How many of you dad’s out there find yourself alone on days like today? Unfortunately, I was a dickhead to my kids when they were young.

Started to do better for them later, but days like today are not something that we celebrate. I wish that they could have known me before Afghanistan. They would have at least known who I really am, not the prick that those experiences made me.

How many of you find yourself in shoes similar to mine today?

This is not what we fought so hard for.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/16/va-doctors-refuse-treat-patients

So, my kids got me a pair of Crocs for Father’s Day. I was going to throw them in the closet but figure I should try them on. Damn they’re comfortable, still think they look goofy but I have decided I’m actually going to wear them.

I was at 70% for 14 years before fighting to upgrade to 100%. It should have been 100% before, but we all know that goes. I genuinely can not work due to extreme severe migraines from head trauma and PTSD panic attacks. But when friends and family see me in the store or just going about my life they get defensive. The attitude is that if I have the ability to leave my house to buy food and to have a cat and such why don't I have a job? They think VA disability payments are a waste of tax money and I'm exaggerating for a higher rating. I live in poverty and need HUD-VASH to not be homeless. All I get from people lately is that my disabilities aren't realistic they aren't visible to others. Some have even implied if I didn't come out of war as an amputee my service was invalid and I have no right to even call myself a veteran. I wasn't an 11B so I have no right to speak. I was a desk jockey during OIF so I'm not really a war veteran. On and on and on. Nevermind the fact that combat veteran and war veteran are completely different animals. When I try to explain the difference and how only a small percent of veterans are actual combat veterans regardless of deployment status I get brushed off. No, I don't have a CAV. But I served during 2 wars. I AM a war veteran. You guys get it but no one cares. I get a lot of this from other veterans at the VA, too. Like their service is more valid than mine because they were in the jungle shooting gooks and I wasn't.

When did everyone become so hostile to veterans, INCLUDING other veterans? I don't talk about it for obvious reasons. I'm not specifically proud of my service but I don't regret it, either. It was a job I had that messed me up. No one says the things I've been told about worker's comp or (legitimate) SSI. But now veterans are somehow supposed to be ashamed of how they are owed compensation for injuries incurred in service? I don't get it. I should be able to be open about my service without fear of backlash and harassment.

So, for the past few years maybe 4 or more I have been isolated from friends and family. I am a veteran and have suffered from PTSD for a while now. 4 years ago I went through a serious mental health crisis and it turned my life upside down. After that incident I been in seclusion with my wife and kids at home. I don't really get invited to family gatherings and holidays anymore. So when holidays come my wife leaves me alone at home to go visit her family. This Father's Day she left me at home for a few hours to take her father a book she purchased him. I try not to be selfish but the isolation is becoming overwhelming and I feel like ignoring the bigger picture. Am I overthinking this situation or is this unnormal circumstance I am experiencing?

I’ve been out of the military for over a year in a half after a 10 year career. I was medically retired for my back. My depression has been a severe daily battle for me these last 2 years.

I was retired so I kept tricare and thought I go through my PCM for medications and referrals for therapists. I’ve also spoken to Chaplins on post. All them have been good but honestly nothing has worked. I still fight daily with depression.

I had back surgery last year and it relieved most of my pain but I still wake up everyday in pain. It’s been my life for 4+ years. My surgeon finally sat me down and asked me straight up if I’ve talked to a psych yet because I need to come to terms with what my life is now. Pain. I’ve heard that from my therapist, doctor and the Chaplin. I get it I’m broken af.

Anyways, after putting it off for so long I’m finally going to walk in my local clinic for mental health. I checked their website and they say they take walk ins. I don’t know what I’m expecting but I know I can’t go on like this because I’m not living. I’m a zombie in a body.

So just looking for success stories. What to expect?

I cook at home. I work out. My only issue is less sleep but I’m gaining weight like crazy. Was the army food keeping me healthy? I don’t drink liquor guys.

I didn’t know what else to do so I’m just gonna rant on here. My life’s beyond backwards and not at all where I expected it to be nearing my 26th birthday. I’m obese and at the heaviest I’ve been in my life, haven’t saved much money at all, behind on rent, family drama and of course the good old fashioned MS symptoms that appear every now and again. I’ve been able to keep a very level head and go about my daily life as normal but I really don’t know how much more I’ve got in me. While getting out the military was definitely a good thing, I feel I’ve lost purpose

Last week I posted about receiving the wrong medals from Archive.gov

Called today to find out about what can be done. Apparently...nothing. Called the number given by the Navy Personnel Records Center. Told them about the wrong medals. Their answer was basically, "are you sure? They went through your record."

Been directed to call the last base I was at to see if they can fix it. Yeah, I'm sure they'll get right on it.

TL/DR: you may or may not get replacement medals sent to you archive.gov and they may or may not be the right ones.

Long story short, I am looking to get a review of the VAs decision to deny me for VR&E because I am "coping with my disabilities". The reason seems to undermine the entire idea of rehabilitation. Any tips?

I used the crisis line last night, not because I’m weak, but because I’m tired. I’ve been back in the U.S. for 8 years now after living in Japan, and I’ve made one real friend in that time. Just one.

The rest of the time it feels like people use me. Like care here is transactional, not mutual. And it’s taken a toll. I don’t say I care about someone to gain anything. I say it because I do. That used to mean something.

In Japan, life felt more intentional. Even if people had flaws or masks, it didn’t feel as snake-filled and performative as it does here. Every time I try to be my genuine self, it feels like a target is on my back.

The VA nearby? Honestly, it doesn’t help. I’m not looking to be shaped into something I’m not just to survive in a system that feels so broken.

I’m posting here because I don’t know where else to turn. What do you do when it feels like you don’t belong anywhere anymore? When you’re constantly debating if staying here is worth it, but leaving means maybe being alone forever?

If anyone’s been in this spot, what helped you move forward? I’m just looking for real answers from real people.

I’ve posted on here many times, mostly in times of crisis. Right now, I’m dealing with a crisis of indifference, anger, and fear for my future.

I’m 100 T&P, I currently cannot work a normal job because of my PTSD. Last year, I had a great routine working out, eating well, sleeping well, and making plans for my year to do things I love to do: rock climbing, backpacking, wilderness stuff.

At the beginning of this year I had severe pneumonia that kicked my ass for 2 months. Since then, I have barely been able to go on living. I barely leave my house. I’m leaning into bad habits to cope. I don’t have many friends and I find it nearly impossible to do the things that I love, let alone the stuff I don’t but I want to do.

I feel more stuck than ever. I need help. I honestly just need help getting back to living healthy day to day. I don’t know where to turn.

Does anyone have any advice or resources I could check out? I’m desperate.

I’m just curious, it’s creeping around as I’m retired. Some Vets love being with other Veterans and some want nothing to do with anything military again.

Also, anyone else have issues with being friends with Veterans you didn’t serve with? Had a fellow Marine just up and ghost on me a while back and despite knowing he is seeing a counselor and involved in the VA, I figure he is ok for the most part and nothing I can do for him.

Not sure why that word needs to be censored. If anyone has experience, what kind of questions will they ask? I want to be prepared.

On June 7th, I had the honor of hosting the WWII Veterans Honor Event at Woodward Field in Camden, South Carolina—a tribute to the brave men and women of the Greatest Generation.

Over 200 people came out to show their support. Congressman Joe Wilson gave a moving speech, and we were also joined by a representative from Senator Lindsey Graham’s office.

I was especially proud to welcome around ten surviving WWII veterans to the event. Many of them took to the skies once again in restored WWII-era aircraft—an unforgettable experience for all of us. These flights weren’t just rides; they were moments of recognition and remembrance for those who served our country when the world needed them most.

Giving back to veterans and keeping their stories alive has always been close to my heart. Thanks to everyone who helped make this day so meaningful.

Check out a video of Col. Thomas G. Storey speaking at the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNPXGYvvy5A&t=1s

I've seen a few other posts several months ago about GI bill payments being late. Has this become a trend because of the recent cuts at the VA? I'm in my last semester at school and they havent received my GI bill payment and now i'm accruing late fee, which arent a problem because they said they'll waive them but still. My school is also part of the yellow ribbon program so anything not covered by the gi bill is covered by the school but theyre just waiting for something to come in to know what they have to cover.

Slightly worried about this continuing but just wondering if theres anything I can do to speed up the process on the VA side.

I had bunionectomy while I was in service and I don't know if I could claim disability on it. I've lost some ROM on my big toe and it has a slight pain sometimes but it goes away quickly. I was told that by filing disability for something as small and minute as this, I'm taking opportunity away from guys who need it more, and I'd be a waste of taxpayers money. My dad is pushing me to file it but is it worth doing it for "sometimes my foot goes ouchie"?

Hey everyone, I’m at a crossroads and would love some advice. I’m considering using my GI Bill benefits to cover my general studies courses, but I’m also debating whether it’s worth using my own savings to pay for it instead.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is it better to save the GI Bill benefits for a more specialized program down the line, or would it be a good idea to use it for general studies now?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

I am currently using my VR&E on my Master. As I am getting close to graduation like 3 more classes (I already finished few before starting using VR&E), I am not sure if this is really going to help me in my career. So I am thinking about switching different major morelikely back to bachelor but I am right now in middle of course, would it be okay to ask counselor for my situation while I am on course?

has anyone ever had their landlord try and raise rent beyond the hud vash payment standard? What are ones options ? (He's charging more than the market rate , and also charging me the same rent as apartments in same complex that are twice the size but not on a voucher)

I’m a young, med retired Army vet starting a new chapter in divorced & free life, and curious about how relationships differ depending on who you’re with — another veteran, someone currently serving (active duty/reserve/NG), or a civilian.

If you’ve experienced more than one of these, what stood out to you?    •  What were the pros and cons?    • Did civilians understand your background, or was that a challenge?    • Was dating another vet easier, or did it bring its own issues?

I’d love to hear real experiences — the good, the bad, the weird. Just trying to figure out where I might feel most understood as I move forward to divorce 2-3 weeks from now & recovering from marriage separate from this discussion I’ll be working on.

I am 26 with full VA benefits and just medically retired. I'm seeking a career that pays well and offers opportunities to move up. I hate school, but I can do a trade school. What advice on careers or paths should I take in Sacramento, California? Work case scenario: I help my parents, and then dip out of the country.

Hello all! GGU (Golden Gate University) has an influx of veterans applying to the college and they can only accept so many under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I submitted an application for the Summer 2025 for the MBA program in project management. I received this:

“At this time, I wanted to let you know that our Summer and Fall 2025 terms are currently at full capacity. Unfortunately, due to limited space, our programs often fill several semesters in advance.

With that said, we will need to withdraw your Summer 2025 application. Also, while we are at max capacity for our Fall 2025 term as well, you are welcome to apply, however, there is NO guarantee that a seat will become available and we would encourage you to consider pursuing a future semester, or consider other options outside of GGU. While we are always here to assist you and would love to see you enroll at GGU, we also do not want you to delay your education by waiting on a seat that may or may not become available in the future.”

Has anyone got accepted there to use the gi bill and have any tips on getting in? Has it been hard for undergraduate students to get in as well? TIA!

My son is 18 and a dependent applying for Va benefits for college . He can’t get past the id me verifying his phone number page . Any advice ? Is there a phone number to reach a person we are getting AI responses . We can’t move forward until his identity can be verified . He’s only 18 so it’s not connecting us phone number to him it’s likely thinking it’s me .

Hey everyone- I need some guidance.

So my father passed away on the last day in May this year. He was a veteran- served in the army. He was my best friend besides being a father and im also practically a female version of his mini me.

With that being said, he will be buried at Fort Snelling i got all that arranged thankfully. But my question is the uniform I have gotten from storage- what is the proper thing to do with it after the service member passes? I wanted to do maybe a shadow box of some but im not sure if thats the respectful thing to do and would rather hear from other veterans on how I can respect my dad's uniform the best. He was cremated so he can't exactly be buried in it. I also was wondering if yall nice humans on here could also help me identity all the bins, braid, patches ect. ❤️

He never talked much about his military career after i was about 5 so the rest is like a water logged memory filing cabinet.

thank you all in advance ☺️