Looking for Minnesota Vets. Anyone interested in IAVA? WWP?

1SG David Spalding — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 18:13:39 -0400

I'm a VFW and American Legion member, but I feel all they see in me is more $ for membership and raffles, another cook at pancake breakfasts, and someone to take over as commander, cause Ralph has done it for six years. Anyone else get a similar vibe?
I like what the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) are doing, and want to get involved, but need to know if there is anyone in or near the Twin Cities who is interested.
I'm also a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Alumni, and we have a great group of wounded and injured Vets who could use some networking help.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 12:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 00:42:42 -0400

1SG David Spalding on this website there have been discussions of the WWP going away from helping our wounded and focusing on their politics and/or raising money but not spending it on the troops. I am not too familiar with that and have donated to them previously. How does one volunteer and what are your thoughts on if they changed their mission?

As far as the AL and VFW I think like many organizations it is all about numbers at certain times to keep the organization open as many members are dying or no longer about to attend due to aging and younger generations not too interested in joining groups that actually meet, but rather if there was an APP for that they would download it on their phone. So are they doing enough to attract the current generation of veterans?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 2:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:38:34 -0500

Although I'm not a combat veteran, I am a disabled veteran that has also done two mobilizations as a military case manager and has also been connected with the 7212th MSU in Rochester, as a result some of the people are already connected with the VA, and I'm connected within Mayo Network. I would be happy to help in whatever way possible with wounded veterans.

I agree with going away away from WWP. If this is exclusively for combat vets, I know several that could benefit from it, although I know that the 7212th MSU does not deploy, which does include medical resources that could possibly be able to help if we are focusing on the care of our own.

I'd be happy to discuss further if there are additional developments or any way that I can help. I recently transferred to a USAH in Des Moines, but would be happy to provide whatever help I can.
v/r,
CPT Butler