Posted on Jun 23, 2016
Is RallyPoint Bridging the Gap between the different generations of veterans?
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RP Members what do you think? Has RallyPoint found the secret to "Bridging the Gap" between those that have served at the pleasure of our country during peacetime, the Cold War, and those that have served in combat in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, & other locations throughout our military history.
Will it continue to close that gap as we move forward on 2016, 2017, & beyond?
Did RallyPoint find the secret ingredient?
I think it did!
Will it continue to close that gap as we move forward on 2016, 2017, & beyond?
Did RallyPoint find the secret ingredient?
I think it did!
Generation
RallyPoint
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Communications
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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I think the more we VETS of all times and all branches get together here we get to express our thoughts, ideas, who and how we are.
What it all boils down to is we VETS no matter if we served during war or peace time, we answered our nation's call. We all signed the dotted line and pledged to put our lives on the line in support an defense of our Country and Constitution. We respect each other and from what I've seen and read here will always support each other, no matter if we differ in political opinions, religions, or what, we are all BROTHER/SISTER-IN-ARMS. We understand each other and we don't have to prove a point. Yes, I think Rally Point is GOOD! For me, especially living OCONUS, away from all vets, here is where I can relate, talk, and continue to make friends. I am so glad for this site.
What it all boils down to is we VETS no matter if we served during war or peace time, we answered our nation's call. We all signed the dotted line and pledged to put our lives on the line in support an defense of our Country and Constitution. We respect each other and from what I've seen and read here will always support each other, no matter if we differ in political opinions, religions, or what, we are all BROTHER/SISTER-IN-ARMS. We understand each other and we don't have to prove a point. Yes, I think Rally Point is GOOD! For me, especially living OCONUS, away from all vets, here is where I can relate, talk, and continue to make friends. I am so glad for this site.
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Lt Col Marlon Ruiz
Fully agree with SGM Dawson's comments that we (as veterans regardless of service rendered) have a common denominator - that of having joined and served our nation. It is really irrelevant under what personal circumstances helped influence the decision to serve and more of a supporting factor that at the end of the process, one served. Serving in our nation's military has become, with each passing day, an exception rather than the rule - which goes back to the initial point that today there are more private citizens who will never know nor comprehend what serving means to those who have made that choice. With one about an estimated one percent of our national population ever having served in a military uniform, it comes as no surprise the mounting ignorance surrounding us over selfless service, personal sacrifice and even responsible gun legislation for that matter. May God bless all those who serve today and more so keep in his graces those who have served in the past for we all share that personal experience and choice.
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SSG Michael LeGrand
I don't know about "bridging the gap" so to speak but I do like listening to stories from guys who served before me. I was in from 2000-2012 and even though the Army has changed drastically during my time in i think alot of Vets don't realized how much harder it was prior to 2000.... I have done way more in my career then most of the guys that served before me (that i know) but it was those guys that established the foundation within me to suceed in the military.
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I would like to see categories explicitly set up to improve the connection between the generations and to have these categories more clearly delineated rather than just a "tag". Some suggestions: Serving Member Needs Help - subcategories could include Direct Support (someone living in the community to help with personal and family problems), Advice (of any kind). Another category could be Transitioning with subcategories for Relocating, Employment Opportunities, Referrals, Advice, Direct Support (as above). This would encourage younger members to ask and help older members see the need. I became an active veteran (joining veterans organizations and serving) to help other veterans as well as serving members. My wife an I are "professional" grandparents (very actively engaged in the lives of our grandchildren) and there's always room for more. That might even be a sub-subcategory of Direct Support. Young families separated from their extended families could use that kind of support, couldn't they?
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SN Greg Wright
Good suggestions, Captain. I'll tag in some admins so they'll be sure to see it.
LTC Yinon Weiss
SSG Carlos Madden
Capt Brandon Charters
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
LTC Yinon Weiss
SSG Carlos Madden
Capt Brandon Charters
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
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Lt Col Marlon Ruiz
Jack, believe some of the recommendations you listed are already showing up in RP and agree should be further highlighted. Since my retirement, back in 2007, I was recruited by a lesser known VSO (The Military Order of the World Wars "MOWW"). It is smaller than most other well known VSOs but has a very meaningful role in the communities serviced through local Chapters. You can find out more by going to http://www.moww.org God Bless and "kudos" for your comments! I also have a profile on LinkedIn. Look me up sometime and by all means keep in touch when able.
Welcome to the Military Order of the World Wars | MOWW
Welcome to the Military Order of the World Wars.
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I learn from people of different generations daily, thanks to Rallypoint. I especially enjoy learning about IT and music from before my time.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs RallyPoint is good for those active duty service members and veterans who are: (1) net-savvy; (2) who enjoying spirited but moderated debate, (3) have a thick skin for inconsistent application of rules which change over time.
If they spent at least one tour in the military they should have already experienced "inconsistent application of rules which change over time."
One of the better places I have seen for veterans to connect is TogetherWeServed which is better at displaying information on individuals but harder to get involved in discussions than RallyPoint. LTC Stephen C.
If they spent at least one tour in the military they should have already experienced "inconsistent application of rules which change over time."
One of the better places I have seen for veterans to connect is TogetherWeServed which is better at displaying information on individuals but harder to get involved in discussions than RallyPoint. LTC Stephen C.
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SSgt (Join to see)
LTC Stephen F. LTC Stephen C. That is a good point about TWC. I need to restart my historical thing there.. thanks!
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
It is most definitely closing the gap. I've come to feel like I have a personal connection with many more "older" vets, particularly Korean, Vietnam, and Cold War vets.
It is most definitely closing the gap. I've come to feel like I have a personal connection with many more "older" vets, particularly Korean, Vietnam, and Cold War vets.
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SN Greg Wright
Hah, you know, I never considered myself a particular 'brand' of vet until you posted this, but I suppose I AM a Cold War vet. You'd think watching Bear bombers overflying my ship, escorted by Tomcats would have clued me in back then! :)
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PO3 Sandra Gomke
And Peace Time vets! "When" is not the first thing in front of our names. Our ranks tell others what Branch we served in but not when. It's easy to slip into conversations without too much fuss over "age" and such. We all have something to contribute here.
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I was NOT aware of any gap to be honest Col... And I am probably one of the oldest if not the oldest RP member...
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Sgt Tom Cunnally
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 -
The Rally Point OG Club
CSM Charles Hayden USA ret, Sgt Tom Cunnally USMC vet,
The Rally Point OG Club
CSM Charles Hayden USA ret, Sgt Tom Cunnally USMC vet,
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs Interesting topic,Sir.For me RP has improved my understanding of the "New Military" to some extent.Since i have one son in the Marine Corps and another in the Army ,it helps me understand the military they deal with now.
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I have always felt time doesn't matter between veterans. Except for the generation before always had it tougher! LOL!
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Capt Seid Waddell
Before the GWOT, anyway. I think they have it rougher than we ever did, with multiple deployments and short turn-arounds between tours.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Capt Seid Waddell
I retired in 04 so missed most of it. It has been tough on a lot of the kids. And the old guys for that matter. But truthfully each era has had there battles with demons.
I retired in 04 so missed most of it. It has been tough on a lot of the kids. And the old guys for that matter. But truthfully each era has had there battles with demons.
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Capt Seid Waddell
MSgt (Join to see), that's a fact. My generation was the first to face the hostility of the civilians when we came home, but I don't believe that was anywhere as bad as multiple deployments with short turn-arounds. I don't believe we had the same rate of TBIs or PTS problems either.
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MSgt (Join to see)
TBI's really didn't get the attention that they do today. But I think your right way to many TBI and PTS problems.
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Personally, I believe it has. Here we have a place where Veterans of all ages are able to sit down and have a civil discussion about anything whether it be past service or current events. We have different ranks coming together and communicating equally. I've engaged in discussions with senior enlisted, officers, and even the junior troops. We have active duty as well so we can still perform our duty of shaping the future leaders of the military by sharing experiences, providing wisdom and guidance.
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