Yes, absolutely agreed on the “free” and that he’s in the same demographic aspects you mentioned.
But otherwise, sorry, I’ll have to wait and see how much his doing this will make a difference as to heightened exposure of SoldierOn if he’s not personally promoting his voice/support in any way, shape, or form—which at the moment, he’s not. Only SoldierOn is spreading the word, and a simple take of their following on social media platforms, and overall interaction with their posts provides insight as to how little attention they get on an average basis when compared to several other Cdn content/profiles, personal, government/public service, etc.
The scope of the benefits of SoldierOn and its mission statement is relatively unknown and/or entirely dismissed by the majority of serving CAF members.
Since the percentages of currently releasing mbrs successfully transferred to TCs is relatively small, their exposure to the program makes minimal impact as to spreading the word to others also.
Many vets aren’t adequately aware of the benefits of the program.
I’ve been told by relevant persons that traffic to the SoldierOn site isn’t noteworthy.
Couple these issues with the fact that there’s notable imbalances as to how well varying CoCs (TC and otherwise) help promote SoldierOn where relevant means that, yes, while Mr. Reynolds agreeing to say a little something is an acceptable gesture, it’s extremely minor since that seems to be the extent of his involvement.
After having spent time (as I’m sure others have also) with those who’ve given a great deal both mentally & physically, hearing of their personal stories and struggles from their own mouths, having seen their tears, and being greatly touched by accounts of their triumphs during (continued) rehabilitation, you’ll have to forgive me for not being absolutely blown away by a celebrity who threw together a quick 02:15, unscripted and relatively unprepared video. I hope he makes a more visible effort to spread the word in the future. ‘Perhaps some sort of donation/initiating a fund. I simply think they deserve more. That’s it, that’s all, and I’m comfortable expressing that.
Speaking bluntly, everyone talks about, and wishes vets were treated with equal consideration as compared to several other facets of public service, community recognition/outreach, funds/benefits, etc., yet only a few, simple comments from someone who’s reached his level of stardom is supposed to be super-flattering. Again, I just wasn’t overly impressed.