The Entitlement Mentality of Our Troops

Sgt Brandon Bunch — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 15:16:42 -0400

Recently I met with some high level political leaders at a Roundtable discussion concerning veteran issues while at SXSW in Austin, Tx.

Many topics were covered during the two hour meeting. The one that chapped my ASS was a discussion over "those 10% of veterans" with the entitlement mentality.

No I'm not talking about what benefits you are entitled to after you complete your service: i.e. GI Bill, VA home loan, or other benefits. I'm talking about those who have allowed themselves to feel as if society owes them something, hell as if the world owes them something. It pisses me off when I meet some veteran and the first words spoken isn't their name, who they are, what their about; its "Hi I'm a disabled (war) veteran..." Who gives a crap besides me & you?

Please don't ever let your injuries define who you are! Let the skills you learned and experiences you lived set you apart from your peers. Believe me people will respect you more for that.

Yes please be proud that you served, wear it with honor and distinction but DO NOT use it as a Krutch or allow it to set limitations in your life!

Rant over!

Thanks for your service and Semper Fi!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 3:22 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 15:22:08 -0400

Amen, Sgt Brandon Bunch! Don't let your injuries define you ... what great advice. And - as proud as I am of my military service - I have to be careful not to allow that to "define" me either. It certainly informs the definition of who I am, and in a big way, but there is more to it.

I agree with you - 100% - about an entitlement mentality, no matter who is feeling entitled.

Response by SFC Miguel Lopez made Apr 2 at 2015 7:08 PM

SFC Miguel Lopez — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:08:47 -0400

Totally agreed with your response Sgt Bunch. I've seen them at traffic lights asking for change, or panhandling as technically called. Wearing better shoes, jeans, shirts, sometimes a fresh haircut, shave, grooming. Like its a living or job to do this on a daily basis. Yes I do believe they pay their bills and drive cars with the monies collected from people that feel pity on them, because they have mastered the art of panhandling.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 10:46 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 22:46:14 -0400

Here you go, Sgt Brandon Bunch. Here's a Command Post from what I consider to be one of the 10% you mentioned.

https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/do-retirees-really-deserve-access-to-aafes-stores-more-than-non-retirees

Do Retirees Really “Deserve” Access to AAFES Stores More Than Non-Retirees? | RallyPoint

* Please vote in the survey here * Note: I am a RallyPoint member (served in USAF for 5 years) and wish to remain anonymous, because I need to be 100% honest that I feel the DoD is discriminating against non-retirees like me. Please tell if I am right or wrong here. While I was serving in the USAF (5 years active), I enjoyed shopping at AAFES locations and online as well. It saved me a lot of money and the deals always seemed good. Now that I...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 12:47 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 00:47:52 -0400

Okay let's take a parallel situation like in the NFL and head trauma. Those players were paid exorbitant sums of money and now the cost is coming due in the form of mental issues. Take the former Charger player who was able to finally commit suicide (Junior Seau).

It is easy to say what it is about people without knowing them. The military I am sure has scofflaws as they do murderers, rapists and so on. So, subtracting them from this equation, I would think taking care of injured brethren in a humane way is the only compassionate thing to do. The athlete laid his body on the line, the soldier laid a lot more than that and we are to assume what?

It is more complicated than a few quick fix answers. Those people, who are they and why?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 3 at 2015 2:41 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 14:41:08 -0400

Funny that this is a topic on here following a conversation I along with several other Veterans were having on a different site.

The point was brought up by a friend of mine of how sick we are of companies and organizations that are "helping the Veterans" paint a picture of Veterans as these broken people with nothing left to give to the community. People jump on this stuff. Millions of dollars are spent by showing images of our brothers and sisters-in-arms working hard to regain some sort of life back following a terrible event downrange. These organizations fail to show the power Veterans have. The ability to overcome insane odds and be a huge benefit to those around them.

The fact remain, Veterans make up a great part of the population. We are thought leaders. We are problem solvers. We are driven. We are determined.

While some Veterans do require more assistance due to their scarifies down range this doesn't give us the right to paint ourselves as weaker than we are.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 3:22 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:22:03 -0400

I think I understand what you're trying to get at.

My wife is a medically retired and 70% disabled Veteran. She has zero interest broadcasting this or letting it define her. She could get SSI and other benefits but chooses not to. Instead she's going through vocational rehab to help her find a job in a new field. Outside of friends and family most people have no idea. I'm in the process of addressing some of my injuries with the VA as well. Outside of explaining to my coworkers why I can't hear I don't bring it up in conversation either.

As Veterans I believe we should receive what we are due, but we also need to be strong enough to eventually move past our injuries. One of the whiniest laziest POSs I've ever met was a disabled Navy Veteran. He never went to Viet Nam or saw any combat but claimed PTSD among a whole host of other ailments. He whined constantly at work about how bad life was for him and that he had to work part time to support himself. People like him make the rest of us look bad.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 3:56 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:56:29 -0400

I agree with your sentiments exactly Sgt Bunch.

I do believe you shouldn't allow your disabilities or experiences to define you and narrowly shape your outlook. My own opinion is that some (not all) of the vets who greet people with their disabled vet status have had to embrace that in order to make their way through the VA system (and get needed care/support) so much and for so long that they've allowed it to define them. I've seen it first hand. The system takes so much effort to navigate the red tape and bureaucracy that some people have no other identity left except that they are a wounded/disabled vet.

It doesn't help that we've had an entire generation of kids (many of whom are now war veterans) raised by helicopter parents who handed out medals for participation. Tons of kids whose parents ingrained in them the idea that they are perfect just the way they are so therefore no need for improvement or striving to do better.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Apr 3 at 2015 5:21 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 17:21:35 -0400

Great points, and well said Sgt Brandon Bunch I remember going to a function at my City hall a while back, and talking with a veteran with a Tuskegee Airmen cap. I thanked him for his service, and he asked me if I was a veteran. (I was wearing civilian clothes, but my haircut may have given me away.) His next question was asking if I got my 100% disability. I told him no, and his immediate come back was to tell me that HE could help me get it, and that then I could get State tax breaks, and free hunting licenses, and other "benefits". I thanked him kindly, but declined. I know this isn't exactly what you were referring to, but in addition to the entitlement mentality, there are also some people who are out to game the system. To be clear, I am NOT referring to any service members who ARE disabled. This guy didn't even know me and he's telling me he can get me a 100% VA Disability. No thanks, I've got a good job, and I'll leave the disabilities to those who need and deserve them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 10:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 22:06:55 -0400

I think this is a great point. Many soldiers walk around like everyone owes them something because they served and personally it makes you lose respect in my book. We have all had diverse experiences throughout our time served but that doesn't mean we deserve half the things that are available to us when we are out. I see it with soldiers now who just get back from deployment, walking around like I should bow down to them granted I've got a slick sleeve still but I've had more time in service and time in grade than them-gimme a break. I don't flaunt the fact I'm in the Army but you better believe I wear that uniform proudly everyday I put it on and never do anything to disrespect it or my country. Case in point- yo did your time and that's much appreciated but no one OWES you anything. I'm sure when the military was first formed this wasn't as big of an issue. I think soldiers need to get back to their roots and really learn what it means to be a soldier and serve and protect your country. Ok end rant.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 11:11 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 23:11:14 -0400

Absolutely agree.

Response by PO3 Tanis Huston made Apr 4 at 2015 9:36 AM

PO3 Tanis Huston — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 09:36:37 -0400

I completely agree with your "rant" as you called it. Personally I feel that it's an honest statement that needs to be heard. Is a physically disabled vet better then a vet that walks around like they are top of the world always smiling but inside they are screaming for help because the have PTSD? It basically comes down to whether you are disabled or not doesn't make someone more orlf a vet then someone else. We all put our lives on the line and each should be commended equally for that. And please understand I'm not saying that a disability means nothing but it shouldn't be a crutch to your way of life, there are plenty of vets that should be disabled but are to proud to admit it. My grandfather retired from the Army, he was only getting his retirement pay and it took me five years to get him to the VA and is now on full disability. Looking at him he's is perfectly healthy looking from the outside, the inside is another story.

The 10% are also those that judge a book by their cover. I read the post that CW5 Scott Montgomery mentioned and as a vet it hurts that I don't get the benifits of the NEX but I understand I didn't earn it. My grandfather put his time and earned itit! I don't want to take that achievement from him or any other person that put there time in!

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 4 at 2015 12:45 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 12:45:47 -0400

I agree with you Sgt, I'm considered to be 100% totally and permanently disabled and now have to use a wheelchair, but I do not feel that anyone owes me anymore than I already get. I spend my days as a service officer trying to get other veterans the help they need, because when I was in need someone helped me and now instead of feeling entitled I feel I owe a great debt. I'm 48 so maybe its a generational thing I'm not sure, but it does seem like most older veterans do not have the same attitude of entitlement.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 7:50 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 19:50:28 -0400

Entitlement:

Well I stubbed my toe getting ice cream at the PX at Basic training and I got a medical discharge so I don't see why I'm not eligible for VA benefits like the guy who got his leg blown off by an IED in Afghanistan. I put in my time and served, what's the problem? Why am I being discriminated against? I should have received the full 100% disability and not the mere 50% needed to get my tattoos at the base PX.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 14 at 2015 12:56 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:56:01 -0400

It starts at home, travels to BCT and only gets worse after these people graduate. I've been trying to kill this crap when/where I see it, but there's more weeds than I have time.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 14 at 2015 12:59 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:59:11 -0400

Sgt Brandon Bunch, keep in mind that the military is merely a mirror of the society that is protects and draws it's members from. IMHO the "entitlement mentality" is more than just a military issue, but an issue with American society as a whole. It's just natural that the military would have issues with it as well.

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Oct 21 at 2019 5:51 PM

SSG Kenneth Ponder — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 17:51:35 -0400

Didn't enlist for the discount option!