Are Veteran groups adding to the stigma that Veterans are in "need" vs Veterans are resilient.

SSG Ricardo Marcial — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:46:43 -0400

I see and hear this just about every time I attend an event tailored to helping veterans. There are needs and then there is assistance, their is a clear difference, but there is no separation of the two.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-aiello/collateral-damage-effects_b_8226542.html

Collateral Damage: Effects of the Current Narrative on Veterans

During a recent Veteran's charity fundraising gala, much like the hundreds of galas that occur year round, something significant happened: At a point in the show the emcee asked all attendees from a certain group of Veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized...not a single person stood in spite of their presence.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 9:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:58:03 -0400

SSG Ricardo Marcial I think that vets as a whole are quite resilient, look at what we have been through. I also think some are having troubles. The big issue is that there is lots of money to be made in the name of vets, which sickens me.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Oct 19 at 2015 10:11 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 10:11:47 -0400

They could paint a picture in the public eye that would show that.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 19 at 2015 12:11 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:11:17 -0400

Sometimes it's about offering a hand. Let's face it we have many vets who are in need and these groups offer a helping hand

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Oct 19 at 2015 2:03 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:03:49 -0400

In my opinion, resiliency has always gone hand in hand with a good support system. I feel that Veterans Organizations are fighting for a better Veteran Support System to complement the "Veteran Resiliency" we, society, and others feel we have as "American Heroes"... The truth is, were human... And sometimes, we need help. That help is not going to be found in a "spot light" designed to "glorify and commercialize" our needs, or bargained for and showcased through these "organizers" of these "charitable" events in exchange for personal/financial gain... I would be lying if I didn't admit that there have been many times, depending on the "event", when the announcement for veterans to stand came up, I remain seated... Or when I've volunteered my assistance at a Veteran function as a "thankful civilian"... as did/have many others...
It would be nice, sometimes, to just receive the help we need with no strings attached, and with our pride in tact...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2015 2:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:17:31 -0400

I disagree. There are many veterans who have unmet needs. In this complacent society, who else will advertise about needy veterans and remind them we are still fighting two wars?