Did you know There is an inherent need for war Veterans to want to talk to other combat Veterans, who are themselves the real deal.

Sgt Kelli Mays — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 16:48:13 -0500

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/24015/vet-centers-community-within-community/
A VA center in California is trying to help war veterans get together and help each other.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 4:51 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 16:51:01 -0500

It is something I try to make every effort to do when the opportunity presents itself. The is a lesson every war veteran can pass along to the new generation that wears the uniform of the USA. My war, Vietnam, still holds many truths about combat, about the invasion of politics, and about the indifference of a nation. History can and does repeat itself.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 11 at 2015 5:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 17:26:27 -0500

When I sit at the VA pharmacy to wait on my drugs, I strike up a conversation with veterans. In those old bodies exist memories of their youth that wants to come out. They get animated and talk about bygone years they miss. I let them do most of the talking and notice a twinkle in their eyes and a radiant smile.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 9:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 21:52:26 -0500

Sgt Kelli Mays, I guess I'm the outcast. I never talk to anyone at the VA. When I'm in a waiting room, I go out of my way to not talk to anyone. I don't like to talk war stories or any other types of stories. Sorry.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 11 at 2015 10:06 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 22:06:34 -0500

As much as we all tend to minimize the impact serving had on our lives, we are all part of a small percentage of citizens who have had the experience. Just having completed a tour makes you different, and a combat tour makes you even more unique. Your average civilian has no experience that compares and really has no way of understanding the relationships and experience we have had. All vets start with the experience in common and are generally able to build on what they have in common. Makes real communication easier.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 12 at 2015 12:11 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 00:11:54 -0500

I think that is why I have found RP to be so addictive.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 12 at 2015 10:58 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 22:58:09 -0500

I've been saying this for a while. While at my Dad's funeral last year, 2 of his friends who were present are Vietnam combat veterans. We spent only a few minutes talking about our combat experiences. Their family members (one son and one's wife) both told me afterwards that was more they had heard of their combat experiences their entire lives/marriage. When asked what was so special about me, I told them "Veterans are only truly comfortable talking to other veterans about what we've experienced. It's one of those things you have to experience to understand."

Response by SFC Allan Silberstein made Dec 12 at 2015 11:36 PM

SFC Allan Silberstein — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 23:36:49 -0500

What can we do to make this happen.
Al

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 12:58 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 00:58:37 -0500

That is human nature. It's important to be genuine. We have a class that is being looked at as a national model that brings veteran awareness to new police recruits. It is co-presented by both a VA Mental Health professional and a combat veteran. The class is well received because the information is provided by subject matter experts (one that has dealt with veterans and a veteran that has actually been in the combat zone).

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Dec 13 at 2015 11:04 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 11:04:20 -0500

There are many forums where this happens, including SAVL COL Mikel J. Burroughs and The Soldier's Project, which has lots of veterans as counselors...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 13 at 2015 2:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 14:24:03 -0500

We feel something when we look into their eyes.