I'm a thirty year old veteran of OIF 1 who was in the infantry and was severely wounded (TBI & lost a leg). I receive diasability from the VA & CRSC from the DOD. I'm finishing up my college with a B.S. in computer science and am at the top of my class. My hard work and perseverance has gotten me a co-op position at a national lab on the cyber security team where I work with a bunch of people who have never been in harms way. Here is where the problem begins... I work with people who have let their positions go to their heads and love to be condescending as a result. If I hear another one of them make snide remarks about me being jumpy, having a nice house & car, or being somewhat forgetful, I'm gonna flip! They tell me how they wish they had my life & act like its ridiculous that I get paid for my injuries. Today when one of them said something about how it must be nice to be me (a bunch of them were around my desk) I pulled up a picture of my leg right after it was shot and asked if they were jealous of that too, or if they were jealous of the fact that I've been blown up more times than I care to remember or if they are jealous of the fact that I have (had) very close friends who are no longer alive because of their 'glorious listyle' in the military. After I did this, they acted like I was the a**hole. Better yet, these idiots are socially inept and love to raise their hands at me and say "I ought to...". Last time one of them did this I asked him if he thought he was gonna scare me, all things considered and then went on to explain I would rip him limb from limb if he ever touched me... Needless to say, he said he should call HR on me for "being crazy" and have me fired. I told him that I dared him because HR would want nothing to do with his complain given the circumstances. Question is, have any of you had a similar problem, and if so, how did you deal with it? I'm one of the most laid-back jokes terms you could care to meet, but I'm at my wits end with their ignorance. I'm giving serious consideration to bringing in the obituaries of every one of my friends and hanging them in my area along with a framed picture of my severed leg and perhaps displaying my rack to see if that makes any of them think before they make remarks of how I have the life. Ok, rant off...
- Thread starter gimpy
- Start date
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> they acted like I was the a**hole.</div></div>
Better an a$$hole than an a$$.
I work with another retired GI and we click. The civilians, not so much. We are a small business, not union, but you wouldn't think so if you hung around very long. No sense of urgency if up against a time crunch or less than ideal situation, no team attitude and absolutely zero integrity.
Hope things work out well. Sounds as if you're smarter than the pud pullers.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> they acted like I was the a**hole.</div></div>
Better an a$$hole than an a$$.
I work with another retired GI and we click. The civilians, not so much. We are a small business, not union, but you wouldn't think so if you hung around very long. No sense of urgency if up against a time crunch or less than ideal situation, no team attitude and absolutely zero integrity.
Hope things work out well. Sounds as if you're smarter than the pud pullers.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
I'm a vet but a bit older than you. I wasn't injured (unless you count brain damage from extreme boredom) and in fairness I don't think that really has anything to do with it. That being said, I've NEVER had anyone do what you're saying is happening, not even close and while I don't doubt that it happens your story seems like it could be slightly weighed in your favor but as I mentioned I could be wrong. I'm not saying your wrong or anything but is it possible that your egging it on by pretending it doesn't bother you or trading insults/threats with them? Like I said I've never had anyone much less a group of people give me or anyone else I know shit about their service especially injured like you are. If none of the above are applicable I think you're best and smartest route would be to start by sitting down with the HR manager. The key to staying on the right side of getting fired is to have <span style="text-decoration: underline">documentation</span> and if HR isn't receptive than the EEOC will be and HR doesn't want anything to do with them as it usually means HR gets replaced.
I'm a vet but a bit older than you. I wasn't injured (unless you count brain damage from extreme boredom) and in fairness I don't think that really has anything to do with it. That being said, I've NEVER had anyone do what you're saying is happening, not even close and while I don't doubt that it happens your story seems like it could be slightly weighed in your favor but as I mentioned I could be wrong. I'm not saying your wrong or anything but is it possible that your egging it on by pretending it doesn't bother you or trading insults/threats with them? Like I said I've never had anyone much less a group of people give me or anyone else I know shit about their service especially injured like you are. If none of the above are applicable I think you're best and smartest route would be to start by sitting down with the HR manager. The key to staying on the right side of getting fired is to have <span style="text-decoration: underline">documentation</span> and if HR isn't receptive than the EEOC will be and HR doesn't want anything to do with them as it usually means HR gets replaced.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
First let me thank you for your service,and sacrifice.I am a
vet and a cancer survivor.I wear a compression garment on
my right arm for circulation.what peaple dont understand they
attack,without any concern.you dont fit in there plastic world.
you are a reality that dosnt exist in there mind.to them you
dont exist.But here you are,confusing the hell out of them.
you did the right thing by showing that photo.I am damn proud of
you.that took allot of courage.they dont rate shit.we all come in this world the same way we go out.Lifes a gift live yours
and to hell with them.your presence there has set the bar to high
for them to reach.maybe they should take there candy ass down to
recruiting station and go get some before its over.
SEMPER FI
*********OR HERS********
First let me thank you for your service,and sacrifice.I am a
vet and a cancer survivor.I wear a compression garment on
my right arm for circulation.what peaple dont understand they
attack,without any concern.you dont fit in there plastic world.
you are a reality that dosnt exist in there mind.to them you
dont exist.But here you are,confusing the hell out of them.
you did the right thing by showing that photo.I am damn proud of
you.that took allot of courage.they dont rate shit.we all come in this world the same way we go out.Lifes a gift live yours
and to hell with them.your presence there has set the bar to high
for them to reach.maybe they should take there candy ass down to
recruiting station and go get some before its over.
SEMPER FI
*********OR HERS********
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
High Binder, I have no doubt that if I pushed the issue, there would be stuff done, but I also don't want to rock the boat too much. I' never claimed preferential hiring, I've turned down offered accommodations (try not to stick out too much), and generally keep quiet. My boss is a vet herself, and is wonderful to deal with, it's some of the idiots that are my relative peers who are young, and one 60 year old who is also at my level who make snide remarks. I am attempting to sta as low-key and play nice just in case I want a job there after I graduate. I believe that a lot of the issues come from their lack of social skills. Think of some of the most intelligent people you have ever met, and those would be my co-workers. I used to be almost as socially inept as these people, but the infantry fixed that in a hurry. I also believe that their statements come from ignorance, not malice.
High Binder, I have no doubt that if I pushed the issue, there would be stuff done, but I also don't want to rock the boat too much. I' never claimed preferential hiring, I've turned down offered accommodations (try not to stick out too much), and generally keep quiet. My boss is a vet herself, and is wonderful to deal with, it's some of the idiots that are my relative peers who are young, and one 60 year old who is also at my level who make snide remarks. I am attempting to sta as low-key and play nice just in case I want a job there after I graduate. I believe that a lot of the issues come from their lack of social skills. Think of some of the most intelligent people you have ever met, and those would be my co-workers. I used to be almost as socially inept as these people, but the infantry fixed that in a hurry. I also believe that their statements come from ignorance, not malice.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Sentinel, thank you also. I have told them that if the followed the path in life that I have, they could also "have it made." I did mention that if they thought it would be that wonderful, the military is always looking for grunts... They seemed to think that was a crazy idea.
Sentinel, thank you also. I have told them that if the followed the path in life that I have, they could also "have it made." I did mention that if they thought it would be that wonderful, the military is always looking for grunts... They seemed to think that was a crazy idea.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...I think you're best and smartest route would be to start by sitting down with the HR manager. The key to staying on the right side of getting fired is to have <span style="text-decoration: underline">documentation</span> and if HR isn't receptive than the EEOC will be and HR doesn't want anything to do with them as it usually means HR gets replaced.</div></div>
Unfortunately I believe this is your best route in your case. If you do not report what these jackasses are doing and saying towards you, you will not have a leg to stand on when one of them decides to go to HR themselves. (Sounds like one has already threatened.)
Big picture is that if something goes on your employment record and even worse you are deemed mentally defective by some idiot, your rights could be stripped from you. Put an end to this now before it blows up into something even worse.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, there are people out there that do understand what you have given to us.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...I think you're best and smartest route would be to start by sitting down with the HR manager. The key to staying on the right side of getting fired is to have <span style="text-decoration: underline">documentation</span> and if HR isn't receptive than the EEOC will be and HR doesn't want anything to do with them as it usually means HR gets replaced.</div></div>
Unfortunately I believe this is your best route in your case. If you do not report what these jackasses are doing and saying towards you, you will not have a leg to stand on when one of them decides to go to HR themselves. (Sounds like one has already threatened.)
Big picture is that if something goes on your employment record and even worse you are deemed mentally defective by some idiot, your rights could be stripped from you. Put an end to this now before it blows up into something even worse.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, there are people out there that do understand what you have given to us.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: treebasher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Big picture is that if something goes on your employment record and even worse you are deemed mentally defective by some idiot, your rights could be stripped from you. Put an end to this now before it blows up into something even worse.
</div></div>
I'm not sure how they could have too much effect on my employment record as it is a studen position, and can't say anything if I did get fired somehow. As for the mentally festive bit, I would say that is a far stretch also, but I'm in Illinois where anything is possible.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: treebasher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Big picture is that if something goes on your employment record and even worse you are deemed mentally defective by some idiot, your rights could be stripped from you. Put an end to this now before it blows up into something even worse.
</div></div>
I'm not sure how they could have too much effect on my employment record as it is a studen position, and can't say anything if I did get fired somehow. As for the mentally festive bit, I would say that is a far stretch also, but I'm in Illinois where anything is possible.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Brother, leave the asshole to themselves. Don't talk to then unless you have to. Even then say only what needs saying to answer question or whatever. Don't blow up at them or criticize or even flip them off. You will be out of school soon enough. When you apply for a job and the FBI starts digging for your clearance they will talk to everyone of those assholes. Just some food for thought.
Brother, leave the asshole to themselves. Don't talk to then unless you have to. Even then say only what needs saying to answer question or whatever. Don't blow up at them or criticize or even flip them off. You will be out of school soon enough. When you apply for a job and the FBI starts digging for your clearance they will talk to everyone of those assholes. Just some food for thought.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure how they could have too much effect on my employment record as it is a student position, and can't say anything if I did get fired somehow. As for the mentally festive bit, I would say that is a far stretch also, but I'm in Illinois where anything is possible. </div></div>
If you put the job on a resume, even if it is a student position, potential employers will call your references. I have been involved in hiring new employees and past employers will tell you information that they shouldn't, even if it is against the law. If it ever went to court it is your word against theirs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Needless to say, he said he should call HR on me for "being crazy" and have me fired. </div></div>
This jackass starting shit and the fact that you are a combat veteran could easily get you deemed mentally "festive". (Ha, I like your term better.)
Make an appointment with the school Dean and the HR department and put a stop to this crap with a quickness. I have been in big business for quite a while now and have seen things like this go very badly because someone did not what to go through the proper channels.
I admire you wanting to handle this with integrity and honor but remember that these shitbags have neither and would have no qualms with burying a knife in your back.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure how they could have too much effect on my employment record as it is a student position, and can't say anything if I did get fired somehow. As for the mentally festive bit, I would say that is a far stretch also, but I'm in Illinois where anything is possible. </div></div>
If you put the job on a resume, even if it is a student position, potential employers will call your references. I have been involved in hiring new employees and past employers will tell you information that they shouldn't, even if it is against the law. If it ever went to court it is your word against theirs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Needless to say, he said he should call HR on me for "being crazy" and have me fired. </div></div>
This jackass starting shit and the fact that you are a combat veteran could easily get you deemed mentally "festive". (Ha, I like your term better.)
Make an appointment with the school Dean and the HR department and put a stop to this crap with a quickness. I have been in big business for quite a while now and have seen things like this go very badly because someone did not what to go through the proper channels.
I admire you wanting to handle this with integrity and honor but remember that these shitbags have neither and would have no qualms with burying a knife in your back.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
After talking to my wife (her mother is a HR director at the VA), and hearing about horror stories, I think I will go to HR and get it documented without making a big stink just in case this ever goes south. Thanks for the advice. Also, gotta love auto-correct for some of the adjustments it makes.
After talking to my wife (her mother is a HR director at the VA), and hearing about horror stories, I think I will go to HR and get it documented without making a big stink just in case this ever goes south. Thanks for the advice. Also, gotta love auto-correct for some of the adjustments it makes.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
They are not jelous of your benifits, they are jelous that you manned up and served your country where as they were pussies.
Tell them that.
I'm a (non injured) Vietnam Vet, we got a lot of crap like that. My favoret line was to tell them while they were hiding from the draft board I was nailing their hippy mother.
They are not jelous of your benifits, they are jelous that you manned up and served your country where as they were pussies.
Tell them that.
I'm a (non injured) Vietnam Vet, we got a lot of crap like that. My favoret line was to tell them while they were hiding from the draft board I was nailing their hippy mother.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My favorite line was to tell them while they were hiding from the draft board I was nailing their hippy mother.
</div></div>
I LOVE THIS LINE!!!!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My favorite line was to tell them while they were hiding from the draft board I was nailing their hippy mother.
</div></div>
I LOVE THIS LINE!!!!!
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Gimpy I'd like to apologize for the people my age(or near it) for the way they're acting, it sickens me that my generation is going the same way as the hippy generation did when it comes to how we respect(or lack thereof) our veterans. It doesn't mean much, but from this 22yr old who hasn't served, words cannot express my thanks to all of you for your service.
Gimpy I'd like to apologize for the people my age(or near it) for the way they're acting, it sickens me that my generation is going the same way as the hippy generation did when it comes to how we respect(or lack thereof) our veterans. It doesn't mean much, but from this 22yr old who hasn't served, words cannot express my thanks to all of you for your service.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
I say that if they din't understand the meaning of going above and beyond the call of duty, then they could go f*** themselves. Seriously, they don't deserve any respect from you or anyone else of they're not willing to properly respect a veteran who is permanently physically scarred from war.
I say that if they din't understand the meaning of going above and beyond the call of duty, then they could go f*** themselves. Seriously, they don't deserve any respect from you or anyone else of they're not willing to properly respect a veteran who is permanently physically scarred from war.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
the problem with working with assholes is that you often cant avoid the shit that they spew
most of your co-workers are likely the same pricks that post vile comments over the internet without fear of getting their asses beat.
that's the problem with these recent generations. they havent had enough beat downs in school to teach them to play nice with others. Too much touchy feely stuff being used as the way to handle these things in school. Non lethal violence is a highly effective negative reinforcement for bad actions/bullying.
the problem with working with assholes is that you often cant avoid the shit that they spew
most of your co-workers are likely the same pricks that post vile comments over the internet without fear of getting their asses beat.
that's the problem with these recent generations. they havent had enough beat downs in school to teach them to play nice with others. Too much touchy feely stuff being used as the way to handle these things in school. Non lethal violence is a highly effective negative reinforcement for bad actions/bullying.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Howdy Gimpy! Firstly, thank you for your service! Ive never served in the military but I can relate to your situation and problems. I lost an arm and leg in a motorcycle wreck caused by a semi driver. I'm often forgetful and a bit jumpy myself. I'm 37 and have worked my whole life and paid into the system. I was also fortunate to have had some insurance that paid out. I've had everyone from (formerly) close friends to family members throw out the " I wish I was you" or " it must be nice" bullshit.
It sounds like you and I have similar temperaments, if I got any more laid back I'd fall over! Even so at first I would get very angry when people would start that stuff. Over time I've come to realize most of them really don't mean anything condescending by it, it is just their way of dealing with how THEY feel around you. Then there are the others like the dumbass that drew their hand back. Social ineptitude aside, these winners may assume you are weak or somehow diminished as a person by your injuries. Personally I feel a strongly worded response is totally appropriate, you must make sure they understand you are not a target for their shit. Report this stuff to HR right away so it's documented and covers your ass.
Thought you might find this amusing, I put it on my van last year.
Howdy Gimpy! Firstly, thank you for your service! Ive never served in the military but I can relate to your situation and problems. I lost an arm and leg in a motorcycle wreck caused by a semi driver. I'm often forgetful and a bit jumpy myself. I'm 37 and have worked my whole life and paid into the system. I was also fortunate to have had some insurance that paid out. I've had everyone from (formerly) close friends to family members throw out the " I wish I was you" or " it must be nice" bullshit.
It sounds like you and I have similar temperaments, if I got any more laid back I'd fall over! Even so at first I would get very angry when people would start that stuff. Over time I've come to realize most of them really don't mean anything condescending by it, it is just their way of dealing with how THEY feel around you. Then there are the others like the dumbass that drew their hand back. Social ineptitude aside, these winners may assume you are weak or somehow diminished as a person by your injuries. Personally I feel a strongly worded response is totally appropriate, you must make sure they understand you are not a target for their shit. Report this stuff to HR right away so it's documented and covers your ass.
Thought you might find this amusing, I put it on my van last year.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
I'll throw in my 2 cents. Get back at them by doing your job better and faster than anyone else in the company. Some of your peers will look up to you for it, others will scorn you for it. But it will impress the hell out of the people who count.
I'll throw in my 2 cents. Get back at them by doing your job better and faster than anyone else in the company. Some of your peers will look up to you for it, others will scorn you for it. But it will impress the hell out of the people who count.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Appreciate your service and sacrifice. The deteriorating fiber of the citizens of this country is sad. If the general populous ever has to make sacrifice to save this country we are doomed and this lack of respect for those who have made the sacrifice is just sign of the breakdown of what made this country great. Screw them and keep on rolling.
Appreciate your service and sacrifice. The deteriorating fiber of the citizens of this country is sad. If the general populous ever has to make sacrifice to save this country we are doomed and this lack of respect for those who have made the sacrifice is just sign of the breakdown of what made this country great. Screw them and keep on rolling.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
How about
"Handicapable Mixed Martial Arts Academy and Anger Management Therapy Group; please park 8 feet back unless you want me to forget my therapy and remember my fighting".
How about
"Handicapable Mixed Martial Arts Academy and Anger Management Therapy Group; please park 8 feet back unless you want me to forget my therapy and remember my fighting".
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
get a job with the VA....everyone there is a vet.....
get a job with the VA....everyone there is a vet.....
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That being said, I've NEVER had anyone do what you're saying is happening, not even close</div></div>
I get the occasional snide remark about drawing a .gov retirement check. I just tell them we all made a choice and I get to spend mine.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That being said, I've NEVER had anyone do what you're saying is happening, not even close</div></div>
I get the occasional snide remark about drawing a .gov retirement check. I just tell them we all made a choice and I get to spend mine.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Here's what you do; get and old, rusty set of tree pruners, a 55 gallon trash bag, lots of clear plastic floor covering, duct tape, a sturdy chair...oh wait, never mind.
After I got home from the war, I got a job as a personal trainer; and I proceeded to scare the living shit out of my co-workers (don't ask me how, I guess I'm just a scary guy...that's 67 inches tall...lol).
You did the right thing by going to your HR department, man. Get that stuff down on paper and ignore those conceited mongoloids.
Here's what you do; get and old, rusty set of tree pruners, a 55 gallon trash bag, lots of clear plastic floor covering, duct tape, a sturdy chair...oh wait, never mind.
After I got home from the war, I got a job as a personal trainer; and I proceeded to scare the living shit out of my co-workers (don't ask me how, I guess I'm just a scary guy...that's 67 inches tall...lol).
You did the right thing by going to your HR department, man. Get that stuff down on paper and ignore those conceited mongoloids.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
I hear other's around school bagging on we vet's who are using our Ch31(Voc Rehab) benefits for 'sucking up government money' while they themselves hold Pell grants and other government freebies like food stamps and such. Me, I just walk by most of the time, but sometimes, I stop, look as menacingly as possible after removing my sunglasses, like right into their eyes, and totally through them(yo all know the look) and politely ask them this:
I dont know about you, but when did you serve your country and what did you do to become entitled to anything you receive? I would think someone like you would value an individual who gave his life to and limb to allow you to make douchebag comments like that, but I still would like to know, what have you done to deserve anything you have?
Then I say, "That's a rhetorical question, it's a one way thing, I am not really interested in your answer" and walk away
I hear other's around school bagging on we vet's who are using our Ch31(Voc Rehab) benefits for 'sucking up government money' while they themselves hold Pell grants and other government freebies like food stamps and such. Me, I just walk by most of the time, but sometimes, I stop, look as menacingly as possible after removing my sunglasses, like right into their eyes, and totally through them(yo all know the look) and politely ask them this:
I dont know about you, but when did you serve your country and what did you do to become entitled to anything you receive? I would think someone like you would value an individual who gave his life to and limb to allow you to make douchebag comments like that, but I still would like to know, what have you done to deserve anything you have?
Then I say, "That's a rhetorical question, it's a one way thing, I am not really interested in your answer" and walk away
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
I wouldn't read into it too much. The closest any of those assholes have been to war is Call of Duty. You are probably the first combat vet they have had a chance to interact with because all of them were too scared to enlist but openly brag about wanting to. They are internet tough guys, much like a few of the members here, who have loud voices online but would never say anything in public.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a vet but not a combat vet. I deal with folks like that all the time. The truth is the war never affected their lives unless it broke into their regular TV programming. They also never experienced an ass whuppin' but that can change.
I wouldn't read into it too much. The closest any of those assholes have been to war is Call of Duty. You are probably the first combat vet they have had a chance to interact with because all of them were too scared to enlist but openly brag about wanting to. They are internet tough guys, much like a few of the members here, who have loud voices online but would never say anything in public.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a vet but not a combat vet. I deal with folks like that all the time. The truth is the war never affected their lives unless it broke into their regular TV programming. They also never experienced an ass whuppin' but that can change.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Don't know if anyone said it yet, but it may pay to check your state's laws on recording conversations. If it's inline with federal law, only one party has to be informed (you). Keep a voice recorder on you at all times and just flip it on when any of them come up to you.
Save all of the important conversations...
Immediately after you start this, make a complaint to the HR, head supervisor, or whoever else you would like to bring in on this. Record that conversation as well.
If it continues, make more complaints... recorded... keep the recordings to yourself.
After a while if nothing is done to curb the behavior, you have all of the documented evidence you need to either have all offending employees and the HR department/management fired/replaced... or own half of the company after some time spent in court.
Unfortunately, I think this is one of those situations where keeping your temper under control and thinking long-term would better suit you. Harsh words that embarrass someone will sting for a day or two. A lost job or a lost lawsuit will stay with someone for a LOT longer... and that is an outcome they surely deserve.
This stinks of prejudice to the disabled. The law itself isn't concerned with how you are disabled, just the way you are treated... As of right now, you are in a hostile work environment as a result of the prejudice to your disabilities.
Don't know if anyone said it yet, but it may pay to check your state's laws on recording conversations. If it's inline with federal law, only one party has to be informed (you). Keep a voice recorder on you at all times and just flip it on when any of them come up to you.
Save all of the important conversations...
Immediately after you start this, make a complaint to the HR, head supervisor, or whoever else you would like to bring in on this. Record that conversation as well.
If it continues, make more complaints... recorded... keep the recordings to yourself.
After a while if nothing is done to curb the behavior, you have all of the documented evidence you need to either have all offending employees and the HR department/management fired/replaced... or own half of the company after some time spent in court.
Unfortunately, I think this is one of those situations where keeping your temper under control and thinking long-term would better suit you. Harsh words that embarrass someone will sting for a day or two. A lost job or a lost lawsuit will stay with someone for a LOT longer... and that is an outcome they surely deserve.
This stinks of prejudice to the disabled. The law itself isn't concerned with how you are disabled, just the way you are treated... As of right now, you are in a hostile work environment as a result of the prejudice to your disabilities.
Re: Any other vets have this problem?
Man, reading your post made me angry!
If you can't record the events at least document it on paper with dates and times to refresh your memory. Talk to an attorny, file with HR, hostile work enviroment?
It's not worth it in the long run to kick all their asses. The reality is, unfortunately you need to leave. Otherwise, no matter what you do, you will never be happy there. They will never understand.
Good luck!
Man, reading your post made me angry!
If you can't record the events at least document it on paper with dates and times to refresh your memory. Talk to an attorny, file with HR, hostile work enviroment?
It's not worth it in the long run to kick all their asses. The reality is, unfortunately you need to leave. Otherwise, no matter what you do, you will never be happy there. They will never understand.
Good luck!
