Share A Story of Someone's Good Deed in the Military Community!

2021-06-07T17:28:40-04:00

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Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Jun 7 at 2021 6:17 PM

2021-06-07T18:17:24-04:00

I think there is no better example than Colonel Mikel Burroughs, as he does his 10,000 mile Motorcycle ride for RIPRIDE4VETS.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jun 7 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-06-07T18:43:00-04:00

Lots of good stories out there.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jun 10 at 2021 2:07 PM

2021-06-10T14:07:44-04:00

Thank you!

Response by CPL Chris Caputo made Jun 16 at 2021 6:36 PM

2021-06-16T18:36:52-04:00

There isn’t one deserving more than all. I served with true professionals. HOORAH!

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jun 16 at 2021 6:41 PM

2021-06-16T18:41:23-04:00

Shout out to Maj Alea Nadeem and Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member for their tireless efforts in support of women veterans!

Response by AN Amanda Spencer made Jun 16 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-06-16T18:54:37-04:00

Being out of work and going through a lot personally , veterans and family services has greatly helped me get through. With food resources, bill resources, etc. they truly care about their veterans

Response by Sgt Jimmy Garcia made Jun 16 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-06-16T19:08:33-04:00

My wife(servicemember) has joined a nonprofit organization after her service. This non profit helps to find and provide resources for veterans as sometimes they do not know where to look. This is helpful as it helps veterans get their foot(boot) put the door and into a landing a job.

Response by SPC Virgil Gross made Jun 16 at 2021 7:10 PM

2021-06-16T19:10:20-04:00

I will respond with my story of what happened to me when I first went to the Cincinnati Va Hospital. I am an honrable discharged Army Veteran and this black muslim woman who was in charge of the hospital refused me treatment at the VA hospital because I was an American Christian and Army Veteran. She shoved a bus token at me and then told me to go down town and get on to welfare and never come back. But since I did not live in that county I was not able to get any help from welfare. I had to wait outside int he cold for hours till my dad could come and pick me up after he got off of work and take me back to his place where I stayed still the county welfare office was able to get me my own place. For two years I only had medical treatment from the county and state welfare and nothing from the VA system. That is how we are treated by the VA system in Cincinnati area. We Veterans are not able or given any opportunity to report such mistreatment of Veterans to anyone and thsi is a shame and a crime.

Response by SGM Mark Eister made Jun 16 at 2021 7:19 PM

2021-06-16T19:19:37-04:00

My co-workers at a major university do an outstanding job every day as they serve, support, guide, and counsel our wonderful student veterans!

Response by SPC Iris Thomas made Jun 16 at 2021 7:19 PM

2021-06-16T19:19:40-04:00

Serving in the Army was the best thing I could have ever done. Now my son is serving in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. I enjoyed serving my country, helping and meeting new people. I loved my job

Response by SGT Nicol Padilla made Jun 16 at 2021 7:42 PM

2021-06-16T19:42:10-04:00

Due to covid my kids had to attend virtual school and having them here all the time we were short on food at the end of the month I’m a disabled Veteran single mother of 2 and we live of my pension I can’t work due to health issues after deployment not unemployable yet I have my claim in anyways we have been struggling a bit with food and the Veteran center here in Philadelphia helped find resources for us so that we could have food dropped off to us they have helped us out greatly we are still struggling a bit but we will get through this I want to thank the Philadelphia Veteran center for helping us as much as they could once the kids go back to school in the fall things will go back to normal we just have to hang tight till then!

Response by PV2 Angela Snow made Jun 16 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-06-16T19:43:58-04:00

I'm not sure if you'd call this a good deed, or just being a good friend. My dad's friend this cool guy who played on a band, which I later interned at a radio station, him and his wife became my Godparents. It's been the coolest thing ever. I finally met them years back ago and they are wonderful people, and got to thank them for stepping up.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 7:44 PM

2021-06-16T19:44:49-04:00

Veteran Trash Talk is a new community that started a podcast to promote veteran owned businesses for free. Since then they have introduced 3 other veteran podcasts to include mst survivors and others struggling with PTSD. Their community group has saved multiple lives by coming to action. The team targets the entire system of veteran suicide not just a few things. And they do it all for free.

Response by SGT Rhonda Parero made Jun 16 at 2021 7:54 PM

2021-06-16T19:54:34-04:00

My husband is a retired Air Force pilot and I am an Army Veteran. We are both now fully retired. We volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary by collecting donated furniture and deliver it to Veterans transitioning from homelessness. In addition, my husband is a mentor in Veterans Treatment Court and serves as a liaison for the Air Force Academy.

Response by LCpl Thomas Hardy made Jun 16 at 2021 8:12 PM

2021-06-16T20:12:51-04:00

Like most of the nation, its been an extremely rough year+ for me and the veteran community around me has been my only saving grace. I was laid off from both of my jobs March of last year. I wasn't eligible for unemployment, so my only source of income was my 60% disability from the V.A.. By the end of the year, I had a mountain of back debt and overdue bills I had no means of chipping away at. I was evicted from my apartment 1 January with nowhere to go but my vehicle. The only people who made the effort to come and help me empty my apartment were veterans I met through apartment were an Army and Marine vet that I had become friends with through the student veterans center at our school. After about a month in my car, a temporary bed opened up at a local veterans shelter and I was finally able sleep indoors. The organization that took me in, started to help me get back on my feet, and is wholly responsible getting me into the apartment I'm currently living in. In total, I was homeless for just over 4 months. The only people who helped me out during that process were local veterans, the only organizations that would work with me and were all veteran charities, and the reason I'm able to type this from my own apartment is a organization that deals with veteran specific housing issues. I have no idea what I would have done had I not had the veteran population in northern Massachusetts. I also want to thank the below organizations for giving me the opportunity to pick myself back up and the means to do it. Through this event, several veteran organization saved me by providing food, financial assistance, shelter, and getting me back into secure housing, I owe a huge debt of gratitude. Them as well as the numerous unnamed individuals who came out to help.

-Operation First Response
-Ameicas warrior partnership
- Veterans Northeast Outreach Center
-North shore community college (veterans center)

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-06-16T20:18:32-04:00

I love the military and VA community in Nashville Tennessee! At the VA there are groups led by other veterans (VA employees and non employees) and we talk and have a great time! We go out and do activities, we've been camping, fishing, hiking and all sorts of stuff. Also the non profit veteran organization Operation Stand Down of Nashville has greatly benefited local veterans in need. That's how I ended up in Nashville, through their housing program! Even though I have graduated from that particular program, I look back at all the fun we had. We went canoeing, we had the BEST holiday meals provided to us! We got gifts cards from all sorts of people and groups for Christmas and was able to buy my family some really nice things, and for me too of course! 4 patriots came by and put on a huge catered meal for us, and at the end we found out it was all made from freeze dried emergency food packs, I could hardly believe it because it tasted so good! Plus we all got at least $100 or more in free emergency food. I was able to help out several veterans at my house, and before that others helped me. Sadly we lost a veteran to an over dose which led to the Narcan training program being implemented, but our group came together and we all received counseling and talked about the loss we suffered at our home. We stood together and attended his funeral, and the family was very grateful. I was able to pull the family aside and tell them how I performed CPR on him and gave him Narcan right away. There is always more power and strength in numbers, which is why we have such a large military to begin with. After the fact though, we veterans have to stick together in numbers too, sometimes just to keep our own sanity, or remember how to enjoy life again. Or to try to save a life! Being around other veterans is such a privilege, and I am so thankful for that, and those who made it possible!

Response by PO3 Janiel Johnson made Jun 16 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-06-16T20:32:29-04:00

Combined Arms, Dress for Success, Houston Hire Heroes USA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project are some of the the best veteran organizations out there. They are doing an incredible job with helping veterans transition to civilian life.

Response by PFC Nicholas Alcorn made Jun 16 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-06-16T20:40:21-04:00

Anytime ANYTIME I ask my friends on Facebook for help, all my veteran buddies are always there for help!

Response by SPC Roger Mello made Jun 16 at 2021 8:51 PM

2021-06-16T20:51:00-04:00

His name is Dave.......
For many years he has volunteered as a veteran's advocate. Probably has 1000 claims under his belt, but most importantly, a great success rate. As Dave articulated, it is very difficult to achieve a 100% permanent and total disability rating or even a rating for Individual Unemployability, but lately veterans have been passing away and their survivors have missed out on survivor benefits. Hard to believe this happens, and a significant number of our older veterans are not aware that their well deserved benefits could leave the survivors with practically no benefits unless the veteran's death was "service connected". As Dave put, a veteran could have a bad back and bad knees from jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. They apply for their physical disabilities and also hearing loss, but when they pass, the death certificate just mentions "cardiac arrest". The VA sends out the letter and forms to the survivor, the survivor applies for benefits but is denied because the death wasn't "service connected".

Dave doesn't take this lightly and reaches out to some of his older claims to educate them as to how this could play out. When he finds out that they have hypertension, he files another claim for hypertension so as to have the VA acknowledge that it is service connected even though there isn't any monetary benefit. Then if they should pass from heart failure the hypertension would be considered a contributing factor towards the veteran's death. And if the VA needs a new death certificate, a medical examiner can be called upon to modify the death certificate to add a notation that "hypertension" had connectivity to the heart failing.

This letter isn't just to acknowledge Dave's dedication but to serve the purpose of getting the reader some information that they may not be aware of.

Response by Sgt William Caput made Jun 16 at 2021 9:05 PM

2021-06-16T21:05:18-04:00

The Marine veterans in Chico California clean grave stones on Memorial Day at the Veterans Cemetery. We also raise money for Vectors, a non-profit that helps house homeless veterans.

Response by SSgt Angel Medina made Jun 16 at 2021 9:33 PM

2021-06-16T21:33:58-04:00

Met a USMC Vet & heard his Tours, felt his Pain & seen his living quarters. I felt it was unacceptable to see a Brother living in substandard conditions. Without a 2nd thought I gave my 2008 All Season Travel Trailer to this Marine-Veteran, Brother, Comrade. It was the right thing to do & an Honor!! Hoorah!!

Response by PO3 Jennifer Laskay made Jun 16 at 2021 9:34 PM

2021-06-16T21:34:53-04:00

I had a friend who was in the army and he paid it forward while working at a company here in Texas. He had an organization within his job to go out in the community and volunteer to do Habitat for Humanity, participate in the Veterans Day Parades, and do other opportunities that arose. He was very prideful in his accomplishments and unfortunately he lost his battle with PTSD in 2017. I admired him for his work that he did in the community and I hope they have continued the program in his honor.

Response by SSgt Stephanie Stannard made Jun 16 at 2021 9:35 PM

2021-06-16T21:35:41-04:00

My MSgt, Joshua Baker, now retired, was the best. Not in the buddy buddy sense, but in the fact that he actually cared about us. By the time most SNCOs at my squadron had reached SNCO status, they were just waiting for retirement, or gotten very... pessimistic. But for the most part, they stopped caring about the airmen they were in charge of. MSgt Baker didn't stop. He would keep an eye on all of us and talk to us all, make sure we were taken care of.

Response by PO2 Crystal Spessard made Jun 16 at 2021 9:39 PM

2021-06-16T21:39:15-04:00

I would like to recognize James Smith, Veteran Marine, for the plethora of good deeds he does for his fellow veterans. Thank you James for helping to gather and distribute supplies to the veterans in our community that had been displaced by hardships they are working to overcome. Thank you for listening to their stories and responding to their needs when you could. This has been during the thick of the Covid pandemic when most organizations had their hands tied from reaching out to help.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 16 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-06-16T22:01:57-04:00

I donate to my favorite charities. However, I love performing random acts of kindness. My wife and I were eating dinner at IHOP one night and I tend to look around the restaurant. I saw someone who caught my eye immediately. I spied an elder lady sitting by herself near the large windows. She looked so uncomfortable, waiting for someone she wants to see, but will never show up. That were the vibes I got from her. She looked so alone.

I got her waitress and said give me the bill and I tipped her. I told the waitress to give the elder lady a big smile, and tell the lady to have a wonderful night. I still think about her. I think my $15 investment yielded greater returns.

Response by PFC Edgar Martinez made Jun 16 at 2021 10:30 PM

2021-06-16T22:30:11-04:00

I was involved in a pretty bad car accident a few years ago, which nearly left me paralyzed, lost my job as a result, we had no vehicle for a while, my wife was 8 months pregnant, and we had 3 other young children all under age 8 at the time, just before the hoildays, and Operation Care and Comfort based in Northern California really helped us out during this really hard time. I will forever be grateful to this great organization designed to help active duty military and vets.

Response by SPC Jason Salcido made Jun 16 at 2021 10:32 PM

2021-06-16T22:32:40-04:00

How about my former battle buddy SGT Charles Ayers, who went on to become an RN for the VA in North Carolina. I bet he has helped hundreds of vets with there medical concerns by now.

Response by SPC Steven Pena made Jun 16 at 2021 10:34 PM

2021-06-16T22:34:00-04:00

I just got home from Afghanistan. While there I had many flags flown for retired veterans in aircraft on missions. Brought many smiles.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 10:38 PM

2021-06-16T22:38:24-04:00

I would like to thank Kevin Cundiff! I am not sure if he is a veteran, or what his military affiliation is, but he has a caring heart and cares about his military community members! He lives in my community and he has done so much to honor two fallen soldiers that lived in our community by having our park named in honor of them. Not only is the park named after them, but the plaque at the park honors all veterans, but carries the fallen soldiers names. I thought this was a wonderful gesture to honor these two men and I am sure their families greatly appreciate it. It also has made the Temple paper. Here is a picture of the park.

Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 11:23 PM

2021-06-16T23:23:56-04:00

Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 11:24 PM

2021-06-16T23:24:35-04:00

Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 11:25 PM

2021-06-16T23:25:49-04:00

Response by PFC Deryk Robinson made Jun 16 at 2021 11:26 PM

2021-06-16T23:26:36-04:00

I just share my apartment for vets who need to detox or just need to get away from there living places. Always willing to help a fellow vet!!!

Response by SFC Delmas Stubbs made Jun 16 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-06-16T23:34:57-04:00

Dental Program open to Veterans of the State of Ohio
I have been Coordinating a free Dental Program for those that have served. With limited to no Dental services provided to veterans coordination was made with a local Medical Center and sponsorship is provided thru a foundation.
We have recently expanded the services into another County in NE Ohio, this is a history making endeavor. Something that I believe is a standalone program that has been operating in Youngstown and reaching out to the Tri-County area. The Veterans Dental Community Program has been operating right through the pandemic performing over 318 procedures saving veterans out of pocket savingof more than $44,000.
We have been making a difference in Veterans lives, and now I am overly excited to extend the program to your area once a month then moving forward with operations for several days in a month to serve the underserved in this area of Dental Care.

Response by SPC George Migliore made Jun 17 at 2021 12:08 AM

2021-06-17T00:08:21-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFYQoNWDzVs

My Slideshow

I created this video with the YouTube Slideshow Creator (http://www.youtube.com/upload)

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 12:08 AM

2021-06-17T00:08:41-04:00

This might sound cheesy but, myself.

I fought for 4 years to get a job as a veteran service officer. I dedicate blood, sweat and tears into every claim. I truly want to make a difference in my community of veterans. It was never about the money for me (which I don’t make that much to begin with). It has and always will me about having a positive impact on a veterans life.

Response by SPC John Bryant made Jun 17 at 2021 12:28 AM

2021-06-17T00:28:52-04:00

Not so much me helping out but other helping me through veteran help veterans when time were tough I really glade the groups are looking out for service member and their family. Thank you for you assistance when I was down

Response by LCpl Christopher Martinez made Jun 17 at 2021 12:45 AM

2021-06-17T00:45:20-04:00

Covid has affected many of us, my former boss passed away due to covid related causes. Shortly after I became unemployed. I reached out to the new owner of the business that I was previously employed at. He took me in before I could even finish telling him my story. Being a veteran like my former boss. They were more than happy to help me out as much as they could.

Response by Liz Arndt made Jun 17 at 2021 12:49 AM

2021-06-17T00:49:10-04:00

My husband is a disabled veteran and we love in a small apartment building that is just for veterans . One of my favorite things about living here is seeing the bond that vets have with other vets no matter what branch. Although they always banter about each others branches a lot. Whenever there is a emergency or someone is need of help they all band together and work together just like they were never out of the military. There is a level of respect they show each ... but not when it comes to sense of humor!! We are all like a family because of their brotherhood

Response by CPT William Pearson made Jun 17 at 2021 1:42 AM

2021-06-17T01:42:04-04:00

Mine is a old story 1966, ROTC Summer Camp. I met Arthur Ashe from UCLA. We were on G Company’s softball team. I was the catcher and Art played first base. We were friends that wet summer for six weeks.
I became a teacher after leaving the Army in 1972. One day a bunch of teachers were asking other teachers if they knew anyone famous? I mentioned Art and I were friends. They all laughed. I asked,”How much do you want to bet that I know him? They laughed. I said I will get his book: THE ARTHUR ASHE STORY from the school’s library and have him autograph it for the school. I met him in Seattle. He signed it “TO SYRE ELEMENTARY, PEACE AND LOVE…..Arthur ASHE.” I surprised them. Art was one of a kind, great friend, great soldier and a outstanding tennis player.

Response by CPT William Pearson made Jun 17 at 2021 1:46 AM

2021-06-17T01:46:06-04:00

Arthur Ashe UCLA
William Pearson EWSC

Response by PO1 Chad Galloway made Jun 17 at 2021 3:38 AM

2021-06-17T03:38:12-04:00

My story is not of a someone but of everyone in my PTSD VA Group. I've been out since 2014 and was recently introduced to the Veterans Administration. For the longest time I had constant guilt, felt so alone, and eventually helpless and hopeless. I really felt like I didn't belong here, until I was introduced to groups with other veterans. Immediately after each one shared their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, I knew I wasn't alone. I could relate to every single veteran in my group. I never felt judgment nor felt belittled. It didn't matter what war, what age, what color, what political stance, what anything. The honesty and transparency they all speak with deserves an accomodation because of the impact it has had on myself and other fellow vets. I know most of them don't even know how far their genuine and caring words go, but those words have helped save my life I was able to feel my feelings through them. This group of veterans I'm lucky enough to be a part of in the Long Beach VA are one of a kind and top notch. They all care and go above and beyond to make sure the person next to him/her is ok. After a while some go different ways and some stay in the same groups, but I know that every single one of them has had a huge impact on my physical and mental well being. I may have mentioned how appreciative I am here and there but they should know they are saving lives and helping each other more than anyone else could have. The faculty and staff more than deserve a Bravo Zulu because everything starts at the top. But this group of vets, with everything they've been through, are always more than willing to help the new guy. I am so grateful, thankful, and appreciative for them.

Response by SPC Bruce Brill made Jun 17 at 2021 4:44 AM

2021-06-17T04:44:11-04:00

When I enlisted in the army, I suspended my “keeping kosher” (I’m a Jew) while in Basic Training. Once at our next duty station, The Presidio of Monterey, I had resumed keeping kosher and was living on a hard-boiled egg and salad menu, in the largely pig-endowed bill-o-fare of the Army mess hall.
After some time at DLIWC, I had learned some zoomies had discovered a way to embellish their monthly paycheck: by claiming they needed “separate rats,” or separate rations because they couldn’t eat mess hall chow due to “religious reasons.” If they needed to detail those religious reasons, they would simply say they had become Hindu. The Air Force admins were lenient and usually granted the separate rats.
I inquired at my Army Headquarters about the possibility that I, too, could get “Separate Rats.” They told me to get lost.
A lieutenant colonel in our language class, Colonel Robert Munro, wanted to know what happened. He told me to submit a formal request for separate rations. I did.
The colonel was super strack and super tough, “You’d rather French kiss an alligator than tangle with me!” Under his rigid outer appearance, he was an ethical human being with a heart. When he learned my request was denied he instructed me to reapply --to appeal-- and so, I did. After some time (perhaps with the colonel's involvement and prodding) I was sent to the Post Chaplain. The Christian Chaplain asked me why I had applied for separate rats. I told him I'm a Jew and I was trying to keep kosher. He asked, "On what Bible verse is this based?" I was right there with the best possible answer, "Leviticus 11!" I felt proud of myself that I was handy with chapter and verse and thought I gave the most inarguable answer and my request would now be approved.
I thought too soon.
The chaplain retorted, "But it also says in the Bible --and he quoted from the New Testament—“Jesus said, 'It is more important what comes out of your mouth than what goes into it'.'"
He denied my request.
At the first opportunity back in class, the colonel asked me how it went. I told him what happened. He didn't say a word, not a word. He got up from his seat and told the teacher he needed to leave the class. He fixed his cap in place with two fingers between the bridge of his nose and the cap's visor and stomped out. You could see the smoke of anger steaming from his ears. Approximately 20 minutes later a runner from headquarters comes into the classroom and announced, “Private Brill is to report to Headquarters” When I entered Headquarters, I saw all the paperwork approving my separate rats there waiting for me.

Response by CPL LaGreggory Sweatt made Jun 17 at 2021 5:59 AM

2021-06-17T05:59:52-04:00

Most people would try to organize a hasty exit at this point. Not Brian Chontosh. As bullets and explosives screamed past their Humvee, Chontosh ordered driver Cpl. Armand McCormick to drive forward, straight through the berm. McCormick floored it as another Marine, Cpl. Thomas Franklin, manned the Humvee’s .50-caliber machine gun, crashing through the obstruction and into the trench on the opposite side.

As Iraqi soldiers began to swarm the Humvee, Chontosh swung out of his vehicle guns-a-blazing, firing from his pistol and rifle until he was out of bullets. Iraqi soldiers dropped dead left and right, and Chontosh continued to pull the trigger, machine gun fire clouding his senses as he pushed his way through the maw. It was the first time he had ever killed anyone.

“It’s nothing like TV,” Chontosh told Newsweek. “It’s ugly. It’s contorted. People fall how they fall. It’s not like the bullet hits and they’re blown back or anything like that.”

When his rifle jammed, Chontosh ripped an AK-47 off of a dead Iraqi, unloading every bullet in it before picking up a second AK as he ran, shooting everything he could. By the end of the battle, he would shoot and kill nearly two-dozen Iraqis single-handedly. At this point the exhausted Marine finally reconnected with his men and headed back towards the Humvee, when they noticed an Iraqi soldier huddled on the ground, playing dead but holding a grenade.

The men scrambled for weapons but were out of ammo. Amazingly, Chontosh saw a cluster of live M-16 rounds glinting in the dirt, where they had fallen when his rifle jammed. He dove for the rounds, loaded a single bullet — and shot the soldier in the head, saving himself and his men. Can you imagine that scene on an IMAX screen?

If that’s not Hollywood-blockbuster enough for you, they still had to get medical help for the Marines who had been wounded. Oh, and a sandstorm rolled in. Totally casual.

Chontosh would later be awarded the Navy Cross and two Bronze Stars for heroism, and is currently considered one of the top CrossFit athletes in the world. If that isn’t prime movie material, we don’t know what is. Your move, Hollywood.

Response by TSgt Leslie Decker made Jun 17 at 2021 6:15 AM

2021-06-17T06:15:27-04:00

I was shopping at the BX at Wright Patterson AFB. I had been looking at wallets. An older gentleman wearing a Vietnam Veterans ball cap, who was standing behind me in the aisle, asked if I would hang back up a package of socks that he had gotten off the rack. He stated that he could not afford to buy both the belt he had and the socks. I started to hang the socks up, then I decided that a veteran should not have to make that choice, socks or a belt. I told my wife that I was going to buy the socks for him. The gentleman had already left towards the front of the BX, I was ready to check-out also so I went to the cashier, while also looking for that veteran. He was in a check-out nearby me. I asked the cashier to bag the socks separately. After I had paid for all my items, I walked over to the gentleman and handed him the bag with the socks in it. All I said to him was these are for you, and I hope you have a great day. The look on his face was surprised and grateful. I went on my way, neither of us knew each other, it sure felt good though just knowing I had helped someone out. I hope those who read this can also "pay it forward" when and if given the chance to do so as I did.

Response by PO2 Harold Crenshaw made Jun 17 at 2021 7:02 AM

2021-06-17T07:02:34-04:00

Gysgt Crenshaw, builds stairs and ramps for disable people in his community. Many have family that live a great distant away and have no one else to help with such needs.

Response by SGT Jordan Salvatore made Jun 17 at 2021 7:10 AM

2021-06-17T07:10:27-04:00

There’s a veteran in my therapy support group who is always there to help. Offers advice, checks in on people, meets up with people to practice communication techniques, has a contact available for just about any issue from veteran resources to home repair companies. He’s just a really great man and helpful to his fellow veterans.

Response by PFC Michael Judd made Jun 17 at 2021 8:21 AM

2021-06-17T08:21:27-04:00

I would like to share Stack Up, a non profit organization created by Stephen Machuga. Stack up's main goal is to unite active duty military and veterans through geek culture and video games. Within the organization they have several programs such as giving out care packages of video games, consoles, and accessories to veterans and even sending them out to active military units. Another goal of Stack Up is to provide support to our military and veterans in times of crisis via the Overwatch program. The Overwatch program is set up via discord [a text and voice service] where anyone who needs to talk can have access to speak to a member of the StOP team via text or voice chat. I myself a Marine Corps. Veteran have volunteered as a member of the StOP team and have spoken to both active military members and veterans and having the training provided by Stack up to join the StOP team has prepared me very well for that task. Part of the training includes HIPPA certification that taught me how to keep any personal information regarding any interactions safe and allows people using the Overwatch program to have that added security. If you haven't heard about Stack Up I definitely recommend you checking out their website, it should pop up easily if you search stack up.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 8:29 AM

2021-06-17T08:29:48-04:00

The first thing that comes to mind are the security police at the front gate of the Minneapolis AF Reserve base. They're out keeping the base secure 24/7, through all weather situations, including -50 wind chill.

Response by SGT Chris Olivo made Jun 17 at 2021 8:45 AM

2021-06-17T08:45:40-04:00

I wanted to share about a Man by the name of Rodney Smith Jr. who started a program called Raising Men and Women Lawn care Service. it is a non profit organization that challenges kids from 8-18 to mow, rake leaves, shovel snow for Veteran, elderly, disabled, and single mothers. I am retired from the Army and last year my son decided to take on the challenge at 13 years old and wow was it a game changer for my son. At the completion of this challenge the found Mr. Smith delivers a brand new mower, weed eater, and leaf blower to the young man or you lady that has completed the challenge. My son now has his own stuff and is now mowing yards and making a little money but he did tell me that he will never charge a Veteran for a mow. My son is growing mentally, physically, and is learning to be responsible and a great member of our community. so Hats of to Mr. Rodney Smith Jr. and my Son Cam for their continued support of our active and retired veteran community. if you are an Active or Retired Veteran and would like to request a free mow you can visit https://weareraisingmen.com.

Raising Men Lawn Care Service – Making A Difference One Lawn At A Time

When your child signs up for our 50 Yard Challenge, they start off with a white shirt . We have it set up similar to the karate system. For every 10 lawns cut, they get a new color shirt. Once they mow 10 lawns, they get anorangeshirt; 20 lawns earns agreenshirt; 30 lawns earns ablueshirt; 40 lawns earn aredshirt, and 50 lawns earn ablackshirt. Once they reach 50, they become a lot like a black belt at mowing lawns.

Response by SGT(P) Francis Gregorin made Jun 17 at 2021 9:40 AM

2021-06-17T09:40:13-04:00

I know the veterans that work at the vet centers are incredible. They save lives everyday.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 17 at 2021 9:48 AM

2021-06-17T09:48:55-04:00

This thread is really fun to read :)

Response by PFC Laurie Doelle made Jun 17 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-06-17T09:57:59-04:00

With the help of DAV organization, I was able to get to 100% disability. I'm so blessed to have their help. I can now retire without any stress. Thank you DAV so much!

Response by AN John Haines made Jun 17 at 2021 10:28 AM

2021-06-17T10:28:09-04:00

I really don't want a reward, but would rather share this story to make others aware of a situation that a lot of us veterans find themselves in. In 2011 I was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma(agent orange). My liver was involved and I was told to get my affairs in order. In late 2011 a women contacted me on Face Book. She said she thought I was her Dad. She lived in the Philippines. I dismissed her at first thinking it was just a scam. But she was persistent, and she knew things I could not dismiss, so I started to chat with her. I also started getting better. The chemo was working. So in 2012 I asked her if she would do a DNA test to verify her claim. Long story short she was my daughter. She was the child of a girl friend I had during my service in the Philippines. I was on the USS Kitty Hawk and we spent a lot of time in the P.I. So again long story short I decided to bring her to America. I contacted an attorney only to learn that even though she was my daughter there was no way for us to be united. Obviously a bad law so I went to work to change the law! That was the birth of the Uniting Families Act. It will be re-introduced for it's 4th congress and many of us vets are hoping it will finally pass this congress. Simply put, it would allow veterans such as myself, to provide the same freedoms and privileges to our descendants that we have given to so many others.

I have heard so many other stories of veterans in my same predicament. For example, a veteran contacted me on Face Book, saying "Hi Mr. Haines, I read your bill and will immediately contact my representative and senators to support it. My question to you is how will this affect my grand children for I feel it is to late to help my daughter." I replied "what do you mean to late for your daughter?" He replied "My daughter is dying of kidney disease, I have spent my life savings paying for her dialysis and can not pay for anymore. Without it she will die and I'm very concerned about what will happen to my grand children." I reached out to my daughter in the Philippines to verify what he was telling me. My daughter replied in 2 hours. His story was true! He was literally watching his daughter die on Face Book powerless to do anything about it. My daughter's exact words were "Dad if we don't get some money for her dialysis I don't think she will make it through the weekend!" Fortunately I was able to immediately send money for her treatment and Jimmy's daughter Pinky is alive today, and in fact I got to meet Pinky in 2017 on a trip to the Philippines.

That is just one of many stories I could share. Veterans denied their own blood! There is Chad, Pete, David, Morris, Dana, Mike ... the list goes on and on of veterans denied one of the most human rights, the right to know your children. I will continue to lobby for change, but I need help! Contact congress and tell them to pass the United Families act, please, we are begging and veterans don't like to beg. We shouldn't have to. John Haines

Response by Sharon Garcia made Jun 17 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-06-17T11:24:35-04:00

My Dad was a proud WWII Vet who suffered from Alzheimer's and PTSD from his time in the war. My Mom passed in July 2018 and I moved in with Dad to be his full-time caregiver. It was not easy giving up my home, leaving my spouse who was also diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Lobe dementia, and a two part-time jobs, one of which was a graduate teaching position where the majority of students were military veterans. But I gladly took on the role of caregiver to my Dad. I will admit, it was not easy and there were many challenges as I tried to navigate the VA system for one.It took a long time for me to finally get him the benefits he rightly deserved, well into a year after I moved into with him. I had made many connections with individuals through social media, teaching, my previous employment with the government and other networking. It did not take long for the many veterans I knew to step up to the plate with offers of assistance especially during the pandemic. These individuals not just had respect for me, but for my Dad, a man who lied about his age to enter the war at 15 years old to fight for our great country. They came with food, to sit with him so I could run errands, to help with the yard, and just to meet my Dad to thank him for his service. There was even a state representative who hand delivered a loaf of bread during the ice storm here in Texas so Dad could still have his sandwiches. These veterans came from every war and every branch and ranged in age from their 90's to their late 20's. My Dad always spoke of his "Band of Brothers" from his time in service. He never forgot those who he left behind. Though his mind was ravaged from his
Alzeimer's, he still never forgot his brothers, and though he may not have known he had developed a new band of brothers and sisters that came to assist him and me and we made our journey together. Dad passed away on 27 Feb 2021 at the age of 96. He had his service at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetary in San Antonio, TX with full military honors. And yes, many of those veterans who had helped along our journey came to pay their respects to a remarkable man and wonderful Dad. So here is to my "community of veterans" who came to know my Dad through the stories I told of him, and wanted to simply help to thank him for his service but came to love him and care for him along the way.

Response by PV2 Florence Henry made Jun 17 at 2021 12:13 PM

2021-06-17T12:13:44-04:00

Seeing so many other deserving veterans I feel that my story is small in comparison but it means the world to me. 17 years ago I lost my oldest son (Air Force) to suicide. This rocked my PTSD, and threw me into a downward spiral of major depression and emotional pain. I just wanted to die and be close to him. Some months later led to a divorce and the need to move locations from West Virginia to be close to my remaining son and his family in CT. After a failed suicide attempt my daughter-in-law Melissa, took it upon herself to make all the connections and plans for my move. Melissa contacted MACC Charities in CT. She coordinated finding me a bed in a veterans transition home provided by Vietnam Veterans Association. Many veterans say that the VA system has failed them. I did not find that to be true in my case. After multiple hospital stays and the fortune to have a mental health counselor for over 13 years I have been brought back to life and living my life as fully as I can. Trying to give back to others the support I received is a hard task yet so rewarding. I am by no means cured of my mental health illness but I am better than I was. I give God the thanks and the praise deserved. I recognize that so many stood up to assist me in my labors. My best to all and bless the good work of those volunteers who give of themselves, love to our neighbors.

Response by Amn Matthew Davison made Jun 17 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-06-17T12:26:24-04:00

Operation Confidence is a 501 (3) c grassroots non-profit organization serving homeless and disabled veterans. We conduct a weekly radio/Facebook program directed to Veterans and their families, providing valuable information on legal, educational, services, healthcare, financial and additional services to our listeners. We pay for air time ourselves. A gift card would be very helpful in paying for our services information. To learn more about us, go to [login to see] . Thank you for your kind attention. Respectfully, Matt Davison, disabled Veteran and Operation Confidence Board Member.

Response by SGT Kittie LaFazia made Jun 17 at 2021 12:31 PM

2021-06-17T12:31:16-04:00

Our American Legion post had partnered with Farm to Family program during Covid to help get food boxes to anyone who needed help. We had drive thru giveaways where we would give out at least 480 boxes of food -getting healthy food to about 3000 people at a time. But we needed volunteer help to do this - the best were sailors from the ships currently docked in Everett. Every time we needed more volunteers - Navy personnel showed up and helped for hours handing out 20 lb boxes of food.

Response by Sgt Sophia Cottrill made Jun 17 at 2021 3:06 PM

2021-06-17T15:06:14-04:00

My neighborhood has many veterans.This is my military community. Whenever someone needs help with something all they have to do is ask. They are the kindest and the most helpful. We have helped with yard work, finding a lost pet, moving heavy objects, giving advice or recommendations. That is my neighborhood.

Response by Jennifer Allen made Jun 17 at 2021 3:09 PM

2021-06-17T15:09:33-04:00

I'm going to take a moment to brag about my husband. He is retired from the AF and is now a mental health therapist who specializes in helping vets who suffer from Trauma, PTSD, Depression, and so much more. He spent some time working in shirt duty while in the AF without ever receiving the recognition or the actual title. During this time, he gave his squadron his all and he realized that there is a great need for mental health services in the military and after.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-06-17T16:15:27-04:00

Due to the onset of the coronavirus, in person transitional readiness seminars (TRS or formerly known as TAMP) were transitioned from in-person to online. This created a gap for specific questions for those facing a stressful period of change in their life journey. Due to my 36 year career in the Reserves, I have separated more than a dozen times when called to active duty, with this experience, I created a condensed brief and delivered it to hundreds of transitioned or transitioning service members to demystify the VA benefits disability process, enrollment into VA healthcare, and also the challenges and preferred practices for both civilian and government employment after leaving the military. These briefs received word of mouth notoriety for useful content that first term and retiring service members needed to attend. I provided them to entire sections, conducted one-on-one sessions, and currently have one scheduled to brief currently serving members from the East Coast to Japan next month. I look forward to continue my service to serve others when I retire from the Reserves this fall and dedicate all of my efforts for our Veterans as an employee for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Response by CPL Joshua Thigpen made Jun 17 at 2021 6:10 PM

2021-06-17T18:10:45-04:00

Music can heal wounds medicine cannot. Guitars4Vets has fulfilled over 40,000 lessons and distributed over 4,000 guitars for free to Military Veterans. The Chairman of the Board, Pete Ruzicka is a 24 year retired veteran who captains the ship that is a Veteran based community in both instructors and students. I myself am a disabled/retired Veteran and have found through this program a fighting chance. The focus is that we shouldn’t have to face issues like PTSD alone, and through the art of music, we can learn to live again. I am now an instructor in my local chapter where I volunteer to instruct lessons to my brethren where they can, through attending the lessons, earn a free guitar from this beautiful organization. By creating a chapter type organizational chart, we are able to find each other in what would otherwise be a world where we feel alone, establishing a deeply intertwined community of fellow Veterans coming together to learn and make music. G4V is providing purpose for Veterans through this recreational therapy and interactions with others through gratuitously generous work. I can think of no other community stronger than what we have established at Guitars4vets!

Response by MSG David Jensen made Jun 17 at 2021 7:58 PM

2021-06-17T19:58:27-04:00

While on active duty overseas, I would go to the PX every Christmas Eve and pay off as many layaways as possible for Junior Enlisted Soldiers. The only conditions I had was it had to be all toys for children, it had to be for Soldiers in the rank of E5 and below, the PX had to call the Soldiers and tell them to come pick up their toys, and they could not tell the Soldiers, who paid off their layaway. A couple of years ago, there was a Junior Enlisted Soldier in our unit, who didn't have a winter coat and it was really cold outside. I took our First Sergeant to the military clothing store and bought her a Military Gortex jacket and asked it be given to her anonymously. I know this doesn't hold a candle to some of the other stories, but I wanted to share a story that shows even small acts of kindness toward Soldiers can make a difference.

Response by SPC Basil Papachristos made Jun 17 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-06-17T20:15:53-04:00

I was at Fort Campbell Kentucky on a hot summer day and instead of going for duty I decided to go fishing next to the river by Fort Campbell. There was a bridge going over the highway so I decided to fish under the bridge so know one would see me. Some soldier was riding his bike on the side of the roadway and was hit by a car, flew over the guard rail and landed right in front of me. I pulled him out of the water and did what first aid I could do and ran up onto the highway and stop a car and ask them to call 911. When emergency services came I took off back to my duty post. I was so scared that I was gonna get in trouble for skipping some of my duty work I never told anyone what had happened. The military wanted to know who was the soldier that helped save the person that got hit on the bicycle on the bridge. I never told them that it was me. So it ended up being successful day after all.

Response by SPC Robbie Henry made Jun 17 at 2021 8:57 PM

2021-06-17T20:57:42-04:00

As a us army veteran I still serve my community today I am a volunteer firefighter and have been for 20 years now it’s not just for fun I have gone through over 1000 hours of training and help people in every possible way I can I love what I do if someone’s house is on fire I’m there if your hurt I’m there if you need help getting out of your car I’m there anything I can do I will do it for you I also do construction I recently did a handicapped accessible bathroom for a disabled veteran for free of charge and now starting to do them for other veterans

Response by SrA Patrick Riley made Jun 18 at 2021 7:08 AM

2021-06-18T07:08:42-04:00

Every single time I visit the VA, I encounter happy volunteers eager to help me out and willing to do what it takes to make sure my visit goes smoothly. It is a real uplift for people my age just to know that people care about each other particularly in a world where so many negative things are happening everyday. Hooray for the Vets!

Response by FA Johnny Davis made Jun 18 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-06-18T13:36:36-04:00

I pray for the Viet Nam veterans.Brave and Honorable men and women. The healing continues to this day. They are and ever will be the best of the best!

Response by SSgt Robert Blankemeyer made Jun 18 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-06-18T15:52:52-04:00

Ed Kienle, quarterly did the breakfast for the 302nd out of Wilmington, OH. They moved to Rickenbacker about 1970, but anybody from Rickenbacker was welcomed to come. Ed was concern ed for all of the retirees, and wanted to be sure they had each other. He made this happen with his quarterly social, the men enjoyed meeting and discussing old times in the service together.

Response by LCpl Janet Freeland made Jun 18 at 2021 5:29 PM

2021-06-18T17:29:34-04:00

I personally know a vet and their family who during this who epidemic has encouraged the family to give from their heart, helped many homeless VETS with a meal food and personal needs.

We can't help everyone, but one can help many.

Organizing food deliveries to a few widowed vets and delivering yarn and material to help vets and/or their families have something to do, so as not to go stir crazy.

it may take a village to raise a child but it takes a community to help keep us all strong.

Response by SrA Jacob Wakefield made Jun 19 at 2021 1:50 PM

2021-06-19T13:50:46-04:00

I’m a veteran myself and a part time real estate agent in my free time. I am able to help other military in my area buying and selling through special real programs. Have to help those that have helped me. If in Illinois and need real estate help then reach out as happy to support!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-06-20T21:42:43-04:00

We all know our squadron mates will drop anything to help out from PCSing to making meals when someone just had a baby or is in the hospital or when their loved one is deployed. We will offer babysitting so that loved ones can reconnect and are always available in case of an emergency. That’s one of the best things about the military, even when you move you already have a network of 100 great friends. I want to share a heartbreaking story about a retired military pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice and saved two kids on the beach in Florida. Michael Robidoux was a coworker of mine and the consummate aviator and leader. He didn’t even hesitate when he saw two children in danger and risked his life to save them. Unfortunately he lost his in the process. I just wanted to pass on his story of a good deed and hope it helps his legacy live on. https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/michael-robidoux-retired-military-pilot-drowns-saving-two-children-along-florida-beach

michael-robidoux-retired-military-pilot-drowns-saving-two-children-along-florida-beach

Response by 2LT Bruce Mendelsohn made Jun 21 at 2021 9:39 AM

2021-06-21T09:39:14-04:00

With deep admiration and respect for the contributions and service of my fellow veterans, I offer this as an example: https://people.com/human-interest/boston-marathon-bombing-good-samaritan-helps-victims-in-blast-aftermath/

boston-marathon-bombing-good-samaritan-helps-victims-in-blast-aftermath

Response by 2LT Bruce Mendelsohn made Jun 21 at 2021 9:43 AM

2021-06-21T09:43:22-04:00

Mark Faldowski of "Legacies Alive" (he's a co-founder and president). The mission of Legacies Alive is to strengthen and support the Gold Star families of our nation’s fallen heroes and to bring national awareness to the life and character of all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We accomplish our mission by providing unwavering support to Gold Star families and by ensuring the legacies of our fallen heroes are forever alive. (legaciesalive.com)

Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree from USMA, where he played football for the Black Knights. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and was stationed in Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Washington. He served in the 25th Infantry Division and the 75th Ranger Regiment. While on active duty, Mark served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving active duty, he earned his Masters in Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame and currently works in the Investment Banking Division for UBS.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-06-21T20:36:02-04:00

4 Paws 2 Freedom is a phenomenal organization that provides training and support to veterans in need of a service dog. They help you care for and train your own pup in three phases at no cost to a veteran with a disability.

Response by SSG Scott Kelley made Jun 22 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-06-22T14:43:30-04:00

Honor Flight is a non-profit with sub-organizations throughout the United States. Honor Flight transports military veterans to Washington D.C. to see the memorials of the respective war(s) they fought, at no cost to the veterans. In my home state of Nevada, many people dedicate their time to escort veterans and their money to fund trips. Each time an Honor Flight returns to Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno or McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, hundreds of people gather in the lobby to cheer the veterans. This is a wonderful experience for everyone involved. I have had the privilege of escorting Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. Our Honor Flight’s current focus are Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. Next will be Gulf War-era veterans, followed by War on Terrorism veterans. Contact your local Honor Flight to see how you can support this amazing non-profit.

Response by SPC Paul Tull made Jun 22 at 2021 10:43 PM

2021-06-22T22:43:08-04:00

Freedom Sings USA pairs Veterans with professional songwriters. The Veteran tells their military story and a song is crafted and professionally recorded. Through this powerful experience combined with Veterans helping Veterans & the opportunity for continuous participation, we empower our servicemen & women to help bring each other home. http://www.FreedomSingsUSA.org http://www.FreedomSingsArkansas.org

Non-Profit Songwriting Therapy for Veterans

Freedom Sings USA helps veterans, active duty military and their families throughout the country reach emotional balance by telling their stories through the creative process of songwriting.

Response by Courtenie Barnes-jackson made Jun 23 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-06-23T20:40:33-04:00

This is for the woman who sets the bar, on being a soldier with grace, and a compassionate yet strong surviving Veteran, Mrs. Ella Jefferson-Speed. She is the founder of the FIRST all-women Veteran Supportive Living Foundation in Oklahoma county. Being a disabled Vet has pushed her drive to provide a safe and secure place for military women in need. Mrs. Speed served in the military for 10 years, 11 months and 10 days. She has served both overseas and, in the US, even bearing children while serving. Mrs. Speed bore all three of her children while actively on duty; her oldest Josh was born in South Carolina on base, her 2nd child Iesha was born in Hawaii where she was stationed for 3.5 years and her youngest child, King was born in Germany in 1989. Mrs. Speed's life and the lives of her ancestors have been committed to serving this country; her father, her and her late uncle whom she was the care taker of, are all Veterans. She actively serves in her Oklahoma community by volunteering for Sooner Stand Down, Feed the Army National Guard, the Homeless Alliance. I chose Mrs. Ella Jefferson-Speed, the founder of a Veteran Women's Non-profit Organization because she is an active, honorable force in our community. Her military blood has compelled her to be a natural server and giver of ALL Veterans and her strength and determination has streamed her to open the First ALL-female Supportive Living Foundation in Oklahoma County: Soul Survivor Supportive Living Foundation. Thank you Mrs. Jefferson-Speed, thank you!

Response by PVT Jacob Korba made Jun 23 at 2021 9:21 PM

2021-06-23T21:21:13-04:00

10 years after getting out I ran into a guy I served in the same unit with in a dog park. He confided that he was planning on finding a safe place for his dogs so he could kill himself. I immediately went into brother mode and begin going through crisis resolution with him. Finding out that he was down on his luck away from home and felt like he didn't matter. I gave him my camper to use until he could afford a place and allowed him into my home and my family accepted him as a brother. 2 years later and he is now talking about marriage to a beautiful young lady and is on a much better path. The military taught us how to depend on each other and how to support each other. Those bonds never fade. I've helped and been helped by many of my brothers in arms over the years and I can honestly say these relationships were the best thing the Army gave me.

Response by TSgt Janice Urffer made Jun 24 at 2021 1:46 PM

2021-06-24T13:46:21-04:00

My Dad, Ray Rosenberger helped build a park in his neighborhood, he is retired Air Force Veteran.

Response by SN Katheryn Bermann made Jun 24 at 2021 1:50 PM

2021-06-24T13:50:01-04:00

Like many people trying to get back to normal after a pandemic has been challenging, but this was made even more difficult by my father passing away earlier this year. I only recently sought guidance to work through the aftermath and impact. While I was completing a counseling program a fellow vet, Marine, recognized my mannerisms as being military and reached out to share his story. We were able to help each other through a very challenging few days. I thank him greatly for being a supportive ear and wish both him and his son the best.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-06-25T22:01:15-04:00

In January, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to several other areas. I was deployed to Travis AFB for a Covid 19 mission and had driven my personal vehicle thee. My dad’s provider made it clear that I needed to get home as soon as possible. Maj Melissa Stevens dropped everything, purchased a plane ticket and was on her way to California to drive home with me before I could even take in what was happening. I don’t know what I would have done without her on the 18 hour drive home. She continues to support me in all ways possible through the passing of my dad just three days ago. This is not the only time she has been there for me and others over the past 19.5 years of working and deploying together. She is one of the most selfless people I know and is an outstanding flight nurse and officer. I will never be able to express to her how much she means to me and how much she has “been there” through the tough times over the years. Thank you, Maj Stevens (Mel)!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 26 at 2021 5:05 PM

2021-06-26T17:05:33-04:00

PO1 H Gene Lawrence is absolutely correct! The 501(c)(3) organization for which COL Mikel J. Burroughs made his 10,000 mile ride, RIP Medical Debt, is extraordinary. The organization buys veterans’ medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar. A single donation of $100 can retire $10,000 (or more) of medical debt.
Give the $100 value of the Amazon card to RIP Medical Debt and retire $10,000 of veterans’ medical debt!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 29 at 2021 5:00 AM

2021-06-29T05:00:02-04:00

Great info for all, thanks for sharing.

Response by RallyPoint News made Jul 1 at 2021 3:43 PM

2021-07-01T15:43:19-04:00

Congratulations to the following RallyPoint members! You've won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated and shared their stories!

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Aug 18 at 2021 11:21 AM

2021-08-18T11:21:42-04:00

I had my orders for an R&R. I hitched a ride to Qui Nhon airport. I put my name on the list to board a flight to Cam Ranh Bay. I soon realized that higher rank would always fly first, I was going nowhere.. i was able to contact the control tower, talk to a friend who let me board a C-130 cargo plane flying to Danang, Rocket ridge, and then Cam Ranh Bay. It the plane was loaded with munitions at these stops. I could not fly. The pilot was great. "Welcome aboard flight ***. We will be flying at *** ft. and for your convenience we have a latrine on the wall. Best flight I've ever taken.