I was reading how a certain organization currently offers over 300,000 jobs for veteran applicants and another one created approximately 30 additional jobs for veteran and non-veteran community members. On one hand I feel that it is commendable that many companies are reaching out and actively helping veterans secure jobs and train for new careers, but on the other hand, with all that they've been through and still go through, isn't it asking too much to make them hold down a job. I hear so many stories in the news and on the radio of how veterans returning home aren't getting their benefits that they have full rights to, or that it often takes a year or more to receive them.
As I wrote on my about me page, I may not be a veteran myself, but I know what it's like to fight for my life and go through a long, slow recovery from illness. I was extremely sick from mercury toxicity that I discovered came from a very large amalgam filling in my tooth. I had many sever symptoms like prostatitis, digestive problems and muscle weakness so bad that I had trouble walking for a while. I had to focus so one-pointedly on getting well, I could hardly do anything else. When I think of these men and women suffering from PTSD and worse after serving our great country in war, what I want most for them is to get well and have a stream of income that doesn't require so much work.
Wouldn't it be great if we could learn more from them and their experiences? With a little bit of instruction in the art of storytelling, they could get up in front of a crowd and tell their personal story and what they've learned about themselves, the world and probably even about God. I think it would be great if they got paid a lot of money just to share their hard earned wisdom and life lessons. I know that I would definitely want to hear what they have to say. Maybe I'll find a way to offer free training for vets to learn the basics of storytelling and scriptwriting. They could write and eventually sell their own movies. I bet they have amazing stories to tell.
Also, with web technology and social networking continually growing, it seems that they could find a business model for selling their stories, products and such over the internet. That would enable them to be their own boss, connect with other vets and earn a very good income sharing their own healing and wisdom.
I realize that there are many people and organizations offering help to veterans in a lot of ways and I don't want to sound too pessimistic. I just know that the system in general is not really working the way it should. I heard a story the other day of an older widow who waited and waited for the VA death benefits from her deceased husband. She waited so long that she eventually became ill and died before receiving any of those rightful benefits.
To sum up, I would really love to see more focus on giving vets a chance to heal and grow through their experience of serving our country. Maybe they could have a nice income stream from sharing their stories of the good, the bad and even the ugly. It would be a way for them to shine and be honored with their wounds and all, even if those wounds are only on the inside. Indeed, sometimes those are the deepest wounds of all.
Author Resource:
Jeffrey Gilliam wrote this article, Jobs For Veteran to clarify what's important in their healing and recovery. His mission is to Empower you to heal from the past and live your dreams. Learn how you can live your dreams at Healing America