What are some suggestions on meeting other middle aged people after serving?

2024-12-07T15:13:42-05:00

I've been having some difficulty adjusting after active duty because I didn't make the time to build my own social support network so I wanted to get some ideas from here.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 7 at 2024 4:25 PM

2024-12-07T16:25:05-05:00

1. Check out the veterans' organizations (VFW, American Legion, DAV, Team Red, White, Blue; etc)
2. Find an organization to volunteer with (local church, Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse)
3. Sign up for some classes at the community college or adult education

Response by SPC Michael Terrell made Dec 7 at 2024 6:35 PM

2024-12-07T18:35:57-05:00

What are your interests? Go to places that attract them, and start a conversation. Jon a church or Veteran's group. Just be out in public. IIf you are freindly and helpful, you'll find plenty of ftriends.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 8 at 2024 1:49 AM

2024-12-08T01:49:53-05:00

Talke up golf, I was surprised when I did I really liked it. Great way to get exercise and meet people. Best thing is when playing, you can start out on your own and many times end up playing a round with others. Bowling, there are many sports in which you can.
Are you a Christian, if so or if not, church is also a great place to meet people, plus help your inner self.
Like everyone else said, Veterans groups are also great ways to meet people. The big thing is you got to take the first step and get out there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2024 5:43 AM

2024-12-08T05:43:41-05:00

I have to work on this myself.....some year....

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2024 9:45 AM

2024-12-08T09:45:27-05:00

Volunteer at an animal shelter. Even if the interpersonal contact is minimal, the emotional rewards are great for bringing happiness and hope to a shelter animal.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Dec 9 at 2024 7:10 AM

2024-12-09T07:10:03-05:00

There’s a lot you can do, I tried different ways to make friends I live in Florida so I went to 55 + rv resort all walks of life if you’re into it a lot of veterans and none veterans. Hay just another thought.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 9 at 2024 10:04 AM

2024-12-09T10:04:14-05:00

You can always go to an American legion in your area

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 9 at 2024 4:55 PM

2024-12-09T16:55:28-05:00

First question is where are you located and what do you like to do with your free time? For the GWOT generation, I've found that we've gone away from the classic VSO's like VFW and Legion to find connections. Instead we've organized around local interest groups that are veteran specific. For example, Team Rubicon (for disaster relief), Team RWB (running/fitness), a number of gaming channels. I'm part of a hiking group in my area.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 10 at 2024 1:26 AM

2024-12-10T01:26:44-05:00

Veteran's groups are one good place to meet people and once in the Military went to a civilian Police Department where 95% of the guys there were veteran's which worked for Me. Getting involved in community organizations Yourself or helping with thing perhaps if You still have school aged children. A church may also be a good place to meet people. Talk to people and get to know them. Everything doesn't have to be organized just be friendly with others and You'll find new friends.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Dec 10 at 2024 10:48 AM

2024-12-10T10:48:10-05:00

I Just Hit 80, But For Most Of My Life I've Avoided Old People As They're Always Complaining About Something; Money, Health And Family Life & I Don't Live Like That.
So I Simply Try To Avoid The Older Folks, Of Which I'm A Member, By Ignoring The Age Factor And Associate With People With Better Attitudes Towards Life, They Just Happen To Be Younger.

But If You Still Wish To Find People In Your Age Bracket, You May Want To Check With Social Services In Your Area And ask Them If They Have An Organization You Can Contact,

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Response by SMSgt Joseph Shinners made Dec 12 at 2024 2:02 PM

2024-12-12T14:02:43-05:00

Volunteering worked for me. A chance to give back while meeting many others. I met my 2nd wife while ushering at a local theater. Otherwise go to places where people who think like you are likely to go. If you would like someone interested in fitness, go to the gym. If you would like someone interested in growing intellectually, go to the library or take a class. If religious, go to church. And so on.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2024 8:32 PM

2024-12-18T20:32:58-05:00

Thanks everyone for the ideas very much, I shall put them into play. I appreciate the responses as I'm one of those guys realizing later in life that having my own social support network outside of work may have been a lot more helpful.

Response by SP5 Philip Sanders made Mar 16 at 2025 10:52 PM

2025-03-16T22:52:28-04:00

Please consider becoming an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) volunteer.
ESGR IS A DoD volunteer office and is in all 50 states Washington D.C. and the territories.
Our mission is to support employers and their National Guard and Reserve service member employees by providing unit and employer briefs regarding the Uniformed Services Employment Rights Act (USERRA). Additionally we have Ombudsman that work with G&R service members and their employers when an issue arises so all parties are aware of and understand what USERRA requires. This law was enacted over 50 years ago to ensure that G&R service members and their employers understand that when a service member returns from a weekend drill, training, and deployments that their job is waiting for them just as if they had never left. They will be given the same salary and any organization wide salary increases enacted while gone, return to the same location and hours as when they were on orders.
If you want to continue to serve on a volunteer basis please go to http://www.ESGR.mil and click on “State Pages” where you can contact a person who will assist you with questions and general information. As an alternative you may respond to this post and I will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. I’ve been with ESGR FOR 14+ years and found it very rewarding and relevant to the needs of the military. You do not need to have been a Guard or Reserve service member to volunteer with ESGR, we have non military volunteers as well as those who have served. I look forward to hearing from anyone interested in this opportunity.

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