FreedomSystem.org Official Logo
Upcoming

Join Us.
Build Community.
Make A Difference.

Every event is an opportunity to connect, serve, and strengthen the Veteran community. Find your next opportunity to get involved.

View Calendar
Knowledge Center

Learn.
Grow.
Lead.

Articles, Veteran stories, leadership insights, faith resources, and practical knowledge written to strengthen our community.

Browse All Articles
The Common Veterans

Real Stories.
Real Veterans.
Real Talk.

The Common Veterans Podcast brings Veterans together for honest conversations about service, transition, faith, failure, humor, healing, and life after the uniform.

Listen Now
Veterans

Building from Scratch

The aggressive review of how many Veterans take a stance on life is common; especially for Combat Veterans. Our goals are easy and easily defined with, sometimes, one-word verbs. Conveying […]

1 min read

The aggressive review of how many Veterans take a stance on life is common; especially for Combat Veterans. Our goals are easy and easily defined with, sometimes, one-word verbs. Conveying tons of emotion in that one word. Most civilians will completely disregard said a word and make light of it, not really knowing the psychological damage that they are doing to the Veteran.

In the United States military (I can assume it is the same in other militaries around the world) soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are taught to live by a code. And I am not referring to the line in "A Few Good Men" where we are having a "Code Red;" however we are taught to have a moral code that requires us to be better, faster, more agile, and to not be sick. Combat arms are more susceptible to be labeled a "shit bag" or a "malingerer" if they go to the Troop Medical Clinic for anything, even if it is a hand that is quite visibly broken.  So when it is all said and done we have a broken individual that cannot think for themselves without doses of reality coming into plain view. (Not able to think for themselves is gross over-generalization.)

We are taught to handle our business in the prescribed manner of what has been taught to us and often chided for doing things differently, even if it is more efficient. "There are smarter people than us researching the best way to do this..." Was literally something I often heard; even though, new methods have been discovered and are found to be more efficient. We are not to ask questions, but merely follow orders. So therefore today we now have thousands upon thousands of Veterans that have to relearn how to do things because of efficiency, while they are correct in doing what they are doing, they are not able to be efficient.

We all want to hire a Veteran or help a Veteran, but the truth of the matter is that we expect a lot from them right out of the military, and rightfully so, they are generally competent, but they are often toxic and one of two things needs to happen: 1) Teach the Veteran how to handle the civilian world, or 2) Teach the Civilian world how to handle the Veterans to help them learn better.

FreedomSystem.org is developing a better reintegration into society program that will be ideal for both businesses and the actual Veteran. Please consider supporting us on our Donate page.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A Christian and American, Kenny is a proud Veteran, a devoted father and husband, and a man who places faith and family at the center of his life. He values the roles that have shaped him; friend, brother, son, grandson, and uncle, each reflecting his commitment to connection, responsibility, and service. A lifelong Cubs fan, he appreciates loyalty, perseverance, and the stories that bring people together. Professionally, he works in the digital space, focused on building, creating, and fostering meaningful connections.

RELATED ARTICLES

Religion, Veterans
August 8, 2026

Facing Your Goliath

The story of David and Goliath offers powerful lessons for Veterans facing life’s biggest challenges. Through faith, resilience, and the strength gained through service,…
Wayne Hawn Wayne Hawn
Read More

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

FreedomSystem.org is powered by Veterans who believe in something bigger than themselves!