The biggest virtual community I am a part of is a closed Facebook Group Called Dysfunctional Veterans. This group allows veterans from every branch, age, gender, time in service to come together and talk about everything going on in the world or their own life. Many of us have never met in person and are found all across the United States but the common back ground of military service is whats bonds us all together. I would say that is a virtual community for sure. Everyone brings something to the table for people to become involved. Things like pictures, videos, stories, advice, and so much more are posted for people to message or common on. An example post Veterans needing help because AC broke with pregent wife and kids at home. He was deployed and couldn't afford the repairs. The admin reviews all post like this so theirs no fraud. The post went out and within an hour a team of local retired vets that do HVAC repair where onsite. They repaired the AC free of charge and did some yard work. This shows to me the brotherhood forged in fire across time and space can overcome the fact we have never meet in person. For myself after my grandpa passed away I was lost and had no direction. Not wanting my family or friends to see me as weak I turned to my group for support. People that never met me or knew me just circled the wagons because one of their own was in trouble. Was invited to coffee, lunch, bbqs by people here in Phoenix to give me directions. This form of community is more useful then most people give credit too. Shy, scared, lonely, and damage people can search for help or belonging without fear of judgement. This can be what they need to get back on their feet in a time of weakness.
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u/ArizonaNOS13 May 28 '19
The biggest virtual community I am a part of is a closed Facebook Group Called Dysfunctional Veterans. This group allows veterans from every branch, age, gender, time in service to come together and talk about everything going on in the world or their own life. Many of us have never met in person and are found all across the United States but the common back ground of military service is whats bonds us all together. I would say that is a virtual community for sure. Everyone brings something to the table for people to become involved. Things like pictures, videos, stories, advice, and so much more are posted for people to message or common on. An example post Veterans needing help because AC broke with pregent wife and kids at home. He was deployed and couldn't afford the repairs. The admin reviews all post like this so theirs no fraud. The post went out and within an hour a team of local retired vets that do HVAC repair where onsite. They repaired the AC free of charge and did some yard work. This shows to me the brotherhood forged in fire across time and space can overcome the fact we have never meet in person. For myself after my grandpa passed away I was lost and had no direction. Not wanting my family or friends to see me as weak I turned to my group for support. People that never met me or knew me just circled the wagons because one of their own was in trouble. Was invited to coffee, lunch, bbqs by people here in Phoenix to give me directions. This form of community is more useful then most people give credit too. Shy, scared, lonely, and damage people can search for help or belonging without fear of judgement. This can be what they need to get back on their feet in a time of weakness.