Is the U.S. Surgeon General considered a Veteran, given that the position is a political one, and appointed by the POTUS?

The U.S. Surgeon General holds the rank of Vice Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, overseeing the operations of approximately 6,500 uniformed health officers who serve in nearly 800 locations around the world, promoting, protecting, and advancing the health and safety of our nation.

Also, what about the ribbons that are worn by every Surgeon General? What do they represent and how were they earned?

A link to the current U.S. Surgeon General is below:

https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/jerome-adams/index.html