Veterans Day has always had significant meaning to me coming from a long lineage of Combat Veterans. Seeing firsthand the significant impact they had on their generation and our country built an overwhelming sense of pride and passion to do the same. I knew from a young age that I would one day serve my country. Around the age of 10 I purchased a camouflaged shirt and had Sgt. Paro put on the back, this represented two things for me. First there were several Sgt Paro's that came before me in my lineage for both the Army and Marine Corps so this was respect for them but also it was putting my stake in the ground saying this one day will be a title I honorably earn and represent. That day came in 1999 when I was promoted to Staff Sergeant (the Air Force had retired the Sergeant rank prior to being able to achieve that specific title).
Our Military has been tested many times over and the recent decade of War in Iraq and Afghanistan has been one of the ultimate tests. This period of time has produced a significant number of Veterans which are struggling to find their way post military service. This has led to two epidemic issues; suicide and homelessness. We owe these Veterans as a Nation a great debt of gratitude and support to lead the fulfilling and empowering lives they have earned and deserve. While many Veterans Administration programs exist and Non-Profits have stood up to provide support there is still a huge gap.
Through the services I provide Veterans in my T.E.A.M Vets program I hear two common items of concern that need to be addressed: lack of response from both the Veterans Administration and Non-Profits and all of these programs are point in time based leaving the Veteran needing more. I've started a grass roots program that is "National Wake Up Call, Time to Empower Veterans!" I need your support in getting the message out that it is everyone's responsibility to find a way to support our Veterans, all the time, not just on Veterans day.
Our Veterans are our Nation's greatest asset and need to be treated as such. They do not want a handout, sympathy or anything they have not earned. What they want is our Nation to honor their service, provide them the tools necessary to move forward and have resources available as they do this. What they have shouted from the mountain top they don't need are medications that complicate their situation. They are not broken, they are not helpless so let's not treat them that way.
My question to you (and no it's not rhetorical) what are you going to commit to doing to support Veterans and when? No time like the present as our Veterans are suffering from the lack of efficient and successful support programs they need.
I've had the honor of working with and talking to many Non-Profits that are providing irreplaceable support to our Veterans and I personally thank them for their foresight and dedication. What we now need are long term options so that we can carry our Veterans on our shoulders to the finish line of their transition, much like they did for us during Combat. Wake up Nation, the time is here!
Landmark Life Coaching's Mission is to honorably and respectfully serve courageous groundbreakers and transitioning veterans to persevere in defining and executing their future by providing an atmosphere of comradery and trust that honors their dedication and commitment. This will empower our clients to feel whole, honored, respected and fulfilled in defining and living their life purpose.
Veterans Coach/Speaker/Writer Dwayne.paro@landmarklifecoaching.com