Even as civilians, veterans lead the way in serving America

On a beautiful fall day, I arrived at the Veterans Medical Center in upstate New York to honor a special occasion. A medal awaited presentation to an Army National Guard veteran of the Iraq War, an honor overdue by over a decade. The intimate ceremony gathered his wife, colleagues, friends and fellow National Guard members, all united to celebrate his recognition. 

This moment was more than a tribute to one soldier’s service; it highlighted his continued dedication at the VA, where he now aids numerous other veterans. Such instances aren’t rare; countless veterans maintain their spirit of service well beyond their military tenure. 

My former first sergeant was there too. He now works as a minister at a local church and volunteers as a prison chaplain. Or my former boss, also a veteran, who is working to bring health and healing to those affected by trauma. 

Standing with this bunch during our small ceremony was a reminder for me of what those who have served in the military often value most — continued service. 

In the reflective period during this Holiday season, a time marked by gratitude, it’s crucial to acknowledge the myriad strengths veterans contribute as civilians. Their civic engagement, propensity to vote, employment success and leadership skills notably surpass those of the broader society. 

Veterans form a modest yet impactful segment of the U.S. populace. Less than 1 percent are currently in active military service, and about 7 percent have served at some point, reflecting insights from the Pew Research Center on America’s veteran demographic. Veterans consistently demonstrate higher levels of civic engagement across all age groups. They vote, volunteer and participate in community life more frequently than their non-veteran peers. 

As highlighted in the Got Your 6 2017 Veterans Civic Health Index, their contributions extend to local elections, public meetings, charitable giving and advocacy. Their leadership skills, honed in the military, translate into active and meaningful involvement in their communities nationwide. 

Veterans generally enjoy higher employment rates compared to the broader population, with post-9/11 veterans particularly inclined to work in federal government roles. Data from the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration indicates that from 2000 to 2013, veterans consistently maintained a slight edge in employment rates over the civilian labor force. 

For me, these statistics are of little surprise. As a long-term member of the Army National Guard and coming from a family of veterans, I have lived and worked with veterans my whole life. I know their strengths to be many. During their time on duty, service members learn valuable skills. They are taught how to be a supportive follower, how to lead teams and how to navigate extremely complex and high-stress situations. They learn that paying attention to small details has big impacts. 

After hanging up their uniforms, veterans return to civilian life and couple these experiences with a public service orientation, and we all benefit as a result. 

While this narrative highlights veterans’ strengths, it’s vital to acknowledge their struggles too. Issues like homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among veterans are pressing concerns. Prioritizing resources and support for those in need is imperative, demanding a society committed to their well-being and care. 

This season of gratitude, much like others, presents another chance to thank veterans for their past and ongoing service. It’s a call to engage more deeply with them, uncovering the ways they continue to serve. In doing so, we might find our appreciation extending far beyond initial expectations. 

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Roth is the author of “Fires, Floods, and Taxicabs,” and a long-serving member of the National Guard.