After my military service, I chose to drink. I chose to drink because it was easy, because it was fun, because I knew it and felt comfortable with it. I chose to sit in my apartment and play Call of Duty, and continue to live the lifestyle I had learned in the Infantry, because I perceived it to be safe and comfortable. No NCO was banging on my door at 0400 to “Get your kit on!” because “TCP 3 just got hit with a VBIED!” I didn’t have to fight the war anymore, and so I was finished. I was finished with my duty, and now I get to have fun, and do what I want to do. That lifestyle didn’t stay fun for long, because it provided me no sense of purpose. In fact, after less than two years of that lifestyle, I gave it up. I got sober, and I took renewed interest in my college education by changing my major to study something I actually wanted to use to improve society. I relied on the love of my family to support me as I took steps to confront my personal issues with PTSD and depression.
When I found out about The Mission Continues, I quickly realized that they had the best answer to my question: “What are we doing to empower this generation of veterans to reintegrate themselves in society, after their military service?” The answer? “We are going to challenge you, because we still need you.” Very quickly after I received my college degree, I applied for a Fellowship with the organization. Instead of serving in that fashion, however, I received an email encouraging me to apply for a position at The Mission Continues, working with Fellows. I jumped at the opportunity to apply, and very quickly found myself in an organization whose sole mission was service.
Service is everywhere, here. Words like altruism, challenge, and community are all over the walls, in the mouths of our Fellows and staff, and, most noticeably, ingrained in everything we do. After I attended the first team meeting, I realized that I had finally reached an organization that was right for me: an organization whose ethical values transcend personal beliefs. Everyone, including our network of highly motivated Fellows, can devote their lives to serving the community.
Micah Goulet served for six years as an infantryman in the United States Army. He now works as a Fellowship Program Associate for The Mission Continues.
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Mark,
Thank you for the kind words. If you want to get involved by serving your community, you can go to our website, and check out our service projects page. There are tons of events happening all over the US all the time, and you can search by zip code to find one close to you. These service projects are super fun, and not as hard as you would think. Plus, it’s an opportunity to meet other veterans, as well as motivated non-veteran members of the community, who want to do some good, by working with vets. They’re fun. Check it out.
I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you, brother, “Welcome home.” You may not have gotten that in your day when you got back, so I will say it now. Thank you for your service. We still need you, though. Good luck in the future, and with your personal service to your community.
Micah
The Mission Continues is a great program, I’m glad to see it helped you through the reintegration process.
i read the article by mr. Goulet. I myself am a vietnam vet. When i returned in 1972, i had problems at the airport in san francisco. I was called foul names. I was called a baby killler.I tried explain to these people that i never killed babies. No one cared. I was really hurt over that remark . When i returned home that remark festered in my mind. I started drinking and cocaine use. I remained on booze and cocaine for about 15 years or more. I couldn’t hold a job, because of my alcohol and drug abuse. I spent about two years living on the streets. I went as far as stealing to survive. I was fed up with society, so i packed what clothing i had and left my hometown. I did not tell my family. I just vanished. I eventually ended up in memphis tenn. Thats where i met my future wife. She took me for me. Eventually she help me break the coke habit i had.she help me get off the booze We have been married for 24 years now starting 25 in sept. What i really have a sad heart is that we have that number of vets.that are homeless. this the results of america turning there backs on heros and warriors. I am moving this month but i promise on my dusty old soul that i am going to get involved in working with vets. It’s my duty as a fellow vet.