Allen Jackson: January 9, 2025 | Allen Jackson Now

January 9, 2025 | S25:E109

Allen Jackson NOW is a lifeline for a struggling and anxious nation. A guiding hand for those who are not ready to give up, and for those who want to find a way past the negativity before things get worse. Americans still have hope, they are searching for the wisdom embedded in a Christian World View.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson NOW | Allen Jackson: January 9, 2025 | Allen Jackson Now | January 9, 2025
  • Well.
  • 00:00:03.195 --> 00:00:04.396
  • Good evening, i'm alan jackson, and welcome to nashville.
  • 00:00:04.396 --> 00:00:06.498
  • January the 1st was going to be a day
  • 00:00:06.498 --> 00:00:08.300
  • When i spoke of all the reasons for hope in the new year
  • 00:00:08.300 --> 00:00:12.404
  • That i woke up to new orleans and the reports
  • 00:00:12.404 --> 00:00:14.973
  • Of a terrorist attack on our soil again,
  • 00:00:14.973 --> 00:00:18.610
  • That was followed up
  • 00:00:18.610 --> 00:00:19.611
  • With the suicide and explosives in las vegas.
  • 00:00:19.611 --> 00:00:22.881
  • And if the events themselves weren't enough,
  • 00:00:22.881 --> 00:00:25.150
  • I was extraordinarily frustrated.
  • 00:00:25.150 --> 00:00:27.285
  • That is, the reporting began.
  • 00:00:27.285 --> 00:00:29.020
  • The fbi was reluctant to acknowledge
  • 00:00:29.020 --> 00:00:31.423
  • The terrorist connections to what was happening,
  • 00:00:31.423 --> 00:00:34.092
  • And it seemed to me
  • 00:00:34.092 --> 00:00:34.926
  • All too willing to acknowledge
  • 00:00:34.926 --> 00:00:36.428
  • That our veterans had been involved.
  • 00:00:36.428 --> 00:00:39.364
  • Well, it's not well known that when veterans
  • 00:00:39.364 --> 00:00:41.299
  • Mentioned the number 22,
  • 00:00:41.299 --> 00:00:43.301
  • They're referring to the daily number of suicides.
  • 00:00:43.301 --> 00:00:46.338
  • Tonight is not about rationalizing
  • 00:00:47.072 --> 00:00:48.974
  • What happened in new orleans, in las vegas, killing others.
  • 00:00:48.974 --> 00:00:52.511
  • It's inexcusable.
  • 00:00:52.511 --> 00:00:54.412
  • Understanding the suicide numbers.
  • 00:00:54.412 --> 00:00:56.982
  • We've got to find a solution for that.
  • 00:00:56.982 --> 00:00:59.251
  • So joining us tonight is the former
  • 00:00:59.251 --> 00:01:01.119
  • White house adviser and former military man paul shabo.
  • 00:01:01.119 --> 00:01:04.990
  • Welcome back to our show.
  • 00:01:04.990 --> 00:01:07.092
  • Great to be with you, pastor.
  • 00:01:07.092 --> 00:01:08.293
  • And thank you for taking on this very important topic.
  • 00:01:08.293 --> 00:01:11.429
  • But we need your help on this one.
  • 00:01:12.164 --> 00:01:14.232
  • When you heard about the tragedies
  • 00:01:14.232 --> 00:01:15.767
  • In new orleans and las vegas and further heard that
  • 00:01:15.767 --> 00:01:18.670
  • Both of these men were former military.
  • 00:01:18.670 --> 00:01:20.672
  • What went through your mind?
  • 00:01:20.672 --> 00:01:22.774
  • Yeah, as i learn more about those cases, first,
  • 00:01:22.774 --> 00:01:24.910
  • As a veteran,
  • 00:01:24.910 --> 00:01:26.111
  • You hear about another veteran taking the lives of others.
  • 00:01:26.111 --> 00:01:28.213
  • You get disgusted. you wonder what happened.
  • 00:01:28.213 --> 00:01:30.782
  • And that's primarily what the new orleans
  • 00:01:30.782 --> 00:01:33.251
  • Terror suspect took lives.
  • 00:01:33.251 --> 00:01:35.420
  • That's a shame of his military background
  • 00:01:35.420 --> 00:01:37.689
  • And what he had done carrying the isis flag.
  • 00:01:37.689 --> 00:01:40.192
  • But then you look at the other veteran in vegas,
  • 00:01:40.192 --> 00:01:42.460
  • A much different case.
  • 00:01:42.460 --> 00:01:44.162
  • Active duty green beret, multiple awards,
  • 00:01:44.162 --> 00:01:48.500
  • Five, bronze medals won, v for valor.
  • 00:01:48.500 --> 00:01:52.437
  • I didn't take anybody else's life, did injure others.
  • 00:01:52.437 --> 00:01:55.307
  • And you look at the mental health
  • 00:01:55.307 --> 00:01:56.575
  • Implications behind him and his history.
  • 00:01:56.575 --> 00:01:59.578
  • And you can replicate that
  • 00:01:59.578 --> 00:02:00.745
  • Pastor across the board, across so many veterans
  • 00:02:00.745 --> 00:02:03.915
  • That are tipping on that line to potentially
  • 00:02:03.915 --> 00:02:06.484
  • Taking their life today.
  • 00:02:06.484 --> 00:02:11.122
  • What happens to someone who served?
  • 00:02:11.856 --> 00:02:13.858
  • And they come home and they seem to fit back in,
  • 00:02:13.858 --> 00:02:16.828
  • But then it seems like they crack.
  • 00:02:16.828 --> 00:02:18.430
  • They join the enemy. isis.
  • 00:02:18.430 --> 00:02:19.831
  • They carry out a plan to murder as many civilians as possible.
  • 00:02:19.831 --> 00:02:23.201
  • Can you help us understand that?
  • 00:02:23.201 --> 00:02:25.303
  • I think there's always going to be
  • 00:02:25.303 --> 00:02:26.504
  • That that negative percentage that joins
  • 00:02:26.504 --> 00:02:28.673
  • Any organization, from law enforcement
  • 00:02:28.673 --> 00:02:30.675
  • To the military against disgraceful.
  • 00:02:30.675 --> 00:02:33.044
  • We've seen it happen a number of times
  • 00:02:33.044 --> 00:02:34.679
  • In our u.s. military
  • 00:02:34.679 --> 00:02:35.847
  • With veterans doing horrific acts to our own citizens.
  • 00:02:35.847 --> 00:02:38.950
  • But then there are others, too.
  • 00:02:38.950 --> 00:02:40.218
  • We have this other segment, a large segment of veterans here.
  • 00:02:40.218 --> 00:02:42.754
  • We lose about 22 a day, close to 8000 a year.
  • 00:02:42.754 --> 00:02:46.558
  • And having looked at this for a number of years now,
  • 00:02:46.558 --> 00:02:49.027
  • I think
  • 00:02:49.027 --> 00:02:49.828
  • Part of what's happening here
  • 00:02:49.828 --> 00:02:51.062
  • Is certainly our va system is failing.
  • 00:02:51.062 --> 00:02:53.331
  • We deal with mental health, but also we send
  • 00:02:53.331 --> 00:02:56.668
  • Our veterans overseas to literally fight evil.
  • 00:02:56.668 --> 00:03:00.538
  • And then we bring them home and literally evil
  • 00:03:00.538 --> 00:03:03.541
  • Surrounds them to help take their lives.
  • 00:03:03.541 --> 00:03:05.777
  • And i think that is where we are failing as a society
  • 00:03:05.777 --> 00:03:09.180
  • Right now.
  • 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:09.648
  • The v.a.
  • 00:03:09.648 --> 00:03:10.849
  • Is not doing very well, but veterans are our unique breed.
  • 00:03:10.849 --> 00:03:13.785
  • We don't like to ask for help.
  • 00:03:13.785 --> 00:03:15.186
  • It's very difficult to ask for help,
  • 00:03:15.186 --> 00:03:17.122
  • But also critically important
  • 00:03:17.122 --> 00:03:18.723
  • Is that veterans want to be with other veterans for help.
  • 00:03:18.723 --> 00:03:22.494
  • Pastor, one thing i think that
  • 00:03:22.494 --> 00:03:24.396
  • Can help our nation right now is to encourage churches
  • 00:03:24.396 --> 00:03:28.033
  • To create more veteran life groups for veterans by veterans.
  • 00:03:28.033 --> 00:03:32.604
  • Joining veterans weekly,
  • 00:03:32.604 --> 00:03:34.105
  • I've been a member of ptsd groups, other groups,
  • 00:03:34.105 --> 00:03:37.976
  • And it's phenomenal what we are together united
  • 00:03:37.976 --> 00:03:41.646
  • Because when we leave military service,
  • 00:03:41.646 --> 00:03:43.448
  • We come back into civilian life,
  • 00:03:43.448 --> 00:03:45.283
  • And it's very difficult
  • 00:03:45.283 --> 00:03:46.518
  • For civilians to understand what the men and women of military
  • 00:03:46.518 --> 00:03:50.455
  • Have been through.
  • 00:03:50.455 --> 00:03:51.523
  • So right
  • 00:03:51.523 --> 00:03:52.290
  • There is a very strong transition
  • 00:03:52.290 --> 00:03:54.092
  • And almost a call to arms for our churches today
  • 00:03:54.092 --> 00:03:56.795
  • To get engaged with your veteran population
  • 00:03:56.795 --> 00:03:59.397
  • Advocate for veteran groups in your churches that i think
  • 00:03:59.397 --> 00:04:03.501
  • Will make critical headway going.
  • 00:04:03.501 --> 00:04:06.771
  • No, i like your suggestion.
  • 00:04:07.372 --> 00:04:08.873
  • It's something we can do and not just wait for washington.
  • 00:04:08.873 --> 00:04:11.743
  • We've had a variety of groups similar
  • 00:04:11.743 --> 00:04:13.978
  • To what you're describing here in our own congregation,
  • 00:04:13.978 --> 00:04:15.980
  • And have seen the benefits of those over many years.
  • 00:04:15.980 --> 00:04:19.551
  • Why is it that 22 suicides
  • 00:04:19.551 --> 00:04:21.419
  • A day, every day is not in the national news?
  • 00:04:21.419 --> 00:04:24.556
  • How is that allowed to go under all of the media radar?
  • 00:04:24.556 --> 00:04:27.726
  • I think i'm disgusted by it.
  • 00:04:28.326 --> 00:04:30.128
  • I think we've gotten numb to society.
  • 00:04:30.128 --> 00:04:32.664
  • From what happens over and over again.
  • 00:04:32.664 --> 00:04:35.300
  • I'm going to read to you briefly three quote
  • 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:37.335
  • I am on a number of confidential or private facebook
  • 00:04:37.335 --> 00:04:40.572
  • Groups of other veterans, many veterans suffering.
  • 00:04:40.572 --> 00:04:43.408
  • And almost daily there's communications on there.
  • 00:04:43.408 --> 00:04:45.977
  • I'm going to read you a few.
  • 00:04:45.977 --> 00:04:47.712
  • Without giving the names, this is a wife.
  • 00:04:47.712 --> 00:04:49.914
  • She writes.
  • 00:04:49.914 --> 00:04:50.815
  • After losing my husband to ptsd in 2019,
  • 00:04:50.815 --> 00:04:54.486
  • I found myself wanting to join him many times
  • 00:04:54.486 --> 00:04:57.989
  • During the first two years,
  • 00:04:57.989 --> 00:04:59.524
  • But she reached out to a crisis line.
  • 00:04:59.524 --> 00:05:01.192
  • She had positive experiences each time.
  • 00:05:01.192 --> 00:05:03.828
  • The very critical phone number they hopefully we'll talk
  • 00:05:03.828 --> 00:05:05.697
  • More later about, which is nine, eight, eight.
  • 00:05:05.697 --> 00:05:07.899
  • I've richard, is another veteran.
  • 00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:10.368
  • He said not suicidal at all, but he embraces death
  • 00:05:10.368 --> 00:05:14.339
  • And he's ready for it.
  • 00:05:14.339 --> 00:05:15.640
  • Pastor, this is what i want to discuss briefly,
  • 00:05:15.640 --> 00:05:17.709
  • Because this is where i think we really miss it in our society
  • 00:05:17.709 --> 00:05:21.146
  • Is many veterans don't want to take their lives,
  • 00:05:21.146 --> 00:05:24.482
  • But they are dealing with such traumatic pain
  • 00:05:24.482 --> 00:05:28.186
  • Or ptsd that they feel
  • 00:05:28.186 --> 00:05:30.522
  • As if their life ended, that that pain would end.
  • 00:05:30.522 --> 00:05:34.259
  • That is the other part
  • 00:05:34.259 --> 00:05:35.260
  • Of what we have to address here
  • 00:05:35.260 --> 00:05:36.594
  • Is that they're not actively trying to take their own lives,
  • 00:05:36.594 --> 00:05:39.764
  • But they feel as if death were to come.
  • 00:05:39.764 --> 00:05:41.599
  • They would end the sufferings.
  • 00:05:41.599 --> 00:05:43.334
  • So that is also a missed
  • 00:05:43.334 --> 00:05:45.737
  • Talking point of what
  • 00:05:45.737 --> 00:05:46.938
  • We have got to acknowledge, because i see it so many times
  • 00:05:46.938 --> 00:05:50.508
  • Within these
  • 00:05:50.508 --> 00:05:51.609
  • Networks of veterans that are sharing their comments
  • 00:05:51.609 --> 00:05:54.312
  • And how they feel, they don't want to take their own lives,
  • 00:05:54.312 --> 00:05:57.682
  • But they feel like the pain
  • 00:05:57.682 --> 00:05:58.950
  • Of the memories and the lack of the care
  • 00:05:58.950 --> 00:06:00.585
  • Of what they're getting.
  • 00:06:00.585 --> 00:06:01.953
  • That ending their life could end the sufferings.
  • 00:06:01.953 --> 00:06:04.789
  • This is where we can do so much more work
  • 00:06:04.789 --> 00:06:07.826
  • Through veterans outreach.
  • 00:06:07.826 --> 00:06:09.961
  • Well, let's stay with that for just a moment.
  • 00:06:10.895 --> 00:06:13.331
  • You know,
  • 00:06:13.331 --> 00:06:13.965
  • I live in the church world
  • 00:06:13.965 --> 00:06:15.133
  • And we provide all sorts of groups
  • 00:06:15.133 --> 00:06:16.768
  • For trauma points in life.
  • 00:06:16.768 --> 00:06:18.269
  • Cancer survivors, people who've gone through divorce.
  • 00:06:18.269 --> 00:06:22.240
  • As i said, we've done groups for military.
  • 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:24.943
  • But what i hear you describing is it's not just a nice idea.
  • 00:06:24.943 --> 00:06:27.912
  • It's really essential.
  • 00:06:27.912 --> 00:06:29.581
  • We don't need another program in washington.
  • 00:06:29.581 --> 00:06:31.449
  • We need people across the heartland of america
  • 00:06:31.449 --> 00:06:34.085
  • Mobilizing in their churches or elsewhere
  • 00:06:34.085 --> 00:06:36.521
  • To help the veterans
  • 00:06:36.521 --> 00:06:37.755
  • Be together, to help one another through these very difficult
  • 00:06:37.755 --> 00:06:40.792
  • Challenges as they reenter their routines.
  • 00:06:40.792 --> 00:06:43.895
  • It is pastor.
  • 00:06:44.262 --> 00:06:45.129
  • And also, let me put something else
  • 00:06:45.129 --> 00:06:46.397
  • Very direct and forward out
  • 00:06:46.397 --> 00:06:47.732
  • There is when america puts our men and women to fight
  • 00:06:47.732 --> 00:06:51.202
  • Overseas, we have got to fight to win and leave victoriously.
  • 00:06:51.202 --> 00:06:56.708
  • And you think today about all i was served in iraq.
  • 00:06:56.708 --> 00:06:59.110
  • I know a lot of iraq and afghanistan veterans.
  • 00:06:59.110 --> 00:07:02.013
  • When you look at that
  • 00:07:02.013 --> 00:07:02.881
  • Pullout in afghanistan
  • 00:07:02.881 --> 00:07:04.382
  • And you look at how we leave these places,
  • 00:07:04.382 --> 00:07:06.651
  • Veterans today that are suffering,
  • 00:07:06.651 --> 00:07:08.186
  • They came home, they lost a marriage, they lost a job.
  • 00:07:08.186 --> 00:07:11.422
  • And they asked themselves,
  • 00:07:11.422 --> 00:07:12.390
  • What did they fight for in this country?
  • 00:07:12.390 --> 00:07:14.859
  • We have got to make sure that certainly
  • 00:07:14.859 --> 00:07:16.828
  • If we're going to send our men and women
  • 00:07:16.828 --> 00:07:18.129
  • Forward to fight evil, that we fight to win.
  • 00:07:18.129 --> 00:07:20.465
  • So when they come home,
  • 00:07:20.465 --> 00:07:22.433
  • They can celebrate that victory for their lifetime
  • 00:07:22.433 --> 00:07:25.403
  • And not a disgraceful pullout like we saw in afghanistan.
  • 00:07:25.403 --> 00:07:28.973
  • There are men and women that served overseas today. go.
  • 00:07:28.973 --> 00:07:31.776
  • What in the world that i sacrificed
  • 00:07:31.776 --> 00:07:33.711
  • Leaving my wife and children and everything for?
  • 00:07:33.711 --> 00:07:36.681
  • And we just simply wash our hands and walk away
  • 00:07:36.681 --> 00:07:39.651
  • And everything goes to hell in the world.
  • 00:07:39.651 --> 00:07:41.786
  • We're going to fight.
  • 00:07:41.786 --> 00:07:42.787
  • We better fight to win.
  • 00:07:42.787 --> 00:07:43.855
  • And our legislators, our policy folks
  • 00:07:43.855 --> 00:07:46.624
  • And our presidents are for us to fight
  • 00:07:46.624 --> 00:07:48.660
  • For us to fight to win every single time
  • 00:07:48.660 --> 00:07:51.362
  • That an exit strategy that looks like defeat in our lives is.
  • 00:07:51.362 --> 00:07:55.133
  • That is where the tremendous hurt and this guilt and this,
  • 00:07:55.133 --> 00:07:59.404
  • What did we sacrifice so much for impacts us mentally.
  • 00:07:59.404 --> 00:08:03.841
  • And it also impacts those around us,
  • 00:08:03.841 --> 00:08:06.110
  • Our loved ones, our children, our spouses,
  • 00:08:06.110 --> 00:08:09.380
  • Everybody else that we're connected to.
  • 00:08:09.380 --> 00:08:11.549
  • That is what's missing.
  • 00:08:11.549 --> 00:08:12.850
  • That if we fight, we've got to fight to win.
  • 00:08:12.850 --> 00:08:15.153
  • We're not afraid to fight, but us in battles.
  • 00:08:15.153 --> 00:08:17.455
  • But we're going to come home.
  • 00:08:17.455 --> 00:08:18.790
  • We're going to know that what we did made a difference.
  • 00:08:18.790 --> 00:08:22.961
  • Well, i appreciate your counsel.
  • 00:08:23.595 --> 00:08:25.229
  • I have found that a simple thank you
  • 00:08:25.229 --> 00:08:27.298
  • Not only the veterans, but to the families of those
  • 00:08:27.298 --> 00:08:29.434
  • Who are active military.
  • 00:08:29.434 --> 00:08:31.169
  • Just an expression
  • 00:08:31.169 --> 00:08:32.303
  • Of appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices
  • 00:08:32.303 --> 00:08:34.639
  • They're making makes a tremendous difference.
  • 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:37.842
  • Again, i'm not waiting for washington.
  • 00:08:37.842 --> 00:08:39.377
  • Let's go be the difference now,
  • 00:08:39.377 --> 00:08:42.080
  • When we come back, we're going to talk about what
  • 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:44.349
  • Paul does to counsel soldiers who may be on the edge.
  • 00:08:44.349 --> 00:08:48.319
  • We'll be back with more from paul sabo in just a moment.
  • 00:08:48.319 --> 00:08:57.002
  • We'll be back with more from paul sabo in just a moment.
  • 00:08:57.002 --> 00:08:59.698
  • We're back
  • 00:08:59.999 --> 00:09:01.100
  • Now with the former white house adviser, paul shabo.
  • 00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:04.403
  • Paul, what do you say to veterans
  • 00:09:04.403 --> 00:09:05.971
  • Who may be contemplating
  • 00:09:05.971 --> 00:09:07.039
  • Taking their own lives when they call and ask for help?
  • 00:09:07.039 --> 00:09:10.909
  • Absolutely critical that, they get on the line immediately?
  • 00:09:10.909 --> 00:09:13.946
  • Nine, eight, eight is a critical line.
  • 00:09:13.946 --> 00:09:16.281
  • Nationwide, veterans can press number one for veterans
  • 00:09:16.281 --> 00:09:19.852
  • Specifics, but nine, eight, eight
  • 00:09:19.852 --> 00:09:21.253
  • Is really the 911 now for mental health
  • 00:09:21.253 --> 00:09:23.922
  • Across this country, not just for veterans,
  • 00:09:23.922 --> 00:09:25.824
  • But the entire population.
  • 00:09:25.824 --> 00:09:27.526
  • Veterans has a segment kind of broken out in that.
  • 00:09:27.526 --> 00:09:29.662
  • So please press number one.
  • 00:09:29.662 --> 00:09:31.797
  • There's also a website which i'm sure
  • 00:09:31.797 --> 00:09:33.132
  • We're going to discuss, the veteran crisis line
  • 00:09:33.132 --> 00:09:35.768
  • Dot net extremely important resource for veterans.
  • 00:09:35.768 --> 00:09:39.371
  • But also join and find groups on facebook.
  • 00:09:39.371 --> 00:09:42.641
  • There are confidential groups
  • 00:09:42.641 --> 00:09:44.276
  • That our veterans can join right now
  • 00:09:44.276 --> 00:09:46.679
  • Where there are hundreds of thousands,
  • 00:09:46.679 --> 00:09:48.280
  • Tens of thousands of veterans that are sharing their ideas.
  • 00:09:48.280 --> 00:09:51.684
  • And i see these conversations daily.
  • 00:09:51.684 --> 00:09:54.687
  • Some engage profusely with these veterans that are expressing,
  • 00:09:54.687 --> 00:09:59.058
  • Their feelings, which is critical.
  • 00:09:59.058 --> 00:10:02.294
  • It's also important that we do not let a veteran, be alone.
  • 00:10:02.294 --> 00:10:05.998
  • And also if we at all feel
  • 00:10:05.998 --> 00:10:08.233
  • That somebody is about to take their life,
  • 00:10:08.233 --> 00:10:10.169
  • A veteran or somebody else, you've got to get on the phone
  • 00:10:10.169 --> 00:10:13.305
  • And call 911.
  • 00:10:13.305 --> 00:10:14.473
  • Intervention is absolutely, critical.
  • 00:10:14.473 --> 00:10:17.810
  • But to the veteran who sort of borderline right now
  • 00:10:17.810 --> 00:10:20.045
  • Who's struggling with this nine,
  • 00:10:20.045 --> 00:10:22.047
  • Eight, eight is a great first step.
  • 00:10:22.047 --> 00:10:24.516
  • But also being around veterans is absolutely critical,
  • 00:10:24.516 --> 00:10:28.020
  • Whether you're doing it socially on social media or in person,
  • 00:10:28.020 --> 00:10:32.091
  • You know, vfw, american legion, dav chapters,
  • 00:10:32.091 --> 00:10:35.661
  • They're all over the place.
  • 00:10:35.661 --> 00:10:37.196
  • The more we are around people like ourselves,
  • 00:10:37.196 --> 00:10:39.598
  • We share the stories,
  • 00:10:39.598 --> 00:10:40.699
  • The emotions, the feelings, the challenges,
  • 00:10:40.699 --> 00:10:43.202
  • The better we can get through this together.
  • 00:10:43.202 --> 00:10:44.803
  • Think about this veterans.
  • 00:10:44.803 --> 00:10:46.405
  • When we served overseas, we all wear,
  • 00:10:46.405 --> 00:10:48.674
  • You know, the same uniform, different branches of service.
  • 00:10:48.674 --> 00:10:51.376
  • We didn't care what color you were or what state
  • 00:10:51.376 --> 00:10:53.579
  • You were from.
  • 00:10:53.579 --> 00:10:54.246
  • It's that we loved our country
  • 00:10:54.246 --> 00:10:55.614
  • And we fought for something together.
  • 00:10:55.614 --> 00:10:57.683
  • When you come home, you might take that uniform off,
  • 00:10:57.683 --> 00:11:00.519
  • But that's it.
  • 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:01.687
  • Everything else about us, the camaraderie stays together
  • 00:11:01.687 --> 00:11:04.857
  • And we are still number one and backing each other.
  • 00:11:04.857 --> 00:11:07.559
  • So leaving the uniform, coming home as a veteran
  • 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:10.796
  • Is just as important as you being overseas in the foxhole
  • 00:11:10.796 --> 00:11:13.532
  • Or wherever you may be,
  • 00:11:13.532 --> 00:11:14.700
  • And communicating strongly with your veteran men
  • 00:11:14.700 --> 00:11:17.569
  • And women counterparts across this country.
  • 00:11:17.569 --> 00:11:21.540
  • Well, it seems to me the pentagon is essentially stopped
  • 00:11:22.641 --> 00:11:25.210
  • Showing what happens during war.
  • 00:11:25.210 --> 00:11:27.546
  • Reporters can only embed with soldiers
  • 00:11:27.546 --> 00:11:29.381
  • In a very controlled environment
  • 00:11:29.381 --> 00:11:31.650
  • That's very different than it was during
  • 00:11:31.650 --> 00:11:33.318
  • Previous wars, where the public had an up close view.
  • 00:11:33.318 --> 00:11:36.655
  • In addition, even when a soldier is killed,
  • 00:11:36.655 --> 00:11:38.857
  • Tv cameras aren't allowed to record
  • 00:11:38.857 --> 00:11:40.726
  • The flag draped caskets when they're unloaded back home.
  • 00:11:40.726 --> 00:11:44.296
  • The only exception is when the president
  • 00:11:44.296 --> 00:11:46.165
  • Is there and wants to be seen.
  • 00:11:46.165 --> 00:11:48.267
  • Well, i would argue
  • 00:11:48.267 --> 00:11:49.401
  • That this also hides the truth from the american public
  • 00:11:49.401 --> 00:11:52.304
  • And perhaps
  • 00:11:52.304 --> 00:11:53.438
  • Contributes to the issue of vets our vets being ignored.
  • 00:11:53.438 --> 00:11:57.042
  • Am i wrong on this?
  • 00:11:57.042 --> 00:11:59.611
  • Now the public needs to see the real life
  • 00:11:59.611 --> 00:12:01.914
  • Because we see it in the military.
  • 00:12:01.914 --> 00:12:04.383
  • We've got a lot of young men and women that join the military.
  • 00:12:04.383 --> 00:12:07.586
  • Think of it 18, 19, 20 years old.
  • 00:12:07.586 --> 00:12:09.788
  • I spent 21 years in as a reservist
  • 00:12:09.788 --> 00:12:12.624
  • And then activated in iraq.
  • 00:12:12.624 --> 00:12:14.493
  • Many spent 20 years full time.
  • 00:12:14.493 --> 00:12:16.728
  • My heart really goes out this younger generation to 18,
  • 00:12:16.728 --> 00:12:20.265
  • 19, 20 year old,
  • 00:12:20.265 --> 00:12:21.667
  • Those that served in iraq and afghanistan
  • 00:12:21.667 --> 00:12:23.769
  • At a very young age, still forming their boundaries
  • 00:12:23.769 --> 00:12:26.872
  • And life and the terror and horror that they had seen.
  • 00:12:26.872 --> 00:12:30.375
  • I feel that the american people need to understand
  • 00:12:30.375 --> 00:12:33.512
  • And see what we see,
  • 00:12:33.512 --> 00:12:35.547
  • Because we saw the death and destruction overseas.
  • 00:12:35.547 --> 00:12:38.417
  • You need to see it at home.
  • 00:12:38.417 --> 00:12:40.118
  • And this is why, when i said previously,
  • 00:12:40.118 --> 00:12:42.721
  • When our country sends our men and women to fight,
  • 00:12:42.721 --> 00:12:45.757
  • We have got to fight to win.
  • 00:12:45.757 --> 00:12:47.292
  • You never want to send your men
  • 00:12:47.292 --> 00:12:48.627
  • And women over to fight to lose.
  • 00:12:48.627 --> 00:12:50.429
  • You've got to give them the equipment
  • 00:12:50.429 --> 00:12:52.164
  • And the training to win.
  • 00:12:52.164 --> 00:12:53.699
  • And when we go overseas to fight,
  • 00:12:53.699 --> 00:12:55.767
  • We've got to make sure that the end state is to win.
  • 00:12:55.767 --> 00:12:58.270
  • And what does victory look like?
  • 00:12:58.270 --> 00:13:00.205
  • Because coming home
  • 00:13:00.205 --> 00:13:02.040
  • Victorious and unlike how the vietnam generation
  • 00:13:02.040 --> 00:13:05.143
  • Was spat on, coming through san francisco airports,
  • 00:13:05.143 --> 00:13:08.780
  • They blazed the trail
  • 00:13:08.780 --> 00:13:10.115
  • For a lot of improvements that we see today with veterans.
  • 00:13:10.115 --> 00:13:13.151
  • We still have a long way to go until we get that number 22
  • 00:13:13.151 --> 00:13:17.856
  • Down to zero.
  • 00:13:17.856 --> 00:13:20.058
  • Amen.
  • 00:13:20.292 --> 00:13:21.727
  • Well, the
  • 00:13:21.727 --> 00:13:22.561
  • Veterans administration has frequently
  • 00:13:22.561 --> 00:13:23.862
  • Been a target of criticism.
  • 00:13:23.862 --> 00:13:25.764
  • President elect trump clearly has the vets on his radar.
  • 00:13:25.764 --> 00:13:30.068
  • Don't know that is how is it going
  • 00:13:30.802 --> 00:13:33.171
  • To get to the point rapidly where you can't see a doctor
  • 00:13:33.171 --> 00:13:37.276
  • When you go outside, you find a doctor,
  • 00:13:37.276 --> 00:13:40.979
  • You get yourself fixed up, and there we pay the bill.
  • 00:13:40.979 --> 00:13:44.950
  • And it was a great thing.
  • 00:13:44.950 --> 00:13:46.451
  • And he said, it's rapidly, not being used.
  • 00:13:46.451 --> 00:13:49.388
  • We're going to go back.
  • 00:13:49.388 --> 00:13:50.589
  • We go back and we're going back to right.
  • 00:13:50.589 --> 00:13:52.958
  • We're going back to it immediately.
  • 00:13:52.958 --> 00:13:55.928
  • Well, is this something the president can do
  • 00:13:55.928 --> 00:13:57.996
  • Without having to wait for congress to act?
  • 00:13:57.996 --> 00:14:00.532
  • Yeah, like the president trump did something amazing,
  • 00:14:00.532 --> 00:14:03.168
  • Really pushing for the community care act.
  • 00:14:03.168 --> 00:14:05.604
  • And what is this?
  • 00:14:05.604 --> 00:14:07.039
  • This is where if the va can't get you in
  • 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:09.141
  • Within the first 30 days.
  • 00:14:09.141 --> 00:14:10.309
  • And now actually, numbers really don't matter.
  • 00:14:10.309 --> 00:14:12.778
  • You can go to the private sector for private health care.
  • 00:14:12.778 --> 00:14:15.747
  • I'm a disabled veteran.
  • 00:14:15.747 --> 00:14:16.949
  • I can now go into the private sector
  • 00:14:16.949 --> 00:14:19.084
  • And get health care
  • 00:14:19.084 --> 00:14:20.085
  • For virtually any single treatment or ailment.
  • 00:14:20.085 --> 00:14:23.255
  • And that's what our veterans need to know,
  • 00:14:23.255 --> 00:14:25.157
  • Is not many are aware of the community care,
  • 00:14:25.157 --> 00:14:27.159
  • This act that president bush pushed forward
  • 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:29.594
  • To make sure that we don't have to wait
  • 00:14:29.594 --> 00:14:31.196
  • In the lines at a va for a system
  • 00:14:31.196 --> 00:14:33.465
  • That is just very difficult to work through.
  • 00:14:33.465 --> 00:14:36.468
  • You can actually get phenomenal care
  • 00:14:36.468 --> 00:14:38.637
  • In the private sector, paid through through the va.
  • 00:14:38.637 --> 00:14:41.406
  • So be sure veterans you're aware of this spouse's caretakers
  • 00:14:41.406 --> 00:14:46.011
  • Look into the community care act.
  • 00:14:46.011 --> 00:14:47.546
  • I know when trump comes back in, he's
  • 00:14:47.546 --> 00:14:49.414
  • Going to push this fast forward.
  • 00:14:49.414 --> 00:14:50.816
  • He believes in what the private sector can do
  • 00:14:50.816 --> 00:14:53.585
  • To augment and supplement this crisis that we have
  • 00:14:53.585 --> 00:14:56.888
  • With our military veterans.
  • 00:14:56.888 --> 00:14:58.690
  • Well, you've mentioned some options already.
  • 00:14:59.591 --> 00:15:01.793
  • But before we go, can you point our viewers
  • 00:15:01.793 --> 00:15:04.129
  • To any public resources they should know about?
  • 00:15:04.129 --> 00:15:06.498
  • If they know a veteran, they need help.
  • 00:15:06.498 --> 00:15:08.834
  • Absolutely.
  • 00:15:08.834 --> 00:15:09.601
  • So 988
  • 00:15:09.601 --> 00:15:10.836
  • Remember that that is the 911 and the other is veteran crisis.
  • 00:15:10.836 --> 00:15:15.307
  • Lynette again, veteran crisis line dot net.
  • 00:15:15.307 --> 00:15:20.612
  • Lastly, pastor,
  • 00:15:20.612 --> 00:15:21.747
  • I know we've talked a lot about veterans here.
  • 00:15:21.747 --> 00:15:24.516
  • I also don't want to forget our law enforcement.
  • 00:15:24.516 --> 00:15:26.918
  • Many of them commit suicide as well.
  • 00:15:26.918 --> 00:15:29.254
  • We have a crisis in this country
  • 00:15:29.254 --> 00:15:30.789
  • With our law enforcement community.
  • 00:15:30.789 --> 00:15:32.591
  • They see the terror and horror on the streets
  • 00:15:32.591 --> 00:15:34.559
  • And the jobs that they do daily.
  • 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:36.828
  • Many of us who wear the uniform are afraid to acknowledge
  • 00:15:36.828 --> 00:15:40.265
  • These issues that we deal with.
  • 00:15:40.265 --> 00:15:41.800
  • But i will tell you, when i retired
  • 00:15:41.800 --> 00:15:43.702
  • From the navy two years ago in my retirement ceremony,
  • 00:15:43.702 --> 00:15:46.805
  • I said something i probably wouldn't have said 20 years ago.
  • 00:15:46.805 --> 00:15:50.042
  • Afraid that i might lose my job.
  • 00:15:50.042 --> 00:15:51.710
  • And it's this pastor.
  • 00:15:51.710 --> 00:15:53.378
  • It's that we are all broken.
  • 00:15:53.378 --> 00:15:55.947
  • Every single one of us.
  • 00:15:55.947 --> 00:15:57.849
  • We are broken.
  • 00:15:57.849 --> 00:15:59.051
  • We've got to be able to accept that and reach out
  • 00:15:59.051 --> 00:16:01.987
  • For help and find people that share the same effort.
  • 00:16:01.987 --> 00:16:05.957
  • And so, pastor, thank you for bringing attention to this.
  • 00:16:05.957 --> 00:16:08.393
  • I really want to see
  • 00:16:08.393 --> 00:16:09.494
  • The churches engage across this country and creating
  • 00:16:09.494 --> 00:16:12.431
  • Veteran life groups
  • 00:16:12.431 --> 00:16:14.199
  • And getting that out into every single community
  • 00:16:14.199 --> 00:16:16.935
  • And city and town across america,
  • 00:16:16.935 --> 00:16:19.571
  • Because our veterans right now are looking for that.
  • 00:16:19.571 --> 00:16:22.607
  • But they're not hearing about it.
  • 00:16:22.607 --> 00:16:24.076
  • So let's please try to advocate for more veteran life groups
  • 00:16:24.076 --> 00:16:27.913
  • Across this country and every single church.
  • 00:16:27.913 --> 00:16:31.216
  • Well, paul, thank you for joining us again.
  • 00:16:32.117 --> 00:16:34.086
  • We're going to stay on this in the months ahead with your help.
  • 00:16:34.086 --> 00:16:37.823
  • Thank you, pastor.
  • 00:16:38.256 --> 00:16:39.357
  • God bless you and god bless all that are watching
  • 00:16:39.357 --> 00:16:40.826
  • And helping to make a difference.
  • 00:16:40.826 --> 00:16:43.195
  • Amen.
  • 00:16:43.195 --> 00:16:44.262
  • Well, in a moment i'll have some additional
  • 00:16:44.262 --> 00:16:45.964
  • Thoughts and reasons for hope.
  • 00:16:45.964 --> 00:16:53.004
  • Thoughts and reasons for hope.
  • 00:16:53.004 --> 00:16:55.241
  • If you're a veteran, a police officer,
  • 00:16:56.075 --> 00:16:58.077
  • A first responder, we salute you.
  • 00:16:58.077 --> 00:17:01.114
  • We offer you our heartfelt gratitude
  • 00:17:01.114 --> 00:17:03.182
  • For defending our freedoms and liberties.
  • 00:17:03.182 --> 00:17:06.085
  • We understand that your discipline, your obedience,
  • 00:17:06.085 --> 00:17:09.188
  • Willingness to be under authority,
  • 00:17:09.188 --> 00:17:10.890
  • It changed the destinies of other people's lives.
  • 00:17:10.890 --> 00:17:13.426
  • And for that reason, i call you heroes.
  • 00:17:13.426 --> 00:17:15.928
  • We need a new generation of heroes.
  • 00:17:15.928 --> 00:17:17.463
  • And i nominate you today.
  • 00:17:17.463 --> 00:17:19.966
  • I can only imagine the burden you carry, what you experienced
  • 00:17:19.966 --> 00:17:23.302
  • On your assignments.
  • 00:17:23.302 --> 00:17:24.737
  • Well, may my please, to all
  • 00:17:25.338 --> 00:17:27.106
  • The christ followers, to people who sit in churches
  • 00:17:27.106 --> 00:17:29.308
  • And imagine yourselves to be people of faith, be aware.
  • 00:17:29.308 --> 00:17:33.212
  • Listen to those around you, see if they need help.
  • 00:17:33.212 --> 00:17:37.016
  • Think about others more frequently,
  • 00:17:37.016 --> 00:17:38.784
  • Not just about yourself.
  • 00:17:38.784 --> 00:17:40.553
  • Matthew 514 says, you're the light of the world.
  • 00:17:40.553 --> 00:17:43.656
  • The town built on a hill can't be hidden.
  • 00:17:43.656 --> 00:17:46.259
  • Neither the people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
  • 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:49.295
  • Instead, they put it on its stand
  • 00:17:49.295 --> 00:17:50.963
  • And it gives light to everyone in the house.
  • 00:17:50.963 --> 00:17:54.567
  • That's our assignment, is to be light in this world.
  • 00:17:54.567 --> 00:17:57.637
  • And i think we're far too long now.
  • 00:17:57.637 --> 00:17:59.238
  • We've been waiting for someone else to do it.
  • 00:17:59.238 --> 00:18:01.707
  • People ask me frequently,
  • 00:18:01.707 --> 00:18:02.909
  • What's the church going to do about this?
  • 00:18:02.909 --> 00:18:05.044
  • And i always respond the same way.
  • 00:18:05.044 --> 00:18:06.345
  • Well, i'm not certain. what do you plan to do?
  • 00:18:06.345 --> 00:18:08.881
  • Because at the end of the day, we are the church.
  • 00:18:08.881 --> 00:18:11.250
  • It's not some mystical group
  • 00:18:11.250 --> 00:18:12.552
  • Of people that live someplace else.
  • 00:18:12.552 --> 00:18:14.787
  • We've waited for washington.
  • 00:18:14.787 --> 00:18:16.055
  • We've waited for somebody else.
  • 00:18:16.055 --> 00:18:17.690
  • Let's decide to be the difference
  • 00:18:17.690 --> 00:18:19.192
  • And be a light in the midst of the darkness.
  • 00:18:19.192 --> 00:18:21.427
  • If we'll do that,
  • 00:18:21.427 --> 00:18:22.595
  • There's more reasons for hope than despair, i promise.
  • 00:18:22.595 --> 00:18:26.265
  • Well, that's my message for tonight.
  • 00:18:26.265 --> 00:18:28.034
  • And after a short break, we'll start looking at your messages.
  • 00:18:28.034 --> 00:18:36.009
  • And after a short break, we'll start looking at your messages.
  • 00:18:36.009 --> 00:18:38.646
  • Thank you for taking the time
  • 00:18:39.280 --> 00:18:40.481
  • To send your emails, your thoughts and ideas.
  • 00:18:40.481 --> 00:18:42.617
  • Your questions are an important part of the program.
  • 00:18:42.617 --> 00:18:45.286
  • Before i read those, i want to extend my invitation
  • 00:18:45.286 --> 00:18:47.922
  • To you again.
  • 00:18:47.922 --> 00:18:49.057
  • I'm inviting my friends all over the country to join me
  • 00:18:49.057 --> 00:18:51.593
  • In reading through the gospels at the beginning of this year,
  • 00:18:51.593 --> 00:18:54.562
  • 10 or 15 minutes a day.
  • 00:18:54.562 --> 00:18:55.697
  • It's about a 60 day journey.
  • 00:18:55.697 --> 00:18:57.599
  • Matthew, mark, luke, and john.
  • 00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:59.467
  • The reason i'm inviting you is
  • 00:18:59.467 --> 00:19:00.702
  • I believe if we'll take that time,
  • 00:19:00.702 --> 00:19:02.103
  • It will bring the blessing of god
  • 00:19:02.103 --> 00:19:04.005
  • Into our lives, our homes, and our nation.
  • 00:19:04.005 --> 00:19:06.841
  • That's worth an investment of a few minutes each day.
  • 00:19:06.841 --> 00:19:09.043
  • I hope you'll join me.
  • 00:19:09.043 --> 00:19:10.211
  • You go to the website and get all the details
  • 00:19:10.211 --> 00:19:12.714
  • Now for your emails.
  • 00:19:12.714 --> 00:19:14.249
  • Lisa greene from kingsport, tennessee.
  • 00:19:15.083 --> 00:19:17.085
  • Thank you for your time and effort
  • 00:19:17.085 --> 00:19:18.686
  • That you put into a tv program.
  • 00:19:18.686 --> 00:19:20.154
  • You're a vessel being used by god, as evidenced
  • 00:19:20.154 --> 00:19:22.690
  • By the godly biblical truths you proclaim in your sermons,
  • 00:19:22.690 --> 00:19:26.060
  • As well as addressing the issues in alan jackson.
  • 00:19:26.060 --> 00:19:28.563
  • Now, thank you again.
  • 00:19:28.563 --> 00:19:30.164
  • I'll pray for continued, spirit filled teaching.
  • 00:19:30.164 --> 00:19:33.368
  • Well, thank you for your opinion, lisa.
  • 00:19:33.368 --> 00:19:35.169
  • It's our lives being changed that are the real evidence.
  • 00:19:35.169 --> 00:19:38.306
  • I want to encourage you to ask your friends
  • 00:19:38.306 --> 00:19:39.841
  • To join in watching the program. it will help all of us.
  • 00:19:39.841 --> 00:19:42.443
  • 7 p.m.
  • 00:19:42.443 --> 00:19:43.278
  • Eastern time, 6 p.m. central time.
  • 00:19:43.278 --> 00:19:45.947
  • Or you can find the every episode on youtube
  • 00:19:45.947 --> 00:19:49.350
  • At alan jackson.
  • 00:19:49.350 --> 00:19:50.418
  • Now, if you miss an episode, you can see it there.
  • 00:19:50.418 --> 00:19:53.421
  • Your participation in it makes a difference.
  • 00:19:53.421 --> 00:19:55.690
  • Take a moment to send your emails
  • 00:19:55.690 --> 00:19:57.125
  • To comments at alan jackson now.com.
  • 00:19:57.125 --> 00:20:00.161
  • Your feedback and questions do a lot to shape our show.
  • 00:20:00.161 --> 00:20:03.898
  • I'm alan jackson. you have a wonderful evening.
  • 00:20:03.898 --> 00:20:03.898