The Impact of Recent Events on our Veteran Community
November 5, 2021
The inaugural edition of the VET, focusing on the recent events in Afghanistan and their impact on our veteran community.
November 5, 2021
Welcome to the first installment of a monthly newsletter we’re calling the “VET” (Veteran Engagement Team). As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of community and connection with others that comes from shared experiences. Our intent with the VET is to engage with veterans and leaders across the Summit Partners network to facilitate dialogue on current events, offer resources and provide educational content.
In preparation for Veterans Day, I wanted to focus this inaugural edition on the recent events in Afghanistan and consider their impact on our veteran community.
I’ve spoken to several fellow veterans over the past few months, all of whom expressed a mix of emotions including anger, shock, disappointment and grief. Some indicated these events caused them to relive experiences while serving and reflect on the sacrifices made by family and friends. Most are struggling to reconcile their service and sacrifice with the eventual outcome of a decades-long effort.
Another common thread across these conversations was genuine appreciation for the personal outreach. It may seem simple but creating opportunities for connection is important. These conversations have reinforced my commitment to creating connections amongst veterans in the Summit Partners network and I am hoping the VET encourages others to do the same.
Whether you know a veteran of our most recent conflict, or one of a previous conflict, don’t assume the recent events in Afghanistan haven’t had an impact. I encourage you to reach out, ask how they’re dealing with the situation, and (if needed) help develop a strategy to cope*. You’ll feel better and so will they.
Charlie Mike*
Dave & the Summit Partners Veterans Community
* “Charlie Mike” is the military phonetic alphabet for the letters C and M which stand for “continue the mission,” a phrase commonly used in tactical situations
(NOTE: you can help by forwarding this email to veterans within the Summit network so they can join the community and/or our LinkedIn Group)
Veteran Engagement Team Reads & Resources (R&R)
- Make the Connection — Platform enabling vets to connect with other vets in their area to discuss shared experiences and deal with them. Included on the site are resources for both vets and their friends an family.
- The Mission Continues — Non-profit Veteran Service Organization (VSO) that organizes “platoons” of vets in major cities, focusing them on giving back within their community. The thesis is having a sense of purpose post-military service helps ease transition woes.
- Veterans and Mental Health — Every VA location provides behavioral health resources for vets. This website allows vets to locate the VA facility closest to them.
- VA Mobile Mental Health — List of VA approved apps that address a wide variety of mental health issues
Veterans Community Member Spotlight
In subsequent editions of the VET, we will profile members of our community, discussing their service, transition experience, and how they came to work in growth oriented business. If you have recommendations for someone we should profile or would like to volunteer yourself, please email us here here.
November Book of the Month
Two Wars: One Hero’s Fight on Two Fronts–Abroad and Within — Nate Self
Former army ranger Nate Self, a hero from the Robert’s Ridge rescue in Afghanistan, tells his whole story—from the pulse-pounding battle in the mountains of Afghanistan to the high-stakes battle he has waged against post traumatic stress disorder.
About the Author
