Photo By Spc. Brendon Donahue | Guests clap for retired U.S. Soldier Bob MacKenzie's promotion to lieutenant colonel...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA -Bob MacKenzie, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, reflects on his 33-year military career and the importance of supporting those who serve. Recently promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel decades after his initial medical separation, this veteran’s journey is a testament to community, and the spirit of giving back, especially through the Army Emergency Relief (AER) program.
MacKenzie hails from a military family, one of six brothers who all chose to serve their country. After his brother's death in Vietnam, a profound sense of duty propelled him forward.
“Mom had a way of saying, ‘It’s time to come back on your shield or with it’, and we did that.”, MacKenzie recounts.
He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he earned his degree and was commissioned as an armor officer in 1974. He served in various capacities, including his service in the Third Cavalry Regiment, commanding a company in the 82nd Airborne Division, and later became a Public Affairs Officer in the 3rd Infantry Division where he showcased the latest military technology of the time on European soil.
Despite the challenges faced in the post-Vietnam era, including limited resources and a lack of awareness about programs that could help Soldiers, he found ways to support his troops, emphasizing the significance of financial assistance through AER. His commitment to others meant he saw firsthand how AER could be a lifeline for soldiers in need.
“Lower ranking Soldiers in the 70s didn’t have the discretionary income that you might have now. The country wasn’t behind them, it was a tough time to be in the Army. AER was able to assist people during that time.”
Recognizing the evolving financial landscape of the military, MacKenzie urges veteran peers to consider the potential of funding sources beyond small contributions. He advocates for mobilizing retired officers to make larger donations to AER, tapping into resources that veterans can access for effective philanthropy.
The retired Lieutenant Colonel’s recent experiences have reinvigorated his commitment to the military community, particularly with his upcoming promotion celebration which will gather former troops and friends to honor a meaningful chapter in his life.
He encourages his peers to take a strategic approach to their giving by consolidating donations to maximize impact — for instance, giving $6,000-$10,000 to AER for one year and another $6,000-$10,000 to the following year instead of spreading small sums over multiple charities. This approach not only simplifies the process but also allows retirees to support organizations like AER without incurring additional taxes.
MacKenzie emphasizes the need for better outreach to retirees to educate them on how they can best support initiatives aimed at helping lower-ranking enlisted soldiers instead of relying on small contributions from active-duty Soldiers themselves.
He believes that initiatives like AER are vital for a holistic approach to military life, addressing not only physical and operational needs but also the economic stability of service members and their families. By providing assistance in times of emergency — whether for medical expenses or family emergencies — AER embodies the values of camaraderie and support that are foundational to military culture.
MacKenzie’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of looking after one another in the military, ensuring that assistance is not just available but actively sought out and utilized.
“We have to look after our own, you got to step up. AER is part of that organic commitment. If you love your Soldiers, you’ll look for any possible opportunity to help them. If you don’t love your Soldiers, you shouldn’t be in the military.”
If you’re interested in supporting Soldiers and their families, visit www.armyemergencyrelief.org to learn more and make a donation.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2024 16:57 |
| Story ID: | 481572 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Lifelong Service: Vets Supporting Junior Soldiers, by SPC Brendon Donahue, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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