The lesson we can learn from a prairie dog

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 14:43:34 -0400

Recently, I had the chance to travel to Denver. It was my first time visiting that state and I could not help but be taken in by the beauty of the area. With the wide open fields, blue skies, and snow capped mountains; I was left in complete amazement.

On one of the afternoons, I decided to take a walk on this path that cut through some open fields and along the road. I took the chance to break out my camera and take some pictures. As I walked, I could see signs of prairie dogs every where. This small little creatures dug up so many holes that in some places there were more holes than path. Then, as I moved into position to take a picture, I noticed I was not alone anymore. Prairie dogs dotted the far side of the river. Standing up and making a noise to notify the others that a stranger was in the area. I took my pictures and continued on my way. Yet, as I walked, I could not stop thinking of what just happened with the prairie dogs. Here is a group of animals working together to ensure the survival of the community. I stopped and thought about how we, a community of Veterans, are similar to these prairie dogs.

I am often amazed and sometimes saddened by the behavior we demonstrate to each other. We can be our best supporters one moment and our worst enemy the next. I have seen this in my personal experiences working with Veterans. Once, when I was recognized with an award based on my accomplishments, I was met by some Veterans that felt that I was being to "showy" or making it all about me. Yet, when they received an award I was there cheering them on. I have also seen the community come together in exciting ways. Just look around this site. Once you cut through some of the more random discussions, you will find a database of some great questions and advice to and from Veterans. Just like those prairie dogs looked out for each other on that day, we must to continue to look out for ourselves. We often hear about the "entitlement" some Veterans demonstrate. I, for one, am not owed anything. Is it nice when someone recognizes my service? Sure, it is however I do not expect anything from them other than a genuine thank you. I will however, continue to look out for my fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms. Because, as I see it, if we do not look out for each other than how can we expect others to look out for us?

This does not mean we cannot look elsewhere for help. I highly recommend looking at all your choices ahead of you when trying to find help. But sadly, if a Veteran is made to feel badly or unwanted by another brother and/or sister-in-arm; then we have failed each other. It is just like being downranged. If one member of your team fails, the entire team fails.

It is critical for us, as a community of Veterans to stand up, make noise and let other Veterans know we have their back. We are our best keepers in some areas. It is on us to help share the lessons learned by our own experiences in hope that others may not encounter the same bumps in the road. That is what those prairie dogs were doing as I got set up to take my pictures. They saw something that could damage the community and they worked together to ensure the survival of the unit.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 20 at 2016 2:47 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 14:47:19 -0400

Stay alert always is the first lesson that comes to mind SGT Ben Keen
The second would be that somebody needs to stand guard against all potential enemies while others are resting, eating or the young are playing in the burrow.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 20 at 2016 2:54 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 14:54:26 -0400

Well done. Nice comparison!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 3:00 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 15:00:06 -0400

What comes to mind is to always be aware of your surroundings. Just like Prairie Dogs, Humans need to be on guard against predators.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Apr 20 at 2016 3:37 PM

Sgt Tammy Wallace — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 15:37:27 -0400

nice read...thank you. :)

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 20 at 2016 3:39 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 15:39:52 -0400

Unfortunately some of the most ardent distractors are veterans who know more about you than you, accusing suffering vets that they are fake. I don't know why they need to be so judgmental, maybe because we have not walked in their shoes, but they have not walked in our shoes.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 20 at 2016 3:59 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 15:59:06 -0400

My VFW post is coming apart at the seems because of acrimony and petty jealousies among some of the members, and this article speaks to me at so many levels. It seems that our community is as broken as the American community at large. Although we come from diverse backgrounds and diverse beliefs, we were bound, once upon a time, by a common respect and loyalty for the Constitution. Sadly, it appears that those bonds are unraveling.

Response by SPC Nathaniel O. made Apr 20 at 2016 4:18 PM

SPC Nathaniel O. — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 16:18:12 -0400

love it. Thanks for the share!

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Apr 20 at 2016 8:46 PM

PO1 Tony Holland — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 20:46:25 -0400

This deserves more than the one up vote I am allowed to give.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 12:47 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 00:47:48 -0400

Learn how to duck properly!!!