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Today's Reality Check is for ME - Please read and send some feedback, it could really help me!
Last Friday I launched a Reality Check Video Series, a video a day, giving advice to Veterans about making the transition from the military to the corporate world. Today, I am asking for everyone to give me a reality check.
I left a very lucrative career a little over a year and a half ago, specifically to build a company to help Veterans. I have been an engineer and businessman for many years and didn’t enter this as a rookie. The market seemed ripe for change. The need was high. The only thing missing was someone stepping up to take it on. So, I did.
The Market
Over 250,000 Veterans enter the civilian workforce each year. These heroes, for the most part, are hard-working and dedicated people that deserve a chance at a successful career. They have a high acumen for technology and the IT market is growing. They are the last known ‘old-school’ talent pool. They are an incredible contrast to the entitled millennial generation that is afraid of working hard.
The traditional Veteran education market is tired and outdated. It’s also prone to corruption. Schools are focused on profits and the GI Bill is a huge target. They prey on the Veterans and sell them the lowest credentials at the highest prices. The result is our heroes work hard, spend their benefit, earn these credentials and then try to enter the job market. This is where they realize the skills they received are not the right ones. The ‘good’ training is out there but its priced for corporations and thereby not available to the Veteran. They cannot afford the $3,000-$5,000 price for 5 days of training.
I saw the potential and the need.
My Solution
I worked hard with the government, the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a unique apprenticeship/on-the-job-training program. I fought hard at this for over a year. I called Congressmen, Senators, the White House and I submitted testimony to the House Committee of Veterans Affairs. This resulted in an official program that is now approved in all 50 states. Veterans anywhere can use this as a much-needed alternative to the corrupt traditional schools. It’s the only nationally approved IT program of its kind.
I partnered and made relationships to bring the highest level of training and instructors to the Veteran… so they could learn from the best. We did this while constantly adjusting everything to keep our overhead to as close to zero as we could. We operate virtually, no wasted money on buildings. We work on the equipment and laptops we have, no new stuff. I have personally coded and created the website and continue to create most of our marketing. The result is we have classes as low as $50. We help them with everything from interviewing, resumes and technical training. They can purchase each piece for $50-65 keeping their monthly costs to something they can afford.
It seemed to me that I had accomplished my goal of creating a purpose-built solution to solve the problem and address the market.
Personal Commitment
I put my own investment and retirement money in, our savings. I even downsized my house and cars and sold my favorite motorcycle. All to reduce my expenses. My family has done less so I could help more. I have spent the past 18 months working between 12-18 hours a day, 7 days a week. I run the company, I mentor, I teach, I market and anything else I can do to try to make this successful. I started with the goal of helping people and if I ended up helping enough to become financially successful it would be a bonus. Today, I just try to survive and keep it going.
WHAT AM I MISSING?
Over the past 7 days I have put out a video a day on LinkedIn, Facebook, Rally Point and email. I have monitored the analytics hourly. We have achieved over 100,000 impressions and views and several hundred likes and comments. We launched a $20 raffle to win $300 prizes. I have 8500 direct connections on LinkedIn and pay for marketing to reach more. I have used places like Recruit Military that advertise 300,000 registered Veterans on their newsletter. All of this effort and, over the past week, we didn’t even sell a single raffle ticket and not one $50 course was purchased. How is that possible?
I am constantly approached by lead generation and marketing companies all wanting $3,000-$10,000 a month to market for us. I try not to lose focus on the fact that the right price must be one the Veteran can afford. Besides, at this point I don’t have $10,000 a month I could spend on marketing anyway. But am I really doing this so wrong that out of 100,000 people seeing our message in one form or another no one sees it as something they need? I target the advertisements towards HR, Veterans, etc. so its not a blind campaign. This drives the engineer in me nuts, there is no logic to this voodoo black magic marketing.
We are helping, it hasn’t been a total failure
Over the past 18 months we have had roughly 400 Veterans enter our program. Some come to the table ready to leverage what we have, and they see the success, it works. Some come in and do nothing. Many we have tried to help by raising money and letting them in for free. For these people it was a mixed result; some did great, but some took advantage of us. I have pushed the Veterans to help me help them by posting on social media and by sharing the message out. This is more difficult to get them to do than I had imagined. Something so easy, with the potential impact so direct to them, and yet I have only about 20-30 that regularly participate. I even offer them money off their own courses if they do this, but few will put out the effort. This leads me to believe I am finding the wrong type of Veterans. I just can’t believe this describes all Veterans today. So, how do I find more of the ones that are willing to see the huge opportunity I have created for them?
How is a small business, with a focus on helping, supposed to reach enough of the market to survive? I can’t believe that who we are or what we are doing is that far off the mark. I can’t believe that Veterans don’t see the value. I can’t believe that companies can’t see the benefit of using our services to help hire people, especially when others are charging $20,000 to $40,000 to place them. Am I just fishing in the wrong pond? Or am I blind to the fact that the need and the market was an illusion? Is the only way to help Veterans in IT… working the VA system and overcharging them? Am I naïve to think doing it the right way, treating them fairly and trying to ‘have their back’ by charging them less will ever work? Is it true that nice guys finish last? Or am I missing some obvious thing? I need help. I am going crazy working so hard, giving so much of myself and seeing so little movement. The engineer in me says, “Idiot, you’re missing something obvious”. So, as I have always done in major engineering design, I am reaching out. I am asking a simple question… is it broken or am I a dumbass that can’t see the problem?
Why not be a Non-Profit – is this a problem for people?
I chose not to form as a non-profit because I feel I should earn my own way. I didn’t want to survive off donations and charity, I wanted to work hard at it and prove it out. This is why I personally downsized; I never wanted to look them in the eye while they were going through a hard time and say I know what you mean, when in reality I was living large. But, I must ask now, was this a smart choice? Are people hesitant because I am not a non-profit? Do people realize that status is only for the IRS? It doesn’t give you safety from being screwed over, that comes from the people that own the company. But perceptions drive the reactions, so maybe I should change my status?
Am I just saying it wrong?
How does a company like mine get noticed, how do we get our message to the people we are trying to help? How do we convince people we are real and honest? How do we convince companies to give us a chance? How do we simply get people to do something as little as spend $20 on a raffle ticket? I have written and re-written our website, I have listened to people tell me you have to say it in a minute on a video. Everything at the surface seems to work, I get more connections and my audience grows every day, but the sales haven’t grown with it. I feel that if I stopped helping Veterans and just talked about helping Veterans I could be a major influencer on social media in a year. I would add many followers and my popularity would continue to grow. But what the hell is the point of this if I am not doing something to help them? Is my lot to make money spewing hot air and watching the problem grow? To see more Veteran suicides that could be prevented with simple actions and practical solutions that lead to jobs… to have hope and purpose restored in their lives? I can’t do this, it’s just not who I am. I would rather be invisible but have helped one person than to be popular and have helped no one.
Why this article?
It’s simple, is my pride in the way? Writing this is difficult for me as I have never accepted failure in anything. I am not capable of quitting. I will fight until it’s over, I don’t know any other way. So, this is the last bit of my pride going away. This is me asking of anyone that will listen… what am I doing wrong, what should I try next? People’s lives are at stake; I have some that have reached such low depths that death seemed like a suitable alternative. I can’t fail them, yet I can’t seem to break through this fundamental business problem.
No, I can’t take out loans and so far, no one has seriously offered to invest in the idea. I am not done but everyday I walk dangerously close to that line. I won’t go down without a fight, but at what point is the fight useless? If no one else sees this as a problem that needs to be addressed, if no one else helps me, can I win fighting alone? The most frustrating thing through all of this is how much positive feedback I get. So many messages, so many likes and shares, so many comments and phone calls. All telling me how great it is that I am doing what I am doing for the Veterans. But is this lip service, are the comments and likes to piggy back on my message for their own gain? If not, why not a single $20 raffle ticket? Why have some Veterans come into the program for free, used it, gotten a job and then never pay back anything? Its so frustrating. It would be easier for me if people just said, “Terry, this is a stupid idea and it will never work”. At least then I would understand the response.
This is not a unique scenario that just affects me and my family. The two men that have stayed close to me through all of this, working as much as I have, also put money and time in. We have all sacrificed to help our brothers and sisters. However, either we are not reaching them, or we are only reaching those that are looking for a handout.
Will you help?
All I am asking for, is another set of eyes, your input and opinions. Help me discover what I could do better to make this work and still be able to provide for my family. Even if the feedback is harsh, even if the answer is I should walk away. I can’t see it and I’m hoping maybe one of you can.
Last Friday I launched a Reality Check Video Series, a video a day, giving advice to Veterans about making the transition from the military to the corporate world. Today, I am asking for everyone to give me a reality check.
I left a very lucrative career a little over a year and a half ago, specifically to build a company to help Veterans. I have been an engineer and businessman for many years and didn’t enter this as a rookie. The market seemed ripe for change. The need was high. The only thing missing was someone stepping up to take it on. So, I did.
The Market
Over 250,000 Veterans enter the civilian workforce each year. These heroes, for the most part, are hard-working and dedicated people that deserve a chance at a successful career. They have a high acumen for technology and the IT market is growing. They are the last known ‘old-school’ talent pool. They are an incredible contrast to the entitled millennial generation that is afraid of working hard.
The traditional Veteran education market is tired and outdated. It’s also prone to corruption. Schools are focused on profits and the GI Bill is a huge target. They prey on the Veterans and sell them the lowest credentials at the highest prices. The result is our heroes work hard, spend their benefit, earn these credentials and then try to enter the job market. This is where they realize the skills they received are not the right ones. The ‘good’ training is out there but its priced for corporations and thereby not available to the Veteran. They cannot afford the $3,000-$5,000 price for 5 days of training.
I saw the potential and the need.
My Solution
I worked hard with the government, the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a unique apprenticeship/on-the-job-training program. I fought hard at this for over a year. I called Congressmen, Senators, the White House and I submitted testimony to the House Committee of Veterans Affairs. This resulted in an official program that is now approved in all 50 states. Veterans anywhere can use this as a much-needed alternative to the corrupt traditional schools. It’s the only nationally approved IT program of its kind.
I partnered and made relationships to bring the highest level of training and instructors to the Veteran… so they could learn from the best. We did this while constantly adjusting everything to keep our overhead to as close to zero as we could. We operate virtually, no wasted money on buildings. We work on the equipment and laptops we have, no new stuff. I have personally coded and created the website and continue to create most of our marketing. The result is we have classes as low as $50. We help them with everything from interviewing, resumes and technical training. They can purchase each piece for $50-65 keeping their monthly costs to something they can afford.
It seemed to me that I had accomplished my goal of creating a purpose-built solution to solve the problem and address the market.
Personal Commitment
I put my own investment and retirement money in, our savings. I even downsized my house and cars and sold my favorite motorcycle. All to reduce my expenses. My family has done less so I could help more. I have spent the past 18 months working between 12-18 hours a day, 7 days a week. I run the company, I mentor, I teach, I market and anything else I can do to try to make this successful. I started with the goal of helping people and if I ended up helping enough to become financially successful it would be a bonus. Today, I just try to survive and keep it going.
WHAT AM I MISSING?
Over the past 7 days I have put out a video a day on LinkedIn, Facebook, Rally Point and email. I have monitored the analytics hourly. We have achieved over 100,000 impressions and views and several hundred likes and comments. We launched a $20 raffle to win $300 prizes. I have 8500 direct connections on LinkedIn and pay for marketing to reach more. I have used places like Recruit Military that advertise 300,000 registered Veterans on their newsletter. All of this effort and, over the past week, we didn’t even sell a single raffle ticket and not one $50 course was purchased. How is that possible?
I am constantly approached by lead generation and marketing companies all wanting $3,000-$10,000 a month to market for us. I try not to lose focus on the fact that the right price must be one the Veteran can afford. Besides, at this point I don’t have $10,000 a month I could spend on marketing anyway. But am I really doing this so wrong that out of 100,000 people seeing our message in one form or another no one sees it as something they need? I target the advertisements towards HR, Veterans, etc. so its not a blind campaign. This drives the engineer in me nuts, there is no logic to this voodoo black magic marketing.
We are helping, it hasn’t been a total failure
Over the past 18 months we have had roughly 400 Veterans enter our program. Some come to the table ready to leverage what we have, and they see the success, it works. Some come in and do nothing. Many we have tried to help by raising money and letting them in for free. For these people it was a mixed result; some did great, but some took advantage of us. I have pushed the Veterans to help me help them by posting on social media and by sharing the message out. This is more difficult to get them to do than I had imagined. Something so easy, with the potential impact so direct to them, and yet I have only about 20-30 that regularly participate. I even offer them money off their own courses if they do this, but few will put out the effort. This leads me to believe I am finding the wrong type of Veterans. I just can’t believe this describes all Veterans today. So, how do I find more of the ones that are willing to see the huge opportunity I have created for them?
How is a small business, with a focus on helping, supposed to reach enough of the market to survive? I can’t believe that who we are or what we are doing is that far off the mark. I can’t believe that Veterans don’t see the value. I can’t believe that companies can’t see the benefit of using our services to help hire people, especially when others are charging $20,000 to $40,000 to place them. Am I just fishing in the wrong pond? Or am I blind to the fact that the need and the market was an illusion? Is the only way to help Veterans in IT… working the VA system and overcharging them? Am I naïve to think doing it the right way, treating them fairly and trying to ‘have their back’ by charging them less will ever work? Is it true that nice guys finish last? Or am I missing some obvious thing? I need help. I am going crazy working so hard, giving so much of myself and seeing so little movement. The engineer in me says, “Idiot, you’re missing something obvious”. So, as I have always done in major engineering design, I am reaching out. I am asking a simple question… is it broken or am I a dumbass that can’t see the problem?
Why not be a Non-Profit – is this a problem for people?
I chose not to form as a non-profit because I feel I should earn my own way. I didn’t want to survive off donations and charity, I wanted to work hard at it and prove it out. This is why I personally downsized; I never wanted to look them in the eye while they were going through a hard time and say I know what you mean, when in reality I was living large. But, I must ask now, was this a smart choice? Are people hesitant because I am not a non-profit? Do people realize that status is only for the IRS? It doesn’t give you safety from being screwed over, that comes from the people that own the company. But perceptions drive the reactions, so maybe I should change my status?
Am I just saying it wrong?
How does a company like mine get noticed, how do we get our message to the people we are trying to help? How do we convince people we are real and honest? How do we convince companies to give us a chance? How do we simply get people to do something as little as spend $20 on a raffle ticket? I have written and re-written our website, I have listened to people tell me you have to say it in a minute on a video. Everything at the surface seems to work, I get more connections and my audience grows every day, but the sales haven’t grown with it. I feel that if I stopped helping Veterans and just talked about helping Veterans I could be a major influencer on social media in a year. I would add many followers and my popularity would continue to grow. But what the hell is the point of this if I am not doing something to help them? Is my lot to make money spewing hot air and watching the problem grow? To see more Veteran suicides that could be prevented with simple actions and practical solutions that lead to jobs… to have hope and purpose restored in their lives? I can’t do this, it’s just not who I am. I would rather be invisible but have helped one person than to be popular and have helped no one.
Why this article?
It’s simple, is my pride in the way? Writing this is difficult for me as I have never accepted failure in anything. I am not capable of quitting. I will fight until it’s over, I don’t know any other way. So, this is the last bit of my pride going away. This is me asking of anyone that will listen… what am I doing wrong, what should I try next? People’s lives are at stake; I have some that have reached such low depths that death seemed like a suitable alternative. I can’t fail them, yet I can’t seem to break through this fundamental business problem.
No, I can’t take out loans and so far, no one has seriously offered to invest in the idea. I am not done but everyday I walk dangerously close to that line. I won’t go down without a fight, but at what point is the fight useless? If no one else sees this as a problem that needs to be addressed, if no one else helps me, can I win fighting alone? The most frustrating thing through all of this is how much positive feedback I get. So many messages, so many likes and shares, so many comments and phone calls. All telling me how great it is that I am doing what I am doing for the Veterans. But is this lip service, are the comments and likes to piggy back on my message for their own gain? If not, why not a single $20 raffle ticket? Why have some Veterans come into the program for free, used it, gotten a job and then never pay back anything? Its so frustrating. It would be easier for me if people just said, “Terry, this is a stupid idea and it will never work”. At least then I would understand the response.
This is not a unique scenario that just affects me and my family. The two men that have stayed close to me through all of this, working as much as I have, also put money and time in. We have all sacrificed to help our brothers and sisters. However, either we are not reaching them, or we are only reaching those that are looking for a handout.
Will you help?
All I am asking for, is another set of eyes, your input and opinions. Help me discover what I could do better to make this work and still be able to provide for my family. Even if the feedback is harsh, even if the answer is I should walk away. I can’t see it and I’m hoping maybe one of you can.
Transition
Family
Employment
Civilian Career
Information Technology
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
22
22
0
Why is it so hard to help people? Great question SSgt Terry Jenkins - let's see what RallyPoint Members have to say!
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-is-it-so-hard-to-help-people
SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim PO3 Robert Rittenhouse LTC (Join to see) PO3 Cj Stephens PO2 Aaron Moncrief PVT Cyrel Moore CPL William Champion SrA John Monette SPC Shane Whipple SGT Rob Ducharme SSgt Earl Barrett Jessica Wiesman Cpl George Goodwin
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-is-it-so-hard-to-help-people
SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim PO3 Robert Rittenhouse LTC (Join to see) PO3 Cj Stephens PO2 Aaron Moncrief PVT Cyrel Moore CPL William Champion SrA John Monette SPC Shane Whipple SGT Rob Ducharme SSgt Earl Barrett Jessica Wiesman Cpl George Goodwin
Why is it so hard to help people? | RallyPoint
Today's Reality Check is for ME - Please read and send some feedback, it could really help me! Last Friday I launched a Reality Check Video Series, a video a day, giving advice to Veterans about making the transition from the military to the corporate world. Today, I am asking for everyone to give me a reality check. I left a very lucrative career a little over a year and a half ago, specifically to build a company to help Veterans. I have...
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SrA John Monette - Then you always try again - never give up - that's my motto!
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MSgt Ronnie Kelly
To quote three great philosophers ( Larry, Moe abs Curly) "If at first you don't suck seed, keep sucking til you do suck seed"
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Donna Brickey
As others have mentioned, there are zillions of causes out there and sometime it is just timing. Also, simple is better. Some of us are intimidated when we go to a raffle site that shows all sorts of memberships that are several hundred dollars in order to make a simple donation. I am still worried that by donating I may have signed up for a membership that will charge me every month or have me getting dozens of E-mails blowing up my inbox. I do on occasion support various veteran causes though, so just bought a ticket. I hope things move forward for your programs. Thank you for the high level of dedication you have shown to help veterans.
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So from a short onceover I did of your website I came away with the following thoughts. If these are incorrect, you may just have a perception problem. Please don't take offense to any criticisms. I may be the lone guy who feels the way I do about things.
1) If I were a job seeker I'd quickly go somewhere else since I'm not interested in IT and that's what you seem to be offering help with. So of the 250,000 veterans entering the job market each year how many are looking for IT jobs? That 250K number could actually be much lower. And I don't know what this means about anything but I'll throw it out there. I work for a technology company and if you walk through the IT department there are an overwhelming amount of foreign people. Again, not sure what that means but you don't see that in any other department.
2) If I was interested in IT, I'd probably have to go to college which is already costing me money and promising to get me a degree that will land me a job. Yes, your prices are reasonable but the courses don't come across as something I have to have. Helpful? Sure. But I NEED the degree or a lot of companies won't even talk to me. Plus, the college I went to had resume/interview courses and whatnot.
3) There seems to be many resume builder-type websites out there that are geared toward veterans. When I search for that in Google, your website does not appear. When I type 'IT training for veterans' in Google, your website does not appear. I even typed in 'Veteran IT jobs' which is what the tab on your website says and the site still didn't appear on Google. And just for the heck of it I typed in 'US Veterans jobs' which is your web address and it still didn't show up. I think that's an issue. Google is where everyone goes to look for stuff. If it isn't on there (near the top helps but definitely on the first page) you're in the dark.
4) When the hardship program you offer wants me to put "skin in the game" and do some of your work, I personally get turned off by that. I'm expecting a company that is offering me a product to not need me to do any of their day-to-day work. That's just how I perceived that. Same goes for the raffle. I think there are plenty of people that would be willing to buy a raffle ticket to help veterans but if I get the feeling that the money is needed to keep the company going I might back off. You might try doing the raffle and just have it say that it is going to support veterans. Period. Then put the money back in the company since it does support veterans. Or maybe use as something like a scholarship for vets that can't afford the training. That, I wouldn't find weird. Honesty is great but when a company says they are swallowing their pride and asking for help, I tend to get scared off.
I hope some of this help. I wish I had more time to look through your site. Good luck with your company. I hope it becomes a success!
1) If I were a job seeker I'd quickly go somewhere else since I'm not interested in IT and that's what you seem to be offering help with. So of the 250,000 veterans entering the job market each year how many are looking for IT jobs? That 250K number could actually be much lower. And I don't know what this means about anything but I'll throw it out there. I work for a technology company and if you walk through the IT department there are an overwhelming amount of foreign people. Again, not sure what that means but you don't see that in any other department.
2) If I was interested in IT, I'd probably have to go to college which is already costing me money and promising to get me a degree that will land me a job. Yes, your prices are reasonable but the courses don't come across as something I have to have. Helpful? Sure. But I NEED the degree or a lot of companies won't even talk to me. Plus, the college I went to had resume/interview courses and whatnot.
3) There seems to be many resume builder-type websites out there that are geared toward veterans. When I search for that in Google, your website does not appear. When I type 'IT training for veterans' in Google, your website does not appear. I even typed in 'Veteran IT jobs' which is what the tab on your website says and the site still didn't appear on Google. And just for the heck of it I typed in 'US Veterans jobs' which is your web address and it still didn't show up. I think that's an issue. Google is where everyone goes to look for stuff. If it isn't on there (near the top helps but definitely on the first page) you're in the dark.
4) When the hardship program you offer wants me to put "skin in the game" and do some of your work, I personally get turned off by that. I'm expecting a company that is offering me a product to not need me to do any of their day-to-day work. That's just how I perceived that. Same goes for the raffle. I think there are plenty of people that would be willing to buy a raffle ticket to help veterans but if I get the feeling that the money is needed to keep the company going I might back off. You might try doing the raffle and just have it say that it is going to support veterans. Period. Then put the money back in the company since it does support veterans. Or maybe use as something like a scholarship for vets that can't afford the training. That, I wouldn't find weird. Honesty is great but when a company says they are swallowing their pride and asking for help, I tend to get scared off.
I hope some of this help. I wish I had more time to look through your site. Good luck with your company. I hope it becomes a success!
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SSgt Terry Jenkins I do appreciate what you are trying to do. Is there a way to get your information to TAPS classes?
How about partnering with Operation Homefront which requires transiting vets to work or attend classes? I have some other thoughts. Message me and we can talk
How about partnering with Operation Homefront which requires transiting vets to work or attend classes? I have some other thoughts. Message me and we can talk
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I wanted to add one more thing. A positive one. The website looks great. Very professional.
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We cannot help those who don't want help.
We cannot teach those who don't want to learn.
Sometimes people need to knock their heads against the walls until more attractive options appear. At such time, furthering their education and skillsets are likely better options.
We cannot teach those who don't want to learn.
Sometimes people need to knock their heads against the walls until more attractive options appear. At such time, furthering their education and skillsets are likely better options.
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I thought Army TRADOC was setting up something like this and giving accreditation for skill sets. Some of it was getting accredited by the new Army University run by the Army.
'Army University' to offer new transcripts, credits for PME
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2015/09/14/army...
The Army launched a program designed to improve soldier learning and, it is hoped, allow soldiers to earn more college credits.
About Army University Press
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/About
The Army University Press is the Army’s entry point for cutting edge thought and discussion on topics important to the Army and national defense.
Army Logistics University
http://www.alu.army.mil/index.html
Aug 02, 2018 · Welcome to the Army Logistics University. ALU is a composite campus for DoD uniformed and civilian leader education. This "state of the art" learning center provides professional military education, civilian education, and joint, multinational, and interagency education supporting America's DoD logistics, capability development, and operations ...
Army University - Home | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ArmyUniversity
'Army University' to offer new transcripts, credits for PME
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2015/09/14/army...
The Army launched a program designed to improve soldier learning and, it is hoped, allow soldiers to earn more college credits.
About Army University Press
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/About
The Army University Press is the Army’s entry point for cutting edge thought and discussion on topics important to the Army and national defense.
Army Logistics University
http://www.alu.army.mil/index.html
Aug 02, 2018 · Welcome to the Army Logistics University. ALU is a composite campus for DoD uniformed and civilian leader education. This "state of the art" learning center provides professional military education, civilian education, and joint, multinational, and interagency education supporting America's DoD logistics, capability development, and operations ...
Army University - Home | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ArmyUniversity
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SFC Dagmar Riley
Excellent ideas for getting out there to the people that would actually need/want the training!
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4
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It's a long one, I'm sorry, but you asked for thoughts.
You are not the problem here.
Why?
Possibly because in today's world, so many seem to want others to do things for them, instead of showing them how so that they could do it for themselves.
Some folks don't want help, because that would mean that they might have to put in some effort of their own.
Some folks had it hammered into their head when they were young that accepting help means they are a failure.
And I agree with you, that the VA's system of helping veterans is defective. They are using a 'one size fits all' approach to 'fix' or help unique individuals, who are and have unique situations.
Your solution seems to be based on helping the individuals, with their unique issues, improve their lives; thus helping to improve lives in general throughout our society.
The truth is that the solution (to me) is the approach that is somewhere in the middle. Do I know what that is? Nope! Not a clue.
I will let you in on a bit of my personal history and thoughts here:
When I retired the VA had already determined that I was disabled, effective on the first day of my retirement. My body was broken, lots of things wrong inside it. But I still wanted to be a productive member of society; to me, just sitting at home collecting a monthly stipend from the government meant I was a drain on the economy. To the family back home, the one I grew up in, that meant I was a lazy SOB that needed to get up on work for a living.
Conflicted much?
Within a couple of days of retiring, I had a new job; I was getting paid to play on a computer or three. I was a programmer and a DBA, worked there until the Y2K scare was history. Then, I got another job. Doing well at work, until my body started crapping out worse than it had been. In and out of Hospitals, I had a minor heart attack and a couple of medium-sized strokes. The job ended for me.
After one last stroke, I actually 'forgot' how to write programs; I couldn't figure out what the code I had written the day before was supposed to do (I have had other stroke since but that one pushed me out of work). Back then, in 2001-2003, I had been working on a database associated with what was to become the F-35.
But I still wanted to work, I just needed to find a job other than the one I had spent my life learning how to do. And, it couldn't be anything that was physically strenuous.
So I thought to myself, why not check out what the VA has to offer. Maybe I could use their Rehab program go to school and learn how to do something else. Anything else.
After a couple of months of interviews, aptitude tests, and group counselling my 'Advisor' told me that, "It would be a complete waste of the VA's money and as well as a waste of my own time for them to pay for my schooling; for I would either not complete the courses or I myself would not survive the effort."
That was in late-2003.
My attitude and my health deteriorated.
By 2006, I was moving around using a walker mostly and occasionally a wheelchair. And, I didn't really care. I was on lots of pain medications and accomplishing absolutely nothing.
By 2009, my wife, who had been working across town (a 45-60 minute drive) decided that because she was always worried about my falling down, we needed to move; our new house was less than a mile from where she worked. So that when I fell, not if I fell, but when I fell, she would not be far away and she could get to me with 3-4 minutes. She gave me a list of things she wanted me to do each day inside the house only, though; as we had a pool, and she was afraid I would fall in. I was not to go outside unless she was home with me
As I did more, my boundaries increased.
And, we set about trying to reduce my pain levels; staying at a constant 6-7 every single day, while already on lots of different pain medications, is not a very healthy place to be.
In mid-2010, I had a spinal cord neuro-stimulator (SCS) implanted, and gradually was able to come down off of most of my meds. I was able to start walking again, but just using a cane. Started eating better and losing weight.
Now, I don't carry a cane with me unless I am going to be walking slowly and standing around for hours on end; because that is when my spine quits, and my legs 'go away'.
I had some minor back surgery at the end of June (the 28th), they replaced the old Spinal Cord Neuro-Stimulator (SCS) with a newer, better, more updated version, because the battery wouldn't keep a charge. An SCS is like a TENS unit but put permanently inside the body with a couple of wires that go part way up along the spine; this sends signals to override the constant, excruciating nerve pain signals one might otherwise experience. I needed this device due to pain from Spine injuries.
Anyway... About three weeks ago I started walking my grandson's dog, trying to go out daily. The first couple of days I made it around the block; and then, had to sit in my recliner for about 2 hours as I recovered. By the end of the week, we were walking almost mile each day. By the end of the following week, we hit just under 2 miles. And this week, we were walking 2 1/2 miles a day... Until yesterday. Yesterday I decided to change up the route we were walking, and my goal was to hit 3 miles. Yesterday, 24th Aug, I took a walk with the dog; and we walked 4 1/2 miles. In two months of having my back surgery. And... I only used my cane once, a couple of days after my surgery, when we went to the grocery store.
My walkers (two of them) and my wheelchair are in the garage!
The last thing I want to impart is that people have to want to be helped. They have to want to learn the information that you trying to teach them. They have to have the drive, the self-discipline, to want to work at improving their lives.
I had to want to change, I had to want to make my own life better. And that is when things improved for me; but not until then. And I had to work at, and still, do.
It's not you. Those clients of yours that have succeeded proves that your program works. I would suggest to you that you and your partners keep at it. Keep at it!
I hope this was as clear to you as it sounded to me. Sometimes I can't always get my thoughts across as well I hope to, and I hope that that is because of the brain trauma I suffered and not another upcoming neurological issue.
You are not the problem here.
Why?
Possibly because in today's world, so many seem to want others to do things for them, instead of showing them how so that they could do it for themselves.
Some folks don't want help, because that would mean that they might have to put in some effort of their own.
Some folks had it hammered into their head when they were young that accepting help means they are a failure.
And I agree with you, that the VA's system of helping veterans is defective. They are using a 'one size fits all' approach to 'fix' or help unique individuals, who are and have unique situations.
Your solution seems to be based on helping the individuals, with their unique issues, improve their lives; thus helping to improve lives in general throughout our society.
The truth is that the solution (to me) is the approach that is somewhere in the middle. Do I know what that is? Nope! Not a clue.
I will let you in on a bit of my personal history and thoughts here:
When I retired the VA had already determined that I was disabled, effective on the first day of my retirement. My body was broken, lots of things wrong inside it. But I still wanted to be a productive member of society; to me, just sitting at home collecting a monthly stipend from the government meant I was a drain on the economy. To the family back home, the one I grew up in, that meant I was a lazy SOB that needed to get up on work for a living.
Conflicted much?
Within a couple of days of retiring, I had a new job; I was getting paid to play on a computer or three. I was a programmer and a DBA, worked there until the Y2K scare was history. Then, I got another job. Doing well at work, until my body started crapping out worse than it had been. In and out of Hospitals, I had a minor heart attack and a couple of medium-sized strokes. The job ended for me.
After one last stroke, I actually 'forgot' how to write programs; I couldn't figure out what the code I had written the day before was supposed to do (I have had other stroke since but that one pushed me out of work). Back then, in 2001-2003, I had been working on a database associated with what was to become the F-35.
But I still wanted to work, I just needed to find a job other than the one I had spent my life learning how to do. And, it couldn't be anything that was physically strenuous.
So I thought to myself, why not check out what the VA has to offer. Maybe I could use their Rehab program go to school and learn how to do something else. Anything else.
After a couple of months of interviews, aptitude tests, and group counselling my 'Advisor' told me that, "It would be a complete waste of the VA's money and as well as a waste of my own time for them to pay for my schooling; for I would either not complete the courses or I myself would not survive the effort."
That was in late-2003.
My attitude and my health deteriorated.
By 2006, I was moving around using a walker mostly and occasionally a wheelchair. And, I didn't really care. I was on lots of pain medications and accomplishing absolutely nothing.
By 2009, my wife, who had been working across town (a 45-60 minute drive) decided that because she was always worried about my falling down, we needed to move; our new house was less than a mile from where she worked. So that when I fell, not if I fell, but when I fell, she would not be far away and she could get to me with 3-4 minutes. She gave me a list of things she wanted me to do each day inside the house only, though; as we had a pool, and she was afraid I would fall in. I was not to go outside unless she was home with me
As I did more, my boundaries increased.
And, we set about trying to reduce my pain levels; staying at a constant 6-7 every single day, while already on lots of different pain medications, is not a very healthy place to be.
In mid-2010, I had a spinal cord neuro-stimulator (SCS) implanted, and gradually was able to come down off of most of my meds. I was able to start walking again, but just using a cane. Started eating better and losing weight.
Now, I don't carry a cane with me unless I am going to be walking slowly and standing around for hours on end; because that is when my spine quits, and my legs 'go away'.
I had some minor back surgery at the end of June (the 28th), they replaced the old Spinal Cord Neuro-Stimulator (SCS) with a newer, better, more updated version, because the battery wouldn't keep a charge. An SCS is like a TENS unit but put permanently inside the body with a couple of wires that go part way up along the spine; this sends signals to override the constant, excruciating nerve pain signals one might otherwise experience. I needed this device due to pain from Spine injuries.
Anyway... About three weeks ago I started walking my grandson's dog, trying to go out daily. The first couple of days I made it around the block; and then, had to sit in my recliner for about 2 hours as I recovered. By the end of the week, we were walking almost mile each day. By the end of the following week, we hit just under 2 miles. And this week, we were walking 2 1/2 miles a day... Until yesterday. Yesterday I decided to change up the route we were walking, and my goal was to hit 3 miles. Yesterday, 24th Aug, I took a walk with the dog; and we walked 4 1/2 miles. In two months of having my back surgery. And... I only used my cane once, a couple of days after my surgery, when we went to the grocery store.
My walkers (two of them) and my wheelchair are in the garage!
The last thing I want to impart is that people have to want to be helped. They have to want to learn the information that you trying to teach them. They have to have the drive, the self-discipline, to want to work at improving their lives.
I had to want to change, I had to want to make my own life better. And that is when things improved for me; but not until then. And I had to work at, and still, do.
It's not you. Those clients of yours that have succeeded proves that your program works. I would suggest to you that you and your partners keep at it. Keep at it!
I hope this was as clear to you as it sounded to me. Sometimes I can't always get my thoughts across as well I hope to, and I hope that that is because of the brain trauma I suffered and not another upcoming neurological issue.
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SSgt Terry Jenkins
TSgt David Whitmore brother I appreciate every single word, and thank you it really encouraged me to read it. I mean that I have chills, I know there are Vets out there that do us honor and you sarge are one of them! If there is anything I can do to help you just ask, don’t buy just ask...
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SFC Dagmar Riley
TSgt David Whitmore congratulations on your slow but awesome recovery; I personally know it’s not easy as I’ve gone through similar. Still working to get my body to take more; unfortunately every time I see an improvement I get all excited and push a little more and then my heart decides it’s not into what I’m aiming for and get set back. My worst setback was in October 2015 when I had a PE, my heart stopped and kidneys tried to shut down and I spent a while on life support in a coma. Like you I still have dreams and want to accomplish things; not quitting either because despite constant pain I still love life itself. Keep it up and God willing I will be able to se better and more improvement as well!
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SSgt Terry Jenkins, Brother you are clearly educated and passionate regarding the cause and call to help all of "US" returning to civilian life. I read carefully and what i gleaned from your shared thoughts is that perhaps your approach isn't in tune with the age and mindset of our current veterans and perhaps could be a bit "off-putting" to them. You might want to think about asking for a couple (maybe 5 for comparison sake) of currently returning veterans to think tank what language and manner of approach would be least "off-putting " to them. It could be done with a blind comparison, if you draft a few different approaches to your subject , allow your test group to read them and then solicit comments from the group on which informational publication was more inviting and in tune with their age group and mindset. This might be enlightening for you .
Also , absolutely no disrespect intended but engineers don't necessarily come across like marketing or HR / or Public relations people. Those skills are a particular niche that when found will immediately make you say,"THATS IT, THATS WHAT IT NEEDS TO SOUND LIKE" . The "current vernacular is very important when trying to reach such a specific and yet vast group of people.
Ive been a PIO in the Fire Service for decades and have interviewed hired and trained many young firefighters and have conducted public seminars for countless "younger" age groups and while its important to stick to your knowledge base and skills , when it comes to reaching your intended audience you need to be able to utilize the SF doctrine of "win from within" . So approach this from the same aspect that we would from working with an indiginous population that we've infiltrated and are trying to "win the hearts and minds". If you're conversing in a format and style thats accepted and identified with you will have (in my opinion) a much better chance at succeeding
All my best wishes and thank you for stepping up and being who you are.
Doc Cheney <3> RLTW
Also , absolutely no disrespect intended but engineers don't necessarily come across like marketing or HR / or Public relations people. Those skills are a particular niche that when found will immediately make you say,"THATS IT, THATS WHAT IT NEEDS TO SOUND LIKE" . The "current vernacular is very important when trying to reach such a specific and yet vast group of people.
Ive been a PIO in the Fire Service for decades and have interviewed hired and trained many young firefighters and have conducted public seminars for countless "younger" age groups and while its important to stick to your knowledge base and skills , when it comes to reaching your intended audience you need to be able to utilize the SF doctrine of "win from within" . So approach this from the same aspect that we would from working with an indiginous population that we've infiltrated and are trying to "win the hearts and minds". If you're conversing in a format and style thats accepted and identified with you will have (in my opinion) a much better chance at succeeding
All my best wishes and thank you for stepping up and being who you are.
Doc Cheney <3> RLTW
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I always try to help people at all times it's part of being a vet,an American,a scoutmaster, and just a decent human being
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I suspect the market is not as big as you believe. I left the service and was never interested in IT. Despite the higher salary, I was just not interested. Of the younger Vets I have met through the American Legion, none have expressed an interest in IT to me. Where the market is limited the price has to be higher. You can still offer a significant savings at a higher price ticket. You are also fighting that age old saying, "You get what you pay for". No business survives for long giving it's product away. Look realistically at how many people are truly interested (this looking for free aren't) and what it would take to break even. That should be your minimum price. Offer a rebate to your successful students for a successful referral. Word of mouth from people who have succeeded will bring rewards both monetary and pride in their success for you and your organization. Utilize your past grads for networking, referrals and job offers. What you are doing is wothwhile but you are undercutting that by not giving people enough skin in the game to want to succeed.
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SFC Dagmar Riley
SP5 Dennis Loberger I think you have a great point there! Often the key for others to try something, is to hear testimony from those who have tried it, whether its always a 5-star review or sometimes less. I always check reviews on things before I try them as funds are limited and a less than perfect review doesn’t necessarily turn me away because I do read what people write too and it often will show me that the reason the review was lower than that of others is because of the person themselves that wrote it being biased already before trying.
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