MilitarySpot.com

Serving the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard

Follow MilitarySpot:
 
  • Home
  • Enlist
    • Join The Army
    • Join The Navy
    • Join The Air Force
    • Join The Marines
    • Join The Coast Guard
    • Join The National Guard
    • ASVAB
    • Army Physical Fitness Test
    • Military Draft
    • Prior Service Army Enlistment
  • Career
    • Join the Military
    • Jobs for Military and Civilians
    • Career Center
    • Prior Service Army Enlistment
    • Criminal Justice
  • Education
    • Online Schools
    • Spouse Education Benefits
    • GI Bill
    • Military Schools
    • Criminal Justice
  • Benefits
    • Army Benefits
    • Navy Benefits
    • Air Force Benefits
    • Marine Corps Benefits
    • National Guard Benefits
    • Coast Guard Benefits
    • Veteran Benefits
    • Basic Pay Rates
    • Allowances
    • Special & Incentive Pay
    • Military Spouse Education Benefits
    • VA Education Benefits
    • GI Bill
  • News
    • Headline News
  • Finance
    • Debt Relief
    • Military Pay Rates
    • Military Personal Loans
    • VA Loans
    • Military Star Card
    • Military MyPay
  • Spouses
    • School Finder
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • PCS, DITY, & Moving
    • Pay Rates
    • MyCAA
    • Education Benefits
  • Community
    • Military Games
    • Military Reunions
    • Classifieds
    • Photo Gallery
    • Buddy Finder
    • MilitarySpot Pinups
    • Military Bases
  • Resources
    • Military Alphabet
    • Military Reunions
    • Military Acronyms
    • Currency Converter
    • Military Tools
    • Ranks
    • Military Time
    • Military Tactics
    • Military Discounts
    • Military Games
    • Military Videos
    • Photo Gallery
    • Infographics
    • How To
  • Travel

Resources for Veterans to Connect with Others Who Have Served

MARCH 29, 2022 – I joined the Marines at the age of 18 and was sent to Vietnam. The unit I was assigned to was unique and designed to create the element of surprise against the NVA and Vietcong. We were organized to demoralize and destroy the enemy. My unit was the First Battalion, Third Marine Regiment. The objective was to fly in harm’s way against these enemy forces wherever they appeared.

My battalion fought in 24 different operations and I was wounded three times in battle during my 13-month tour. Our bravery was recognized as our unit earned two Presidential Unit Citations for the heroic battles fought. For many soldiers, a year, or 13-months is just a blip on the timeline of life. But for those incredible men that fought and served in that same time period, can be a never ending nightmare relived over and over again for the rest of their lives. Now that many years have passed and more resources are available, it is important for them to know a way to connect with those who have shared the same experience. Finding other brothers and resources can be very powerful and healing.

The Internet Makes Finding Old Friends Much Easier

Personally, I’ve found comfort and healing in connecting with other veterans, but I also found the ability to use online tools for research while writing my memoir, On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam.  For example, when I was writing the book I thought it would be a good idea to talk to others who have been in the same time and place while serving in Vietnam. I remember a lot from that time but after fifty years, I can’t remember all the fine details about battles and various situations I talk about in my book.

I first reached out to the Third Marine Division Association to discover when the reunions would be so I could attend and talk to the men I served with. Once I talked to them I found the names of other members of my unit who didn’t attend. Are you interested in reaching out to those brothers and sisters you served with?

Here’s 5 Online Resources Where You Can Connect with Other Veterans:

1.   HullNumber

HullNumber is a site whose mission is to connect Navy personnel in a safe way, without having to share your personal contact information. When you sign up, you also provide your hometown and state so that those you are connecting with can confirm that it’s the person they are looking for. Best of all? It’s completely free and always will be.

I came across hullnumber.com because I reached out to let them know I had mustered aboard the USS Okinawa, LPH-3. I told them who I was and about the book and that I had been in action from their ship. I also mentioned that I had taken many pictures while onboard and that they were available on my website. They are now letting everyone know at their next reunion about the book and I even plan on attending to speak.

2. Together We Served

Together We Served is designed to connect veterans from all branches of the military. It’s the  largest U.S. Military directory with over two million veteran members. It’s designed to not only connect you with other veterans but to provide a place to document your service for future generations as well.

Once my book was finished, I went to Together We Served to get the contact information of the men who rostered into the site who were in my unit. I was able to get in touch with these men to let them know there was a book about their unit.

3.   Rallypoint

Rallypoint is the largest social media network designed just for service members, veterans and their families. It’s a safe place to connect with old friends, network with other veterans, provide help for others, find jobs and discuss military topics. It was created to help bridge the gap between service and civilian life.

What’s unique about this site is the ability to help other veterans. Being a veteran is being a member of a large extended family. Others who have fought understand the challenges we face abroad and when we return home. It’s valuable to be able to lend a helping hand to a brother or sister.

4.   Vet Friends

Perhaps you’re looking for someone specific that you can’t find online? Vet Friends offers a membership that gives you access to over a billion military records. You’ll have the ability to search thousands of military units and get member updates. You’ll also be able to create a profile to share photos and chat with the 2.5 million veterans who are also members.

5.   Marines Find Your Platoon

Marines Find Your Platoon provides access to a photo of your platoon and also enters you into a database where you can connect with other members. They also offer membership in their Facebook Group as well. All you need to get started is to submit your name, platoon number, location of your bootcamp and the year you joined.

Bill Taylor, author of On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam served in the First Battalion, Third Marine Regiment in Vietnam for 13 months in 1967 and 1968. He has spoken for veterans organizations and to local schools about the Vietnam War. He currently belongs to the VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Third Marine Division Association and the Marine Corp League. He has been a Chapter Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Visit his website, https://williamvtaylor.com.

Comments

Filed Under: Personal, Resources

  • News
  • Enlist
  • Education
  • Career
  • Finance

Military Panel Discusses Military Health System

FEBRUARY 4, 2023 – Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander of Naval Medical Forces Support Command, was part of a panel that spoke before the South Texas Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) during the Healthcare Landscape Conference held on Jan. 27. This year’s theme was “Strategic Imperatives for the Future of Healthcare […]

Pre-Enlistment Course Helps in Recruiting

DECEMBER 21, 2022 – Amid one of the most challenging recruiting environments since the all-volunteer force’s establishment in 1973, the National Guard has taken a modern approach to engaging prospective service members. Only 23% of Americans ages 17-24 qualify to serve without a medical waiver, down from 29% in recent years. While obesity, addiction, medical, […]

Top 10 Reasons to Earn an AS in Aviation Maintenance

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 — The U.S. Naval Community College will start taking applications for the Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Feb. 27, 2023. This degree will be offered in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and will include a Naval Studies Certificate embedded in the program. Here are the top ten reasons you should apply […]

Top 10 Reasons to Earn an AS in Aviation Maintenance

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 — The U.S. Naval Community College will start taking applications for the Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Feb. 27, 2023. This degree will be offered in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and will include a Naval Studies Certificate embedded in the program. Here are the top ten reasons you should apply […]

2023 CONUS COLA Rates Released

DECEMBER 27, 2022 – The Defense Department released the 2023 Continental United States Cost-of-Living Allowance (CONUS COLA) rates, which take effect Jan. 1, 2023. In 2023, $8 million will be paid to approximately 5,000 service members stationed within CONUS. CONUS COLA is a supplemental allowance designed to help offset higher prices in the highest-cost locations […]

Recent Posts

  • Military Panel Discusses Military Health System
  • Wisconsin Guard Conducts Fire Missions in Frigid Weather
  • U.S. Army and Air Force Take Over Flight Deck
  • Air Force Offers Overseas Spouse Direct-Hire Program
  • Air University’s Task Force Promotes Well-Being
MAINMENU




SITESEARCH
Can't find something? Try using our site search to dig through our entire site.



Still having trouble? Try the Advanced Search to refine your searches.
NEWSLETTERSUBSCRIBE
Sign Up To Receive Information, Updates and Special Officers from MilitarySpot.com.



Don't miss an issue! Jump in the Newsletter Archives to catch up on previous issues.
FOLLOWMILITARY SPOT

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & StumbleUpon and more. Keep up with MilitarySpot.com news & updates. We also have an RSS Feed.

Advertise | About | Contact | Feedback | Unsubscribe | DMCA | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
 
Copyright 2004-2023 Sun Key Publishing. All Rights Reserved.



 
This is not the official recruiting website of the U.S. Military. The site you are on is run by Sun Key Publishing, a private company, and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the U.S. Military.