Building From Scratch

May 4, 2021 | KennyLeeHolmes | 0 comments

Time it Takes to Read: 

[read_time]

The aggressive review of how many Veterans take a stance on life is common; especially for Combat Veterans. Our goals are easy and easily defined with, sometimes, one-word verbs. Conveying tons of emotion in that one word. Most civilians will completely disregard said a word and make light of it, not really knowing the psychological damage that they are doing to the Veteran.

In the United States military (I can assume it is the same in other militaries around the world) soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are taught to live by a code. And I am not referring to the line in "A Few Good Men" where we are having a "Code Red;" however we are taught to have a moral code that requires us to be better, faster, more agile, and to not be sick. Combat arms are more susceptible to be labeled a "shit bag" or a "malingerer" if they go to the Troop Medical Clinic for anything, even if it is a hand that is quite visibly broken.  So when it is all said and done we have a broken individual that cannot think for themselves without doses of reality coming into plain view. (Not able to think for themselves is gross over-generalization.)

We are taught to handle our business in the prescribed manner of what has been taught to us and often chided for doing things differently, even if it is more efficient. "There are smarter people than us researching the best way to do this..." Was literally something I often heard; even though, new methods have been discovered and are found to be more efficient. We are not to ask questions, but merely follow orders. So therefore today we now have thousands upon thousands of Veterans that have to relearn how to do things because of efficiency, while they are correct in doing what they are doing, they are not able to be efficient.

We all want to hire a Veteran or help a Veteran, but the truth of the matter is that we expect a lot from them right out of the military, and rightfully so, they are generally competent, but they are often toxic and one of two things needs to happen: 1) Teach the Veteran how to handle the civilian world, or 2) Teach the Civilian world how to handle the Veterans to help them learn better.

FreedomSystem.org is developing a better reintegration into society program that will be ideal for both businesses and the actual Veteran. Please support them at https://FreedomSystem.org

Season 4: Episode 6: The Stuff We Don’t Diagnose

The Stuff We Don’t Diagnose is a conversation about the weight people carry when life does not fit neatly into a label. In this episode of Common Veterans, we sit…

Service is Sacrifice

Leaving the military doesn’t mean leaving behind the need to serve. For many Veterans, the loss of purpose isn’t about the job—it’s about the sacrifice, the camaraderie, and the identity…

Season 4: Episode3: The Translation Lie

Introduction One of the most common pieces of advice Veterans hear during transition is simple: “Translate your MOS.” The idea sounds reasonable. Replace acronyms with civilian terminology. Turn missions into projects. Convert leadership into management language. Take...

The History of United States Military Challenge Coins

History Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, challenge coins carry a surprising amount of meaning. Within the United States military, these coins represent recognition, belonging, and shared experience. They are often presented quietly — sometimes by a commander...

Season 4: Episode3: When the Uniform

Introduction We begin the way we always do. Host roll call. A moment to recognize the voices in the room and the stories behind them. This episode is brought to you by Winter Oak Studio, who continues to support conversations that matter. Toast: “To the Uniform....

Beyond Survival – Learning

Learning Importance to Veterans I didn’t set out to create a blog series on this topic. But after re-reading my last article, I realized something — this conversation is needed. The number of people who read it (or at least clicked on it) was higher than I expected....

What is Important to Veterans

I’ve got a question for you… and then a follow-up question. What is important? Why is it important to you? The answers to those questions will make immediate sense to some of you. To others, they’ll sound simple — maybe even obvious. But there’s a difference between...

Season 4: Episode 2: Civilians are Watching

Movies, television, and social media have created familiar images of Veterans — the unstoppable warrior, the haunted survivor, or the flawless patriot. While often meant to honor service, these portrayals can quietly shape how civilians view and interact with Veterans...

Anxiety of Everyday Life

Understanding Anxiety in the Life of Veterans Anxiety in the scheme and life of things comes in many different forms and changes within the confines and communities of military Veterans. Soldiering is not a minimal commitment- there are soldiers that deserve and earn...

Season 4: Episode 1: That’s Bullsh*t

We’re not starting Season 4 quietly. We’re not easing in with a polite “welcome back.” We’re kicking off 2026 with a full-throttle “that’s bullsh*t!” and we’re doing it the only way we know how — loud, honest, and unfiltered. Welcome to Common Veterans Season 4. This...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *