We're speaking of this guy as if he is a pity case that had no choice in the matter. We don't know whether this is true. Voluntarily leaving the service is vastly different from being forced out at 16 years. I really think our obligation as a society hinges upon this.

This man has highly marketable skills. And, while he can't disclose details of classified operations, he can certainly disclose his education, training, general experience, decorations, etc. to any potential employer. He can certainly get employment related to his field, assuming he wants it.

His security situation is somewhat unique. Of course, having an expose in Esquire doesn't exactly help. How hard would it be to kidnap the Esquire author and get the name? How long would the Esquire author hold up to waterboarding, let alone what unsavory types might do?

 

HUGS PROJECT INCORPORATED
Veterans Airlift Command
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS NATIONAL HOME FOR CHILDREN
The Coming Home Project
AIR COMPASSION FOR VETERANS
The National Military Family Association, Inc.
Operation Stand Down
The Silver Star Families of America
Operation Bandanas
Missing In America - Veterans Recovery Program
Starfish Foundation Inc
VETERANS MULTI- SERVICE & EDUCATION CENTER INC
HOME FRONT HEARTS
Herobox, Inc.
OPERATION SHOEBOX
BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
YELLOW RIBBON FUND INC
CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS INC
Brain Injury Association
INJURED MARINE SEMPER FI FUND
SoldierCare Project
Armed Services YMCA
SUMMIT SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS
Vets4Vets
FALLEN WARRIORS FOUNDATION
OLD GUARD RIDERS INC
P.O.W. Network
Pegasus Military Family Foundation, Inc.
VOLUNTEERS FOR VETERANS FOUNDATION
JERICHO PROJECT
OPERATION TRIBUTE
The Baltimore Station, Inc.
ONE Freedom Inc
MARINE PARENTS ASSOCIATION INC
The Telling Project
MARINE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION INC
OPERATION SHOWER
IRAQ ROSE INC
Partners International Foundation
Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center
Veteran Support Center, Inc.
BEING THERE REACHING OUT INC
etc.





...if only.

 

There is talk of his divorce and separation from his wife because of the fear of her safety...

teh story also left out he's entitled to 5 years free health care from the VA.

 

You left out Pets for Vets! Also, some universities have student veteran academic resource centers if he doesn't already have a degree or decides he wants to pursue a graduate degree.

I know about the above because they are two of the groups I donate to personally. I had never heard of many of the others listed, which shows they are out there if you look.

That's why the story leaves a bad taste in our collective mouths: it reads like the guy decided to quit his job with no long-term gameplan and is now surprised and upset that he doesn't have employer-linked benefits like income and healthcare and his budget is FUBAR.


I am with Hornetball, though. All of this changes if he was forced out versus voluntarily leaving.

 

As a purple heart recipient, he's already entitled to lifetime care.

 

yes, this. but it's doubtful it's the case and IIRC you're well versed in your benefits (or lack there of) when you leave the military.