Ill-Informed Views Cause Unnecessary Problems and Only Hurt Veterans
By Bob Maxwell
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Air Force Veteran
Why do some Veterans cut down non-Veterans that start and run Veterans organizations even though they have a strong veteran history in their families and amazing business backgrounds?
The reasons why some Veterans may criticize or cut down non-Veterans who start and run Veterans organizations, even if those non-Veterans have a strong family history of Veterans, can be multifaceted and may vary from one situation to another. Some potential reasons could include, but need to be closely examined:
1. Perceived Lack of Understanding: Some Veterans may believe that non-veteran leaders, regardless of their family history, may not fully understand the unique challenges and experiences of Veterans. They might feel that someone who hasn’t served personally may not be as empathetic or capable of addressing Veterans’ needs.
2. Authenticity Concerns: Some Veterans may question the authenticity of non-veteran leaders, even if they come from veteran families. They may believe that personal military service is a crucial aspect of leadership in Veterans organizations and may not consider familial connections as equivalent.
3. Differences in Approach: Veterans and non-Veterans may have different approaches to addressing Veterans’ issues. If non-veteran leaders take a different approach that is perceived as ineffective or out of touch, it can lead to criticism.
4. Past Experiences: Veterans may have had negative experiences with non-veteran leaders in the past, leading to skepticism and criticism. These past experiences can color their perceptions of non-veteran leaders in other organizations, but are they totally warranted? Life is a two way street and sometimes it is best to look at the person in the mirror.
5. Competing Interests: In some cases, personal or political interests within a Veterans organization can lead to criticism of leadership, regardless of their background. One must have all the facts before opening their mouth.
Let’s face it, this type of judgmental thinking is destructive, self-centered, and egotistical to say the least. Take a look at some of the biggest Veterans organizations in the United States as for example the USO, one of the best Veterans organizations on the planet.
CEO and President Dr. J.D. Crouch II is not a Veteran, but he runs the USO. His resume is amazing and he was the Senior Advisor to President Bush, U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University and the list goes on.
Tim Mullen, Executive Director USO. Oversees all USO field operations and service delivery for the USO in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Montana, also not a Veteran, but he has an amazing resume as well with a background of helping Veterans and their families. By the way, he lives in Henderson, NV.
Peter Palivos, Esq. Peter has done more for Veterans on a personal level than anyone I know. He has personally funded millions for projects that help Veterans and their families by assisting with rent and mortgage payments, household goods, medical bills, help funded the largest Veteran and Military Giveaway in the history of Nevada to the tune of $1.8 Million in furniture, appliances, clothing and more. This only touches on what Peter has done for Veterans and their families. Peter is also the Chairman of the Voice of the Veteran organization and is not a Veteran, but has 5 generations of Veterans in his family. Peter is also a Henderson, NV. resident.
Andre Haynes is the founder and Commander of the Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce. The Armed Forces Chamber has and is helping Veterans with business programs to help Vetrepreneurs build and grow their business, provide affordable housing in a project that has broken ground in Pahrump, NV., along with an ADA compliant Command/Community Center in Pahrump with construction starting in 2024 on this 2 story 4,200 square foot project.
Since 2011, Andre’ has personally supported several Veterans Treatment Courts in Henderson and Las Vegas by donating certificates of recognition, food and beverages, money, and speakers. Also, Andre’ partnered with Sleep Well Las Vegas and other furniture stores to donate brand new furniture valued at thousands of dollars to local veterans.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andre personally provided thousands of bread loaves and other food for Veterans and Veterans Organizations on a weekly basis in Southern Nevada. Also, Andre’ personally provided thousands of N95 respirators, surgical masks, face masks, and barrier face coverings to the Mesquite Fire Department and hospitals in Henderson during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, during the COVID-19 pandemic Andre’ hosted a COVID-19 Town Hall starring a moderator and panelists including representatives from the State of Nevada, County of Clark, cities of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas and medical professionals representing hospitals and urgent care facilities.
Andre’ has not sought funds or acknowledgement for his actions. As a matter of fact, he has used his own funds and is also very philanthropical. Andre is not a Veteran, but has 4 generations of Veterans on both sides of his family.
These are the leaders that I want to associate with because they are leaders of vision, action, and produce positive results for Veterans and their families. These four men for example, provide valuable knowledge and experience for their organizations in the quest to help all Veterans and their families. I challenge anyone to say that they should not be in their positions because they are not Veterans, because you will lose that argument and I will gladly publish it.
It’s time for all of us to come together, work together and get results together and STOP the ill-informed comments and finger pointing. Don’t forget to leave the ego at the door, open your mind because you may be surprised at what you discover.
NOTE: It’s important to note that these are potential reasons, and not all Veterans will hold the same views. There are many successful Veterans organizations led by non-Veterans, and they can and do bring valuable skills and resources to the table. Building trust, open communications, and a demonstrated commitment to Veterans’ well-being can help bridge the gap between Veterans and non-Veteran leaders and their organizations as well as the Veteran community.
*This article is slated to appear in Veterans World Magazine in the December 1st Issue
