SSG Kevin Flike here, former Green Beret, coming by to share an unusual story with you on 2/14. What questions do you have for me?

SSG Kevin Flike — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:36:37 -0500

*RP Staff is monitoring this discussion*

From SSG Flike:
During my second Afghanistan deployment, on September 25, 2011, I suffered a gunshot wound to my lower abdomen. This marked the beginning of a long and painful journey. I sustained a fractured hip, lost 20% of my colon, and suffered a damaged femoral nerve, resulting in permanent disability. After six surgeries, thousands of hours of physical therapy and over 40 inches of scars, my health is progressing rapidly.

Outside of the unusual circumstances of my injury, there’s a lot we all share in common that I’m here to discuss: the fear of transition and uncertainty of life after service are two things that were front of mind for me. Through my experiences, I’ve found perseverance to be the most powerful ally. I’m excited to join you on the 14th to answer any questions you may have about me, talk about the career path I found and how it relates to my military experience, and encourage you that the outcome you desire may always be within your grasp.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 7 at 2017 8:40 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:40:43 -0500

Would you do it all over again?

Response by CPL Crystal Pettway, MBA made Feb 7 at 2017 8:41 AM

CPL Crystal Pettway, MBA — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:41:19 -0500

I praise you for your service. Thank you. I'll be back with questions.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 7 at 2017 8:44 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:44:53 -0500

No questions Kevin, but a note to recognize your perseverance and desire to help others remains consistent with all Special Forces Attributes. For that I thank you brother.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 7 at 2017 9:04 AM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:04:24 -0500

Impressive... look froward to the Q&A...
Thanks for the INfo and Share...
DOL...

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 7 at 2017 11:22 AM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 11:22:06 -0500

First I want to thank you for your service to our country SSG Flike. I also want to say welcome to RP and we look forward to hearing your perspective on different subjects. Glad to hear that you are on the mend. I will try to put a few questions together for you as well.

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made Feb 7 at 2017 1:11 PM

GySgt Bill Smith — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:11:13 -0500

SSG Flike thank you for your sacrifices you have made for your country and countries abroad. My questions are, what financial advise would you give someone transitioning out of the military to college? How should they be preparing themselves financially i.e house, loans, dept, credit after college?

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 7 at 2017 5:18 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 17:18:22 -0500

Do you think being within the special forces community makes the transition easier or more difficult? Does having a tighter network of peers help? Are there experiences that would be helpful to share during your transition which you are unable to (OPSEC, classified material, etc.)? If so, does that make you feel more isolated?

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 7 at 2017 11:48 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:48:35 -0500

No questions, SSG Kevin Flike, just my thanks to you for your selfless service.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 6:36 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 18:36:33 -0500

What would you say would be the hardest point in training?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 7:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 19:18:10 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike Welcome. I hope you have a smooth transition and great success in your future career. I would like to know: How you would characterize your previous organizational culture, how that has influenced you and how it will continue to influence you? How would you characterize the civilian culture you are entering into?

Response by SFC William Farrell made Feb 10 at 2017 7:58 PM

SFC William Farrell — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 19:58:00 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike Certainly glad you are here to talk about your experiences. Wishing you all the best. Tell me, how do you go from such a high adrenaline rush type job with Special Forces to a Wealth Advisor job? They seem like they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Stay well.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 9:25 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 21:25:29 -0500

Thank you for your service SSG Flike. You are truly are remarkable person to have here on Rally Point. I am so glad to see that your health is progressing quite rapidly. May you continue on your road to recovery and continue to be great and honorable man.

My question for you is: when you went thru your training for the Green Berets, did you ever think that one day that women might be training along side of men in this field as well?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 10 at 2017 9:27 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 21:27:01 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike Thanks for joining us to talk. Congratulations on your recovery so far. What is the most challenging aspect to talking with people who haven't shared your experience? How do you overcome and move past some of the assumptions people might make about you based on limited information?

Response by Cpl Casey Meyer made Feb 10 at 2017 9:50 PM

Cpl Casey Meyer — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 21:50:59 -0500

I do have a question SSgt, I work with a few different advocacy groups, one of which being the VFW Action Corps, and will be sending reps to speak on behalf of veterans as far as repairing VA flaws, and my question is, are there any recommendations you may have from VA healthcare you'd like to see fixed? I will leave your name out of my report if you would like. I always offer anonymity.

Response by Lesley Carver made Feb 10 at 2017 10:23 PM

Lesley Carver — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 22:23:05 -0500

Thank you so much for your dedicated and selfless service to our country!!

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Feb 10 at 2017 11:19 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 23:19:14 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike thank you for your service and contributions.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 11 at 2017 5:15 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 05:15:50 -0500

First, thanks for sharing. After being wounded, do you remember your first thoughts and what was your first flash thinking of life in the future?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 11 at 2017 6:19 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 06:19:39 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike thank you for being such a good example of determination and inspiration for all of us.

Response by SSG Eric Burleson made Feb 11 at 2017 7:36 AM

SSG Eric Burleson — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 07:36:43 -0500

Hey Kevin. Another SF guy, a Legionairre, here. Wanted to know if you had any military habits that you found did you a disservice after separating?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Feb 11 at 2017 8:28 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 08:28:55 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike Thanks for your dedicate service to this country. I salute you. How has transition been for you overall? I work with a number of non-profit organizations: Sponsor a Vet Life (SAVL), Victory for Veterans, and National Veterans Transition Service. Are you interested in being a Board of Director Member with Victory for Veterans (VFV)? If there is come interest please reach out to me here on RallyPoint or personally at: [login to see]

Response by Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. made Feb 11 at 2017 9:42 PM

Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 21:42:14 -0500

Kevin, No Questions. But I had to thank you and salute you for your service Afghanistan. Will check back in to see you comments on other vets. comments.

Response by SPC Jordan Brown made Feb 11 at 2017 10:37 PM

SPC Jordan Brown — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 22:37:12 -0500

Thank you for your bravery and service Sergeant!

Response by LTC Neil Anderson, MEP made Feb 12 at 2017 3:29 PM

LTC Neil Anderson, MEP — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 15:29:10 -0500

Kevin, no questions, just a heart-felt thanks for all you have done for this nation and all you continue to do, and especially for your work with the Green Beret Foundation. Airborne!

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 12 at 2017 4:28 PM

SMSgt Roger Horton — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 16:28:05 -0500

I praise you for your service to out country. I thank you for sharing your story and will look for questions and your answers.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Feb 12 at 2017 5:13 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 17:13:35 -0500

I would like Say to You and Your Family thanks for Defending our Country it great.
I served 16.5 years and trained to be ready to defend for United States But I never served in the War I was in 1974 till 1990. Get well.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by Elijah Hunter made Feb 12 at 2017 7:57 PM

Elijah Hunter — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 19:57:45 -0500

Hello, Kevin! I'm a Russian living in America and pursuing my Ph.D. research (not therapy) degree in Family Sciences. One of my research interests is in couple satisfaction in military families (defined as a family in which one or both are connected or have been connected/served, but retired military members). One of my specific interests is in Moral Injury (MI) that results from committing or witnessing to acts that violate deeply held moral beliefs and the connection of MI with couple satisfaction. MI is not a diagnosis such as PTSD, but symptomatology is similar to the latter. SO, my question to you: Have you ever found yourself OR any other friends of yours in a morally difficult situations and what has helped them to overcome, if ever, the consequences of those morally challenging situations?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 12 at 2017 10:37 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:37:11 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike thanks again for doing a Q&A here. My question is this- do you talk with any of your peers at Goldman Sachs about your experiences in the military and especially your injury and recovery, etc? If so, what are their reactions, and do you ever feel awkward talking about this stuff with them if they become uncomfortable?

Response by CPT David Gowel made Feb 13 at 2017 6:54 AM

CPT David Gowel — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 06:54:52 -0500

SSG Kevin Flike As a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant who took a bullet in Afghanistan then picked up two degrees from MIT & Harvard during your recovery, you're a bad ass: I thank you for your exceptional service and the example you set for us all. Now that you have a career at Goldman Sachs, what advice do you have for service members who are currently in uniform and are considering their civilian career options but don't yet have a degree?

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Feb 14 at 2017 7:45 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 07:45:10 -0500

All that I can say is stay motivated and focused because there are many stumbling blocks in civilian life...take care of everything that You have worked for/attained.

Response by Mary Burchard Pikula made Feb 14 at 2017 8:01 AM

Mary Burchard Pikula — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:01:15 -0500

I'm so glad to know you are recovering after all you have gone through. I'm sorry you were injured. I'm grateful for your service. I hope you are receiving excellent care. Again, thank you.

Response by Debbie Miller made Feb 14 at 2017 8:06 AM

Debbie Miller — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:06:21 -0500

Thank you for allowing us to witness your story, which offers us two things (1) gratitude for your service and sacrifice, and (2) a great example of courage, sheer will and dedication! This offers hope that we should be able to conquer what lies before us. Thank you -

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Feb 14 at 2017 8:28 AM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:28:32 -0500

Its been 2 1/2 years so far since being medically retired. I have no idea when and how it happened but I've lost all confidence in myself as far as being able to sustain and thrive in a civilian sector job. I fear having to deal with people in different situations, considering my whole life was about people and serving them, this is a so uncomfortable and not like me at all. How do we over come something so simple yet dibilitating

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Feb 14 at 2017 8:29 AM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:29:42 -0500

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Feb 14 at 2017 9:15 AM

Sgt William Straub Jr. — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:15:31 -0500

I can't thank you enough for your service and the dedication you showed to your fellow soldiers. God Bless you and help in your rapid healing. Valentine wishes from my wife and me.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Feb 14 at 2017 11:12 AM

Jerry Rivas — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 11:12:11 -0500

You are absolutely right about perseverance. The human equation is something no doctor can cipher.....pure damn stubbornness and determination can go a long way. At 60 years old, I have replaced joints and various plates, pins, and screws holding me together. I spend 2 hours in a gym everyday. You are proof that there are no limits....only excuses. Rock on dude. And THANK YOU for your service.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Feb 14 at 2017 1:50 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:50:45 -0500

Like you, I was medically retired, only pre 9/11...
I had no idea what I was going to do with my life as I was a career troop after 18 yrs as a dependent - it was in the blood!
I was given orders with less than 3 weeks to find a job and back then, unlike now, the VA wasn't as readily available, not prepared to assist with my departure. So I had to wait until I had a DD214 in hand! The good thing for you, is it all done now and you probably just got a slight decrease in pay, depending on your departure rating from the Army and your VA rating. If you need money like most not ready to depart, find the first available job, as I did and make the best of the funding until you can locate something better!
Assuming you are above 50%, I'd file for the vocational rehabilitation program. Why, because in certain instances beyond your leadership and teamwork, there may not be too many jobs in your line of work or specialty. Note I said "may"! That said, the VA VOC REHAB can be a blessing to one such as yourself, with regards to either retraining or the education you would like to pursue. So far, I have a Bachelors and am 4 classes from an MBA! Make the system work for you by reading and questioning everything you can get out of it, because trust me, if you don't, someone else will! I learned the hard way that now that you are out, you have to learn to be an "individual" again. No one take care of you like the job you just left, and trust me, you will miss that cohesive unit and team lifestyle! Take note of this if nothing else, "No one will take care of you, for you, accept you, because you are your best asset!" Know one knows you, accept you.
Now that you are out, the game has changed and you have to now conform back to the civilian lifestyle you once had. But keep those traits the Army taught you. The 5-10 minutes early, the communication, the honor, professional, the quiet warrior you once were needs to open up a little, because you will now be writing ALL of you own awards and yearly evals more than likely! That one was difficult because I "expected" for my work to shine and speak for itself. NOPE, didn't quite happen that way!
As far as your NCO skills, just a blanket note that most don't think about, your net worth on the job market! Your military training and skills are quite transferable within the leadership, training and HR departments. Simply apply the skills to paper from your past experiences, whether it was self taught or school house instructorship. Something that you might like to consider is PMP or MBB certification or both! The Project Management Professionalization course is huge within the government if you plan to stick around that area of work. On the civilian side, a Master Black Belt will be a nice ticket too. If you have the patience for learning, computer software development and programming, or healthcare are two huge areas these days!
Don't be afraid to jump back into society, but be careful just how much information you speak of, especially with regards to PTSD and any mental disabling issues. Though it is not said, I have seen employers activities that would otherwise be discriminating during their hiring or promotable statuses. Don't lie, just don't be as forth-coming with certain things. They cannot specifically ask and you are not required to tell!
As the consummate Quiet Professional, I suspect you will do just fine in your transition, just learn to be patient because the world around you will now move much slower than you are used to it moving and at a much slower pace!
I've been medically retired now for almost 17 years. I am still learning things today about the workforce and what to say and not and how it can harm your getting hired, by being frank and honest in your conversation! If you didn't know before, learn how to politic if you need, it will be beneficial. I don't like to use, I hate it! I prefer to keep the sugar in the dish instead of having to coat the issues at hand...
You will be fine Sir! A new term for you! Welcome to civilian lifestyle...
One last thing, and it generally gets to some pretty early on after leaving. Some start feeling a net worth or find themselves getting discouraged and/or depressed. If you do, please, call the VA Veterans Crisis Line at [login to see] or 911, or me, at [login to see] . We have lost too many fine people over the years! I am nobody special, but a shoulder is sometimes needed! V/R, Jim

Response by SPC Thomas Moosey made Feb 14 at 2017 5:29 PM

SPC Thomas Moosey — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:29:28 -0500

Thank you for your service, and giving so much to our country. I would like to ask you about the VA how was that transition. What advice would you give a soldier getting out?

Response by SSG Kevin Flike made Feb 14 at 2017 5:30 PM

SSG Kevin Flike — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:30:21 -0500

To learn more about my story please go to http://www.woundedbywar.com and like the Facebook Page by the same name.

Wounded By War – A Green Beret's journey to physical, mental and emotional healing

I was born and raised in Stillwater, a small town in upstate New York. I went to an all boys, Catholic, military high school called La Salle Institute in Troy, New York. Upon graduation, I attended ...

Response by SPC Sean Martin made Feb 14 at 2017 6:30 PM

SPC Sean Martin — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 18:30:55 -0500

PTSD? If so, how do you handle it? If not, why do you think that is?

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Feb 14 at 2017 6:57 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 18:57:00 -0500

Thank you for your service to our country SSG. I hope you get your strength back, or most of it.
M. Morris RVT

Response by SCPO David A. made Feb 14 at 2017 8:01 PM

SCPO David A. — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 20:01:46 -0500

Departure from military service can bring about a deep-seated fear, "the fear of transition and uncertainty of life after service", as you mentioned. These fears can be almost as crippling as a service related injury when one lacks direction, support and affiliation with the right resources. Sustaining a near fatal injury not only exacerbate this real fear but it can also stymie the transition back into life with family, friends and a society that honors our undaunted courage. I believe that all persons that enlist, whether out of tradition, to protect, to honor, or simply to improve themselves, also sacrifice a part of their lives and would benefit from those that have experienced setbacks and overcome them, to help them in their transition. So, please share the "rest of your story" so that those with similar challenges are encouraged to overcome their injuries and fears as you have so gallantly done. Personally, I'm humbled by your heroic experiences but also inspired by your courage and commitment to continue to carry the flag of honor within your heart. I salute you and thank you for your service to this great nation and all of its people regardless of affiliation. Again, thank you for sharing your touching experience and unselfishly breathing courage into all of us.
Humbly
AECS David Adams

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Feb 14 at 2017 10:13 PM

SFC Charles Kauffman — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 22:13:53 -0500

Beat him to a pulp publicly

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Feb 14 at 2017 10:26 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 22:26:56 -0500

No questions as I've been out for many years and have retired from a long successful career in Law Enforcement. I just wanted to thank you for the time you are committing to RP and the men and women who can benefit from your experiences.

Response by SFC Mj Brown made Feb 15 at 2017 8:06 PM

SFC Mj Brown — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 20:06:43 -0500

Ft Myers,VA

Response by SPC James Gromley made Feb 16 at 2017 5:29 PM

SPC James Gromley — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 17:29:38 -0500

Thank you for all you have done and the way in which you have taken it in a way which shows what a great person as well as service member that you are. Your story alone shows how a positive attitude can over come a lot of issues. As someone who no longer has a colon, due to illness not service related injury, I know a lot about what you have gone through. All I can add is to keep going strong and showing others how to over come.

Response by COL Peter Dimitrov made Feb 17 at 2017 12:11 AM

COL Peter Dimitrov — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 00:11:00 -0500

I will follow this story.

Response by SFC Joseph Dunphy made Feb 23 at 2017 8:48 AM

SFC Joseph Dunphy — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:48:12 -0500

SSG Filke: What advice could you give both patients and caregivers about the process of physical therapy? I know that just the physical effort of arranging and going on medical transportation has its own issues, and that any patient finds themselves in more or less of a fishbowl of medical personnel, and the patient has to keep answering the same questions over and over again, even though a lot of the info is already in the medical chart. What are your thoughts?

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Feb 26 at 2017 12:03 AM

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:03:09 -0500

No questions here, but, I do salute you, brother. Thank you for your service. You are an inspiration to so many. Praying for complete recovery. Be Blessed.

Response by PV2 John Gurney made Apr 23 at 2017 12:22 AM

PV2 John Gurney — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 00:22:56 -0400

On the lighter side, when people say you are full of shit. You can tell them yes but 20% less. Have to have a little humor in suffering or it's just pain. Quick recovery to you. Be strong.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made May 6 at 2017 8:17 AM

SSG Michael Scott — Sat, 06 May 2017 08:17:32 -0400

Awesome response.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made May 19 at 2017 2:47 PM

PFC Aaron Cox — Fri, 19 May 2017 14:47:37 -0400

Well, I'm glad you survived. Unfortunately our civilian counter parts will more then likely never understand what we go through as service persons. That just means that our sacrifice is worth it. Make sure you have all of your records involving your injuries in the service. The military is fond of using the difference between official and unofficial as well as paper shuffles to screw vets out of benefits. The V.A. is fond of screwy regulations and loop holes to mess over Vets.

Response by Leland Whitehouse made Jun 15 at 2017 5:21 PM

Leland Whitehouse — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:21:04 -0400

I'm convinced for several reasons that the Bin Ladin raid was a false flag. I have high respect for Navy Seals & they do not shoot unarmed people. Yet the 1st report was,- Two people in the room both unarmed. The female was shot in the leg then Bin Ladin point blank in the head. ? Their orders would have been, bring back alive at all cost.

Response by PO2 Gerald Smiley made Jun 29 at 2017 7:30 PM

PO2 Gerald Smiley — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 19:30:54 -0400

I Stand Tall & Salute You Would love to talk to you but I will be Away from the PC for that whole week But what you have to say will help others you take care Brother

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Jul 2 at 2017 9:46 PM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 21:46:17 -0400

Hello and thank you for your sacrifice and service. I am an army bratt of a career soldier and a vetran of special operations airgroups and the proud father of a young sgt in a special eod unit at ft.bragg. I don't have any questions for you but I wanted to express my thanks and wish you all the best in your future. Sgt.C.H. Hawes

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Jul 18 at 2017 2:18 AM

SSG Everett Wilson — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 02:18:40 -0400

No questions. Thank you for chance to ask a question. Thank you for your great desire to reach out and help others. Please keep up the great job brother.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Aug 3 at 2017 1:54 PM

SPC Robert Coventry — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:54:54 -0400

Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country, I'm proud to be a small part of what guys like you did. I was in during no war time and so admire guys like you that gave so much. Keep you head up carry on, I know you will do more great things in the future

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2017 4:13 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 04:13:20 -0400

Hi Kevin thank you for being an inspiration to me and your service welcome to Rally Point it is good to have you I think you will find it a great community they will help you out with anything.

Response by 1SG Ted Mcdaris made Aug 23 at 2017 12:52 AM

1SG Ted Mcdaris — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:52:52 -0400

Thank you for your service Brother. Hang in there your military experience will serve you well.

Response by Nicole Thomas made Oct 5 at 2017 8:38 PM

Nicole Thomas — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:38:06 -0400

Sir I eould like to talk to you about a young Marine I recently met who was also injured in Afgn, when the humvee they were in xploded. 3 Maries were blown apart. He had to have several surgies as you have. He"s biggest problem is "Why cant I still be a Marine? ". Physically he appears to have made a full recovery. And that is causing him problems with the VA.
THANK YOU

NICOLE THOMAS

I am on Rally Point

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Oct 6 at 2017 10:57 PM

SFC Scott Parkhurst — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 22:57:29 -0400

Wow....Painful as hell. And again, I too thank you from the bottom of my Heart for ALL that you and your fellow squad/team did for all the rest of us. I was a Combat/Flight medic so I know how much you endured. I too was injured and I know the pain and cost of coming back and or having to be retired out and it hurts.....That is one of my questions to you, how are you doing after all that? Also I have to ask this and I bet it’s annoyingly too but hey why not....I always thought that the Beret issue was pretty messed up what is your feelings on that? And would you go back now? Thanks. Scott

Response by SSG John Morgan made Oct 14 at 2017 6:02 AM

SSG John Morgan — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 06:02:26 -0400

Great article!Just wanted to say,the picture at the beginning says it all.Too many times we see 'tacticool' photos,but this truly is an 'in the field,no sh!t shot' I thank you for bravery and tenacity. John.

Response by LT Michael Scott made Oct 19 at 2017 3:21 PM

LT Michael Scott — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 15:21:01 -0400

What wss your job brother, commo or medic? A team or B?

Response by Mike Conklin made Nov 14 at 2017 12:32 PM

Mike Conklin — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 12:32:22 -0500

Kevin, No questions, just an Atta boy for all you do in continuing your service as a veteran to others .Keep up the good work, Mike Conklin / Chairman Sentinels of Freedom

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2017 10:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 10:48:19 -0500

Everything is within your grasp, never forget and never,"give up", that's a French thing lol , HOUAH

Response by Lydia De los Santos made Dec 3 at 2017 9:54 AM

Lydia De los Santos — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 09:54:52 -0500

Are all military men and woman serve cause I get scammed alot

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2017 11:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 23:21:33 -0500

Kevin, nice to meet you... I am glad to here you made it out of Afganistan alive. I thought you were going to die out there. I feel fairly certain it was you that got hit when I was monitoring mIRC for mission progress. I was in Afghanistan from Feb 2011 - Apr 2012, I can't remember anyone of our special operators being shot in stomach more than once, so I'm confident it was you. I remember when it happened the LtCol Navy Seal and SF SGM told me youd most likely die when I informed them youd been shot. They told me about the high morality rate for being should in abdomen. I feel like it's faith I randomly receive this rally point notification. Glad to hear one less died during my tenure monitoring SOF forces.

Response by CMSgt David Powell made Jan 1 at 2018 7:42 PM

CMSgt David Powell — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:42:36 -0500

When so many of our brothers and sisters are taking another route to end their physical and/or emotional pain your story is really inspirational to me. Your example of perseverance is beyond outstanding. Thank you.

Response by Cpl Rob Villegas made May 15 at 2018 3:52 PM

Cpl Rob Villegas — Tue, 15 May 2018 15:52:52 -0400

Speedy recovery and Oooraw