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I believe a veteran is …..
One who opposes war as a solution but values might when required to affect a solution.
One who values their life in relation to a cause important to their nation?
One who stands proudly to salute their flag as an icon of their nation and values they hold dear.
One whose humility stands out more often than others around them do.
These are the attributes of the Veteran…..
I say to a veteran, “Thank you and your family for your service & sacrifice, we owe you a debt to hear this from at least one person every day.” The reply so often received is - “No thanks necessary, it was my honor to serve.” It is their reply that reveals the spirit of the Veteran, an unofficial title of Honor and respect due to those who served for the true hero they are.
There are those in our society who chose to undermine and demean what a Veteran is, using the term to distinguish time in a job or as some title in a computer game for “experience earned.”
There are those in government whose political views oppose war and they therefore oppose all Veterans for the sake of politics, the Veteran a pawn in their game of thrones.
There are those in society who opposed a particular war at one time and continue to oppose its Veterans. These individuals interpose the noble reason of a government-imposed draft to justify supporting their nation's enemies and creating chaos within their own country as protected acts done under the guise of a statement of Freedom of Speech and Expression. Some people who, in the least of their actions, spit on our returning Veterans, in uniform, even while injured in a wheelchair.
There are those who hate & detest Veterans and may, in the course of their business or job, be it banking, insurance, a restaurant, etc., do heinous deeds on behalf of their hatred. Several misgivings include denying a loan, denying a policy or denying needed care
Yet in spite of all this, we encounter a true oxymoron “Veteran's Administration” to which the attribute “dysfunction” is, and has been, a most graceful understatement lasting for more than 60 years. The Veteran, who has faced death as a tool to be used or at the loss of a fellow Soldier more often than those who hate them, continues humbly to move through their life. Be it in a cardboard box, providing for their family now and in the future, or to assure a warm and healthy meal every day, the Veteran continues to “take that hill” and overtake all opposition as a matter of course, conviction, self-worth, and, most importantly, Honor.
Therein lies the source of the Veteran's heroism and humility, their Honor, an Honor to serve. Please, if you see or run into a Veteran, express a simple thank you for their service and sacrifice, show them you Honor their Honor that you appreciate the slice of their life they put forward on America's behalf, standing for your nation, irrespective of the outcome or the government's reason for war. These people served by choice but it is a contractual obligation that they cannot walk away from, or, they were drafted, the government assuming their life a “resource,” repugnant to the Veteran's very reason for fighting, “...endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,...” Veterans deserve our heartfelt appreciation just because they are Veterans, the remaining American blood and Treasure of a group of Americans who continue to serve America with their Honor.
One who opposes war as a solution but values might when required to affect a solution.
One who values their life in relation to a cause important to their nation?
One who stands proudly to salute their flag as an icon of their nation and values they hold dear.
One whose humility stands out more often than others around them do.
These are the attributes of the Veteran…..
I say to a veteran, “Thank you and your family for your service & sacrifice, we owe you a debt to hear this from at least one person every day.” The reply so often received is - “No thanks necessary, it was my honor to serve.” It is their reply that reveals the spirit of the Veteran, an unofficial title of Honor and respect due to those who served for the true hero they are.
There are those in our society who chose to undermine and demean what a Veteran is, using the term to distinguish time in a job or as some title in a computer game for “experience earned.”
There are those in government whose political views oppose war and they therefore oppose all Veterans for the sake of politics, the Veteran a pawn in their game of thrones.
There are those in society who opposed a particular war at one time and continue to oppose its Veterans. These individuals interpose the noble reason of a government-imposed draft to justify supporting their nation's enemies and creating chaos within their own country as protected acts done under the guise of a statement of Freedom of Speech and Expression. Some people who, in the least of their actions, spit on our returning Veterans, in uniform, even while injured in a wheelchair.
There are those who hate & detest Veterans and may, in the course of their business or job, be it banking, insurance, a restaurant, etc., do heinous deeds on behalf of their hatred. Several misgivings include denying a loan, denying a policy or denying needed care
Yet in spite of all this, we encounter a true oxymoron “Veteran's Administration” to which the attribute “dysfunction” is, and has been, a most graceful understatement lasting for more than 60 years. The Veteran, who has faced death as a tool to be used or at the loss of a fellow Soldier more often than those who hate them, continues humbly to move through their life. Be it in a cardboard box, providing for their family now and in the future, or to assure a warm and healthy meal every day, the Veteran continues to “take that hill” and overtake all opposition as a matter of course, conviction, self-worth, and, most importantly, Honor.
Therein lies the source of the Veteran's heroism and humility, their Honor, an Honor to serve. Please, if you see or run into a Veteran, express a simple thank you for their service and sacrifice, show them you Honor their Honor that you appreciate the slice of their life they put forward on America's behalf, standing for your nation, irrespective of the outcome or the government's reason for war. These people served by choice but it is a contractual obligation that they cannot walk away from, or, they were drafted, the government assuming their life a “resource,” repugnant to the Veteran's very reason for fighting, “...endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,...” Veterans deserve our heartfelt appreciation just because they are Veterans, the remaining American blood and Treasure of a group of Americans who continue to serve America with their Honor.
Posted in these groups: 
Honor
Honor
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 71
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In all technicality, anyone who's been to boot is a Veteran. I can't say I agree with it, and having been in for two years, I can't say I can fully appreciate being called a Veteran yet. I feel it should have to do with experience. I'm a Sailor on a shore command in Texas who's worked as a mechanic and a computer jockey. The most military thing I've ever done after boot camp is march, and that doesn't happen often. I feel as though if/when I go to a ship and/or get deployed, I will have earned being called a Veteran. Until then, I'm just another Sailor.
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PO1 Cliff Heath
YEAH I CAN IMAGINE YOUR FRUSTRATION 9YRS 5MOS I WAS SHIPS CREW FOR 7 OF THEM YOU MIGHT TRY REENLISTING FOR ORDERS OR EXTENDING FOR THEM MAYBE TRY TO GET IN A SQUADRON JUST MAKE SURE WHERE EVER YOU DO GO THAT THEY ARE ON WORKUPS TO DEPLOY AND NOT JUST GETTING BACK FROM PAC.OR MED.
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PVT Teena Green
My father was in the National Gaurd for 5 years Sgt.E-5 and while at drill during summer of 68 there was some accident during tank maneuvers, his eardrums burst.He received medical discharge The result was permanent hearing loss in his right ear, partial i the left. Although he a paperwork proving it happened while in service, he was told he did not qualify for vetrens benefits. He tried the last e years trying to get help. What he got at the end was a flag donated from the local VFW for his coffin at his funeral . The funeral director made that happen after hearing that my a a served in National Guard. Seeing the look on my moms face and my father finally acknowledged when those vets folded the flag and put in her hand , I can never express.
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A1C (Join to see)
SSG Jason Turner - So.... You're saying you don't differentiate between a veteran and a combat veteran? To some extent I agree, but I would say a veteran (not "combat veteran") is somebody that's done something that has benefited this country in some sort of way that people can see.
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I would call attention to Veterans that are often overlooked by the civilians, and even a great many current and former service members. These are the so-called Cold Warriors. Those that served their entire enlistment, some 20 years or more, without the country being in a declared war. But it is the fact of their vigilance, and dedication to their training that kept our nation from going to war. It is very ironic that by doing their jobs well they have marginalized themselves in the public's perception.
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I am a Veteran, a Retiree. I don't feel that I can-nor should-command respect or honor. I believe that each quality has to be earned with each person with which one comes in contact.
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I would say a Veteran is one who has served their country honorably. What they believed would be irrelevant, and their actions would be key.
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Putting black and white aside. If you formally raised your right hand, and recited the Oath, you are a veteran.
You are a veteran even if you didn't finish basic, HOWEVER, I wouldn't go around flaunting that....
You are a veteran even if you didn't finish basic, HOWEVER, I wouldn't go around flaunting that....
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TSgt (Join to see)
Nope. I whole heartedly disagree. Did you know that a person who has spent 20 good years in the National Guard or Reserve component serving their country are not labeled veterans UNLESS they have been on a deployment under Title 10 order? You do not earn the title of veteran until you have given much more of your time to our country. Raising your right hand does not entitle you to anything if you don't put action, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving. Period. End of story.
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SrA Edward Vong
TSgt (Join to see) TSgt (Join to see)
I am not basing this on the legality of what is a veteran as that can easily be discussed, I am basing this on how I myself view what is a veteran. If you official raise your right hand and recited the oath, you have already made the decision to put your up your life to defend your country, no matter what the orders are that follows.
I don't care what the legalities are for the 20 year National Guard or reserve, if you served, you served, whether for a second or to the end of time.
Now then. Everything that follows is what defines you and how much you have done. Every veteran should be modest about their service, from the ones that leave shortly after to the 20 year war hero. No veteran should ever really brag about their service, ESPECIALLY the ones that never finish their training.
I am not basing this on the legality of what is a veteran as that can easily be discussed, I am basing this on how I myself view what is a veteran. If you official raise your right hand and recited the oath, you have already made the decision to put your up your life to defend your country, no matter what the orders are that follows.
I don't care what the legalities are for the 20 year National Guard or reserve, if you served, you served, whether for a second or to the end of time.
Now then. Everything that follows is what defines you and how much you have done. Every veteran should be modest about their service, from the ones that leave shortly after to the 20 year war hero. No veteran should ever really brag about their service, ESPECIALLY the ones that never finish their training.
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AB Brian Fritzie
So lets say you were 2 days from graduating basic, as you were going down stairs someone behind you tripped and knocked you down about 10 steps, ended up with a concussion serious back and hip injury? When discharged yo went to the VA awarded you 50% service connected injury? Would I still be a veteran? Lots of days in hospital though?
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SrA Edward Vong
AB Brian Fritzie
Did you recite your oath? Did you volunteer? If so you're a veteran in my book, but as I said before, I wouldn't go around flaunting it as their was no productivity other than training.
Did you recite your oath? Did you volunteer? If so you're a veteran in my book, but as I said before, I wouldn't go around flaunting it as their was no productivity other than training.
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When somebody thanks me for my service, I just say "Thank You". I always feel a bit awkward because I didn't do anything special when I was in. I was a pencil pusher. So my face turns beat red as I accept their thanks, then I try to move away as quickly and quietly as possible. And I am a member of a few Veteran's groups. The American Legion and I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders to give respect to those who served. Still, when someone thanks me, I feel awkward.
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TSgt (Join to see)
I'm the same way. I almost go out of my way to not show military affiliation off base only because of the awkwardness of being told thank you.
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SGT John Richardson
I've gone toe to toe with the enemy, and I feel awkward every time. I just really don't know how to respond to being thanked for a job I enjoyed.
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SGT Steve Oakes
SN Sanchez, You have no cause to feel awkward. The military would not have pencil pushers if they were not necessary to the mission! Thank You for your service sir!
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Anyone who ever served, even if it were for one freaking day. That's a Veteran.
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SFC Terry Murphy
SPC Greg K., In your reply, you state that a veteran has completed a service. Do you take this as completing a day of service or as completed a term of service such as the 2,3,4 year enlistment?
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SFC Terry Murphy
PO3 (Join to see) - I understand what CFR stands for and where the information is located. Just asking if SPC Greg K. means completing a service is an entire enlistment or just a few days.
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SPC Greg K.
SFC Terry Murphy, I didn't "mean' anything, I just quoted the Reg. You can refer your question to the VA. But as it reads, “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” I assume the "term of service" can mean many things for any length of time...maybe it's a failure to adapt, medical reason, KIA, MIA, POW, who knows....If you die in basic on day one, are you considered a Vet? I think yes...It didn't seem to state anything regarding the length of the contractual obligations. They way I read it is, as long as there is no "Dishonorable" discharge on your DD 214. Other than that the decision is WAY above my pay grade.
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Anyone that has SERVED (passed Basic and AIT) in any of the branches of the US Military. Now to throw a spin on the question. What is YOUR definition of a "Combat Veteran" ? Mine would be anyone that served in a Theater of Operation in the US Military.
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SSG (Join to see)
Honestly, I am with you on passing IET as a requirement, and if I had to choose, I would say one that fulfills their entire contractual obligation honorably to their respective branch regardless of deployments.
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SSgt Daniel Lamb
Combat Veteran? Well that is difficult. Panama, Lebanon, Grenada. Were Marines in Beirut Combat Veterans? I think so, but it was not technically a war. Panama? What about us guys that were there before the actual Operation Just Cause and were fired upon. Are we Combat Vets. Didn't get the CAR (Combat Action Ribbon) for that one, but got an Expeditionary Medal.
Those that served in the Gulf War, the building that was hit by a Scud in the rear. Were they Combat Veterans? They were in the rear with the gear. Never crossed the line of departure during the Ground Assault.
Were the service people that were killed in Benghazi Combat Vets?
You ask a very hard question Sergeant.
Those that served in the Gulf War, the building that was hit by a Scud in the rear. Were they Combat Veterans? They were in the rear with the gear. Never crossed the line of departure during the Ground Assault.
Were the service people that were killed in Benghazi Combat Vets?
You ask a very hard question Sergeant.
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SGT Bryon Sergent
Well, like I stated Staff Sergeant. Doesn't matter if they where in the rear. They supported the ones of use that needed the supplies on the front line. So I say if you were in theater! Just because a person is a REMF or POG by means of the command being in the rear, they still were there! Whether you where a marine on the ship in the gulf fueling the aircraft, or the Air Force guy loading the A-10, or the cook that cooked on the MKT, or in supply sending us the bullets or the guy in supply sending us the MRE's. you where there. I think we all can agree that no job is to small to support the ones doing the fighting.
SSgt Daniel Lamb, thank you for your service Marine! Semper Fi!
SSgt Daniel Lamb, thank you for your service Marine! Semper Fi!
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AB Brian Fritzie
Ok you get knocked down stairway get out 30% service connect? I would be a veteran?
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Well said, CPT Richard Riley. If that's your original piece, I applaud you. Thank you for your service and for sharing that great essay.
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I am a little confused by the statements of several in here, I served in the U.S.M.C. from 1973 to 1977 and proudly so. I did not choose my MOS or station all that was chose for me I went where I was told to go and did what I was told to do and if the Marines told me they need me back for something I would be there in seconds.
Know do i consider myself a military veteran (yes I do).
Do I consider myself a Marine (I will until the day I die).
I consider anyone who raised their right hand and gave an oath and fulfilled their contractual obligations in any branch of service honorably a military veteran.
Do I need a thank you (absolutely not), it is me that needs to thank this great nation for the privilege of serving.
I still don't understand how some of you claim that someone avoided certain duties or stations I did not think that was a option.
I think it is every United States citizen,s obligation to serve this great country in one capacity or another at one point in their life, I chose to do so in the military and that makes me a Military Vet.
Know do i consider myself a military veteran (yes I do).
Do I consider myself a Marine (I will until the day I die).
I consider anyone who raised their right hand and gave an oath and fulfilled their contractual obligations in any branch of service honorably a military veteran.
Do I need a thank you (absolutely not), it is me that needs to thank this great nation for the privilege of serving.
I still don't understand how some of you claim that someone avoided certain duties or stations I did not think that was a option.
I think it is every United States citizen,s obligation to serve this great country in one capacity or another at one point in their life, I chose to do so in the military and that makes me a Military Vet.
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