VetSpective: Being A Veteran Is Not A Cause — It Is A Calling

CPT Alex Gallo — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:02:03 -0500

Recently, we learned of the courage, character, and selfless service of Junior ROTC cadet, Peter Wang. Wang was last seen holding open the door to allow his fellow students seek safety during the school shooting in Florida last week.

The United States Military Academy at West Point posthumously offered admissions to Wang, stating:

“One of USMA's priorities is to develop leaders of character who are committed to the values of Duty, Honor & Country. Peter Wang's actions on February 14 are an example of those principles & the academy honors his dream of being a West Point cadet with a 2025 letter of acceptance.”

To many in our society, Peter’s actions were heroic — above and beyond. To us, Peter’s actions are that of a Veteran — an ordinary person put in an extraordinary circumstances, who selflessly stepped up and did exactly what needed to be done.

And even though Peter Wang had not formally served in the military, clearly, he had already internalized the values and the selfless commitment to others that we hold dear as Veterans.

He also represented the best of the many young people that join the military all the time — those who were always a little different because they had the strength to stand-up for others against bullies, because they had the character to do the right thing, and because they had the courage to speak the truth.

But being a Veteran does not always seem to be about those unique and timeless values. Being a Veteran has become a cause.

Today, Veterans are the draw to the gala ball. Veterans are the reason for the fundraiser. Veterans are viewed as the victim, the problem — not the solution.

Civilians think that Veterans need them. When really, it may be the other way around.

What if we reversed the polarity of the assumptions and norms about the role of Veterans in our society? What if it were Veterans who helped civilian society — through their leadership and their values?

What if Veterans started mentorship programs for civil society?

What if Veterans established programs that taught the leadership, values, and ethos to civil society?

What if leadership and character actually became valued in society?

My fellow Veterans, we are not a fundraising event; we are not a gala dinner benefit; we are not props for politicians; we are not a cause.

Being a a Veteran, particularly today, is a calling. It is a calling to share with our fellow Americans our insights about true leadership, character, and moral courage.

We, Veterans, do need help. We need help transitioning into civilian life, navigating the job market, and making the challenging life decisions that all must do. That’s why RallyPoint’s Command Post exists. It’s a place where Veterans can interact with each other and help each other with these steps in life.

But this forum must also become a platform from which to change the way our civilian brethren view Veterans.

We have so much to contribute to our fellow Americans. In fact, they need us.

So, we must step up. Let’s fundamentally change what it means to be a Veteran in society today.

Change it from a cause — to a calling.

Alex Gallo is a Veteran and author of “VetSpective.”

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 28 at 2018 5:15 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:15:03 -0500

Well said CPT Alex Gallo. I concur that serving in the military services of this nation and being a veteran of that service is a calling.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 28 at 2018 5:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:17:45 -0500

I like to think the military is the tip of the spear and keeper of the countries values.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Feb 28 at 2018 5:45 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:45:39 -0500

Great share

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Feb 28 at 2018 6:30 PM

1SG Dave Carello — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 18:30:39 -0500

Absolutely Agree! Could NOT have said it better

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Feb 28 at 2018 7:20 PM

1SG Dave Carello — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 19:20:12 -0500

My Dad was a Korean War Soldier (GHQ/FEC) arriving in Pusan Thanksgiving Day 1950. As a 4 year old walking behind my Dad at a cemetery visiting His Moms grave I was amazed to see many American Flags, I started picking them up one by one and by the time Dad saw me I had an armful. Dad was kinda pissed but explained to me that those flags were Veterans flags. I didn't know what that meant so he said. Those are men who went to war and came home. I asked, Dad did you go to war? Dad replied yes. I asked him why he did that, I have never forgotten his response which was "So You don't have to". Dad taught us respect for our Country and flag that I'll never forget. And so, from my Dad in Korea 1950 My Son Matt WIA in Iraq 04 and myself Afghanistan 06 Our Stars and Stripes are sacred.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 28 at 2018 10:44 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 22:44:38 -0500

Well said, thank you. Please send it to his family..

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 8:51 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:51:17 -0500

Good post Alex.

This topic brings up many thoughts; not all of them "comfortable" for all daring to confront them. In the years since trading my uniform for civilian clothes, I've learned a lot about how "they" view "us". There's a pretty even mix of those who honor us and those who envy or even hate us. Even among our greatest advocates, there's a sense of not really understanding the reality of what it means to have served...let alone the implications of returning to civil life after service. Regardless of their love or hate, many seem to want to believe that we're all the "same"...stereotyped caricatures taken from a "Hollywood" version of what it means to be a veteran.

To my mind, what is truly missing is a sense that what we did mattered far beyond "defending freedom". We left with real skill sets and experiences that have value within the private and public sphere. This should obviously present us a leaders...rather than outsiders. However, it would seem that many are willing to "thank us for our service"...but hesitant to respect us for our accomplishments.

I think this is driven, in part at least, by the sense that we're looking for a "handout". I speak to far too many who think our veterans' community has devolved into a support group for those seeking as much compensation as possible. In a society where a "government check" has become as much a part of financial survival as wages, salary or retirement...this has possibly reduced our hard earned benefits and just compensations to little more than a new "safety net". I know that for me personally, the fear of this accusation was strong enough for me to refuse to seek any form of "assistance" beyond the VA home loan...and even then, with hesitation.

Then, there's the things we do to damage ourselves. I remember a time when "Stolen Valor" didn't exist. Everyone knew what a "poser" was...and what a deranged person was. No one bothered to "verify" the military record of the aged man called "Garfield" who marched in every parade my hometown hosted, festooned with every medal he could find, and a worn out old Army uniform. He was an old man with no family who wanted to share in the events. He'd salute the flag, cry during the National Anthem, and hug the necks of real veterans struggling to re-adjust after Vietnam. For all we knew, he'd fought at Belleau Wood...or been 4-F during WWII. Everyone recognized the difference between "Garfield"...and the line of everyday mechanics, bankers, shop keepers, lawyers and laborers in their sixties who suddenly "transformed" when the flag passed; straightening stiff backs and placing gnarled hands over their hearts. It didn't matter if they had flown in bombers over Germany, parachuted into France, boarded landing craft in the Pacific...or served hash on a destroyer; they were our veterans, and the men who led the community.

Maybe we've tried "too hard" to justify, defend or validate what we did, how we did it, or why we did it. Perhaps the very real struggle to find identity, mission and "cause" has taken something away from what we already have, and no one can take away from us...the knowledge that at least once in our lives, we accepted challenges that very few can meet, and far fewer understand.

This young man obviously sought to meet that challenge himself, and we've been robbed of someone who would've undoubtedly been a credit to himself, the uniform and his nation. Again-great post Alex.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 11:06 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 11:06:24 -0500

The common misconception is that military members are "broken." Like something is wrong with us but the reality is that many are put in situations that the average person cannot fathom while declaring how they "would do this or that" if they were in the same situation. So they speculate what they would do, but only those who have stepped up and responded know the true burden of this weight. We are the 1% for a reason, so as some shout from the rooftops, we silently do what must be done. Veterans DO lead from the front. It was because of the sacrifices of those before me that I have the honor to put on my uniform every day and those that forget this needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Mar 1 at 2018 3:45 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 15:45:02 -0500

Yes, I am a veteran of service in the United States Marine Corps. My chosen profession. See, I look at my career as a profession, a profession at arms, but a profession. A career path I was drawn to as a young boy, nurtured by books, and tales of service from family and friends. When the time came, I chose the Corps.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 8:24 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:24:54 -0500

Onion cutting ninjas...damn them

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 3 at 2018 5:26 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 17:26:13 -0500

Excellent share and tribute to JROTC.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Mar 7 at 2018 9:25 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 21:25:40 -0500

Awesomeness !!!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 11 at 2018 10:05 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:05:38 -0400

We will miss his courage and selflessness in our ranks.

Response by TSgt James Warfield made Mar 12 at 2018 1:17 AM

TSgt James Warfield — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 01:17:45 -0400

I so agree with what you say. I appreciate when I thanked for my service, but I don't need it nor truly want it.
There is one group in the civilian world started by vets to help support civilians in after a major disaster or event. The group is called Team Rubicon. Check their web page. I am not a member, however, I have worked with them many of times.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Mar 15 at 2018 2:14 PM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:14:28 -0400

A fitting Tribute would be to name the JROTC Battalion at the High School after Cadet Peter Wang. One can only imagine the career line that he would have had once he had raised his hand.

Response by LCpl Richard Peifer made Mar 27 at 2018 12:09 AM

LCpl Richard Peifer — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:09:30 -0400

Well written and verbalized. I don't wanna be the platform on which a politician gets re-elected and I don't want to be the movement that gets attention based on what I've done since coming home. I want to live my life after having served a volunteer role in the support and protection of the country I call home and love. I didn't join so I could get benefits later in life. I didn't join so I could make others feel bad for me later in life. I joined because I wanted to be a part of my nation. I joined because I wanted to do what I felt was my part continue the greatest country of all time. Since then I have a new understanding of what my country has become since I served. All of that for a different post though I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your post and agree that we need to do more as veterans than get a free meal once a year at cracker barrel and a 10% discount at lowes. We should be using the leadership we have learned and developed to stop the degradation of our nation. We should be doing more. I should be doing more.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 6:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 06:02:34 -0400

100% CORRECT! If the civilian population can see our values and what we can help them with, the lame excuses and some jealousy would be diminish!

Response by SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted made Apr 29 at 2018 10:18 PM

SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 22:18:59 -0400

I know everyone is intitled to their own opinions, and as a vet I was charged with protecting this and all other rights outlined in the Constitution. But when I read an article of this nature and I see 28 dislikes it makes me thank God that I didn't have to die for S.O.B's like them. But it may make them happy that I almost lost a leg. It seems to be what people like these want to see and hear. Some vets need all the help we can give and an awful lot refuse that help, mostly because of these 28 people multiplied by thousands. Despite these people my prayers go out to the family of Peter Wang. The military has lost a great leader and soldier. And America has lost a true citizen , with a real love for it's people.

Response by CPL Janice Hearn made May 4 at 2018 6:35 PM

CPL Janice Hearn — Fri, 04 May 2018 18:35:40 -0400

I served in the Army, like my father, and I guess I lost my strongest ally when he passed in 2001. My father only talked to me about his service and accepted it as a essential part of what a person does, with no expectations of a "Thank you for your service. He quietly continued to give to his church, community, and nation to help the less fortunate members of this world without any differential distinction.
People know I am a veteran and, like Dad, I continue to serve in my civvies. I thank people who thank me for serving, but truth is, nobody should thank me for doing my duty for my nation or my community. I would like he would be proud of me today, as I am the State Commander of a veterans honor society and am still serving our veterans and country. I am proud of that young man - he understood it at such a young age while even many military and veterans still don't get it.

Response by SFC John Allesch made May 14 at 2018 3:56 PM

SFC John Allesch — Mon, 14 May 2018 15:56:51 -0400

I was a drafted into the Vietnam War. I did not run to Canada. My Nation needed me and literally reached out to me to report to my local draft board on 27 Aug 69. I went and learned what it meant to be a soldier. I was proud. I only needed to serve 2 years Active then 4 years Inactive. But while in Vietnam I somehow realized what the soldiers purpose really was all about. I got my final discharge in DEC 1995. I have 2 sons that that followed me. Boyh are now coming up for Retirement soon. One is an E-8 the other made the 2018 E-8 list. I'm a proud veteran. Proud that I served Honorably and prouder that.my 2 sons have made the sacrifices all professional soldier make to ensure the US remains a free nation. BROKEN?? NO Sir, let's say PATRIOTIC.

Response by CPT Alfred Smiley made May 19 at 2018 4:49 AM

CPT Alfred Smiley — Sat, 19 May 2018 04:49:40 -0400

When I was about 12 (1967), I came across a small park dedicated to the memory of JFK. Inscribed on a plaque were the words "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." From that instant, the calling entered my mind and my heart. Five years later, I enlisted on my 17th birthday (dropping out of high school midway through the 11th grade). I quite literally grew up and became a man in the Army. If I could have enlisted at 15, I would have, as I was bound and determined from that age to become a soldier at the earliest possible opportunity.

Response by Sgt Mike Aydelotte made May 23 at 2018 10:25 AM

Sgt Mike Aydelotte — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:25:01 -0400

All,
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-job-skills-report/
I read this article and I could not stop laughing. The report attached to the link above contains a graph in which the "less common more desirable" skills group contains the core of our military experience. I have been out in the civilian sector since 2011 and here is my list of things we just know way more about paired with my best estimate of the civilian term.

Unit Cohesion >> Organizational Behavior, Operational Efficiency >> Continual or Process Improvement, Mission readiness >> Strategic alignment, Core Values >> Soft Skills

The last one really makes me angry. The term "Soft Skills" is a B.S. term to describe all of the things our current education system and educators (I'd love to rant on that one but will hold my tongue) fail to teach students from pre - k to post secondary education. Soft skills or intangible skills, an even more irritating term, describes the wisdom, all the things you learn that are not specific to an individual job or task, but are needed to be good at every job or tasks. Wouldn't these be the hard skills? The Marine Corps taught me to troubleshoot and learn. These two skills i didn't learn from civilians. Since leaving the Military I have been on 3 dean's lists and excelled over people with 10 years more experience than I have in 3 different jobs. Not bad for a chubby slacker with low self esteem who barley graduated High School. Just saying that gives me goosebumps for how effective our military is at forging young men and women into intelligent, determined, problem solving death rays of focus and efficiency.

Our skills are not soft. Civilians are. Everything is possible, there are just somethings that aren't worth the money or risk. This is the mentality that all of us posses wither we realize it or not and it causes the conflict. The degree doesn't make a person worth something, but military experience certainly makes the degree worth a damn huh? I don't care if you went to Harvard for 18 years and have 6 doctorates. I am useful in any situation because I was taught to make decisions instead of excuses. Ooooh Freaking Rah!

These Are the Job Skills Employers Want but Can't Find

Bloomberg surveyed 1,320 job recruiters at more than 600 companies to find out which skills are most in demand—and which B-schools are meeting market needs.