Veterans are looking for a few things after getting out of the military and organizations like the American Legion are offering exactly what they are looking for. Learn what the American Legion is all about in this episode.
One of the things that organizations like the American Legion have to offer is a sense of belonging. We all had a place in our units. Whether we were the lowest ranking Private, the CO or anywhere in between, we had a place. We were important. We belonged.
The American Legion gives you that sense of belonging. They have ample volunteer opportunities so you can help others with your expertise.
Even bigger than the sense of belonging though is access to the vast knowledge of the older veterans who have come before you. Do you really think that your readjustment to civilian life is unique? Those older Vietnam, Korea, and WWII vets went through that and more. They’ve screwed up from time to time, and then they’ve figured things out.
Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to have access to that type of a mentor? Pull up a seat at the bar next to someone who walked in your shoes a few decades earlier.
There’s a lot more than that going on at the American Legion. If you want to find out more listen to the episode and then visit the American Legion’s website or social media to become a member and learn more.
Links & Resources
Scott DeLuzio: 00:03 Thanks for tuning in to the Drive On Podcast where we talk about issues affecting Veterans after they get out of the military. Before we get started, I would like to ask a favor if you haven’t done so already, please rate and review the show on Apple podcasts. If you have already done that. Thank you. These ratings help the show get discovered so it can reach a wider audience. And while you are there, click the subscribe button so that you get notified of new episodes as soon as they come out. If you do not use Apple podcasts, you can visit DriveOnPodcast.com/subscribe to find other ways of subscribing, including our emails. I am your host Scott DeLuzio. And now let us get on with the show.
Scott DeLuzio: 00:44 Hey everyone, thanks for joining in the Drive On Podcast. Today my guest is Joseph Sharpe. Joseph is with the American Legion as the director of employment and Veterans transition. Joseph, welcome to the show. Why don’t you go ahead and tell us a little bit about your background, who you are, what you do with the American Legion and then we’ll jump into a conversation.
Joseph Sharpe: 01:07 Okay. Again, my name is Joseph Sharpe. I’m the director of the Veterans employment and education division for the American Legion. I’m a retired Army Vet. I spent about 30 years in the military, 14 years active duty and the rest were in the Reserves. As an active duty soldier, my title was Behavioral Science Research Specialist and as a reservist I was a Civil Affairs instructor. I’ve been with the Legion for about 24 years now. I was also in their veteran affairs visitation division for about six or seven years where we would go out and look at the VA hospitals and look at the quality of care. And then that became the deputy and then director of the veteran’s employment education, where we look out for Veterans as they transition out of the military to ensure that they are gainfully employed and financially stable and they’re able to contribute to their communities.
Scott DeLuzio: 02:20 Awesome. So, I mean it seems like you’ve had a...
