VetSpective: Veterans, Your Next Mission — Disrupt, Rebuild, And Renew Our Country

CPT Alex Gallo — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:01:57 -0500

Who are we? What is our purpose? What is our next mission?

These are some of the questions that veterans often ask themselves when they return home from their military service — questions that can manifest in uncertainty, disconnection, and even feeling adrift. Searching for a new purpose. Searching for the next mission.

It’s how I felt.

And it is precisely these type of questions — this similar sense of uncertainty and adriftness — that is driving the turmoil in our country today.

Our country is searching for who we are; our purpose in the world; and our next mission in the 21st century. Veterans are uniquely positioned to collectively disrupt and help answer these questions for our country.

Why?

Because we intimately understand what our country is going through, stemming from our own struggle with these questions. And we know that these questions — if left to fester — can lead to self-destructive behavior as we are already seeing unfold across our nation.

This leads us to the first, simple — yet powerful — insight that veterans possess:

To survive is to be reborn.

We, as veterans, have put it all on the line — surviving the once exhilarating and twice confusing context of our service and even combat — gratefully to return home. And we now know that it is possible to make it through — make it through anything. And that very insight makes all the difference because it is a place from which rebuilding can begin.

Our nation does not posses that same insight. We do not know how our nation will survive.

Our country is fighting a pitched battle against one-another, fighting for our narrow interests — because of one overriding and self-destructive reason. The fear and loathing of not knowing how or whether we are going to survive.

The disruption that veterans can bring to our country is the collective insight that WE CAN AND WILL SURVIVE. And through that insight, we can begin to build a new, more constructive, and purposeful direction for our country.

But we, as a nation, must not only survive. We must thrive.

This brings us to the second, unique attribute that veterans can bring to disrupt our country today:

We are doers.

Notwithstanding the “veteran-celebrities” among us — snapping selfies and rubbing elbows with actual celebrities — this is not us. And we cannot let this come to define us as veterans.

We are doers, builders, entrepreneurs, problem-solvers — and, above all, we are humble.

The fundamental problem within our culture today is that our society rewards those who are dedicated to being — not doing. And “being” will never fix our nation’s problems. Our participatory democratic Republic requires dedication, constant maintenance, and fidelity to our ideals and values. In other words, doing. No selfie, no Twitter following, no Facebook campaign will, in-of-itself, achieve what is needed in our country today.

Doing is disruptive.

What will save and renew our country is the creation of new, value-based, problem-solving oriented organizations at the small, and local levels — in our towns, in our cities, in our communities — and then knitting them together into a nationwide movement that is focused towards who we are, as Americans, in the 21st century.

And here, through RallyPoint, is where we will begin that conversation — a conversation that could inspire a movement.

RallyPoint is beginning a series called “VetSpective.” “VetSpective” is dedicated to highlighting disruptive ideas by veterans, discussing the issues of the day from a veteran perspective, and establishing a forum to help our country find its way in the 21st century.

In the coming weeks and months, “VetSpective” will publish articles that are intended to start a conversation about the future of our country, and what we, as veterans, can do — and are already doing — to help.

My fellow veterans, we need you! Let us accept and embrace our next mission: Disrupt, rebuild, and renew our country in the 21st century.

Those veterans who bring the lessons, spirit, and deep insights gained through their service back from overseas and into civilian life will not only renew our country, but will make our nation reborn.

Join the conversation right here. Share your thoughts below. Connect with like-minded individuals on RallyPoint. And you will be able to tell future generations that you were part of it all.

Let’s build this together.

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

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 7 at 2018 3:18 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:18:28 -0500

Interesting. I have been working the past couple of days on an essay about compromise addressing the fact that we are a "house divided" and whether or not the division can be bridged by compromise or if we have to fight another civil war. The uncivil war now flaming across the nation isn't getting us anywhere, is it?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2018 4:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:08:33 -0500

I go along with renew and rebuild. I do not go along with disrupt which has a negative connotation. I have seen too many individuals and organizations that try to bring attention to themselves by disruption, i.e. blocking traffic, protesting anything at the drop of a hat, refusing to listen to views counter to their own, and generally being a pain in the ass, instead of doing something constructive in the community. Switch "Disrupt" with "Build Trust," and the message will come across better.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 7 at 2018 4:33 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:33:26 -0500

CPT Alex Gallo: I really don't agree with the disruption part.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 8 at 2018 8:39 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:39:42 -0500

I think more of us with the inclination need to run for office beginning at the local level. Military experience with its emphasis on leadership and ethics makes us well qualified to help find a way forward.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 9:00 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:00:54 -0500

Alex-Some good stuff overall.

I'll piggyback what some others have said about "disruption"; that word is floating around the private sector a lot, and may not be as well received as some would hope. Stuff is "broken" and you can't fix it without changing status quo-that's a given. However, there's two distinct schools of thought on how we get there; change everything in hopes of making progress...or return to proven methods that worked in the past.

I'm of the latter mindset.

Why are we divided? I think it all comes down to three aspects of society; Economics, Identity, and Principle. Economically, we're struggling to define what "success" is, and whether or not it is true that given enough effort, intelligence and luck, "anyone" can obtain it. We've lost the notion of an "American" identity to a broader sense of who we are globally and individually. Finally, our principles, from which we ultimately derive law, have been made ambiguous by constant attempts to reflect upon, revisit and revise values that go back centuries...if not millennia.

One of the first things we learned in the Military was to act as part of a greater whole. This was re-enforced by a clearly defined hierarchy, uniformity and a defining set of codes, regulations and repercussions for failing to conform to either. These are the very things a "free" society resists, and somewhat indirectly...the very things that precipitated our Revolution and Civil War.

I talk to a lot of veterans and even more civilians who've never served, and I can state confidently that on either "side" of any issue, there is frustration. People who would otherwise never dream of forcing their will on others have become enamored with the dangerous notion that if "everyone would just get in line", we could fix these problems.

General Howe opposed the "Intolerable Acts" from his seat in Parliament...but led the attacks at Breed's Hill and Kipp's Bay.

Washington himself led the militia that put down the "Whiskey Rebellion".

Patton, Eisenhower and MacArthur were all involved in dispersing the "Bonus Army".

There can be nothing quite so threatening to freedom as the military assuming the mantle of government.

So how can we, as veterans, enact positive change without flirting with totalitarianism?

First, we are natural risk managers. We understand that to grow, an organization has to take chances, test theories, and formulate plans for managing the results. We can apply this to economic leadership by starting business, influencing the growth of the companies we work for, or serving in government to ensure laws that are favorable to both. Second, we understand the value of a unifying spirit. We can exemplify the things that have always stood out as exceptional in any society: Integrity, respect, maturity, competency and resolve. Finally, we have seen beliefs, morals and values tested under the greatest possible strains. We should continue to practice our principles in peace with every bit as much consideration as we do in war.

In conclusion, we are a large component of American society...perhaps larger than we've ever been in our nation's history. If we unite on what commonly binds us, then society will follow.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 8 at 2018 10:15 AM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 10:15:50 -0500

Id keep the word disruption. Its connotation is all about how you apply the word. If you were to say Nazism or slavery was disrupted it would sound like a good thing. If you say my comfortable life was disrupted its negative. Disruption of a negative status quo is always a good thing.

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 8 at 2018 11:24 AM

COL John McClellan — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:24:28 -0500

Perhaps as an alternative to "Disrupt" you might try "Challenge"... as Vets we have a code, an ethic - and we can challenge our fellow citizens to strive for something better, to live up to the best intentions of our Founders and our shared American values, rather than succumbing to baser instincts such as fear, divisiveness, discourtesy and the like!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 9 at 2018 11:08 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 11:08:32 -0500

Amen brother! "Those veterans who bring the lessons, spirit, and deep insights gained through their service back from overseas and into civilian life will not only renew our country, but will make our nation reborn."

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 10 at 2018 8:34 AM

SPC Mike Lake — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:34:30 -0500

We Vets have a lot to offer to Running businesses running for Political postitions where we can teach these future generations leadership and facing adversity head on and not giving out participation trophies this what they are teaching this generation to be soft and question authority and have safe spaces and this stuff has to be turned around because the future of our country depends on it.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Feb 11 at 2018 12:57 PM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 12:57:20 -0500

Questions?will VetRuption Vets promote self reliance or dependency in vets?
I personally resent the ideal of being labeled a victim because I am a vet which way will this movement take?
I feel as vets we took an oath to the Constitution, do we continue to do so, or does this movement seek to alter its purpose?
What is the overall position and pout pose please be clear.

Response by SPC Phillip Davis made Feb 11 at 2018 8:48 PM

SPC Phillip Davis — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 20:48:12 -0500

Where to start? Challenging local government entities for wrong doings. I reported ethics and or conduct violations in local county sheriff's department back in 2013. Long story short, this is a good ole boy county and since they could not make me be quit concerning violations. And many more people started reporting other violations. Nothing was done by department concerning violations. 5 years running with being harassed, assaulted, arrested, sent to prison, and etc. I am still attempting to make a difference, the people of county are scare to unite due to threats and constant civil rights violations that happen on a daily basis. I have spent countless hours speaking to state and federal entities to help the citizens in tho county. None will help due to more excuses I care to type. If any
one can help point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. I have numerous citizens both civilian and veterans ready to speak out for help. I have became the organizer for them all, unfortunately my options are becoming slim. Thanks for the help.

Response by SSG Saun Lehar made Feb 15 at 2018 11:43 AM

SSG Saun Lehar — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 11:43:33 -0500

Disrupt is absolutely the the best statement here. We need to disrupt the establishment, the VA everything that is supposed to work for veterans that isn't. We need to disrupt the narrative that we are all broken and a risk in the community and the workplace, we need to disrupt the veteran homeless epidemic and the the suicide epidemic. DISRUPT should be the term.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Feb 28 at 2018 8:12 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 20:12:52 -0500

Impressive and motivational article! Disruption as a positive trait at home! Love it!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 8:56 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:56:40 -0400

Makes for interesting discourse in my class. Will be taking this and letting students talk it out!

Response by SPC Jerri Haaven made Mar 30 at 2018 6:23 PM

SPC Jerri Haaven — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 18:23:44 -0400

I'm late to this question, but while we, as Veterans, share a common "brotherhood/sisterhood," in spite of our political/personal beliefs (for the most part), the sad reality is, over the last decade the view from some parts of the public who would like to see our Armed Forces defunded and disbanded, and many who say Veterans already have too many "entitlements." Or, an egregious comment I've heard often recently, is that "Vets are dangerous - don't hire them." And yes, I've even read/heard outrageous comments that were heard from Viet Nam - and I don't even have to say what those were.

So, I'd be interested in understanding what it is you would like to see Veterans do to be able to do to unify the country, when it seems "we" aren't looked upon as favorably in some areas as we once were.

From my perspective, We need to get our own house in order, first:

Overhaul the VA. With unified veteran support and the new VA Secretary,'s leadership, now is the time to revamp and make the VA the shine penny it was meant to be. Make it the Gold Standard of Care.

Get our homeless vets off the streets. Get them the care they need - dare I even suggest mandate the care? How that would work, I have no idea - but it's clear what we have been doing doesn't work.

Since 9/11, I'd wager hundreds - if not thousands - of non profits have popped up supporting veterans. Some good, some not so good. It would be beneficial, I think, to have a national registry with Ratings, of where Veterans could go for help. There are so many causes that they tend to compete with one another and separate us, more than unite us.

No one knows better than our combat veterans what grief and loss is. Those brave warriors might have something to offer Gold Star families. Why are we standing alone, when together we can accomplish so much more?

Rebuild our "brand." Veterans are warriors, patriots, brothers and sisters in arms, who believe in the ideas we served and sacrificed for. Who is helping to elevate our voice as Veterans to show America we still can lead and conquer? Most commercials out there today are to help those who need the help, and rightfully so. I don't think I can name one commercial or event that highlights us in a way that is separate from our service. In other words, what is being done to promote the GOOD WORK veterans are doing in their communities, not just during important holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the 4th of July?

Women Veterans are still trying to find their place in the Veteran Community. We are proud of our service, but do not have many outlets to display that pride. Many women do not wear B-Ball caps or T-shirts depicting our military pride. We are often times asked, if it is our "husband" who served when we show up at the VA. It's getting better, but we can still do better.

Bottom line is, WE need a purpose. When we can identify it, then we can lead the nation to help find HER purpose.

Response by 1LT Luke Flowers made Apr 24 at 2018 8:44 PM

1LT Luke Flowers — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 20:44:51 -0400

I’m in.

Response by SGT John Lyons made May 4 at 2018 10:45 AM

SGT John Lyons — Fri, 04 May 2018 10:45:42 -0400

Absolutely, and having been there, we will need a national campsign as well as a population ready and willing. They are already in trouble, but highly resistant to deep change. I disagree with other commentors that disruption is unnecessary ot negative. It is absolutely a part. Most communities are in the slow death glide, slowly boiling to death because they think or feel its about all they think they can handle. Rare is the community that is ready.

Response by CPT Bill Jackson made Nov 8 at 2023 4:22 AM

CPT Bill Jackson — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 04:22:08 -0500

Be careful about the command ideals to disrupt and rebuild. While your are thoughfully rebuilding based on values that appeal to...
a disrupter just might end your glorious project or program. Make sure we're not channeling Marxism and the dilectic construct under the guise of pateiotism and love for country. Build up, recognize and respect tradition, check you personal pet values at the door and simply work, bless, love people. That is the true building phenomenon that our nation has long abandoned. Bill