What can a civilian like myself do to help our military if I can't join?

James Conley — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 14:01:13 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2019 2:40 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 14:40:42 -0400

Find organizations that support the military and either gain employment with them or volunteer your time with them. There are government contract jobs that support military. There are all kinds of things you could do, really.

Response by James Conley made Mar 19 at 2019 2:58 PM

James Conley — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 14:58:58 -0400

I am a member of team red wight and blue

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Mar 19 at 2019 3:06 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 15:06:19 -0400

James-From my perspective, that depends on a couple of things. First ,why do you want to help? I know that sounds kinda obvious, but your reasons are usually just as important as any answers someone can provide to you. If you're motivated by something as far-reaching as "patriotism", allow me to offer that being a father (yes, I read your info) is a pretty significant way to positively impact your nation's future. If it's because you have family serving now (particularly, a spouse), you can do a great deal by demonstrating your understanding, patience, and willingness to help with those tasks that can become particularly difficult for someone when they're deployed. When they return, be ready to listen.

There's many things you can get involved in...everything from volunteer work to (as stated earlier) employment with the federal government.

If you're motivated by a sense of (for lack of a better word) "guilt" at not being able to serve... please believe me when I say you've nothing to feel "guilty" about. Having lived on both sides, I can assure you that it's not "easy" being a civilian with responsibilities-having a newborn in the home can be as stressful, if not MORE stressful than many things one will face in a military career. The bottom line is this-the Military is just ONE part of the people that make up our country. Without you... there's no point. I think I speak for most of us when I say that what we really want/need is a nation that continues to live up to the ideals we have/are defending.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 19 at 2019 5:06 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 17:06:54 -0400

You could considering joining the Civil Air Patrol as a Senior Member. A good chance to help mentor some motivated youth, or be part of a Search and Rescue team.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 19 at 2019 10:08 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 22:08:51 -0400

LCDR Joshua Gillespie Kind of hit the nail on the head. Let me add my voice to his in that you have nothing to feel guilty about. You are willing, but unable, there is no guilt in that. You see the poor treatment of some, but are not, yourself, the cause of that treatment. Additionally, you recognize it as poor treatment and want to do something about it. So, no guilt there either.

As far as things you can do, I see a lot of your ideas revolve around financial support. Don't get me wrong, there are many problems that money can help (like food insecurity or homelessness). I am in no way trying to bash your efforts or say they are unworthy or unappreciated. But....

There are just as many problems (and usually HARDER problems) that money can't help. If you REALLY want to dedicate yourself to helping the military, and I mean DEDICATE, then go to school and become a psychologist. Come back and help those who see/experience things that no human should ever have to see or experience. Short of that (because that is a BIG commitment, and not everyone is cut out for it), a willing listener, a kind word, and respect go a long way, and don't even cost anything other than time.

The only reason I even mention this (because it is hard to say it in a message board without sounding like I don't appreciate your thoughts, ideas, and efforts - which I most definitely do appreciate) is because people (not you, specifically, people in general) tend to focus on fixing what they can see, when what they can't see is often a whole lot more in need of fixing. And those who are willing to do the work and dig deep are SORELY needed.

Response by SGT Jason Yago made Apr 26 at 2019 2:46 PM

SGT Jason Yago — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 14:46:35 -0400

Volunteering at the VA or a soldiers home working with the uso. You can do alot