A Veteran who needs to navigate the VA is frequently turned off by the lengthy process that is sometimes experienced. The Common Veterans discusses best practices on how to get started with the process and how to be your own best advocate.

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The Common Veterans take on the stories that Veterans tell – are they real or lies? Do the fish get bigger by the year, or does the memory of the storyteller seem to tell some tales? The Common Veterans bring a fresh perspective on the whopper that got away…

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Common Veterans Podcast
SEASON 1 ADDENDUM
Episode 12: TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT
From getting out of the military to new jobs as civilians, the transition inevitably feels like it was forced! The Common Veterans take a stab at why everything seems so difficult to do in a civilian job.

I. Introduction
a. Welcome to the addendum to Season 2
i. Why we do what we do
ii. Brief introduction to being a military member and the sense of humor and mindset that goes along with it
II. I QUIT
a. Leaving the military and returning to civilian life perspectives
i. Initiative
ii. Humor
b. You don’t know what you don’t know…
i. Specialized jobs such as combat arms have a different view on civilian employers
ii. Logistics and public figures
iii. Life in the background
c. Can you trust your civilian counterparts like you trust your military siblings?
i. Cops and firefighters
ii. Doctors and social workers
iii. General civilian contracting
III. Entrepreneurial Spirit
a. Veterans start their own companies…
i. Bro shirts
1. GruntStyle CEO gets the boot
2. Other Veteran owned companies
ii. Creative Companies
1. Craft companies
a. Leather
b. Graphic Design
c. C&C and Printing
2. Podcasting and Public speaking
iii. OnlyFans and other sex work
1. Veteran’s do this?
iv. Chapter 30 Benefits – Section 4
IV. Retirement and Disability and other Benefits
a. You earned it, get it
i. Many Veterans don’t utilize their earned benefits because the process is hard.
1. Need to be your own self-advocate.
b. College Benefits are more than just college
i. Get a degree with the GI Bill
ii. Chapter 30 VA Benefits through the VA
1. Helps entrepreneurs establish or get trained in a specific realm.
a. Spouses can utilize it as well.
b. Children, in the state of Indiana, can go to school for free if you have at least a 0% rating
c. Retirement is not Retiring (for most)
i. Retiring from the military a lot of times is not the end for military members.
1. No Golf
2. Work still
a. Bored
b. Not enough to live on
V. TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT!!!
a. What does it take to quit the military and why people get out if everything is so good.
i. Review the redeployment process.
1. Not just for getting out of the military, but out of the country
b. Becoming self-made
i. Camaraderie helps and being relational
ii. Having initiative to do what needs to be done
c. Working for the “man”.
VI. Wrap up
a. Conclusion of being a Veteran
b. End Season 2 Toast
c. Common Veterans

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Understanding Military Traditions: Exploring the Why Behind the What

Introduction

Welcome readers to the “Common Veterans Podcast: Season 1 Addendum,” where we delve into the rich tapestry of military traditions, unraveling their deeper meanings and historical significance. We’ll uncover why these practices endure, shedding light on the unique mindset and sense of humor prevalent among military members.

The Purpose of Traditions

Military traditions are more than rituals; they serve as threads weaving together the fabric of camaraderie, honor, and history within the armed forces. Understanding their origins provides a deeper appreciation for the cultural backbone of military life.

Traditions Are Traditional

The Salute

From its roots in the Middle Ages as a gesture of peace to its modern-day symbolism of respect and recognition, the salute is a cornerstone of military etiquette.

Taps and Reveille

The solemnity of waking to a cornet’s notes and the symbolism behind honoring the national colors being lowered underscore the reverence for duty and sacrifice.

Covers (Hats) Outside

Beyond fashion, these headpieces signify protection, camouflage, and a visible marker of rank, fostering a sense of unity and distinction among service members.

Being Pinned

The act of pinning, whether for rank or awards, represents a badge of honor earned through dedication, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a tangible symbol of one’s journey and accomplishments.

Because We Can

Military balls, replete with unique rituals like the Army’s “Grogg” or the Air Force’s “Jeff,” offer glimpses into the unit’s identity and shared experiences, strengthening bonds among comrades.

Walking the Line

Physical Training (PT) and Uniforms

Beyond physical fitness, PT instills discipline and preparedness, while uniforms promote unity and morale—a visual representation of a collective identity.

Hazing

A controversial practice that, in elite units, serves to test resilience and integration. Stories from these experiences illuminate the dynamics within these specialized circles.

Battle Buddies and Group Dynamics

Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, battle buddies epitomize the ethos of collective success and safety, forming the backbone of military operations.

Deployments and Beyond

Embracing More Traditions

Exploring further traditions or quirks unique to different branches or deployments, highlighting the diversity and richness of military cultures.

Conclusion

Addendum II Teaser

As we conclude this deep dive into military traditions, stay tuned for our next podcast, “Take This Job and Shove It,” where we explore the service concept and possibly feature a special guest shedding light on their experiences.

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Common Veterans Podcast

Episode 10:
Friends in Low Places

VFW,
DAV, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and other fraternal organizations
are there for Veterans. This breakdown of the organizations talks to members about
the benefits of these program’s camaraderie. The Common Veterans represent
FreedomSystem.org’s martial arts and mountain bike association.

I.                   
Introduction

                                                              
i.     
Friends in Low Places

1.     
Introduce the standby Veteran Fraternal Organizations and their
missions and why.

                                                            
ii.     
Brief Overview of the benefits of the group

1.     
Positives

2.     
Negatives

II.                 
More Than Just Bars

a.      
Bartenders are there, but that isn’t the only reason for them to
be there.

                                                              
i.     
Drinking socially good? Or Bad?

1.     
Opens up.

2.     
Opens up too much.

                                                            
ii.     
It’s a social club…

1.     
Camaraderie is built here among Veterans from all different age
groups.

2.     
Not a lot of physicality

3.     
Has to be open to the public or will not survive monetarily.

b.     
Some organizations are not attached to bars.

                                                              
i.     
FreedomSystem.org is not a bar, but do meet at fraternal
organizations that have them

1.     
FSO focuses on fitness and shared experiences from military
service.

2.     
FSO supports fraternal organizations through shared goals

                                                            
ii.     
Team RWB is a fitness organization

1.     
Originally a totally Veteran organization, it now allows
non-veterans to run their goals

a.      
Puts non-vets in leadership roles

                                                          
iii.     
Fraternal organizations often have specific goals and only allow
specific people to join them

1.     
Marine Corps League

2.     
VFW

3.     
DAV

III.               
Stories, The Fish is Always Bigger

a.      
Members tell stories of their exploits.

                                                              
i.     
Common Veterans share their military stories.

1.     
Stories become what everyone needs.

2.     
Shared experiences from different combat times help create more
fraternization and become friends.

                                                            
ii.     
Different organizations, different stories?

1.     
Multi-members have different experiences in different
organizations and go to different areas for different types of camaraderie.

a.      
VFW then to DAV, etcetera

b.     
Moose and Eagles

c.      
American Legions and Auxiliaries

IV.               
Join or nah?

a.      
Joining a fraternal organization can have its merits…

                                                              
i.     
Positives

                                                            
ii.     
Negatives

                                                          
iii.     
Neutrals

V.                 
Conclusion

a.      
Recap fraternal organizations’ essential role in
supporting veterans and fostering camaraderie.

b.      
Encouragement for listeners to explore and
support these organizations or similar initiatives in their communities.

c.      
Closing thoughts emphasize the importance of
camaraderie in veterans’ journey and the impact it has on their lives.

VI.               
Next Episode –  Next Season

a.      
Our next episode is or next season, but
there may be a few more episodes this season that pop out of nowhere! Stay
tuned.

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Common Veterans Podcast

Episode 9: Valhalla

The belief that dying in battle brings soldiers to the table of Odin. The Common Veterans take on the sensitive topic of suicide and PTSD.

** WARNING ** This episode discusses a very sensitive subject with Common Veterans. This episode discusses suicide, religion, the different beliefs of certain religions, and triggers that could be hard to handle.

I. Introductions

a. Which of us has experienced someone that has suicided or attempted suicide

i. Fred

ii. Jeff

iii. Tony

iv. Kenny

II. Let’s talk about life.

a. Being a Veteran means that one has signed a blank check to the government for them to cash, up to life itself

i. Being killed in combat is not suicide

ii. Suicide is illegal in the military

1. Suicide is illegal in most of the United States and goes against the Constitution of the United States – “Pursuit of happiness…”

b. Cannot separate body and soul

i. Separating the soul from the body is death

1. Souls go where the body has been commended to

a. Heaven

b. Hell

c. Purgatory (?)

c. Religions do not condone suicide

i. Christianity

1. Martyrism – certain death, but saving lives

ii. Muslim

1. Suicide bombing to certain sects gets them Virgins

iii. Judaism

1. Assisted suicide from a doctor to maintain

iv. Shinto

1. Only as an act of selflessness

III. Valhalla

a. Valhalla, Old Norse Valhöll, in Norse mythology, is the hall of slain warriors who live there blissfully under the leadership of the god Odin (Encyclopedia Brittanica)

i. Modern Day Interpretations are that this is the “Warrior’s Heaven”

1. Dying in combat sends you to Valhalla

a. This was the old Norse thought

b. Valhalla today is not always “combat related”

IV. Modern Day Valhalla

a. The interpretation often for modern-day Valhalla is that Valhalla is for anyone who sees combat and dies regardless of their death.

i. This often includes suicide with the response of “Til Valhalla!”

1. This frequently glorifies suicide and states that you’ll be in a Heaven type environment once your soul is separated from your body

2. As we discussed earlier there is no religion that condones suicide

b. Many people discuss that for it to be suicide you have to be in the right headspace and timing

i. Anyone that creates suicide are not in the right headspace

1. Mental health illness is very real and usually puts people in the wrong frame of mind

2. Being depressed does not make you suicidal

V. Suicide is Selfish

a. Suicide is a selfish act and it doesn’t only take away from the suicided, but the family and love ones of the suicided

i. Makes things difficult for people who loved the suicided

1. Trauma for whomever finds and/or cleans up the mess made

2. Loved ones wonder why

a. Even with a suicide note on why there is often something left out and the reason is never really ever uncovered

b. No suicide note = never having closure

i. Speculation only

ii. Renders any act of selflessness useless

1. Committing suicide is selfish and any aid that was given to others makes it useless

VI. Closing up

a. Review what has been discussed

i. Life

ii. Separation of Body and Soul

iii. Religions

iv. VALHALLA

v. Selfishness

b. Where to get help

i. National Suicide Hotline

1. 988

2. 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

ii. Veteran Suicide Hotline

1. 988 Option 1

iii. VetCenter

iv. FreedomSystem.org

v. 22 Until None

vi. Other Veteran Organizations

VII. Next Episode: Episode 10 Friends in Low Places

a. VFW, DAV, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and other fraternal organizations are out there for Veterans. This breakdown of the organizations talks to members and the benefit of the camaraderie that these programs provide. The Common Veterans represent FreedomSystem.org’s martial arts and mountain bike association.

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I. Introduction

– Greetings from the Common Veterans podcast

– Hosts: Kenny, Jeff, Tony

– Topic: Military movies, their accuracy, and the downtime in the military for movie-watching

II. Introducing Tony, the Resident Navy Guy

– Tony’s military background (8 years in the Navy, overseas service, instructor in Great Lakes)

– Banter about Tony being a “bud light drinker”

III. Military Downtime and Movie Watching

– Discussion about the hosts’ experiences with movie-watching during military downtime

– Different perspectives based on the nature of their military roles

IV. Movies and Camaraderie

– Highlighting the camaraderie among military personnel

– Banter about different branches (Army, Air Force, Navy) and their stereotypes

V. Examples of Military Movies

– Mention of popular military movies and TV shows:

– **Tour of Duty (1987-1990)**

– **Operation Petticoat**

– **Gardens of Stone**

– **Last Full Measure**

– **The Great Beer Run**

– **Where Eagles Dare**

– **Eagle Has Landed**

– **Men of Honor**

– **Starship Troopers**

VI. Notable Mention: Inglourious Basterds

– Recognition of Quentin Tarantino’s film as a humorous take on killing Nazis

VII. Personal Reflections on Military Movies

– Emotional impact and personal connections to military movies

– Mention of tear-jerking moments and laughter-inducing scenes

– Recognition of actors who delivered powerful performances in military roles

VIII. Perspectives on Modern Military Movies

– Common Veteran’s emotional experience watching a recent military movie set in Afghanistan

– Discussion on why individuals with military backgrounds watch such movies despite the emotional impact

IX. Closing Thoughts

– Recap of discussed movies and themes

– Teaser for future podcast episodes and topics

– Gratitude for listeners and encouragement to share feedback

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·
The Common Veterans explore what it is to be a Veteran and use
verbiage like “Brother.” Where blood ties are not necessary to be siblings…

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The Common Veterans explore what it is to be a Veteran and use verbiage like “Brother.” Where blood ties are not necessary to be siblings…

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In the military, members have to be something of an athlete to ensure combat effectiveness; in the same way, Veterans need to maintain some semblance of fitness to stay healthy.

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Common Veterans Podcast

Episode 5: Just Do It

In the military, members have to be something of an athlete to ensure combat effectiveness; in the same way, Veterans need to maintain some semblance of fitness to stay healthy.

• Fitness as a Way of Life
  • In the military, everything revolves and resolves around fitness.
    • Basic training until retirement; the military starts the morning with physical training, and throughout the day, PT is continued.
    • Discipline and distraction are filled with physical training
      • Song Cadences and chants
      • Cadence calls
        • 1… 2… 3… 4… Forward march! Double time… Move!
      • Food is catered in the military to a very active lifestyle where each military member receives no less than 2000 calories a day
        • After the military many members become sedentary, and they do not realize that they are not training as much; therefore, they are not able to process the calories that they bring in. Instead, members get fat.
      • Training is how the military stays ready.
        • Requirements to carry the brother/sister over the shoulder out of a combat situation.
        • Every branch has its fitness requirements in the Common Veterans day were:
          • Army PT scores were originally based on push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run
          • Navy PT scores push-ups, curl-ups (not sure of the difference between sit-ups and push-ups), and a 1.5-mile run
          • Marine’s PT Scores were based on pull-ups/push-ups, crunches, and a 3-mile run
          • Air Force standards?
            • Do they even have standards? Lol
          • Combat situations dictate the need for standards and how each military branch requires different standards based on their combat mission readiness and effectiveness.
            • Standards require effective training and diets.
          • Becoming a Veteran from Military Member
            • Diets and PT change
              • We eat the same way but do not work out as we used to.
                • Regimented workouts were the way that we stayed combat effective
              • Fewer workouts = more calories NOT being burned.

• Veterans Do NOT Exercise the Way We Should
  • We know that we are supposed to, but a lot of times, we are tired of the way we used to be.
    • Exercise means too early in the morning.
    • Civilian work life gets in the way, and we become “slaves” to our work and our health sacrifices.
    • Times become hard, and food becomes tastier and tastier – we eat more, work out less, and try less; which, makes us fat.
      • FreedomSystem offers camaraderie programs that give the ability to become active again
        • Mountain Biking
        • Martial Arts
        • Cardio Drumming (women)
      • Perspective from an Army Surgeon and a Family Physician
        • What does a Doctor see in the differences from being a military member to the transition to being a Veteran?
          • ?
          • ?
        • How does diet play into fitness?
          • ?
          • ?
        • Eating less and working out more would often be the perfect answer, but how is it achieved in the long run?
      • Next Episode: Defeated?
        • In the world’s greatest military, Veterans should feel like they can never lose, but often feel like they are getting beaten. The Common Veterans explore that feeling of being undefeated and how to maintain that even in adversity.

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