Veterans Day Reflections 2018

Veterans Day is one where I often find myself in the woods deer hunting. It’s the time of year I get to pause for a bit and enjoy nature. Before the hustle and bustle of pre-SHOT Show prep, when the competition season is over and Thanksgiving is around the corner, it is my traditional R&R time.

As I listened to the leaves drop from the trees in the peaceful quiet early this morning, my heart aches for those suffering in Thousand Oaks. Days ago I woke to the horrific news of a senseless murder carried out by one who sacrificed and served our nation. How does this happen? How can one who made an oath to preserve freedom and fight for it then deliver such savagery against Americans? We’ll likely never know exactly how or when the catalyst moment happened.

I do know from my own experience, the day I transitioned from soldier to civilian felt abrupt and final. I had a plan and direction. So many of my fellow servicemembers do not. When faced with the stark reality that the military, the one that once controlled even how and when we could eat and sleep, no longer invests in us, it can be easy to feel shunned. I imagine that sentiment is extremely harsh after serving in combat.

In the wake of senseless slaughter, those who think they can legislate against violence instead of addressing the root of the problem will cry for more gun control even when California gun laws prove to be ineffective. For those who are so disturbed, the need to receive the kind of care necessary to ensure they cannot harm themselves or others is great. I find it despicable that there are politicians in power who would choose to use a service member as a tool to fight for our nation and its ideals only to abandon and legislate against their freedoms when they become civilians.

Today many will take advantage of sales and perhaps even a day off tomorrow. Grateful Americans will say thank you in person and online. Through the power of social media, we can make an individual effort and powerful impact. With our thanks, we can offer an ear and extend to those veterans we are privileged to know that open door to talk or send a message. 

Thank you for sacrificing and serving our country.

I am here for you because of you.

This morning, when I returned from my hunt, my little ones hugged their mama and said, “Happy Veteran’s Day!” I have so much to be thankful for and I am grateful! For some, Veteran’s Day is not a happy one.

To my brothers and sisters who have served, it can be hard to reach out to friends and family with the burden you carry in your heart. There is no shame in it. Active Heroes is a group that may be able to help you. Their mission is to support all U.S. military service members, veterans and their families through physical, educational, and emotional programs.

If the need is immediate the Veterans Crisis Line can help. It connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 

Veterans and loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals is also available.

Call: 1-800-273-8255 then Press 1

Chat: Click here to start a chat 

Text: any message to 838255