The moral obligation to know our veterans: Mike Haynie at TEDxUniversityofNevada

Dr. Mike Haynie is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University's Whitman School. In this talk he discusses how as a result of the all-volunteer approach to military service, most people in the United States do not understand the challenges facing our veterans.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@sidneygrosshar269]

I did 23 years. Vietnam to Desert Storm. You spit on me during Vietnam. Gave us a parade after Desert Storm. Same people. I didn’t go to the parade.

[@angelica3744]

This was powerful to read. Thank you for your comment.

[@jasongentile7098]

21 Years 4x combat tours. I appreciate your service. The Vietnam Vets struggle ensured us current combat vets are taken care of.

[@rickscully9533]

Being a service member for the past 22 years, this man's speach was spot on. Honestly, we don't want to hear the thank you's. We don't need a hand out. We just need to be acknowledge. Too many of us who leave the service loose that sence of belonging. Even if sometimes the military can be hard, cruel, and frustrating. We in the military know that we all have to deal with it together. It's true, Americans have no idea what we do, or what it takes to accomplish said tasks. They are too busy worrying about what celebrity is or isn't doing. Or, what is going on on Facebook. I deal with this every time I talk to friends and family. For me it becomes disheartening when as the gentleman stated 22 veterans/military kill themselves every day. Nobody wants to hear this or believe it. The issue for me is, too many Americans have no connection to a service member. As the facts point out, .5% of Americans are in the military. How can they buy in to a change? My thought for this question is too have veterans invite the public to the VFW, LEGION, and other organizations. Make the first move. Allow them to see what the military is about. Show them the great things veterans do on a daily basis. Have TED like talks at college campuses, senior high schools. Not to promote the military. But to educate the public on what we have done, what we are about, and to put a local face to these issues. To me, it seems if someone is not affected by a tragedy, or a trauma. They are less likely to care. However, if your neighbors find out you were in. While listening to your story. I feel they are more likely to care. I truly don't think the Government, nor the people comprehend the damage that is going on with our veterans with 18 continuing years of heavy combat, and what that is doing to our future as a nation. To put this in perspective. Over 7,000 veterans/military die by suicide every year. So in total, that would be over 100,000 since the war in Afghanistan. If this isn't a National Emergency I don't know what is. If a section of society had these numbers the people should cry for change. However, since we make up such a small section of society we are dismissed, looked down on for not being tuff, and because a majority of Americans aren't effected they simply don't have the time to care. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my opinions. If I sound a bit ranty or long winded, it's only that I have so much frustration on the lack of knowledge towards our veterans.

[@billg.2903]

I could not of said it any better.... your statement, " However, since we make up such a small section of society we are dismissed, looked down on for not being tuff, and because a majority of Americans aren't effected they simply don't have the time to care." rings so true in my soul... being a veteran of Desert Storm, I was shocked last Friday to learn that the school my kids goto, along with other towns close by, are not even off Monday to honor Veteran's Day from now on.. just another school day to them... all they did this year was send home a basic 3 question 1/2 sheet paper (name, which armed service, how long) to tape on the wall in the hall for the day... now dont get me wrong, I am not wanting or expecting them to roll out the red carpet, serve me rack of lamb, sipping my wine & get a foot massage eating it, but really???? I see it as a disrespect, just a F-U, lets have math....

[@mdiscreetfun4you]

Amen brother

[@rickscully9533]

@@billg.2903 Thanks

[@rickscully9533]

@@mdiscreetfun4you Thanks

[@juliahart8593]

20 years as of now. And stopping riiiight there

[@minxtamer]

Steering this topic is like steering an ocean liner. You will eventually get the reaction you need from the public but until then our brothers and sisters continue to isolate themselves. We were once a part of something bigger than ourselves. We were once brothers and sisters in a cause. We need to find each other, take care of each other, in the small things. In the everyday things. We can't wait for the public to understand. We have to police up our own and care for them.

[@gentlewarriorjourney4426]

David Wyckoff I completely agree that without a cause we are lost and alone. As a Veteran, I never want to lose my purpose and direction like I did years ago when I returned home from Iraq. I’m now sharing my story...

[@forestchicken3302]

Everyone wants to say "I support the veterans. ". Until it's time to actually support the veterans. Empty words

[@parisiansparkle]

I can empathize. I support human beings behind each veteran who feel enough confortable to step up and say I am not okay and reach help. give speeches in schools, and town halls. respect.

[@lucreciafontanez3224]

My prayers are with all the young men and women that served bravely for my safety and the safety of our children words enough cannot express how greatful I am for your service. Our government need to step up and fight for the needs of our disabled. Soldier's. Sincerely, Lucrecia Fontanez & Family.

[@parisiansparkle]

oh well, why governement? I have a feeling that it has to be us the first to step up for our selves. talking as civilian; I work for an american company, my environment is teaching me to become actor of my life and job career after burnout. oh well, it's done. while they were putting pressure to abandon the company they invited me for ten years service, on the red carpet, to say "thank you". thumb up.

[@MackMcKinney]

I recently taught a 2-day entrepreneurism class to separating soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines at a US base in Germany. It is part of Boots2Business, a VA program operated by Syracuse University's IVMF. As we drove onto the base the first morning, a guard handed cards to every driver. These listed the warning signs of suicide, how to recognize them and what to do. The military suicide rate is now so high we are handing out warning cards at the front gates of our bases! I heard additional evidence in our classes to convince me that the US military mental health system needs work and the civilian system is non-existent (and its absence is a national embarrassment). The confluence of lawyers, big insurance companies and useless "insurance commissioners" in each state is depriving our military people of the mental health care they so desperately need once they leave the service. We must demand better than this! Charles Krauthammer is right: People must be able to buy health insurance across state lines and we must put realistic limits on malpractice claims. Otherwise we'll soon have an even greater shortage of physicians as they leave the career field. Republicans, you now own the entire Congress. Fix this mess!

[@oldreprobate2748]

Eventually we, veterans, become forced to become chameleons within our socitity devoid of actual presence, disguising ourselves as whatever that moment or person wants to see, it's the ultimate camouflage needed to survive, while we leave ourselves behind. -Don E. Ghidoni- USMC Retired

[@LivingLifeLOA]

Amen, brother. As the director of a veterans' services organization who works personally with dozens and organizationally thousands of our military heroes each year, your words ring true and powerful. Those of us who have worn the uniform and stood on the line plead with our fellow civilians to notice us, hear us, talk with us. We are a better nation when that happens. I will borrow some of your words in my future conversations and I'll not forget where they came from. Thanks for your service, in uniform, and out. And count me in on supporting compulsory service.

[@gentlewarriorjourney4426]

Lance O thank you for your service and now your continued service and sacrifice helping those who served!

[@terrysteward6765]

I got out of the Marines in 1978. In 2005, I went to Iraq as an older DOD contractor. I was in a horrible ambush. Three of our guys were killed, six of us were wounded. I was critically injured and nearly died. It has been over 13 years since the attack. I live in severe pain but try not to complain. The only thing I can say is I am glad it happened to me instead of screwing up a young military persons life. I can deal with the CRPS, the brain injury and the PTSD. I fear a young person may have given up and committed suicide.

[@terrysteward6765]

@@sirverbalot Thank you. I don't know your history, but if you are now disabled, something did not go right. I love our troops. It took a lot of guys working together to save my life. I can never repay them, so I try in different ways. I got on our Search and Rescue team and also on our Sheriffs Posse. In those ways I can continue to serve. Lucky for me I was accepted to both groups even though I am not physically 100%.

[@redheadedstepchild4130]

I never joined. Thought about it. I grew up in a military family, have at least two handfuls of friends/family that have or are currently serving. It pains me to see something like this, but the truth hurts and reality burns the eyes. Whenever I see a veteran I make goddamned sure I thank them. With all this hatred towards American Sniper in the past few days I had my own experience today - while at best buy a guy probably late 30's was looking at CD's. He was wearing a Scout Sniper Kophjager shirt. I was leary due to past meetings with hard scopers being intense. He had the cutest little lap dog in a carrier. My heart sank almost immediately. I prompty thanked him for his service and he ushered an almost bewildered, delayed response of "Thank you for the recognition." "Yes, Sir." That was it and we went our ways. If anything, by taking notice of someone for their sacrifice can brighten their day or let them know that there ARE people who give a shit then so be it. I'll be THAT guy in the crowd to stand up in front of everyone to offer a hand or buy a beer. It's my duty as a member of the 1st Civ. Div. to honor you.

[@gentlewarriorjourney4426]

Slam Manfield thank you for supporting Veterans and you are serving those who served. 🙏🏻

[@veteranscorner8317]

Very well done and worth the time to view it.

[@LavonneJones]

Rachel Aviles : I wrote this comment over a year ago and my job in the military was as a secretary, I did not inflict harm or hurt to another human being, I wanted to see the world and coming from a very large, poor family, my options were few. I am working with some great counselors now and hopefully there will be more programs to help other people whether in military or not who have been abused.

[@LavonneJones]

Thank You for sharing that story. I am a Navy Veteran from 1981 who was one of many women raped in the military and discharged before I could finish serving. The only thing I have to show for serving is a DD214, Honorable discharge papers and a 32 year old son. I am currently working with a VA counselor and trying to understand why people view us as invisible, when all we wanted to do was be of service to our country.

[@Ravalos3260]

You think you are serving the country but you are mistaken; using violence/tactics to inflict violence on other human beings is useless. Doing so only continues the cycle of human violence and killing. Instead of focusing on being a part of a huge, deceitful group that focuses on the issues of other countries, start at the source (here in the U.S.) and be an activist/productive human being. But make sure to always question authority, and be observant of everything around you.

[@joshuaortiz2031]

+Raquel Avilos you don't know what you are talking about. It's not black and white. The military is still a very necessary element in our society. We are more then just about the violence. When that earthquake hit haiti a friend of mine that was in the Navy was one of the first ones there to help. What were you doing when that earthquake hit?

[@curtis209]

0311 for life

[@jenstefas]

I absolutely made this argument when we started going into Iraq. That if on Sept 12, 2001, the draft was implemented, we never would have gone into Iraq.

[@jasongentile9568]

Great segment. I still support the VOLAR military (since I am a part of it). However, his point about disconnecting the cost and consequences from society is interesting.

[@secmydom]

wow... why doesn't this have more views and likes? Tim remains unknown.

[@jasongentile7098]

I have 19yrs and 4 combat tours to OIF and OEF. I feel disconnected from the civilian sector of America.....especially as I get ready to retire in a year or two from the military.

[@deannam1981]

you worked a job for 20 years and are retiring. what makes you special? that's why military vets are having problems. you volunteered. no one owes you a handout and a handshake. you are anonymous. i am anonymous. there's nothing special about civilians or military veterans. it's something that veterans need to learn. i don't tell anyone i served. it's not something special.

[@wairimumukuria959]

I feel you Jason. Military career is a lifestyle. When you have give up the job, you are giving up a lifestyle. It is not a transition to be taken lightly. Start small and be kind to yourself. Good luck.

[@jasongentile7098]

That was my point.

[@jasongentile7098]

Actually, there is something special about veterans. Especially, this generation. They volunteered......to support and defend something greater than themselves. The point is I feel sorry for normal people who know nothing but a life dedicated to pursuits that do not help a Nation, people or society expand.

[@thebilldozer7970]

The isolation becomes peaceful after a while.

[@MartinShannonHayes]

America continues to create increasingly more veterans that it’s become as hard to care about it, as it is to keep count. Endless invasions, occupations, drone strikes and stories of torturing detainees has given us all fatigue.

[@charlotteice5704]

This problem is HUGE. But the only "solution" I have is to have no war, eliminating all the problems with that dirty job that needs sacrificing for. But that is no real solution as unfair groups won't obey any laws. And the way to have no real war I thought about is doing it all in video games. But as I said, ISIS won't obey such law.

[@karenmatney5761]

I grew up in the american legion and the eagles

[@alexanderd3138]

I grew up in Iraq.

[@oldreprobate2748]

Yes we are anonymous, and that is what it's always been amongst the civilian population, as with many present at this presentation. Many will walk away and for intensive purposes mentally discard everything they've heard here.

[@FeWolf]

shared

[@oldreprobate2748]

The phrase " Thank you for your service" is not unlike the "common place robotic' phrase " have a nice day" in large by the vast majority of the general public.

[@dstorm7752]

My generation of vets was treated like garbage. Iraq-Afghan vets owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Viet vets because at least Iraq-Afghan vets got a round of polite applause on a plane. Most military "leaders" are bureaucrats seeking another star, so they support the all-volunteer military even though it was a terrible mistake.

[@johnhunt9674]

+Christopher L I think you're assumption may be right. I'm at the VA constantly and ALWAYS praise the Vietnam vets. As an Iraq vet I always thought those Vietnam vets had it way harder than us. Every single one of them looks me in the eye and tells me to not thank them,that they're all proud of us younger vets and it is what it is. Not one ever asked for shit like you said. Spot on brother.

[@johnhunt9674]

***** I was supporting your comment. Are you feeling ok?

[@johnhunt9674]

***** It's ok man. I served in Ramadi in the Marine Corp. Listen brother, you can't get through to people insulting them and loosing your cool like that. I'm not trying to start anything at all but people stop listening when you disrespect them and aren't rational about things. Just try having an open mind about different opinions even if you don't agree with them. Just throwing that out there. You're so right about veterans "asking" for things though. Great comment.

[@thecurtray]

someone-thinks-we-do-not-need-meds-as-they-took-mine------i-now-have-70dayys---70-for-my-children

[@georgecook1374]

everyone wants to say thnx and then walk away and pat themselves on the back. nearly no one wants to actual get to know the person they thanked her their personal story good bad or indifferent.

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

Forcing people to do the governments bidding with threats of violence and/or punishment is always wrong. I'm sorry but these men and women volunteered for this and if no one volunteered there wouldn't be anyone to go kill people halfway around the world. I honor those who have served but what you are saying here goes against everyones inalienable right to say "no I do not support what the government is doing and I will not fight for a cause I do not believe in." I find this video appalling.

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

***** you don't know shit about my country you little piss ant or about me for that matter...liberals belong in section 8....they like it there so much they want everyone to join them

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

***** Does your mommy know you're a lying progressive liberal douchebag?

[@stevenschmidt9466]

+Donald Trump for President 2016 I hope you know that Trump is more of a "liberal progressive douchebag" (add lying, egomaniacal, irrational blowhard to that) than, arguably, anyone running for the entirety of both nominations. You're literally tossing out typical lefty garbage through your statements of character assaults. The military is, by far, the best source of structure that includes the best source for learning respect, discipline and leadership, all of which are required to be successful. So, viewing our country's current state of society, I'd bring back the draft in a heart beat. Just because you are drafted does not mean you have to hold a combat oriented MOS as active-duty. There are three categories: active, reserves and guard. The latter typically don't see combat, if ever. You could work in the S2 shop as MI or just as a POG in general and never have to worry about being shot at. Shit, you could just go National Guard. What he is actually trying to say is that most veterans have a level of character that far surpasses that of your typical human being, including morality, and that is why our veterans must be acknowledged. I enlisted when I was 18, served 4 tours, three to Afghanistan and one to Iraq in the 173 Airborne BCT. My parents gave the Army a boy and the Army sent back a fucking man.

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

Steven Schmidt The draft doesn't exactly jive with freedom and liberty much does it or would you know about such things. You know, it is funny that you mention the military since recent polls show service people overwhelmingly want Trump as president. Cruz isn't qualified to be president constitutionally, Kasich is an establishment shrew, Sanders is a closet communist and Clinton is a criminal. I like how you use this excuse to peacock yourself so I'm going to assume that you are completely full of crap. I know you're criminally ignorant so I will wish you good day.

[@stevenschmidt9466]

Donald Trump for President 2016 How does the military not jive with freedom? Have you ever served? I am assuming not. The oath you swear when contracting into the US Army, Marines, Air Force or Navy, requires you to sign your life away to defend the freedom of all US citizens and to preserve the Contitution of the United States of America. Polls are just that, polls. Do these vets and "service people" understand politics and the ramifications of som of Trump's proposals? Most likely not. Like beginning trade wars. Creating tension with Mexico, on of our major sources of trade. Belittling our allies, most of which despise Trump. Cruz is actually eligible for the presidency. He was born to an American citizen in a foreign country. That being sid, why was McCain allowed to run in 2008 when he was born in a foreign country? When did say anything about the qualifications of the other candidates? Or are you just unable to grasp what I was speaking of? Your ability to place rational substance in your argument is severely lacking. How am I peacocking myself? The information about how Trump is the farthest thing from Conservative and presidential material is stunning and only takes a single Google search or watching the debates. So, yes, my opinion based off of research is so very criminally ignorant.