What are things I can do to volunteer and help out the service which has helped me?

2016-03-28T01:27:46-04:00

I'm in the United States Army Reserve, and am a soon-to-be high speed SGT. The military has done so much for me, I want to give back. What are things I can do to volunteer and help out the service which has helped me?

Response by TSgt David L. made Mar 28 at 2016 1:30 AM

2016-03-28T01:30:11-04:00

Give to the service support/relief fund. Volunteer to be a DD for unit functions. Take a young hard charger under your wing and share your "high speed" tips for promotion and success.
I'm sure there are plenty of volunteer opportunities if you look around.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 28 at 2016 1:36 AM

2016-03-28T01:36:36-04:00

Slow down, strive to emulate those you admire. Listen, learn and be modest. It will all work out. Steady!
High speed? Your profile indicates you missed a turn or took a few detours in attaining SGT E-5. Steady!

Response by SSG Nathan Bryant made Mar 28 at 2016 4:29 AM

2016-03-28T04:29:52-04:00

SPC RIELLO, you mention that you are a "soon to be high speed Sergeant". A Noncommissioned Officer is supposed to be a Leader; otherwise they are just a "stripe wearer". I challenge you to be a Leader.

You are not truly a Leader unless you are followed somehow. If you have peers and/or subordinate Soldiers within your unit, mentor and guide them to greater levels of success. That's a great way to start.

You also mentioned how the Army has helped you so much. Do you know any young men or women who could also use help? You seem as if you know what it takes to be a Soldier. Find young people with a genuine interest in wearing the uniform to share your story(ies) with. Who better to help someone become a Soldier than a Soldier?!? Share with them what will help them most initially - studying for and scoring well on the ASVAB and obtaining/maintaining physical fitness. Those two things alone would put them ahead of many.

I hope my response leaves you with some ideas.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Mar 28 at 2016 5:49 AM

2016-03-28T05:49:55-04:00

Do something to help your troops out. Get to know them. Little things. Buy a new baby some diapers. Have a cookout for them. Train them like it should be done. Get rid of the shitbirds. Expand your mind, then expand theirs by reading and making them read. There is a whole lot you can do.

Response by SFC Daniel Faires made Mar 28 at 2016 8:14 AM

2016-03-28T08:14:53-04:00

If you have to say you are high speed ...you are not

Now before you get upset

Be humble: to be an effective leader you need to work harder than the troops you lead, mentor the ones that you serve with.

Volunteering: you are an admin , help your local veteran organizations with processing VA claims, help the local vets with resumes, etc put those computer skills to work..

God speed good luck

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 28 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-03-28T12:06:49-04:00

Join a veterans organization. No you don't have to wait until you're a veteran. The VFW and American Legion need your body to add to the count which will increase their effectiveness lobbying Congress and the Administration for active duty and veterans causes. Also, when not deployed, you can help these organizations help your fellow service men and women as well as veterans.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 28 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-03-28T13:15:00-04:00

Spread the word that there is hope for PTSD. One can make significant improvements. Suicide is not a good option.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Mar 28 at 2016 3:16 PM

2016-03-28T15:16:41-04:00

I agree with those here who say "Slow Down". You'll get there when it's the right time. But one thing about being in the Army is that it's about your UNIT. You don't get anywhere on your own. A leader brings all his men with him. Whether it's up the chain of command or home from deployment.
Take a look around you. Who needs help with PT? On the range? Is there someone who needs a little help with their home life? Give them a hand. If you can't, (it's hard to relate to the husband/wife thing if you're not married) find them someone who can. LISTEN! Sometimes a sympathetic ear can make all the difference. That soldier who almost dropped out will remember the SGT who ran an extra few miles with him. The SGT who showed him how to aim with his "other" eye. The SGT who dropped off a box of diapers for the new, harried parents.
A good leader balances discipline with compassion. Instruction with experience. I think the fact that you asked the question shows you have a great capacity to learn and lead.
Best of luck to you and thank you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-03-28T15:22:14-04:00

If you are near a military post, AER, ACS, Red Cross (everywhere) always need volunteers!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 28 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-03-28T17:44:02-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - Here's "The Principles of Leadership" Substitute the word "Marine" with soldier ...and embrace them. Make this a part of everything you do. Keep chargin' hard!

http://www.marines.com/being-a-marine/leadership-principles

Leadership Principles

These 11 principles form the foundation of leadership in the Marine Corps. Together, they form the traits and values that define a Marine Corps Officer's character as a leader.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Mar 28 at 2016 8:44 PM

2016-03-28T20:44:55-04:00

Other than being the best NCO you have ever met, or that anyone who meets you will ever meet; as stated, join a VSO (Veteran Service Organization) I like the American Legion in my area... But the VSO are gateways to helping other veterans. And they provide service to the community.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-03-29T09:19:54-04:00

I'll tell you what was told to me...
It's not about you. It's not about your boss...or your boss's boss. It's about your Soldiers. Take care of them. Make them great Soldiers and hope that one day, their skillset surpasses your own. Then you will know you have done your job.

Response by Alyssa Lloyd made Mar 29 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-03-29T18:27:34-04:00

I volunteer with the Warrior Angels Foundation, an organization that provides free medical treatment to veterans who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries. Check them out at http://www.waftbi.org and if you want to get involved, you can help with fundraising, raising awareness about the organization, helping reach people who would benefit from participating in the program, etc.

Warrior Angels Foundation —a Veteran Nonprofit Organization

Giving life-changing treatment to heroes to win the war against Traumatic Brain Injuries

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 30 at 2016 2:49 AM

2016-03-30T02:49:00-04:00

As a Soon-To-Be high speed Sergeant I encourage you to focus on your Soldiers, instilling the same pride and dedication you are reflecting in your questions. Not many Soldier at your rank express such appreciation (at least openly) for what he military does for them. I would have been proud to have you in my unit.

Additionally, you could show your community how you feel, have your team or section collectively volunteer in the closest community central to you all. Pick a project supporting the elderly, the poor or children.

Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Leon Drew made Mar 31 at 2016 5:04 PM

2016-03-31T17:04:08-04:00

Do the Indian head patch proud and set the example and mentor a troop that is having the roughest time!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 31 at 2020 1:32 PM

2020-07-31T13:32:23-04:00

Love and take care of your soldiers and family members. Be that example that might make a lasting impression. I was an E-4 in Desert Storm. We alternated in the shit burning detail, but our E-6 did it with us with each iteration. Fight for your soldiers. Understand who you need to contact to solve problems.

Understand the Troop Leading Procedures:
The eight steps of troop leading procedures: The eight steps are receive the mission, issue the warning order, make a tentative plan, initiate movement reconnaissance, complete the plan issue, the brief and supervise.

Take a good look at where Issue Warning Order is. It is done early to give the soldiers maximum time to prepare. Last minute details and tasks is bad business all around.