Posted on Apr 11, 2017
What's Your Motivation for helping Veterans?
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Victory for Veterans/Veteran March on America do it for soldiers/veterans like SGT Michael Thorin, one of our very own RallyPoint Members and a very close friend of mine! He means the world to me and others here at VFV/VMOA! Send out a Big Prayer Request for Michael in his upcoming Lung Transplant! The Power of Prayer is Strong! It's Strongest here on RallyPoint!
I work hard for veterans in memory of my father-in-law who committed suicide on December 8, 2015 and men like Sgt Michael Thorin that are fighting the good fight to stay alive!
Here is his story!
"It is comforting to know that the VA and UAB are working together to build a better me. I thought the most I would be worth in this life was linked to my SGLI. However, between the oxygen, power chair, lifts, stair lifts, braces, medicines, concentrators, testing equipment, canes, crutches BIPAPs, CPAP's, nebulizers, hearing aids, glasses, and other assorted equipment and supplies, I feel that I have far outgrown the SGLI payout.
I've got no complaints. I have 6 wheels to get around on now. My corrected vision is now better than over 3/4 of the population of the United States (I made this statistic up, so just let me have this moment), with my hearing aids I can hear more than most, I have more oxygen which is purer than any other person I know, and I can answer my phone through my hearing aids. The VA is essentially turning me into Steve Austin from the 6 Million Dollar Man! Why complain, at the very least I feel like I am worth a million dollars now, even if my health doesn't concur with my assessment." SGT Michael Thorin
I joined the Army at 17, did a split op program, we to Basic Training in the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. Graduated, spent 4 on active duty, then got out and into the Alabama Army National Guard in 1995, and began my fire service career.
After 9/11, like many others, we started getting deployed regularly. I participated in many deployments, both Title 32 and Title 10. My Title 10 deployments were to Fort Stewart in 2003, Afghanistan 2003, Anniston Army Depot in 2004, and Iraq in 2005 - 2006.
While I was actually stationed at CSC Navstar, Kuwait (Iraqi and Kuwaiti border), our mission was convoy security and route reconnaissance. Route recon roughly covered the area of Safwan to Kuwait. Convoy security took us as far south as Basra, and as far north at Mosul. We made many trips to Fallujah, al Taqaddum, Balad, Tallil, Taji, Scania, FOB Orion, Tikrit, Mosul, Basra, and BIAP.
During this time, we operated in M1114 up armored HMMWV's. Of course, they were better than the "hillbilly armor" that was so prevalent prior to the M1114's, so in that respect we were very fortunate.
During this year and a half deployment, we would spend most of our time on the road. Making trips to all of these FOB's and COP's kept us hopping, and we were running op's sometimes as long as 17 hours at a time. During my time in country, our HMMWV would be hit 3 separate times by IED's. Of these times, none led to any immediate injuries, other than a staved up back and a terrible desire to light something up. We endured, however, and there is no doubt in my mind that God had His hand of protection over us.
While in Iraq, I developed a chronic cough, hypertension and severe nausea. I went to the TMC once and was put on bed rest for 3 days and issued out some Ranger Candy. Of course, it fixed absolutely nothing, so I just did what I knew best and avoided the TMC from that day on and sucked it up and moved on. Life is hard, you can own it or you can let it on you; the choice is ALWAYS as simple as that.
After returning home, I went back to work in the fire service. During this entire time, I was battling the cough, hypertension, back pain, chronic nausea, severe joint pain, muscle pains, pain in my long bones (femur and humerus), and of course, PTSD. I reported these symptoms to my regular doctor, and he said I was too young to be having these problems, so he labeled it "exercise induced asthma" and gave me an albuterol inhaler. Needless to say, that was not the cure.
Presently, after several tests, I have been diagnosed with a myriad of medical problems. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, Constrictive Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Cardiac asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, fibromyalgia, and congestive heart failure. There is no good prognosis for any of these, and a lung transplant is the best option. After consulting with the doctors, they told me my heart may not be strong enough to stand the procedure, so now we are being evaluated for a heart transplant too.
We have lost our house, cars, and as for me, a bit of my dignity and self-respect because "I am man, listen to me Our lives are only temporary, and I refuse to sit around my house idly and
Having said that, I have no regrets.
My life has taken me down many winding roads. My two goals in life were to be a firefighter and a soldier. I nailed them, and if there is one thing in this life that I proud of, it's my lineage.
Finally, on April 1, 2016, I passed out on our job tasks at the fire department, and awoke to find two brothers standing beside me. I have been blessed to find a group of people; on here at RallyPoint and Victory for Veterans. Thanks
CPL Roger CopelandSPC Amy Harris]Joni Kelley(Join to see)
I work hard for veterans in memory of my father-in-law who committed suicide on December 8, 2015 and men like Sgt Michael Thorin that are fighting the good fight to stay alive!
Here is his story!
"It is comforting to know that the VA and UAB are working together to build a better me. I thought the most I would be worth in this life was linked to my SGLI. However, between the oxygen, power chair, lifts, stair lifts, braces, medicines, concentrators, testing equipment, canes, crutches BIPAPs, CPAP's, nebulizers, hearing aids, glasses, and other assorted equipment and supplies, I feel that I have far outgrown the SGLI payout.
I've got no complaints. I have 6 wheels to get around on now. My corrected vision is now better than over 3/4 of the population of the United States (I made this statistic up, so just let me have this moment), with my hearing aids I can hear more than most, I have more oxygen which is purer than any other person I know, and I can answer my phone through my hearing aids. The VA is essentially turning me into Steve Austin from the 6 Million Dollar Man! Why complain, at the very least I feel like I am worth a million dollars now, even if my health doesn't concur with my assessment." SGT Michael Thorin
I joined the Army at 17, did a split op program, we to Basic Training in the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. Graduated, spent 4 on active duty, then got out and into the Alabama Army National Guard in 1995, and began my fire service career.
After 9/11, like many others, we started getting deployed regularly. I participated in many deployments, both Title 32 and Title 10. My Title 10 deployments were to Fort Stewart in 2003, Afghanistan 2003, Anniston Army Depot in 2004, and Iraq in 2005 - 2006.
While I was actually stationed at CSC Navstar, Kuwait (Iraqi and Kuwaiti border), our mission was convoy security and route reconnaissance. Route recon roughly covered the area of Safwan to Kuwait. Convoy security took us as far south as Basra, and as far north at Mosul. We made many trips to Fallujah, al Taqaddum, Balad, Tallil, Taji, Scania, FOB Orion, Tikrit, Mosul, Basra, and BIAP.
During this time, we operated in M1114 up armored HMMWV's. Of course, they were better than the "hillbilly armor" that was so prevalent prior to the M1114's, so in that respect we were very fortunate.
During this year and a half deployment, we would spend most of our time on the road. Making trips to all of these FOB's and COP's kept us hopping, and we were running op's sometimes as long as 17 hours at a time. During my time in country, our HMMWV would be hit 3 separate times by IED's. Of these times, none led to any immediate injuries, other than a staved up back and a terrible desire to light something up. We endured, however, and there is no doubt in my mind that God had His hand of protection over us.
While in Iraq, I developed a chronic cough, hypertension and severe nausea. I went to the TMC once and was put on bed rest for 3 days and issued out some Ranger Candy. Of course, it fixed absolutely nothing, so I just did what I knew best and avoided the TMC from that day on and sucked it up and moved on. Life is hard, you can own it or you can let it on you; the choice is ALWAYS as simple as that.
After returning home, I went back to work in the fire service. During this entire time, I was battling the cough, hypertension, back pain, chronic nausea, severe joint pain, muscle pains, pain in my long bones (femur and humerus), and of course, PTSD. I reported these symptoms to my regular doctor, and he said I was too young to be having these problems, so he labeled it "exercise induced asthma" and gave me an albuterol inhaler. Needless to say, that was not the cure.
Presently, after several tests, I have been diagnosed with a myriad of medical problems. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, Constrictive Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Cardiac asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, fibromyalgia, and congestive heart failure. There is no good prognosis for any of these, and a lung transplant is the best option. After consulting with the doctors, they told me my heart may not be strong enough to stand the procedure, so now we are being evaluated for a heart transplant too.
We have lost our house, cars, and as for me, a bit of my dignity and self-respect because "I am man, listen to me Our lives are only temporary, and I refuse to sit around my house idly and
Having said that, I have no regrets.
My life has taken me down many winding roads. My two goals in life were to be a firefighter and a soldier. I nailed them, and if there is one thing in this life that I proud of, it's my lineage.
Finally, on April 1, 2016, I passed out on our job tasks at the fire department, and awoke to find two brothers standing beside me. I have been blessed to find a group of people; on here at RallyPoint and Victory for Veterans. Thanks
CPL Roger CopelandSPC Amy Harris]Joni Kelley(Join to see)
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Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 141
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we also if more are one, we aid each another and that will born on us by be aware we are a only one, we are friend and brothers, we help buddies for they are part of us, we help for that is our na ture of men who spend their life for others . Why? For we are men for whom solidarity is an essential one, for whom aid other is part of our mentality and essence, for help others is like aid ourself. Camaradie is not fo us a word but a manner to life, the way for feel we are part of a big family, we constitute the military family where the problems of one are the problems of alls. So we help as mouved by an interior imput that drive us also to sacrifice for, if necessary. Our spirituality and our humanity are our warrior essence
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My biggest motivation for helping a Vet is that usually he or she may need help but will not ask for it. that's when I really want to help them.
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Deborah Gregson
It's being aware that someone is in need of help and isn't comfortable asking for it, or believe they shouldn't request help. When pushed back against a wall they still don't feel they should ask for help because they "weren't wounded in combat or a POW". I hear that often in the caregiver support groups from spouses, often men, who have spent years caring for family with dementia. They are often physically exhausted, financially bankrupt, spiritually frustrated, emotionally drained, incapable of dealing with irrational behaviors due to PTSD or other medical issues of their own.... It's about listening, watching, sharing stories, then letting people know there are services available for every Veteran because they served in the military. There was a written contract that had listed benefits they can claim whenever they are needed and the Vet qualifies for that benefit.
As a taxpayer, who has paid for your benefits and salary, as a US citizen who made a written contract with you, I expect to hold up my end of the deal just like each one of you held up your end by continuing your service with honor, respect and dignity. Leave no man behind. My part of the contract continues to the end of your, or your dependent's, lives. So I want you, who served honorably, to claim all of your benefits, without arrogance or privilege, but with the assurance that by fulfilling your obligation to our country, you are entitled to all the benefits I suggest and offer in your time of need.
As a taxpayer, who has paid for your benefits and salary, as a US citizen who made a written contract with you, I expect to hold up my end of the deal just like each one of you held up your end by continuing your service with honor, respect and dignity. Leave no man behind. My part of the contract continues to the end of your, or your dependent's, lives. So I want you, who served honorably, to claim all of your benefits, without arrogance or privilege, but with the assurance that by fulfilling your obligation to our country, you are entitled to all the benefits I suggest and offer in your time of need.
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Helping in the transition back to civilian world. Cause we now see it in another perspective, and not always easy to do
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LCpl Donald Faucett
It is a challanging experience to revert back to civilian life. I don't think any honorable military personnel ever completely do. It is a life changing experience that is never forgotten. My advice is to always remember that civilians have a different mindset. A different culture. So, as they say: when in Rome as the Romans
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My motivation is because I love God and I'm obedient in what He has me do. I volunteer at a VA hospital in their palliative care/hospice unit in a program called, No Veteran Dies Alone, NVDA outreach program. I try to do what I can for them, when I can. I honestly love these men, and I share myself, and the Word of God with them. They all will be missed!
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It seems like an extension of my service. Maybe it is a way of paying it forward it case I need help at some point.
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SGT Thorin: From my wife and I our thoughts and prayers are with you
during this very difficult time in your life. I believe you will stay strong
and fight through this as you have done in other tough times in your life.
during this very difficult time in your life. I believe you will stay strong
and fight through this as you have done in other tough times in your life.
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Thanks for your service Mike. Your attitude despite the long journey should be an inspiration for all. VA Medical does the best they can with what they have to work with. They have taken care of me since I retired in 98. I have encountered a very few that should find another line of work due to their lack of people skills. Some in leadership have been caught doing some bad things also. The other side is that most are not that way and sometimes you cross paths with a provider that goes far above what is required. Not just with the services but that they truly care and look at you as an almost family member. My only experience with surgery was removal of gall bladder years ago that had become badly inflamed. They started doing it arthroscopically but due to size and inflammation they had to cut me a bit. They did a great job and I was walking the next day and discharged the next. With an attitude like yours they can't keep you down for long. I wish you well with your surgery and with your life.
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It is hard in my area to help "veterans", or at least know who is a vet. I am in an area with several military bases, and many veterans. Just yesterday I saw a man on a street corner with a sign that said "Waiting on the VA". He was probably in his mid-fifties. Was he a vet or was he simply using our good name to panhandle money? As a firefighter, I ran on many homeless that said they were vets but their story wouldn't match up. Things such as someone that was in their late 40s and was a Viet Nam vet (5 years ago!) or someone that had PTSD from combat but said they served during the 80s during which time there wasn't any combat, or were in the Army but was a Navy SEAL.
Also, I have a problem with those that may have served for a few years, never saw combat, maybe were kicked out due to drug, alcohol or other disciplinary issues, or never even completed basic training due to failure to adapt or prior issues, claiming to be vets.
While those that are in need of help and are actual Vets get my help and understanding, it is harder all the time to figure out who is being truthful and who is just bullshitting me.
Also, I have a problem with those that may have served for a few years, never saw combat, maybe were kicked out due to drug, alcohol or other disciplinary issues, or never even completed basic training due to failure to adapt or prior issues, claiming to be vets.
While those that are in need of help and are actual Vets get my help and understanding, it is harder all the time to figure out who is being truthful and who is just bullshitting me.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Understand the poser piece and due to all the bases and those that hang around after serving you likely see all kinds. I don't like folks using our good name either. I need to clear the record though about "no combat in the 80's" i.e Beirut, Urgent Fury, Just Cause and a lot more that we will never know about. Maybe you are too young to remember. All produced KIA, including 241 "peacekeepers" that were blown up while they slept, and members of most all services. There was a lot going on that was not reported due to the nature of the operation. I was in the Philippines with a MEU out of Okinawa during a period between coups and great activity there. The public was not aware, but we certainly were, that Marines from 9th Engrs were actively patrolling in the jungle in support of the situation there, and they had WIA. Your definition of someone claiming to be a Vet is a personal one, and I'm not challenging you on it, but mine differs. As to the ones that only served a few years or never saw combat, whether someone was drafted for 2 or served voluntarily for 22, as long as they served honorably they rate all due respect that comes with the term Veteran. Just a difference of opinion and not directed as a personal rebuke on yours. Best wishes and thanks for your service.
http://www.historyguy.com/use_of_american_military_forces_1981_to_1990.htm
http://www.historyguy.com/use_of_american_military_forces_1981_to_1990.htm
The Use of American Military Forces Around the World 1981-1990
An overview of the Use of American Military Forces Around the World 1981-1990.
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SFC Terry Murphy
I joined in 1983. So yes I am old enough. I do understand there was combat in the 80s. I was assigned for a very short time to the 1st Ranger Bn. about 2 months after Grenada, I was in Panama from 85-88 and had a lot of friends that fought in OJC, and I served as an Airborne Instructor with a Marine that survived Beirut.
The people I am talking about say they served but don't know what units they served with, don't know what their MOS was, don't know where the units are stationed (Ranger Battalions at Ft. Carson!) or as I said before, were Army vets but were Navy SEALs.
Another thing you see around here are the panhandlers wearing uniform pieces that totally are made up. I retired in 2004 and was never issued ACUs. I wore BDUs, except for when I was assigned in Panama where I was issued OG107 jungles, or in Desert Storm and Afghanistan where I wore DCUs (old and new styles). The people I see will be wearing ACU pants or shirts, and they will in no way be of the age that could have been issued ACUs. They wear these "F"ed up uniform mismatched pieces because most civilians only see a guy in uniform (or a piece of uniform) and think they are helping a vet.
The people I am talking about say they served but don't know what units they served with, don't know what their MOS was, don't know where the units are stationed (Ranger Battalions at Ft. Carson!) or as I said before, were Army vets but were Navy SEALs.
Another thing you see around here are the panhandlers wearing uniform pieces that totally are made up. I retired in 2004 and was never issued ACUs. I wore BDUs, except for when I was assigned in Panama where I was issued OG107 jungles, or in Desert Storm and Afghanistan where I wore DCUs (old and new styles). The people I see will be wearing ACU pants or shirts, and they will in no way be of the age that could have been issued ACUs. They wear these "F"ed up uniform mismatched pieces because most civilians only see a guy in uniform (or a piece of uniform) and think they are helping a vet.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Thanks for your response and I understand where you're coming from. I don't like the posers either, because they dishonor the uniform that many have died for. Other than kids wearing camo bottoms I don't see much of it here, because I'm several hours from the nearest base. Some have an alibi of mental disorder. Others do it intentionally so people will give them a handout. Thanks for your service and I wish you well.
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You story is very inspiring and I wish you the very best outcome. I am saddened to see your prognosis and will pray that god guides you throughout all your procedures. You will always be apart of the elite brotherhood that is known as the U.S. Military, and I am sure everyone would agree with me. You have fought diligently for your country and your country-men and now we will fight for you though prayers. I myself will always do everything in my power to help a brother in need at all costs. Godspeed and get well soon, fight your fight for recovery and never hesitate to reach for a helping hand. You Brother in Arms
SFC David Hayes
SFC David Hayes
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