Veterans' Creed - Why We Created It and Why It’s Important.

2019-01-28T14:24:21-05:00

*This is an image of Veterans reciting the Veterans' Creed at a Bristol Blues baseball game.

History:

Last June, eleven VSO’s came together and developed a Veteran’s Creed, each of whose elements reflects the foundations of Veterans’ culture, military creeds and related VSO missions.
(AMVETS, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), HillVets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Reserve Officers Association, Student Veterans of America, Team Rubicon Global, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project)

Today with the addition of the American Legion, the Veteran’s Creed is endorsed by 12 of the largest VSO’s in our country.

Mission:

We believe that a creed developed by, and specifically for, Veterans is a powerful tool to both codify the principles by which Veterans live and to enhance their sense of mission in society. It can also enhance the public’s understanding of Veterans and highlight the positive capabilities that Veterans bring home from military service.

Veteran’s Creed:

1. I am an American Veteran

2. I proudly served my country

3. I live the values I learned in the military

4. I continue to serve my community, my country and my fellow veterans

5. I maintain my physical and mental discipline

6. I continue to lead and improve

7. I make a difference

8. I honor and remember my fallen comrades

Why a Veterans’ Creed?

REMIND Veterans: Of the significance and value of their military service
INSPIRE Veterans: To continue to serve and excel
UNITE Veterans: To make a difference for our country

There are more than 20 million veterans in our country today, and more than 200,000 men and women leave the military every year, creating a steady and significant flow of Veterans back into civilian life.

Veterans learned a lot during their military experience—values, teamwork, leadership, selfless service. These positive traits were instilled in them throughout their service, and these traits remain part of who they are. Veterans have a lot to offer this country.

We believe there is something missing that keeps millions of Veterans from realizing their full potential and having a more positive impact on our society.

What’s missing is a vehicle that causes Veterans to recall the value of their service and the reasons that they served, and to remind them that many opportunities remain to make a difference in our world. What’s missing is a vehicle that gives Veterans a continuing sense of purpose and that inspires them to lead and to excel. What’s missing is a vehicle that recreates the sense of community that Veterans so sorely miss.

We believe that The Veteran’s Creed can serve as that unifying construct to remind Veterans of the significance and value of their military service, to inspire Veterans to continue to serve and lead at the local, state and national levels and to excel at whatever they undertake. I can also unite Veterans in a community to make a difference for our country.

About GEN Casey:
General Casey retired as the 36th Chief of Staff of the US Army. He is the Chairman of the Board of the USO, on the board of advisors at RallyPoint, a board member of Student Veterans of America and several other organizations that support veterans and their families. He remains committed to seeing that the men and women who have served this country so well continue to have the opportunities to contribute to the society that they served.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 28 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-01-28T14:42:30-05:00

Excellent share General, have a great afternoon sir

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-01-28T14:42:36-05:00

Tis a good creed!

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Jan 28 at 2019 2:45 PM

2019-01-28T14:45:09-05:00

GEN George Casey Thank you sir! These words define us as veterans. It was an honor to serve with you in Baghdad.

Response by SSgt Rick Zalon made Jan 28 at 2019 3:22 PM

2019-01-28T15:22:52-05:00

Admirable effort. Curious why Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) of which I am a 25 year life member isn’t included.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jan 28 at 2019 3:31 PM

2019-01-28T15:31:17-05:00

I enjoyed reading the Veteran's Creed General.

Response by PFC Jay Miner made Jan 28 at 2019 3:52 PM

2019-01-28T15:52:05-05:00

Im good on all but the 1st part of #5......Dad bod is real.......

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 28 at 2019 3:59 PM

2019-01-28T15:59:57-05:00

Esteemed GEN George Casey: I went ahead and shared The Veterans' Creed; with the Facebook groups- of which I am the coach.
Sir, I pray that you don't mind; that I did so. Thanks.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Jan 28 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-01-28T17:48:15-05:00

I’m on board with this!

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Jan 28 at 2019 6:22 PM

2019-01-28T18:22:29-05:00

I have been retired for a little over nine years, and believe GEN Casey is positively right, a Veterans' Creed should be our continuation of service to our Nation and fellow Veterans. Incidentally, served in Iraq, March, 2006, through March, 2007, when GEN Casey was MNF-I Commander, and proud of it

Response by SGM Lonnie Durand made Jan 28 at 2019 7:04 PM

2019-01-28T19:04:45-05:00

Nice.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Jan 28 at 2019 8:40 PM

2019-01-28T20:40:31-05:00

Awesome! A great reminder! Thank you Sir!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 9:33 PM

2019-01-28T21:33:40-05:00

How about a line in your veteran's creed where it is mentioned "That I will continue to uphold the Oath I took to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic and that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same."

Our Veterans need to understand that the oath we took is duty bound if we as Americans are going to ensure that future generations still have America as a Constitutional Representative Republic.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jan 28 at 2019 9:41 PM

2019-01-28T21:41:13-05:00

I'll be the bad guy...

Yet another creed for people to give lip service to but few will honestly attempt to live by.
I'm retired. I'm done with creeds. I now get to live by my own personal code of ethics.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 10:49 PM

2019-01-28T22:49:07-05:00

I'll take it as soon as Congress and the VA demonstrate some values and sense of mission to Veterans and this Nation .
I followed mine. Let them reach my level before even suggesting I need another.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 28 at 2019 11:08 PM

2019-01-28T23:08:43-05:00

Awesome and a Great Idea, Sir!

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Jan 29 at 2019 12:15 AM

2019-01-29T00:15:39-05:00

As the saying goes: I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution from all enimies, bot foreign and domestic. I may have left the service but I never was relieved of my oath.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jan 29 at 2019 9:28 AM

2019-01-29T09:28:14-05:00

I was at the baseball game shown in the image and was impressed to see CW5 Private RallyPoint Member (who is standing in the center of the image, reading the Veterans Creed so the Vets present could recite it) lead by example to organize the UH60 landing, static display, creed recitation and liftoff before the game started that day. Great work Chief!

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made Jan 29 at 2019 1:46 PM

2019-01-29T13:46:03-05:00

Gen George Casey....I was not aware of the existence of this creed...thank you for bringing this to my attention...I have posted this on FB and intend to share with my fellow veterans....Gary

Response by PO1 Eric Booker made Jan 29 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-01-29T16:50:43-05:00

"I live the values I learned in the Military"? Ummmmm....I'm not sure some of those "values" are suitable for print here and am glad I left them behind.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jan 29 at 2019 6:01 PM

2019-01-29T18:01:55-05:00

Thanks for posting this GEN George Casey! Well said - and true!

Response by TSgt James Warfield made Jan 29 at 2019 10:39 PM

2019-01-29T22:39:34-05:00

The only oath I am interested in is the an oath to defend the constitution and the right of all Americans as was intended by the framers of our constitution. This would mean to protect the rights of all, against extreme ultra right or extreme ultra left. The later scaring me the most, as I see Socialism and still Communism to be this countries biggest threat to date.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 6:19 PM

2019-01-31T18:19:34-05:00

Lame lame lame.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Feb 1 at 2019 7:45 AM

2019-02-01T07:45:47-05:00

Thanks for this wonderful share, GEN George Casey; the Army Officer's Code of Conduct and the Veterans Creed have something interesting in common, Sir. Both encourage selfless service.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Feb 1 at 2019 7:50 PM

2019-02-01T19:50:22-05:00

Creeds are creeds for a reason like the Creed I Keep posted as a Chief on a plaque in my home office:

https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/communities/chief-petty-officers/united-states-navy-chief-petty-officer-creed.html

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/01/29/mcpon-dishes-new-guidance-to-all-cpos/ (http://goatlocker.org/resources/cpo/history/creed-1977.html)

As a Chief, even now that I been retired 20+ years it is as important to me now as it was the day my wife, also the daughter of an MMC (SS), pinned my anchors on me to live and breath these words. I can only hope my posts or comments to posts have or continue to honor - My Chief's Creed!!!

Blessings to all of you!

Finally, GEN George Casey thank you for posting the - Veteran's Creed!!!

COL Mikel J. Burroughs; Maj Marty Hogan; COL Lee Flemming; SMSGT Gerald "Doc" Thomas; SCPO Morris Ramsey; Lt Col Charlie Brown; Maj Alea Nadeem; LTC Private RallyPoint Member; Maj William "Bill" Price;LTC Stephen C.; LTC Stephen F.; LTC Jason Mackay; CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member; MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi; Nicci Eisenhauer; MSgt Paul Connors (Publishing); Kate Van Name

United States Navy Chief Petty Officer Creed

United States Navy Chief Petty Officer Creed During the course of this day, you have been caused to humbly accept challenge and face adversity. This you have accomplished with rare good grace. Pointless as some of these challenges may have seemed, there were valid, time-honored reasons behind each pointed barb. It was necessary to meet these hurdles with blind faith in the fellowship of Chief Petty Officers. The goal was to instill in you that...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 1 at 2019 9:10 PM

2019-02-01T21:10:19-05:00

Thank you GEN George Casey or making us aware that last spring [2018] eleven Veteran Services Organizations came together and developed a Veteran’s Creed.

Yes this Veterans’ Creed is both inspirational and succinct IMHO.
The rationale you provided certainly is cogent:
REMIND Veterans: Of the significance and value of their military service
INSPIRE Veterans: To continue to serve and excel
UNITE Veterans: To make a difference for our country

Veteran’s Creed:
1. I am an American Veteran
2. I proudly served my country
3. I live the values I learned in the military
4. I continue to serve my community, my country and my fellow veterans
5. I maintain my physical and mental discipline
6. I continue to lead and improve
7. I make a difference
8. I honor and remember my fallen comrades
Thank you for alerting me, my friend CPO Nate S.

FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs COL Private RallyPoint Member COL Charles Williams LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj William W. 'Bill' Price SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell Lt Col Charlie Brown Capt Seid Waddell CPT Jack Durish

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2019 6:01 PM

2019-02-02T18:01:51-05:00

What a cool thing to do.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Feb 2 at 2019 8:58 PM

2019-02-02T20:58:09-05:00

Why? Are we really that insecure and needing to be identified?

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Feb 2 at 2019 9:14 PM

2019-02-02T21:14:15-05:00

Why not hold a national survey on recommendations that would reflect what a Veterans creed should be instead of a handful proclaiming they have that right to speak for all veterans? Here’s a few suggestions:
1. I am a patriotic American Veteran
2. I have served and defended my country against all threats, domestically and foreign
3. I retain both my honor and pride of having been an elite among many
4. I am at my country’s beckon call if need be
5. I will bring with me My belief in my fellow man
6. I can make a difference
7. I will believe in my God and ask his blessings for our nation and people
8. I will never forget my fallen comrades and live to honor their memory

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Feb 3 at 2019 2:28 AM

2019-02-03T02:28:07-05:00

Good intentions gone wrong? As I read through a lot of the complaints, I understand them and can empathize...
It seems as if the Veterans groups have organized a mission statement of how to be a Veteran for those curiously questioning how to do so - although many find it quite easy to relate to their military service teachings and continue to live by what they learned.
Furthermore, I find it a bit odd that the military has been around for almost 250 years and we now feel the need to tell Veterans how to act upon departure!
I feel as if it is almost a slap in the face to many, because didn’t the services already train these fine folks once - did they become dumb upon issuance of a DD214? Do we all of the sudden have issues with Veterans acting unacceptable? Are there new statistics to show the rise of failures of Veterans actions? Would have much rather have seen these funds go towards getting homeless Veterans off the streets during the latest Arctic blast!
Thank you for sharing GEN Casey.

Response by SPC Ralph Ellis made Feb 3 at 2019 10:44 PM

2019-02-03T22:44:07-05:00

"1. I am an American Veteran"

Ok, nothing wrong here so far.

"2. I proudly served my country"

Yeah. I mean while I feel this way, others vet may not?
I think it's cool General Casey drafted this and all, showing consideration on how a veteran may feel, but there's one glaring problem with it:

A persons service is their own, and even if they had a miserable time, for whatever reason, but were honorably separated, maybe it is something they would actually weren't that fond of?

If we have allowed and respected our brothers and sisters to any degree, would this not also be their very right, after Honorable Discharge, to characterize their experiences and service how they see fit?

"3. I live the values I learned in the military"

I still cling tight to "LDRSHIP".
I personally identify with them.

However, why are we telling a person who has honorably served, and thus has veteran status, how to behave after their service?

4. I continue to serve my community, my country and my fellow veterans

I genuinely hope this is all true, and whether it's dropping a $20 in a Homeless Vet program, or helping another vet write their Notice Of Disagreement, I try to reciprocate and reach out where and when I can.

However, again, and with great clarity and emphasis:

Who are we to tell someone who has honorably served what they are absolutely to do after completing their service?
Other than to honor the oath to the Constitution, to which there is no expiration date, what else do you think is fair and or reasonable to expect of them, having fully given and committed themselves, selflessly, to the beck and call of the US Armed Forces?

If a person served with honor and distinction and wishes to spend their post-ETS life gambling and fornicating, particularly given some of the things some of these guys and gals have done and seen, who are we to tell them how to live their lives?

Their service is their own.
Period.

5. I maintain my physical and mental discipline

What?
We're now trying to shoehorn veterans back into passing PFT standards?
Look, fellas, if a person serves their country for years and wants to get out and be 60 lbs overweight, again, who are we to tell them what to do after their honorable service?

Mental Discipline?
While I personally find this to be extremely important to merely being me, some people may not want to spend their days honing their mental acuity and cognitive abilities to a high level of discipline while contemplating existential postulations and epistemological or ontological truths.

Maybe they want to, instead, sit on a shoreline and fish?

Given their service, why the hell would we deny them that?
Seriously.

It's their service.

6. I continue to lead and improve

Again:
What?

Is this honorably discharged veteran's service not their own?

7. I make a difference

I have no idea what is inferred here.
All of us, either in garrison or outside the wire, made a difference.
That's good enough to hold pretty much every veteran I run into in extremely high regards in my estimation.

Again, if they want to spend their post-service, honorably-discharged days doing [X], where "X" is "activity not laterally affecting people to make any real difference", well...they earned it.

8. I honor and remember my fallen comrades

This one I agree and consider immutable.

How about this for a Veterans Creed/Motto?

"I am a United States Veteran.
I served my country with honor.
I maintain the Oath I have previously pledged to the US Constitution.
I have diligently attended to task, both menial and grand, often without the benefit of rest.
I have risen to the tasks assigned me, at any hour, any time, and anywhere.
Having dutifully and diligently conducted myself in a manner that is upstanding and consistent with the nature of honorable service, I return to a life of my own choosing, having paid the price in blood, sweat, tears, and selfless commitment to accomplishment of task and mission.
My service is mine, and mine alone, except for the memories. camaraderie, and kinship of those I served with, and those shadows that remain.
I remember and honor my fallen brothers and sisters.
I am a United States Veteran."

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Feb 4 at 2019 4:19 AM

2019-02-04T04:19:24-05:00

To start with I don't need a reminder of my duty to myself, others and my country. I had that long before I enlisted and still have it today. It's part of me because it is the right way to be and I need no reminder of right and wrong other than my conscience.

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Feb 4 at 2019 6:04 PM

2019-02-04T18:04:00-05:00

The problem with this, to me, is thatost veterans already live this to some degree or another. This comes across as a "look at me, I'm veteran and therefore better than the rest of you."

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Feb 5 at 2019 10:11 AM

2019-02-05T10:11:43-05:00

I think this is a good idea, just wish more people too their creeds and oaths to heart.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 8 at 2019 6:31 PM

2019-02-08T18:31:27-05:00

GEN George Casey "Physical Discipline" Damn It! You Had to Go There? No I'm No Longer The "Navy Cheetah" 6'5" 179 Lbs MAA to COMSPAWARSYSCOM Washington DC Navy 5K Runner. Contribute to Society? Several Years Bell Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army, Commander of VFW Post 10299 Prairie Village, KS for Several Years? I'm Just Old and Tired Now but Damn I Had Fun for a Long Time and I Survived a Lot of BS. Rock On General!

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 9 at 2019 6:01 PM

2019-02-09T18:01:55-05:00

Awesome!

Response by Sgt Clyde Sinclair made Feb 10 at 2019 6:22 PM

2019-02-10T18:22:34-05:00

While I appreciate the objective of creating the creed, I believe it will prove to be ineffective and eventually forgotten. The American Legion has it's Preamble to the Constitution which is preceded by: "For God and Country We Associate Ourselves Together For The Following Purposes"... While members recite the words and Preamble while opening every meeting, few can recite them or even remember them after the meeting. Fewer still live by them. Opportunities abound to serve other veterans, our communities and our nation, yet it's only the 10% who turn out. Creeds are just words, it's what's in a man's heart that makes a difference. Compassion for others, a sense of duty to our communities and a proud and dedicated commitment to our nation.

Response by SPC Joshua Brumley made Feb 11 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-02-11T13:27:11-05:00

At the risk of sounding rediculous, can I get that on a T-Shirt? :)

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 12 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-02-12T09:24:59-05:00

It's a brotherhood of veterans who continue to serve and support each other.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2019 1:19 PM

2019-02-12T13:19:59-05:00

Amen!

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Feb 12 at 2019 7:31 PM

2019-02-12T19:31:04-05:00

Creeds are useful only if recognized and observed. Our government has a sordid record of fraud and corruption as well as unfortunate choices with respect to operating in other countries going back to, say, Vietnam. When our government operates in this manner, and government employees are not held accountable, nor our elected officials, then yet another creed is form over substance. Nice thought, looks good, it's a nice press release for the VSO's, but at the end of the day without meaning. I believe in the values and lead my life accordingly - but that's me. Civilians have created enormous roadblocks, and when the judiciary system gets involved - the dysfunction takes on another layer of system failure. I relate this through bitter experience.

A corollary to this is the corruption inside the VA, where executives too often use their position as a launching pad for the next step in their career, and often taking contracts with them. Sometimes illegally. The VBA roots its decisions in the massive frauds committed by one of the first directors of the newly minted Veterans Bureau in 1921. Col Forbes managed to embezzle $200 million between 1921 and 1924 when he was bounced by the Senate. During this same time he denied 85% of WW1 veteran claims for disability. Fruit of the vine - if the vine is rotten, so is the fruit. A well established legal tenet that has been consistently ignored since 1924.

One group of people observing values stands no chance when working with a disreputable group. Unless and until both sides work honorably with each other, the creed will cause more harm than good to the group observing it with respect to traction with the other group. The VHA, by and large with unfortunate exceptions, is light years away from what it was in the 70's when I got out with drunken Operation Paperclip doctors. They have done as good a job for me or better than civilian institutions. The VBA still hides in the shadows of their enormous initial fraud. I met with a senior OMB executive who agreed that VBA denials cost taxpayers far more than the VA saves when productivity hits, administrative and program expenses from other Agencies, broken families and other drags on the GNP are totaled. We both came to this conclusion with our independent projections. Incredibly, when he asked for detailed information from the Agencies to prepare an accurate assessment, he got the same answer I did when I asked - look in the budget. That information on the table caused us to have a quiet rest of the lunch contemplating the enormous stupidity plaguing those trying to make good policy assessments. You would think it would be simple to get information for the President from his own Agencies, but, as he stated, you would be wrong.

What chance do we have?

Response by PO3 Paige Kosderka made Feb 18 at 2019 5:21 PM

2019-02-18T17:21:51-05:00

I feel the wording could be tweaked. As a veteran, I am not in need of a reminder for my reason for service, I am in need to remind my service that I'm not disposable, that my fellow veteran's are always ready to endorse that blank check we wrote to our country and that we are worthy of the care we seek, the education we've paid for and the honor we've earned.

Response by PO1 C Arnold made Feb 19 at 2019 2:41 PM

2019-02-19T14:41:11-05:00

LOL This HAS to be fake news!

Response by PO1 C Arnold made Feb 19 at 2019 2:50 PM

2019-02-19T14:50:39-05:00

The only way you can enforce this is come to my house and see if I'll open the door to recite it for you. I don't recommend that...

Response by SFC Don Vance made Feb 22 at 2019 10:01 PM

2019-02-22T22:01:35-05:00

I can get behind this. I have a network of over 13,000 veterans and many have not only forgotten the oath that they took they no longer live the values that they dedicated their lives to.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Feb 25 at 2019 3:43 AM

2019-02-25T03:43:43-05:00

This is a creed new to me. I have been retired nearly 28 years now. I don't belong to any VSOs for personal reasons and some of the requirements set down by the VSOs. My choice, my right. I do belong to one association, that limits its membership to those who served in Special Operations, mostly USAF. But we do take in members that served in other branches of Special Operations. We really don't have a creed, but the one we all took upon our enlistment in whatever service branch we served. We will keep that oath, always. Our personal appearances, loyalty to country and each other, needs no other creeds.

Response by PO1 Mac MacIntyre made Mar 3 at 2019 8:46 AM

2019-03-03T08:46:07-05:00

I wasn't aware that the oath I took when I enlisted had an expiration date? Maybe we need less creeds brought forward for veterans and more promises kept by those in Washington.

Response by SFC Patrick Machayo made Mar 6 at 2019 6:49 AM

2019-03-06T06:49:44-05:00

How come the VA does not do more to assist veterans to compete for federal contracting via disabled veteran set asides under executive order 13320?

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Mar 16 at 2019 6:27 AM

2019-03-16T06:27:29-04:00

General Barry macafree is a friend of mine. Personal friend is ltg Ron hits and ltg Dennis Benchoff.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Mar 28 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-03-28T14:33:31-04:00

You bet!
Rich

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2019 5:08 AM

2019-04-03T05:08:56-04:00

There are already to many creeds, why not focus on teaching the meaning of one and how to live by it instead of memorizing and reciting another. Then more people would carry on the lifestyle for a lifetime and teach others along the way.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Apr 3 at 2019 9:50 AM

2019-04-03T09:50:15-04:00

Respectfully, nobody I know does those things because he or she is a veteran. We became veterans because we do those things.
And when I'm feeling humble, I'd rather be known by my deeds than my title.

Response by SGT Shannon Weaver Logan made Apr 10 at 2019 9:43 AM

2019-04-10T09:43:13-04:00

I really like this. Thank you for posting this.

Response by A1C Jim Wojdylak Sr. made Apr 11 at 2019 7:01 AM

2019-04-11T07:01:04-04:00

Can't claim to live up to the entire creed. Looks like it's time to square up and work to improve those points I currently fall short of.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 12 at 2019 11:20 AM

2019-04-12T11:20:56-04:00

A 'Veterans Creed' is nice but unnecessary in my opinion. My oath at enlistment, and subsequent times in reenlisting have not ended just because I no longer wear the uniform. The oath doesn't have a shelf life but is endearing, enduring and unending. My humble opinion.

Response by PO1 Steve Newton made Apr 23 at 2019 7:15 PM

2019-04-23T19:15:55-04:00

I agree with SPC Steven Wolfe. "That I will continue to uphold the Oath I took to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic and that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same." Would make a great addition to the creed.

Response by MSG Darren Sherrard made Apr 30 at 2019 4:16 PM

2019-04-30T16:16:44-04:00

Here was a version of a Veterans Creed that I wrote. https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/17069/a-veterans-job-search/

Part one: A Veterans approach to a job search - VAntage Point

The military teaches us many things that we may never use again outside of the military. Most employers feel that Veterans are great employees who bring valuable skills to a company. I have noticed employers have formed opinions of Veterans as employees through enculturation. I know, big word; it’s the forming of opinions based upon one’s culture learned through experiences, observations and instruction. As such, some love and see value in...

Response by SGT Christy Waterhouse made May 9 at 2019 1:20 PM

2019-05-09T13:20:05-04:00

I am a veteran and new to this forum. I want to thank you Sir for posting this. I had never heard of this creed before. Today I have been inspired!

Response by SP5 Francis Moran made May 9 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-05-09T13:27:17-04:00

Is General Casey originally from Quincy, MA?

Response by SGT Ken Bell made May 9 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-05-09T16:28:25-04:00

We should, despite all our imperfections, never fail to strive for perfection. It is in the striving that we succeed, set example, and progress toward the goals of the creed. Carry on!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 13 at 2019 7:03 AM

2019-05-13T07:03:39-04:00

Never got deployed to Iraq or the gulf. USAREUR thought it more important that I supported from the rear. Combat Equipment Group Europe and then afsb/aps2/aps3/ even as a GS 12 I went to Qatar.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 8:47 AM

2019-05-13T08:47:18-04:00

Lames AF

Response by SGT Donna Cannon made May 13 at 2019 10:41 PM

2019-05-13T22:41:13-04:00

There is a brother and sisterhood in the world of veterans, It is something no one can take away

Response by SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim made May 17 at 2019 6:28 PM

2019-05-17T18:28:15-04:00

Is telling the truth and refusing to violate legitimate Nuremberg Trial verdicts part of the Veterans Creed ?

Response by MSgt David Morrison made May 30 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-05-30T16:50:01-04:00

Great Moto to follow and inspire fellow veterans.

Response by SSG Phil Miller made May 31 at 2019 12:07 AM

2019-05-31T00:07:26-04:00

Lemme guess, you picked 11 "yes men" to give you a little creed to make you feel good about something. Well, you may want to take a stroll through ANY VA hospital and see how many veterans live up to all of those Veteran Creed values. Not many of them can do number five. That is freaking stupid. One, two, and eight are about it and we don't need a creed for those.

Did you get a gold star on your paper for making that up general?

How about doing something to remove the bureaucracy in the VA so we can get timely and realistic treatment. We need to be fixed, we don't need more pills.

Response by MSgt Kerry Lundy made Jun 17 at 2019 9:30 AM

2019-06-17T09:30:19-04:00

Why did I hang up my uniform when I retired? I gave the USAF 21 years of honorable service and the one thing I received in return really galls me to this day. I served three tours in Vietnam 66-67 Tuy Hoa AB, 68-69 Phu Cat AB/Quin Nohn Army Air Field, 70-71 Tan Son Nuht AB. No record can be found of my second and third tour. On my third tour I was exposed to something and my body was literally shutting down. I was MEDIVAC'd on Jan 13 1971 to USAF Hospital Maxwell AFB Alabama. No record of this can be located. I was paid on Dec 1971 end of month while in 3RD Field Hospital Saigon and did not get paid again until June 15 1971 no one could find my pay records. I get things in the mail on a regular basis from veteran and military affiliated organizations asking me to join or donate but yet no one can assist me in getting my records straight. I live 65 miles from the closest military installation,Ft Gordan, and rarely visit it. While on active duty I saw too many retirees virtually living at the NCO and Officer clubs. I wear my military service proudly and live by the same standards that I had while on active duty and I hold true to my oath of enlistment to this day. I don't need an itemized list to remind me of my duty to my country. My class "A" uniform still hangs in my closet. Now if someone could just find my missing records of my second and third tours in Vietnam or my hospilization at Maxwell AFB AL it should would be appreciated!

Response by SGT Michael Hooker made Jun 28 at 2019 7:29 PM

2019-06-28T19:29:36-04:00

Thank you Sir

Response by SFC James Asbill made Jul 26 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-07-26T16:22:46-04:00

What we need is Creed from our elected leaders to do a lot more than the once in a while lip service we get from them ..

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Aug 11 at 2019 8:37 PM

2019-08-11T20:37:33-04:00

The government decided my military career was over because of my medical record, all of the problems were service connected according to the Air Force. The VA consistently failed to provide any compensation for the disabilities I received and now someone wants to force anther "creed" on me. My first reaction is to say "don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." My second reaction is to refuse any creed without adequate monetary compensation for doing so. Think about that for a while.

Response by SrA Lawrence Wenzel made Aug 25 at 2019 12:58 AM

2019-08-25T00:58:45-04:00

Well put

Response by SSG Jim Laning made Sep 9 at 2019 10:46 PM

2019-09-09T22:46:30-04:00

It's not a poem, it's a promise.

Response by SGT Todd Levin made Sep 16 at 2019 5:33 AM

2019-09-16T05:33:23-04:00

Figure it’s another officer who still thinks he is still in command. As a former enlisted man I finally can say this take your creed and shove it up your butt sir. Your a civilian now get used to it.

Response by SGT David Petree made Oct 1 at 2019 5:56 PM

2019-10-01T17:56:29-04:00

Creed; If you need a creed to do something ? YOU ARE DOING SOMTHING WORNG !!!!! We do this every day ! Except #5 after 2 blood clouts 1 mine stroke & PTSD , not so much ! Remember ya I remember 3 in Frankfurt, 2 in the states ! DONT need no creed for that....

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Oct 13 at 2019 1:31 PM

2019-10-13T13:31:14-04:00

8. I honor and remember my fallen comrades

This would mean something, if veteran's would have openly oppsoed Trump the minute he opened his mouth and said:

Whoring around town was my Vietnam.
I know more than most people on active duty.
John McCain is not a hero.
People with PTSD are weak.

When the conservative veterans community stops supporting this Moron, then and only then will I respect them as a "community".

You can not take the oath of office "to protect the Constitution", and think this man is worthy of any public office. And ever one of you should be lining up, telling your VSO's and other's to support impeachment.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Dec 18 at 2019 8:37 PM

2019-12-18T20:37:03-05:00

I served under General Casey's father in Viet Nam, 1970 with the 1st Cav. He was killed in a helicopter crash going to visit troops wounded in Cambodia, he was a great leader. I also served under General Casey in Iraq 2003 - 2004, 2006-2007, and in Kuwait 2009 - 2010.

Response by PVT Denise Biers made Dec 19 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-12-19T21:30:49-05:00

I absolutely love this. I'm sharing it with other Veterans i know and live with. Thank you

Response by SGT Jeremy Boyd made Feb 5 at 2020 9:26 AM

2020-02-05T09:26:29-05:00

My creed:
I did my time.
Lick my ass.

Response by Wayne Soares made Jun 14 at 2020 9:26 AM

2020-06-14T09:26:43-04:00

Excellent share General

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 19 at 2023 4:49 PM

2023-05-19T16:49:34-04:00

Good afternoon GEN George Casey. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this Sir.

Response by CPL Larry Frias Jr made May 19 at 2023 7:37 PM

2023-05-19T19:37:32-04:00

Wow …that Veterans Creed …it’s important to remember time serve !!!