Hello All! I’m back with another installment of ‘’Life After Service’. I have to update some information that I posted last time. I mentioned that for intentions and purposes I was homeless. While my life have changed since then. Currently I have a home of my own as well as gaining employment. I have to say that this brings some great east to my heart. I have to admit that I couldn’t have done it without the help of the organizations that I will be mentioning and highlighting within this series.

                I also have to mention that I have learned a lot of valuable lessons during this part of my life’s journey. The first is that it’s okay to ask for help. There is a huge sense of pride that comes from serving in the Armed Forces. While serving we have the buddy system. We know no matter what the difference between you and another your back is always covered! Then you come out into the world with that attitude and feeling. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. To be honest, this is a trait that I have found to be quite desirable with employers. Unfortunately this not you will find within the actual world. For some veteran’s we discover this as soon as we get out, for others it takes us a bit longer. Either way know that it’s okay! Another factor is there are buddies outside the service that got your back.

                This may come in many forms. It could be from those already served. It can come from those who have worked alongside service members in the civilian capacity. Better yet a family member of a service person. The bows that I recently discovered are the multiple organizations out there design and purpose is to help us veteran’s in that time of need. To discover and find them is to simply ask. Now I know I keep repeating this and I’m doing that on purpose. As human beings we find it extremely difficult to ask for assistance. We have a belief that we can handle it all on our own. We have come to the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. That belief couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s actually a show of great strength to know when to ask for help.

                I make these statements from a place, where I held those types of thoughts until I had no choice but to ask for help. This is where I discovered that it takes great strength to say “I need help”. Also it takes great humility to accept that help. When it comes down to it not doing so would cause more harm than good. When it comes down to it, it’s all about — You as a person! You as a veteran! Taking care of yourself. Making sure that you’re in order. In order physically, mentally and spiritually (if that applies for you.) In order to have your buddies back you have to have yourself together as well. If you don’t know where to go you may want to start at the V.A (I will dedicate a post just for this organization. Yet I feel it’s important to mention here for when you want to start your search). The V.A is not just for medical care, it’s also a great starting point to get the help that you need. Whether you are aware of it or not. Just remember that it’s important to take care of you. You are important!

Until next time!

The Loon