Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ November 2024
This years Veterans day blog is very simple. I asked Veterans to offer advice to military members that are close to getting out of the military and/ or brand new veterans that recently got out of the military. We need to stay proactive in building our veteran community and it starts with becoming the mentors we never had.
“Do not bottle stuff in. Definitely do not drink alcohol. Don’t give your entire heart to someone. Talk about things.” Brock Melvin/ USMC Vet
“Transitioning from active military to civilian life can be extremely challenging, no matter if you served four years or twenty. Connecting with veterans that have made that transition successfully is extremely important. Going through a mentorship program can be very helpful in deciding on and achieving your next chapter. Lastly, be your own champion, look into resources, connect. Ask for help and support when you need it. Veterans will always support one another.” -Khana Sudranski/ USAF Vet
“To all the new veterans stepping into civilian life: first, take a moment to acknowledge the incredible journey you’ve been on. The skills, discipline, and resilience you developed during your service are powerful assets that will serve you well in this next chapter. Transitioning can feel overwhelming, but remember that it’s okay to seek support from fellow veterans, mentors, or organizations dedicated to helping you adjust. Take the time to explore your passions, pursue new skills, and build a support network. The civilian world may seem different, but you’ve already proven your ability to adapt. Stay patient, keep an open mind, and trust that this is just the beginning of a new adventure, one where your unique experiences will continue to shape your success.” -Naveen Kumar/ Navy Vet
“Best advice is have some kind of plan or strategy on the way out. Don’t just assume you’ll find a job or live off the GI bill. Start planning your exit way before you leave. Also consider the reserves because that is potential employment if you need it.” -Lorenzo Soto/ USAF Vet
“Take all of your medical records for screening prior to getting out to see if you qualify for healthcare and other types of benefits.” Ed Escalante/ USMC Vet
“Use your terminal leave to take some time off, but have a set time for that break to end. Use that time to recharge and reflect on both your military career and your future endeavors. Live it up a little and enjoy life. Then be ready for a different kind of grind back in the civilian world. It’s hard but don’t be discouraged, you have a lot of skills and qualities your civilian counterparts don’t. Show up, show out and continue to improve your life!” – Ray Lea/ USAF Vet
“If I could do it all over, I would have not gotten married while I was in service until I was more senior enlisted and simply more mature in life. Not being able to fully dedicate myself to the job in mind, spirit, and body became a challenge in the early years effecting not only my marriage but also my ability to perform at my full potential. Choose wisely who you give yourself to physically, emotionally, and legally. You are worth the wait!” -Dr. Johnny M. Medina, DSW/ USMC
“Make sure you connect with other veterans who have also gotten out so that you can find camaraderie amongst each other. And you can also help each other navigate and learn about veteran benefits.” – Bre Gaudit/ Army Vet
“First, decide your immediate goals; jump into employment, or start using educational benefits? Be sure to network regardless. It can feel awkward, but having connections is your best bet in getting hired after the military and/ or college. Remember that your benefits cover many trade and technical schools as well now; which can be quite lucrative and are worthy of serious consideration.” – Elizabeth Forest/ USAF Vet
“Make sure you always go to medical treatment when you need it, and ignore the toxic work culture.” -Ben Larkin/ Navy Vet
“We need to stand on positivity and constructive habits. This includes working out, training, martial arts, community, service, and mentoring of our current active duty members. Also a strong sense of faith in a higher power. Steering clear of drugs and alcohol is paramount. Often these are used as a crutch. Fighting our demons isn’t easy, but fighting an addiction makes it even harder. Lastly, do not be afraid to reach out to those of us that have been through this, it’s not a weakness, it’s an alliance!” – Mark Geletko / USMC Vet
“First of all, welcome home. There are going to be hurdles throughout your transition. A Vet center will help you navigate through some of those hurdles. Vet centers are clinics that serve veterans that suffer from combat related PTSD and/ or Military sexual trauma (MST). They offer readjustment counseling services and connections to resources and community partners in your local area. They (Vet centers) welcome veterans with warm arms and empathy.”- Victor Dendariarena/ Army Vet
“Don’t Kill Yourself.” – Joshua Dean/ USAF Vet
“To the new veterans, some words of advice.
When you first get out, it’s not gonna be easy to transition. This is the real world, and they don’t know anything about the military. You’re going to have to be patient with people because civilians aren’t trained like us. Don’t come out here demanding respect because the civilians don’t understand it. Don’t go back to your old ways, know your worth . Use your military skills to move forward in life. And if it gets too hard or you need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask. Go to your local VA and start your paperwork. You earned it.” -Orlando Ramos/ USMC Vet
“Don’t get distracted, take advantage of every opportunity the military has to offer. Keep your records straight, document everything. Don’t tie yourself down right away, the BAH ain’t that good. Don’t let the long days and deployments discourage you, you are making life long friendships, talk about the things that need to be talked about and try to make a difference while you are in.
We are one team, so we are one fight. For the ones getting out, get those medical records straight and file for disability right away when you get out. Don’t let a single day pass where you don’t work toward your benefits, resources or compensation!” -Rachel Braden/ Navy Vet
“Do not do it alone. Reach out and find other veterans who have been out and successfully navigated transition. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.” Michael Parker/ USMC Vet
“Have a plan! It sounds obvious, but if you are planning on leaving the military then there must be a reason. Whatever that reason is, do as much as you can to prepare. This way when you get out you have a sense of direction and one less thing to figure out.” -Alex Alvarado/ USAF Vet
“Listen Up, You are forever a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine. Those are not your identity but are a part of you and have made you something a little different than before you Joined. That is a Good Thing!! When you start the new journey out of Uniform do not discard the tools and skills that you gained, to be successful you truly have all you need within!! Keep your closest Military Allies and Mentors in your circle. Find new circles as well. You are capable of continued growth; you got this. Once again, don’t drop your pack inventory; keep the tools! Semper Fi.” – anonymous USMC Vet
“Adaptability is the greatest skill you developed. You just don’t know it yet. But you will soon. Because nothing will go quite according to plan. And your life will soon go from structured to free. From being surrounded by other people that are “under orders”, to being free around free people. Getting out of the military requires shedding and grieving while simultaneously transforming. Another complication is that many of us veterans isolate. But do not hesitate to ask us questions. We will share when/ if we are asked the hard questions.” -Elisa Escalante/ USAF Vet
Functionally Mental 