I Demanded to Have a Job

I was a carreer Soldier of 15 years. Diabetes took me out when I was but preparing for Afghanistan. I was feeling humiliated, kicked aside, but more so unable to be with my fellow Soldiers. It hurt. It hurt beyond words. I wollowed in self pity and in a drunken stupor for a couple of years. Blasting music and reading words of glory, praying that my "guys" would all come home.

Well, time slipped by and I eventually ventured out to meet some truly fine people. With their encouragement I began to search for a new vocation. My very first effort was to take the job of the "Veteran's Representative" at the local Workforce Center. The reason being is that this individual had no knowledge of the military whatsoever. I demanded to have his job because I sincerely felt that I could do far better than he.

Some time did pass, but I finally got the interview that I'd been waiting for (his Job.) I prepared for the interview, I knew it all well. MOS's, ranks, bases, combat zones, etc. When I went to the interview I was asked a multitude of questions regarding "DD People," or Developmentally Disabled People. I "bulled" my way through the interview and, by golly, got the job as Employment Consultant for the Developmentally Disabled.

What a turn. I was trained to kill for 15 years, but here and now, I found myself 180 degrees from where I'd started 15 years ago. Saving Americans directly, versus killing my enemy to save Americans.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you can serve your country in a vast multitude of ways with distinct honor. I know very, very well that it hurts to be "de fanged" at the pinacle of such a wonderous career as a servicemember, but please do remember that there are fellow Americans here at home that would love just for you to shake their hands and say "Hi." That's all that it takes. Look at home now. We need you here just as we needed your there. Come home safe, and please be with us now. Home of the free.

God bless you all,

(Submitted by SSG Cameron N. Minard USA, (RET))

Comments

[Dean Collins]

Congrats on your job,I retired in 2004 and in 2008 found out I had aproblem with my deers.I went to my local county va rep.This was a mistake because i left very upset,he knew nothing to help me he said i will give you a phone# to call a man,I didnt want to call someone else I wanted him to help me thats his job,to shorten the story I called st louis straightened it out myself, drove 3 hrs to ky to get my wifes id card update.I called the person that recomendes for the va job and told him I wanted the job because I care and the current rep does not.It did no good he is still the rep doing nothing,lots of veterans has told me the same thing.I also miss the army and would love to have the job,again congrats.
SFC Dean Collins (ret)

[wal]

I too was sidelined by diabetes. I was serving at an overseas base at the time. I felt the anger and humiliation that it brought. God bless in your new life and control IT(diabetes) dont let IT control you.

[Amy Grave]

God Bless both of you for having the courage to fight for our country. I did not know you could be taken out of battle because of diabetes, but since I have it,I can see the complications of being out in the field with it. It's hard just to be normal some days, but you're right, you have to control IT! Best of luck with your job changes...

[Tim W]

I feel your pain. I was "fortunately" allowed to retire in '05 after being diagnosed with Sarcodosis. I felt like an outsider the last year 18 months or so because alot of folks didn't understand the sickness and the constant pain that I endured and still endure. I cared so much for my beloved military that I intentionaly scored low on my promotion exam to give some of my peers a better chance at promotion.

Between the Sarciod and migraines, I also fell into a self loathing funk for several years and the people that were supposed to help were about as good as uncooked t-bones. I gave up on the VA and most doctors until one day a few months ago. The Army doc (now retired) that initially diagnosed my case called me out of the blue and if not for him, I'd still be drunk or dead. He gave me the strength and hope to get over my bad spell and move ahead in life. I'm still looking for work, but get overlooked alot even though I can out-do most of the big degree holding nitwits in corporate. I've come to realize the ineffectiveness of alot of companies and our government agencies. They'd rather hire someone with a degree that doesn't care about the job rather that hire one of us that would give 200% just for the opportunity.So I'm gearing up to go back to school and when I finish my degree...Look out world!

I still feel like an outsider, but I now have hope!

[Gus]

I am going through the same thing. It's difficult out there. I retired in 2001 with 30% disability and when I met with my VA couselor at that time she showed no interest in helping me at all. I felt I was on my own and survided until now. Here I am 7 years still trying to help my fellow service members and still haven't got a call or an interview yet. Congrats on your job and I hope I can also be a happy ending story and write to you guys about it. Good Luck!