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?
42.2K
357
101
43
43
0
*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!
Leadership Development
Support
Q&A
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 36
6
6
0
What are your thoughts on the fact the so many retired military Generals in key positions of power in this current administration...and what does it mean to the future of our Officer Corps?
(6)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
I stay politically neutral but I do feel many of our flag officers have much to offer in a variety of positions following military service, to include political office or key positions.
(2)
(0)
5
5
0
Hello sir, I am requesting for my 30 year service certificated, and flag with the pin and other goodies included? I am building a war room in my house, and it would look nice on my wall. It's been 12 years since I proudly retired, and I haven't got it, with all due respect
Angel E. Valentin (Ret)
Angel E. Valentin (Ret)
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
MG Mark Graham thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions. Like many others on here, my condolences to you, your wife, and your daughter for your great loss. I have many questions that I would love to ask a MG but this one is the most prevalent.
MG is quite the accomplishment of rank to make. Were there ever times when you were irritated with the people, leadership, or politics of the military so much you just wanted to finish your contract and go back to your own life? If so, how did you press on through that and stick it out? There are many times when I myself or others I know just want to throw in the towel and say "I'm done with this." However, that may not necessarily be the smartest decision at the time. Looking for words of wisdom and advice for when you are in between a rock and a hard place.
Many thanks sir,
SrA Melissa Chiles
MG is quite the accomplishment of rank to make. Were there ever times when you were irritated with the people, leadership, or politics of the military so much you just wanted to finish your contract and go back to your own life? If so, how did you press on through that and stick it out? There are many times when I myself or others I know just want to throw in the towel and say "I'm done with this." However, that may not necessarily be the smartest decision at the time. Looking for words of wisdom and advice for when you are in between a rock and a hard place.
Many thanks sir,
SrA Melissa Chiles
(5)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
You bet but not very often. I loved serving with Soldiers and members of the other services and that kept me going. Think of the bigger picture and what you are doing in service to America. Thanks for serving.
(1)
(0)
5
5
0
I would like to say thank you for your service. I am currently running a group on Facebook called PTSDduetoMST. I suffer from this and so do the others in my group. Here is my question how would you direct people who are suffering a great deal mentally yet they will not speak to anyone in the VA for fear of being singled out, stigma etc. I can only help so far and there are just some that I can not help and nor can anyone in the group. Does your organization have the links or resources to advise these people to go so they can get the help they need? Are calls that made to Vets4Warriors recorded or can they be anonymous? Thanks
(5)
(0)
SFC William Farrell
SGT Jen Roy I'm sorry you had to experience the MST Jen, it should never happen in the civilian world let alone the military where we are supposed to be protecting each other. Stay well.
(1)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
We do have a wide variety of resources as part of the peer support that we provide. We DO NOT record calls and we are confidential. You can be anonymous if you wish.
(1)
(0)
5
5
0
Welcome to RP MG Mark Graham Sir. No questions from me Sir. But thank you for your life long commitment and continued services Sir. God Bless
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
MG MARK GRAHAM, thank you for your time and service.
My question is:
During the evacuation of Hurricane Katrina, what mistakes were made and how can those mistakes be corrected for the next time something like that happens?
My other question is:
If you were offered the chance to be Secretary of Defense would you take the nomination why or why not?
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Thank you for your service as well as your dedication to the VETS4WARRIORS.
My question is:
During the evacuation of Hurricane Katrina, what mistakes were made and how can those mistakes be corrected for the next time something like that happens?
My other question is:
If you were offered the chance to be Secretary of Defense would you take the nomination why or why not?
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Thank you for your service as well as your dedication to the VETS4WARRIORS.
(5)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
Wow, big question. We did multiple AARs to identify near term and long term ways to improve, but I have to tell you it was amazing to see so many from all across the nation come to help others in need. Proud to be in America!
As far as the Secretary of Defense I am flattered but of course I would serve at the pleasure for our nation. Many others far more qualified than me and our current SecDef is incredible..
As far as the Secretary of Defense I am flattered but of course I would serve at the pleasure for our nation. Many others far more qualified than me and our current SecDef is incredible..
(2)
(0)
PFC (Join to see)
MG Mark Graham - thank you for your response to my questions. It's a true honor to have you on here.
(1)
(0)
5
5
0
What do you tell employers who are concerned as to the emotional stability of our folks but are reluctant to voice that concern? I have my own answers - wondering what yours is.
(5)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
First of all I would ensure employers know about Vets4Warriors [login to see] to let these veterans know the employer understands the unique challenges military service brings and to offer a resource they can call confidentially 24/7.
(1)
(0)
5
5
0
MG Mark Graham thanks for the opportunity to ask some questions! I am new to the world of higher education and for the last year I have been advocating for veterans in and out of college. Sometimes it seems as though bureaucratic rules and politics both in and out of the college can get in the way progress. Although this can be frustrating at times I really enjoy my job and the people that I work with. I also really enjoy helping veterans further their education.
What advice could you offer me in regards to navigating this new career path?
What advice could you offer me in regards to navigating this new career path?
(5)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
Try not to let the bureaucracy distract you from the mission and caring for those that work for you. Easy to say, hard to do.
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
Sir thank you for coming to RP.
My question is with the lack of trust with Wounder Warrior Project and the subsequent blowback against other vet help orgs, how is yours different? Speaking from experience, I tried to get involved in one, and quit after looking into the actions of the leaders, just to join the same org again later on. Even with new leadership the SAME issues arose, and a large portion quit (to include myself). I'm extremely distrustful of vet help orgs now thanks to that and the fallout from WWP. I'm also skeptical of more mainstream and traditional vet orgs like VFW. Needed help with them after being referred by a CSM, and not only were they no help, the local VFW commander had no clue what I was talking about, and no idea how he and his org could help. Ended up using advice from a Korean War vet, my father (Nam vet), and some buddies who were helping me "wing it" to get what the CSM recommended a professional vet org could do in no time flat. How can you build trust, when you put your worst foot forward?
My question is with the lack of trust with Wounder Warrior Project and the subsequent blowback against other vet help orgs, how is yours different? Speaking from experience, I tried to get involved in one, and quit after looking into the actions of the leaders, just to join the same org again later on. Even with new leadership the SAME issues arose, and a large portion quit (to include myself). I'm extremely distrustful of vet help orgs now thanks to that and the fallout from WWP. I'm also skeptical of more mainstream and traditional vet orgs like VFW. Needed help with them after being referred by a CSM, and not only were they no help, the local VFW commander had no clue what I was talking about, and no idea how he and his org could help. Ended up using advice from a Korean War vet, my father (Nam vet), and some buddies who were helping me "wing it" to get what the CSM recommended a professional vet org could do in no time flat. How can you build trust, when you put your worst foot forward?
(4)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
I can speak about Vets4Warriors and say we are peers....we are who we serve and one of the reasons so many contact us is they say they can trust us. This is something we do not take lightly and will continue to ensure we do all we can to retain that trust as we work together with whatever anyone is going through.
(2)
(0)
SSG Warren Swan
Thank you Sir. I'm going to remember your word as a man and a Soldier when/if I call. I sincerely hope and believe what you say represents not just your word to us, but speaks as one for the company and its values also. DUTY FIRST Sir!!
(1)
(0)
SGT Craig Northacker
The gents from NY who incorporated WWP came from another nonprofit under investigation by the NYS Attorney General. Look at the tax returns of the groups, and if you learn how to read some of the pertinent info you will learn a lot. And yes, anyone spending a lot on advertising anywhere is trying o drum up sales for a product that otherwise has a hard time selling itself.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
MG Mark Graham No questions from me Sir, just thank you for your service and my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your sons. I have read your story several times and narrowly missed you speaking somewhere in Connecticut a year or two ago. Suicide is something I know all too well, having dealt with after Vietnam and then again after the loss of my wife. The hardest one to hit me was a family friend and student of mine, a lovely 14 year old girl who hung herself the day after Christmas. I wish you and your family strength to continue on, spreading the word as you do so openly. I hope to hear you one day in Rhode Island.
(4)
(0)
MG Mark Graham
Thank you for your service and I am so very sorry for your losses as well. One day at a time.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google