Better defining what is a veteran

WHAT IS A VETERAN? Official definition fits many brave people

Wesley S. Anderson

VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT

Webster’s Dictionary defines a veteran as: a; a former member of the armed forces b; an old solder of long service.

Veterans stand for honor, sacrifice and commitment to the American way of life. Though there is much dispute about who qualifies as a veteran, federal law determines a veteran to be any person who has honorably served their country on active duty in the armed forces of the United States.

Veterans come from all walks of life. Many brave people have stepped up when the country needed them most, including during World War II or following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Others enlisted in the military as a career. Because the United States has an all-volunteer military, defending the country is an important citizenship responsibility – a responsibility that many veterans have embraced at great sacrifice.

What are the types of veterans?

Any person who has been honorably discharged is considered a veteran. Veterans either volunteered or were drafted to serve their country. Some endured extreme weather, rugged terrain, went days without a bath, a hot meal, or a good night’s sleep. Some served in support roles stateside, and some treated the wounded or carried the dead.

Many of our wartime veterans returned with physical and psychological wounds which remain with them today. Veterans served in critical roles during peacetime to prevent unstable situations from developing into a conflict or another war. Those who put on the uniform deserve honor and our respect for their service to our country.

Former Vice President Mike Pence stood at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and said these words, “I see men and women who served in World War II, in the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I see many more who have stood watch over our country in times of peace, so if you have worn the uniform of the United States of America, would you please stand and give us an opportunity to show the gratitude of this nation for your service?”

Serving in the armed forces is a decision that does not come lightly but it can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Your life as a veteran will not be an easy one, but he can live his life with the pride that you have given back to the country that you love.

When the American soldiers returned home from World War II in 1945, they were greeted as heroes. But the homecoming was vastly different for Vietnam veterans. They came back to find the United States divided over the Vietnam War. There were no victory parades or welcome-home rallies. Instead, most Vietnam veterans returned to disrespect and anger toward veterans. As a result, today, Americans make it a point to thank our veterans.

George Washington said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."

When we joined the armed services, we wrote a blank check to the government for an amount of up to and including his or her life. For some that check has been cashed. For Others we still carry that check with us, as a reminder of what we did and the commitment we made to the people of the United States to defend it from all enemies. When we joined the armed services we swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the President of the United States.

The veteran will never forget this oath. This is what makes us a veteran. Wesley S. Anderson is a Veterans Help Net Correspondent and Department of Washington Chaplain, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 51 Service Officer and Post 51 Chaplain.