Combat Veteran Starting Back up Help

Raven27

Raven27

Participating member
Location
Pittsfield, Ma
Hello all. I've been a member here for a number of years, and am hoping my story hits the right people. Im a combat Veteran, I served 17 years in the Army, did a combat Tour with n Infantry unit Baghdad,Iraq from 2007-2008. When I came home, things were fine, at first. After a few months, I realized things weren't all right, I couldn't handle people, work, my kids, my wife, life. I didn't realize it, but PTSD was hitting me hard. I was really angry, depressed. My wife told me I had to get help, so I went to the VA and talked to someone, eventually I had an evaluation and was given a 70% disability rating just for PTSD. One day i needed a very dead Willow tree taken down in my yard, I hired a local guy who climbed it...it was awesome to watch, I was inspired like never before, I was hooked. that night I started doing research, videos on YouTube, books, treebuzz, arboristsite, etc... I couldn't get enough. I bought some starting gear, and started low and slow. Someone asked me to take a tree down for them, I had no idea what to charge ( sometimes I still don't ) I started doing the work more and more along side what regular work I could hold down. It was like therapy, I felt normal again, free. I don't know if it's the risk factor or not, ut I loved it. I continued to struggle with regular full time work and went through over 10 jobs in a few years, but the tree work was there, nights, weekends, etc.. I just couldn't get to it full time. In 2013, PTSD got the better of me and I just didn't want to deal with anything, I had to sell all of my gear and equipment to pay the bills, it really sucked and was a low pint for sure. Everyone told me not to, but my mind was a mess. Well, after a bunch of therapy, and Meds, I was talked into doing a tree for a friend, I have a VERY basic saddle and crappy spurs, and a lanyard I made, but I got it down, I was hooked again, even though I was really out of shape, I felt great again....

So here I am, I NEED to do this work full time, for my sanity and health. I have managed to scrape together a few basics and did some work in trade for the little stuff, but I'm short on the stuff I need to compete, at least a dump trailer, I have a standing deal on a decent diesel chipper, and the miscellaneous gear to do it all right. I've been getting calls from my old Ad, and have plenty of friends and family that need work, I have some connections to get some work, but I need advertising as well. So, here's what I did, I started a crowdfunding page to help raise money. It was a suggestion by a small business administration, and a friend. it's a new era, and I don't want to leave any stone unturned. I know there's a lot of great people who like to help Veterans. I was also told by a couple members on here, that I should share it here because we are such a tight knit community and have/ will help each other out, that's what I'm counting on. I'm sharing my link, and terrible video, in hopes of getting donations. I'm sure there's going to be some Jackasses that give me crap, there always is, but I have to make this work, for my self, and my family. Thanks for your time, I know this was long. Please spread the word, share the link, help if you can.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/combat-veteran-starting-tree-business/x/15271483#/
 
Hello Chino and welcome to TreeBuzz. To be accurate in your thinking of level of support you may want to search out the identical post in about six or seven various forums here. Some have many responses and answers, some none.

After you have seen those I would be interested in your thoughts. Also at any time if the original poster, or you, wanted to know how to get a much higher turnout or response to any request/offer I have some ideas.

Again welcome. There is a mountain of knowledge and expertise here for the asking - also searchable way into the past using various word combinations.
 
Heck of a deal on that Woodsman chipper on TreeBay forum if you're closer to being able to swing an equip deal Ravin27. A seller might be more motivated to kick in help too either on price or terms.
 
I thought all of these had been removed regarding me reaching out for help Merle , I believe your an admin??? pull this one too the amazing part is list of guys brought up stuff I hadn't thought about , like asking fir gear, so I asked . .....nothing I was told what a close community this was and thought it might work despite not wanting to do that stupid crowd funding idea I was pushed to do it and regretted it immediately. I'm more ashamed to take hear people don't use that may hemp me, but I'll never ask for money again I've always worked for everything , no need to change now
 
Hi Raven27. I'm not an admin and if I were I wouldn't see any reason to take your post(s) down. Zero shame in asking for help in my opinion just like there is zero shame in working for everything. One is not better than the other. They both have their time, place, and way of getting best results.

I've heard a term used, "Combat ineffective." I have no experience with that but, if I imagine its usage correctly that is closer to explaining your results here than how tight this group is or anything else. I would guess that you have never been very effective at asking for help, probably done for yourself mostly in life.

If asking for help was something you wanted to practice and be good at there are people who study it and have it down to a science. Turns out there is a basic formula to follow to get the best results.

I mostly work for what I want in life too, hope to never be in need of asking for a lot. And just for the record you sound like a person I would like to work with. If you ever want to do a working vacation on the west coast we should talk.

And lastly, I do appreciate your service to our country. Everyday I feel blessed to live here, fortunate to live in this time and to have all the choices, benefits, and freedoms that I get to experience. I am clear that that is only because of the service and sacrifice of untold numbers of people like yourself. Again thank you, Merle
 
I took some pretty good crap on another thread for asking this way, saw their point, didn't want people thinking I was just always looking for a free ride I've always earned everything the whole crowdfunding idea was advice of " professionals" I was also told to put it here by another member because of how much we help each other and he was sure I'd do well, I've done crap lol even with the gear list that some asked to make so they could kick in for that, nothing. oh well, won't break me. Tha ka for your kind words I've never been bad at anything, this will be no different.
 
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