Should older veterans be treated with more respect on RallyPoint?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 11:26:38 -0500

The fact that as you get older your faculties diminish and add to that problems like TBIs and Parkinson's Disease makes comprehension tedious. As well, if you have an anxiety disorder makes communicating much more difficult.

Now another thing that I have noticed is that some older veterans come online here and they are much older than I, whose opinions are more conservative than my own. You hear them and if you do not like what they are saying just back off.

We are all a product of our own generation and should be taken in that light. My one nephew is a pain in the butt and I told him I am going to live long enough to give him grief over what he says today and how younger people will rag on him. lol

What is your take? Do you listen or are you trying to teach an old dog new tricks?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 1 at 2015 11:39 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 11:39:49 -0500

Everybody should be treated with respect here, especially our elders. However, if somebody comes here and puts out information that is unprofessional, vile, ignorant, or bigoted, then I do not believe that they should treat age as an excuse against why people convey disapproval in their contributions.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 1 at 2015 11:52 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 11:52:48 -0500

Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect on RallyPoint regardless of status, rank, etc. Opinions and points of view are exactly that, opinions and points of view. While I may not agree with what some say, that is their opinion or point of view and they are entitled to that. Agree to disagree and move on. No worries from this guy.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Jan 1 at 2015 12:27 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:27:32 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Everyone should be treated with respect, but I would add I was taught to respect my elders and my betters. They all reside here on RP and I am pleased to treat everyone with respect. I would love to see some of the more experienced Veterans join our merry band of brothers and sisters.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 1:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 13:00:27 -0500

I don't think age should be an issue. This is a comunity of professionals. Everyone should be treated with respect.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 1 at 2015 1:37 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 13:37:05 -0500

I agree that our "elders" should be respected. Bar none! I will counter that our "elders" should also respect our "youngers" just as much.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Jan 1 at 2015 2:00 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:00:21 -0500

Everyone should always be treated with respect equally until they give you a reason not to.

Response by MSgt Peter Castine made Jan 1 at 2015 2:03 PM

MSgt Peter Castine — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:03:25 -0500

As a 60 year old veteran, I believe that respect is earned. It doesn't matter what your age. I respect anyone and everyone until they give me a reason not to. Our older vets have a wealth of experience to share in both the military life and civilian life. Treat them right, and they might share it with you!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 2:25 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:25:44 -0500

I have recently met a few older veterans (who I hold in high esteem) at my local American Legion, all of whom were nothing but respectful to me. I can honestly say that age is no bar to polite and respectful conversation. Age is certainly not an excuse for treating others with disrespect.

That being said I just smh at that kind of stuff and ignore it.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jan 1 at 2015 2:40 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:40:46 -0500

A few thoughts:
- Respect for our elders should be something that is ingrained into all at a young age and then carried through for a lifetime. A 60 year old was 20 years old at one time but a 20 year old has never been 60.
- Those not taught respect for their elders at a young age usually gain that respect through experience as a result of their own bad decisions or because that respect was enforced by someone with the desire and ability to enforce it.
- Respect goes both ways. Respect given usually results in respect returned.
- There is a difference between trying to impart wisdom to a younger generation and merely telling old war stories. The difference is that imparting wisdom usually has a point at the end of the story.
- There is an old adage that we will reap what we sow. Disrespect the older generation now will most likely result in a younger generation disrespecting us when our time comes (we get old).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 5:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:23:31 -0500

I don't think the issue is age. For every "senior" member who is seemingly stuck in his/her ways, there is at least one corresponding "junior/younger/whatever" member acting equally like a broken record. There are people who take time to think through their beliefs and people who buy a party line and spout sound bites, some are young, some are old.

The trick is to disengage. It's tough because it seems like you are backing down and maybe you feel you have more points to make, but really when a person starts to just repeat him/herself or resorts to name calling, I just unfollow the thread.

That said, it's a two-way street. You cannot "impart wisdom" if you are so intensely rude about it that no one will continue to listen (I dealt with a member earlier this week who decided to refer to other members as "son" in a pejorative way, among other things). People are not going to share their wisdom with you if your posts are all provocative and repetitive. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinions, but no one is entitled to be disrespectful. If disrespect is allowed to go unchecked in the name of "free speech," good people will leave RP. You cannot say it is a professional forum and allow rampant unprofessionalism.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Jan 1 at 2015 11:02 PM

1SG Mike Case — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 23:02:47 -0500

Of course everyone deserves respect. Everyone deserves to be able to come on-line and be able to post their opinions, ideas, and articles that peak their interest. Now, regardless of age, we need to understand the environment we are operating in. While, I have read so post or articles that either I thought were stupid or got my blood boiling, I chose not to enter the conversation because I knew it would go south. Don't just come onto the scene and start verbally punching everyone in the mouth, ease into the community and test the water. People are given a wide latitude to post what they want, but we all must be aware how we conduct ourselves. No one says there can't be disagreements or posts that will irk people, but we all still must conduct ourselves as adults. This isn't Jerry Springer online but a group of people who all chose to serve our nation, either currently or veterans, and we all need to act like it.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jan 1 at 2015 11:26 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 23:26:55 -0500

Larry I along with you and quite a few more are all getting up there in age.
Yeah sometimes I get a thumbs up for a thread I comment on and don't remember writing on it, but I see my picture and see it was me.
I guess if someone disrespected me in some way or fashion I wouldn't know.
What I do know is that these young SM's from all branches make me proud, I for one listen to what they all have to say and if I don't agree with what is said, I know one thing to be true, were all different and we all think differently in every way and on many things.
I guess that what makes life work very well, See if we all thought the same way; then we would all be alike. I would go crazy if every one thought the same way as me, because if that were the case and I loss respect for another, I would actually lose respect for myself. I can't respect someone if I have no respect for myself now can I?
But the fact that we all think differently, that works pretty well for me, even if 3 or 8 month's down the line I may never remember I wrote this.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 11:41 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 23:41:32 -0500

Disrespecting elders on social networks is just the reflection of what is going on in our society. Youngsters believe they know enough not to be taught by anyone else especially the elders. Therefore youngsters in their delusion believe that they do not own respect to elders. Which is very sad.
Beside, respect is the cement of a healthy interaction regardless of the ages of the participants.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 1:13 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:13:13 -0500

Let me state categorically as well that the younger troops esteemed themselves very well. At the very outset and under very trying conditions, they have done us proud.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 2 at 2015 1:15 AM

SGT Justin Singleton — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:15:49 -0500

While I agree with everyone else saying that everyone should be treated with respect (yes, even brand new Privates), how many older vets are actually on here? I have only seen a few, but those I have seen aren't even close to the images shown above.

That said, I have a very deep respect for those of earlier wars—so very different than my own.

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Jan 2 at 2015 1:18 AM

SGT Justin Singleton — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:18:26 -0500

I sat with an elderly man named Yousef at a local shop in Madaba, Jordan. If you wanted to shop at his store, he would not allow you to shop until you sat and had "tea" with him (3/4 sugar 1/4 tea), and he would tell you his stories and stories of his family. Many of us went just to hear him talk. I wish our elderly were as accepted as those in tribal nations.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 2:10 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:10:50 -0500

I enjoy the sage advice and war stories these old war dogs share...they may feel out of touch, but we all have something in common. Our Oath! No one can take that away. We few - we damn few, we band of brothers.

Response by PO2 James Hayes made Jan 2 at 2015 2:32 AM

PO2 James Hayes — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:32:38 -0500

I don't think any person should be respected more or less just due to age. I do feel many people may use the downgrade a little to liberal. If you like and agree what has been said, upgrade it by all means! Everyone likes to be complimented! A downgrade should be more used for a truly offensive comment. Just because you disagree with a comment that voices a valid point, does not mean we need to screw someone ratings.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 2:57 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:57:37 -0500

Everyone should be treated the same on here! No more no less!

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Jan 4 at 2015 1:43 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:43:59 -0500

Everyone deserves respect. But that doesn't give anyone a free pass to be ignorant, hateful, or otherwise ridiculous. In the age of the internet, if you can learn to operate your computer enough to create accounts on social media, you can take the time to read the code of conduct associated with account creation. Similarly, whether online or not, it's a mark of civilisation and upbringing that we stay abreast of what's considered socially acceptable in mixed company.

As a sort of example, I had a good, close friend of mine come down to my house from Virginia for Christmas. We went over to a female friend's house for celebratory goodness. My friend is from El Salvador and is pretty much an equal opportunity offender -- he will make inappropriate jokes about anyone and everything. I'd warned him that said female was going to have her mother and father at the house, and that they were 80-something (father) and sixty-something (mother). They are ultra-conservative, ultra-religious, and very strict about their beliefs. I warned him that we had to be on our best behaviour.

On the way home, my buddy proceeds to relate that the father was a huge racist. Evidently he'd said some things about my buddy, and about people of colour in general, that were objectionable. He wasn't out-and-out offensive, he just used words that were acceptable during his time period -- words that are not blatant, by the way, so no he didn't bust out obvious racial slurs. This gentleman was born in Nazi Germany, by the way, and escaped with his family. So it's not like he's an old white southern guy from the days of segregation. He isn't Jewish but they fled anyway, though I've speculated that his mother (an ardent Nazi) fled because of the incoming Allied forces. Different story.

The next day I mentioned it in passing to the female friend, who's often joked about how staunch her folks are and how it can occasionally be overwhelming. Her response was "Well, he's from a different time period, where it was socially acceptable to refer to black children as [word I've never even heard of]."

My reply to that was, "Fifty years from now do you think your kids will say 'Well mom is from a time where it was socially acceptable to call gay people the f-word'? Old age isn't an excuse to be a bigot. People who remain stuck in the past are certainly entitled to do so, but that doesn't mean we have to be tolerant of their BS."

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 3:05 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 15:05:18 -0500

Respect is fine, but if I think you're wrong I don't give a damn who you are, what your rank was or where you've been and I'll tell you what for. 13th General Order is the only one in full effect after you get out "Walk my post from flank to flank, take no shit from any rank"

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 19 at 2015 6:10 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:10:40 -0400

I promise I won't hold youth and inexperience against any of my fellow RP members!

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Apr 19 at 2015 6:34 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:34:42 -0400

Everyone has my respect and if I do not agree or approve of some things it is my opinion and most of the time I would not comment on those post. Heck we are all bothers in arms and we have to support each other if no one will. We can police (Be it polite) and take it all in stride. After BMT I could face anything and be called anything...just not late for supper PLEASE. :)

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:40 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:40:07 -0400

Define "old"...I may be old but not too weak to make a difference.

Response by CPL Roland Newton made Jul 27 at 2015 2:27 AM

CPL Roland Newton — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:27:47 -0400

Absolutely, They paved the way for the rest of us. We would not be without their service.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 27 at 2015 6:45 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 06:45:25 -0400

Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of age

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jul 27 at 2015 6:50 AM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 06:50:05 -0400

Is a response in disagreement disrespect though??

There are basic societal rules that those include social media. I would feel disrespected and patronized if people weren't discussing with me because I was older.

We probably as a society do that entirely too much. He/she is old... just let them be... that sounds awful.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 7:35 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 07:35:39 -0400

Always respect older veterans. I think that there are lessons that can be learned from each generation. You just have to open your mind to hear them.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 27 at 2015 8:22 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 08:22:37 -0400

You use the term "respect" but it reads like "placated and humored" to me... Everyone here is entitled to their opinion, and everyone here is just as entitled to have their opinion rebuked, debated or crushed with research. Wrong is wrong, regardless of age...

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 19 at 2015 9:18 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 09:18:19 -0500

Damn right. Bring me a beer. Walt

Response by CW3 Guy Snodgrass made Dec 19 at 2015 9:42 AM

CW3 Guy Snodgrass — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 09:42:51 -0500

I believe everyone should be shown respect. In my opinion, this is one of the largest problems in our society (not just the military) today. I believe everyone starts equal in regards to "respect", however, there are those that after I've known for more than a few moments my respect for them diminishes. Once lost, it is hard to regain. Show respect, but also reciprocate respect.

Response by SGT Kevin Meehan made Dec 24 at 2015 10:55 AM

SGT Kevin Meehan — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 10:55:58 -0500

Yes, they should be; but also tolerance. They grew up in a different era, a time when being 'America' actually meant something to the whole world. They have different beliefs as a result of that time and the things they have been through. My respect and admiration they will always have, as should they from every American, especially our service members. They, and those before them, set our standard, we must carry it now and pass it on to our young.

Response by PVT Lindy Pelletier made Jun 9 at 2019 5:27 PM

PVT Lindy Pelletier — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 17:27:46 -0400

Respect our older and elder. We and they did not have the sophisticated resources that are and have been available in recent years. The elders that are around still, do not complain or ask for much. But gave so very much.

Response by SPC Juan Servera made Nov 11 at 2021 10:44 PM

SPC Juan Servera — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:44:42 -0500

Yes