tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995358743532991582.post9223343229995754289..comments2023-10-23T09:36:23.035-05:00Comments on SoUnequal: Nov 11: class, war, and dying (updated Nov 11, 2022)SoUnequalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492385805846419817noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995358743532991582.post-72918565596051242162012-11-13T08:51:46.702-06:002012-11-13T08:51:46.702-06:00Your observations about the problems that veterans...Your observations about the problems that veterans face upon re-entering civilian life are excellent, Sarah. Thanks also for informing us about John Stewart's interview with the former combat medics. Try this URL for viewing it: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-24-2012/exclusive---economic-reintegration-for-veterans<br /> SoUnequalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11492385805846419817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995358743532991582.post-52336629050248200752012-11-12T19:59:07.005-06:002012-11-12T19:59:07.005-06:00When those in power have conflicts that lead to a ...When those in power have conflicts that lead to a war, soldiers on the front line are the ones risking their lives to achieve the objectives of the political leaders. There are many reasons why joining the military maybe appealing to an individual: job security, financial incentive and/or job training would be few of the examples. As for Rueben Paul Santos, a veteran featured in the story, had limited amount of social capital to obtain a career and this maybe the reason why he decided to join the military. There’s wealth of well documented studies that shows veterans are subject to depression, post traumatic stress disorder, trauma etc as well as being at risk for suicidal behaviors as we have seen in the video. For those men and women who have given so much of themselves, veterans should be revered for the sacrifices and the experiences they have gained. This, however, is not always the case. The experiences and credential they have gained while serving often does not translate to civilian credentials. Such was the case for former Staff Sergeant Meg Mitcham and former Specialists Daniel Hutchinson. They were combat medics who stabilized the wounded until the wounded had the medical evacuation available to them. Although their experiences have been documented by the military and it could prove their experiences to the potential employers, “it takes months if not years” (Hutchinson) to obtain it. They were on the Daily Show, where Jon Stewart held a mock interview for nurse’s aid and school nurse positions. This was done to show the presence of disconnect when transitioning from the military to the civilian work force. It also showed the imposed arbitrary licensure (e.g. occupational monopoly; demand side) to practice their field which they are highly qualified for. They have a basic EMT, which qualifies them to take vital signs when they were practicing at the EMT Paramedic level. (For this video, visit http://www.businessinsider.com/jon-stewart-exposes-idiocy-of-health-care-system-which-rejects-combat-medics-2012-10)<br />Watching one of the military recruitment commercials, the audience are led to believe the experiences gained in the armed forces does evolve into the civilian world with ease. Our men and women who have served our nation deserve more than a free meal or discounts (although it is a nice gesture by private companies). Veterans need something more substantial such as utilizing the skill set that they have learned to make a living in the civilian world without bureaucratic red tape. <br />Sarah Villarrealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842804324470021271noreply@blogger.com