Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
Some of the 'Services' and 'Programs we have available
Is Peace Possible?
Dec 14th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Is peace a thing of the past? I am here to tell you that peace for all has never existed, ever. As long as there is more than one person left in the world, peace will never be possible. Now that is my opinion, not the view of many that I talked with. I should have narrowed the scope of what I was thinking, but the reaction of the word and the results of my research was an amazing study of people.
I sat in a meeting the other day and everyone around the table had the same mission that we were working on and compromise was in the air. Was it a peaceful solution? Yes, sort of, but under the surface were grumblings of each thinking that their way was a bit better. So total peace was not there, the definition of a partial peace was. In the grand scheme of things, you would say peace was accomplished for the sake of the mission and for us to move forward. The world works a little like this simple example. There are times that we are not at conflict or war but the chances are someone else is. We sometimes act peaceful toward one another in the world but there are grumblings going on under the surface.
Think about the fact that if we did not have compromise and partial peace with in our community, state, country or world our lives would be in constant disarray. Fortunately for us there are people that are willing to listen and understand the many other sides of the equations of living together. The result is a family, community, state, nation or world that is able to be at a level of peace from time to time, giving us some respite from the conflicts that continue around us.
I was thinking that this is an interesting subject because in communicating with folks in town the other day I was amazed that peace to one person might not mean the same thing to another. Peace for some is the absence of war, for others it might reflect on the economic stability and needs of a family. Some felt it was the relationships within a family that they might find peace. So ‘peace’ to a group of military veterans was a far different answer then what ‘peace’ was to a family in turmoil and a person that was hungry and down and out on his/her luck.
Peace to a war veteran that was having flashbacks and thoughts of suicide was just having a good night’s sleep. To that hungry person, a good meal, to the unsheltered a roof over them in a snow storm or the heat of summer.
My thoughts of peace changed as I realized that freedom alone from oppressive thoughts, could bring peace.
One can be at peace in the heat of war, you might even find yourself outside your body while you are in the middle of a firefight and you might have a moment of peace. That thought came from a combat veteran at the VA when I asked if he ever experienced peace and what his thoughts were if peace might be in the cards? He cracked that thought, and memory came back, when I broached the subject of peace with him. He seemed pleased that he had a chance to share that with me. It was interesting that he never thought about it before our chat. I am thinking that, that state of peace or the moment of tranquility that veteran had, in itself was an amazing event uncovered by a chance meeting and a simple question posed by me and my curiosity of ‘peace’.
Finding your inner peace might be an overwhelming accomplishment to some of us. I know that I am able to find great joy and happiness in my everyday activities, a heck of a lot easier than finding peace in my inner soul. I am sure that comparison is multiplied many times when finding peace among Nation’s grappling with some of the same characteristics like self-control, empathy, compassion, tolerance, optimism and the many other avenues of finding inner-peace is also the way of finding world peace. Or, at least a balance that is void of world conflict and war.
My dream of peace, is just that, a dream. Ringo Starr helped write a song called “Peace Dream”, can you imagine the words to that song coming true for each of us and the world, at the same time? No more hunger or pain?
“Peace, to have meaning for many who have only known suffering in both peace and war, must be translated into bread or rice, shelter, health and education, as well as freedom and human dignity.” Ralph Bunche (1904-1971-American political scientist and diplomat)
My Fight, My Demons…
November 30th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
There are men and women that have seen the worst of humanity and have come back home and live a ‘ordinary’ life. Then there are others that are traumatized each and every day. Every one of these folks are ‘normal’ for the internal functions of the brain act differently for each of us. I am not a counselor nor have I studied the functions of the brain in any way. What I am is a veteran that has come back with a head full of visions of men with broken bodies, body bags and the smell and taste of war.
I think that when I worked throughout my life time, I had times that I repressed my thoughts and was able to function in society and no one was the wiser that I harbored any memories of my service. Those times were short but I managed to create a fairly successful life. Along the way I managed to delve into self help projects, such as drugs, alcohol, self-destructive life events and then things smoothed out for a time.
I finally moved to the Western Treasure Valley and got involved in politics, working and supporting organizations that helped others. That has been a very rewarding experience and this column is one of those projects. I hope it helps others understand a little more about some of the experiences and challenges that some of us in the military carry with us. Not all of us, but some of us. Enough, that there is now a place here in the Western Treasure Valley that veterans can hang out with no strings attached and decompress. Or even pick up a food box, if needed.
I want you all to know that my experiences with the VA have not been an easy road. It has been fraught with stops and starts, successes and failures and just about everything in-between. The one constant has been me not giving up and knowing that there is light at the end of this tunnel. Hope!!!
Yes, I have thought about suicide and a fellow veteran that I volunteer with sat down and allowed me to talk. I came home that day and was better for the experience. Another difficult time was transgressed by a call from my councilor at the VA after I just told him he was no longer needed! That call brought me back and I now see him again. Other times I have reached out to a walk-in clinic at the VA that is there to help immediately, when they are open! I know I can call on a hotline if needed.
It sounds like I am really messed up and some would say I am, but know that the number of folks like me are here because you voted for elected officials that have sent us to war, conflicts and have sent us to do a lot of things that our Nation believes is righteous.
It gets down to the fact that whether you participated in voting or not, did we or you pick the right person or persons, we will see!!!
My brain has started again to regurgitate memories and after my 80+ years I know I need help. My self-help comes in the form of professional counseling, fellow veterans, keeping active helping others, working in the dirt, digging holes, screaming, decompressing the thoughts of self-destruction, opening up to a friend or one that cares, having a purpose. When I have no time to dwell, it helps. Doesn’t disappear but helps. Will I ever see peace? Probably not, but I will have gotten much accomplished because I need to keep going for the sake of others and for my sanity.
This column is one that informs the veteran and civilian community about what is going on in the world of veterans, military and I thought my first-hand experiences, just might shed a light on what some of us are going through. Might even help someone that is unaware of help, here in our community, in the form of a coffee clutch, or help at the VA, or even reaching out to fellow veterans for a one on one.
Our little part of the Nation called the Western Treasure Valley has much to offer. Veterans have places that will make them feel at home, even if family doesn’t understand. Get out and move, do something constructive. This is not the time to withdrawal; it is the time for all Americans to stand together and support each other. It is the time
for all Americans to stand together and support each other. It is the time we all fought the demons that we or others carry.
“Demons exist whether you believe in them or not.” Father Moore (The Exorcism of Emily Rose).
My Meltdown and the Election…
November 16th, 2024 My Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
The election is over, for now!!! The Nation has spoken and we are at peace and tranquility throughout our land. We all need to know that by embracing our own inner harmony and by doing so, we bring a sense of control to the chaos and demands of the world around us. Thus, the world is a better place.
My spider in Vietnam that I befriended is a testament to the fact that with having no control of the incoming rockets my world around me had a short time of that inner-peace, because of that spider. That is until I freaked out and realized I was where I was and I needed to get the h--l out of there!!!!
Yep, the election is over and we are still in a fight for care and benefits. Amazing that we have taken sides, fought a fight for partisan control and what we end up with is having the same issues, same attitudes, same challenges and a whole list of new and some of the same old folks in positions of power that we now have to navigate to continue the mission of supporting our military, veteran’s and their families. Yes, the election is over and it has just started a new cycle. We are again able to get the word out about our needs since the airwaves and the print papers are no longer awash with political ads and rhetoric of pontificating politician’s. Now the airwaves are filled with excuses, celebrations, sadness and joy and the necessity for us to tell our story to those that will listen to the essentials we deserve.
The world did not stop because of this election, our Nation is still the most powerful in the world and the election with all its infighting and national upheaval, our Democracy and Republic still stands. Neighbors are back to being our neighbors and the blending of our differences into the strengths of working together infusing our Country.
I might have a view of the world with a different perspective and others might also see the world with a different lens, but when we start the process of interacting with each other and that action might even be called, in this case, an election! Now we come out of it stronger, even if we have left some pieces of ourselves on the ground. Painful, at times, and worth the effort knowing that the effects of the process end up being a much more interconnected Nation. We are stronger and like we have learned in “Basic Training” you can achieve more than you ever imagined. The team, your survival skills, discipline, people working together are all the results of your training. Just like this election, it is a basic training like exercise that comes out the other end a better conclusion than what we started with…
If you have gotten this far in reading this, you know that we, as a veteran family have got to stay on focus. The US Marines figured out a while back that meditation of about 15 minutes a day brought about a better result of dealing with anxiety, stress, depression and even insomnia. Not sure if they are still incorporating this in their training but thought that it might not be a bad idea for the Nation to take on some of the practices of our military for a calming effect after all the disorder and confusion.
Yes, you are right to think that this column today is a ‘ramblings of an old veteran’ and you would be right. The pressure of this election was great, but to tell you the truth, some of the time you and I spent in the service would make this election seem to be a joyous party, in comparison.
Back to holding our elected officials accountable for their actions or inactions of our support and making sure the care and readiness is at the top of their agenda.
Not much was accomplished in the form of Bills through Congress that have helped our cause in this election cycle. Now the hard work starts for each of us to bring your individual issues and issues like enhanced mental health services, sooner, before our minds develop into the quagmire of PTSD that has matured with time. More important to disinfect an open wound than waiting for it to fester, and certainly would be more productive. Too late for me, but it is not too late for many that have not had their first brain neural circuit collapse (meltdown-flashback).
War is started by the people we elect and our suffering is a result of their actions. They owe us. That is my conclusion.
“Armies are not bad things in themselves; it’s war that’s evil.” Juan Gomez-Jurado ( Madrid- Spain, a journalist).
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The Greatest Threat…
October 19th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
“ The greatest danger is our own indifference to the suffering of our brothers and sisters.”
Yes, the greatest threat to the Veteran and our military in general is the apathy of us not standing up for those that have gone before us and fighting hard for the men and women that are now serving and will serve. This threat truly needs to be understood that our future is also under attack. I think about the toxic ideas that develop in the minds of folks that mean well and sometimes jump on board with an idea that sounds great on paper but will destroy what we have already fought for and impede the future support we will need.
I am sure that there are projects like Project 2025 that cross both aisles (left or right) that we need to anticipate being thrown at us in the future. We now are still fighting for benefits, health care and many of us are still dying before help is given. The system is each and every one of us and if we drop the ball the health care and or benefits that you are getting today might be in jeopardy. This is not a game show that we are talking about, it is our very lives, death, suicide, benefits and care now and in the future. It is not for the faint of heart, remember that the military taught us to be able to think on our feet and make sure we trust the ones around us and they can trust us. What we are doing now will set the tone for tomorrow. We need to set the stage and fight for our needs before we need them.
It is a scary picture that is formed when I listen to those in Congress pontificating about our care and our readiness on the battlefield. Some even talking that we can go it alone, there are 195 countries in the world, I would think that going it alone would be stupid.
Getting back to reality; I just read that the VA is going after up to 120,000 disabled veterans demanding they return thousands of dollars. That certainly is not a new strategy for our government, throwing us bones then taking them away or using us, like passing a Defense Bill before just before they go home to campaign, or passing the Pact Act after we spent 50 years fighting for help from Agent Orange, or us proving we have a service-connected injury, when they have our records at their fingertips.
Yes, I repeat, the greatest danger is our own indifference to the suffering of our brothers and sisters.
This column is a witness to the misery of some of the men and women that have served, we; in the Western Treasure Valley, are just a small fraction of the bigger picture. Every town, county and state have hundreds, if not thousands of veterans that have been dishonored by our Nation not having their back, in military jargon, not (“having their six).
I am sure that before it surfaced as “nostalgia” in the Civil War, then was called “soldiers’ heart” and when World War I brought “shell shock” and World War II “battle fatigue” or “combat fatigue” , even in 1952- 1968 it was thought that these issues were short lived and if they lasted longer, they had nothing to do with wartime service. Today we have the term “PTSD” and we still are confused what needs to be done to help. Counseling seems to help some, drugs help some, group therapy, inpatient care, telemental health care and other avenues of care that the VA is researching. Veterans are self-diagnosing themselves and turning to street drugs, alcohol and who knows what else to manage their PTSD?
We need to keep the pressure on Congress and the Administration and also the VA plus anyone else we are able to communicate with regarding these issues. Because we would not have any or many of these help lines if we did not continue to fight for the care that is given today…our battle for help put many of these programs in place, it is not the end of this game but we are in the middle of this battle, and we need to not let up on getting more help with our suffering because of the service to our Nation. I have talked about the greatest threat to our Veteran and leave you with a quote about the greatest threat to our Nation.
“Talk of imminent threat to our national security through the application of external forces is pure nonsense. Our threat is from the insidious forces working from within which have already so drastically altered the character of our free institutions – those institutions we proudly called the American way of life”. Douglas MacArthur (controversial military leader).
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Politics and Our Military…
Oct. 5th, 2024 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
As a military man and having served in our Armed Forces I look at the pulse of our Nation and the condition of what our political system has taken…because what happens in Congress and the Administration affects every one of us. Sometimes for the rest of our lives.
I don’t know about you but I want our military involved in politics. Not in a way that draws us into any endorsements of any party or even involved in politics that is partisan whatsoever. Concentrating the mission of making sure our military is equipped, trained and a fighting force that is unparalleled in the world. I want our care and needs to be on the forefront of their minds and involved in the voice of communicating to the troops, politicians and to the citizens of our Nation our needs.
I do not think that our military should lean one way or another on the partisan front. I want our military brass to speak and fight for us. I certainly don’t want them endorsing anyone or any party.
We all need to be in the political arena and need to vote our convictions and personal preferences as citizens but not representing the institution of the Armed Forces.
There is a need for our military to not be apolitical but be informed in politics when it is beneficial for our mission. That does not mean that they are choosing a party but does mean we are fighting for our needs.
I believe that we, especially in uniform, should not seem to lean in any direction, influence or try to use our military presence to interfere with the partisan side of politics.
Crazy as it seems, we need to be involved in the political realm with our military brass influencing Congress and whatever administration is in power for our betterment. At the same time, we all need to be involved as citizens, voting and setting the direction of government.
Yes, it is amazing that we are able to do two things at the same time and be apolitical and be politicized when the issues dictate our brass dance to the tune of politics still without crossing the line.
I do not think any of us, or at least very few would want a militarization and an alliance with either political group.
Our national security and interest are the need to base our professional military role and not the treasures of one party over another.
I think we might get rapped up in the hoopla of party politics and forget that we are both a republic and a democracy. Interesting concept that we the people vote for representatives, then they legislate the rules and laws. In any case, we in the military are the force that keeps our Nation safe with the direction set by our votes then we trust our elected officials and our laws (mostly the Constitution).
I like what we have, in keeping our military as an independent agency, politically savvy and fighting for our needs but separate. Each one of us capable of making our own decisions as citizens in the voting booth.
Every election is and has been important, because if you think about it, we are here now in this political quagmire and the VA and military are in the shape they are because of the past folks that we as a Nation have voted into service!!! I see the world headed for more confrontations in its future if you look at the current rate of military spending and the projected military spending that looks like it will be continuing to increase over the next decade. I deduce this from the fact of the spending increase each year looking back and not seeing any slowdown considering all the conflicts and disputes that are in process right now. Take a look at the USA, China, India, Russia, North Korea, United Kingdom, France, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and you will see in some of these Nations a stockpile of nuclear weapons and others that have agreements to share nuclear weapons. It is a very scary world out there and everyone of us has the ability to make a difference right here at home and will certainly through our elections have the power of keeping us safe and maintaining our individual freedoms. Yes, our vote might help improve our readiness as a military power, keeping us safe and our vote can protect our health system and the benefits veterans receive after they leave the military!
Amazing what your vote can do!
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Abraham Lincoln, (16th President, statesman).
Are We Getting the Best Care?
Sept. 21st, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
The other day I was reading the Journal of the Medical Association and noticed an article about veterans having a higher probability of dying if they choose care in the civilian community instead of receiving care at the Department of Veteran Affairs hospitals.
Has Congress and the VA refused to impose quality standards for community care? I don’t know the full picture but thought that this might be something that needs to be addressed.
This report was published on Dec 7th, 2023 so it is right up to date. ‘Task and Purpose” also did an article relating to this same issue and the numbers in the reports and articles are staggering. As an example: the report states that veterans who had an ambulance take them to a non-VA emergency department were 46% more likely to die in the following month than if they were taken to a VA hospital. This report was similar for every one of the 140 communities that were studied. I would think that with reports like this that surface from reputable reports like this should be alarming to us. Even if the facts are a little off, I would think that the reports have some serious questions that the VA and Congress should address. I would think that Veterans that receive care would be concerned. I have reported on care at the VA and now after reading this report understand that care needs a revisit and a possible major over-hall.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is considered one of the premier medical publications. It has been around since 1883 and is a consortium of peer-reviewed, general medical and specialty publications. So, I would think that we should, at least, consider their findings and have Congress or the VA look into the issues and take measures that would make sure community care meets the standards of the care given in the VA system.
The report from JAMA goes on scrutinizing the death rate comparing Veterans Community Care Programs to the VA health care in stroke, heart failure, chronic dialysis and even suicide rates are higher who receive care exclusively in the community programs than those that seek help exclusively from the VA.
The issue is quality standards that should be there whether or not where the care is given.
This article that I am writing today is addressing issues that we would not normally be exposed to living here in the Western Treasure Valley. I also think that as veterans we should be better informed so we might be able to make decisions regarding our health care with as much information at our fingertips as we can get that may help determine our own fate.
Considering that over the last 10 years, or so, our Congress has passed more laws that give us the freedom of choosing local civilian care and I think that if the private sector is not held to a high standard for care for us, we might be missing out in the long run. I certainly don’t think that every provider falls under that premise and I would think that each provider works differently and many take pride in giving quality care. I have not been disappointed with the care given locally so I would think that our community care providers might not fall under the findings of the JAMA. I also want us to be informed as to the larger picture and I am sure that in those 140 communities that the study was conducted I might think a little harder about were I get my care. Unfortunately, I did not see a list of communities that were studied so figured that it certainly food for thought and hopefully the VA and Congress addresses this report and lets us know if the findings follow any pattern that we should be concerned with? I am sure the government will give us the whole story and be truthful…
As I am writing this, I am listening to a news report about veterans on a secret mission in 1980’s stationed at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada and hearing about the testing nearby of radioactive materials and other toxic weapons. The U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration reported that tests were done in the area. In this report, it was stated, our government will not help the health by keeping this under the wraps of a top-secret assignment. Mark Ely is the airman that reported this to Chicago (CBS). I think that stories like this need to be researched and our government needs to clear the air. We all need to have transparency in our health system.
“Government transparency and efficiency start with a trustworthy team.” Kay Ivey (54th Governor of Alabama).
A Duty Never to be Disregarded- Vote….
Sept. 7th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
It is close to November and your vote counts! Every one of us need to make sure that we vote. Each of us that have served or are serving in the Armed Forces have put our Nation first. Now is the time that we need to make sure we have a strong voice in selecting the folks that will be making decisions about war, conflicts and even the care we get at home.
Some of us have lost limbs, hearing loss or blind and some are suffering from PTSD, TBI or a host of other ailments that we forget that our vote is so important and should not be put on the back burner if we are to elect people that will be in our favor to do the right things for us.
Please, if you are not sure what to do go to U.S. Vote Foundation and the wealth of information that they might supply you that is staggering. I have used this site for myself and have recommended it for others and it has been very helpful. I am sure there will be situations that might require a little more work on your part but I think it might be well worth the effort.
This organization U.S. VOTE Foundation has no official connection to any government unit. The web site is www.usvotefoundation.org and it also works with a Overseas Vote group and seems to be very committed to getting information out that will help each of us to figure out how we can best vote and make the process as easy as posable for us to make our voice heard.
Whether you access the www.usvotefoundation.org or you need help in finding out information regarding voting overseas as a civilian or military on their sister site www.overseasvotefoundation.orgI think that you will find most, if not all, your questions will be answered.
I was amazed that contact information was readily available with a simple process for any state you are in.
So even if you have a disability, if you plan ahead and know what to do before you have to cast your vote, you will be able to concentrate on who and what you are voting for and not be rattled by the process at the last minute. Remember that with all the partisan gobbledygook that has been going on about elections, some rules might have changed since the last time you cast a ballot. You might check now before the rush and prepare the best way you might find that is geared to your situation.
Also, know that every single one of us has an election official close by and they are truly on the front line and are there to help you. To find out how to contact them, the U.S. Vote Election Official Directory helps with all that information. The site of U.S. Vote is so user friendly you will be very glad you found out about it.
Their moto: Every Citizen is a Voter. I think that they really know what they do and make the process easy, start early enough and prepare. Go to their site and see for yourself so you might even share it with others that might need help. Please be aware that every state is different and even so the federal government through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (www.eac.gov) provides a registration form in 21 different languages, the process might be a little different in each state when you cast your vote and what language the ballot will be able to be available.
Our Country is very fluid with rules changing all the time and it is important that we as the voters know our rights, rules and understand that sometimes the practical considerations might come into play and if money is in the equation that will also have to be taken into account. No matter what is the challenge for a voter, be it a physical or language or even the long lines at a polling place, there are many places you are able to get help, if you start early and plan.
Our service to our Nation and the importance of every single vote we cast as a group will help ensure that we are funded for the missions we are called on and the aftermath of our care after our service. You have our and your future in your hands and your vote might be the one that makes a difference between life/ death or even the good health care or bad health care we get when we come home.
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” Plato.
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A Critical Crossroad?
Aug.24th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
I have decided that honesty and communicating the truth has left the halls of the Legislature in droves. The same applies to the Judicial and the Executive branches in various degrees. I see these traits have creeped into some of the minds of those that are running for office! How does all this apply and affect veterans and their families? How does all of this affect our Active Military? Big time, is how it affects us. We rely on those folks to involve us in war, conflicts and to let us know where and how much we are prepared to defend and fight for our Nation. We rely on them to provide the care we get when we are on the battlefield and when we come home.
Does loyalty take center stage for each of these people? Is their loyalty to the people of this Nation? Are they delivering? I have to believe that when we choose the leaders that will be making the decisions that control our life, death or blood shed will be made by a person that is trustworthy to us.
Maybe I am asking for personas that are no longer relevant. Our Nation has changed, is it changing for the better? I have hope that all this talk and different ideas will bring about a new and fresh outlook of our governance and peace. When President Lincoln gave his famous speech at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Lincoln said “(…) that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom---and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” I was not there when he spoke but I am sure in that speech when he said…”a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” these words spoken in 1863 might be as fresh today as they were back then. We might be looking at a crossroad of a new direction for our Nation. Compromise or even a new form of government might be in the wings. Whatever happens to the structure and direction of our Country our military will be there long after the smoke and mirrors are gone. With that said, we all need to continue to focus on our needs and make sure we don’t get lost in the political quagmire. Be involved in the big picture of politics, and also continue to fight for the essentials of our military, veterans and the families.
We have always been a house divided. America has, as far as I can remember partisan fissures. I just don’t recall the vitriol and lack of individual thought being as rampant and as deep. A political party or another person’s viewpoint should never be more important than a person’s own point of view. Emotions have taken over the issues. As sanity starts to creep in, we will find agreement over some issues and find compromise or a change of direction. Whatever happens, will take us to the other side called governing.
Tearing it all apart should be the last solution of this experiment called the United States of America.
Better to have understanding of the differences and by voting for your values, issues and policies that you hold dear. Keeping the pressure on our elected officials and reminding them, without us they are nothing.
Which party holds our future? You have seen the past, are experiencing the now and have hopes for the future. Do you believe that we are better divided or does one side or other need to rule? Or do you think that together we would be stronger? In any case, our future as veterans and family members hangs in the decisions that are made by the folks we elect.
Our future as veterans and the wars and conflicts that we fight will be determined by the individuals we place in office. We are about ready to find out how we are going to address our economy, conflicts around the world, strained interactions, environmental issues, foreign policy and the challenge right here at home of race, religion, ethnicity, political ideology. I am tired of blame and unforgiving judgment; I hope the next group of officials are also as tired of this subpar intolerance as I am today. Next are two quotes from Lincoln that might give you food for thought.
“ America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” President Lincoln (Moderately conservative Republican-with a moderately social liberal political philosophy). Lincoln repeated these words in a more concise version: “Nations do not die from invasion; they die from internal rottenness.”
Connecting in Strange Ways…
August 10th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Whether we are in the middle of a war that our Nation is fighting or we are enjoying a time of peace throughout the world and in our Nation, our veterans and our active-duty military are always in the background. Our Country’s very core and lifeblood is centered around the men/women that have served. We owe our very unusual American experiment and freedoms to those that signed on the bottom line to serve.
I like many others that have served have brought back something that is so powerful that every community in the USA is affected, including our own. We are all, I believe, responsible for helping to defeat one of the most dangerous foes that many of our military bring back with them. The internal demons that attack the mind. Seems like I run into many of our men/women in and about the Western Treasure Valley that have those elements. Some hide them very well. Others are not even aware of the demons they carry with them, each and every day.
Our community has many stories of experiences of war zone or military times. Most of the stories are cleaned up and some are even funny. All of them are interesting if you listen carefully. Some of us tell the same story, over and over and some don’t talk, at all. That story that is not verbalized is also very interesting if you sit and feel the aura. I am sure there is no scientific studies to prove that the energy that surrounds us can be understood but I know that the ‘vibes’ of a person is something that we can sense. We know when a person is sad or happy or even excited when we meet them without a word spoken. You feel the emotions of the person. I have sat next to a person at the VA and when going around to the nursing homes in our area and, in some cases, not uttered a word to the veteran, and the veteran also has not said a thing for an hour or so. Yet we have connected and he has told me a story without a word spoken. That experience is being human. I hope those that read this might listen more closely to some of us. The verbal stories are interesting but the nonverbal ones also have an importance. Our emotional health is very closely related to our overall health, and if we have a chance to tell our stories in our time span and if we have folks around us that are caring, the stories that we tell will be the history that might help others that come after us and a healing experience for us now.
I was telling a story the other day about a friend that I met in Vietnam that gave me complete peace of mind. That friend was a spider in my hootch! He was a brilliant blue, green with two red marks on his face, he was about 6 inches long and wove a magnificent web. That spider was the friend that got me through a tough time. I could go on and on about that friend and have told others about him and found that many that have served in Vietnam remembered the spiders (they did not make them friends like mine) but got them to talking about their experiences. I never found another ‘Nam vet that befriended a spider like I did but it put a smile on their face and allowed them to tell me a story about their time in ‘Nam.
The purpose of this column today is to open the eyes and ears of people around our community and listen. Have children enjoy the stories of grandpa or grandma, mom or dad, loved one or stranger and hear about the time spent serving our Nation. Living history is all around us and we all can learn from the time past and make the lives of those telling the stories better. Those listening also receive the pleasure knowing someone is healthier because they got something off their chest.
Ever watch the interaction of the magic that a very old person and a small child has when they connect and sit for hours communicating with each other? Sometimes it is before the child even learns to speak. I have experienced the interconnecting of loved ones or even complete strangers sharing times that neither one understands the story but connects on a level that heals the soul. The power of this without judgment is the essence of life itself. Even that super weirdo eerie Uncle that lives in a cave has a story.
“Perhaps the secret of living well is not having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” Rachel Naomi Remen (American pioneer of integrative medicine).
Immunity For Our Troops?
July 13th, 2024 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
With the new Supreme Court Ruling that covers immunity will an order that clearly violates U. S. law or even international law when executed, will that same protection of immunity be extended to those individuals that have carried the order to fruition? This is important, especially in regards to our military forces that have, in the past, been instructed to disregard orders that clearly violate law. It has been the case that the Uniform Code of Military Justice has stated that ‘duty to disobey’ if the order is illegal or unconstitutional.
Any military member that has received such an order is required to disobey in the past. I wonder what the future looks like for us regarding this issue?
We as military are required to obey superior orders but have also been held responsible for illegal acts. We now are placed to be in a position of carrying out orders, possibly landing us in prison or worse.
Truly: Are we protected from this new ruling or do we take on an added responsibility? What do we do, until we get the word that we are protected or not? What do we do now if we are given an order that is a clear violation of law? Military disobedience is only the beginning of this road that we are on right now. ‘Obey’ or ‘Disobey’? Frighting choice for the person that has been placed in that position. The extremes that this order can take us is such a big load on a military member that it is time for our Nation to spell out what our obligations are?
At this point I am not interested in the politics of this new ruling by the Supreme Court. What I am interested in, is where does that decision place each of us in the military and how are we protected from discipline for orders that are clearly illegal?
My viewpoint of some that we have in government, elected and appointed, are unhinged and deranged, or maybe I am reading too much into what I am reading in the news. I am not saying anything that has a slant, one way or other, regarding a political side. What I am saying is that this new rule might put the military at risk and how are we protected if put into a situation that we might regret if we take the wrong move.
Is this food for thought or is it a serious situation that needs to be addressed? I believe it’s a serious situation and it needs to be addressed, and the sooner the better.
As I am writing this, I am thinking about what has happened, over the years in the education system and the additional responsibility that military families have in deciphering the laws of each state, remember most military families move every 2 to 3 years and some more frequent. New ways that families have to learn for their youth have put in some cases such a burden on the families and students. Less concentration on education and more on procedures and interpretation of what rules the parents and children have to face.
The two different scenarios are similar knowing that military families that are stationed in different states are subject to new rules that cover education for their children. All this is sometimes very stressful for our military and now this other decree that needs to be understood and followed is just more pressure if the consequences of these issues are not spelled out in language that is easy to follow. Not legalese.
Our Nation is asking a lot from us.
The three branches of federal/state governments all affect our service. Trying to keep up with all the changes places much on our shoulders. Our national security and our liberties all are changing and I believe every active military and veteran has to be on top of what is going on so we do not get the short end of the stick!
It truly is the responsibility of each in our society through our elected officials to straighten all of this out. I do not think that it is our responsibility as members of the armed forces and families to sort it all out. I do believe that we need to have our voices heard on these matters so that others realize the ramifications of all the new laws and rules that affect our military order.
We all have a responsibility to raise our voices in places that put our freedoms at risk, our lives in danger and the support of our military and families in jeopardy.
“An unjust law is no law at all.” Aurelius Augustinus. (lived from 354-430 Developed ‘Just War Theory’ doctrine).
The Cost of Freedom…
June 29th, 2024 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
Have you ever been overwhelmed by events that were not totally of your making? Have you been exposed to something so horrible that your mind could not grasp the total event? Then your mind takes over and controls your body and you realize you are no longer in control. The Declaration of Independence starts off with, “When in the course of human events,”. That was the beginning of how America started its way to freedoms we have today. Along its path, the events that we experience as military men/women in the heat of war zones around the World bring those words to life from our founding fathers and those human events that our Declaration that talks so eloquently about our freedoms leaves out the human toll of bodies and minds along the way.
The payment extracted from our warriors for the freedoms we have today is the blood of many battles and the broken minds left along the way.
The price of freedom is great and seeing the men/women in our community that have make commitments in the past and are now serving in the military brings to light the high and heavy price each one has and is paying for us to live in one of the free Nations of the World. My hope is we don’t mess it up and chip away at the very core of each and every one of our freedoms that we fought so hard, for so many years.
This column is more than just a reflection of what has passed. This column is what we are fighting for every day in getting the just deserved health care of the men/women that have served and to ease the suffering, as best we can. It is also a hope for the future of service members and why they should serve. Yes, this column even talks about our Legislature, Executive and even occasionally the Judicial branch of our government. Every one of these issues are important for our military men/women’s welfare.
I not only reflect on the past, talk about what is going on now but discuss what needs to be done for our future. Our future, as the military family in all its greatness and all of the challenges we experience because of our governments efficiency or shortcoming that controls our every day.
Yesterday I had an appointment at the VA and sat down next to another veteran that came over from Payette and we exchanged small talk for a while. Then when he realized I was from Ontario he mentioned it was amazing that the small area that we are from there is so many organizations that were set up to help veterans. I mentioned: Yet, so many veterans are still struggling to get help. I learned from him that he was getting all he needed with the care he was getting, so he didn’t realize that other veterans in our area didn’t have access to a car, or were not able to drive because of injuries. I also mentioned that some veterans also needed help with counseling but had a problem with the drive over to Caldwell or Boise and getting back. Some had jobs and could not break away for that time away to get the help needed. He mentioned that he really did not think about all the challenges of other veterans and was interested in maybe helping when he got back to Payette and reach out a hand for a veteran to help.
I was thrilled that I had an opportunity to talk with him and I realized that it is not only the government that needs to be educated on what we need but it is also some of us that are in the ranks need to understand we are not all getting the help needed. That was a very productive trip to the VA for me because it reminded me that it takes conversation with others to learn much. That part of the conversation called listening made a difference for me that day. You also might give it a try!!!
Events from the time our founding fathers started this Nation with the American Revolution against British rule, then in 1776 the Declaration of Independence then moving on with World War II transforming the United States into the leader of the “free world”. Every part of what is the greatest Nation on earth is, was because of the blood sweat and tears of our military.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” Albert Camus (philosopher, author, 1957 Nobel Prize- literature).
General Patton and Our Community.
June 15th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Have you ever looked at and really understood what General George Patton said back in WWII: He said something to the effect, “No one wins a war by dying for their Country, but by making others die for theirs.” While that is a great quote it does not really go into the whole thought process that Patton was touching on. He realized that that sacrifice can never be Honored too much, and that giving your life for our Country far exceeds the Heroic death itself. He is known to point out the sacrifices that our military gives in the service of our Nation, each and every day.
Every one of us that have served, are serving and that will serve in the future are the backbone that keeps our Nation from becoming a paper tiger of insignificance on the World stage.
He has expounded on leadership, and his thoughts on that regarding selecting leaders for their accomplishment and not for their popularity. I think this might be true today with his insight of human nature. His job was to lead and command (in some cases) a very inexperienced group of troops that were headed for combat. I would think that if he did this under those conditions during WWII and was as successful as he was back then, we might take some of his knowledge and use it for the leadership of our communities of the Western Treasure Valley.
I know that in my first paragraph we might not take the part of signing on the bottom line as a military person to the extent of sitting on our local City Council but we might take his leadership knowledge and use some of it for the voting of folks that might be representing us in the function of running our Cities, Counties and even those elected officials that we send to the state and federal level.
What a novel idea of learning from those that were winning leaders of the past, now thinking about selecting leaders that make governance count. Building a team and with that thought in mind remembering that if all of them are on the same page thinking a similar thought then somebody isn’t thinking! You don’t need ‘yes’ people on the team, you need folks that explore different perspectives of the same mission or objective you are all trying to accomplish.
We have the freedom here in our community that many in the World could only imagine and never have. We have freedoms, such as the freedoms of religion, press, speech, assembly and even the right to petition the government. There are other freedoms that I have not mentioned that each one of us cherish each and every day. I listen and read about what our local city councils and our state and federal officials are proposing and I cringe at the thought that each day we are getting chipped away of our rights that we in the military have fought so hard for. Amazing what some good-Samaritans with good intentions of protecting us from ourselves are doing to one of the freest Nations on Earth. Obviously, this column is my opinions and many would not agree with some of them. I certainly appreciate conflicting opinions. I do feel that when writing about our military and attempting to get the very best care and to also understand the necessary need to attract future service-members I need to look at the total picture and not just a small part and narrow scope of what all the pieces of the puzzle entail.
To understand what the needs of our veterans have in our community and how to identify resources, I truly have to dig into the weeds of all the functions of government and what is happening and who are making the decisions for us to be effective in passing on what I feel is the solutions for many of the challenges that our military has.
If I identify the need and just work with what is available now and not reach out and see all of the different levels of government and question the veracity of their actions, then ideas that haven’t been thought of might never be brought to light and our recruitment, retention and care of veterans would suffer.
He was probably one of the most obnoxious, pompous, grandiose and controversial figures of his time. He was also one of the best leaders we have had in the 248 years we have been formed. Why not learn from the best, especially for our own community.
“ Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.” General George S. Patton (“Old Blood and Guts” World War II United States Army).
Old Thoughts vs. New Visions…
June 1st, 2024 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
Old thought and values are important to learn from, for this ‘new world’ we live in. Some times we need to embrace the new and fringe ideas to solve problems that have not been helped by our old ways. I believe it is beneficial for the VA to find new ways to solve the veteran suicide, homelessness, wait times, and even the record problems of inter-communications between the DoD and the VA health system.
Clearly years of working with normal thought has not had a large degree of success. We have to embrace the minds that are outside of the ‘old’ realm and reach for new ideas from the fringe so we emerge with new solutions to solve the process that we have today. Yes, it has been working to a degree but has been stuck at a level of basic combat training or boot camp, and yes, it is sufficient but gets the job done only to a point. The job then needs to be retooled in the heat of battle with ‘boots on the ground’ and minds that improvise on the basic skills that have got us trained in teamwork, discipline, handling weapons, etc.
We are now at the point that ideas that seem far-fetched or might even be tied to the new AI (Artificial Intelligence) could find ways to improve our healthcare and customer service. That might be able to provide software that can reason with the input we have provided and reach a conclusion that will be beneficial in solving the most basic or even complex problems of the system today in the VA.
I was sitting in the Four Rivers Culture Center the other day overhearing two students from the Four Rivers Community School talking about artificial intelligence and how it might help with solving some of the homework they had to do over the weekend!!! Then I received an interesting iMessage from Mike Miller regarding corporations controlling what universities study and the peer review and that process of like minds and stifling the thought process. I then brought those two thoughts together and talked with some veterans at the VA while I was waiting for an appointment and the brainstorm for this article was born. Maybe we have solved the problems of the VA by thinking outside the normal. I will take this to mean we/I are on the right track because most of the folks that were in this process had very little to do with the present form of what the VA process has in place right now.
A new paradigm for approaching and solving, what has been some unsolvable problems of the system. What a novel idea using the minds and tools that are now available if we take the time and a few dollars that are now going to programs and administration costs and third-party reviews that, I feel could be used for delving into solutions. Solutions instead of moving the same pieces around and coming up with the same system but with more waste. I deem that because we don’t know what we don’t know, the answer is not to be part of the same mentality of the past. We need to embrace new visions and stop thinking the knowledge we have now to solve our problems of the VA is fine and is working. Incompetence is very hard for educated people folks to realize, especially if they are in the system and helping to move the same pieces around. Maybe if a few become ‘well educated’ and, at the same time enlightened with stepping out of the mainstream thought process we might be able to help the veterans that are thinking about suicide today. Solutions. That should be the goal and not chasing our tail.
I am thinking that with the intellect and skills we have right here in our local communities we should be tapped by the VA to solve what they have not been able to do for years. Just a thought.
I realized the other day that my flashbacks are getting more real and know that, even though, I was not a combat veteran I have suffered from some of the extremes of my service. I believe that the true combat veteran or service-member that has been on the front lines or outside the wire in ‘Nam has got to come first in getting the help that the VA offers. That help needs to be there and I am frustrated to think that after all these years I still see combat veterans without the support they need to stay healthy. Need to get the psychobabble of labels out, and the hands on -eye ball to eye ball- help in.
“Vision without action is merely a dream.” Malcolm Forbes (entrepreneur and politician).
Reflecting on Our Founders…
May 18th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These words in our Declaration of Independence are there for ALL. Your understanding of these words and the many other words of our founding fathers are always subject to interpretation. How you fit into the building blocks that make our Nation great are also controlled by how you address these issues and how Congress and all of the bureaucracy in Washington and around our Country addresses our rights.
In the Declaration of Independence, it states happiness is a universal right. Does that mean we need to consider the safety and well-being of others? We as citizens and veterans need to consider that without our veterans’ and servicemembers’ the United States of America would not have many of the rights we have, in the form they are today.
Why do I talk about our founding fathers, and the words they spoke many years ago? I address these questions today because I see a more partisan and up for sale to the highest bidder than what some of us fought for. Is it right, I don’t know if our military will see the volunteers that we will need in the future if we are not fighting for the rights and happiness of ALL and not for just the few that control the strings of government.
We need to understand that when veterans are asking for help in taking care of our health needs it is for ALL that are suffering, not for just a few that have political and financial clout. Despite our government role in providing care for us after we served, we also most see the bigger picture of our Country and where it is headed. Because how our civilians are treated will filter through to how our veteran and active duty servicemembers are treated in the future.
All of this has real inter-connections with our rights and you have the power of the vote to make sure your values are represented in Washington today. That vote you cast might be the one that will make a difference in the care of our military men/women in the tomorrows hope of better care.
Safe living conditions, having enough food and medical care are always being thrown about in the halls of government and should be. We as citizens need to be the first avenue of each of these needs. Then with special needs, our government might have our back. With our military, our government is the first avenue and then with special needs our own responsibilities come into play.
There is truly a crossover from the civilian and military sectors that need to be addressed. Much of that is determined by time served, service-connected disabilities, combat or non-combat, or even the type of MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) should be considered.
The core of our America and what it stands for are in the words of the Declaration of Independence. Words matter. It is this document that many in the service of our country understand the principles of why we have fought and why we have sacrificed. We cannot stand by as a lazy bystander and let others determine our future. We need to stop the hemorrhaging and give a more defined direction of our Nation.
Our local veterans of the Western Treasure Valley as they read this might think about what is at stake when they vote and encourage others to also vote and maybe we will all look back and say this was truly the turning point of making our Nation shine, a little brighter!!!
Government exists to serve us (the people) and sometimes it happens that our elected officials forget that part of the agreement as to why they were sent to Washington in the first place. It is also why it has taken some of our veterans 50+ years to get benefits they deserved all that time, and some never did get benefits.
When a veteran has completed his service to our Nation, we should not discard some of them because it might cost more than we would like. We can do more, and as we discuss and read documents like the Declaration of Independence I wonder if the founders would be turning over in their graves how we have been treating some of those that have served and some of our civilians.
I have talked today about the Declaration of Independence and how I believe it intertwines with the care and benefits of veterans because I believe it established fundamental rights and principles of our Nation for ALL. This Declaration sets the tone…and gives the power to the people (us).
“The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted: it belongs to the brave.” Ronald Reagan.
The Future is Now…
May 4th, 2024 Veteran Column by Ronald Verini
There has been more data published about veterans assimilating into civilian life over the last 10-15 years then, probably since WWII. I don’t know about you but I find it stimulating and hopeful that with all this documentation and published material there might be hope? A solution to some of the ways we might better transition from the military to civilian life might be coming? Dubious result is really what I think will happen. Like it took over 50 years to help with Agent Orange poisoning to the bodies of our Vietnam veterans after that many years of documentation, and articles published. Hope is always in the background for all of us and perseverance of pounding the table and fighting for better health care will continue to help but realizing that our efforts might not pay for us but might help those that will be coming after us in the future.
Altruistic is the word and action we should be striving for since it is good for our health as we accomplish that goal. It is folks like you and I that might not reap the benefits of the actions we take. Think about those that will be helped years from now because of what we are doing today in the fight for better health care and a better solution to the move from military to civilian life. I know that this effort has made my quality of life better. I have lived longer than I originally planned, my blood pressure is low and my positive attitude is high.
Being proactive in serving our community of veterans and the general public is good for self-confidence and better well-being.
Think about back to basic training and the military environment, especially combat. The very nature of our training is a pro-social and certainly altruistic in form and function. The very survival of yourself is in many cases the survival of those around you.
I am not talking something that is theoretical, I am saying that patriotism, honor, professional camaraderie, commitment and our military code should take us to a higher level than any civilian can ever imagine. We are the ones that have served and we are the ones that will save those that come after us some of the hardships that we have endured. Because of all this documentation and talk today, we are also the ones if we put our soul into it that will also be rewarded for our efforts as we fight for others and at the same time fight for the health care and benefits, we deserve.
We are benefiting from those that have come before us. Those that have taken the ball and run with it fighting for their benefits. Many of them have died trying to get help and I will bet that they lived longer fighting for the benefits and health care than persons that sat on the sidelines and did nothing? You can throw up your hands and let Congress continue pulling the strings on your life or you can take the bull by the horns and take ride and fight for what you and others are entitled. Your voice multiplied by the thousands of other veterans speaks louder than any person that serves in Congress. Your voice is louder than the VA or anyone at the VA if we all speak up. Your/our voice is powerful and can make our government work with us, and for us. This can only happen if you speak up. Your vote and say-so are strong. So, make some waves and be the change for better. You are able to do this at very little or no cost to you. Write a letter, send a email, text or be involved by volunteering with a group of like minded folks that are already organized.
When we come through this partisan standoff and come to our senses and emerge on the other side; focusing on improving our national interest we have to be ready in taking advantage of cooler heads and possible solutions to our needs. Or we can watch the paint dry or contemplate our navel.
We learn from the past and we must live and strive for our future. Today is really the beginning, and the fight for our benefits started in the past but today we can add to that drive making sure the future needs of us and ones that come after us are known and the solutions found.
Hope you have enjoyed this column, or at least had a chance to think about what we have and what we need and maybe inspired to do something to improve our future.
“It is incredibly empowering to know that your future is in your hands.” Keanu Reeves (Actor, musician).
Travelers, also a Local Combat Veteran…
March 23rd, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
We were working the other day at Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida on a Saturday and this car drives up and a disheveled man and women gets out and walk over and ask if this is the place, they just might be able to get some food? The night before we had extra food left over from the Celebration of Life for our friend and one of VAOI founders Charlene Pelland and we stopped at the Blessed Sacrament church event and picked up the left-over food that was donated by the Knights of Columbus. We thought as hungry they looked, we would invite them in and have a bite.
As we sat there, we learned that the man had served a few years with the Army National Guard in Idaho and the women had a father that served in Vietnam and came back really messed up. The multiple deployments of the man sitting before us has taken its toll on him and both were just trying to get through the day. We were pleased that we could sit and have a meal with them and we loaded them up with a few food boxes to take on their way. I noticed that both of them smoked when we got out to their car to load them up and I started to think about all the folks that come in for food and some of them, obviously a little tipsy on something or smokers. Well getting back to our couple, we sent them on their way on the way to Washington hoping for a better life! Sure, do hope they make it!!
I was thinking the other day, why do some of our poor that are struggling to make ends meet spend money on cigarettes, alcohol, MJ, or even lottery tickets. These all appear to be unnecessary and extravagant, then I realized these items offer a brief moment of relief, obviously at a cost but might offer a short flight from the realities of poverty…
Then I reflected on our military and the men/women that have deployed into war zones and are subject to some of the most violent and horrible atrocities of conflict and understand more about their need to escape the flashbacks or the reality of their war wounds. I really believe that there are times those that have been to war zones and have seen some of the worst that we humans inflict on each other need to find coping mechanisms and hopefully some healthy alternatives to what many of us have done and are doing.
We all need to understand a little more about the mind set of veterans that have served in combat. We need to understand because they are our neighbors.
Now that I have mentioned neighbors: I know that some of you know Jerome (Jay) Goettsch, a local artist of great talent. You might not know it but he has written a book called “The Cocoa Kid” and it is a memoir of Marine Combat in Vietnam. His book will give you more of an insight as to the realities of war and life in general. It is an exciting book that not only talks about war but he has included some on his childhood, bootcamp, surviving the mean streets of Chicago and the time he was kidnapped, beaten and tortured in Milwaukee at 12 years old. I have had the pleasure of him sharing some of his chapters as he was writing them and I will say his talent of writing a story is a work of art, like his ability to paint an artwork on canvas that explodes with emotion and creativity. His writing he has said: Is not an embellishment of the truth and is to tell it how it happened. He has also kept the language as it was used at the time, so be warned. The book is scheduled to premiere on Amazon. So, if all goes as planned, I will be writing more about it once I actually get it in my hands and see and read the finished product. The book is 299 pages with 83 photos and an 8-page glossary. This will be a book that each in our community should read, especially if the preview chapters that I have already read are any indication of its quality. I hope our local library and schools will add it to their shelves.
Remember the stories I write in the above article are about folks in our community, whether they are passing through or a neighbor. Listen and understand those around us, learn.
“Understanding comes through communication, and through understanding we find the way to peace.” Dr Ralph Smedely (founder of Toastmasters International).
Blending into Civilian Life…
March 9th , 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Most of us when joining the military, were young, naïve and not prepared for service life. Amazing, years later when we decide to transition back to civilian life, we are somewhat in the same position. Might say a little different for some of us in the sense that we are now older or old, naïve and not prepared!!!
This does not have to be the case, at all. You can actually prepare for the transition and make it quite smooth if you plan. And if you don’t your problems will multiply and be out of control. I know because I am one that did not plan. I wanted to get out so fast when I came back from Vietnam, it was a blur and still is in some cases a blur.
Now this article was inspired by a local combat veteran that served several deployments over the last few years and an old veteran from back in my time. Both of these veterans did not plan ahead and both are suffering the consequences of no planning. The old guy has learned the hard way throughout the years on how to get by and I found out also by hard knocks on how to navigate civilian life, somewhat. I have learned that even I and he will be able to get more help now through different organizations and Veteran Service Offices to navigate civilian life. Now the youngster of the group will be using both of us as mentors letting him know what not to do!
Yep, the other day I addressed about 125 veterans up at SRCI and I was thinking about the additional challenges that these veterans will be having blending back into civilian life. I was invited by Matt Galemore Correctional Councilor at the request of the Incarcerated Veteran Association headed by President Steven Hyppolite.. I got to meet Matt’s boss Sara Eastwood Correctional Rehabilitation Manager and the VSO Pat McGuffin Incarcerated Veteran Coordinator, all dedicated with helping the veterans up at SRCI meet the challenges of incarceration and also with the VA rules and the preparation back to civilian life.
I have to admit that I was very impressed with the veteran group that was there filling the Chapel for this meeting. President Hyppolite opened the program and the Color Guard snapped into action with the presenting of the colors. Everyone was sharp and the room came to attention respecting each of our branches of service, POW and our Nations flag was impressive. When the Pledge of Allegiance was recited it was with Love and passion, I was moved by the opening of this meeting. Then Steven Hyppolite presented award certificates to Matt, Sara, Pat and Mike Vokral the Lead Recreation Specialist. When the meeting commenced and I had my chance to speak about what help we have in Ontario for our veterans and their families. I also spoke about the support of food boxes, counseling, and what we are doing here in our community. I was surprised at their reaction, by the questions on how they might help us, as individuals or as a group. They even talked about sending us books that they were finished reading. I, of course, suggested that when they rearranged the furniture out there in their rooms that we would be happy to take the leftovers! I thought that the stainless-steel furnishings would be enjoyed by the civilians on the outside. I certainly got a chuckle out of that suggestion!!! Great group of veterans.
I know that many in that room that I was talking with were there because of PTSD or because of the challenges that they had in the transitioning back into civilian life. Well, I am here to tell you that the team SRCI has, supporting our veterans that are incarcerated are top notch and I tip my hat to Warden Jamie Miller for putting together a great team for our veterans and for the institution as a whole. As a side note: this facility trains the Adults in Custody (AIC) with a metal shop, woodworking shop, building trades program and other skills that prepares these men for a better life on the outside.
I am always amazed that for many of us, including those that are transitioning from military life to civilian or civilian to the military or even from the justice system, hope and attitude are the two factors that are so important in the greater scheme of things. Planning ahead works best but even without it, attitude gives you a leg up!
“They teach you how to weather the storm, but they don’t teach you how to dance in the rain.” Veterans’ Perspectives on the Pathways to Criminal Justice Involvement, by Kelli Canada and Clark Peters.
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Local Support for Active Duty and Veterans…
February 25th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
Local organizations supporting Veterans and their families in some interesting ways. I will not be mentioning all of the organizations or all of the ways they help because not all responded to my inquires. But here are some that did and others that have been brought to my attention.
The Elks Lodge 1690 is one of the tops in the field of support and they make it a point to get the word out and notify the veterans when they are having special events, such as honoring veterans with a dinner each year. Be on the outlook for the dates. Flag day is another one of their special days that they step up and have members of our local American Legion Post teach our community about flag etiquette and then have local Boy/Girl groups participate in the ceremonies. They have, in the past had a fishing tournament that welcomed veterans go out on donated boats for a day of fishing and they are thinking about starting that up again! Rudy Marostica was the spearhead for that project but passed away and others are now getting things together to continue that very important project.
If you are into Bingo then why not take a trip over to Vale, American Legion Post 96 and check out their exciting game, every week Sun at 2PM. Please go out and make a day of it for the support of a wonderful group of folks that are doing great things for veterans in the Vale area!
Another American Legion Post 33 located in Payette that puts on a great breakfast every month on the first Saturday that is open for all veteran and their families and friends. They even have spaghetti dinners from time to time benefiting the State of Idaho DAVA and the Legion Post 33.
Of course, we have many other Posts like the Legion Hall here in Ontario that hold two Bingos a week and also free coffee at the Post on Wednesday’s. That Veteran Hall is home to the American Legon Post 67, VFW Post 5452 and the DAV Post 18.
Then right down the street in Ontario is the Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida (VAO) that is open 5 days a week for coffee, snacks and has a Thrift Stor every day, a wonderful Museum with local veterans and families represented. VAOI also has a food bank feeding those veterans that are hungry. You might even run into Tracy that introduced us to the Vietnam Veterans of America that helps veterans in need locally and are located in Meridian. If you are a Vietnam Veteran you might look into the things that they do for Veterans in need.
I did not purposely put phone numbers, times and ALL the things that these organizations do because I think that if you are really interested , you would make the effort to look up the information and get the straight scoop from the horse’s mouth. Just thought that this might grab your interest and get involved with one or many of these places and know that every day there is something going on that support veterans and their families. All you have to do is make an effort.
Some cost money some don’t, so enjoy your hunt.
I am amazed at the Payette Senior Center and the many activities that are specific support for our veteran community. New Plymouth, Ontario and Vale Senior Centers might be of interest.
I recommend that you look into some of these because you deserve a better life and you just might help others along the way.
In the military, most of us have had to consciously accept or appreciate something that is extremely unpleasant but unavoidable for forward progression, so my quote below and comments sum-up the past and everything else is part of the cure.
Finding purpose and spirit as you make the calls and find a place or places from the above article might make up for your loss of innocence. Many of us lost that virtue called innocence when we joined the service and were deployed to war zones or to places that forced us to grow-up beyond our young age. Growing up and learning values and then being trained that killing the enemy in combat is righteous. I think that we come back with some of those demons and all these organizations might bring you a little joy and just knowing that there are people who care and really understand what some of us are going through and many have tools in place to help us here and now! The quote below might bring back a smile but also a reason to seek a place above.
“Embrace The Suck” verb, military slang.
My Greatest Honor…
January 28th, 2024 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
In all my 80+ years my greatest honor that I have had is in the service of my Country. Not one civilian that has not served knows the heart and soul of what it means to serve. Every day 24/7 our military folks put their lives on the line for us all. I would also think that our 1st responders have a similar honor of service.
Still, the sacrifice of duty in our military has a place that every single person should learn. Every person in our Nation even the rabblerousers, demagogues, liberals, conservatives, atheists and believers including hypocrites and the list goes on should understand the oath that each of us take that have served. ‘Service before self’ is a phrase that everyone of us understand that even before family, the call to duty takes precedence and might mean the ultimate sacrifice.
Think about the words that every branch of service lives by, each and every day, such as ‘duty, honor, Country’ or ‘Always Faithful’ or ‘Not self, but Country’ are but a few of the words. However, it is not the words but the actions and the oath that puts every single one on the line of defending our Country, and defending our freedoms of each and every one of us.
I was reading an article the other day on www.veteranadvocates.orgwebsite entitled: “Most Americans respect vets but wouldn’t recommend enlisting” and I find it interesting that many in our Country hold us in high regard in the abstract but have bought into the fake news of the different stereotypes that folks think about service-members.
Maybe I should not be that surprised, considering the super gullibility that seems to be everywhere. Folks all around believe lies that are bandied about by both sides of the aisle, and if they don’t actually believe them, they talk themselves into being puppets for the lies and that creates a huge problem, for our Nation and for the recruitment of our future military.
There are many folks that are conned everyday and I am saddened by the fact that it is becoming more difficult to tell the difference between the real facts and the what is presented as truth, of which is a real lie. I have been fooled and I am sure that I will be again.
Even our government posters for our military show a rosier picture than actual reality.
Amazing that with the advent of the digital age the speed of the twisted word! The most intelligent and educated are fooled because of their ability to rationalize the information to conform to their viewpoints. Critical thinking is a way that we might work ourselves out of this but that is going to take time. Do we have that time?
I started this article with a simple statement of ‘My Greatest Honor’ and then got a little sidetracked as I started to think about the greater picture of our Nation, and the perception of our military. Still, I say that even with all the lies, misconceptions, wars, conflicts, mistreatment and fighting for the services that we deserve after service, I and most of my comrades that have served will still say that the ‘Greatest Honor has been in the service of our Country.
Most of us that have served, know that we did the right thing by serving the greater good for our Nation and people.
It is also important to note that the ‘Honor’ to serve goes deep, because some of us have given our life or limbs for a comrade that we served with. So, when you read this, think about your job, your family and your loved ones and you tell me how anyone might say that our military is not the place we should be encouraging our youth to serve.
I believe that it is our duty to serve for the greater good of our Nation. Think about the fact that there is a common greater goal that melts all these service-members together that come from different walks of life and we work together as one. Some might call this a shared destiny! That certainly food for thought.
Walking into Grocery Outlet the other day I was moved by the military family that approached me and mentioned the pride they have when they read this column about military issues. I thank the Argus for allowing the space and the many other articles about our veterans and military families.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan.
Chaos is Here- New Year is Coming!!
Dec 31st, 2023 Veterans Column by Ronald Verini
I say that, in general, today’s generation of U. S. Americans are the most coddled and are stuck in a digital world. We have in the past, united together as a people around Wars after we were attacked at Pearl Harbor and then again after 9/11. Our Nation came together to support our troops after WWII and we were strong. As Afghanistan dragged on, I do not think the same thing happened. I do not think that our Nation came out stronger, especially after we invaded Iraq and the search for weapons of mass destruction. I believe we came out of all of this divided like we have never been since the Civil War.
The Civil War had a clear fight between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. The results of that war ended with the United States defeating the Confederate States. That division still is in the hearts of many today and I think that we are in a similar place today with the division of Americans at each other’s throats.
Unfortunately, our Military and the VA is caught up in the fight and suffer. Think of this in the lens of a veteran that has served, gets out and then is denied benefits for a service-connected disability. Amazing that it takes over 50 years plus to address some of our issues. Of course, some of us are dead or in such a condition that we are shunned in our own neighborhoods by some of our other citizens that look at us and see the ragged clothes and not the warrior that served to keep them free.
Our Congress is the same way, not looking at the core of our problem but looking at a way that will look like they care. They pass the Pact Act and wonder why some of us are bitter, at the same time we appreciate that many of us will now get the care we need.
The division in our Nation and the fact that our youth, in general, are more informed because of the digital age as to the treatment of our troops when they come home. You add that together with the statement from our Department of Defense saying that over 70% of our youth are ineligible due to physical and mental health problems, fat and using drugs.
Yes, it makes a difference how we treat our military and, in my articles, titled ‘Less Than 1% is Serving” and “ My Personal Experiences” I go into more of what is happening on the ground.
You might wonder how we might solve these issues and the answer is quite simple. We elect more people that actually think, and represent us, not a ‘lock-step’ diehard. We get back to the basics of listening and learn that compromise is not a four-letter word. We treat our military and those that come back with full support if we are going to continue. We are the world’s most dominant economic and military power. That means we need to have our priorities in order, and to do that we need to stop the partisan divide and concentrate on the simple solution, listening.
Listening to our veterans is core, because without our military we will not be the greatest and without Congress getting its act together in governing finding recruits to volunteer and serve will be a moot point. Following up on my article the other day regarding my treatment applying for benefits. Yes, I was denied benefits for the injury sustained in Vietnam and have suffered since then. When I requested them to show me the paperwork of my getting turned down, they came up with very little… they said I was turned down in 1970 the same month I was discharged. Yep, they then reopened my case and I am sure will find a way to wait me out… I believe that while most find the system to be accommodating there are some of us that are treated like muck, and because of that, our government wonders why they can’t get volunteers to sign up and serve!
New Year is coming and I can not help to wonder where some of our troops are right now, knowing that they will not be home with their family. Might even find out that maybe in defending and serving our Nation they might be wounded or killed while we are here in the comfort of our homes.
Yes, how we treat our veterans when they come back, if they come back, should be a top priority. Our vote at the ballet box might make a difference!!!
“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” George Nathan (magazine editor).
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