Author: greentogray
Military in Action
Bah Humbug
The Veterans Administration in Salem, Virginia recently banned all things Christmas earlier this month. So while our boys in uniform are recovering from the scars of battle, they better be doing so without any holiday cheer according to the hospital. Given the state of the VA in recent decades, you would think they would be a little more concerned with their current status instead of trampling on the festivities of the very people they are charged to care for have fought so hard to protect.
MWD – Military Working Dogs
There’s been a lot of talk about helping veterans across the nation, but let us not forget about the canines that also serve our country. They too carry the visible and invisible scars of war just like we do. If you’re looking to adopt a new pet, consider an organization that adopts out former service dogs.
Rare Photos of WWII U.S. Servicemen in New Zealand
Reblogged on WordPress.com
To Re-enlist or Not?
Oddly enough, I was up for re-enlistment twice and I declined both times. As stated before, I joined at 17 and was looking for an adrenaline rush, probably due to watching too many action movies as a child. Much to my disappointment, military life is nothing like a Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, especially in garrison. Continue reading
Getting the Help You Need
For veterans and civilians alike, suicide is never the answer. While there have been crisis hotlines out there, we now have places you can call for veterans who know exactly what you’ve been through.
If you are someone who needs this help, I beseech you to visit these websites below and get the help you need.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp
http://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-and-wellness
Combat Vets and Employment
The majority of the civilian market probably doesn’t have a grasp on what PTSD really is. They know what is stands for, but they don’t really understand what it means. I’ve often wondered if this is a contributing factor to the reluctance to hire combat vets.
My Transition
I got my first job in the oil field based solely on the fact that I was a veteran. The man that hired me was a former marine and had served in Vietnam. I was fortunate, but not all veterans have the same opportunities open for them that I did. Now, I’ve chosen to focus on finishing my degree.
Employing Veterans
The armed forces are expecting to lose 250,000 veterans a year from active duty. Is there room in the current job market? In my experience, the military did not prepare me for the transition to civilian life. At the very least, I’m glad that I chose to contribute to the GI Bill but not everyone chooses that option.
Green to Gray 