What have you done personally to help out a veteran or service member on RallyPoint?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:37:21 -0400

RP Members and Connections share your stories of the help and services you've provided to other veterans or service members here on RallyPoint since you've been a member!

I’m not asking you to disclose names or personal information and this isn't about who did or didn't do what, but rather about sharing the success of RallyPoint from the aspect of helping our brothers and sisters that are in pain from wounds or disabilities, those looking for work and trying to survive, those that just need a friend or someone to talk with, those needing a home, those needing help with the VA, and the list could go on.

Share a snippet of your success story with the rest of the RP Nation

Here’s a small snippet of my contribution:

“I’ve had the pleasure of helping a number of veterans and service members through Sponsor a Vet Life (SAVL) and along with Kim Bolen we’ve helped a lot navigate the VA Health System. I’ve made a lot of friends and have helped them navigate RP as well. I have a lot more to do, how about you?”

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2016 7:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:38:31 -0400

Talking to other vets relieves stress!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2016 7:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:40:07 -0400

I thInk the comraderie is another aspect.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 27 at 2016 8:01 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 20:01:37 -0400

I have provided advice and counsel to many and most importantly I have interceded with our Lord and Savior for many service members and many of my fellow veterans including you my friend COL Mikel J. Burroughs.

Response by LTC Stephen Kubiszewski made Jul 27 at 2016 9:49 PM

LTC Stephen Kubiszewski — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 21:49:53 -0400

PTSD Anonymous needs your support - PTSD Anonymous
http://www.ptsdanonymous.org/announcements-1/requestforassistanceandcoordination

PTSD Anonymous needs your support - PTSD Anonymous

support and discussion for veterans affected by post traumatic stress disorder, ptsd, tbi, suicide, peer support, spouse support, peer groups.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Jul 27 at 2016 11:31 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 23:31:49 -0400

Leeting my family here at RP know that they are special to me and that they mean the world to me. THough I am not able to do alot, I am here if anyone needs a friend.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2016 12:31 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 00:31:57 -0400

Offered up info on transitioning from the AD to AGR or applying for an AGR slot. My services remain open as I used to sit on AGR hire boards for my BN.

Response by CPT Mike Seals made Jul 28 at 2016 5:36 AM

CPT Mike Seals — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 05:36:48 -0400

Because I live in Kuwait, I've had many RallyPoint members approach me for advice on getting a job here. As always, and especially with fellow veterans, I put them in contact with those whom I know can help.
It's no trouble, and I'm glad to be in a position to be able to help as best I can.

Response by PO3 Steven Adams made Jul 28 at 2016 7:51 AM

PO3 Steven Adams — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:51:30 -0400

I've offered or suggested my opinion to younger Veterans that had questions about being a Commercial Truck driver and offered my support and my ear for them if needed or if they just wanted to shoot the breeze

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 28 at 2016 9:13 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 09:13:56 -0400

I have never helped out a specific individual, but give my 2 cents for what it's worth whenever there's military related topics (which I prefer over religious and political debates).

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Jul 28 at 2016 10:03 AM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:03:15 -0400

Well, it doesn't seem like much when it's spelled out but I hope I helped one "soon to be a vet" find a decent place to live when he moves to Colorado. I'm not a counselor by any means but if that PTSD sufferer found help in Georgia, I'll be happy. That's really all that was important.

Response by MSgt Msgtroy Foster made Jul 28 at 2016 12:46 PM

MSgt Msgtroy Foster — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:46:32 -0400

I have traveled to testify at veterans appeals hearings as a credible witness to direct agent orange herbicides exposure

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2016 4:43 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 16:43:05 -0400

I have spoken to a few other vets about this site. I have told them that here they will be vetted to maintain the honor of the site with no posers. As to how many joined who knows, at least the data is out there for use.

Response by SPC Mason Mullins made Jul 28 at 2016 10:19 PM

SPC Mason Mullins — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 22:19:39 -0400

I volunteered with an NPO for a while. Listened to the troubles they were having, whethean r it was financial or even PTSD driving a desire to kill themselves. I can say that I have gotten to help keep their lights on, and some of them to get a different grasp on life.
By no means was it 100% successful , so i have worn my uniform for the last goodbye on numerous occasions over the last year. Its heartbreaking to know any brother or sister ends their life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 12:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 12:38:40 -0400

Offer advice and support when I can.

Response by CPT Mike Seals made Aug 2 at 2016 6:26 AM

CPT Mike Seals — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 06:26:55 -0400

Speaking of open jobs:

Agility is looking for a CEO for a start-up Uber-type trucking company. All the details I have are below:

- No specific nationality
- 10-15 years solid background in Trucking, ideally in the region but not necessarily
- Experience in a startup
- Technically IT savvy

The industry of “Uberization” of Trucking was globally about $100 million in 2014, and is expected to be $26 BILLION by 2025 – it is already taking off in the USA, with about 20 start ups developing APPS and the networks.

Agility is partnered with a company in Brazil that already has success in the industry – very exciting.

Any names / contact information would be much appreciated – even if they do not meet all the listed qualifications. The more people with whom I discuss the opportunity, the more I can laser pinpoint strong candidates.

If you are interested, contact Jack Montgomery at:

[login to see]

His phone number is:

+965 9553-2526

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Aug 4 at 2016 12:44 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 12:44:57 -0400

Humbled. for the mention. I think that RP has given me more than words can express. I certainly hope my contribution has been positive for others. If I even helped One, I am grateful for the trust that you provided in me, "as I am a civilian". I need to Thank, Tony Lobello, for me even being here on RP, without his unwavering belief in me I would have never had the chance to meet so many wonderful human beings.
Now, to answer your question as to a snip-it of how I helped someone here on RP. It was because of my patients tenacity and my Advocacy, we changed the Law for you all. I wrote the 2014 Veterans Choice and Accountability Act, and then Poof Congress. I Advised them that you were not CROWS, we argued and will continue to battle until it goes back to what it was intended to do. Help a Veteran Anywhere, anytime, receive the best healthcare for their condition, at the right time in their disease process, in the right setting for the veteran. Boy, do I have a lot of work to do.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Aug 4 at 2016 2:34 PM

SSG Drew Cook — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 14:34:09 -0400

I have hoped to be a voice for those on the usually-opposite end of opinions and mindsets and help people see both sides rationally instead of relying on fear and sometimes silly rhetoric.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Aug 4 at 2016 2:41 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 14:41:40 -0400

I don't know if I ever help a vet on Rally Point. But I had ever help plenty of veterans. From a young kid fresh from Iraq with both legs missing, to the Wounded Warriors Project, to Help Hospitalized Veterans.

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 4 at 2016 3:02 PM

COL Lee Flemming — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 15:02:58 -0400

Lately nothing...changing that tomorrow though! I've been wrapped up in my own schedule, which in today's environment is selfish and dangerously neglectful. Rededication!!!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 8 at 2016 3:00 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 15:00:10 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I claim one 'mitzvah'. Or does a 'double play' count for an assist?

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Aug 10 at 2016 2:01 PM

Col Dona Marie Iversen — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:01:59 -0400

I love how modest these posts are by my colleagues, they continue to serve, support, help and guide many in and out of uniform daily.

Since I am between positions (by choice), I have become a "Military Matchmaker" (my new title and most favorite to date).

I have been volunteering and doing pro bono 'work' for those about to transition and those seeking new positions, support and guidance.

Selfishly rewarding, keeps me connected and helps me feel as if I am making a small difference.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 13 at 2016 5:46 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 05:46:18 -0400

On RP not much that I can tell, but in the civilian world I have had conversations with a few 'Nam vets, and Iraq war vets. Just listening to them seems to help them out a little.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 14 at 2016 8:23 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:23:07 -0400

I have helped RP members in a number of different ways, COL Mikel J. Burroughs.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Aug 18 at 2016 8:33 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 20:33:52 -0400

I have not done anything on Rally Point but I deal with Vets in crisis on my job probably 3 times a week. I talked to 2 today and helped get them streamlined into a specialized unit at local VA.

Response by SA Jim Arnold made Aug 18 at 2016 9:55 PM

SA Jim Arnold — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 21:55:23 -0400

I'm pretty new here and have been mentioned of a blue ribbon, but don't know how to achieve this accomplishment. The best I can do within here is provide random acts of so-called wisdom and or advice

Response by SA Jim Arnold made Aug 19 at 2016 9:58 AM

SA Jim Arnold — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 09:58:40 -0400

I've turned a couple , 3 actually, vets towards a chance at commercial fishing, in Portland Maine and San Francisco California. It got them off the streets and into a good industry with a good , well earned, paycheck

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Aug 22 at 2016 11:44 PM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 23:44:16 -0400

I am reaching-out to deported veterans. and their support house.

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Aug 23 at 2016 10:28 AM

PO2 Pete Haga — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 10:28:30 -0400

I have not personally spoke to anyone but I try too help by posting comments to try to help fellow Vets. and active duty personnel. when I can.

Response by SGT Christopher Clarke made Aug 28 at 2016 7:56 AM

SGT Christopher Clarke — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 07:56:13 -0400

Simple answer....not nearly enough. I need to find time and make some adjustments to my life and schedule and provide a more active role.

Response by SPC Michael Byrd made Aug 30 at 2016 4:19 PM

SPC Michael Byrd — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:19:59 -0400

I have started a fraternal foundation the likes of which haven't been seen. Me and a small group of disabled retirees have formulated the plan and have began seeking out veterans who are in crisis or need some sort of support or advice. We are off to a rocky start as we are doing this out of our own pockets and none of us were above SGT before we retired with our disabilities. However we have each one of us seen how the govt/civilian side is to quick and easily casting us veterans aside and as such we had enough we have already helped one family who was losing everything and as such we couldn't be prouder to help. We can always use support from the community as one day it could be you we are coming to assist. Here is a link to our go fund me page which we use any proceeds from to assist other veterans! So please share this within your social medias and to your friends as we are always welcome to more support for our cause. Equally we could use a few sponsors as well! thanks all! https://www.gofundme.com/2s58zcnw

Click here to support Byrds i View Vet Outreach & crisis by Michael Byrd

I am a disabled veteran that is tired of all these organizations saying they are there to help veterans and yet we never see them do anything with the donations except pocket them and occasionally give a little meal/fund raiser. I also can not find work as when i get called in for interviews i am...

Response by PO2 Kristy Williams made Sep 13 at 2016 5:21 PM

PO2 Kristy Williams — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 17:21:36 -0400

I did 40 hours volunteer work for the Greenville, NC veterans affairs before taking a job with them during college.

Response by Cpl George Crab made Sep 22 at 2016 6:35 PM

Cpl George Crab — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 18:35:44 -0400

Colonel Mikel Burroughs, I help all of them by being always being correct and thoughtful to all of the people in this world.

Also, I am thinking about giving a class on humility. After all, I AM RPs humble servant!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 23 at 2016 3:46 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 15:46:30 -0400

I can't say that I've done anything. I'm always open if someone needs to talk or vent to, but I've never seen anyone post here that they've genuinely been in distress. Most of the posts I've seen have been friendly discussions. Sure I might answer a question or two if someone is looking for advice and I happen to have knowledge, but I don't think I've ever seen someone on here in need of actual help.

Response by Candy Alkaabi made Oct 21 at 2016 3:08 PM

Candy Alkaabi — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 15:08:35 -0400

All I really do is be there. I am on here if anyone needs to vent or just tell me something they don't say to others often, I wont judge and I wont tell others about said issue. I have my own issues I have had to work through so I know the feelings many of yall might have so I know when to offer advice and when to just listen and do what I can to cheer yall up. I might be a bit cooky about it at times but there is a method to my madness and I usually get at least a tiny smile or chuckle out of someone. I am also not above sharing the antics of my ESA Draconis in order to allow some people to share in his wonderful ability to put a smile on someone's face!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2016 7:19 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 19:19:37 -0500

I haven't to my knowledge but certainly would in any capacity possible. Folks may enlist or become Officer for many reasons but once they are snapped in to military they do it for the guy/gal on either flank. Not for the Flag or patriotism, for National security or the pay and bennies or other tangibles. When the time comes to make sacrifice or go the extra mile it is for those that have gone before and those they serve with. So I look at being a Veteran as an extension of that. It hurts me deeply to know so many are in physical and emotional pain and I wish I could help. I looked into VA opportunities in Crisis Counselling but they require post-grad degrees and certifications. I know there is a reason but also know that nobody understands or can relate to a Vet better than another Vet.

Response by Pat McCracken made Nov 23 at 2016 11:55 AM

Pat McCracken — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:55:02 -0500

I carry with me gas and food gift cards, and when I see a soldier in uniform, I share one of each gift card to them. If I don't have gift cards with me, I will pay for meals when I see uniformed soldiers or veterans that I personally know. This year my students made and delivered cards to our local Veteran's Home, and created a huge banner for the VFW and American Legion to hang in their facilities. It does my heart good to be able to say "Thank You" to those who protect or have protected my freedoms.

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Nov 24 at 2016 11:56 AM

Col Dona Marie Iversen — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:56:43 -0500

I believe many if not all on this site have went above & beyond to help our fellow brothers and sisters (strangers or not) many times in many ways over the years. I was told by a very wise man, my first and # 1 longtime hero...my Dad. That when you do something for someone only TWO people should know...you and that other person.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2016 12:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 12:02:10 -0500

I'm still new, I'm not sure if I have done much. But you Sir are a great inspiration. Thank you for connecting with me.