Please share how you have helped and honored US veterans who have returned home

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   Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years ago

   Please share how you have helped and honored US veterans who have returned home after combat.

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2. 48

   Ericdierkerposted 7 years ago

   Patty we are just in the thick or active and retired combat veterans. One cannot go to a grocery store without seeing a few. So my wife and I donate and buy at our local DAV store. It is not enough.

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      But what you do is important and such practical kindnesses help. Thanks for sharing it.

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   Alternative Primeposted 7 years ago

   
   
   I've HONORED U.S. Veterans & ALL Americans by VOTING Against Mr. Trump & CONservative Republicans ~ I continue to HONOR them by Maintaining a RESISTANCE Against their Radical ANTI-American, PRO-Wall Street Agenda ~ NEXT Trump / Republican SCHEME on DECK? "Corporate WELFARE" in the form of HUGE Tax Cuts 4 Wall Street ~ WHO gets 2 pay for this SCAM? Who gets 2 be driven into POVERTY so Steve Mnuchin can purchase a few MORE Mansions? "WE the PEOPLE" that's who ~
   
   In addition, I care for my FATHER a Korean WAR Veteran who is APPALLED with Mr. Trump's Dangerous MEGLOMANIA & Despicable Disrespect for OUR Veterans ~ P.S. ~ I'm referring 2 the FIRST Korean WAR, not the "New & IMPROVED X-TREME Conflict" Mr. Trump is Recklessly PROVOKING ~

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! Thanks for your answer and taking care of your veteran Dad. I hope there is no Korean War II, but we are close to it.

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   MizBejabbersposted 7 years ago

   Patty, love your question. You didn't specify an era, so I presume you are including them all. WWII:  Three year old me ran through a field of corn to greet my dad and uncle very enthusiastically who arrived in town at the same time after being discharged in 1945. They walked to our farm from the train station because we didn't have a phone to call anyone to pick them up. I listened and responded to the stories they and an older cousin told, and admired their photographs of the Pacific. I gave them love and admiration.
   Korean War:  I loved visiting with my uncle (Mom's baby brother) on his visits home and listening to the stories he had to tell. I was still in school then.
   Vietnam War:  I tolerated a draft dodger husband. I welcomed home a cousin who did two or three tours of Vietnam. I cried with an aunt whose sister lost a son in Vietnam. In my later years I visited the "traveling" Vietnam veterans wall bowed my head and traced his name with my finger. I married (second time) a Vietnam era veteran who suffers from PTSD and Agent Orange exposure. I've nursed him through two myocardial Infarctions, the last resulting in surgery, caused by Agent Orange. For years I've helped him fight  the government for disability that has never been awarded. I've supported him financially because he couldn't work and had to go on Social Security Disability. I've supported his frustration when a government bureaucrat turned his words around to say exactly the opposite of what he'd written and called him a liar. I fight with him against the VA that says he was never exposed to Agent Orange because he was "just an aircraft mechanic". Yes, but an aircraft mechanic who cleaned and serviced Agent Orange tanks on C130s heading straight for Vietnam.
   I belong to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) whose priorities, in addition to keeping history alive,  include supporting veterans, including our district VA Hospitals, by sending gifts, supplies, donations, books, and attending veterans funerals.
   My husband just interrupted me to ask if we could give a donation to an organization started by a Podcast friend of his to build homes for homeless vets. I said "certainly". He has worked with vets to help them get services and talked with those who are suicidal because he's been there.
   I could probably think of more, but this is enough to answer your question. Thanks for asking.

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Your response is jaw-dropping! Thanks for telling how you do it.

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   MarleneBposted 7 years ago

   I grew up in a military lifestyle. My dad was a military man. My three brothers served in the military. And, I married a military man. One thing, over and above anything else is the fact that all people who serve in the military give up their life so that we, here in the United States and abroad, can have certain freedoms and opportunities that many take for granted. I have to admit that I don't do a lot of external activities to help or honor U.S. veterans, but one thing I do on a regular basis is recognize people who serve. Whenever I meet someone who has served in any area of the military, I shake their hand, thank them, and let them know that I am grateful for their service. I have taught my children and grandchildren to do the same. I have been told by many military men and women that sometimes, that acknowledgement is the thing that means the most to them.

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Amazing and a good example for us all! We really are fortunate in USA, no matter the negatives. We can change for the better and our veterans keep us alive to do so.

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6. 74

   Kathleen Cochranposted 7 years ago

   While calling the VA hospital to make an appointment for my husband, I heard their auto-answer say if you are considering suicide, hang up, and call this number.
   I've written everyone I can think of starting with the director of the VA asking them to change this option to ask the vet to simply press a designated number and be connected to a counselor. 
   Do you really think a vet considering taking his life is going to go to the trouble of dialing another number to get help?  Do you realize how fortunate we are that the vet even called in the first place?
   Don't know if changes have been made - but I tried.

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   1. 87

      Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that help should be more directly accessible and hope changes are instituted soon.

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7. 69

   wrenchBiscuitposted 7 years ago

   
   
   I am a Vietnam Era Veteran. Kathleen Cochran raised an issue that I will now expound upon. I have suffered from severe depression for a very long time, and it can be quite debilitating. Do I frequently have suicidal thoughts? That's none of your business. Getting paid to kill people for a number of years is not a pleasant memory, and it is not something that I am proud of. .
   
   When a veteran calls certain VA numbers for assistance we will often hear an automated message that asks us if we are contemplating suicide, or if we are thinking about hurting ourselves or others. There was one time during the course of a day while seeking help that I actually counted hearing this message 27 times in one day; over a period of 5 hours! I counted the messages that day because I had become annoyed previously by these ridiculous messages, and I was curious.  But I am glad that I contemplated this problem, because these annoying events led me to a great epiphany. And what I have to share here is very important, because it can save lives.
   
   Imagine an alcoholic who is trying desperately to stay sober. Now imagine that he is on the telephone dialing various numbers seeking assistance for a particular problem. Finally, let us imagine that every number he calls delivers the same automated message, as follows: "Do You Feel Like Drinking Today?" or "Have You Been Tempted To Go To A Bar, or To Buy A Six Pack of Beer in the Last 24 hours?"
   
   Now, if the alcoholic is not thinking of having a drink in the morning when he begins making his phone calls, I guarantee that by the end of the day he will seriously be considering jumping off the wagon! This is called "brainwashing" or "mind control". First, a seed is planted, and then repetition is used to drive the point home. It is irrelevant whether or not elements within the VA and the Suicide Hotlines are purposely trying to lead veterans down a path to suicide. What is relevant is that this type of brainwashing has been proven to work. Every time you turn on your TV you see this in the form of repetitive commercials. Every time I call the VA they "make me" think about suicide while I am on hold. This practice needs to stop! The social engineers who set this lunacy in motion were wrong. The very people we are looking to for help are in effect encouraging us to kill ourselves! I have brought this to the attention of several authorities, and have been met with condescending and patronizing responses.

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      MizBejabbersposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, RwB, I never thought of that, but living with a veteran husband who has PTSD, you are right. My husband says that the VA is trying to get rid of "us" vets because they are costing the gov't. money. He hadn't thought about this point either.

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I understand MzB; a friend was tortured by VA red tape, pain, poor medical treatment, and more for 30 years to receive his disability determination and lived only one more year.

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      wrenchBiscuitposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Miz, Yes, I didn't realize this was going on until I started reaching out for help. Anyone can verify what I am saying simply by calling various VA numbers for assistance. It's no different than throwing gasoline on a fire.

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      MizBejabbersposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Torture is correct. My hubby still trying to get disability for AO and PTSD. VA blinded him totally in that eye by installing lens implant. All new evidence presents is "irrelevant" to his case, they say. VA hates vets.

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8. 76

   wheelinalloverposted 7 years ago

   I am the grandson and son of men who served in the military. My grandfather served in Cuba. My father in China as well as most of the rest of the world, with the exception of anything to do with Germany. Both were full blooded German and part of the Arian race.Twice, I served myself. My father took in people who were on temporary duty at a local air base. Luckily I have spent most of my life not needing the VA for Medical care. Never in any of my times dealing with them was I ask if I was considering suicide. More than once they saved my life. This makes me wonder when these changes  were put in place. I haven't been to a VA hospital or outpatient clinic since 2011.

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9. 83

   tamarawilhiteposted 7 years ago

   I've taken my children to welcome home service members getting off at the airport.
   I donate to Operation Paperback and have written a hub about the charity.

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