A Veteran’s Journey Back into the Veteran Community

When I got out of the Marine Corps in 2003, I think like many of us, I wanted to get away from the military and everything related as soon as I could. I didn’t think I needed any of it anymore. But after a few years, I began to miss the camaraderie and the adventure. I realized that there were not many civilians out there that truly understood what we went through and our worldview.

I started to look around and hear complaining about our country and how “bad” it was. I couldn’t believe it. “Had they not been through anything difficult?!?” I thought. They were seriously complaining about the silliest things. Those of us in the military have seen real poverty in 3rd world countries. We have seen trauma and many have seen war. Some have helped in the aftermath of destruction that has killed thousands in earthquakes, floods, and other disasters. And they are complaining about our government?!? I needed to get away and get back to people who really understood what the world was about: making myself better every day and helping others.

I realized that the way to get back into the Veteran community was not in the bars where they historically hung out. I found the most motivated and passionate veterans in the Veteran Nonprofit organizations that were created to connect to and help others that struggled like the founders.

I started to volunteer everywhere I could. I got to know many veterans who had given their lives to save veterans from suicide like 23rd Veteran. 23rd Veteran is a nonprofit that takes Veterans out to the wilderness and spends weeks helping the vets to redirect their traumatic memories into positive memories.

Other nonprofits like Active Valor pairs active duty military with Gold Star families to be mentors for the children who have lost a parent in combat.

Strategic Alliance for Veteran Integration is an organization that helps Veterans transitioning out of the military navigate their Veteran Benefits. This pairs one veteran per coach for 6 months to a year with education and coaching through the complicated process.

A Warrior’s Garden is a nonprofit that teaches workshops around how gardening can help Veterans heal from trauma and PTSD.

These are just a few of the many nonprofits around the country with people giving their lives for one another just like we were willing to do while we were in. Some people may want to seek organizations like this for help; others might want to volunteer and simply make positive connections for others.

Not all Veterans are trying to help themselves and continue to use the internal skills we learned in the Military, but I promise they are out there. There is a nonprofit for almost every interest and need. It may take a little bit to find your group, but keep looking till you find it.