I have down a lot of things in my life as far a career. One thing I have found is the number of Veterans out in the world. Some make a great life for themselves, while others do not. I currently work in the wildland fire protection field. I have been in this field since 2007 and have had a fast tracked career, I am now a Captain of a fire apperatus. Throughout my career in the fire world I have come to notice that it is filled with Veterans. These veterans have lived a rough life since their discharge from duty. Most have ended up on drugs, homeless, in and out of jail. To be honest I had a hard time adapting to civilian life as well. The fire world is a mirror of the Military, which is why most of us fit into it so well.
My reason for writing this blog is those who are homeless, fighting drug addiction or in and out of jail for varying reasons. It is my goal to help these people. There is a very nice lady who lives on the other side of my state who helps Veterans who are in the court systems. She is an advacate for them, most have issues yet to be identified, though most have PTSD. WHen I talked with her she stated that if "Bob" was arrested for domestic Violance, he would have to take DV classes, those would not help "Bob" in anyway if he had PTSD. She explained it further. The point of that story was the courts do not have the time nor the money to deal with people on an idividual basis. If you have ever been into court for any reason, things tend to move fast. So this lady advacates for the veterans to help them get the treatment they need in leiu of something they don't need or that would be helpful to them.
When I was going to college under the G.I. Bill, I did work as a V.A. Work study. Means I work for free in a job that helps veterans. One morning I was going to work, as I reached the office I noticed three people outside the doors. I noticed they were homeless, furthermore I notice the were veterans. It was later confirmed but the director of the place I worked. They were Veitnam Veterans. I seen them in the store a few weeks later buying toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, deoderant and other personal items. I waited outside and when they came out I noticed that they did not have any beer. That made me feel great.
I am looking to start a mission/church in my area for veterans. A place where they can come and shower, get clean clothes, a good meal, maybe sleep and also help those with addiction who are in and out of jail. Try to find them jobs. My issues are these, funding to get the space, equipment, personal items, clothes (which can be donated) and anything else to help these Veterans who have given so much to our country. I am one of these Veterans who gave up a lot to defend this great nation and it saddens me to see so many of our veterans forgotten. I am looking for people who want to help in anyway they can wheither it is donations, volunteering, lending use of a building or legal service to help make us a 501(c), or advice for our veterans in the legal system.
I will be updating this as much as I can. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Thank you for you time in reading this
