I was discharged in 2001 because of medical problems and I still want to serve by helping veterans or something else. What can I do?

Cadet SFC Rev. David Doellinger — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:41:47 -0400

I am not a veteran because I was only on active duty for training. I'm not sure how to classify myself on rallypoint. I tried to go off my meds and get back in as a chaplain in 2003 but I got sick and had to be hospitalized.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 4 at 2018 10:46 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:46:35 -0400

You can save the lives of Active Duty troops and Veterans. @Cadet SFC David Doelinger

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 10:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:57:43 -0400

State jobs pertaining to VA is a great one f you can find one local. Check out (google) WARTAC if your cool with moving. I learned they send you to paid training similar to TDY and give you an assignment once complete. Kind of like a recruiting assignment.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 4 at 2018 11:00 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:00:26 -0400

For your RP profile I believe civilian supporter is appropriate.
As to how to help... If there is a USO in your area they can always use help. Otherwise contact a vet outreach group in your area and offer to volunteer.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 2:07 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:07:03 -0400

As a pastor, you have a challenging, rewarding and important mission right in front of you I'd wager.

Make your congregation a welcoming place for veterans; possibly reach out to any in your community who may wish to develop groups to help. What do transitioning troops need? Simple; a place where they can build relationships with people...that interaction being a critical part of engaging in their new place in life. Seek ways to aide the homeless...there are multitudes of people on the streets who once served, and now need to be served towards finding their way back from the brink.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 4 at 2018 2:47 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:47:26 -0400

USO. Red Cross service to the Armed Forces Division. Fisher House if there is one near you
Join the American Legion and be their volunteer pastor.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 4 at 2018 7:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:26:48 -0400

Padre, you can serve so many ways. Be on call for the local FD and PD. Be there for your nearest VA facility. Be there for Victim Services at your local courthouse. You are in a unique position to give... a lot. So what to these places have to do with MIL or ex MIL? Give it a shot and you'll see. You'll run into those who need you most. Not a bad place to be.

Response by SSgt Robert Prest made Jun 4 at 2018 7:49 PM

SSgt Robert Prest — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:49:57 -0400

Drop in on a VFW or American Legion and see if they have any members with no family in some kind of assisted living program. They can always use someone dropping in and paying them a visit. If allowed take them to McDonald's or to the mall so they can see other people. It cost extra to ride the van to the mall and other places and sometimes they don't have the money.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jun 4 at 2018 7:53 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:53:27 -0400

Can't tell what your current medical situation is or your skills, but don't discount working with/for defense contractors. They're part of the team and often have tech reps side by side with active duty troops.