As a vet of the Vietnam War era, it is powerful all of the support that is here. We were forced to join and now it is all volunteer. As I have said, people hide their experiences and when people ask them to share, they button up( I have done it).Combat does change things, but the stigma from the service is still there. They have to get rid of that stigma. It is however, easier said than done. It will take courage, conviction, and realizing that it is ok to let that stuff out.

Listen, work on yourself and what you will allow. You have to be open minded and except things as they are, but also be aware that you can change your feelings about things if you wish. It is called "attitude" and if it is bad, it will poison you. Seek advice and most of all, listen and be ready to face criticsm for your choices. Best of luck in your search and don't settle for anything you don't deserve. Also, look for friends to broaden your horizons. As a young person, you have a chance to make a difference. Do it the correct way and people will respond to you. dont take no.... from no one.

Here is a topic that really bothers me. I have taken note that some of our military and vets have taken to suicide because they either can't adjust to civilain life after separation or they spent years without getting the help they need. They also feel the "stigma" of geeting help for their mental health issues. They feel that people will look down on them if they do so.

Also, some of the older vets keep their military experiences bottled up and not let it out(I was guilty of this for sure). This is poison and this hurts. I am just alarmed at the suicide rate among our veterens.

It takes a special type of intestinal fortitude and courage to say one neeeds help. There are a lot of programs that focus purely on vets.


There has to be a way for these vets to get help before they resort to suicide. It is just a scary thing.

Another thing that bothers me also is the sheer number of vets I see walking around pan handling to support themselves and their families.


Any one have any say about this? This pertains to both past and present vets who have experiences to share. Thank you to my fellow vets who have served and to those who are serving now and their dependents who allow them to serve and who face unique problems of their own.

Trust me, you will know when it is right. Having been in a lot of situations, I know it is best to know yourself before any one else knows you. Learn what you want and don't let people fool you. You will be ready when the time comes when you know yourself first and do work on yourself.

Anyone here watch that show on Bravo? Just recently fell in love with it. She is on a campaign to save beauty salon owners from losing their businesses. She is tough, opinionated and does not mind people bashing her because she has the talent to back up what she says. I just like that she is standing up for the working class of folks and doing it with her own unique style and spirit.

I am with your prayers in sprit and truth. You are fortunate to have a living parent. Many don't,so cherish it while you can.My prayers go your way.

Welcome to Mingles!!!! My oldest sister and her children and some of my cousins live in Roxbury. Mingle with the folks in the Forums here. You could learn a lot if you express youreslf and your opinions. It is healthy.

As a follower of Stanford sports and having seen Boise State play a lot, this is all about money, as things of this nature usually are.

I watched that Game that Nevada and Boise State played.One of the best I had ever seen. Shame Boise State lost and put a dent in their championship hopes.

This also could mean that Boise is serious about BCS representation for their school. Just waiting to see how this all pans out.

I am not sure about everyone else, but you are cool with me. Your type of personality is what men don't like. As they used to say in the miltary: If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Besides, it is good to know other people in other places to broaden your horizons and let people know who you are. It is also ok to be you and not allow changes unless you allow them yourself.jmo .

Welcome and nice to meet another Jersey person. I grew up in Atlantic City. Anyway, welcome and make your mark in the forums. Lots of good folks in here.

That I am alive,kicking and don't mind having an opinion on things and most of all, I love the fact that I am a veteran who has done my time so selective service does not have to chase me anymore to register.

I checked his status. Says he has not been online in a month. Must be something serious going on. I have heard he had some sort of accident and he has a tough road ahead. Just pray for him that he is ok.

Thank you very much. I hope to do some thing soon. I am not leaving this site. Just wanted to say a few things as to my status.

Yep, it will for sure.Lose the lists and demands and it truly will happen!! Lists are a bad thing and they are used for the wrong reasons. Just keep the faith!!!!

Amen Amen brutha!!! Hate those Cowboys! Ugh!!

I am not sure where to go with this, however here goes: It is true because the crazy guys do exist and they give the good guys a bad name. Some of the women place men in catagories and stereotype them. Again, bad news for good people. Be assured that there are people here who would love to contact you on a civil and human basis. I hope that this makes sense to you. jmo.

To those of you who took the time to befriend me in the forums, I apprreciate it lots. Thanks!!. I have not posted in a while because I have been busy trying to get things in order. I miss my postings and still enjoy giving things for people to think about.

For those of you who sent me Christmas cards and those who wished to, thanks all the the same. I have no means to send anyone cards right now, So I still appreciate the thoughts any way.

I will be posting here as my life permits me to do so. I enjoy the time I can get here because of all of the feedback I get(one way or the other). It is ok to have an opinion about things because some of our young poeople have died so that we could be free to express our opinions and not be muzzled like in some countries. Thanks again for everything you have done.

I too, drove a school bus. I loved it, but there were days where children had no respect for me and I would not tolerate it. I got into things with my supervisor because parents would call and complain about bus drivers having that power to toss kids off the bus, which I did a lot. Parents used to think their children were angels and can do no wrong, even though there were cameras on the bus catching them in the act. I retired from that 2 years ago because they phased in early retirement and I was tired of all the politics and griping that went on. Just a stepping stone to other things and valuable experience for me.

I have not posted here in a little bit, however, here goes: I had a job doing what I loved, but the state decided I should not do it anymore. It is a tough job market out here in Cali too. As a veteran, my job search should be a little easier for me because our state places military veterans first and gives up priority in job searches,unemployment programs and such. However, this not about me.

Having a job could be stressful, especially if you hate what you are doing. It is ok to do something you want to do and be free from the stress of doing work you hate.

Look at this as a time to reflect on what you want to really do.My veteran counselor told me to write out a list of life skills I have and apply those to a job search. If you want, that is something that you can do with your free time.

No one should intimidate you nor should you have to settle for it.Life is way too short for that apple to have to be in your barrel.. Best of luck to you and be at peace with yourself whatever you do.

I am with you Ms. Kristi. I just wait for someone to find me (giggle). I love my time to myself. But, today is football day.I will watch the games and finish some research online afterwards. Good Morning all!!!!!!!!!!!!!