How can business owners and freelancers play a vital win-win role for veterans? Looking for insights on how to support and communicate with combat veterans in your family and at your company? Bill Dean shares his insights of being a company founder, former corporate manager, and a Vietnam veteran. His story includes how being part of a business was a life-saver for him.
Bill’s background includes a veteran of the Vietnam war, 30 years with Hewlett-Packard, and currently a co-founder of OilExTech.
Show Notes
- MOS = “Military Occupation Specialties”
- ‘Through Their Eyes’ videos produced by students at Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Oregon.
- US Dept of Veteran Affairs’ National Center for PTSD
- Non-profit helping veterans in business: Bunker Labs
What Can Business Leaders Do to Help?
- Support Veteran owned businesses
- Hire a vet
- leadership skills
- Complex problems
- Ability to work under stress
- Team player
- Provide veteran discounts
- Provide purpose to vet employees
- Setup programs
How Can Family Help?
- Talk to the veteran in your family
- Have conversations, but don’t confront
- Okay to let them know what you’re thinking and your concerns
- If talking is hard, find an activity to do together
- Listen without judgement
Reconciliation Process
- It is possible
- Takes time
- Reconciliation with self and then other
Dealing with PTSD
- Not just veterans, first responders
- Don’t isolate yourself.
- Nothing to be ashamed of
- Family members should encourage, not confront.
- Recognize their contributions.
- Get help from the VA, US Dept of Veteran Affairs’ National Center for PTSD