The Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 4: Let’s Talk About War
“War, huh, yeah… What is it good for?” The Common Veterans take on war – the amount of Veterans that have fought in combat – or been to a combat zone, and why it is so hard to transition back into a noncombatant once back home…
I) Defining War and Combat Experiences
a. What is war?
i. Is it just a state of mind or an actual state of being?
b. What is considered a combat experience?
i. Combat arms vs. Support
1. Define POG
2. Define Combatant
II) What does war do to Veterans?
a. Is it an all-one-size-fits-all situation?
i. How much does one’s mindset play a role in combat?
ii. Does being physically fit change the mental aspect of things?
b. Any stories of war that can be told to emphasize what it means to be a warrior?
i. Combat explosions
ii. Door kicking
iii. Medical aspects
iv. Support for…
III) Transitioning back to civilians… Uh what?!
a. Support systems that… well.. support!
i. Family doesn’t always understand
ii. Vet organizations such as VFW, DAV, American Legion
iii. Nonprofits: FSO, Team RWB, Get Wet for a Vet. Etc…
b. Linking PTSD to TBI to survivor’s guilt to readjusting to civilian life
i. Mental health is not often right away
IV) Continuing on, what’s next?
a. Figure out your triggers are:
i. What is a trigger?
ii. How do we become the next level combatant?
V) Next Podcast: Episode 5: Proud to be an American
a. The Common Veterans are all United StatesMilitary Veterans. Pride in the country is pride in their service because they were willing to write a blank check to include up to their lives. The life of a Veteran often revolves around their service and how much they love their country. The Common Veterans discuss their love for God and country.
The Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 3: Free Lunch Day
The Common Veterans discuss Free Lunch Day. Free Lunch Day is and was Veteran’s Day. The Common Veterans talk about their favorite meals and why it is now been adopted by this pet name. The dangers of it and the gratitude that comes with getting a free meal, or are they free?
I) Free Lunch Day?
a. Discuss the historical significance of Veteran’s Day and how it has evolved into being referred to as “Free Lunch Day” among veterans.
i. Veterans were not always recognized.
ii. Soldiers start to expect it.
1. Overdo it – some go to many restaurants, and it becomes a lot
b. Explore the reasons behind this shift in terminology and what it means to the Common Veterans.
II) Favorite Meals and Restaurants
a. Share personal stories from the Common Veterans about their favorite meals on Free Lunch Day.
i. What changes when a Veteran dines with another Veteran?
1. Shared experiences
ii. Traditions that last
1. Common Veterans is a time for us to eat, rehearse, record, then reminisce!
2. Changes hearts and minds.
a. Caleb
i. Best V-Day Ever.
III) Gratis is Awesome, But Does it Attract Scammers?
a. Examine the potential dangers of Free Lunch Day, including overindulgence and exploitation of veterans.
i. Discuss the differences between restaurants that care vs those that create a “free meal” for marketing
1. Offer no drink.
2. Require to eat in a restaurant rather than eating at home
ii. Does it matter that it is a “free lunch?”
1. Better to have a free lunch or get together as Veterans and brothers/sisters in arms?
b. Discuss the stolen valor people that it attracts.
c. Stigma of being, “Anyone would do what I did” (Not a hero.)
IV) Next Podcast: Episode 4: Let’s Talk About War
a. The War, huh, yeah… What is it good for?” The Common Veterans take on war – the amount of Veterans that have fought in combat – or been to a combat zone, and why it is so hard to transition back into a noncombatant once back home…
b. Until next time
AVeteran who needs to navigate theVA 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.
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…
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
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
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.
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.
