What is a veteran?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 17:18:36 -0500

I was asked a very interesting question by a civilian, due to today's holiday: What is a veteran? Is it somebody that was "just" in the military, or someone that actually deployed?" While there are various legal standards that define the word "veteran" in specific terms, I could see where the confusion lies. Is a veteran anyone to have ever worn the uniform? Must you be a combat veteran to receive benefits? While various regulations and laws spell this out, I'd like to know - what do YOU consider to be a veteran, especially in the context of Veteran's Day?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 6:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 18:25:06 -0500

I saw the word veteran defined as anyone past or present who has put their name on the dotted line and actually served or is serving in the armed forces. That being said there can be specifications as to what type of veteran you are ie a World War II vet, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan ect. I know in the service we tend to look at each other in terms of our deployments but when it comes down to it we all make sacrifices big or small. Regardless of the size of the sacrifice they all go into the melting pot that keeps this machine that we call the military successful.  

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 7:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:10:35 -0500

My personal belief is a veteran is anyone who has deployed to a combat zone. It's that simple. Not simply joining the military but deploying, making that sacrifice. Leaving your loved ones and doing exactly what we signed up for.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 11 at 2013 7:25 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:25:29 -0500

During the NAM war, there were those whom went in country (Combat), and their were those whom never went in country. Due to the given circumstances of that time. Both were entitled to certain benefits that make those whom were not in country to the same. This was because of all the trauma that was going on not only here in the USA but in NAM as well. Yet the VA calls then Veterans. I on the other hand am a Post Vietnam Vet, but I'm not entitled to those same benefits Like PTSD. I did have the exact same VA benefits as those during NAM but I don't qualify for PTSD. To the VA I'm considered a Veteran because I served. Now here is another, to qualify for membership of the Veterans of foreign wars you must have served combat or a conflict. While the Korean War is still on, it is still a combat zone even though their is currently no fighting. I served a tour in Korea and was a member of the Veterans of foreign wars. This is a question that sometimes still makes me think at time. So I guess the answer with my response.

Response by PO3 Joseph Gormley made Nov 11 at 2013 7:44 PM

PO3 Joseph Gormley — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:44:39 -0500

What is a Veteran: A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life.

Response by SGT Joseph Redman made Nov 11 at 2013 7:48 PM

SGT Joseph Redman — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:48:37 -0500

i was always told a veteran was someone who joined the service in a time of war. but then that would leave out all the drafters out there, so i would assume a veteran is anyone who has served in the military regardless of how long and for what reasons, knowing the consequences of what could happen if and when deployed and still signing up is enough for me

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:17 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:17:02 -0500

Being a vet is anyone that served and did what ever it was they were needed to do. Some people feel that only those who "saw" combat but what about everyone else. Whether deployed or state-side, fighting on the fore front or saying in the Air Base, we all have our duties that help everyone else able to complete thier mission. Medical, home or deployed help the wounded to try an attempt to ensure they can have another day or at the very least care for thier families back home. Military Police/Security Forces protect our bases in the deployed setting and at home. They also protect the resources that are not movable such as ICBMs and the equippment we have to ship down range. No one has the right to saw th a t your not a vet just because you have not "seen" combat. I know many that wanted to deply but were told "No, you're needed more here". I have also seen people return from deployment and thank anyone that helped thier family state-side for cating for thier family shile they we gone. Some even said that because zome of our jobs needed us here for thier family, they did not have to worry about thier fsmilies safety. Sorry I went off on a tangent. BL: You signed that dotted line, you did what whatever you we told to do, you are a Veteran.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:25 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:25:31 -0500

I think that all who serve in the military are veterans. We all sacrifice some things when we sign up. Long hours, constantly moving to new locations, time away from family, etc. Like A1C Murrell said (Go Team Sheppard), it takes many people to keep the DoD running, though some may never see combat, they're doing their part to keep the American public safe. That being said, I always found it awkward when people thanked me for my service while I was at the Air Force Academy... I really hadn't done much besides going to school. Even now, I'm merely in training... training to do my dream job, no less. But people want to say "Thank You," and I always appreciate it. We all signed the dotted line, and someday, that could mean making the ultimate sacrifice. I respect the heck out of anyone who's been deployed, and they definitely have earned more of a thank you than I have.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:35 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:35:18 -0500

If you want to get fired up about this question, check out this video... sad sad misuse of the word/title "Veteran." The whole story is quite interesting, and terribly maddening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPOKm20wP4s

Rep. Duckworth Deplores Witness for Claiming Veterans Disability

http://issa.hosue.gov June 26, 2013 "The IRS Contracts with Strong Castle, Inc"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:36 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:36:03 -0500

I find it amusing that I'm a veteran when it comes to paying money to the VFW, but not when it comes to collecting benefits from the VA.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:50 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:50:36 -0500

I am not the person to declare what is or what is not a veteran.   I guess it is a person whoever who finished basic and who served honorably or who was discharged after serving his commitment.  

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 8:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:56:04 -0500

Ask any veteran who supplied other veterans with food, mail or some other kind of relevant support and they are considered veterans. Maybe not combat type, but do away with Air Traffic Controllers, Weather Forecasters and Base Operations, notams, pireps or radar weather reports.

I told one veteran of 30 plus years that I am not combat and he told me, that my skill is very crucial. And honesty, I would be deferential to a combat person myself. Army personnel on bivouacs or as I mentioned earlier, the cook. The supply clerks and their socks and boots, it goes on and on.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 9:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:22:53 -0500

Richard W - If you mean deployed as to combat, then let us remove all support personnel and see how that works out. In fact, I gave deference to the field soldier who froze to death and drilled relentlessly. Or the veterans with the launch codes. Or the fireman or security police. Intelligence gatherers which save lives. I mean it is the service and we are all veterans of the SERVICE.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 9:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:26:51 -0500

There is a distinction with a difference. To say one is not a veteran is inane. The question becomes, are you a combat veteran? That is the distinction here, nothing else.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 9:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:36:47 -0500

The bottom line is that we are all veterans. Some combat, some not. The combat veteran has the most difficult job of anyone. His butt is subjected to hostile fire and he can be a pawn in battle, so all the more reason to honor him or her for that. Every single 'troop' is therefore given a thumbs up by me. We served because we wanted to and if we didn't want to, as with the draftees, most comported themselves well and with honor. Just my 30 cents. lol

Response by Cpl Bryant Vreeland made Nov 11 at 2013 10:13 PM

Cpl Bryant Vreeland — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:13:51 -0500

Anyone who has ever served in any capacity within the military of the United States, lack of combat deployment should not deter from their willingness to sacrifice themselves when the call does come.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2013 3:09 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:09:07 -0500

This is quite a subject, but if you served this country Honorably you are a Veteran. Because weather you deployed or not, you took part in the action to SUPPORT and DEFEND. I have deployed 8 times but could never consider myself more or less of a veteran because of what others who also served with Honor have done.

Response by SrA Donald Jewell made Nov 12 at 2013 7:38 PM

SrA Donald Jewell — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 19:38:38 -0500

I believe a "veteran" is anyone who is in the military wearing the uniform of his/her country to perform their duties. My job was to service aircraft to defend this country son I don't believe that would make me any less a veteran.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Nov 12 at 2013 8:57 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:57:49 -0500

So if I was within 100 meters of an exploding mortar or was in the chow hall when it was mortared, but never "left the wire", I'm not considered a Combat Veteran?

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Nov 12 at 2013 11:57 PM

SSgt Robert Clark — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 23:57:01 -0500

To go on the logic that a person who served in the military is not a veteran unless they served in combat is absurd. I served from 1982 - 1992, during this time we had a 100 hour war in Iraq, a little skirmish in Grenada and a little bigger skirmish in Panama. I deployed to Sudan and Honduras in support of other efforts. During my time in the military we waged a different "war". It was a war of bluff and counter bluff with the former Soviet Union. They blinked, we won and down came the Berlin wall and the Soviet Union ceased to exist as we knew it. Does my experience make me any less worthy of being called a veteran...I think not. I truly applaud the sacrifices made by those who have served in combat and feel they deserve a status beyond what I have earned, but I am a veteran non the less. I signed my name on the line and agreed to go where my country needed me with no questions or hesitation, and I would do it all over again today if I could.

Response by Sgt John Henry made Nov 13 at 2013 12:17 AM

Sgt John Henry — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:17:39 -0500

If you put on the uniform and take the oath to the US Constitution.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Nov 13 at 2013 12:43 AM

SFC Charles S. — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:43:54 -0500

My Definition of a veteran is defined as Any person who served honorably for Any length of time in Any military service branch.

The US Legal definition of the word "veteran" refers to persons who have served with the Armed Forces of the nation or of the states. Veterans are not public officers, servants, agents, or contractors. Persons guilty of mutiny, treason, sabotage, or rendering assistance to the enemy or allies of the enemy forfeit all rights for future benefits administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. A dishonorable discharge will disqualify a veteran from receiving a pension, compensation for service-connected death or disability, or dependency and indemnity compensation.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 13 at 2013 3:57 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 15:57:57 -0500

This has been a hot button topic for years. I have spoke with Veterans who served during Vietnam and some break down to "In Country" and "CONUS". I think this is a bad idea. Sure, for those of that us that deployed, we may find it hard to see a service member who never left the country get some of the same benefits we get but then again, bullets, MREs, pallets of water, and other things we needed to complete the mission didn't just grow out of the sand.

Personally, it my point of view that a Veteran is anyone who served this country in a branch of the military and did so under HONORABLE conditions. If you signed up and did "something stupid" and earned your OTH discharge, well then you lost your right to claim Veteran status.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 8:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:46:17 -0500

To me a veteran is an individual that served in the military service and has been a part of a conflict of some kind, let me put it this way...in my mind if you do/did a bunch of years in service just to wear the uniform and not throw your self in harms way then is that someone really a Vet? I mean go join the navy and get on a boat and go out there, or join the air force and give me some CAS when im on the ground fighting the Taliban...

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Nov 16 at 2013 3:53 PM

SGT Chris Birkinbine — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 15:53:50 -0500

I am sure some people will find this opinion unacceptable, but I really feel like you need to have completed AIT, or accepted your commision to be considered a Vet. I think this really started to form as my opinion once I got out of the military, and went to school. I was very active in my universities Veterans group, and we accepted cadets in our group as well.

That being said, I really started to having a growing sense of disdain for a lot of the Cadets. They seemed to demand the respect of a veteran, while acting like civilian college students, and really had no real military experience outside of the mockery of a formation they had for PT in the mornings ( I attended a few at first).

I fully admit that this may be only my school, but it certainly left a bad taste in my mouth for people in this stage of their military career.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Nov 18 at 2013 6:16 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 18:16:09 -0500

A veteran is anyone that served in the Armed forces. I believe there can be classification like Disabled, Vietnam, DS, Afgan or wherever you have been in combat but it still goes back to, if you served you are a Vet.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 1:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 13:43:31 -0500

Veteran - You served/are serving in the Military,
Veteran of Foreign Wars - You served/are serving in a war zone during a time of war,
Combat Veteran - You've actually been in combat...

I am a Veteran... NOT a VFW, nor a Combat Veteran (yet)

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Feb 9 at 2014 4:15 PM

SSG Andrew Dydasco — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:15:20 -0500

My father served 12 years honorably in a time of peace -- Never deployed. He's still a veteran in my book.

Response by PFC Eric Minchey made Feb 9 at 2014 9:58 PM

PFC Eric Minchey — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:58:38 -0500

FEDERAL DEFINITION: under Federal Law a VETERAN is any person, who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. (Discharges marked GENERAL AND UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS also qualify.)

Some states also have their own definition of a veteran; for example: DEFINITION OF A MASSACHUSETTS VETERAN, M.G.L. C.4, SEC. 7,cl 43rd as amended by the Acts of 2004 - Effective August 30, 2004. To be a "veteran" under Massachusetts law a person is required to have either: 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions Such member does not need to have any wartime service. - OR - 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day of which is during "wartime", and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. The one-day need not have actually been served in a war zone. For Guard Members to qualify they must have 180 days and have been activated under Title 10 of the U.S. Code - OR - Members who were activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws chapter 33, sections 38, 40 and 41 must have 90 days, at least one of which was during wartime. The Members' last discharge or release must be under honorable conditions. Full time National Guard duty is only considered such when National Guard members are activated to regular service and does not include weekend drills or active duty for training Minimum Service Exception (for Death or Disability) It is not necessary that an applicant have completed the minimum service for wartime or peacetime campaign if he/she served some time in the campaign and was awarded the Purple Heart, or suffered a service-connected disability or died in the service under honorable conditions. Training Duty Exception - Active service in the armed forces as used in this clause shall not include active duty for training in the Army or Air National Guard or active duty for training as a Reservist in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 9:02 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 09:02:56 -0400

Someone who at one point signed a check in the amount of "up to and including my life"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 10:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 10:48:58 -0400

Anyone who put on the uniform. Regardless they signed to join and they knew there is a probability of going to war. Just because they did not deploy does not take away from their service, so as long as they completed their enlistment or tour, or were honorably discharged then they are a Veteran to me.

I say this because my father served one enlistment from 1980-1984 as an Infantrymen in the Army. He did not deploy but he was ready if he was needed to deploy. Every time I have ever thanked him for his service he tells me that he didn't really serve because he didn't go to war like me, he then thanks me. I have to remind him that he signed up and was ready to leave for war if needed - so he is a Veteran.

Response by SSG Albert Delaunay made Oct 1 at 2014 12:44 PM

SSG Albert Delaunay — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:44:25 -0400

I feel that anyone who put on the uniform is a veteran even if not in a conflict. But i also feel that the person who was only in for a week or month the was put out on a etoh or other medical should not be classed as a veteran or get the right of a veteran. as far as the NG/RES. type units they should be given the same rights and respect as someone from AD. We all sign the line for what ever reason but in a whole it is to support this country and what we all stand for in the whole picture. so why do we not hold the president to the same thing,(serve first then and we should only let a veteran be able to become our commander and chief .

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 5:15 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 17:15:14 -0400

Anyone who was honorably discharged for their service they signed up for.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 11:50 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:50:54 -0500

MSG Private RallyPoint Member This is an age old arguement. There are veterans that swear if you haven't been in combat and taken a bullet you're not a veteran. Then there are those who have signed up for the reserves, did the minimum and decided it wasn't for them.

My response and answer is: if they have a DD-214 (or equivalent for earlier wars) that says they served in the military for more than one day and that service is characterized as either general under honorable or honorable service it's good enough. Whether you served overseas, in combat, or simply sat your butt down and watched a radar scope in Alaska - doesn't matter.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Nov 2 at 2014 11:52 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:52:30 -0500

All who served, signed on the line, volunteering their lives so that all Americans may enjoy the American way of life. Where and how they served was not always as they would have because they were needed elsewhere or doing something else.
While not all Soldiers are created equal, and not all veterans are created equal, we all served at the will and whim of our nation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 12:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:24:24 -0500

When i enlisted, I went straight from MEPS to Boot. When we arrived to boot (understanding that so far it was an airplane ride from AZ to MO, met by a drill who calmly; and i do mean calmly no sarcasm here; escorted us to a bus, a calm bus ride from the airport to the base, and a slightly hectic exit from the bus into a large common room) we all ready had someone sniveling, screaming that his mother be brought to him immediately, and threatening to kill himself if he was not taken seriously. My understanding; since we did not get to see this gentlemen ever again; is that he was taken to a hospital for evaluations (which required in processing him), and was then out processed as unstable, and sent home. Key note here is the "soldier" did receive a DD-214 for his 2 weeks of service. SO the question becomes, is he a veteran? He volontered, got the dd214, and spent more than 1 day in service? So is he a veteran?

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 22 at 2015 9:59 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:59:37 -0400

If you served you're a veteran. If you served and were deployed to a hostile fire zone, you're a combat zone veteran. If in that hostile fire zone you actively engaged in combat you're a combat veteran.

At least that is how I personally see it, and the VA makes such distinctions as well.

Response by Sgt Branden W. made May 22 at 2015 10:02 AM

Sgt Branden W. — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:02:03 -0400

To say this kind of attitude bothers me is an understatement. Typically comments like that are aimed at getting more views/likes/traffic so I write them off. On here, it's pathetic. A Veteran wrote a blank check to the USA, payable up to and including his life, and signed it. I have a C.A.R. but that doesn't make me any better or "more" of a Veteran than any other service member who served on Active Duty.

People that say these things, they are looking for attention. Don't give them the satisfaction.

S/F

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 10:08 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:08:55 -0400

I have commented on this a couple times now SPC Donald Moore. The bottom line is that once you've worn the uniform, you are a veteran. PERIOD. And, to my knowledge, there is no such thing as one veteran being "more veteran" than another.

Response by PO2 Leonard Jablon made May 22 at 2015 10:11 AM

PO2 Leonard Jablon — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:11:58 -0400

Pure rubbish from whomever stated that ridiculous requirement to be a "veteran." If you served your country honorably during your term of service, then you're a veteran. Doesn't matter if you were in combat, wounded, sat at a desk, cooked food, dug trenches, painted and chipped, etc. The military is a team, and if that team is to accomplish its goals, then all have to pull together to do that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 10:25 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:25:10 -0400

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 22 at 2015 11:04 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:04:38 -0400

"A Military Veteran Is ANY Person who Served for ANY Length of time In ANY Military Service Branch."

Good enough for me!!! I would go a step further though and say that as long as a person didn't receive a Dishonorable Discharge (for something really bad like rape, child molestation, murder) they're a veteran. What I just described I don't consider them a veteran. Those are low-lives who slipped through the cracks.

Response by SPC Jeff Leonard made May 22 at 2015 3:26 PM

SPC Jeff Leonard — Fri, 22 May 2015 15:26:15 -0400

I have always thought it was 90 days continuous service. I have not actually looked it up but have thought it was a good indicator. I am kind of on the fence as to whether I would consider training as part of the 90 days since my OSUT was 13 weeks. If you dropped out after 90 days but before you graduated I dont think I would consider that individual a veteran, but I really don't know what the actual definition is. Just throwing down my 2 cents.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 8:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 20:31:28 -0400

BOTH, it also depends on how long you been in and stuff.

Response by PFC Zachary Hisey made Jun 21 at 2015 1:20 AM

PFC Zachary Hisey — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:20:12 -0400

I have a hard time even trying to consider myself a veteran, I enlisted at 17 with a ranger contract I made it 12 weeks into osut before I dislocated my shoulder and after going through medical and being told that I would cost more to fix than I was worth at the time due to pre existing injuries that I did not disclose, I was discharged with a general classification, I do not call myself a veteran I do not feel like I have even come close to earning that title. A friend of mine told me to check out this site and see what other people thought about it, brutal honesty is appreciated, it is something I have battled with for almost a decade!

Response by SSG Katherine Likely made Oct 31 at 2015 4:38 PM

SSG Katherine Likely — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 16:38:29 -0400

to me a veteran is -
Is someone who served a min of 1 year in the service
A veteran is someone who isn't there just for an education
A veteran doesn't claim they are against any war - after they received their education from the military, and then skip out on their duty.
A veteran is someone who does what needs to be done without whining, they see the job through.
A veteran doesn't flake out when the going gets tough.
A veteran may have been in a combat unit, may be in combat support or behind the lines making sure everything runs smoothly for those that may be laying down their lives for whatever their unit is doing.
A veteran is someone who is serving their country proudly
A veteran is a person who cares about their unit, the people in it and the mission on hand.
A veteran does their duty for God (anyway they want to worship it - or not) and country.
A veteran shows respect for their fellow members and not just to the uniform
A veteran is happy to help civilians understand the military's mission.
A veteran may have to give their life for their unit and country to accomplish the mission on hand and they do their duty proudly.
A veteran is making things happen, they are male as well as female, they are different colors - are different religious beliefs and yet it is not uncommon to find one who does not believe in God. I believe God touches lives and veterans in his own way at his own time.
Veterans accept the unknown and overcome the difficulties they face.
It is good to be a veteran of the United States military and it is good to have many friends who are proud to call themselves veterans also.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 13 at 2015 5:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 17:02:49 -0500

Conceptually for me it is a person who passed Basic Training, but the VA has different standards for Basic Training failures.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 23 at 2016 6:43 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:43:40 -0400

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 23 at 2016 6:45 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:45:03 -0400

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 23 at 2016 6:47 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:47:16 -0400

I do believe that there is one qualification that is important. A veteran is anyone who has served (past tense) in the military honorably. To be discharged dishonorably precludes the honor of being called a veteran.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 6:49 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:49:09 -0400

I have probably commented before.

My retirement letter credited me with 39 years and 2 days of service.

I was on active duty from 1960 to 1975. I did not go to Vietnam. I also have 8 1/2 years of active Army Reserve. I am officially a retired Army Captain.

Many might say I am not a veteran. I doubt that they would like my answer.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 23 at 2016 9:35 PM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:35:49 -0400

I am a veteran. I enlisted and I served, got the VA ID card. However, fate, history, deterrence, whatever "denied" me the type of service in wartime that so many now associate with being a veteran. I can't join the VFW or American Legion, no combat patch, and with my service dates I don't get the NDSM either.
But I remember that something was brewing in Nicaragua at the time. I remember the Drills talking out loud at night about how the recruits were far enough along to be sent there (Joke they played to stress us out). I remember some recruits getting amped up, others throwing up at the possibility. I remember gearing up for Reforger. I remember being told I would live 6 seconds on the battlefield as a scout up front. We all took the risk. History gave us a Pass. I'm glad to be a living, able bodied veteran that got passed by. I'm humbled by those that did not, living and gone.