Thursday, November 11, 2010 is Veterans Day. Last year, in my Veterans Day 2009 post, I gave you a brief background of the history of Veterans Day, and quoted the 2008 census to give folks a real idea of just how many veterans there really are living in the United States – because, interestingly enough, the average person really low-balls their guess! I talked about how vets are more likely than civilians to develop mesothelioma cancer, and shared a poem and a few quotes.
This year, I want to do something different.
When I conduct outreach to various veteran organizations, and groups that, in general, support the veteran and military community, I am often shocked at how people assume that, by “veterans,” I am referring to those who served in World War II. What about the men and women who have served in more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq? While it is our responsibility as a country to support and honor all of our veterans, vets of recent wars require unique and specialized support services. Many people think of a veteran as being an old, grandfatherly-type man sitting in a wheelchair, watching the annual Veterans Day parade. Of course, you see those great men every year, but I think that some people forget that today’s veterans are much younger…much more diverse…they are both male and female…and they have fought a very different kind of war than the military personnel who fought before them.
Before I address the distinct services required by today’s veteran, I want to reiterate the importance of veteran and military participation the 2010 U.S. Census. On December 31st, final counts will be given to the President. For veterans specifically, there was a lot riding on this year’s census, as an accurate census count would lead to increased funding for veteran education opportunities, more money for veteran housing, job training programs, and an increase in funding for veteran health care, especially for those who require rehab and disability care. In the New Year, we’ll find out if the census – and thusly, the money allotted to veteran programs – accurately represents our veteran population. I hope that everyone in the military and veteran community participated in the census this year!
Back to today’s veterans: think about how, after WWII, no one really knew what PTSD was. Thousands of injured veterans were shipped back to the U.S. This included men who were injured physically, but also men who were injured mentally and emotionally – we, as a nation, were not equipped at that time to address the needs of those particular vets - - the veterans with mental and emotional instability, who were haunted by what they had seen during the war. Today, things are different – and thank goodness. I’ve addressed PTSD many times on my blog. It not only seriously impacts a veteran’s ability to live their daily lives, but it also impacts the lives of that veteran’s family and friends. Today’s veteran has the opportunity to heal, thanks to healing therapies such as Virtual Therapy and Equine Therapy. They can seek support at any of the 130 veteran community living centers across the country, or veteran domicilliaries. Through the work of the VA’s National Center for PTSD, the close to 20% of veterans who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars can seek support, financial, and medical assistance. Of course, the 10% of Gulf War vets and the 30% of Vietnam vets dealing with PTSD can receive the same support services through the VA.
In addition to PTSD, today’s veteran faces a number of other challenges when they return home. Many are not yet 22 years of age…they haven’t gone to college, and have job skills directly related to combat. They can’t get a job, because they require extensive training first – and in this economy, many employers do not have the time, money, or resources to do that training. If today’s veteran is married, well, that’s additional mouths to feed, bodies to provide healthcare for, and more people to shelter. Today’s veteran may have trouble securing a loan to buy their own home or car. In short – today’s veteran continues to fight even when they return to civilian life…they’re just fighting a less violent battle – the battle to get educated, get a job, and support their dependants.
So, as Veterans Day approaches, what can we do to support today’s veteran?
The first thing that I can think of? Thank a veteran. You might see an individual walking down the street or through the mall in a military uniform. Don’t be shy – stop them, ask them if they happen to be a veteran, and then say thank you for your service. You have no idea how much of an impact a simple expression of thanks will have. What else? You can donate to organizations that support veterans. Look to the left of your screen to my Blogroll for some of my favorite veteran support organizations. You can support Veteran-Owned Businesses in your area, and across the country. You can fly your American flag proudly outside your home. You can volunteer at a homeless shelter, serving meals – chances are, there will be a handful of homeless vets who go through the line, desperate for a hot meal and some fellowship. You can adopt a military member who is currently serving overseas – because, while they’re still considered Active Duty, they’ll be a veteran eventually!
The list goes on and on. But, like I said – it should start with an expression of thanks. Not everyone has the money to donate, donate, donate. An expression of thanks is free. And it feels really good, too.
Please take the time this year to acknowledge – even if only in your own thoughts – the men and women who protect YOUR freedom and YOUR safety. Please visit us on Twitter, and check us out on Facebook, as there are hundreds of military and veteran community members there that we can learn from and thank.
Also, please visit Remembrance Day Song, a website with some excellent and very thoughtful words related to thanking our veterans, past and present. Their website address is www.remembrancedaysong.com.
