Why are so many veterans struggling to find the assistance they need?

2016-05-17T15:24:11-04:00

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-05-17T15:28:57-04:00

I'm not sure but I think pride maybe a factor.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 3:35 PM

2016-05-17T15:35:14-04:00

Simply put, entitlement. I saw it everyday when I worked in a recruiters office specifically for Veterans. I see it everytime someone gets out. Most expect someone to give them a job because they served and "deserve" it. There are definitely free great resources and many companies looking to hire veterans and some will even do the leg work for you, but they still have to put in the same dedication and work to get those jobs as they did in the service. Being a Veteran, gives them more opportunity, exposure and full looks at their resumes and I fully support that; however, I don't support the entitlement attitude of "gimme".

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made May 17 at 2016 3:39 PM

2016-05-17T15:39:34-04:00

Welcome back to the world.

Response by TSgt William Meyer made May 17 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-05-17T15:50:46-04:00

I think that a lot of vets simply don't know what their entitled to, it took me a long time and a lot of calls before I got the answers I needed.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made May 17 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-05-17T16:27:55-04:00

Job hunting is a full time job!! I see people wanting to apply for a job and send a resume and than forget. Fire and forget does not work in job hunting. I told people if you did not apply to 100 jobs, you had not started job hunting. I also practiced what I preached.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 5:03 PM

2016-05-17T17:03:41-04:00

Some are too proud to ask for help as it could be seen as a sign of weakness. Some are too scared to ask for help as it could be seen as a sign of weakness. Some are too tired of getting the runaround and screwed every time they cough.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-05-17T18:21:37-04:00

I think there's multiple reasons for this issue;
First, to go from a world of things being structured and planned to open systems of disorganization bordering on chaos can some times be debilitating.
Next, having recently lost my job (after 18 years in a significant role) just saying you're a Veteran and need some help, doesn't get you much. It certainly doesn't get you talking to the people that have the kind of caring that I had (in Management) to help get EVERY Veteran hired.
AND LAST, there are VAST resources for Veterans but it's scattered all over and cumbersome to navigate through. It's like saying everything you really need to know is right on the Internet, just look it up.
OK, I'll get off my soap box but for anyone who hasn't had the immense pleasure of actually being an unemployed Veteran... please don't just conclude that EVERYONE falls in the category of "entitlement" and that's why there's high Veteran unemployment numbers.
Thank you

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 17 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-05-17T19:12:00-04:00

Lean Times, Tea Party Republicans in Office that ran on a Platform of Austerity, They're not going to raise Taxes they just shift the existing government income around, Rob from Peter to Pay Paul.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made May 17 at 2016 8:42 PM

2016-05-17T20:42:59-04:00

It depends on what assistance you need. Really, the only assistance you should expect and are entitled to is VA. Other than that look into non-profit organizations. What kind of assistance are you looking for? Feel free to DM me.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 18 at 2016 1:09 AM

2016-05-18T01:09:44-04:00

First they listen to the WRONG PEOPLE. Most never heard of the DAV, or the VFW. Most never thought to go to the Veterans Services Officer at the County Courthouse in most every county in the country. The Veterans Services Officer is a One Stop for info and assistance.

Most that struggle try to consult Facebook, social media and get discouraged because no one is too busy to gripe and bitch, but most are too busy to help out.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made May 18 at 2016 3:01 AM

2016-05-18T03:01:48-04:00

To some, the "Red Tape" keeps them from getting help. I work 60+ hours a week @ night. Sleep all day. Can't afford lack of sleep to get VA/Vet Benefits. Just easier to keep working..."Red Tape" is a bitch.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 8:50 PM

2016-05-18T20:50:51-04:00

Because the VA is run by s bunch of non vets who don't give a shit.