
Mission Statement
Three Hots & A Cot will serve those who have served. We will provide a place for homeless veterans to receive the assistance they need to transition back to civilian society. Each veteran will be treated with the dignity and respect due to every member of our armed services. Without regard to race, creed, color, or religious background, any veteran who seeks our assistance will be afforded the opportunity our services offer.

Response by Donna Brickey made Oct 27 at 2018 8:35 PM

2018-10-27T20:35:25-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Nicci Eisenhauer Lt Col Charlie Brown SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC Douglas Bolton Alan K. Steve Durgin PO2 Gerry Tandberg I would do a lot of research to find out where there were gaps. In other words, are there programs that have recently been cut that were extremely important to our veterans and service members? Are there needs out there that no one is addressing (homeless vets come to mind for me) with much success? I would pick one program for those still active, one for reserve members, one for Veterans and also have a chunk go to our nation's budget for defense. I would split the funds equally between all of these.

Response by PFC Jordan Weygandt made Oct 28 at 2018 8:55 AM

2018-10-28T08:55:38-04:00

First I would allocate a portion to fund an organization to research the most effective way to connect drug use and addiction to its face value pain hardship misery and lost opportunities that are endured directly to children starting in elementary school. Emphazing critical decision making while under the pressures of peers, status , and or lack of self worth.

I would also use the funding to purchase default, forclosed homes to renovate and implimate sober living for homeless Veterans. Ensure these homes have sufficient land space for self-sustainment
(Crops). These developments will be known for being safe havens for all Vets and theyre families.

Response by SGT James Mingey made Nov 5 at 2018 10:55 PM

2018-11-05T22:55:27-05:00

If I had access to a $18m annual pool of capital, and believed it would be a stable flow for a least a couple of years, I would use it for a competitive grant program by partnering with individual State Department of Veterans Affairs who in turn would encourage the formation of Veterans Controlled Benefit Corporations or other social enterprise structures (e.g. Lc3 Partnerships) which would invest in the formation of Veteran owned businesses tied to local communities. Each applicant would have to show how they could leverage their award 2 or 3 times via private capital and foundation investments. Each recipient would also have to operate in a “real time” open source environment, sharing techniques and best practices. Finally, each recipient would have to demonstrate how they would be self-sufficient prior to applying for addition awards.

Response by Kyla Simon made Nov 14 at 2018 6:27 PM

2018-11-14T18:27:30-05:00

I don't know how they would choose who to give it to, but I was thinking something like a $500 holiday spending voucher for as many Active Duty Soldiers (single or with dependants) as possible. You never know what people are going through this make things happen, especially during the holiday season.