VETERAN-FRIENDLY OR
NOT?
The Problem
A. As
you may know the situation of our currently returning Veterans is deplorable,
beyond all earlier wars: an estimated 22 commit suicide daily and a high rate
40-60% of PTSD.
B. I
have inquired multiple times from multiple organizations whether they have any
special consideration for Veterans, disabled Veterans or disabled Blind
Veterans.
The results is
practically zilch. I seldom even get a reply, or follow up.
Consequently,
In my opinion, our country, by and large , has little
appreciation of VETERANS.
A
Possible Solution
I have a "LOVERS QUARREL" with this stunning lack
of patriotism. I was twelve when Pearl Harbor happened, spent three years in
military high school, and eventually served with all 4 branches of our
military, on and off, over 24 years. .
I propose a Project, which, should it catch on, could change
the national conversation..
1.
Our local BVA Chapter will form a task force to
design a
Veteran Friendly
Checklist for Organizations and Communities; also invite cooperating from
other Veteran organizations.
(Both research projects of mine, Masters level and doctoral
were survey research)
2.
We will begin survey of organizations and
communities
3.
Announce our results one to five stars, or no
star, to the media.
That is, we will set out to
both shame and reward those organizations which are rated as Veteran Friendly
on a 5 point scale.
When some of these NPOs and for profit organizations get publicly
announced ratings on a Veteran Friendly
Scale:
this may impact them enough for them to reconsider
policies. We could begin a movement.
"Never underestimate what a small group of dedicated
people can accomplish." -Margaret Mead..
Who is willing to “get on board” with this idea?
Respectfully submitted,
Paschal Baute, May 8/2015
Chaplain, Lexington BVA chapter.
859-293-5302
please feel free to circulate to your Veteran friends.
I have established a bog for comment and commentary
and ongoing discussion. How Veteran Friendly is your
organization?
