Written by For our non-military friends out there, this may or may not help you understand Veterans that served our Country. As America First Patriots, we also understand real life decisions that did not allow you to serve. We all thank you for being Patriots worth fighting for. Ultimately, the decision to join the military is a highly personal one. As America First Patriots, you should be aware that none of this applies to the bad apples that have forgotten their Oath and Allegiance to defending the Constitution.
We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.
We love our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.
We learned the basics and then we scattered into the wind to the far corners of the Earth.
We found new friends and new family.
We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed.
We had some good times, and some bad times.
We didn’t get enough sleep.
We smoked and drank too much.
We picked up both good and bad habits.
We worked hard and played harder.
We didn’t earn a living wage.
We experienced the sadness of missing important family events, and the happiness of mail call.
We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.
We grew up fast, and some never grew up at all.
We fought -we were told- for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.
Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us still deal with psychological trauma.
We have seen, experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully process, describe or explain. Not all of our sacrifices are physical.
We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to even survive it at all.
We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
We have celebrated and we mourn.
We lost some of our brother’s and sister’s along the way.
When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started over somewhere new, and some of us never came home at all.
We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.
We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people have never experienced, and few will understand.
We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.
We know that if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.
The Title Of Veteran Is Earned
- It has no monetary value, but it is a priceless honor.
- Some people see a Veteran and thank them for their service.
- When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we share and have experienced things that most people have not.
- From Veterans here to other Veterans out there, we commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for our country.
- Veterans, try to focus on the good times, not the bad times. Share your stories.
Most importantly, stand tall and proud, for Veterans have earned the life-long right to be called a Veteran.
The Veteran Transition To Civilian Life
Veterans’ feelings about their service can vary depending on their individual experiences. However, here are some common factors that influence how Veterans feel about their service:
- Positive Experiences:
- Sense of Purpose: Many Veterans find a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in having served their country. They often take pride in their contributions and the values they defended.
- Camaraderie: The bonds formed with fellow service members can be a significant source of happiness. The shared experiences and friendships can last a lifetime.
- Skills and Growth: Military service can provide valuable skills and personal growth. Veterans may feel that their service helped them develop discipline, leadership, resilience, and more.
- Challenges and Difficulties:
- Combat and Trauma: Veterans who have experienced combat or traumatic events may struggle with mental health issues such as PTSD, which can affect their overall sense of well-being.
- Reintegration: Transitioning back to civilian life can be challenging. Veterans might face difficulties in finding employment, adjusting to civilian norms, or dealing with physical injuries, all of which can impact their overall sense of well-being.
- Unmet Expectations: Sometimes, the reality of our governments’ appreciation for our military service doesn’t meet expectations, leading to disappointment, dissatisfaction, and a sense of betrayal. Veterans who face these challenges can feel deeply hurt which effects their overall sense of well-being.
- Physical Pain: Many Veterans have sustained injuries during their service, such as fractures, burns, or amputations. These injuries can lead to chronic pain or long-term disability. Additionally, there are musculoskeletal issues, issues from exposure to hazardous conditions, and combat-related injuries.
- Psychological Pain: Many Veterans experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many Veterans suffer from depression and anxiety, moral injury (the psychological pain that arises from actions taken or witnessed during service that conflict with a person’s moral or ethical beliefs), and adjustment issues.
- Varied Perspectives:
- Personal Reflection: As Veterans reflect on their personal achievements and experiences, how we feel about our service evolves over time. Initial struggles or dissatisfaction leads Veterans down many roads, and for some it may give way to pride and acceptance. For others the struggle never ends.
- External Factors: Social support, family and friend relationships, and access to proper Veteran services can all play a role in how Veterans feel about their service.
While many Veterans feel proud and satisfied with their service, most face challenges that impact their overall sense of fulfillment and well-being. Each Veteran’s experience is unique, and their feelings about their service are shaped by a complex mix of many personal and external factors.
How Civilians Can Help
First off, civilian help is not expected from any Veteran. It is deeply appreciated, but we know it’s rare and we have come to terms with that. We know that for the most part, it’s only the Veteran community that supports itself. Civilians can take several steps to better understand and support said Veteran community:
- Education: Learn about military life, the challenges Veterans face, and the history of various conflicts.
- Listen and Empathize: Engage in conversations with Veterans and actively listen to their stories and experiences. Develop compassion and an understanding that our sacrifice is real.
- Participate in Veteran-Related Events: Instead of just shopping for the best deals at the mall during Veterans Day (and other Military Holidays), attend events like Veterans Day ceremonies, local Veteran support group meetings, or public discussions about Veteran issues. These events can offer a deeper understanding of the Veteran experience and provide opportunities to connect with the Veteran community.
- Volunteer and Support Veteran Organizations: Get involved with organizations that support Veterans, such as Veteran homeless shelters, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, or local Veteran Service Organizations. Volunteering or supporting these groups can help address the needs of Veterans and build connections. Be suspicious of “non profit” organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project and others. In 2022, Michael S Linnington, CEO of Wounded Warriors made $487,649. Source.
- Donate to our cause: All One Team is privately funded by a team of concerned Veterans, Active Duty Military, and America First Patriots. Any amount will help.
- Advocate for Veteran Issues: Support government policies and initiatives that actually benefit Veterans, such as improved healthcare, mental health services, and job training programs. Be sure to read the fine print.
- Acknowledge and Appreciate Their Service: Veterans signed up in good faith. We did this so that you would not have to. You can show appreciation for Veterans’ service and sacrifices in everyday interactions. Simple gestures, such as thanking a Veteran or acknowledging their service, can truly have a positive impact.
- Understand Mental Health and Well-Being: The family support unit can be extremely valuable to a Veterans well being. Learn about the mental health challenges Veterans may face, such as PTSD or depression. Even a basic understanding of these issues can foster greater support system.
- Avoid Stereotypes and Assumptions: Recognize that Veterans are individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. Avoid making generalizations or assumptions based on stereotypes.
- Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Whenever possible, support businesses owned by Veterans. This can help them build economic stability and reinforce positive contributions to the community.
- Promote Community Integration: Support initiatives that facilitate the smooth transition of Veterans into civilian life, such as job placement programs and community integration efforts.
By taking these steps, civilians can build a more informed and supportive environment for Veterans, contributing to a greater understanding and appreciation of the Veteran experience and needs.