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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?
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?
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Leadership
Transition Leadership
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 28
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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"
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"
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SGT Ben Keen
LCDR (Join to see) - Wow! What an amazing comment sir! And I'm honored that you decided to share your thoughts on this thread.
I would agree with you that the honeymoon phase of the transition is rather nice. But as you pointed out, it doesn't last all that long. I'm glad to see that you have been able to find a good place to be in and wish you all the best.
I would agree with you that the honeymoon phase of the transition is rather nice. But as you pointed out, it doesn't last all that long. I'm glad to see that you have been able to find a good place to be in and wish you all the best.
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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.
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PO3 John Fahrer
SSgt Terry P. - I got out of the Navy in 1968 after being in Oak Knoll Naval Hospital for nine months. within a few day I went to the VA in Los Angeles and signed up for VA care. I have been at six different VA's in the last 53 years some were just fair and some were good, none were so bad that I considered giving up on the right I earned to get VA health Care
I was 100% Service connected when I got out of the Navy. If I had to pay for the care I received over the last 50 years it would be astonishingly shocking. Vets today have the "Mission" and before that was the "Choice program" which has made it easier for Vets living long distances from a VA Hospital to get local medical treatment.
You never know what health problems you will have in the years down the road. In my case the VA is investing huge amounts for my health care. Consider that If I had only Medicare health care my 20% deductible would be close to $100,000. For me I thank God that the VA has been there for me all these years.
Yes I have experienced poor care at some VA's, I' ve misdiagnosed once that almost cost me my life, but this happens with outside doctors as well. However I have been blessed with a Primary Care Doctor that is amazing. In April 2019 when I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, my doctor had tears in his eves when he read the report. He helped get me into a cancer Center near my home. I became the first man to be re-radiated for prostrate cancer in the United States. I underwent 30 radiatements and as of January 2020 the cancer appears to be gone. If after three years I am cancer free this will be published and nem with returning prostrate cancer could possibly be re-radiated as I have been.
I encourage every Vet to carefully consider the choices you make in using the VA for your health care.
I was 100% Service connected when I got out of the Navy. If I had to pay for the care I received over the last 50 years it would be astonishingly shocking. Vets today have the "Mission" and before that was the "Choice program" which has made it easier for Vets living long distances from a VA Hospital to get local medical treatment.
You never know what health problems you will have in the years down the road. In my case the VA is investing huge amounts for my health care. Consider that If I had only Medicare health care my 20% deductible would be close to $100,000. For me I thank God that the VA has been there for me all these years.
Yes I have experienced poor care at some VA's, I' ve misdiagnosed once that almost cost me my life, but this happens with outside doctors as well. However I have been blessed with a Primary Care Doctor that is amazing. In April 2019 when I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, my doctor had tears in his eves when he read the report. He helped get me into a cancer Center near my home. I became the first man to be re-radiated for prostrate cancer in the United States. I underwent 30 radiatements and as of January 2020 the cancer appears to be gone. If after three years I am cancer free this will be published and nem with returning prostrate cancer could possibly be re-radiated as I have been.
I encourage every Vet to carefully consider the choices you make in using the VA for your health care.
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CPO John Moran
My treatment at the VA in Denver Colorado has been poor at best. After two years of complaining about my knee pain, I demanded a MRI and the test showed a torn medial minicus. I then waited for six months to have surgery.. The providers think you will become drug addicts, so they will not prescribe pain medications. After waiting for two and a half years for back pain relief, which turned out to be stenosis. I am getting most of my care out in the community. I can do this because I have Medicare and Tri-Care for life.
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PO3 Helen Hill
Chief Moran, I am sorry that you have gotten poor care at the Denver VA. I understand that there is a new VA in Denver. The main reason providers don't like to prescribe pain meds is because there are so many people who abuse the medications in the civilian world... i have had a few surgeries at my VA and was prescribed pain meds after the surgery and it was enough for 2 weeks after that they said to use ibuprofen for the pain which unfortunately does not work on me....I also did not take the pain meds like it was prescribed but instead was able to stretch the meds out to last a few weeks. I also have stenosis and i get injections to help ease the pain...(nerve blocks) which helps and they last me up to 6 months if not longer (depending on the severity of the weather) the VA has it set up for me to receive these injections 4 times a year but i only for the most part go twice a year. I don't have private insurance so I have to rely on the VA for my treatments (i am also unfortunately 10% service connected)
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SGT David Loeffler
I havebeen under VA care for several years. They will not do any thing that cannot be solved by physical means. Take these pills and come back in a month. When they get around to a tual trearment they do a great job. If you live in a rural area like I do the VA clinc is under staffed and over worked. There are no community specialist available and the nearest VA or military hospitals are several hundred miles away.
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Suspended Profile
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...
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...
SPC Dale St. Pierre
I just got out last year, there was so many things talked about, shown in the 1-2 hr sessions over the 3 months of ACAP you end up missing vital information . The only fix for this would be to have a 1 on 1-5 class /session /whatever thing it's about. Don't see that happening, but the information given to the separating sm needs to be fine tuned to their needs not the masses
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Suspended Profile
I hope you provided feedback to that effect at the end of the training...
PO1 Donnie Wilson
SN Timothy Ehrenhaft - Back then they had it but it was optional to attend at most commands and was poorly done! It started becoming mandatory in 96 but also commands discression a lot of times it was pencil whipped so career counsellors would not get their asses chewed for not setting it up for the sailors.
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SN Timothy Ehrenhaft
PO1 Donnie Wilson - Had I been made aware of the transition program, I certainly would have attended. I got the GI Bill in boot camp, although I had absolutely no intention of ever going to college.. I finally got my bachelors degree in 2010 and used my GI Bill to avoid student loans... So yeah, if I'm aware of programs that could (even years later) help me, I'll use them.. I wasn't made aware of the program - just another example of the piss-poor leadership that caused me to abandon my service career plan (lifer). It's the Navy's loss, not mine.
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