Posted on Jul 27, 2017
Hello, MG Mark Graham here from Vets4Warriors, I'll be by on Tuesday to chat with you. What questions do you have for me?
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*This Discussion Will Be Monitored By RallyPoint Staff*
From RP Staff:
RallyPoint is honored to host MG Mark Graham, former commander of First Army - Division West and Fort Carson, for a live Q&A on August 1st, 2017. General Graham began his career in 1977 as a Field Artillery officer and served honorably for more than 34 years. As a brigade commander in California, he was the first Active Duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard brigade in peacetime. During Hurricane Katrina he served as deputy commanding general of Fifth Army, leading evacuation and relief operations. Graham retired as the deputy chief of staff for FORSCOM G-3/5/7.
Today, he continues to serve as the senior director of Rutgers UBHC National Call Center, and Director of Vets4Warriors. Vets4Warriors is an incredible organization that strives to provide 24/7 confidential, stigma free peer support by veterans to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families. Much like many of you have stepped in to help one another via RallyPoint over the past five years, Vets4Warriors’ team works to make sure military members have live access to those who understand at a time of need. The program is available to military members, veterans and families worldwide.
MG Graham is here to answer questions about his military experience, leadership, and the incredible ways Vets4Warriors is changing the game for military members and veterans in need. Please post your questions below!
From RP Staff:
RallyPoint is honored to host MG Mark Graham, former commander of First Army - Division West and Fort Carson, for a live Q&A on August 1st, 2017. General Graham began his career in 1977 as a Field Artillery officer and served honorably for more than 34 years. As a brigade commander in California, he was the first Active Duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard brigade in peacetime. During Hurricane Katrina he served as deputy commanding general of Fifth Army, leading evacuation and relief operations. Graham retired as the deputy chief of staff for FORSCOM G-3/5/7.
Today, he continues to serve as the senior director of Rutgers UBHC National Call Center, and Director of Vets4Warriors. Vets4Warriors is an incredible organization that strives to provide 24/7 confidential, stigma free peer support by veterans to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families. Much like many of you have stepped in to help one another via RallyPoint over the past five years, Vets4Warriors’ team works to make sure military members have live access to those who understand at a time of need. The program is available to military members, veterans and families worldwide.
MG Graham is here to answer questions about his military experience, leadership, and the incredible ways Vets4Warriors is changing the game for military members and veterans in need. Please post your questions below!
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RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!
RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH MG Mark Graham ON 1 AUGUST 2017.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS FROM THE FORMER COMMANDER OF FIRST ARMY – DIVISION WEST AND FORT CARSON MG MARK GRAHAM, WHO RETIRED AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE AS THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR FORSCOM G3/5/7.
POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR MG GRAHAM IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS LIKE HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN COMMANDING ONE OF THE FIRST NATIONAL GUARD BRIGADES, HIS EXPERIENCES FROM A LEADERSHIP STANDPOINT DURING HURRICANE KATRINA, HIS PERSONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE & BELIEFS, AND HIS CURRENT DUTIES AS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF RUTGERS UBHC NATIONAL CALL CENTER, AND AS DIRECTOR OF VETS4WARRIORS.
PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/hello-mg-mark-graham-here-from-vets4warriors-i-ll-be-by-on-tuesday-to-chat-with-you-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me
THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.
YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CAPT Michael Moran1SG Dennis HicksSGT Jen RoyPV2 Mark Zehner
RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH MG Mark Graham ON 1 AUGUST 2017.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS FROM THE FORMER COMMANDER OF FIRST ARMY – DIVISION WEST AND FORT CARSON MG MARK GRAHAM, WHO RETIRED AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE AS THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR FORSCOM G3/5/7.
POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR MG GRAHAM IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS LIKE HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN COMMANDING ONE OF THE FIRST NATIONAL GUARD BRIGADES, HIS EXPERIENCES FROM A LEADERSHIP STANDPOINT DURING HURRICANE KATRINA, HIS PERSONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE & BELIEFS, AND HIS CURRENT DUTIES AS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF RUTGERS UBHC NATIONAL CALL CENTER, AND AS DIRECTOR OF VETS4WARRIORS.
PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/hello-mg-mark-graham-here-from-vets4warriors-i-ll-be-by-on-tuesday-to-chat-with-you-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me
THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.
YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CAPT Michael Moran1SG Dennis HicksSGT Jen RoyPV2 Mark Zehner
Hello, MG Mark Graham here from Vets4Warriors, I'll be by on Tuesday to chat with you. What...
*This Discussion Will Be Monitored By RallyPoint Staff* From RP Staff: RallyPoint is honored to host MG Mark Graham, former commander of First Army - Division West and Fort Carson, for a live Q&A on August 1st, 2017. General Graham began his career in 1977 as a Field Artillery officer and served honorably for more than 34 years. As a brigade commander in California, he was the first Active Duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard brigade...
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Stephanie Jones
Nice to make your acquaintance MG Graham! I worked with some people that worked the Katrina Disaster with FEMA.
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MG Mark Graham
Good afternoon! First I would like to thank Rally Point for hosting this forum and the work they do and for inviting me to join you today. Also, thanks to each of you that served for your service.
I want to start by letting you know a little about the organization I am working with today....Vets4Warriors [login to see]
Vet4Warriors
Discover the Power of Connection
Vets4Warriors is the leading peer support network for a service member, veteran, family member or caregiver who needs to talk to someone who has been through similar situations and can help them get answers to their questions.
Who We Are
Vets4Warriors provides a 24/7 peer support network that any individual in the military community can contact for confidential conversations and trusted solutions to physical, mental or social challenges, before those challenges turn into crises.
Vets4Warriors isn’t a crises or suicide hotline. We are a peer support network staffed by members of the veteran and military communities. Our philosophy is that there are no challenges we can’t help our veterans, military members, their families or their caregivers find the solution for.
We provide a multi-touch and multi-channel service. Clients engage for more than one contact, and there is more than one way to reach us.
What We Do
We provide sustained support to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers through confidential phone, text and online conversation. We are not a single-use resource. Many of the people we help continue to engage with us in an ongoing dialogue that spans months as they work through the challenges that led them to contact us in the first place.
I want to start by letting you know a little about the organization I am working with today....Vets4Warriors [login to see]
Vet4Warriors
Discover the Power of Connection
Vets4Warriors is the leading peer support network for a service member, veteran, family member or caregiver who needs to talk to someone who has been through similar situations and can help them get answers to their questions.
Who We Are
Vets4Warriors provides a 24/7 peer support network that any individual in the military community can contact for confidential conversations and trusted solutions to physical, mental or social challenges, before those challenges turn into crises.
Vets4Warriors isn’t a crises or suicide hotline. We are a peer support network staffed by members of the veteran and military communities. Our philosophy is that there are no challenges we can’t help our veterans, military members, their families or their caregivers find the solution for.
We provide a multi-touch and multi-channel service. Clients engage for more than one contact, and there is more than one way to reach us.
What We Do
We provide sustained support to service members, veterans, family members and caregivers through confidential phone, text and online conversation. We are not a single-use resource. Many of the people we help continue to engage with us in an ongoing dialogue that spans months as they work through the challenges that led them to contact us in the first place.
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No questions from me, MG Mark Graham. I just wish to extend my condolences to your wife and you on the loss of your sons. Thank you for your service, sacrifice and for what your wife and you continue to do to help troubled soldiers.
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LTC Stephen C.
I'm most sorry for your heart breaking troubles, SSG Jon Hill. "But Jesus said, 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 19:14
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Condolences go out to MG Mark Graham and his wife for the loss of their sons!
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MG Mark Graham Thanks for being here on RallyPoint and thank you for your devotion and service to our Country.
My question is two part:
1. As Director for Vets4Warriors do you know if that organization has partnered with other non-profit organizations to provide additional services; would you consider it?
2. Do you find that a lot of your time is spent with Vets4Warriors in fundraising to keep the organization viable or have you crack the code on getting donations for that non-profit?
My question is two part:
1. As Director for Vets4Warriors do you know if that organization has partnered with other non-profit organizations to provide additional services; would you consider it?
2. Do you find that a lot of your time is spent with Vets4Warriors in fundraising to keep the organization viable or have you crack the code on getting donations for that non-profit?
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MG Mark Graham
MIkel -- Vets4Warriors is very collaborative with other organizations. We partner with many and always open to more. Wish I had cracked the code on funding as I do spend much time working fundraising but it is to obtain fund to hire veterans to answer the phone lines and live chat 24/7.. [login to see] .
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
MG Mark Graham - Sir, that is great - I hope we can connect in the near future. I'm associated with Victory for Veterans Foundation and would like to set up a future call with you and your team. The power of networking. My email address is below, so when you get time that is convenient for you drop me an email and we coordinate schedules. Thank you,
Regards,
Register for our Victory Tour: BIKE22
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/BIKE22/register
Mikel J. Burroughs
Colonel (Retired)
Chairman, Board of Directors
Victory for Veterans/Veterans March on America
VFV Web: http://www.VictoryForVeterans.org
VMOA Web: http://www.vetsmarchonamerica.com
FaceBook: @VFVets (http://www.FaceBook.com/VFVets)
FaceBook: @VeteransMarchOn (http://www.facebook.com/VeteransMarchOn/)
Twitter: @VictoryVets (http://www.twitter.com/VictoryVets)
Twitter: @VMOAmerica (http://www.twitter.com/VMOAmerica)
LinkedIn: Victory For Veterans (http://www.linkedin.com/company/Victory-For-Veterans)
Cell: [login to see]
Email: [login to see]
"Fight for 22"
Regards,
Register for our Victory Tour: BIKE22
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/BIKE22/register
Mikel J. Burroughs
Colonel (Retired)
Chairman, Board of Directors
Victory for Veterans/Veterans March on America
VFV Web: http://www.VictoryForVeterans.org
VMOA Web: http://www.vetsmarchonamerica.com
FaceBook: @VFVets (http://www.FaceBook.com/VFVets)
FaceBook: @VeteransMarchOn (http://www.facebook.com/VeteransMarchOn/)
Twitter: @VictoryVets (http://www.twitter.com/VictoryVets)
Twitter: @VMOAmerica (http://www.twitter.com/VMOAmerica)
LinkedIn: Victory For Veterans (http://www.linkedin.com/company/Victory-For-Veterans)
Cell: [login to see]
Email: [login to see]
"Fight for 22"
Victory For Veterans Mission is to serve Veterans in need. Our Vision is: Absolute Zero... Zero Suicides... Zero Homeless... Zero Jobless... Zero Abandoned. Please help us and take a stand with us to fight for these men and women who gave for our freedom!This event: BIKE22 is a 22 mile or 22 km bicycle ride in 90 cities across the country beginning July 2, 2017 - Aug 25, 2018. 22 represents the daily number of Veterans taking their lives. This...
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MG Mark Graham
Thank him for serving and you as well. Please pass on our number to him or vets4Warriors.com for him or any he knows.
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Sir,
We are seeing declining numbers in our traditional VSO's (Veteran Service Organization) what advice would you give to the younger generation of vets? How do we pick up the torch and become our own best advocate?
We are seeing declining numbers in our traditional VSO's (Veteran Service Organization) what advice would you give to the younger generation of vets? How do we pick up the torch and become our own best advocate?
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SGT Craig Northacker
Good question. Ask your buddies who are out, and also resources at VA hospitals. Poke around - look for local veteran breakfast groups - a lot of us older vets are able to help in many ways. I have found the groups who are most effective are busy doing their jobs - anyone who has to advertise a lot probably has other agendas. Good luck!
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SGT Matthew Reid
I think O had a lot do with that. Bill Clinton as POTUS was a major factor for me taking the medical discharge over MOS reclassification. Have you contacted the current POTUS in regards to this. The media wants us to believe that he is a moron, I think he would respond and take action. Your choice.
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MG Mark Graham
I would say, be involved. There are so many VSOs it can be overwhelming at times. I recommend you find one that has the same mission, values and focus that you have and try it. You do not have to stay if the fit is not right.
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MG Mark Graham: WELCOME TO RALLY POINT, MG Mark Graham!
Is today's Army still the number one Army in the world?
Thank you so very kindly for your input; former Commander of the First Army.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer
Is today's Army still the number one Army in the world?
Thank you so very kindly for your input; former Commander of the First Army.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer
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Thanks for letting us know MG Mark Graham. The Army has changed a lot since the 1970s. I enlisted in 1974 when draftees were still serving and VOLAR was the recruiting construct.
Top down decisions rarely tend to be welcomed in the ranks.
Many times decisions are well intentioned such as GEN Wickham's decision to discourage smoking and drinking and embrace healthy eating habits.
How would you advise leaders to go about the process of directing major changes in rules and procedures within the force or business?
What questions do you have COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL COL Charles Williams LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. LTC Stephen Conway CPT Gabe Snell SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Top down decisions rarely tend to be welcomed in the ranks.
Many times decisions are well intentioned such as GEN Wickham's decision to discourage smoking and drinking and embrace healthy eating habits.
How would you advise leaders to go about the process of directing major changes in rules and procedures within the force or business?
What questions do you have COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL COL Charles Williams LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. LTC Stephen Conway CPT Gabe Snell SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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MG Mark Graham I have a question,Sir. Why is there not more help for what is referred to as second hand victims concerning sexual assault cases? I know someone who stopped a male on male rape from continuing. All they received was counciling when all they wanted and needed was a transfer to a different unit somewhere else on post or to a different post. I bring this up because sometimes military kids might be the second hand victim, being traumatized by witnessing such atrocities.
I apologize if this is off topic for what you are willing to discuss. But I do feel you may have enough influence to start working towards a change.
I apologize if this is off topic for what you are willing to discuss. But I do feel you may have enough influence to start working towards a change.
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MG Mark Graham
First, I am sorry to hear about this. My understanding is is each unit and installation has a trained person to assist in these cases. There is an Army Ombudsman on each post as well.
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No question General, just what to thank you for your continuing service to this great country, and the help you supply to the service men and women.
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MG Mark Graham My plan is to commission in ‘19 as a 2nd Lt. and I am curious if you have any advice for new lieutenants? I’m a in the MOANG planning to go active after college. Also I would love to hear some stories of your career and great leadership lessons you learned along the way! Thank you sir!
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MG Mark Graham
Congrats! First I would tell you to trust and listen to your NCO's. There experience is invaluable to a young officer. I always feel a good leader has to understand following. Think of those you are leading and put yourself in their boots as much as you can as you make decisions and for sure communicate to all that work for and with you.
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