U.S. General Stanley McChrystal (L) speaks to Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Eric K. Shinseki during the launch of “Joining Forces”, a national initiative in support of service members and their families, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, April 12, 2011. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES – Tags: POLITICS MILITARY)
It is refreshing to see such leadership during this time of uncertainty and need in the veteran community. Joining Forces is an excellent way to address the many issues we currently face. Serving our country for over 17 years has solidified my unwavering belief in selfless service. In addition, it has provided me insight between military and civilian cultural divides. I am continually reminded of our civic duty to care for those who have selflessly sacrificed for our country. Diagnosed with a recurrent medical condition, I have confronted the associated stigma of serving my nation within an altered capacity. I frequently travel to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. During one of these visits, I witnessed a soldier struggling to adjust his camouflaged backpack. This individual battled silently, without assistance, but instead with stares as he exited the medical hospital. This young soldier was a dual amputee, facing a military discharge, and forced to re-learn life without legs. This soldier inspired me to launch The Frontlines website http://www.thefrontlines.com. The mission is to empower members of the armed forces, veterans, family and friends through a network that provides resources, education, and the ability to creatively share stories from the frontlines. It is time for a renewed call to action to restore faith in government, promote active citizenship, and selfless service. Issues facing veterans are not only the veterans’ issues. Failure to recognize or address veterans’ problems weakens the armor of our society, abandoning those who served and sacrificed in the name of our country.
No medal or mission has filled me with a greater sense of accomplishment than to be an advocate for veterans and most importantly for restoring selfless service to America. Though the launch of Frontlines is a significant accomplishment, it is only the beginning step to transform our nation through engagement and support of active citizenship. I believe we can bridge the divide between military and civilian cultures, through promoting candid conversation regarding the cost of war to our nation and its protectors. Our brave service members require neither sympathy nor accolades, but rather a supportive environment where voices can be heard in an open, inclusive dialogue. It is only through preservation and education that our nation will remain great, and can we hope our grandchildren understand serving for a cause greater than oneself.
To learn more please visit The Frontlines http://www.thefrontlines.com or email me at askthewarrant@thefrontlines.com. Thank you. Fronts Change. Memories Don’t.
Very respectfully,
Nathan W. Tierney
CW4, USA
It is refreshing to see such leadership during this time of uncertainty and need in the veteran community. Joining Forces is an excellent way to address the many issues we currently face. Serving our country for over 17 years has solidified my unwavering belief in selfless service. In addition, it has provided me insight between military and civilian cultural divides. I am continually reminded of our civic duty to care for those who have selflessly sacrificed for our country. Diagnosed with a recurrent medical condition, I have confronted the associated stigma of serving my nation within an altered capacity. I frequently travel to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. During one of these visits, I witnessed a soldier struggling to adjust his camouflaged backpack. This individual battled silently, without assistance, but instead with stares as he exited the medical hospital. This young soldier was a dual amputee, facing a military discharge, and forced to re-learn life without legs. This soldier inspired me to launch The Frontlines website http://www.thefrontlines.com. The mission is to empower members of the armed forces, veterans, family and friends through a network that provides resources, education, and the ability to creatively share stories from the frontlines. It is time for a renewed call to action to restore faith in government, promote active citizenship, and selfless service. Issues facing veterans are not only the veterans’ issues. Failure to recognize or address veterans’ problems weakens the armor of our society, abandoning those who served and sacrificed in the name of our country.
No medal or mission has filled me with a greater sense of accomplishment than to be an advocate for veterans and most importantly for restoring selfless service to America. Though the launch of Frontlines is a significant accomplishment, it is only the beginning step to transform our nation through engagement and support of active citizenship. I believe we can bridge the divide between military and civilian cultures, through promoting candid conversation regarding the cost of war to our nation and its protectors. Our brave service members require neither sympathy nor accolades, but rather a supportive environment where voices can be heard in an open, inclusive dialogue. It is only through preservation and education that our nation will remain great, and can we hope our grandchildren understand serving for a cause greater than oneself.
To learn more please visit The Frontlines http://www.thefrontlines.com or email me at askthewarrant@thefrontlines.com. Thank you. Fronts Change. Memories Don’t.
Very respectfully,
Nathan W. Tierney
CW4, USA