Thread by @CultExpert

Today on #VeteransDay, I want to post a message that will likely be a little different than most Veterans Day messages. :)

This message is both for veterans and friends and families of veterans....

First off, THANK YOU to everyone who's served. Your sacrifice should never be minimized. My hope is that all veterans get the care & attention they deserve. 🙏

Veteran suicide is still a big problem and many vets deal with persistent healthcare challenges from the VA.

We need to remedy these issues and understand the TRAUMA that veterans deal with. Whether it be the trauma of war, the trauma of losing a friend, or the trauma of dealing with recurring injury, veterans go through a lot.

Veterans are also susceptible to undue influence.

Traumatic situations make veterans particularly vulnerable to destructive groups and leaders. If you are a veteran, or know one, keep this in mind! When your "defenses" are short-circuited from trauma, you are far more likely to be manipulated.

Take it from me! I was in a cult!

When I was in college, I was recovering from a romantic break up & was recruited into an authoritarian cult. I don't claim that MY trauma was anywhere close to the trauma that veterans deal with, but that's the point! If I could be manipulated, veterans with trauma certainly can!

I'm particularly concerned about traumatized veterans joining violent militias and other insurgency groups. On Jan. 6th., more than 70 current and former members of our military stormed the Capitol. This is a big problem. cnn.com/2021/11/09/pol…

So today, on #VeteransDay, let's keep this in mind and do our best to check in on our friends and family who've served. Even when people say "I'm fine," they're often not doing okay and could use a visit or a phone call. :)

Thanks.