Wednesday Reflections: Waiting for something bad to happen
As you read these words, I’ve done just about everything you can in my situation as a homeless veteran. I’ve filled out every job application I could find. Every housing resource I’ve got access to is in play. And I’ve got a temporary (albeit unstable) roof over my head. ButContinue Reading
Many Landlords don’t want to house Veterans using vouchers
One of the most painful aspects of dealing with homelessness is discovering the hypocrisy of many of the people that pretend to care about veterans, but back away when it’s time to help. A prime example are a lot of landlords and property management companies that don’t want to acceptContinue Reading
Congress must take care of “Atomic Veterans” and preserve RECA
“Atomic Veterans” are soldiers who helped test nuclear weapons in the World War II era. In the years that followed many of them came down with illnesses linked to that testing. Since then, they’ve been compensated by something called the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act or RECA. Unfortunately, that act willContinue Reading
Tuesday Reflections: The Minimum Wage Interview of the Homeless Veteran
Today, I continued trying to climb out of the pit that I’m in by reentering the workforce. And while my political background and security work are impressive, none of that matters when you’re homeless. Nothing means no transportation. No money for incidentals. And no stable address. Not even the veteransContinue Reading
Monday Reflections: No one cares about your pain
When you’re out on the street or in a shelter you’re surrounded by people. Each of them living out a painful existence where every day is punishment for bad decisions. But even though you’re around others, you’re still struggling alone. No one is looking out for you. There have beenContinue Reading
Pets for Vets programs should be replicated everywhere
While I’m currently struggling with homelessness along with many other veterans, its encouraging to see that other cities are still taking the initiative to help our brothers and sisters who have served, specifically when it comes to mental health. Jersey City has implemented their “Vets for Pets” program, which matchesContinue Reading
Sunday Reflections: Excellence when you have nothing
One of the things that keeps me going through this nightmare is the belief that I still have the ability to be good at something. I do this because when you’ve got nothing, you want to hang on to the smallest bit of self esteem you have left because ifContinue Reading
Indiana latest to pass Green/Camo Alert for Vets, more states should follow
Indiana recently passed Green Alert legislation (story HERE). This is another tool used to help hurting veterans described as… a program to provide for public notification regarding missing veterans at risk And Creates certain duties and reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies concerning missing veterans at risk. In many waysContinue Reading
Saturday Reflections: My acknowledgement of failure upsets others
If you read this blog you understand one thing. I know I’m failing at life right now. And when others ask me how I’m feeling or what I think about what is going on, I tell them the truth. “I’m a failure” This upsets some people. They say it’s becauseContinue Reading
Greenville Veterans are understandably upset at VA scheduling woes
If you’re a veteran in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care system, then you understand that scheduling woes are as common as the sky being blue. They are terrible. They have been terrible for years. And with the Phoenix scheduling scandal resulting in the death of veterans turning 10Continue Reading