What services would you recommend be offered by a new rural veterans organization startup?

SPC Nicholas Cureton — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 10:50:17 -0400

I live in a very rural area and while we have some services and groups that are here. There are a lot of veterans who come to one or two activities and then lose interest. So a couple other veterans and I are considering starting a small non-profit veterans group.
So my question is, If you were going to get involved with a veterans group, what would you want it to offer you?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 30 at 2016 10:56 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 10:56:10 -0400

I'd save myself the trouble and expense and simply build my VFW, American Legion, whatever post to do the kinds of things that bring members back. Remember, you don't have to reinvent the wheel to build a better car

Response by SGT Charles W. made Apr 30 at 2016 12:07 PM

SGT Charles W. — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 12:07:20 -0400

Going shooting. We all love to shoot and be competitive, and even if you've love limbs, you can still do it with aides. This will help people open up and destress at the same time. And after, sit down and talk about whatever. Being a leader, you could guide the group a little, but leave it open ended so they can talk about what they want to talk about (even if it's about the weather - it's a start).

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Apr 30 at 2016 12:50 PM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 12:50:59 -0400

First off congrats.
Repetitive Behavior Cellular Regression ( CR ) works without counseling or therapy or meds in all cases of PTSD, MST, and Suicide Ideation in Veterans and their families along with First Responders.
We can get you certified right away. Next class begins June 2016.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 30 at 2016 6:19 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 18:19:28 -0400

Just a thought most VA hosps have a rec therapy unit themone by us even incls fencing classes. I'd also consider martial arts, I personally love aikido and iaido. Also hobby groups I can suggest more if you'd like, of course.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 30 at 2016 7:43 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 19:43:40 -0400

PTSD/Veterans check in to see if all in the rural community are doing well.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 8:22 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 20:22:36 -0400

SPC Nicholas Cureton I would contact these veterans in your area and ask them what they would like or need. One idea is to connect veterans to local schools to act as mentors/tutors. This would keep the veteran very busy and also benefit the students who receive mentoring from a role model.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 10:43 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 22:43:29 -0400

Our local AmVets chapter hosts ATV rides and an annual ice fishing tournament. The ice fishing tournament attracts a lot of younger vets.

Response by PFC Daniel Starrett made May 1 at 2016 1:21 AM

PFC Daniel Starrett — Sun, 01 May 2016 01:21:28 -0400

The first thing that I, myself, would (and am) looking for is information on where to find loans and grants to start up a business. And I am not referring simply to "oh go apply for the VA business loan". I know the va has a business loan available, but I don't know who to talk to in my area, or who else to go to for further assistance.

Specifically, I want to open up a grocery store in my neighborhood since the closest one to us right now is 6 miles away and you ave to transfer by bus to get there. On the way home you have to sit in the 95+ degree temps with your perishables for half an hour or longer while waiting to transfer. many of us do not have regular transportation other than the bus.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made May 2 at 2016 5:28 AM

MSgt Richard Rountree — Mon, 02 May 2016 05:28:07 -0400

Motorcycles and Brotherhood. Two-wheel therapy does wonders for the vets I know.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2016 10:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 May 2016 22:52:23 -0400

My question to you and you fellow vets that are looking at starting it is this. What do you want it to be? What is your vision? From the comments so far the sky is the limit on what you could do.
My reccomendation is for your group is to come up with a Mission Statement. The 5 W's if you will. From there you can build from that. Soliciting ideas here is great, but you see how many items have been covered so far.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made May 2 at 2016 11:38 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Mon, 02 May 2016 23:38:19 -0400

Have you Considered getting them in tough with the programs of the USDA the FHA and other things even Extension Agriculture could use willing hands in Rural areas...??? MilitantCrip

Response by SSG Don Maggart made May 26 at 2016 12:38 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Thu, 26 May 2016 12:38:42 -0400

if i may @ SPC Nicholas Cureton have you checked out VOP Veterans on Patrol on Facebook there are non-governmental self funding ways of doing what you want done...Regards MilitantCrip https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-on-Patrol-Delta-Base-Sierra-Vista/ [login to see] 26274

Veterans on Patrol Delta Base Sierra Vista - Sierra Vista, Arizona - Housing & Homeless Shelter |...

Veterans on Patrol Delta Base Sierra Vista, Sierra Vista, Arizona. 44 likes · 11 were here. Local Business

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Mar 24 at 2017 1:19 PM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 13:19:48 -0400

apologies for putting this in their twice. forgot i already did it.

Response by MSG Bob Proctor made Jul 14 at 2022 11:05 AM

MSG Bob Proctor — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:05:05 -0400

Get certified into a program for service support animals, (there are only two; dogs and horses). It's not a difficult thing to do, and you'll draw veterans from around the area, not just your immediate area. K9ontherontline.org as one example, helped me train my dog and many others in central Missouri.