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Hire Alan - He's a USA Hero
Recently, I saw a man sitting on a park bench at a local recreation area that I frequent often. He was elderly, maybe in his 60’s or so. I can only guess at his age because of certain visual signs that he portrayed such as his slouching form, shaky hands and tan wrinkles that were formed around his eyes and mouth. I’ d never seen him in the area prior to this occasion, so I was curious as to why he was there, all alone.

Being an inquisitive individual, I wanted to find out what his story was or if there was anything that he needed. As it was a rather hot day, I noticed he didn't have anything to drink. He seemed harmless enough, so I proceeded to approach him. Immediately he noticed me and offered a kind and genuine smile, but didn't say a word. Returning his smile, I included a friendly “Hello”. He acknowledged and offered me a seat on his bench. I really didn’t have much time as I lead a very busy life and had priorities that need my attention, however, I didn’t want to come off as rude, so I sat down and offered him one of my water bottles. Introducing myself, I held out my hand as a formal gesture. He reciprocated my gesture and I found out that his name was Alan.

Come to find out Alan was an unemployed U.S military veteran who had served in the Marines for over 10 years. As a supporter of those who sacrifice themselves in order for our country to remain safe, I thanked him for his service. 

His expression turned to solemnness as he began to explain that life would have been a lot easier if he hadn’t gotten injured during one of his tours which inevitably caused his discharge. I hadn’t noticed any visual injuries, and didn’t feel it was appropriate for me to ask at that point of the conversation.

During his term, he explained that he had served three tours in Iraq, each tour different from the last. He was being treated now for post-traumatic stress disorder and had been let go from his recent employment. It was obvious fro his expression that this was causing him grief.

Alan didn’t offer many details about his adventures to me. He said that there are just some things that a person shouldn’t know or see. I respected that. IT was as though he was trying to keep me safe from anything unpleasant.

“It’s not easy.” he continued. I looked at him in a confusing manner, but knowing he would begin explaining what he meant. After a brief pause he told me that post military life is not all cracked up to be what they said it would be. 

Apparently, Alan has been having a hard time finding someone to hire him. Being a U.S. military hero in my book, I couldn’t understand why he would have any trouble. After all, these military heroes have sacrificed what the rest of us would think of as a normal life to help all of us. So why can’t employers hire a USA hero like Alan?

I felt sorry for this man sitting next to me and I wished with all my heart that I could help him. It wasn’t just feeling bad for a man who couldn’t find a job; it was a moral obligation to give back to an individual who has given so much to me and my family.

After parting ways I reflected on our conversation that lasted for over an hour. Upon returning home, I researched military veterans and jobs. It was disappointing to discover that there weren’t many sites available to help hire a USA hero like Alan.

As an American citizen I believe a priority for society is to educate the public on how important it is to hire a USA hero. Veterans like Alan have sacrificed so much and ask so little in return. Sleepless nights spent in deplorable conditions, wondering just when they might lose their lives, having to kill to protect themselves, or witness horrifying events. Not to mention the long lengths of time spent away from their loved ones in the states. 

U.S. military veterans deserve better than what we are currently giving them. Let's get them the respect they have earned.
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