It’s just my opinion but… (Page 2): Your very welcome Santa Don. Four tours I can't imagine what you saw. I was keep at Lejeune the entire time. I said goodbye to friends as they got...

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Santa Don wrote:

Grizzly 17 thank you much for the post. I did 4 combat tours in Vietnam and coming home was just bitter. Only wanted a job and live like anyone else. When I hear that Thank you for your service stuff now it makes me wanna cringe. I think that was started around 911 to drum up recruits and patriotism. And I don't go for the free Big Mac on Veterans Day either.

Your very welcome Santa Don. Four tours I can't imagine what you saw. I was keep at Lejeune the entire time. I said goodbye to friends as they got their papers. One was a friend from home. He only served one tour. Was caught in three convoy ambushes. When he got home he didn't go into details n I never asked. He became n alcoholic n first wife finally left. Second embraced his drinking. Carried a cooler always. In a store one day a kid with his mother made a comment that set me off. Kid maybe 12/13. I heard Nam n this kid says they're just baby killers. That had to come from adults. I confronted them n they had nothing to say to my face. I lost a couple friends there. You brother are a hero for that kinda commitment. I'll give you a heartfelt thank you for you service n sacrifice 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

Dakoda wrote:

Is the wounded warriors a straight up organization. Does the money get funneled into the someones pocket or is it really doing vets good.

From what I've seen, less than 90% of funds go directly to beneficial programs. I try to support veterans programs with a higher rating.

Dakoda Loc: Cle Elum, WA

Fireguy wrote:

From what I've seen, less than 90% of funds go directly to beneficial programs. I try to support veterans programs with a higher rating.

Thank you, that was why I’m Leary about sending money. To many are just supporters of their pocketbooks.

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

Dakoda wrote:

Thank you, that was why I’m Leary about sending money. To many are just supporters of their pocketbooks.

Unfortunately 😡

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fireguy wrote:

From what I've seen, less than 90% of funds go directly to beneficial programs. I try to support veterans programs with a higher rating.

Fireguy it is sad that charities let us believe most of it goes to the cause. If the officials believed in the charities why do the want millions in their bank accounts. 😒

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Fireguy it is sad that charities let us believe most of it goes to the cause. If the officials believed in the charities why do the want millions in their bank accounts. 😒

Grizz, I think it's criminal, preying on well meaning people. We research all charities that reach out to us. There are some that do s lot of good for people in need. Check out the salaries of the excucitives, and the fund raising expenses, it's disgusting.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fireguy wrote:

Grizz, I think it's criminal, preying on well meaning people. We research all charities that reach out to us. There are some that do s lot of good for people in need. Check out the salaries of the excucitives, and the fund raising expenses, it's disgusting.

I know what you mean Fire. I started checking some out a few yrs ago.it is crazy what the executives get. When up to 90% goes to operating expenses something is wrong. 👍

Fireguy Loc: Alton Bay NH

Grizzly 17 wrote:

I know what you mean Fire. I started checking some out a few yrs ago.it is crazy what the executives get. When up to 90% goes to operating expenses something is wrong. 👍

👎👎😠

Santa Don

Thank you Grizzly 17. Yeah we weren't recieved very well coming home. In fact it was pretty terrible. Talk about discrimination! Never really wanted anything but a chance to work and get on with life. When the Middle East wars began I promised that if I ever saw those Veterans treated like that in any way they'd have to deal with me first.

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Santa Don wrote:

Thank you Grizzly 17. Yeah we weren't recieved very well coming home. In fact it was pretty terrible. Talk about discrimination! Never really wanted anything but a chance to work and get on with life. When the Middle East wars began I promised that if I ever saw those Veterans treated like that in any way they'd have to deal with me first.

Don, I wasn’t going to say anything but I must. First let me say how very sorry I am for your reception when you came home. I witnessed it over and over and it was nothing short of shameful. Secondly, from what I have seen, which is minimal, the shabby treatment of our Middle East vets is from the government not so much the general population. Lastly, I am proud to be of a nation that produces men and women like you who do a job that all of us wish wasn’t necessary and my admiration for those of you who have done it and are still doing it is beyond my ability to express. I am grateful. God bless and keep you and give you peace sir.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Santa Don wrote:

Thank you Grizzly 17. Yeah we weren't recieved very well coming home. In fact it was pretty terrible. Talk about discrimination! Never really wanted anything but a chance to work and get on with life. When the Middle East wars began I promised that if I ever saw those Veterans treated like that in any way they'd have to deal with me first.

It was a crazy time brother. The media caused alot of the trouble. Soldiers followed order n when it went sideways they was tossed under the bus. Nobody up the chain was accepting responsibility. Then come home to the abuse from cowards that had no idea. I'm still amazed that men n women want to enlist. They deserve everyone's respect n gratitude. Many schools should take field trips to a VA center Arlington n the WALL. Just maybe they'd get a clue Don 🇺🇸🇺🇸

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Graywulff wrote:

Don, I wasn’t going to say anything but I must. Fi... (show quote)

GW it is shameful how Veterans n the Elderly are forgotten😒😒. Take care of home FIRST 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I sure dont know for sure but show me a CEO of any big charity and he will have a terrific salary, as well as a huge bonus if he is terminated!

lf you read the book, The Power of meaning you will discover the reason so many vets commit suicide! it is suddenly being detached from friends and comrades all whould take a bullet for you, and thrown out into an alien space where no one seems to really care. Remember the scene between Gump and Captain Dan at Christmas?

When one goes from a close-knit team to being all alone, it is easy to wind up believing life is not worth living! Just Sayin...RJS

Santa Don

Thanks much Graywulf and Griz17. And RJS you nailed it!

Betts Loc: Finger Lakes NY

Graywulff wrote:

Don, I wasn’t going to say anything but I must. Fi... (show quote)

Well stated, GW. Your words express my thoughts as well. Back around 1990, I asked a Vietnam vet what he would like to hear from people who wanted to recognize and show gratitude for his service. He said he’d like to hear “welcome home.” I followed that advice for a long time. Now, after years of working in the mental health field, I can’t help but wonder if it might stir up some distressing thoughts and have become hesitant to say it. I do want to show respect and gratitude, so I’ve turned to “thank you for your service.” I’d welcome other suggestions, if anyone has any…thanks.