What message would you want to tell the civilians in your area about us?

2014-02-26T14:24:43-05:00

Through my work as a Veteran Advocate here in the Pittsburgh area, I have the honor of talking civilians about the issues we as Veterans face. The Greater Pittsburgh/Western PA areas are in a very important spot within the Veterans' community. The area boosts some of the highest numbers of Veterans living in the area across the US.

Yesterday, I was asked a few questions concerning an upcoming blog post featuring some of us in the area trying to make a difference and one of the questions was:

" If you could convey any particular message to the general public about this region’s Veterans, what would it be?"

It got my wheels turning and eventually I provided my answer. I would like to see what the RallyPoint community thinks and see how you would answer this same question based on the different areas that we all live.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Feb 26 at 2014 2:25 PM

2014-02-26T14:25:17-05:00

For the record here is my answer I provided:

The war doesn't end when we get back here. For most, if not all of us, the war continues, weeks, months, years after we return. But we aren't some type of shell of a person. We are strong, determined, well-trained and disciplined people who do not take no for an answer very easily. We are reliable (for the most part). We are very much an under used asset in the community. The community here in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania finds itself in a very important role in the months and years to come as we scale down operations in the fight against terrorism. The actions taken right here in the Steel City, may have impact through the United States. As an area with so many Veterans, other cities and states may look to the examples set forth right here in Pittsburgh.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 26 at 2014 2:26 PM

2014-02-26T14:26:17-05:00

Since I live in Fort Lee (an AIT post) I think my biggest message to our civilian community would be "I promise you, these 17-21 year old children are not indicative of servicemembers as a whole. Please don't judge us all too harshly".

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 26 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-02-26T14:33:45-05:00

From the perspective of someone who was born and raised on the Northside of Pittsburgh and who has served over 23 years in the Army, I would like to tell the folks in Western Pennsylvania that the traditional blue collar work ethic that was instilled into all of growing up made the transition to military life very easy. The values and beliefs that were ingrained into us at a young age are the cornerstones of the Army Values. I would like to say thank you to my family and friends in Woods Run and Brighton Heights areas for preparing me for the rigors of life, preparing me to always do my best, and for ensuring that I understood the importance of teamwork, family and helping those who need it. I believe what I brought into the Army from home helped mold me into the Soldier and leader that I continue to strive to be today. Thank you all.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 3:29 PM

2014-02-26T15:29:25-05:00

I live in south Mississippi right outside of Camp Shelby, one of the largest Army National Guard training centers in the country. What I would like civilians to know about veteran's as a whole would be: 1. Not all of us have PTSD 2. Those that do aren't all severe enough that we want to harm anyone 3. Please stop treating us like we are damaged 4. Stop thinking I'm an expert in every field, I'm a veteran not a car mechanic/electrical engineer/EMT/sniper/surgeon. 5. Top of the list of questions you never ask a veteran "so did you kill anyone?" (yes I have been asked that).