Posted on May 6, 2014
Should veteran status be reserved for those who have deployed?
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This one has come up a lot in conversations with my peers and Soldiers: Should you be allowed to claim veterans status if you have never deployed?
Personally, I'm an ROTC graduate who chose to go straight into the ARNG in 2011, knowing full well that my chances to deploy would be next to none with the changing op tempo. Realistically, had I been actively searching out a deployment the whole time, I still may not have gotten one. I'm sure there are Soldiers out there who served honorably in a reserve component without deploying, despite their best efforts. So, for example, should a Soldier who completed basic training, had a clean service record, excelled in their peer group, but ultimately served 10 years as a reservist with no deployment and less than 180 days on non-ADT active service be prevented from calling themselves a veteran?
I have my own thoughts, but I'm more interesting in hearing your opinions. For clarification, I'm speaking more towards the legal definition of veterans status - even if the laws were changed here, there would still be an immense difference between a legal veteran and a legal veteran with several deployments, combat experience, decades on active duty, or a combination of all three.
Personally, I'm an ROTC graduate who chose to go straight into the ARNG in 2011, knowing full well that my chances to deploy would be next to none with the changing op tempo. Realistically, had I been actively searching out a deployment the whole time, I still may not have gotten one. I'm sure there are Soldiers out there who served honorably in a reserve component without deploying, despite their best efforts. So, for example, should a Soldier who completed basic training, had a clean service record, excelled in their peer group, but ultimately served 10 years as a reservist with no deployment and less than 180 days on non-ADT active service be prevented from calling themselves a veteran?
I have my own thoughts, but I'm more interesting in hearing your opinions. For clarification, I'm speaking more towards the legal definition of veterans status - even if the laws were changed here, there would still be an immense difference between a legal veteran and a legal veteran with several deployments, combat experience, decades on active duty, or a combination of all three.
Reserves
Army National Guard
Deployment
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 678
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You signed the Dotted Line, You were eligible to go anywhere, anytime. You trained to serve your country in an emergency, You are a Veteran. Just because there was no call for you to deploy is not your fault. Now if you served during wartime you are eligible for the American Legion, If you deployed to Theater during wartime you can join the VFW. I belong to both.
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SFC William Fowle
SPC Robert Tuller - there is also a tour of 30+ days to Korea. It is codified in the VFW Charter. We have a few VFW members in my Post that only went to Korea.
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SPC Robert Tuller
SCPO Lloyd Sikes - You say that you didn't "Deploy!" You stated that you did a West Pac and 3 runs on SSBN's and you retired on an SSBN. I consider them deployments because you left your home base in a SSBN.
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Sgt Evelyn Casiano
Being a Veteran means you served. Period. It isn't reserved for a specific type of service.
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I spent 12 years serving my country, and now some one says that because I didn't deploy overseas to a "combat" zone that I am not a veteran. Just exactly where does this crap come from? I am proud of my service and despite what anyone says I am and will remain a veteran. Of all the things that can be taken from me, however, my veterans status isn't one of them.
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CPT David Tanner
Thank you for your service. You always will have my respect and you are and will always be an Army Veteran.
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SFC William Fowle
A Veteran is anyone that signed up and served, even if they served without the NDSM.
A Veteran eligible for the VFW is one who served in a recognized combat zone, such as Vietnam, Korea, The gulf wars, and a few other specific assignments.
A Veteran eligible for the VFW is one who served in a recognized combat zone, such as Vietnam, Korea, The gulf wars, and a few other specific assignments.
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SSgt R.Patrick Corkrey
Charles, of course you are a veteran. You served our country and signed that BLANK CHECK putting your butt on the line if and when needed. I served as a combat marine in Viet Nam and consider all those that signed on the dotted line to be my brothers and sisters.
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PO2 Stephen Cline
A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney - I hear where you are coming from. The VA is the pits. First time went to a VAMC was in 1978 for a service related injury. Spent all day there, finally saw a Doctor for all of 5 minutes. A week later I received a letter from them telling not to come back. I didn't until 2002 been fighting with them every since. They nearly killed me twice treating me for high blood pressure a condition I didn't have. They just assumed I had I high BP when I had the exact opposite Low BP. Then you have their ever changing policies and quacks for doctors.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
You Can't Believe This If You Want, And It Makes No Difference, But It IS True:
Different Times, Of Course, But I've Had 1 Of The Doctors At The VA Ask Me To Do Him A Favor... (paraphrased,But Accurate As All "L")~~ "SUE The VA" ! ~ But Here's His Explanation; " We Know We Have Serious Problems, But When We Doctors, Or Staff Members Tell The VA About It, We're Ignored: But If A Vet Speaks Out & Files A Complaint Or Sues Them ~ Only THEN Is Anything Done". ~~ Another, When I Asked "Why Is The Care Out Hers So Lacking"? This One Said "We Tend To Hire Anyone Whom Applies For Employment Because We're Understaffed,And We Need Someone To Fill A Position" ~~ A PA Stated "We Have About 4 MILLION People Living Here In Vegas, And Many Are Good Physicians, But They Don't WANT To Work Here Because Of Our Reputation, And They Don't Want To Be Known As A "VA Doctor".
I've Filed Several Times While Asking They Be Investigated, With Not As Much As 1 Reply
Different Times, Of Course, But I've Had 1 Of The Doctors At The VA Ask Me To Do Him A Favor... (paraphrased,But Accurate As All "L")~~ "SUE The VA" ! ~ But Here's His Explanation; " We Know We Have Serious Problems, But When We Doctors, Or Staff Members Tell The VA About It, We're Ignored: But If A Vet Speaks Out & Files A Complaint Or Sues Them ~ Only THEN Is Anything Done". ~~ Another, When I Asked "Why Is The Care Out Hers So Lacking"? This One Said "We Tend To Hire Anyone Whom Applies For Employment Because We're Understaffed,And We Need Someone To Fill A Position" ~~ A PA Stated "We Have About 4 MILLION People Living Here In Vegas, And Many Are Good Physicians, But They Don't WANT To Work Here Because Of Our Reputation, And They Don't Want To Be Known As A "VA Doctor".
I've Filed Several Times While Asking They Be Investigated, With Not As Much As 1 Reply
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Sgt Linda Preuschoff
My husband and I are both veterans. We get some of our care from the VA. We have had nothing but great outcomes, and total respect for us. I guess it just depends on which VA clinic/hospital you go to. We go to the VA located in Loma Linda, CA.
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A1C Marco Rodriguez
Recently I underwent a kidney transplant at the VA Hospital, Portland Ore. They have a great medical staff and the transplant was successful. I am now receiving medical care at the VA Hospital, Loma Linda Ca. They provide me with numerous anti-rejection medications and periodic follow-up visits. I am extremely happy with the VA health care I am receiving.
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Anyone, who at any time, stood up and signed the line giving the United States Government a check worth his/her own life is qualified to carry the label Veteran. Number of deployments doesn't matter.
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PFC Mandy Parczak
Was supposed to deploy twice, got held back both times due to medical issues, then my health nosedived and I nearly died, preventing me from deployment for the rest of my time. Still managed a lot of NBC stuff for my battalion. I was just a behind-the-scenes soldier, but even those are an important part to run the army
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SGT Luis Lalama
when you enlisted, you signed that blank check payable to the united Staes for the amount of and including your life, if there is no conflit that requires soldier to go fight and you served your 3 or 4 years without going to war you are a veteran, that blank check , means you are ready and willing to be deployand fight for your country
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Frank Garnick
I understand your point but you have to make an addition. I signed on the dotted line, I stood up, I swore the Oath. If that's all it takes then I am also a Veteran. I'm not though and never claim that status. Combat veterans have told me they personally consider me one because A: I did those things and B: I was a civilian employee for the Navy in a risky job (main steam 1500#). The MEPS Dr failed me due to catastrophic burns suffered in high school. I returned to MEPS two days later and the specialist said there was nothing wrong with me. MEPS Dr overruled him. My congressman tried to get me in but the Navy permanently disqualified me. I'd say that Veteran status should be defined as anyone who possesses a DD-214. I tried but I'm not a veteran.
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A1C Kenneth Hopkins
Agree. I joined right out of High School but it was just after the official end date of Vietnam but in 76 during Bicentennial and working Security Forces responded to a alarm in alert B52 area we totaled a truck so no war time but severe pain for life so raise your hand and your a Veteran.
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I have Soldiers who joined for four years and spent the entire time in some SCIF or other type building supporting forces downrange 24/7. They came in even when the ice storms and stuff shut down post, they were in, doing their job. The schedules sometimes were 1600 to 2359 or 0001 to 0800. They spent years working these shifts and they weren't eligible for a deployment award even though their lives rotated around the Soldiers downrange. They are just as much a veteran as anyone else, so no a deployment is not a requirement, at least not in my book. My opinion and 50 cents won't even by you a Coke though.
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SPC Robert Patrick
1SG Mike Case, I couldn't agree more. Once spent 3 days Straight managing a typhoon shift in Okinawa monitoring all comms outages we had and trying to get up what we could. Did not sleep until the storm passed and we got the all clear.
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
PO1 Don Uhrig -
EXACTLY ~ During The Cuban Crisis- In 1962,
We ALL Worked 12 Hour Shifts ~ 7 Days Every Week ~ NO Days Off.
And Those B-52's Were Being Loaded With Nukes ~ And We Were SO Busy,
I Doubt We Had The Time To Realize "If One Bomb Was Dropped It Would Cause A Chain Reaction ~~ And Our World Returned To Dust ~~
EXACTLY ~ During The Cuban Crisis- In 1962,
We ALL Worked 12 Hour Shifts ~ 7 Days Every Week ~ NO Days Off.
And Those B-52's Were Being Loaded With Nukes ~ And We Were SO Busy,
I Doubt We Had The Time To Realize "If One Bomb Was Dropped It Would Cause A Chain Reaction ~~ And Our World Returned To Dust ~~
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One's honorable service be it for 3-years or 30 is what makes one a Veteran, not deploying. Many, many honorable individuals served without deploying from the time of the end of the Vietnam War through today, and they are Veterans, to say otherwise denigrates their service to our nation.
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SSG James Gass
I am old enough to not only remember when there were draftees, I also spent many hours of work with them. Veterans all, 2 years or whatever.
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I had mentioned that I felt like I was not "doing my part" as I have not deployed, nor do I have a combat patch. I have felt this way for the time I have served and had been actively pursuing a deployment.
Upon hearing this, one of our SFC's said to me: "Sir, you have done everything anyone has asked you to do since you signed up and not turned away from any tasking or request coming from above, that means you are "doing your part" and thats all anyone can ask."
I may have paraphrased a bit, but the jist of it makes me feel good.
Upon hearing this, one of our SFC's said to me: "Sir, you have done everything anyone has asked you to do since you signed up and not turned away from any tasking or request coming from above, that means you are "doing your part" and thats all anyone can ask."
I may have paraphrased a bit, but the jist of it makes me feel good.
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MSG Bennie McGrew
True statement, that's the nature of military service, we did what the service ask us to do, wherever that may have been. You served you are a veteran.
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PO2 Loren Gilmore
You should feel good about your service. You were there, raised your hand no matter where in the great big world you were stationed. You are a Vet, so stick out your chest now and be proud of the fact that you honored our country by your service. Thanks, Doc Gilly.
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SFC William Swartz Jr
After Desert Storm, I felt the same way you did sir, I was "unlucky" enough to have been stationed at Ft. Carson at the time, and 4th ID was one of the few units that did not deploy. It took me a while to realize that for me, it was merely the "luck of the draw" that I did not deploy while my brother, who was stationed at Ft. Bragg spent the entirety of DS/DS in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. We execute those missions we can no matter where we are garrison or deployed!!
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I am a combat veteran, but I will never think any less of a service member who didn't deploy. I know we may give each other shit amongst ourselves, but the fact of the matter is that we all signed up to defend this country regardless of what your job was. To all who served, thank you
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AB Brian Fritzie
Best comment! You are true red blooded America Solider! Thanks for your service in combat! You have my respect!
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SGT David Bautista
Those of us that give each other "shit", earned it deployed or not. I used to pray to get deployed to combat. Now as I grow older, I thank God I never had to endure such a thing.
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Negative! How about you just say combat veteran, thats probably the only distinguishing that could matter. Ones who saw war and ones that saw peace.
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Suspended Profile
SrA Bruce Bustin - By Red Line are you referring to a No Lone Zone Red Line? If you did, I'm guessing you were Security Police/Forces assigned to the Alert Pad. Served many a day on Nuclear Alert as a B52H Crew Chief at Kincheloe AFB, MI and B52D C/C in Guam separated by a PCS tour at U-Tapao as a B52D Crew Chief 71-72 during Linebacker. At Kinch the weather as you say was -20 and at Guam and U-Tapao, 95 degrees or more. You indeed sir have my respect.
SrA Bruce Bustin
Yes I am!!! A very cold Cold War Vet stationed at KI Sawyer AFB!!!
SSgt Keith Stanton
SSgt Keith Stanton
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Suspended Profile
SrA Bruce Bustin - I know K.I. very well. Although not stationed there myself, I was a police officer in Marquette and lived in Chocolay Township and visited the base often.. And although after closure they did a good job of leasing out the buildings and facilities and turning it into Intl Airport and manufacturing hub, , it's always sad to see an old military base after they have closed. Well take care and best of luck in your future.
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First of all, let me state that there are several 'legal' definitions of Veteran. Even the VA has different definitions of veteran based on the benefit sought and NONE of them require a deployment (some do require wartime service but do not require that you actually deploy)... That aside, in my own opinion, anyone who has served honorably in any component of the Armed Forces is a Veteran. Does that entitle them to ALL Veteran benefits? No. Should it? No. I myself am retired with over 20 years of Active Duty in the Army and have deployed. Do I have full VA benefits, No.
Bottom line. If you served honorably, I believe you are a Veteran, but just being a Veteran does not, in itself, qualify one for all benefits, and being deployed has absolutely NOTHING to do with it.
Bottom line. If you served honorably, I believe you are a Veteran, but just being a Veteran does not, in itself, qualify one for all benefits, and being deployed has absolutely NOTHING to do with it.
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SGM Gerald Fife
MSG Huffman, if I may ask. What VA Benefits do you not qualify for? I would have presumed that you were eligible for all benefits. I am retired but have never used the VA. I don't foresee ever using the VA for medical purposes. I currently live across the street from a large VA clinic. I am covered with Medicare and Tricare for Life. If I were to go to the VA for treatment of whatever they would charge my Medicare and TFL not the VA system for treatment.
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MSG Wade Huffman
SGM Gerald Fife - I am not eligible for VA health care - I am not service connected for any disabilities and am over income for enrollment. I am also not currently eligible for any pension programs (thankfully). Also not eligible for vocational rehabilitation... just to name a few.
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SGM Gerald Fife
MSG Wade Huffman - I also am over income. So I guess that would make me not eligible also.
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PO2 Stephen Cline
SGM Gerald Fife - There were 5 priority groups. There are now 8. Good luck figuring out what group you fall into now.
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