How do you recognize/support/comfort/etc. other injured veterans or SMs who are alone during holidays?

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 18:04:14 -0500

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 6:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 18:30:09 -0500

I don't personally know any that are. I've contemplated trying to volunteer and try and help, just not sure how to go about doing it. Even then work and my own problems tend to get in the way of things. When I meet Vets on the street sometimes we talk, or just nod in recognition of each other.

I know it's said that we are 3% of the population, but sometimes it feels like more. I tend to meet a lot of Vets and currently serving in my average day.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 9:32 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 21:32:05 -0500

PO3 Aaron Hassay Our local American Legion and VFW Posts join forces and descend en-masse on the vets who are in n ursing homes here in Transylvania County. A gift package is arranged for each of the vets, and all of us (15 yesterday) go in and wish the recipient a heartfelt greeting in thanks for his and her service (yep, a couple of female vets in one of the homes) and a Merry Christmas. It is a humbling experience to see how much a small visit lightens their days.

Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year to all here on Rally Point

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Dec 24 at 2016 10:27 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 22:27:56 -0500

I am a Dining Services Director in a Senior Assisted Living Community, which gives me the unique opportunity to not only see these veterans during the day to day activities, but I also ( when I can find the time) have a chance to sit down and talk to them to hear their amazing stories. Every Friday, I wear red (remember everyone deployed) and a USMC baseball cap and we all gather to talk. (Marine vets' eyes light up!) Not just vets, but widows/widowers as well. It is imperative that nobody feels forgotten at ANYTIME DURING THE YEAR- NOT JUST THE HOLIDAYS! Semper Fi

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 25 at 2016 7:34 AM

1SG Al Brown — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 07:34:02 -0500

It used to be my duty to round them up and make sure they were taken care of. Now I rarely meet a real veteran without basic support during the holidays. There are many card board sign posers that I see and abhor, but if I run into a veteran in need, I will still assist as needed.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 25 at 2016 9:30 PM

SFC George Smith — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 21:30:47 -0500

we used to Have them over for dinner and Get together or have cook outs...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 12:55 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 12:55:09 -0500

Provide some supports. When I was a junior, my friends and I gather together and celebrate the holidays. Fleet and Family Support, MWR, and other services may have some programs for single members.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Dec 27 at 2016 3:00 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 15:00:34 -0500

I volunteer at the Spokane Vet Center and help serve thanksgiving dinner to local veterans and their families. I also donated to a local homeless veterans drive that was sponsored at Gonzaga University. Other than that I have the unique pleasure of working in the veterans office on my campus and do all the veterans outreach which includes connecting veterans with the resources they need.