Imagine having lived a lifestyle that didn't make sense to the majority of the population and then one day just stopping that lifestyle because you got 4 copies of your DD214. On this simple piece of paper sums up what seems like a lifetime of experiences, friendships, complex challenges, countless missions and training, loss, personal development, and major accomplishments to name a few. All of this wrapped up in small paragraph with no grammar. Just awards listed, (if you even got any), places traveled to, and a few columns to tally up the days, months, and years in service.
You attended the mandatory Yellow Ribbon events, did the workshops, and even found yourself feeling a sense of hope that civilian life won't be hard to transition back into. How hard could it be to go back to normal civilian life? All those days spent complaining about how not normal Army life is. What adult eats in a mess hall three times a day other than elderly folks or patients in a psych ward? Who in the civilian world lives with, travels with, and eats with their co-worker? No one.
Why are we sharing this with you? The BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front, Army term) is this, veterans need purpose outside of the military. But here's the thing, Veterans have a large B.S. meter and this purpose has to have a significant meaning, something that goes beyond themselves, and is for the good of the group.
Where we at RANGER JO COFFEE LLC believe that our current culture is failing our veterans, is in the idea that we think we should teach veterans how to have self-care and to build themselves up or to pursue their personal goals in retirement. Wouldn't sitting all day, not working at all, talking out your problems in therapy, traveling everywhere, and buying all the things you couldn't have during your time in the service give you tremendous joy and fulfillment? The suicide rate in veterans would suggest otherwise. Perhaps a continued life of service for the good of society would be a better alternative. This is where our Golden Retrievers come in to play. At RANGER JO COFFEE LLC we pair up a Golden Retriever puppy with a U.S. Army Veteran for two reasons. One, it gives a veteran a talking point in common with civilians, and two, it makes veterans approachable enough to then share their experiences both personal and professional.
Our current culture needs veterans and we need your help in making this happen. The invitation is yours. Donate today!