Posted on Mar 19, 2019
What can a civilian like myself do to help our military if I can't join?
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Civilians
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
Find organizations that support the military and either gain employment with them or volunteer your time with them. There are government contract jobs that support military. There are all kinds of things you could do, really.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie Kind of hit the nail on the head. Let me add my voice to his in that you have nothing to feel guilty about. You are willing, but unable, there is no guilt in that. You see the poor treatment of some, but are not, yourself, the cause of that treatment. Additionally, you recognize it as poor treatment and want to do something about it. So, no guilt there either.
As far as things you can do, I see a lot of your ideas revolve around financial support. Don't get me wrong, there are many problems that money can help (like food insecurity or homelessness). I am in no way trying to bash your efforts or say they are unworthy or unappreciated. But....
There are just as many problems (and usually HARDER problems) that money can't help. If you REALLY want to dedicate yourself to helping the military, and I mean DEDICATE, then go to school and become a psychologist. Come back and help those who see/experience things that no human should ever have to see or experience. Short of that (because that is a BIG commitment, and not everyone is cut out for it), a willing listener, a kind word, and respect go a long way, and don't even cost anything other than time.
The only reason I even mention this (because it is hard to say it in a message board without sounding like I don't appreciate your thoughts, ideas, and efforts - which I most definitely do appreciate) is because people (not you, specifically, people in general) tend to focus on fixing what they can see, when what they can't see is often a whole lot more in need of fixing. And those who are willing to do the work and dig deep are SORELY needed.
As far as things you can do, I see a lot of your ideas revolve around financial support. Don't get me wrong, there are many problems that money can help (like food insecurity or homelessness). I am in no way trying to bash your efforts or say they are unworthy or unappreciated. But....
There are just as many problems (and usually HARDER problems) that money can't help. If you REALLY want to dedicate yourself to helping the military, and I mean DEDICATE, then go to school and become a psychologist. Come back and help those who see/experience things that no human should ever have to see or experience. Short of that (because that is a BIG commitment, and not everyone is cut out for it), a willing listener, a kind word, and respect go a long way, and don't even cost anything other than time.
The only reason I even mention this (because it is hard to say it in a message board without sounding like I don't appreciate your thoughts, ideas, and efforts - which I most definitely do appreciate) is because people (not you, specifically, people in general) tend to focus on fixing what they can see, when what they can't see is often a whole lot more in need of fixing. And those who are willing to do the work and dig deep are SORELY needed.
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James Conley
Thank you so much for bringing this up ... That allows me to go into detail with this most of it's the VA thing .... So my uncle Trevor Durette served for a long time ...... His Humvee was hit and he and a handful survived .... He couldn't keep a topic going he wouldn't know we're he was and would not recall a conversation he had 20 minutes ago ..... The VA was finally going to help after months of my father and I annoying them they were to hold him for a few nights somewhere monitor him and properly medicate and grade him on his percentage of disability .... Instead they . Didn't do any of it took him off all the meds he was all ready on ... His daughter found him dead a few days after because of there inability to do simple tasks with people who need it most he died and all of the work we had done to bring him back was for nothing ......... I spoke at his funeral and that same year the VA had a shaty dr cut open and killed me and my dad's long time biker buddy / Vietnam vet / they incorrectly diagnosed my grandfather with the wrong disease treated it he was dead within a weak one day walking talking .... The next I had to hold him up so my grandmother could wipe his ass ............ Some times it's not just money or the ability to break open the scrambled minds .... It's to care it's to be there and make them feel like there not crazy ...... To go above and beyond so etimes to give them not only what they want but what they need being a support beam to the foundation that holds the roof over there head neaver bending never bowing no short cuts or quick fixes ...... I may not be very old but I do know that most of the vets will not say they need help until it's to late so all vets will need some one there for when they do say it it's not to late to help .... Thank you again for opening up this topic for me Casey O'mally it was a good cent for me
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James-From my perspective, that depends on a couple of things. First ,why do you want to help? I know that sounds kinda obvious, but your reasons are usually just as important as any answers someone can provide to you. If you're motivated by something as far-reaching as "patriotism", allow me to offer that being a father (yes, I read your info) is a pretty significant way to positively impact your nation's future. If it's because you have family serving now (particularly, a spouse), you can do a great deal by demonstrating your understanding, patience, and willingness to help with those tasks that can become particularly difficult for someone when they're deployed. When they return, be ready to listen.
There's many things you can get involved in...everything from volunteer work to (as stated earlier) employment with the federal government.
If you're motivated by a sense of (for lack of a better word) "guilt" at not being able to serve... please believe me when I say you've nothing to feel "guilty" about. Having lived on both sides, I can assure you that it's not "easy" being a civilian with responsibilities-having a newborn in the home can be as stressful, if not MORE stressful than many things one will face in a military career. The bottom line is this-the Military is just ONE part of the people that make up our country. Without you... there's no point. I think I speak for most of us when I say that what we really want/need is a nation that continues to live up to the ideals we have/are defending.
There's many things you can get involved in...everything from volunteer work to (as stated earlier) employment with the federal government.
If you're motivated by a sense of (for lack of a better word) "guilt" at not being able to serve... please believe me when I say you've nothing to feel "guilty" about. Having lived on both sides, I can assure you that it's not "easy" being a civilian with responsibilities-having a newborn in the home can be as stressful, if not MORE stressful than many things one will face in a military career. The bottom line is this-the Military is just ONE part of the people that make up our country. Without you... there's no point. I think I speak for most of us when I say that what we really want/need is a nation that continues to live up to the ideals we have/are defending.
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James Conley
So as far as reason yea guilt would fit in there .. as well as a sense of duty .... I lost a few close people and most of it was the fault of the VA and it opened my mind to things going on currently .. vets homeless, straving, broken ..... not something I approve of . So as of now my plans are small military vets and active duty will get some serious discounts on rides with me threw Lyft I will help recruits get to the recruiters office if they don't have a way to get there ..... I will have a tip jar that will go towards wounded warriors projects and other support groups and foundations as well as local law enforcement ... Because seriously humvee's would be a great police vehichle 50 Cal round threw a criminals engine block not a high speed chase for long plus armored doors for those unwanted shoot outs .... Donations towards military research in firearms uniforms vests vehichles and every day devices used in and off the field but I still feel like this vision isn't enough .... Still wish I could armor up and go boots on the ground ... But this stupid arm injury prevents me from alot .... Guess I just want a sense of purpose .. to be apart of something bigger them myself .. to make a difference .
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
All good ideas James.
Here's a parting thought, and I hope you consider it: Every one of us who served came upon, or will soon come upon, a day when we're "off the team". Age, economics, heck... the need for a change of pace and scenery; they all translate to the fact that eventually, all of "us" become "you". I'm glad I found more to my life, and more to my self-identity than the uniform I wore for approximately one decade of the four I've spent on this earth. Truth be told, I hope I'm both a better human being, and a better asset to my nation NOW, then I was then. Raise you children, be a good man, and never lose you sense of compassion...and you'll be doing your part, I guarantee you.
Here's a parting thought, and I hope you consider it: Every one of us who served came upon, or will soon come upon, a day when we're "off the team". Age, economics, heck... the need for a change of pace and scenery; they all translate to the fact that eventually, all of "us" become "you". I'm glad I found more to my life, and more to my self-identity than the uniform I wore for approximately one decade of the four I've spent on this earth. Truth be told, I hope I'm both a better human being, and a better asset to my nation NOW, then I was then. Raise you children, be a good man, and never lose you sense of compassion...and you'll be doing your part, I guarantee you.
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