Are Veterans sometimes their own worst enemy?

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:02:53 -0400

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel out to visit my parents in Philly and rather than driving my car and paying the insane tolls on the PA Turnpike from Pittsburgh to Philly, I decided that I would save money and catch a Megabus. Not only did this allow me the chance to only spend $70 bucks on getting to and from my parents' house (which is normally what the gas alone costs) but it gave me an opportunity to spend a few hours on a bus with others and talk.

On my leg between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, another dude took the seat next to me and as we journeyed down the road we got to talking. I shared my story of being a Veteran and how my transition wasn't all rainbows sunshine and he shared with me how he has always been a great supporter of Veterans but felt concerned that sometimes Veterans are their own worst enemy when it comes to things like find jobs and and proper health care. I couldn't agree with him more! As a Veteran, I sometimes see my brothers and sisters-in-arms doing more harm than good when trying to complete their transition.

We have all seen the stories. A Veteran at whatever rank gets out, ill-prepared thinking that their military experience knowledge along will carry them and they will get the corner office making a six figure salary and living in the big house on the corner with the pool and three cars, a wife, two and half kids, and a big dog. When reality sets in, that Veteran finds that they are working for 50,000 a year in a position that may be lower in responsibility than what they had in the military struggling to fit in to their new surrounds going home to a different family structure than what they had while in the military.

You also hear the story of the Veteran in great need of medical assistance but refusing to "be a number" and therefore not enrolling into the VAHS or using TriCare. They sit on the side of the street complaining but not taking an proactive role into their health.

We as Veterans, can sometimes be the road block holding us back from success. There is no doubt that we are some of the brightest, most talented, forward-thinking people out here. Yet we continue to see this wheel go round and round.

So, RallyPoint, here is the question I am asking you. For those that have gone on to transition from the military, what can we do to help our brothers and sisters-in-arms who find themselves looking out and feeling lost? How we can take us from being our own worst enemy to being our own biggest champion?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:05 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:05:33 -0400

I feel there is a disconnect with the military and providers of services and members need to be aware of that and be proactive..

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 17 at 2015 10:46 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:46:23 -0400

Sadly, far too many service members are discharged without proper transition training. Many flat out don't know what's available to them. Others, as you've stated, don't want to get involved, be bothered, or be part of what is seen as a broken system. Some do feel entitled, but multiple combat tours might do that to a veteran.

Others are so lost due to PTSD, TBI and other health issues, that they flat out can't function. This may include non-combat vets as well. Military service, even in peace time, can be very physically demanding and result in many injuries at higher levels than the general public.

Then there's the vet who says "I don't want to use VA healthcare, because there are vets worse off than me, or if I go, another won't get seen." When I was a DAV service officer, I learned that the VA clinics get an amount of money for each primary care patient enrolled. So, even if you are relatively healthy, enrolling at the VAMC will enable them to see other patients, because their budget gets increased...

Response by PO3 Helen Hill made Aug 17 at 2015 12:16 PM

PO3 Helen Hill — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:16:42 -0400

The reason many Veterans refuse to get help from the VA Hospitals is because it takes such a long time to get in and get a primary care provider and many times the primary care provider does not listen to what the veteran is saying and jump to their own conclusions..many vets are misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication which is what happened to a friend of mine who is a Army Veteran..the VA in my hometown gave him the wrong diagnosis as well as not listen to what he was saying and it almost cost him his life because the medication was all wrong and it effected his health...he ended using out of pocket money to go to a private doctor who put him on the right medication for his medical issues and is now on the road to recovery...my friend even went to the patient advocate to get help and was told to suck it up they were not going to help him. Its a shame that Veterans are treated this way in many areas of our country and its because of the mistreatment that many Veterans refuse to go to a VA hospital to get treatment. I personally haven't had any problems with my treatment at the VA but it did take a while to get a primary care doctor.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 17 at 2015 2:09 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:09:08 -0400

A lot of the points have already been mentioned, but I will add, BE PROACTIVE!!! I was looking for my current employment about 10 to 12 months out, and was hired a couple months before I retired. I'm not saying this will work with everyone as it does depend on the employment you seek, location of that employment, whether you can re-locate, and whether you're using this as a spring board to something better, or something more permanent until you retire (again for some of us), and finally, your age, which is a big issue with a lot of our 25+ year retiree's. That being said, know exactly what you want and your plan for getting there and have other options available AND READY in the event what you are looking for just isn't available, and don't let rejection keep you from trying and trying again. I had 3 different options just in case, and yes, one included fast food (It's a lot easier getting a job when you already have one than it is when you don't). It wouldn't hurt to take a resume and interview workshop as it will only help clue you in, specifically, the difference between military and civilian employment requirements, and the military job fairs are there just for you!!! Most would say I was fortunate, I would agree as I didn't wait for employment to find me, I hunted it down.

Response by Sgt William Dumsick made Aug 17 at 2015 2:24 PM

Sgt William Dumsick — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:24:50 -0400

Sargent Ben, "welcome Home". Sgt. Dumsick USMC Vietnam 63-67. Veterans are they're worst enemy when it comes to healthcare. When I came home and got discharged from the Corps, I was a closet Vet. I never went to the VA till almost 20 years later when I started to see symptoms of personal problems in my body. I joined the VVA. (Vietnam Veterans of America) and became a member of the National Agent Orange Committee. I say this because of 28 years on this committee I know the challenges the Vietnam Vet sees when he/she go to the VA from a disease. The IOM/NAS (Institute of medicine & the National Academy of Science ) go by the numbers. The Congress requires these two bodies of doctors and scientist put out a report on Vietnam Veterans and just about Agent Orange . It is based on statistics. There are 16 known related presumed conditions related to Agent Orange and there are more conditions than you you can count, such as liver, pancreas, kidney and breast cancers that vets have died from. Yet they are not acknowledged because veterans do not go to the VA for care. Without #s they (iom/NAS/VA) do not see lots of numbers against the general population Vet vs civilian or non Vietnam vet. so they do not add that condition to a presumed condition...beware you New Warriors.
So saying that: New Warriors have been exposed to depleted uranium, burn pits from SH.. to medical waste (and that plume can travel 20 miles), solvents from cleaning weapons and diesel fumes/jet fuel. So I say to you young men and women "go to the VA for a check up and get enrolled you may not know what you were exposed to 20 years from now or you may already have symptoms.". 20 years ago it was hard to even get a quorum to conduct business in the AO/D committee now it's standing room only. Asbestos for sailors takes 20-30 years & mesophotemeola *
takes 40 years so when you start having breathing problems in really is only a matter of time.
Go to the VA now and be a statistic if not for you your family, your buddies and the following generations. We service organizations are still fighting both the Congress and the VA for help and they are in denial of the effects of Agent Orange and Dioxins.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2015 2:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:44:23 -0400

This is a dynamic question which requires a dynamic answer. I will try to revisit it tonight.

Response by Cpl Cary Cartter made Aug 19 at 2015 12:45 PM

Cpl Cary Cartter — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 12:45:40 -0400

American Legion and VFW both have ombudsmen that will help the Vet trying to get benefits, but they cannot go out and track down those Vets that need help - they can only help the ones that ask for help. If you can help make that connection, then you are helping other Vets. No, it doesn't address the "Own Worst Enemy" directly, but this does help the Vet in need fight that enemy - outnumbering the enemy, if you will - and sometimes that's all that's needed, a show of support from a Brother or Sister.

Yes, dealing with the VA can be frustrating - but it is set up for us, and while they could improve it greatly to improve the service to us, abandoning it totally because you don't want to deal with them kind of defeats the purpose. Stay enrolled, but if you are blessed to be able to afford insurance (and healthcare) outside of the VA system, then do so - but stay enrolled so their numbers will show the true need, and how they are not meeting the need. Communicate with those above the administration of the VA - your congresscritters - and keep the pressure on them to do the right thing for ALL Vets.

Response by CW3 Susan Burkholder made Aug 19 at 2015 3:12 PM

CW3 Susan Burkholder — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:12:03 -0400

I say mostly no. But sometimes it's both. A- You can't fix what you don't acknowledge. I've seen way too many younger soldiers get out after 4-7 yrs of service convinced there was triple or quadruple the amount of money to be made in the civilian world when in fact the only jobs that were going to be hiring them were lower paying jobs. 50,000 annual salary is not a common starting point for any transitioning soldier. That is very high. The reality is more like 25-30,000. B- "Military Friendly" employers at all those job fairs only offer low paying entry level. If you have 10 or more years in you can't really transition to that cut in pay. C- Let's face it, civilian employers are not interested in hiring the ordinary vet (never deployed or never wounded) D- Military skills really don't translate to civilian skills, and most employers want to hire those with specific skills and experience.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 19 at 2015 3:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:55:19 -0400

The younger generation of vets are at risk of unchecked mental instability and chemical dependence. Many of the Vietnam veterans refuse to have any association with Federal Agencies.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 4:07 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:07:14 -0400

I almost want to start a discussion titled, "Vets...Let's be honest; we really hate being out more than we every hated being in; amirite?"

The first day I woke up as a "civilian" (well, close enough, I was still in the IRR I guess) felt like a thousand pound weight was off my chest. There wasn't anything I had to "address"...nothing on my "radar"...no formation, meeting, briefing, rehearsal, anything I had to be at. No one wanted my opinion...I wasn't in charge of anything.A few months later I felt like I was a "Plebe" again, only no one hazing me even had the decency to scream in a manly voice...It was like being cycled by Mr. Rogers and Dr. Ruth. For a time, I found solace in the gym...running...doing a lot of the same things I did "off duty" (to include spending the nights at the bar). I kept my hair short, ironed things, used "knife hands".

Then one day...quite unexpectantly, I gained twenty pounds, grew a beard, let my hair grow out and got my own mailbox. The dog was next...then the girlfriend...then the serious girlfriend...then the love of my life who became my wife. My son's on his way this winter.

I am grateful for how things turned out...I'm alive, prospering (some days more than others), and building a new chapter...

...but sometimes, lots of times actually, I really do miss the life.

I figured early on that the VA was like two primates trying to reproduce with athletic equipment...I didn't suffer what others did, so I didn't see any reason to take something off a limited plate from someone needing it more than I.

However, I'm glad I can't go back because it was all about getting "here"...and it won't stop; one day, I'll look back on these days and miss them too. I think it's all about maturing, learning and finishing the story. To quote a great film, "Every man dies...not every man truly lives"

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 5:49 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:49:31 -0400

As servicemembers, we take on a lot of responsibility that we will NEVER get credit for. As a Platoon Sergeant over a Heavy Mortar platoon, I had more firepower under my personal control (no Platoon Leader) than anyone at similar rank. (6 120 mm mortars, 6 M-2 .50 cal machine guns, 2 M-60 .30 cal machine guns, 8 113-series APCs, personal weapons, protective masks, M-72 LAWs, smoke grenades, and a 42 man unit. I could have invaded and conquered a banana republic.)

But especially enlisted servicemen forget that we are the equivalent of blue collar workers (regardless of whatever schooling we may have had.) It's like the guy who puts on tires at the GM assembly line thinking he's going to go out and get a white collar job and 6-figure salary just because he put on tires well.

Then there are retired 1SGs who still want to hold formation and inspect uniforms and haircuts, or retired COLs looking for their driver, aide, and boot polisher. If those things are important to you, STAY IN!

Yes, we learn leadership that is unequalled in the civilian world, but leadership positions in the civilian word generally require a 4-year degree or more. I can't tell you how many SGTs felt that because they installed PCs for a unit, they were a System Administrator, and could pick up a good civilian job with the same title.

No, it's not the same problems other people have discussed, but the simple truth is that active duty military people generally are grossly unprepared for life in the civilian world.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Aug 20 at 2015 12:02 PM

SPC Steven Depuy — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:02:02 -0400

I have hired a lot of veterans in the 21 years my wife and I have run a business. I wish I could tell you they have been my top employees, but I would be lying. In many of the cases, it had nothing to do with anything combat related, many of them never saw any, a few have. But mostly, its been a poor work ethic, and an I don't give a shit attitude. Have even tried to work with guys who joined the guard. The one guy was so freaking irresponsible, would tell us the day before, oh, by the way, I won't be here friday, my unit is sending me to ___________ and I won't be back for two weeks. You sit there like really, you just found out today. In most cases, yeah, they have been their own worst enemies.

Response by LTC Ian Murdoch made Aug 20 at 2015 1:50 PM

LTC Ian Murdoch — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:50:10 -0400

Sometimes, yes.
As one who retired after 24 years and has talked to many Veterans and service members about transitioning to civilian life, I offer the following advice to those getting out or who are still trying to find their footing in the civilian world:
The biggest obstacle I have seen, whether one is a retiring field grade officer or a private ETSing after one term, is when someone can’t let go of their identity as a Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Marine. This can be deceptively hard to do. We just don’t think it will happen to us, we’re too smart for that. But after spending years doing really hard stuff well, and being immersed in a culture that reinforces the military identity, it can be very difficult to put that life in the rearview mirror. But the irrefutable fact is that we each take off the uniform at some point and our service moves on without us.
The trick is to retain your pride of having served well, and your sense of competence earned by thriving in very difficult circumstances, but not be stuck in the past. Honor your past as you move to the future. This can be really hard on the job front. Most of us don’t have experience with a civilian job hunt. When you leave the military, you change careers, move your household, have to change health care providers, are removed from your social network, at the same time you’re trying to adjust to a different culture. That is a lot coming at you at once and the emotional, psychological and potentially physical impacts should not be underestimated. As others have noted, this is not the time for the “ironman” mindset.
When you came in the military, you probably spent some time thinking about what it would be like and steeling yourself for the rigors of initial training. You got a lot of help transition into the military from recruiters, medical personnel (remember all those shots?), career counselors, personnel clerks, finance people, drill sergeants, supply people, etc. etc. There is quite a bit of help to get out, too, but it is fragmented and no one other than you has a vested interest in your success.
So you need to build the mindset of being a civilian Veteran and becoming comfortable with that label. Make up your mind that you are going to take advantage of the opportunities that civilian life brings and do whatever you need to do to achieve your vision of success. As in every aspect of life, there will be times when it is not fair, and there will be times when it is very difficult and frustrating. Work through the problems. Take a long view and keep pushing towards your goals. Spend some time thinking about what it will be like when you achieve your goals. If you don’t have goals for after the military, start thinking about them now!
Get help early and use it often. Don’t wait until you are having problems getting interviews, or get a bureaucratic runaround, or have been depressed for a long time, or you’re broke, or your nagging pain becomes unmanageable. Successful people surround themselves with teams to provide expert advice. Your commander had a staff to help. Top athletes have coaches and trainers, and business people hire consultants, accountants, lawyers, etc. Build your team before you need them.
The best time to think about transition is before you join the military, the second best time is now, even if you have been out for a long time.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 20 at 2015 2:00 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:00:05 -0400

They have to want to help themselves. By this I mean stop thinking the world is going to evolve around you being you're a vet. Stop thinking you'll score the CEO position based on your rank when you're really going to get a mailroom position. Get over the "my buddy got paid this for doing this". Your buddy got lucky....might not apply to you. Know your TRUE self worth and lower your ego. Your MOS doesn't mean sh*t all the time. # of deployments, # of "confirmed" kills, and that MOH you never got don't mean sh*t. Realize it's what you can bring to the table in the sense of skillset, talent, dedication, and desire to succeed that matters. Realize that you might have to go into a whole DIFFERENT skillset to get a job period. Make transition classes a harsh reality than the rosy picture they show. Give the statistics on the job outlooks, and even make it vet specific. In the end, if reality was shown to them, I bet a lot more would re-enlist real quick.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Aug 20 at 2015 2:33 PM

SFC Terry Murphy — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:33:07 -0400

As a veteran and now a firefighter, I see the a lot of veterans with problems, or at least many that claim to be vets. Before I am strung up and donkey kicked, let me explain. For a veteran that has served their country, I will give the shirt off my back. My issue is that many of the people I see that are homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol, and standing on the street corner with a sign say "help me" are using the veteran name to panhandle money. When I have asked them about their service, they were all Special Forces, Navy Seal, with combat everywhere from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe! One of our "regulars" was a Viet Nam vet. This really impressed me since he is currently 52 years old. Such a hardcore SF, Seal that he fought in Nam when he was about 10 years old!
I spent 21 years in the Army and the problem soldiers that were kicked out within their first year or two of service are the one that I think would be the homeless, panhandling addicts. Why? Those soldiers were substandard and either came into the service with drug or alcohol problems or were just plain trouble makers to begin with. They joined the service and when they were problem soldiers, they were kicked out, many without even seeing a permanent unit, let alone seeing combat.
At what point do the trouble making soldiers become veterans? At what point do they deserve VA benefits? If these people are having problems due to PTSD or wounds and injuries received from their service, they deserve all that they can get. If they got kicked out for drugs, alcohol or discipline problems and never saw combat, they are on their own.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Aug 20 at 2015 5:02 PM

SGT Robert Andrews — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:02:59 -0400

Well when I was discharged I wanted to stay in. Being medically discharged was a disappointment. So the first job I went to was what I know firefighting.Like I said I didn't want to be med. Discharged. I am hurt but mission capable. I realized that according to the civilian world I was not marketable unless I wanted to work as a security officer for low wages. I got involved with veteran services. Using the gi bill to its max capacity I now have two aas. Finishing a third aas and now enrolled in a bachelor's program. Its long its difficult and i do feel lost in a civilian world.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Aug 20 at 2015 5:06 PM

SGT Robert Andrews — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:06:32 -0400

Look for units with open slots and need when your transfer comes available. That increases the chance of promotion and network yourselves to other units. Let units know your comming available let them know your strengths and get a sponsor before you transfer.

Response by MSgt David Shields made Aug 20 at 2015 7:18 PM

MSgt David Shields — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:18:53 -0400

I couldn't agree more. I am now the Community Employment Coordinator in my VA Healthcare System. When I retired back in 2006, I had to eat some humble pie as job prospects were not lining up to great me with open arms. For a while I tried my hand at starting my own handyman business, but then decided to go back to school. Although I had about 80 credits towards one degree, I was advised to start all over as a freshman because my general Ed credits were more than 10 years old. I didn't like it then, but looking back it was the best advice. I now have a Masters degree in Social Work and have the aforementioned job. My point is, and one I make to the Veterans I work with now, is to put your pride aside and be willing to take a job that you may not want to be your career and do all you can to learn and grow. Also, be willing to reach for new goals realizing that your military experience is part of the puzzle that is you, it informs your life, makes you a great employee and is valuable; however, it does not mean you are owed anything. If anything your military service puts you in the perfect position to be a mentor.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 22 at 2015 1:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 13:07:37 -0400

Often times vets will criticize other vets, I don't understand it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 12:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:07:13 -0400

I bet the majority of the homeless vets are mentally unstable and have a chemical dependence.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 28 at 2015 1:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:06:17 -0400

:| <<<<<<< frog face

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 4:56 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:56:05 -0400

We are our own worst enemy. No matter how prepared you can be for getting out, you may not be prepared enough for the worst case scenarios. It's all a positive training and outlook when you leave. Following advice, taking classes, making big plans, producing an incredible resume...all that can easily overlook the circumstances of experiencing rejection. There could be rejection from a new job or multiple interviews, false promises to support veterans, rejection from friends, social scenes that don't welcome veterans, loss of support from family, ect. All of which are very tough scenarios that the military doesn't prepare you for. When you're out and you experience this, there are very few "brothers in arms" who are physically around to help you out too. In my case all my close friends are across the country and/or still deployed. So how do you get connected with a solid group of people to help yourself along when times get tough? Still a mystery to me. VA and other non-profits are slowly working resources in this area. Yet I'm not a Wounded Warrior. I definitely feel the pains of transition and being out only a few years now and I know I'm not alone.

Response by CW3 Eric W. S. made Sep 17 at 2015 1:47 PM

CW3 Eric W. S. — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 13:47:32 -0400

Absolutely. I have found myself utilizing every excuse I can to keep from getting the help I am authorized. I just miss being in the military.

Response by CW2 Stacy Sheard made Jan 21 at 2016 1:16 PM

CW2 Stacy Sheard — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 13:16:00 -0500

Truthful article - no excuses.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 30 at 2017 8:14 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Tue, 30 May 2017 20:14:56 -0400

I've been to a few Veterans of Foreign Wars post that the service advocate is good at what they do and results are Achieved. And been to a few where the Cmdr. takes care of all his buds and the Post is no more than a social club. The same happens at the Am. Legion also, I found some of the most productive posts do not have a canteen, they're all business, taking ca e of the Vetran and community service ; taking care of the Veteran community and looking out for the community in general: D.a.r.e. The drug Awareness program the reflective backpacks for tots, bicycle safety, Vouce of Democracy, Patriots pen, Teacher of the year for teachers that instill patriotism in to the students and more. I know the Legion has their youth programs also. Can anyone name them ? Other Veteran Svc orgs have their programs also but American Legion and V.F.W. lead the Veteran Service orgs... I've been fortunate to come in contact with a good Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, District and Dept.
(Mi.) that does s fantastic job.. all great people in the Posts and Auxiliaries that support the Post , District and Dept. This coming weekend starting the 1st and the 2d we will be working to make our Dept do even better than we did this year.. this year in District I have Drug Awareness and Safety, I'll be on top of the Posts I out District to get their programs working and completed.

Response by Sgt Harlin Seritt made Jan 19 at 2020 2:06 PM

Sgt Harlin Seritt — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 14:06:41 -0500

You mean like everyone else in the world? Yes. We can be. Humans seem to have a problem with getting out of their own way. :-D

Response by Pvt Patrick Bryan made Apr 24 at 2020 1:40 PM

Pvt Patrick Bryan — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:40:38 -0400

First of all you can demand the VA itself treats us, the Veteran, equally and fairly and stop the discrimination between Post 911 and Pre 911 Vets. That on its own would be a great start. Then demand the WWP fully explain itself on it donations campaigning, that the only serve Post 911 with those donations!! I am a pre 911 Vet fm Vietnam era, an I have been on the receiving end of this discrimination by the VA, BVA, RO's raters, VA medical centers and even Post 911 Vets themselves. 10 years standing in the Appeals process, 2 BVA hearings, 2 BVA remands. We are all VETERANS, treat us ALL EQUALLY!!!

Response by PO2 Danny Ward made Jul 19 at 2020 10:50 AM

PO2 Danny Ward — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 10:50:35 -0400

As a Navy Vietnam vet, we were ill informed on what was available to us. I had no idea that medical help was available to me. I knew about the GI Bill, but never used it in time. Being discharged in ‘77 I was not enlightened until 2008 at a VA sponsored clinic on how to apply for jobs and how to present myself at an interview. We were being processed out as quickly as possible with little to no knowledge of what was our due. Sorry way to be treated. Now, I am at 80% disability waiting on agent orange cancer acceptance.