essay for veterans

96 Veterans Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best veterans topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on veterans, ⭐ simple & easy veterans essay titles.

• Zaccari et al. (2020). “Yoga for Veterans With PTSD”: Content, Strength, and Weaknesses This discussion reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the method, sampling, and validity of Zaccari et al.research. The assertions reported in the article are supported by cited and referenced scientific studies, which enhances the validity […]
• The Paralyzed Veterans of America Organization In this case, the decision by PVA to use quantitative factors is due to the large amount of funding involved and the large amount of those funds used in sending the mails. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Veteran’s Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Assessment The Bio-Psycho-Social framework is a widely-used approach that is based on the importance of a systematic view of the individual’s behavior and actions along with the integration of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors with human […]
• American Trauma: Immigrants and War Veterans For this reason, understanding the given issue requires the in-depth analysis of specific events that led to the alterations in individuals’ behaviors and the employment of this information to create a better vision of trauma’s […]
• Homelessness in the Veteran Community Such social conditions may consist of bureaucracy, the lack of government investments, class distribution, the lack of ethical considerations within the scope of the legislation, and many others which can deprive the mentioned population of […]
• Veterans’ Reintegration and Culturally Sensitive Nursing Lastly, it is necessary to identify the components of profound nursing evaluation of veterans and to determine the cultural competencies required to address the issue.
• The Veterans Benefits Administration’s Policy The article is relevant to my study as it provides helpful information about the veterans’ educational benefits and what some of their dependents get from the department of veteran affairs after service.
• The Intervention in Addressing Veterans Affairs The goal of the service connection evaluation is to measure the program’s effectiveness in addressing veterans’ healthcare struggles by finding out problems in the process and possible solutions.
• Opioid Crisis and the Veteran Population The first alternative is to reduce the frequency of opioid prescriptions by providing relevant education and training for Hawaii clinicians to encourage them to utilize alternative treatment methods for veterans in need of pain management.
• Mental Disorders in Veterans: Impact of Posttraumatic Growth In addition, the fact that the impact of PTG is influenced by demographics and ethnicity is indicative of the relevance of the issue.
• Posttraumatic Growth in Veteran Learners: Specialization Plan Therefore, the current Specialization Plan aims to analyze the research on the problem of rehabilitation through PTG in veteran learners, identifying major theories and conceptual frameworks used to address this issue.
• Psychological Health Issues Among Veterans In general, veterans are believed to be a separate and elite part of the society due to the high level of contribution to the country’s protection and devoted duty.
• Post-Traumatic Growth in Student War Veterans The current study focuses on the effect of the posttraumatic growth concept as a strategy that could alleviate the consequences of PTSD and the opioid epidemic in Veteran students, implementing the Delphi method to examine […]
• Post-9/11 Veterans: Transition to the Business World In this case, when in uniform, the post-9/11 veteran managers are required to be responsible for the health and welfare of other humans.
• Post-Traumatic Growth Among US Military Veterans The first goal of this research is to describe the Prevalence of PTG overall and in the five domains. The second goal is to describe the nature of the association between PTG and PTSD symptoms […]
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Opioid Use in Veterans This study examined the proportion of United States veterans who had PTSD and engaged in the use of illegal opioids to cope with it or had done so in the past.
• Mental Health Services Access for Veterans Given the extreme intensity of the job that veterans have performed as well as the variety of adverse effects that follow from it, ensuring improved outcomes in the area of mental health for them is […]
• Suicides Among Veterans in the US: Causes and Related Factors This means that low awareness is a widespread problem that must be addressed by the initiators of social support and healthcare programs.
• Smoking and Stress Among Veterans The topic is significant to explore because of the misconception that smoking can alleviate the emotional burden of stress and anxiety when in reality, it has an exacerbating effect on emotional stress.
• Needs and Asset-Based Assessment of Veterans The community can propose the construction of physical exercise and healthcare services, nutrition and feeding programs, mental counseling services, and housing of the retired soldiers in the region.
• Posttraumatic Growth in Veterans Therefore, the current research aims to establish the factors of posttraumatic growth that facilitate goal-setting in war veterans after undergoing PTG therapy or experiencing PTG.
• Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Life The main idea that the authors wanted to convey was that PLA helps military servants find application to their skills and contributes to a higher rate of college graduation among veterans.
• Veterans From Ethnic Minorities and the Opioid Epidemic The opioid crisis is a condition of prevalent overdose-related deaths in the population connected to “the misuse of and addiction to opioids”.
• Health Care Within Aging White Veterans With Dementia Since this condition is heavily linked with damage to the brain, these people should be addressed in a friendly manner to avoid misunderstanding.
• Community Outreach Program for Veterans’ Mental Health Outcomes The issue at the center of this document is the high level of suicide risk in the veteran population and the urgent need to address this problem through therapy to prevent suicide in veterans.
• Veterans’ Transition From Military to Civilian Life The VA has established several programs that provide medical, financial, and other forms of support to veterans to help them adapt to civilian life.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial by Maya Ying Lin They deemed the Wall insufficient and bland, a shameful Wall of the war without resolution. The Wall attracts many visitors to commemorate the casualties of the Vietnam War.
• Post-9/11 Veterans in Business The objective of the study is to explore how the adoption of a military mindset might influence the company culture and identify the competitive advantages of the post-9/11 veterans in the business setting.
• Factors That Enable Iraq War Veterans to Integrate Into the Civilian Sphere Within the framework of the discussed topic of the project, hypotheses will be established in the next question, but now it is clear that it will be necessary to test them statistically with the help […]
• Veterans’ Mindset Impact on Corporate Culture By exploring the views and attitudes of the employees of these companies, the proposed project will contribute to the development of a solution to a number of issues.
• Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Evaluation Although this initiative is also known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, the current variation of the name more accurately reflects the nature of the actions being taken and the primary purpose of helping […]
• The National Intensive Case Management Program for Homeless Veterans: Critique The program is assessed using the four principles of community psychology, which include problems addressed, values reflected in the program approach and methods, conceptual foundation of the program, and action and research tools.
• Veteran Peer Suicide Prevention The two completing needs of the veterans in the United States are the ability to access healthcare services and the lack of policies and practices that are specifically designed to address the healthcare needs of […]
• Opioid Use and Addiction in Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans My chosen topic integrates the welfare of veterans of recent wars, such as conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the prescription of opioids for trauma, general mental well-being, and adaptation to civilian and even academic life.
• Opioid Use in Veteran Students The relationship between pain management, transition to civilian life, and possible opioid misuse is also central to the theme of the paper.
• The Issue of Homeless Veterans I learned a lot in the framework of the issue of homeless veterans. Among the primary problems, there is the absence of programs for the rapid adaptation of servicemen to a peaceful life.
• A Socially-Sustainable Living Community for Veterans Third, the presence of public space in the open air is a vital feature of this project. Fresh air has a beneficial effect on human health, and within the framework of this design, every veteran […]
• Opioid Misuse and Academic Achievement of Veteran Students The proposed research aims at closing the gap in the existing literature by studying the influence of opioid misuse on the academic achievement of veteran students.
• The US Military Veterans’ Mental Healthcare System The study’s main objective was to examine the Veterans’ gratification with VA mental health caring, its occurrence of delayed care, and the links of such results.
• “Experiences of Military Spouses of Veterans With Combat-Related PTSD” by Yambo Spouses living with PTSD veterans are unprepared and struggling to deal with issues that their husbands experience.
• Gender-Related Effects on the Veterans’ Welfare As cited in Military, “women now make up 20 percent of the Air Force, 19 percent of the Navy, 15 percent of the Army and almost 9 percent of the Marine Corps,” which indicates a […]
• Ex-Military Adaptation: Veteran Care Grant Proposal The adaptation process and strategies for its implementation are expressed in the project through a consistent approach to the employment of veterans.
• The Effects of Including Co-Curricular Activities on Veteran Student Performance In 2008, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistant Act was passed, granting new opportunities for veterans to access higher education.
• Analysis of The Veteran Affairs Data Breach The majority of the data in the hard drive was linked to the veterans and their spouses. The 2006 incident was the second occurrence since 2004 that the VA was found in violation of the […]
• Transition Experiences of First-Generation Latino Veterans Both veterans and migrants are minority populations and have difficulties with acquiring good jobs and education, finding appropriate housing options, and receiving healthcare.
• Cognitive Processing Therapy and Evidence Based Interventions for Veterans Diagnosed With PTSD According to the evidence attained, comprehensive and extensive evidence is crucial in providing a clear correlation of the benefits accrued from CPT in comparison to other forms of treatment.
• The Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture: Evaluating the Improvements One of such changes is the addition of a graphical user interface that is in the form of a CPRS. The purpose of this project is to raise the operation standards at PHE.
• Veterans Affairs: Hospitals and Marketing VA has a marketing plan; the plan ensures the facility can reach to the target market; the marketing plan adopted by the company follows the principle of 4P’s; it ensures that the services or the […]
• Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Quality Assurance It is important to note that the nursing department is a reflection of the overall organizational structure of the hospital. The main aim of this is to improve the standards of quality of a service […]
• Veterans Affairs Hospital Accreditation Conversely, to achieve the goals, the Department focuses on harnessing talent and investing in human capital relative to needs, experience, and expectations of the clients as outlined in the Department’s integrated objectives.
• Veterans Affairs Hospital Risk Management Program To undertake the process, the risk management program has the following areas to address; The fact that the major patients of the facility are old people means that there are high chances that they have […]
• Veterans Affairs Case Management Program This is because the needs of veterans are diverse and hence, they tend to be complex, but all the same, the program has managed to meet the needs of its members.
• Veterans Affairs Hospital Utilization Management Program The main agendas of the system are as follows: Making their services quality through their members (members according to the company include staffs, community, suppliers, experts, and family of the patient; the definition also extends […]
• A Veterans Affairs Healthcare Program to Deliver Hospital Care in the Home As for the study In Mader et al, the limitations in the study might prevent the generalization of the described case to other settings.
• Mental Disorders of Veteran Students In case the client does not make her appointments and think of additional methods to encourage her. Other information: The client’s primary strengths are family, success in her military service, positive relationships with her boyfriend, […]
• Crisis Intervention in Veteran’s Mental Health The military has always been forced to respond to the mental healthcare needs of combat veterans because of the role that they play.
• Veterans: Health, Education and Employment The numbers of divorces that have occurred between 2000 and 2004 in the military have increased by 53% and this has a lot to do with the stresses that a family may go through in […]
• How the Veteran’s Affairs System Is Failing Veterans The aim of the department was to ensure that all veterans and their families would be looked after by the state for the supreme sacrifices that they had made in the line of duty to […]
• Problems of Veterans in the Works of E. Hemingway and T. Nordenberg The social adaptation of veterans in civil world is one of the main problems which may lead to veterans’ estrangement if they are not accepted by society.
• The Gulf War Veteran Case: The Question of Pressing Charges In the case of the veteran, the question of pressing charges would be settled after a settling a few other issues at first.
• Ethics: Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program This is evident in the fact that they had a higher percentage jobs in the government than in the private sector.
• Housing and Urban Development: Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program It is possible to apply the points and arguments of the scholars to the public sector in a practical sense by engaging more veterans in the program.
• Veterans Health Administration Integrative Care Model The purpose of the following study is to provide a thorough research on the influence of the practices conducted on mental health and to examine the overall effectiveness of the integrative care system in delivering […]
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veteran Community The creation of special programs for the rehabilitation of veterans helped alleviate the problem of PTSD during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and facilitated the development of a support system that is currently used.
• Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 is one of the primary laws governing the provision of financial assistance to veterans of the US armed forces to pursue higher educational and vocational training.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Missouri Veterans Unfortunately, the implemented policies have failed to meet the needs of different veterans, such as the Welcome Back Veterans, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Military Health System. Louis has several policies and programs aimed […]
• Social Work in the Military With Homeless Veterans The purpose of this statement is to immediately provide the patient with emotional support and encouragement while establishing initial rapport at the same time.
• Veterans With Disabilities: Integration and Employment In this paper, the researcher looks at the main barriers to employment and integration back to the society that the veterans face, and the manner in which the existing policies can be amended to help […]
• Psychological Trauma Care in Military Veterans He is hesitant to open up to anyone and spends time in the company of his marine friends. The clinician must be direct and candid when talking to the patient about the risks of their […]
• Veteran Service Representatives for US Military Secondly, I would like to work as a veteran service representative to counsel recruits and ensure they understand that the bloody scenes that are common in the battlefields should not discourage them from doing their […]
• Elderly Veterans’ Needs, Services, and Policy The Department of Veterans Affairs was established to provide adequate services and benefits to meet the changing needs of many elderly veterans.
• Integrative Restoration Therapy for Combat Veterans A number of these studies explore the effects of iRest on combat veterans and the adverse outcomes of their military service.
• Veteran Health Administration Program The hospital seems to offer quality care to patients, and one of the studies done showed that patients with diabetes got more care than in other health care systems.
• Preventing Suicide in the Military and Veterans Surveys and psychological questionnaires after the military personnel returned from the war can be very helpful in determining the type of disorder.
• Health Programs for Veterans and Their Effectiveness Now, the major American nursing associations for veterans such as Military Officers Association and Veterans Healthcare Association are advocating for the healthcare protection of veterans and their families.
• The Vietnam War and Its Effects on the Veterans Although numerous books and articles contain memories of those who lived to tell the tale, the best way to learn about the Vietnam War and to understand how war changes people is to talk to […]
• Veteran Affairs Negotiations and Game Theory This paper explores the relevance of the two theories in understanding current negotiations about the provision of improved veteran healthcare services in the country.
• Mental Health Care Services for Veterans To guarantee that this requirement is met and the policy falls within federal jurisdiction, it is essential to address four dimensions of the program.
• Health IT at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Much of the discussion has been on the recording of health data in a safe and secure manner. Despite the success observed by the department, one cannot be oblivious to the limitations of the system.
• Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contracting The SDVOSB sole source contracts do not allow competition among the small businesses as the contract is awarded to the bidding small firm that is qualified.
• Veterans Health Administration in Northern California The organization mentors and monitors its employees using the best Performance Management System. The healthcare facility has hired the right supervisors and managers to monitor the system.
• Memorial Day in the US: Veterans Benefits An analysis of the history of America’s treatment of war veterans, since the American Revolution, demonstrates a poor job in terms of caring for veterans.
• The Level of Unemployment Among Veterans Veterans are some of the most important segments of the USA’s population, bearing in mind that they sacrificed their lives and time to serve the nation in the past.
• Homeless Veterans Causes and Effects The inability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to fast track compensation and funding for disabled veterans is linked to homelessness among many veterans.
• The Challenges of Women Veterans of Nevada The situation in the state shows that the society pays insufficient attention to the problems of women veterans. The participants of the program gave their views on the situation and explained the challenges which women […]
• Cultural Immersion of Homeless Veterans Veterans value their country and therefore the Department of Veterans Affairs should make an effort to ensure that the lives of all veterans are improved.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans Patient education is important in order to eradicate any form of misconception that the patients may have about PTSD, and enhance the levels of understanding of the patients, along with an improvement on their ability […]
• Veteran Health Administration: Electronic Systems It is from such sessions that the staff will get a chance to learn from individuals who have prior significant experiences as well as knowledge in their areas of specialization.
• Veterans Health Administration System Development Lifecycle Evidence in support of this is identified in the GAO report which highlights the fact that despite spending large sums on money and time on the VA project implementation is yet to be done on […]
• Reintegration of Women Combat Veterans Feminists observe that the subjection of women to the power of men originated from the rise of private property, the family, and the state.
• The Problem of Homeless Veterans in US The records at the department of Veteran affairs in the US indicate that majority of the homeless veterans are males, and only four percent are females. The needs and the demands of the homeless veterans […]
• Homeless Veterans in the United States The lack of jobs leads to idleness which is the major cause of the veterans’ addiction to drug abuse. The alarming increase in the number of the homeless veterans is due to continuing war in […]
• Ethical Problems of the Disabled Veterans in the Workplace Affirmative action refer to measures that have been put in place to create balance of some sort and at the same time address historical and documented acts of injustices among the category of persons for […]
• The Effects of PTSD on Families of Veterans Drug abuse may result from the inadequacies in the coping abilities of family members as they try to come into terms with the suffering of their fellow family member.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans and How Family Relationships Are Affected Both qualitative and quantitative data shall be used with numbers being used to provide evidence of the occurrence and magnitude of the effects of the condition on the population.
• How PTSD Affects Veteran Soldiers’ Families The effects are even worse to the partner who is left behind; whether wife or husband because they are required to care for the children and the thought of being the sole bread winner makes […]
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Essay Samples on Veterans

Why do we celebrate veterans day: honoring those who serve.

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day? Veterans Day, observed on November 11th each year, is a significant holiday in the United States that honors the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. This day holds deep meaning and serves as a...

My Pledge to Our Veterans: Honoring Sacrifice and Service

Our veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation, defending our freedoms, and upholding the values we hold dear. As a citizen, I am deeply grateful for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment. This essay serves as a reflection of my pledge to our veterans,...

The Issue Of Veteran Homelessness

Every day, men and women join the U.S. military forces to fight for our freedom and the availability to live our lives in the manner that we do. But, what happens when they retire from the military and return back to civilian life? The assumption...

• Homelessness

Homelessness In California: Homeless Veterans

California has always had a problem with homelessness, during the 1980’s the number of homeless spiked throughout the United States with the estimated amount being over 200,000. Since then the number of homeless people has increased with California being the one with the largest amount...

Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo: The Negative Consequences of War

In Dalton Trumbo’s Johnny Got His Gun, the casualties of World War One are expressed through the eyes of the main character, Joe Bonham. Joe loses his arms, legs, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears after a bomb drops on him while fighting in a war...

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The Nature of Trench Warfare and Its Different Forms

Trench Warfare – a phrase of perhaps the most notable feature of The Great War – has been etched on our consciousness through various accounts and photographs. At its core, trench warfare was seen as merely a short-term expedient, as within all previous conflicts “normality”...

• Trench Warfare

Taxi Driver Movie Analysis: 1970's America Through the Eyes of a Broken Vietnam Veteran

In Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a mentally disturbed Vietnam Veteran likely suffering from PTSD who spend his nights patrolling the crime ridden streets of a decaying New York City in his yellow cab. The film is commonly read as...

• Taxi Driver

Account of Courage of the Elderly Veterans

The word courage can be defined in many ways by many people. To some it means fearless or brave. How I define courage is someone who will risk their life for the people they love. To take action in a heartbeat without even thinking about...

The Aftermath and Care for Veterans in The Things They Carried 

Tim O'Brein's The Things They Carried, is an assortment of short stories that retell the experiences of the men of the Vietnam War's Alpha Company. O'Brien's understanding as an infantryman from 1968 to 1970 has given him an insiders viewpoint to the war, and it...

• The Things They Carried
• Tim O'Brien

Repaying the Vietnam War Veterans for Their Bravery

A relative who served in the Vietnam War informed me, “when [his brothers] got out of the service, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress) wasn’t even recognized at that time. And my brother had issues, and they locked him up in the institution,” (Hooyman). In Vietnam, PTSD, a...

Growing Homelessness and PTSD Among the Veteran Population

The United States has an ongoing homelessness problem that seems to be unfixable. Thousands of people without homes, jobs, and adequate health care. Among them is a percentage of homeless veterans who have fought for our freedoms and have sacrificed their lives for our country....

• Mental Illness

Mistreatment and Negligence of Hmong and American Veterans

On their fiftieth anniversary, my grandmother clutched onto my grandfather’s arm tightly, giving him a sad, teary-eyed smile as memories of the past five decades flashed before her eyes, “Peb kam tsim nyob ntev” (Let’s live for a long time). My grandfather, Cha S. Yang,...

• Grandfather

The Issue of Poverty Among Aging Veterans

Becoming a veteran means having to put your life on the line for your country. It comes with sacrifice, fear, and unfortunately sometimes mental illness. Many of the veterans returning home are faced with the harsh reality of unemployment due to many factors, including mental...

Vietnam War and Its Impact on Veterans

Vietnam fought for independence and won in 1954. The country then split into North Vietnam and South Vietnam and war broke out. The Vietnam War happened in November of 1955, and lasted a total of twenty years, ending in April of 1975. North Vietnam was...

• Vietnam War

The Vatour A Worldwide Government Scientific Research Institute

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cabinet-level department of the U. S. federal government that provides a service and benefit system with a primary focus on supporting and caring for all U. S. veterans (Top 25, 2018). The VA ranks in at #17...

• Role of Government

Analysis Of A Therapeutic Approach For Treating A Veteran

Introduction The basis of this paper is to examine five episodes of tape reviews and analyze a therapeutic approach for treating a veteran coming back from Iraq 10 months ago, in which he appears to be suffering from PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Episode...

Best topics on Veterans

1. Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Serve

2. My Pledge to Our Veterans: Honoring Sacrifice and Service

3. The Issue Of Veteran Homelessness

4. Homelessness In California: Homeless Veterans

5. Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo: The Negative Consequences of War

6. The Nature of Trench Warfare and Its Different Forms

7. Taxi Driver Movie Analysis: 1970’s America Through the Eyes of a Broken Vietnam Veteran

8. Account of Courage of the Elderly Veterans

9. The Aftermath and Care for Veterans in The Things They Carried 

10. Repaying the Vietnam War Veterans for Their Bravery

11. Growing Homelessness and PTSD Among the Veteran Population

12. Mistreatment and Negligence of Hmong and American Veterans

13. The Issue of Poverty Among Aging Veterans

14. Vietnam War and Its Impact on Veterans

15. The Vatour A Worldwide Government Scientific Research Institute

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148 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas

🏆 best veterans essay topics, 🔎 easy veterans research paper topics, 👍 good research topics about veterans & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting veterans research titles, 💡 great ideas of essay on veterans, 📌 simple veterans essay ideas, ⭐ excellent military persuasive essay topics.

• The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
• The Paralyzed Veterans of America Case Study
• The Effect of Extra-Curricular Activities on the Academic Performance of Veteran Students
• Mental Health Problems Among Veterans
• Gaps in Equity Related to Mental Health Access for Veterans
• Homeless War Veterans in America
• Secrets to Living a Long Life: Narrated by 109 Years Old Veteran
• Covid-19 Effects on Treatment-Seeking Veterans The article under analysis is “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment-seeking veterans in the UK with preexisting mental health difficulties…” by Hendrikx et al.
• Veterans in the Criminal Justice System There are links between military service and criminal behavior. Multiple offenses are not uncommon among veterans, and the lack of further support will have a detrimental effect.
• The Department of Veteran’s Affairs The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government agency that serves the needs of veterans and their families.
• Pot for Pain: Medical Marijuana for Veterans This paper argues the idea of medical marijuana for veterans should be encouraged by the US government and society only in cases where patients are under medical supervision.
• Veteran Health Administration Policy Analysis This policy analysis will attempt to identify alternatives to the existing veterans’ healthcare policy and evaluate them in terms of making healthcare more accessible.
• Veteran Treatment and Florida’s State Strategies The accessibility of health management services has been an issue for numerous vulnerable groups in Miami, FL.
• Student Veterans’ Experience: Photovoice Methodology Nikhil Tomar’s article discusses an analysis of the lived experience of student veterans that uses photovoice methodology.
• Veterans Court Designing: Three Crucial Stages The work discusses the types of treatment you to mandate, addressing problems with compliance, and other support you needed when designing Veterans court.
• Veterans Administration Department: Organization Problems Today, not many organizations are ready to cooperate with veterans and offer them appropriate working and living conditions.
• Northport Department of Veteran Affairs There are many challenges that the Northport Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) faces. One challenge is that despite the numerous efforts.
• Veterans’ Transition From the Military to Civilian Life This paper examines the main problems encountered by veterans during the transition from the military to civilian life, for example, social stigmas and drug abuse.
• The Experience of Substance Abuse in Homeless Veterans The problem of homelessness often affects the most vulnerable segments of society, one of them being veterans. This particular group also experiences significant issues.
• Health Care Policy for Veterans With Mental Illness The paper discusses The National Research Action Plan as the current policy designed in 2013 to improve the health services for veterans, service members, and their families.
• Veterans After the Vietnam War The Vietnam War was one of the most important events in the 20th century, which made a considerable impact on the United States and its society.
• The Problems of Substance Abuse in Homeless Veterans The problem of homelessness often affects the most vulnerable segments of society, among them veterans. This group also experiences excessive alcohol consumption.
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Controversy A deep symbolic image for some and a questionable faceless wall for others – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has become controversial since the layout was accepted.
• Statue of Liberty and Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Statue of Liberty and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial have many differences but are not devoid of common messages that underline their significance.
• Veterans Sacrificed Their Health for Us: Feature Release You wake up every morning and enjoy peaceful skies over your head. However, you do not think of those who provide this peace to you and your family.
• American Homeless Veterans’ Needs: An Op-Ed Of every 10,000 American veterans, 21 experienced homelessness at the beginning of 2020. This number seems small to common citizens, but it is huge to veterans.
• Wounded Veterans Do Not Receive Proper Care: News Release American veterans put their lives on the line to save us from enemies. However, when they return to civilian life, they find the transition difficult.
• The Veteran Homelessness Issue Analysis While the official statistics on homeless veterans are relatively low, the statistics do not include veterans who experience financial struggles.
• Homeless Veterans: Analysis of Cases To deal with the veterans’ mental health, the government, in conjunction with the healthcare system, is giving therapy to veterans to aid in combat PTSD and depression.
• Readjustment Counseling When Working With Veterans Readjustment counseling of veterans may range from simple guidance in employment or education to more complex instances of offering to counsel for those that experienced trauma.
• Civil War Veterans and Crime in America Podcast by Handley-Cousins and Earls explores how American society and its disabled soldiers coped with the perceptions of service, disability, and government responsibility.
• Homeless Veterans in Ohio State This reportage will touch upon the problem of the low-income social group of homeless veterans. It is the duty of American society to provide them with the necessary support.
• Military Sexual Trauma: PTSD in Female Veterans The following paper suggests a literature review on the subject of post traumatic stress disorder associated with military sexual trauma in female veterans.
• Programs and Needs for Homeless Veterans This study explores programs and services offered by different agencies in Houston, TX. The motivation is that veterans who return from missions abroad face numerous challenges.
• The Veterans’ Needs Assessment The purpose of the veterans’ needs assessment is to address the concerns of military families regarding the assimilation of their family members into civilian life.
• Veteran Employment: Problems Veterans Face after Returning Home Some veterans may find it difficult to adjust from a highly structured military environment to one where they must independently manage different challenges.
• Prevalence of Combat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans The paper argues combative nature of military personnel contributes to the Post-traumatic Stress disorder experienced by officers.
• Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory in Regard to Military Veterans With PTSD To sum up, if the experiment proves reliable and valid, the application for those who have PTSD may be improved or facilitated for everyday use.
• Cognitive Behavior Theory for Military Veteran Cognitive behavior theory is based on the idea that an individual is able to alter their behavior by interfering with their thought patterns.
• Aggression and Substance Use Involvement Among Veterans: Treatment Strategies 180 veteran participants with a history of reported substance abuse and acts of aggressive behaviour towards partners and non-partners, were assigned to 3 groups and compared.
• The Opioid Crisis in Veterans: The Delphi Method The Delphi method was used to generate a consensus on the best treatment measures for patients with opioid dependence.
• The Main Methods of Conducting a Needs Assessment for Veterans The assigned article is a detailed analysis of the main methods to use in conducting a needs assessment for veterans.
• The US Veterans: The Problem of Tobacco Smoking Although the rate of tobacco use among American veterans has been declining, those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq are smoking at an alarming rate.
• Organizational Culture and Diversity: United States Army Veteran Rank For me, the most significant cultural identifiers are the United States Army Veteran rank, Texas as the home residence, and marital status.
• Reducing the Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot in the Veteran Population The research proposes to use a comprehensive education program to reduce the incidence of diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot in the Veteran population.
• Healthcare Marketing Analysis: Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System – Diabetes Clinic The focal point of the paper is to evaluate and analyze the marketing strategy of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loma Linda Healthcare System – Diabetic Clinic.
• Effects of Combat on War Veterans In recent years, the long-lasting impacts of military war have become ruinous. In the U.S, cases of suicide in the Army have exceeded the pace of prevention in the general populace.
• Organizational Quality Improvement Plan: Veterans Affairs Hospitals The role of Managed Care for Veterans Affairs is great due to the improvements implemented to manage the resources in this area properly.
• Organizational Quality Improvement Plan for Veterans Affairs with Regard to Managed Care in the Community The Veteran Affairs (VA) health care organization deals with veterans that have been brought to the community hospitals.
• Homeless Veterans Problem Analysis The purpose of this paper is to describe the main causes of this situation, to consider the approaches of different scientists to the problem, and to offer ways to solve it.
• Social Service Barriers Among Homeless Veterans The goal is to gather information about the conditions under which homeless veterans have to live and define the main problems the chosen group of people faces regularly.
• Social Policy Analysis: Stopping the Opioid Crisis in Veteran Population The problem of the opioid epidemic in the USA has been at the center of an ongoing discussion for years: veterans are twice as likely to die of opioid overdose as average citizens.
• Discrimination and Harassment in Hiring a Veteran This paper will examine cases of discrimination and harassment in hiring a veteran, as well as the illegal dismissal of an employee to study the issue of labor relations.
• Family Support to a Veteran With Depression Even the strongest soldiers become vulnerable to multiple health risks and behavioral changes, and depression is one of the problems military families face.
• Mental Health Conditions Among Military Veterans The research will analyze whether the incidence of symptoms and their link to individuals’ experiences relate to their military service
• Psychotherapy Treatment for Combat Veterans Suffering From PTSD The symptoms of PTSD based on combat experience include flashbacks, nightmares, tries to suppress the memories, irritability, hyperarousal, sleep disorders, numbing.
• Veteran Pharmaceutical: Cause and Effect Due to the economic crunch being experienced all over America and the whole world at large, there has been a decline in profits for Veteran in the last few months.
• Preferential Treatment of Not and Disabled Veterans Right from the beginning of the 21st century, there have been certain growth in movements promoting disability rights including that of disabled veterans.
• Veterans Affairs Healthcare System The strengths of the VA healthcare system are focused on providing high-quality and low cost health care, giving an opportunity for patients to admire the benefits of the service.
• Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: Marketing Research and Segmentation The main aim of the paper is to provide an analysis of the market with the Potential patients of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Combat Veterans The aim of this essay is to review briefly yet, comprehensively the recent advances in assessment and treatment of PTSD.
• Soldier and Veteran Suicide Prevention Hearing People who work in the profession tend to encounter potentially severe stress throughout service, which can lead to mental issues.
• Transition Experiences of First-Generation Latino Veterans This research project will investigate the lived experiences of first-generation Latino veterans who decided to stay in the US after military service.
• Veterans’ Civilian Employment Experiences This paper offers a critique of the article based on the criteria established by O’Brien, Harris, Beckman, Reed, and Cook.
• Senator Rubio on Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act The paper presents a mock interview with Marco Rubio, the U.S. Senator for the state of Florida. The interview refers to the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act.
• Opioid Crisis Effects on US Veterans The current research aims at seeking answers to several research questions, concerning the opioids crisis and its effect on veterans, to overcome problems.
• Latino Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Life in the US It is proposed to investigate the dual transitioning of first-generation Latino migrants who are also former US military members.
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans Both in the military and civilian life, people encounter traumatic occurrences that challenge their perception of the world or themselves.
• Veteran Legal Institute’s History and Challenges The biggest accomplishment of the Veteran Legal Institute is the creation of a systematic, organized, and self-sustaining network for providing services to veterans.
• United States Military Veteran Suicides and Causes Researchers have not agreed on the exact causes of suicide cases in the US military. Initially, it was assumed that deployment was a risk factor for this behavior.
• Student Veterans and Academic Benefits The project reviews the main issues faced by U.S. veterans and shows how the Post-9/11 GI Bill aims to address them by offering financial assistance to student veterans.
• Challenges in Veteran Mental Health Care The population of veterans in the US experiences a variety of difficulties upon returning to non-military life.
• Suicide Among Veterans Issue The increase in suicide rates among veterans frightens and reveals the magnitude of mental challenges experienced by the group.
• Business Plan of Veteran Fitness Center This paper outlines a business proposal for a fitness center in Sharjah for military veterans who do not have health coverage for physical fitness.
• Co-Curricular Activities in Veteran Student Performance This paper discusses the effects of co-curriculum activities on the achievements of student veterans within the Armed Services Arts Partnership Program (ASAP) program.
• Exploring and Storming Phase for Veterans with PTSD The paper addresses the peculiarities of the storming stage as applied to the therapeutic group designed for male combat veterans with PTSD.
• Western Oahu Veterans Center: Budgeting Project Western Oahu Veterans Center is a local branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a government agency that aims to provide various types of aid to veterans of U.S. military service.
• Veteran Student Performance: Co-Curricular Activities In this memo, the main goal is to choose a non-profit program that can be applied to veteran student performance and propose a program evaluation regarding an appropriate program theory.
• Student Veterans on Campus: Issues and Benefits The present paper will review the problems faced by student veterans and describe the historical background of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that serves to solve some of these problems.
• Military Veterans’ Mental Health Needs The topic of the study concerns the mental health needs of veterans who suffer different types of disorders as the result of their military service.
• Veteran Student Performance and Activities This paper introduces an evaluation design plan to be applied to the Armed Services Arts Partnership program and the analysis of the effects of its co-curricular activities on student veterans.
• American Veteran Homelessness & Advocacy Practice A study by Lusk, Staudt, and Moya (2012), shows that subjecting these veterans to constant gun violence causes emotional stress to them
• War Veterans’ Mental Health as Social Issue This work discusses the current issue on the War Veterans returning home and not receiving proper mental health care due to a lack of professionals serving the Armed Forces.
• Psychotherapy Group of Combat Veterans in Transition The group members are combat veterans with PTSD, and their behavior can be mind-boggling due to the group’s views on mental health and health issues.
• Psychotherapeutic Intervention: Veterans with PTSD This group manual is written for a brief psychotherapeutic intervention developed for combat veterans with PTSD. The paper includes a description of the intervention, its major phases.
• Health Policy Action: American Veterans’ Health The US healthcare system is now undergoing certain changes so it can be a perfect time for considerable and timely improvements.
• Health Advocate: Veterans’ Health Problems The number of veterans in the United States is on the rise. These veterans and their families face a wide range of health problems.
• Policy Action for Veterans’ Health Care When it comes to providing high-quality and affordable care for the US veterans, it is crucial to consider all aspects of this multi-faceted issue.
• Veterans’ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: How a Game Can Help? This research paper will analyze how veterans suffering from PTSD stand to benefit from the game Human versus Zombies by using the skills they learned in war.
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• Chicago Veterans Attitudes and Characteristics
• How Has the Health of Vietnam Veterans Been Affected by Their Service in Vietnam
• Homeless Veterans Throughout the City of Los Angeles
• Race and Older Age Mortality: Evidence From Union Army Veterans
• Improving Veterans Access for Mental Health Care Using
• The Mirror Therapy Treatment for the Amputee Veterans
• Medical Care and Benefits for Wounded Military Veterans
• The Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension
• Military Veterans and Neighborhood Racial Integration: Veterans Affairs Mortgage Lending
• How Dogs Can Help Veterans Overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Chris Collins
• Immigration Reform, and Better Care for Veterans
• Strategic Plan for Veterans at Veterans Affairs Facilities
• Veterans and America’s History and Future
• Removing Barriers for Mental Health Services for Veterans
• After the Glory: The Struggles of Black Civil War Veterans
• Veterans and Depression the Battle to Heal the Wounds of War
• Increasing the Educational Benefits of War Veterans
• Body Mass Index and Health Among Union Army Veterans: 1891-1905
• Establishing the Academic Performance of Veterans in the Us Colleges
• Individual Counseling Services for War Time Veterans
• Homeless American Veterans: The Impact of War on Our Veterans
• Are War Veterans Receiving the Benefits They Deserve
• Improving Veterans Access for Care
• Emerging Social Work Crisis for Veterans and Their Families Term Paper
• Why Colleges Should Help Veterans
• The Veterans Affairs Neuropathy Scale: A Reliable, Remote Polyneuropathy Exam
• Declining Wealth and Work Among Male Veterans in the Health and Retirement Study
• Specialty Courts for Veterans of the US Military
• The Lost Generation: Hardships of WWI Veterans
• Disabilities and Mental Illness of Veterans
• Alcohol Use Among Veterans and the Military
• America’s Military Veterans and Denying Aid
• Remember the Forgotten Military Veterans of World War II
• Injury Careers After Blast Exposure Among Combat Veterans Deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Firearm Use and Risk of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Among Veterans
• The Factors Affecting the Transition of Veterans From War to Civilian Life
• Government Funding for Veterans With Prosthetics Within
• Effective Treatment for Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• The Washington D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Detonating the Bomb: The Relationship of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Vietnam and Iraq Veterans
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans’ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Problems
• Oxytocin Affects Spontaneous Neural Oscillations in Trauma-Exposed War Veterans
• Social Chaos and Confusion of Children of Vietnam War Veterans
• The Controversy and Impact of the Gulf War Syndrome on the Health of the United States Veterans
• Promoting Social and Community Support for Veterans: Engaging the Public in Veterans’ Issues
• The Importance of Military Preparedness in Maintaining National Security
• Improving Mental Health Services for Military Spouses and Family Members
• The Benefits of Service Dogs for Veterans with Disabilities or PTSD
• Addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Military Personnel
• Military Technology: Assessing the Ethical Implications of Advancements in Warfare
• Military Veterans and Employment: Promoting Transition and Job Opportunities
• Addressing Homelessness Among Veterans: Strategies for Prevention and Assistance
• The Role of Military Intervention in Humanitarian Crises
• Expanding Educational Opportunities and Scholarships for Veterans and Their Families
• Pros and Cons of Implementing Compulsory Military Service in the US
• Women in Combat Roles: Examining the Benefits and Challenges

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StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 148 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "148 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "148 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Veterans were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 9, 2024 .

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Key findings about america’s military veterans.

This Veterans Day, Americans across the country will honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. A recent Pew Research Center survey of veterans found that, for many who served in combat, their experiences strengthened them personally but also made the transition to civilian life difficult.

Here are key facts about veterans, drawn from that survey:

Post-9/11 veterans are also more likely than their predecessors to bear some of the physical and psychological scars of combat. Roughly half (47%) of post-9/11 veterans say they had emotionally traumatic or distressing experiences related to their military service, compared with one-quarter of pre-9/11 veterans. About a third (35%) of post-9/11 veterans say they sought professional help to deal with those experiences, and a similar share say that – regardless of whether they have sought help – they think they have suffered from post-traumatic stress (PTS).

2 A majority of veterans say they have felt proud of their service since leaving the military. Roughly two-thirds of all veterans (68%) say, in the first few years after leaving the military, they frequently felt proud of their military service. An additional 22% say they sometimes felt proud, and 9% say they seldom or never felt this way. Pre-9/11 veterans are more likely to say they frequently felt proud of their service than are post-9/11 veterans (70% vs. 58%).

Most veterans say they would endorse the military as a career choice. Roughly eight-in-ten (79%) say they would advise a young person close to them to join the military. This includes large majorities of post-9/11 veterans, combat veterans and those who say they had emotionally traumatic experiences in the military.

Veterans who say they have suffered from PTS are much more likely to report experiencing these things than those who did not. Roughly six-in-ten (61%) say they had trouble paying their bills, about four-in-ten (42%) say they had trouble getting medical care for themselves or their families, and a similar share (41%) say they struggled with alcohol or substance abuse.

6 When it comes to employment, a majority of veterans say their military service was useful in giving them the skills and training they needed for a civilian job. About one-in-three veterans (29%) say it was very useful, and another 29% say it was fairly useful. There are significant differences by rank: While 78% of veterans who served as commissioned officers say their military service was useful, smaller shares of those who were noncommissioned officers (59%) or enlisted (54%) say the same.

Most post-9/11 veterans say having served in the military was an advantage when it came to finding their first post-military job – 35% say this helped a lot and 26% say it helped a little. Only about one-in-ten (9%) say having served in the military hurt their ability to get a job. Among veterans who looked for a job after leaving the military, 57% say they found one in less than six months, and an additional 21% say they had a job in less than a year.

More broadly, 64% of veterans say the government has given them about as much help as it should have. Three-in-ten say the government has given them too little help. Post-9/11 veterans are more likely than those from previous eras to say the government has given them less help than it should have (43% vs. 27%).

8 Majorities of veterans say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not worth fighting. Additional findings from the same survey show that about two-thirds of veterans (64%) say they think the war in Iraq was not worth fighting considering the costs versus the benefits to the United States, while 33% say it was. Similarly, a majority of veterans (58%) say the war in Afghanistan was not worth fighting. About four-in-ten (38%) say it was worth fighting.

Views differ significantly by party. Republican and Republican-leaning veterans are much more likely than veterans who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party to say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were worth fighting: 45% of Republican veterans vs. 15% of Democratic veterans say the war in Iraq was worth fighting, while 46% of Republican veterans and 26% of Democratic veterans say the same about Afghanistan.

Views on U.S. military engagement in Syria are also more negative than positive. Among veterans, 42% say the campaign in Syria has been worth it, while 55% say it has not. (The survey was conducted entirely before President Donald Trump’s decision to remove U.S. troops from parts of Syria.)

9 A majority of Americans and veterans associate discipline and patriotism with veterans. Majorities among veterans (61%) and the general public (64%) say most Americans look up to people who have served in the military. And veterans see themselves as more disciplined (84%) and patriotic (71%) than those who have not served in the military. Most Americans agree with this: 67% of all adults say being disciplined better describes veterans than non-veterans, and 59% say the same about being patriotic.

About a third or more among veterans and the public say veterans are more hard-working than those who haven’t served. Still, when it comes to things like being tolerant and open to all groups, the public is less likely to see this as a trait associated with military service than veterans are themselves.

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The changing face of America’s veteran population

Veteran households in u.s. are economically better off than those of non-veterans, how veterans and non-veterans fare in the u.s. job market, the changing profile of the u.s. military: smaller in size, more diverse, more women in leadership, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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How to use your Veteran experience in college application essays

Veterans have a unique set of circumstances to draw upon when putting together their application essays. A Veteran is likely to have been many places, in many situations, and seen many things that the average high school senior simply can't imagine and for which he or she has no frame of reference.

Here are a couple of tips for how best to use your military experience in your application essay—and (perhaps more importantly) some thoughts on what  not  to do.

DO mention your leadership ability

Leadership potential might be the number one character trait that schools are looking for in applicants. Proof that you've taken on serious responsibility and have a high level of maturity is a good indication for those in admissions that you will take your education seriously and will go on to do great work post-graduation (and then make millions and donate back to the school, of course). As a Veteran, it is likely you have led a command of some kind—make sure this is touched on in your essay piece.

DO NOT tell this boring story: I went to teach them… but it turned out to be  they  who taught  ME

There's a particular essay that all adjudicators and admissions committees dread. It goes like this… I was employed to teach people/children in a remote village/urban center/small rural area. I went into it thinking I would be educating them, but in the end it was  I  who learned from  them.

Admissions officers hate this essay. Why? Because it doesn't really say anything about you as a person, and the story is not as original as you might think. Careful of this theme… it's deadly.

DO talk about challenges you faced

It's very likely you have dealt with questions and situations that most people have not. Illustrate how you used quick thinking and skills to overcome problems, and how you became more mature because of these decisions.

DO NOT get too dark. Leave out deep personal tragedy

Of course it's good to talk meaningfully about your experience, but this can go too far. Abuse, depression and death are striking subjects and therefore you might think they are good fodder for an essay. After all, the idea is to provoke a response, to make sure you are memorable. Unfortunately, an essay that focuses on these topics does not serve you well. Similarly, psychological trauma that may have been suffered during military service is not great for your essay, not because it's not important to your character, but because it tends to take the reader out of the narrative and usually doesn't connect very effectively to why you'll be a good candidate for college. So often essays that focus on dark subjects go down a trajectory that leads away from your achievements, which is what these pieces  should  highlight. Never stray from a path that keeps you talking about why you are an IDEAL  candidate.

DO tell your specific story

It's important to tell your story—not just one of general military life. Your narrative may seem relatively commonplace to you because it was spent in the company of people who were participating in similar activities, but the details of your service are unique and interesting to admissions officers.

DO NOT feel like it is out of place

Some people with military background feel awkward about telling their story, feeling it is exploitative. Not only is it sensible to use your military life in your essay, it's likely if you went into the service right out of high school, you don't have much else to discuss.

DO highlight technical skills you learned

In your years in the military, you likely were given highly technical jobs and responsibilities that will look very impressive to laypeople. Make sure to talk about these positions and give some details as to how these might help you in a future career post-graduation.

DO NOT forget to seek help

If you need advice or just someone to go over your application with you, talk to an education services officer. And make sure you visit the military education center and explore the VA website. There you'll find insight on how best to utilize the  Post-9/11 G.I. Bill  (also known as Chapter 33 benefits), the  Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program  and  other programs designed to help Veterans finance their education .

Full understanding of these programs might be a good element to include in your essay, but more importantly, be sure to take full advantage of these programs.

And finally, DO get college credit and discuss that on your essay!

Submit a DD-214 form to make sure that your full military experience is included with your applications. Some of your experience might help you gain college credit and that might be a selling point to universities to which you apply.

Follow these tips, and you're sure to have a stellar application. And you can feel confident in the fact that there are many institutions that are eagerly awaiting to accept young men and women who have served our country.

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Historical Background of Veterans Day ⚔

Veterans Day, celebrated every year on November 11th, is a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifices made by military veterans. Returning to its establishment, Veterans Day has been a testament to the brave souls fighting for freedom. Originating after World War I, this day was initially called Armistice Day, marking the cessation of hostilities between the Allies and Germany. This significant event took place on November 11th, 1918, at the 11th hour, hence the choice of date and time for its commemoration.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day in 1919. However, in 1954, after the great wars – World War II and the Korean War – the U.S. Congress, acknowledging the contributions of veterans from these wars, amended the Act of 1938 by replacing the word “Armistice” with “Veterans.” From then on, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

When writing a  veterans day essay , understanding this historical context is crucial. By highlighting these pivotal moments, you’re not just crafting an  essay on veterans but providing a deeper insight into the layers of gratitude and respect the day encapsulates. Recognizing these historical nuances also amplifies the day’s significance, showing that it’s not just about one war or group of veterans but all those who have donned the uniform, regardless of the era or conflict.

Writing Veterans Day Essay ⚔

The art of writing is vital, especially for a topic as profound as Veterans Day. Your voice and historical facts create a harmonious blend that tugs at the heartstrings. As you craft your veteran’s essay, consider it a bridge between the heart’s emotions and the mind’s knowledge.

When commencing your  veterans day essay , start by researching extensively. A well-informed essay on veterans should capture the historical events leading up to the significant moments celebrated on this day and the personal experiences of the veterans themselves. Highlight their bravery, dedication, and the sacrifices they made. This detailed exploration will anchor your essay in facts while leaving room for emotional resonance.

Your veteran essay should be more than a mere recount of events. It should be a tribute, a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of countless individuals. This demands a tone of respect and admiration. Integrating personal stories, perhaps interviews or anecdotes, can lend authenticity and a personal touch to your essay.

The structure is essential, especially for students, considering the  veterans day 5-paragraph essay  format can be beneficial. This classic structure allows for a clear introduction, three detailed body paragraphs discussing various aspects of the day, and a fitting conclusion to wrap up your thoughts. Such a format ensures that your essay is organized and easy for the reader to follow.

Lastly, addressing  why is veterans day important essay  questions is crucial. Your essay should delve into the significance of this day, not just for veterans but for society at large. It’s a day that reminds everyone of the price of freedom and the value of service.

Writing the perfect Veterans Day essay requires a balance of research, emotional understanding, and structure. It’s about paying homage to the heroes of the past and ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.

Common Themes for Veterans Day Essays

Writing a veterans essay can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. However, focusing on core themes such as the immense sacrifice, the aftermath of war, and the societal contributions of veterans can guide your narrative. When delving into a  veterans day essay , it’s essential to remember that these brave individuals often put country before self, leaving an indelible mark on history. Touching upon the realities they faced during their service and how they reintegrated into society post-service adds depth to your piece. Moreover, when crafting a  veterans day 5-paragraph essay , dissecting these themes sequentially provides clarity and understanding, ensuring your readers fully grasp the gravity and significance of each point you present.

Quotes and Anecdotes in Veterans Essay

Great essays often resonate because of powerful words and compelling stories. Integrating memorable quotes from wartime heroes or sharing poignant anecdotes can elevate your piece. By doing so, you’re not just presenting a  veteran essay  but painting a vivid picture of their experiences. Such stories offer readers a glimpse into the raw emotions, challenges, and triumphs veterans face. Notably, in your quest to answer ‘Why is veterans day important essay,’ leaning on firsthand accounts, notable speeches, and personal reflections can make your arguments more compelling. These stories and sayings give weight to your narrative, emphasizing the sacrifices made and the respect these heroes genuinely deserve.

Organizing Your Veterans Day Essay

Before diving into the writing process of your veterans day essay, it’s crucial to have a strategic approach. Begin by understanding the essence of what Veterans Day represents. Conduct preliminary research, collecting anecdotes, quotes, and factual data related to the day. Armed with this information, map out your narrative.

Planning is the key to crafting a compelling essay on veterans—Kickstart with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader. Your introduction could be a powerful anecdote or a striking fact about Veterans Day. Follow this with well-researched and informative body paragraphs. Dive deep into the heart of what makes Veterans Day so significant. Perhaps you could adopt the structure of a veterans day 5 paragraph essay , which allows you to touch upon multiple facets of the military essay topic systematically. 

Always remember to conclude your essay with a profound reflection on the irreplaceable contributions of veterans, answering the pivotal question, “Why is veterans day important?” This structured method, while straightforward, guarantees that your essay maintains flow and coherence, making it not just another veteran essay but a tribute.

Revising and Editing Your Veterans Day Essay  

After pouring your thoughts and findings into your veteran day essays, the task isn’t over. A crucial step is just beginning: the revision and editing phase. Take a short break before revisiting your work. This lets you approach your essay with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot inadvertent errors or areas needing enhancement. 

As you comb your draft, consider its overall flow, coherence, and argument strength. Are you truly capturing the essence of Veterans Day? Is your veterans day essay resonating as a sincere tribute to those who’ve sacrificed? While grammar and punctuation are vital, ensuring that your essay’s content is genuinely reflective and well-researched is equally essential. If you’re uncertain, having peers review your work might be beneficial, providing feedback on its structure and content. 

When they read about the sacrifices and heroics, does it feel like a genuine essay on veterans or just a generic military ethics paper topic ? Remember, your ultimate aim is to produce an academically sound essay and a heartfelt homage to those who have given it immeasurably.

Service for a Perfect Veterans Essay

Crafting an impactful Veterans Day essay requires both passion and precision. It’s a delicate balance between honoring those who served and maintaining academic rigor. At Writing Metier, we understand balance and are the premier service for penning the perfect Veterans essay. What sets Writing Métier apart?

Firstly, the team of seasoned writers is equipped with a knowledge of the historical, social, and personal aspects of Veterans Day. This ensures your essay is not only factually accurate but also emotionally resonant. Secondly, their commitment to client-specific requirements ensures that each essay is written to individual preferences, academic needs, and desired tones. This bespoke approach ensures uniqueness in every piece. Order a Veterans Essay right now and experience the difference Writing Métier can make.

Moreover, Writing Métier places immense value on timeliness. Recognizing the importance of deadlines in the academic world, they guarantee prompt delivery without compromising quality. Lastly, their consistent track record of satisfied customers attests to their dedication and expertise in the field.

So, if you’re aiming for a Veterans Day essay that stands out, Writing Métier is the ideal choice. By entrusting them with your essay, you’re not just getting a written piece.

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Conclusion 🎖️

The realm of veteran day essays offers a chance to reflect, honor, and remember. You’re not just completing an academic task by dedicating time to write, read, or understand a veterans day essay. Take the stress out of your life and place an order with Writing Métier today.  You’re keeping the memories alive, ensuring that sacrifices aren’t forgotten, and the bravery of our heroes is celebrated now and always.

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Laura Orta is an avid author on Writing Metier's blog. Before embarking on her writing career, she practiced media law in one of the local media. Aside from writing, she works as a private tutor to help students with their academic needs. Laura and her husband share their home near the ocean in northern Portugal with two extraordinary boys and a lifetime collection of books.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Veterans Day — The Importance of Honoring Veterans

The Importance of Honoring Veterans

• Categories: Veterans Day

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Published: Oct 25, 2023

Words: 522 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans, veterans day and patriotism.

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5 Tips Every Veteran Should Keep In Mind When Writing Their College Admissions Essays

In honor of the start of college admissions season, I’m offering some tips I learned during my time as an...

By Joy Turner | Published Sep 7, 2018 7:37 PM EDT

• Military Life

In honor of the start of college admissions season, I’m offering some tips I learned during my time as an admissions application reader and writing consultant tailored to help veterans write college application essays that actually stand out.

Answer the question

In the military, we’re taught to write memos and SOPs in a straightforward and technical manner. Still, I’ve read dozens of college admissions personal statements from veterans that tell a wonderfully engaging story about their time in the service, but fail to answer the questions asked in the essay prompt.

This issue comes up a lot especially for applicants using an essay template to apply to multiple colleges. Don’t focus on telling me about a personal challenge you overcame while in the military if I asked you to talk about why you chose to apply to X school. As a good practice, go back and read the essay prompt after you’ve written your personal statement or essay, then underline each instance in your essay where you directly answer the prompt. This will tell you if you’re on track or not.

Show, don’t tell

Use every opportunity to tell a story. Admissions staff aren’t interested in reading a list of your accomplishments as if they’re on a promotion board perusing your military personnel file. Instead, tell a story that leaves them wanting to know more about you and what you accomplished during your military service or in your personal life.

As with job interviews, I recommend applicants implore the STAR method – which will provide details about the specific situation, task, action, and result of the story you are telling in a logical order. Reading a list isn’t necessarily interesting, but reading a story can be. Being interesting is what gets you an invite to the next cohort. Give the admissions readers a reason to want to meet you in person by telling them a story that is personal, engaging, and thought-provoking.

Start with bullet points

If you’re having trouble figuring out how to tell your story, I also recommend starting with bullet points. When it came time to write evaluations for my soldiers as a platoon leader, I often started the process by listing 3-4 bullet points under each section on the evaluation form which allowed me to concisely articulate the soldier’s accomplishments and begin to create a narrative about their performance.

For personal statements, outline the story you want to tell from beginning to end using bullet points. Creating an outline will allow you to clarify your thoughts and identify where information might be confusing to the reader (remember most people have not served in the military and have no concept of rank or MOS).

Often, college admissions applications serve as the first-time veterans have an opportunity to write about their service and it can be daunting to get started. The content of the bullet points can become the skeleton for your essay paragraphs and allow you to easily connect ideas and shape your story.

Don’t repeat information

Admissions readers know you have a lot of awards and have traveled to various countries over your military career because they can easily read this type of information on the resume that is submitted with your application. Don’t repeat it over again in your personal statement and supplemental essays. The admissions staff wants to know how you differ from the other 100 applicants who have also won awards or worked in foreign countries, what makes you unique? Talk about what you can bring to the incoming cohort as a veteran and individual that’s going to make an impact and increase the knowledge base, culture, and prestige of the institution.

Colleges are as interested in what benefits you can provide them as you are about what you will get out of the deal. Communicate in your personal statement what distinctive role you will fill, what value you bring to the classroom and your future profession, and how you will enrich the experiences of your classmates.

Be specific and stand out

Most applicants say at some point in their college application essays that they are “hardworking” or “passionate about making the world a better place”. Neither of these attributes is unique to veterans or servicemembers, nor do they particularly stand out as demonstrative of a person’s character to application readers who are reviewing 1000s of applications. To succeed in college, every student SHOULD be hardworking and passionate about their studies or a broader cause. Instead of relying on generic application clichés, write about your personal motivation for joining the military, how your identity and life thus far have informed your professional goals, or about what impact you personally hope to have on the world around you outside of your military service.

Remember, it’s perfectly fine to discuss your military service in your personal statement despite the stigmas veterans sometimes face in our society today. The important thing to keep in mind is that the application essay is a representation of you on paper and one of the only opportunities you get to make an impression before you arrive on campus. Just like in a job interview, it’s essential you demonstrate your unique value and why you deserve a seat in the (class)room.

This is a part of a series on hacking higher education in partnership with Service to School , a non-profit that provides free college application assistance to transitioning service members and veterans

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Veterans Day Essays for All Grades and Ages (10 Samples)

October 18, 2023, 3:17 am 90 Views 0 Comments

Veterans Day holds a special place in the heart of our nation, a day to honor the selfless sacrifices of our military heroes. Recognizing the importance of imparting this sentiment to every generation, we’ve meticulously curated 10 essays , each resonating with a distinct age group.

From the curious minds of elementary students to the analytical thinkers in high school, these essays are tailored to provide a deeper understanding. Infused with personal anecdotes and historical insights, our collection aims to bridge the age gap, fostering a shared appreciation for Veterans Day. We invite you to journey through these narratives, each echoing the expertise and dedication behind its creation.

Starting with this quote :

Heroism is seen in the sacrifice that you gave.

Now, let’s delve into the essays and explore the many facets of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Essays for Grade 11 to 12

Table of Contents

1. Veterans Day: Honoring Through Reflection and Understanding

Veterans Day holds a profound significance in our nation’s heart. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the unparalleled sacrifices and the enduring legacy of service by our veterans. These brave individuals, through their stories of valor, have not only protected our freedoms but have also shaped the very fabric of our society.

The weight of their sacrifice is immeasurable. From the battlefields to the home front, their stories resonate with courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the values we hold dear. As we reflect on Veterans Day, it’s essential to delve deeper into understanding these sacrifices, ensuring that their contributions are never taken for granted.

However, understanding alone isn’t enough. Our role as a society extends beyond mere reflection. We must actively support and engage with our veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. This means creating platforms for their stories, fostering environments where their experiences are shared, and continuously educating the younger generations about the importance of Veterans Day.

By doing so, we not only honor our veterans but also strengthen our nation’s bond, ensuring that the legacy of service continues to inspire future generations. As we move forward, let’s pledge to make every day a day of gratitude, reflection, and understanding, keeping the spirit of Veterans Day alive throughout the year.

From : Jessica Martinez

Grade : 12th

Interests : History, Civic Engagement, Literature

Have you seen this: 40+ Thank You Veterans Quotes

2. Veterans Day: The Evolution of a Nation’s Gratitude

Introduction:

Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, has evolved in its significance and observance. From its origins post-World War I to its contemporary observance, it reflects a nation’s evolving relationship with its military and veterans.

From Armistice Day to Veterans Day:

Initially commemorated as Armistice Day, November 11th marked the end of World War I. However, as the U.S. found itself embroiled in subsequent conflicts, the day’s significance expanded to honor all veterans, leading to its renaming in 1954.

A Nation’s Gratitude:

The way Veterans Day is observed has evolved over the decades. While parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence remain staples, there’s a growing emphasis on understanding the diverse experiences of veterans, from those who served in World War II to those returning from recent conflicts.

The Future of Veterans Day:

As society becomes more interconnected and globalized, Veterans Day offers an opportunity for reflection on global peace and the role of diplomacy. It’s essential to honor the past while also envisioning a future where conflicts are resolved without resorting to war.

Conclusion:

Veterans Day, with its rich history and evolving significance, serves as a bridge between the past and the future. It’s a day to honor those who have served while also reflecting on the broader implications of war and peace in a globalized world.

3. Veterans Day: More Than Just a Day Off School

Every year, as November rolls around, I can’t help but notice the buzz in school about the upcoming Veterans Day holiday. For many, it’s just another day off, a break from the usual grind of assignments and tests. But this year, I decided to dig deeper, to understand what this day truly means.

I started by talking to my grandpa, a World War II veteran. Over a cup of his favorite black tea, he shared stories of his time in the army, the friends he made, and those he lost. It was an afternoon of laughter, tears, and a whole lot of reflection. It made me realize that Veterans Day isn’t just about honoring those who served; it’s about understanding their stories, their sacrifices, and the world they helped shape.

In our digital age, it’s easy to forget the past. We’re so caught up in the now, the latest trends, the viral videos. But there’s so much to learn from the past, from the people who’ve been there, done that. Veterans Day is our chance to reconnect, to listen, and to learn.

So, this Veterans Day, I challenge my peers to do the same. Let’s take a moment to talk to a veteran, be it a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger. Let’s hear their stories, share them, and ensure they’re not forgotten. Because, in the end, it’s these stories, these memories, that shape our present and our future.

From : Alex Turner

Grade : 11th

Interests : History Club, Soccer Team, School Newspaper

Veterans Day Essays for Grade 7th and 8th

4. The True Meaning of Veterans Day

Every year on November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day. But what makes this day so special? Why do schools close, parades march down the streets, and flags fly high? This day, known as Veterans Day, is more than just a holiday; it’s a day to honor and remember the brave individuals who served in our military.

A Day with Deep Roots:

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. The world rejoiced as the guns fell silent on the battlefields of Europe. Over time, as more men and women served in other wars and conflicts, the day’s significance expanded. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I.

Heroes in Many Forms:

Veterans come from all walks of life. They’re our grandparents, neighbors, and sometimes, our teachers. Each of them has a unique story of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. They’ve served in different wars, faced various challenges, and have diverse experiences. Yet, they all share a common bond: a commitment to protect our nation and its values.

Why We Celebrate:

While many of us enjoy a day off from school or work, it’s essential to remember the real reason behind Veterans Day. It’s a day to show our gratitude to those who protected our freedoms. Schools often hold special assemblies, communities organize parades, and families visit memorials. These acts of remembrance ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

The Global Perspective:

Veterans Day is not just an American tradition. Many countries have similar days to honor their military veterans. Whether it’s Remembrance Day in Canada and the UK or Armistice Day in France, the sentiment is the same: to honor those who have served.

Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our country. It’s a day to reflect, honor, and express our gratitude. As we observe Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to truly understand its significance and remember the heroes who have shaped our nation’s history.

5. The Historical Significance of Veterans Day

Every November 11th, the United States pauses to honor its military veterans. Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is a time of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. But what historical events led to the establishment of this significant day?

World War I and Armistice Day:

The roots of Veterans Day can be traced back to the end of World War I. Known as “The Great War,” it was a conflict of unprecedented scale and devastation. When the guns finally fell silent on November 11, 1918, the world hoped it would be the “ war to end all wars. ” This day, known as Armistice Day, was initially dedicated to the brave souls who fought in World War I.

Evolving Recognition:

However, as the 20th century progressed, the U.S. found itself engaged in other major conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War. Recognizing the need to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I, Congress amended the commemoration in 1954. Hence, Armistice Day became Veterans Day.

A Day of Gratitude and Education:

Today, Veterans Day serves multiple purposes. It’s a day for citizens to express their gratitude to those who served. Schools often hold special programs, ensuring younger generations understand the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout history. These educational initiatives ensure that the stories of veterans are passed down, preserving their legacy.

Veterans Day is a testament to the nation’s deep respect for those who don the uniform. As we observe this day, it’s essential to delve into its historical roots, ensuring that its true significance is never forgotten.

You might also like: Veterans Day Poems for School Kids

6. Veterans Day: Stories of Valor and Sacrifice

Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a tapestry of stories, each thread representing a veteran’s unique experience. These narratives provide a deeper understanding of the day’s essence and the sacrifices made by our military personnel.

Tales from Different Eras:

Each war or conflict has its unique backdrop, challenges, and moments of valor. A World War II veteran might recount the challenges of the D-Day landings, while a Vietnam War veteran could share tales of monsoon rains and dense jungles. These firsthand accounts provide invaluable insights into the realities of war, far beyond what textbooks convey.

The Emotional Battlefield:

Beyond the physical challenges of combat, veterans often grapple with emotional and psychological battles. Feelings of loss, memories of comrades, and the traumas of war can leave lasting scars. By sharing these experiences, veterans not only find catharsis but also educate others about the multifaceted challenges faced by military personnel.

Preserving Their Legacy:

In today’s digital age, there’s a golden opportunity to document and share veterans’ stories. Oral history projects, documentaries, and memoirs can immortalize their experiences, ensuring they resonate with future generations.

As we commemorate Veterans Day, it’s crucial to listen to and reflect upon the myriad stories of our veterans. Their narratives, rich with lessons of courage, resilience, and sacrifice, offer a profound understanding of the day’s significance.

7. The Evolving Observance of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, has witnessed an evolution in its observance and significance. From its origins post-World War I to its contemporary relevance, it mirrors America’s changing relationship with its military and veterans.

Historical Beginnings:

Following World War I, the U.S. sought to honor the brave souls who fought in the conflict. Originally termed Armistice Day, November 11th marked the cessation of hostilities in the “war to end all wars.” However, as the nation engaged in subsequent conflicts, there was a growing realization that all veterans deserved recognition.

Modern-Day Observances:

Today, Veterans Day is marked by a plethora of events. Parades, memorial services, and school programs are commonplace. The emphasis has shifted from merely honoring veterans to educating the public about their sacrifices and experiences. This educational aspect ensures that younger generations appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, thanks to the sacrifices of those who served.

A Day for Reflection and Gratitude:

Beyond the ceremonies and events, Veterans Day is a time for introspection. It’s an opportunity for individuals to reflect on the values of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism. It’s also a day to express gratitude, whether by attending a parade, visiting a war memorial, or simply thanking a veteran.

The observance of Veterans Day has evolved, but its core essence remains unchanged. It’s a day to honor, remember, and express gratitude to the countless individuals who’ve donned the uniform, serving the nation with unwavering dedication.

Essays on Veterans Day for Grade 9-10

8. The Echoes of Valor on Veterans Day

Every year, as autumn leaves paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, the nation comes together on November 11th to honor its veterans. Veterans Day, a solemn occasion, is a tribute to the brave men and women who’ve donned the uniform, dedicating a part of their lives to serve the country. Their stories, woven into the fabric of American history, are tales of valor, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom.

The origins of Veterans Day trace back to the aftermath of World War I, a conflict that left deep scars on the global psyche. When the armistice was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the world hoped for lasting peace. The day, initially commemorated as Armistice Day, was a tribute to the soldiers of “ The Great War .” However, as the years rolled on and America found itself embroiled in subsequent conflicts, the day evolved to honor all veterans.

Today, Veterans Day is more than just a mark on the calendar. It’s a day of reflection, gratitude, and education. Across the nation, ceremonies are held, flags are raised, and veterans share their stories with younger generations. These narratives, spanning different wars and eras, offer invaluable lessons about the cost of freedom and the indomitable human spirit.

As we observe Veterans Day, it’s essential to remember that every veteran, whether they served in the trenches of World War I, the jungles of Vietnam, or the deserts of the Middle East, has contributed to the tapestry of American history. Their sacrifices, both big and small, have shaped the nation and safeguarded its ideals.

Concluding this, Veterans Day is a poignant reminder of the price of freedom. It’s a day to express our gratitude, to listen to the echoes of history, and to ensure that the stories of our veterans are never forgotten.

9. The Legacy of Service on Veterans Day

America, a nation built on ideals of freedom and democracy, owes a profound debt to its veterans. Every Veterans Day, we are reminded of this debt and the legacy of service that countless individuals have left behind. From the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, veterans have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s destiny.

The significance of Veterans Day lies not just in honoring the past but also in understanding its relevance to the present and future. In a rapidly changing world, the values of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism remain constant, guiding the nation through challenges and uncertainties.

Veterans, with their diverse experiences, also serve as bridges between different generations. Their stories, filled with lessons of courage, resilience, and hope, resonate with young and old alike. These narratives offer insights into the complexities of war, the challenges of peace, and the enduring human spirit.

Furthermore, Veterans Day serves as a call to action. It’s a reminder for citizens to be informed, to understand the sacrifices made for their freedoms, and to be active participants in the democratic process. The day underscores the idea that freedom, though hard-won, must be continually safeguarded.

In essence, Veterans Day is a celebration of the American spirit. It’s a day to honor the legacy of service, to reflect on the nation’s history, and to look forward with hope and determination.

10. Veterans Day: A Collage of Stories and Sacrifices

Behind the observance of Veterans Day lies a rich collage of stories, each piece representing a life dedicated to service. These stories, spanning centuries, are testaments to the sacrifices made by individuals in the pursuit of a greater good.

Every veteran has a unique story to tell. Some speak of battles fought in distant lands, while others recount the challenges of training and preparation. Yet, amidst this diversity, there’s a common thread of commitment, bravery, and a deep love for the country.

The significance of these narratives goes beyond mere historical accounts. They serve as reminders of the human cost of freedom. Each story, whether it’s of a World War II pilot, a nurse from the Korean War, or a foot soldier in Afghanistan, offers a glimpse into the realities of military life and the challenges faced by those in service.

As the nation commemorates Veterans Day, it’s essential to delve deeper into these narratives. By understanding the individual stories, we gain a broader perspective on the collective sacrifices made by generations of veterans. These tales, filled with moments of valor, camaraderie, and resilience, enrich our understanding of the day and its significance.

Further Reading:

• Veterans Day Poems
• Thank you Veterans Quotes

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US veterans and their unique issues: enhancing health care professional awareness

Maria olenick.

1 Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Science, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA

Monica Flowers

Valerie j diaz.

2 Operational Health Support Unit Jacksonville, United States Navy Nurse Corps, Jacksonville, FL, USA

United States veterans are a multifaceted population with a distinct culture that includes, but is not limited to, values, customs, ethos, selfless duty, codes of conduct, implicit patterns of communication, and obedience to command. Veterans experience mental health disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury at disproportionate rates compared to their civilian counterparts. Eighteen to 22 American veterans commit suicide daily and young veterans aged 18–44 are most at risk. Health care professionals must be aware of patients’ military history and be able to recognize suicide-risk factors, regardless of age. Advancement in medical technology has allowed servicemen to survive their injuries but, for many, at the cost of a traumatic limb amputation and associated mental scarring. Health care professionals must be able to address physical safety concerns, as well as, emotional health of veterans. Approximately 49,933 American veterans are homeless and face the same difficulties as non-veterans in addition to service-related matters. Separation from military service and issues related to complex multiple deployments are among specifically identified veteran issues. Successful veteran reintegration into civilian life rests upon providing veterans with training that builds on their military knowledge and skill, employment post-separation from service, homelessness prevention, and mental health programs that promote civilian transition. Preparing health care providers to meet the complex needs of a vast veteran population can be facilitated by implementing veteran content into curricula that includes veteran patient simulations and case studies, and utilizes veteran clinical faculty.

Introduction

United States veterans are multifaceted and may be considered a population, a culture, and a subculture. Military culture includes, but is not limited to, the values, customs, traditions, philosophical principles, ethos, standards of behavior, standards of discipline, teamwork, loyalty, selfless duty, rank, identity, hierarchy, ceremony and etiquette, cohesion, order and procedure, codes of conduct, implicit patterns of communication, and obedience to command (LD Purnell, University of Delaware and Florida International University, personal communication, January, 2015). 1

The American veteran population is a unique population. Varying military service branches and varying military experiences among the veteran population is unique. Varying wartime eras and health-specific issues associated with those eras are unique among the veteran population. From a comparison of veterans from the Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and Iraq/Afghanistan (Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]/Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF]) war eras, Fontana and Rosenheck 2 noted distinct differences. OIF/OEF veterans include fewer African-Americans, more Latinos, and more females than other eras. In addition, this group is younger, less likely to be married, less likely to have been incarcerated, and more likely to be gainfully employed. 2 It was also observed that OIF/OEF veterans appear to be more socially integrated, less often diagnosed with substance abuse disorders, and required less Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) when compared to their Persian Gulf and Vietnam veteran counterparts. 2

US veteran-specific health issues

Mental health or behavioral adjustment disorders.

Medical records of veterans reveal “that one in three patients was diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder – 41% were diagnosed with either a mental health or a behavioral adjustment disorder”. 3 In compensation or in combination with military-related diseases, many veterans develop substance use disorders (SUDs) and a large number ultimately commit suicide. LeardMann et al 4 found that male veterans diagnosed with “depression, manic-depressive disorder, heavy or binge drinking, and alcohol-related problems” were significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide. Thus, identifying and treating mental health illness has the greatest potential to mitigate suicide risk. Unfortunately, reluctance to seek help or treatment makes diagnosing and treating mental illness difficult in this population.

The stressors of military service increase the risk of veterans having problems with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs (or a combination). Johnson et al 5 found that cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption is higher among veterans than non-military personnel. For some veterans, treatment of a co-morbid condition (eg, PTSD, depression, pain, insomnia) may resolve the problem. For others, long-term care is required. Thus, multiple clinical practice guidelines have been developed “and evidence-based screening tools to help clinicians identify veterans with SUDs and improve outcomes”. 5

Also known as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue”, PTSD results from witnessing or experiencing (directly or indirectly) a traumatic event. 6 The disease is not limited to veterans, however, military personnel experience PTSD almost four fold (8% of non-military men versus 36% of male veterans). 5 PTSD is an amalgam of symptoms, severity, and duration. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 6 diagnosis is based upon four symptom categories: intrusive symptoms (flashbacks), avoidance of reminders (isolation), negative thoughts and feelings (“no one can be trusted”), and arousal and reactivity symptoms (exaggerated startle response). PTSD is often associated with “traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), sleep problems, substance use, pain, and other psychiatric disorders, and requires comprehensive assessment”. 5 Treatment is aimed at therapy (psychotherapy, prolonged exposure therapy, family/group therapy, and others), social support, and/or medication such as antidepressants. Screening tools and evidence-based guidelines have been developed to accurately and expeditiously assess and treat veterans.

TBI is “a traumatically induced structural injury and/or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of an external force”. 5 TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the length of unconsciousness, memory loss/disorientation, and responsiveness of the individual following the event (ie, are they able to follow commands). While mild TBI (or concussion) is the most common, diagnosis is difficult since symptoms include “headaches, dizziness/problems walking, fatigue, irritability, memory problems and problems paying attention”. 5 , 7

Among the available data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2 depression ranks among the most common mental health disorders. The diagnosis rate for veteran depression is 14% (although NAMI believes depression is under diagnosed). Notably, NAMI 2 found that individuals with PTSD were less likely to commit suicide versus those with depression probably due to the increased awareness and acceptance of PTSD. Despite its devastating effects, major depression is a treatable illness with 80%–90% success rate using medication, psychotherapy, and/or electroconvulsive therapy. 2 Models of care, such as Translating Initiatives for Depression into Effective Solutions, show eight out of ten veterans are effectively treated. 8

With 18 to 22 veterans committing suicide on a daily basis, risk assessment and intervention are paramount. 9 Private and public health care professionals must be aware of patients’ military history (since not all veterans seek care in VA clinics) 5 and be able to recognize suicide-risk factors, regardless of age. Young veterans aged 18–44 years are most at risk of suicide; yet, Kemp and Bossarte 9 found that even older veterans, aged 50 years and older, were still almost twice as likely to commit suicide versus non-veterans (69% and 37%, respectively). Additionally, “11% of veterans who survive a first suicide attempt will reattempt within 9 months, and 6% of those will die”. 5 Kemp and Bossarte 9 found evidence supporting the efficacy of VA health care systems in lowering veterans’ non-fatal suicide attempt rate, thus referral to a VA facility is recommended for appropriate counseling and health services.

Chronic pain

With 82% of OEF and OIF veterans reporting chronic pain, diagnosis and treatment are essential. 5 A comprehensive assessment of pain is crucial, but also identifying associated physiological/biological and psychological factors since “chronic physical pain is often associated with co-morbid conditions, including TBI and PTSD, that may complicate treatment”. 5 , 7 Treatment should focus on concurrently addressing all conditions, with extreme cautionary use of opioids due to the heightened risk of veterans developing SUDs.

Amputations

Advancement in medical technology and bodily protection allow soldiers to survive injuries at a higher rate than in previous wars. Yet, the scars from a traumatic amputation are deep and many soldiers develop mental health injuries related to the event and “in cases involving multiple limb amputations or disfigurement, body image issues may create multiple social and employment barriers”. 5 According to military casualty statistics, 1,573 veterans have suffered major loss of limb amputations from battle injuries since 2010. 10

Health care professionals must be able to address the physical safety concerns, as well as, the emotional health of the veteran. Sensory aids, prosthesis, and medical rehabilitation require an interdisciplinary-team approach in healing wounded soldiers.

Rehabilitation care

Many veterans have a hard time reacclimating into society after deployment due to military skills that are not transferrable to civilian life, bodily trauma that rendered that individual handicapped, and/or war-related mental disease. Rehabilitation care is aimed at a balance of vocational, physical, social, and mental therapies to prepare veterans for re-entry into civilian life. Vocational programs help job-seeking veterans develop skills and knowledge required for a particular job. Physical rehabilitation focuses on improving veterans’ quality of life and independence. Social rehabilitation assists veterans to assimilate to non-military life and establish new ways of life post-deployment. Mental rehabilitation teaches veterans with mental health illness the living skills of community functioning and ability to deal with their new environment.

Hazardous exposures

Veterans’ past exposure to chemicals (Agent Orange, contaminated water), radiation (nuclear weapons, X-rays), air pollutants (burn pit smoke, dust), occupational hazards (asbestos, lead), warfare agents (chemical and biological weapons), noise, and vibration increase their risk of health problems even years after the initial assault. 11 For example, long-term health problems have been implicated in association with Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam veterans. 12 For those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is insufficient data to identify long-term health effects of hazardous exposure to pollutants, such as “burn pits” and infectious agents such as rabies, despite the immediate side-effects experienced by most veterans. 5 Obtaining an accurate medical and deployment history is essential in providing accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Homelessness

It is estimated that approximately 49,933 veterans are homeless (~12% of homeless adult population). 13 Homeless veterans face the same difficulties as non-veterans such as substance use, unemployment, and mental illness; yet plagued with the additional burdens of military-related factors, “such as PTSD, TBI, a history of multiple deployments, and military skills that might not be transferable to the civilian work environment”. 5 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 13 found that 51% of homeless veterans have disabilities, 50% suffer from a serious mental illness, and 70% have SUDs. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 13 believes housing and employment opportunities are a top priority for homeless veterans.

Complex deployment and reintegration needs

Veteran issues related to separation from military service and other issues related to complex deployment needs are among specifically identified veteran issues. Veterans’ successful reintegration into civilian life outcomes and interprofessional solutions stem from community involvement, access to resources, and support from peers. Reflection on best practices related particularly to employability and training builds on knowledge and skills gained in the military (ie, university accelerated programs for veterans where military medics and corpsmen transition through an accelerated program into nursing earning credit for military education and training [such as the Veterans Bachelor of Science in Nursing which is a Health Resources and Services Administration funded program]; Military Police to Criminal Justice, Navigational Experience and Knowledge to Geology and/or Geography, etc), employment post-military separation, reintegration into society, veteran demographics, homelessness prevention and other mental health and SUD programs that facilitate veterans’ successful transition into urban civilian and family life. Successful reintegration after military separation is an essential focus for holistic and effective veteran care.

Rationale for integrating veteran-centric content into curricula

The veteran population is growing. In 2014, over 20 million veterans resided in the USA per the US Department of Veteran Affairs, 2015. 14 Veterans are seeking health care services in the Veteran Health Administration as well as civilian treatment facilities. In order to understand and address health care needs of this vast and growing population, incorporating veteran-specific content into curricula is of primary importance. Veteran content specifically illuminates the unique yet complex health issues, mental and behavioral adjustment disorders, veteran wartime era, and civilian reintegration obstacles that, in combination, magnify their physical condition. Transparent presentation of the veteran circumstance can facilitate an interdisciplinary approach to care incorporating nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, pain management, nutrition, psychosocial, and social support services to ensure positive health care outcomes for this population. Several innovative strategies address these unique issues.

Professional curricula

Ideas for strategies to begin integration of veteran content into health care professional curricula include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide presentations and seminars on veteran content delivered by well-known and distinguished speakers and/or experts on particular veteran content.
• Embed veteran content into courses (undergraduate and graduate) and identify specific courses to curriculum map where veteran content occurs.
• Recruit and hire faculty that come from veteran and military backgrounds and experiences.
• Provide faculty development opportunities to expand and improve their knowledge on veteran issues.
• Identify veterans in clinical areas and provide clinical experiences for students with veteran patients of different war eras, branches of service, and military experience backgrounds.
• Provide veteran simulations and case studies as part of undergraduate and graduate curriculum.
• Provide students the opportunity to develop individualized patient plans and Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (SOAP) notes that reflect needs of veteran patient.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing 15 offers a “Joining Forces: Enhancing Veterans’ Care Tool Kit” ( http://www.aacn.nche.edu/downloads/joining-forces-tool-kit/educational-resources ) with a variety of educational resources on many veteran issues, references to articles on particular veteran issues, case studies, a veteran assessment tool, curricular examples including slides and syllabi for veteran-specific courses. This site is an excellent resource.

Currently, there are approximately 22 million US veterans. 14 Preparing future health care providers to meet the needs of this extraordinary number of veterans is essential. Providing faculty development in the area of veteran-specific health issues and how to integrate veteran content into curricula will contribute to improving veteran outcomes and providing excellent care to those who served this country.

Total enrollees of veterans who utilize the VA health care system (8.9 million in 2013) 16 is less than half the current total veteran population. Furthermore, approximately 61% of all separated OEF/OIF veterans have used VA health care since October, 2001. 17 This means that veterans are largely using civilian medical care facilities further stressing the need for health care providers to be well versed in veteran-specific health issues, war eras, and reintegration issues veterans face; in order to provide excellent veteran care and outcomes.

Promotion and implementation of veteran health issues into curricula, and other veteran content relevant to enhancing veteran care and outcomes, is essential in health care provider education and vital to the holistic care of veterans across the lifespan and across the country. Programs targeted at enhancing veteran-specific knowledge for faculty and students will serve to improve care for diverse veteran populations.

Acknowledgments

This project was supported by funds from the Division of Nursing and Public Health, Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services Grant UF1HP26980, Veterans’ Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program (VBSN).

The authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise in this work.

Virginia Gazette Opinion | Commentary: Reflections of a Vietnam veteran

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Talk about a happy feeling. Few moments are as refreshing and entertaining as hearing a greeting of “allons” and getting a back slap on a Sunday morning, coming out of church.

Turning quickly, I stared into the smiling eyes of a stranger. He was then, but soon I recognized him as a friend and a “brother.” His next greeting was “H Company” and I knew he was a fellow Blackhorse Trooper. Jim Crowley, 1968/69. The somber, prayerful beginning of my day exploded into triumph and excitement. “Welcome home, brother” were his next words.

“Allons” is the motto of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. H Company was a tank company that supported three field armored cavalry troops of the 2nd Squadron of the 11th Cav in Vietnam. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, proudly known as the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment, served in Vietnam and Cambodia from 1966-72, and Capt. Jim Crawley, now of Williamsburg, served as platoon leader in 1968 and 1969. I served in 1971 and 1972; still we wore the same combat patch and, in effect, we are “brothers-in-arms.”

The war in Vietnam threatened to tear our society apart in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the veterans returning home from that war were often greeted with scorn, spittle, verbal abuse and scary eyes filled with hatred.

There were numerous moral and philosophical disagreements about the rightness of the war. When President Ronald Reagan spoke at the dedication of the statue of the Three Grunts at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 40 years ago (Nov. 11, 1984), he mentioned that some of our countrymen were unable to distinguish between their “distaste for war and the stainless patriotism of those who suffered its scars.”

For me, that dedication ceremony was a healing moment. The resentment I had for those who mocked our veterans faded away. I was lucky enough, with my wife and 7-year-old son, to be seated within 20 to 30 feet of the president; in the second row at The Wall which had been dedicated two years earlier. He reminded us, then, that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is reflective, just as a mirror reflects. When we touch a name on The Wall we had been searching for, we find it in our own reflection.

It has been over 50 years since the last U.S. serviceman left Vietnam, and now we have a designated day, the 29th of March, to reflect and remember. Now, people thank us for our service. Fifty years later, we still greet our brother warriors with a cheerful “welcome home.”

Whether a surviving Vietnam veteran has gone to visit The Wall only once, or maybe for the 10th or 30th time, he still remembers the youthful faces of his buddies. All of us, veterans and other patriots, still pay homage to those who gave their lives in Southeast Asia. We don’t forget. We haven’t forgotten pivotal moments like remembering loading a buddy on a “dust-off” and then sucking in our tears and returning to the battle. The president told all of us that day: “You fought on, sustained by one another and deaf to the voices of those who didn’t comprehend. You performed with a steadfastness valor that veterans of other wars salute, and you are forever in the ranks of that special number of Americans in every generation that the Nation records as true patriots.”

The March 29 celebration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day is not as yet a big event. Banks will stay open, kids won’t get a free day from school and few municipalities will have parades. There may be small gatherings at local parks, Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion posts, but they will be insignificant compared to Memorial Day or Veterans Day, or even 9/11. But I think that in the future, the significance of that day will grow.

Even now, especially since President George Bush strode to the mound after Sept. 11, 2001, and threw the first pitch at Yankee Stadium while the nation was still fearfully remembering the tragedy of the twin towers and American patriotism was returning to a new high; when thousands of our fellow Americans would greet veterans and active-duty soldiers daily with “thank you for your service” — some even offering their hand — respect for veterans has become significant.

As I write this, a small glistening of tears swells in the corners of my eyes. What a difference from that October evening in 1972 when our plane, returning from Vietnam, had to be diverted to Travis Air Force Base in Oakland because angry protestors, not exactly waiting to thank us for our service, had crowded the San Francisco airport.

So, when President Reagan dedicated that statue of those “Three Grunts” and acknowledged and said thank you to Vietnam veterans for their courage, their sacrifice, their resolve to stand for freedom, as those who fought did, and to always try and protect and preserve the peace; even as he pleaded with us to be patient with our fellow countrymen, I still hear his final words.

“The men and women of Vietnam … were both our children and our heroes. We will never forget them … their devotion and their sacrifice. They stand before us, marching into time and into our shared memory forever. May God bless their souls.”

Chaplain Blandin “Bill” Karabinos is from Toano.

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Leaving the army to go corporate is a tough road to take. We asked 3 veterans how they survived and thrived.

• Embarking on a major career switch can be extremely challenging.
• And for veterans looking to leave their life in uniform behind,  the transition can be rough.
• Business Insider spoke to three veterans about their decision to leave the army to go corporate.

Jianhui Tan , 33, spent a decade with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) when he thought it was high time for a career switch.

The decision, Tan told BI, came to him after his aunt died.

"That became a wake-up call to me," Tan said. "I realized I hadn't been spending enough time with my family. I worked very long hours and stayed in the camps most of the time."

But Tan's career transition was a lot harder than anticipated. Tan told BI that he left the SAF without any job offers and had to rely on his savings while job hunting.

And it wasn't just about money. Tan, who'd spent his entire working life in the army, said he didn't know what kind of role he wanted or his dream industry.

Tan wasn't alone in facing these challenges. Veterans BI spoke to faced similar challenges navigating the loss of identity when they left service or struggling to adapt to the rules of the corporate jungle.

But contextualizing the skills they'd picked up in the military and maintaining their resilience, the veterans told BI, was their key to success.

Leaving the military means losing a core part of your identity — and you'll have to find it again

For veterans like Tan, saying goodbye to a life in uniform felt akin to losing a core part of his identity.

Tan shared that his decision to pursue a military career was driven by the positive experience he had while fulfilling his national service obligations. As an officer, Tan said he was tasked with training the new recruits.

"I found purpose in what I was doing then. I got to interact with new soldiers and helped to make their training more interesting," Tan told BI. "That was when I fell in love with the career."

That was also the case for Jiahui Ong , 26, when she decided to call it quits with the army.

Ong told BI that she had mixed feelings when she decided to leave the military after serving for five years. She said it took her nearly three months to decide if she wanted to leave her comfort zone in the army.

"Being in the army and having to leave was very difficult. A lot of my identity, a lot of my self-worth, was actually built when I was in the force," Ong said.

But things were a lot different after they made the leap into the private sector. Ong, who took up a new career in banking, said working at DBS Bank was a full 180-degree change for her.

"One main difference I observed in the corporate world versus the army was that everyone in the military appears to be working toward the same agenda and objectives," Ong told BI.

"In the corporate world, everyone has their own agendas and personal goals," she continued. "I had to learn to be more discerning about whose agendas were more important."

Managing risky situations in the military could help you navigate the corporate jungle

That isn't to say that one's military experience isn't applicable in the private sector.

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The soft skills she picked up in the army, Ong said, were beneficial to her when she went into banking.

"My transition to DBS wasn't super smooth, but I managed to bring in certain hard skills and soft skills from my past experiences," she told BI. The know-how she needed to manage stakeholders up and down the chain came naturally to her because of her time with the SAF, she added.

Kwong Weng Yap , 46, told BI he tapped into his military training when he went corporate. The former commando spent 13 years in the SAF. While in the army, he trained abroad in Australia and the US under the Navy SEALs training program.

"The SAF focuses greatly on efficiency, operational safety, and positive results and outcomes. That made me very mission-oriented and mission-driven," said Yap, who has since spent 11 years in the private sector.

When navigating the corporate jungle, Yap likened the experience to parachuting. Going corporate, he said, meant learning to enjoy the journey without losing sight of the mission.

"The gut feel. The ability to understand the wind conditions so that you can steer your parachute carefully to a safe landing. Those same principles apply to businesses as well," Yap said.

Some people think veterans can't cut it in the corporate world — and you'll have to prove them wrong

For military veterans like Tan, overcoming societal stereotypes was one of the biggest hurdles in their transition to the private sector.

Tan told BI that job hunting was difficult because he had trouble crafting his résumé. Tan said he couldn't talk about some of the projects he was involved in during his service because they were confidential.

And even if he did get called up for an interview, Tan said he had to battle the negative stereotypes recruiters might have toward former soldiers.

"The mental model that a lot of people have for military personnel is that they are very rigid, they do not have any relevant skill sets or experiences," Tan said, adding that he was fortunate that Euromonitor decided to take a chance on him.

Yap faced a similar experience. Before he landed his first corporate job, Yap said he sent out many resumes and talked to many different employers.

However, the former commando told BI that veterans could still rely on their military experience in the private sector. What's more important, Yap said, is knowing how to apply those experiences based on the business's goals and objectives.

"When you take principles from military life and apply them in a different context, like business operations, naturally, not all of them will be relevant," Yap said.

"There are times when you'll go with your gut and times when you need to think objectively about things. You just have to be very honest with yourself about what's working or not working," he added.

Making it as a veteran in the private sector is all about playing to your strengths, using your network, and being resilient

That said, the difficulty of one's transition does depend on one's prior role in the military, said Adrian Choo, CEO and cofounder of a career strategy consultancy, Career Agility International .

"If you are an airforce pilot, then one of the clearest transitions is joining an airline as a pilot. But what if you are an explosive expert or a naval diver? There aren't many jobs out there that are relevant for those skills," Choo said.

In terms of navigating biases like what Tan had faced, Choo suggested relying on one's network when job hunting.

"If you have difficulty going through the front door, try to find ways to slip in through the side door by asking someone to recommend you," Choo told BI. "A cold call is always more difficult than a warm call."

Nonetheless, Choo said that veterans needed to take things in their stride. Planning ahead and staying resilient, he said, would pay off in the long run.

"Any career transition is scary and painful," Choo said. "Don't wait till the last minute to decide what you want to do. Planning ahead by three or even five years will be very helpful."

Watch: How Army Drill Sergeants Are Trained

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NASA Is Recruiting a New Class of Astronauts

Victor Glover, a nine-year veteran of the astronaut corps who will fly around the moon in 2025, said the search for excellence and diversity were not mutually exclusive.

By Kenneth Chang and Emma Goldberg

The reporters interviewed a NASA official and an astronaut in The Times’s newsroom for this article.

Do you dream of leaving the planet?

NASA is looking for its next group of astronauts, and you have until April 2 to make a pitch for yourself .

“Typically, it’s a very popular application,” April Jordan, NASA’s astronaut selection manager, said.

The odds that you will be chosen are slim. The last time NASA put out a call for applications, in 2020, more than 12,000 people applied.

It took the agency a year and a half to go through the applications. NASA selected just 10 of the hopefuls, or 0.083 percent. That makes Harvard’s 3.5 percent acceptance rate among high school applicants appear bountiful.

“So when I say ‘popular,’” Ms. Jordan said, “it’s probably an understatement.”

Ms. Jordan is on a media tour to spread the word that “ the right stuff ” for being an astronaut in 2024 is not the same as what it was in the 1960s, when astronauts were all white men, almost all from the military.

Joining her on that tour, which included a stop at The New York Times, was Victor Glover, a nine-year veteran of the astronaut corps who offered a glimpse into how he made it through the rigorous selection process.

To become a NASA astronaut today, you have to be a U.S. citizen and you must pass the astronaut physical exam.

NASA does set a fairly high bar for education — a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, followed by at least three years of related professional experience.

Beyond that, the agency tries to keep an open mind. (There is no age limit, for example, or a requirement for 20/20 vision.)

“We want the group of astronaut candidates that we select to be reflective of the nation that they’re representing,” Ms. Jordan said.

Take, for example, Mr. Glover.

In some aspects, he fits the historical archetype. Before NASA, he was a Navy aviator and trained as a test pilot.

He is also breaking historical barriers.

In 2020, he became the first Black astronaut to serve as a crew member on the International Space Station after 20 years of astronauts living there. In 2025, he will become the first Black astronaut to fly around the moon for the Artemis II mission .

To stand out in NASA’s competitive application process, Mr. Glover knew he would need more than a strong résumé. He was particularly set on landing a good joke.

The night before one of Mr. Glover’s interviews at NASA for the 2013 class, he was asked to write an essay. The title: “Girls Like Astronauts.”

“They’re sitting in this room all day listening to all these dry answers,” he recalled thinking. “I’m going to try to make them laugh.”

The essay pivoted from a punchline to poignancy, reflecting on the ways he has tried to inspire his four daughters. He also decided to be vulnerable during the interview, sharing a “bone-headed” moment when he risked nearly hitting the water during an air show demonstration.

“You have to be able to share that information with the interview panel when you come in, because you’re inevitably going to fail at something,” Ms. Jordan said. “And so there’s a humbleness that you have to bring in even if you’ve achieved great things.”

As part of the application process, Mr. Glover wrote a limerick that concluded: “This is all dizzying to me, because I gave so much blood and pee.”

Mr. Glover set his sights on going to outer space as a child, when he saw his classmates moved to tears by the Challenger disaster.

His space ambition deepened years later when he heard a speech from Pam Melroy, a former space shuttle commander. Ms. Melroy, now NASA’s deputy administrator, recounted how her crew had scrambled to fix a damaged solar array on the International Space Station.

“I thought, ‘Wow, she just talked about something really technical, really logistically challenging,’” Mr. Glover said. “But the emotion in it was about the people.”

He realized, then, that just as astronauts need technical ability, they also need something that is more difficult to teach: social skills.

“You’re going to live in this tin can with somebody for six months,” he said of a stay on the space station. “We’re almost picking family members.”

Mr. Glover proudly points to the diversity of backgrounds among current astronauts. “If you compare our office to the country’s demographics, we match the country very well,” he said.

Indeed, the diversity within NASA outpaces that of the private sector in some aspects. The percentage of Black astronauts is higher than the percentage of Black people in the broader science and technology work force, Mr. Glover said.

That is the direct result of NASA’s sustained efforts over a couple of decades to recruit astronauts beyond the traditional archetype, he said.

“Our office looks the way it looks because of this intentionality, and thinking about our biases and how it may affect who we hire,” he said. “I think that’s a huge victory.”

But Mr. Glover acknowledged that diversity as a hiring goal was becoming increasingly fraught .

Critics include Elon Musk, the billionaire who runs SpaceX, the rocket company that NASA relies on to transport cargo and astronauts — like Mr. Glover — to the International Space Station. NASA has also hired SpaceX to land astronauts on the moon .

“His perspective on some things is a little disturbing,” Mr. Glover said of Mr. Musk.

SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment by Mr. Musk.

Mr. Musk has repeatedly called for the end of programs that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, or D.E.I. “D.E.I. is just another word for racism,” he posted in January on X, the social media network that he owns.

Mr. Glover said he had just listened to a contentious interview that Don Lemon , a former CNN anchor, recently conducted with Mr. Musk. “My mom sent it to me and she goes, ‘Does he remember you rode in his spaceship?’” he said. “I’m like, ‘Ma, he probably remembers very vividly.’ He’s a great intellect, but he probably just doesn’t care.”

People ask him how he feels about becoming the first Black person to go on a lunar mission next year when Artemis II will swing around the moon without landing.

“Actually, I’m sad,” Mr. Glover said. “It’s 2025, and I’m going to be the first? Come on.”

He recounted the story of Ed Dwight , the only Black Air Force pilot in the 1960s who met the restrictive requirements that NASA had for astronauts then. But Mr. Dwight was never selected.

“Ed Dwight could have done this in the ’60s,” Mr. Glover said. “How much better would our country be if he actually got the chance? Society wasn’t ready. It’s not him. He was ready.”

While Mr. Glover has heard some of the pushback to D.E.I. initiatives, he feels firmly that seeking diversity is not about lowering standards and accepting less qualified candidates. “I think it should just be excellence,” he said. “As long as you don’t equate whiteness or maleness with excellence, then we’re good. We’re speaking the same language.”

Many applicants are drawn by the potential glory of being the first astronauts to walk on Mars, an accomplishment that NASA is aiming for in the 2030s.

But Mr. Glover said they should also contemplate the sacrifices that they and their families might have to make along the way.

“The trip to Mars is six to nine months,” he said. “You’re going to be away from familiar for more than a year, one to three years. Are you really ready for that?”

Kenneth Chang , a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

Emma Goldberg is a business reporter covering workplace culture and the ways work is evolving in a time of social and technological change. More about Emma Goldberg

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