Where did you serve and what did you do?
United States Marine Corps (1991-1999)
How are you #StillServing?
The VFW has a more profound understanding of what happens after military service, hence you might understand our project better than most. For a lot of us, there is a bit of “re-wiring” (so to speak) that needs to take place.
Two years ago, in November 2018, a handful of veterans and their spouses started a free veterans organization to help those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those thinking of being part of the “22”.
As the founder, I have over 20 years of experience with exactly what that hard road to recovery is like first hand. I am a Marine veteran who was active from 1991–1999. My wife played a critical role in my recovery. Collectively, we have an understanding of this journey to recovery from multiple sides.
All1Team is a private, non-profit and social media network support group created by veterans, for veterans. We are an alternative to Facebook. We are not a corporation, nor are we corporate funded. As a matter of fact, the majority of funds have simply just been out of our own pockets. Membership is free and members can access blogs and stories that help with the re-wiring. Nonmembers can see a portion of those as well.
We cover topics such as learning how to make friends again, struggles with addiction, veteran PTSD and more. We facilitate social interaction in a private and secure environment. Members can chat privately with other veterans in a similar fashion to Facebook. We know all too well the importance of being able to just get through the day. One of the best ways to do so is to communicate with like-minded veterans privately.
While there are many Facebook veteran groups, Facebook has also been shutting them down, as well. Facebook also utilizes user data (user profile information, etc.) in ways that are simply alarming.
Over the years we have helped many veterans with various issues. We have helped them along their path to PTSD recovery. Our site has also helped many civilians with similar PTSD issues. We often meet veterans at their lowest points in life. They have withdrawn. They feel alone. They feel haunted. Some feel sad, most are angry. Some days are great, some are okay, and some are downright harrowing. We try to keep them from thinking, “It’s probably better that I just keep this to myself.”
Previous to meeting us, some have taken the chance to reach out to others, but others simply did not understand. Most people don’t understand the level of fallout carried within the heart and mind of a veteran. They don’t understand that whether it’s been three months, a year, three years, or 30 years, the fallout is fallout.
Our goal is and always will be veterans supporting veterans, without static or fear of judgment.
Why do you do it?
We do this to help those with PTSD and those thinking of being part of the “22”. The only thing that we care about is helping our fellow veteran brothers and sisters.