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15 Facts About Veterans

Veterans are individuals who have rendered military service in the armed forces of their respective nations. They fulfill a critical function in safeguarding the integrity of national security and preserving the principles of liberty. Veterans Day in the United States is an annual commemoration held on November 11th to acknowledge and pay tribute to the sacrifices and services made by American veterans.

As of the year 2021, the United States was home to an estimated population of 18 million veterans. Veterans frequently encounter distinct obstacles, encompassing healthcare requirements, job shifts, and mental health concerns, hence emphasizing the critical importance of providing assistance and acknowledging their commitment and sacrifice.

In this article, we have showcased 15 facts you must know about veterans. Join us and get to learn more about Veterans. They include the following;

1. About 30% of Veterans have Disabilities As a Result of their Service

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It is good to note around 30% of Veterans have disabilities that result from their services in the military. It can be the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps among others.

However, all Veterans who are disabled as a result of their service are always compensated. The Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs (DoD and VA) pay about $35 billion yearly for disability compensation. An estimated number of about 3.2 million veterans benefit from the amount.

One is considered to be a disabled veteran if they have battlefield injuries or have health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

2. Many Veterans Struggle to Find Employment Despite their Skills and Discipline

It is ironic how many veterans struggle to secure a job despite having a wide range of skills, such as discipline, good leadership qualities, and technical expertise which they learned while in military service.

The employers see civilian jobs as more different from the military and fear employing veterans since they learned about the military services. This is the reason why unemployment among veterans is common and the percentage increases daily.

3. A Number of Veteran were Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the common Mental health disorders that occurs after injury among veterans. Another mental health disorder among veterans is PTSD ( Post-traumatic Stress Disorder).

It was reported that 55% of people suffering from PTSD have also been diagnosed with MDD hence they are related. Patients with both PTSD and MDD respond poorer to treatment hence increasing the health burden compared to patients suffering from only MDD or PTSD are easily treatable.

Find more about PTSD here.

4. More Than 200,000 Service Members Have Suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries since 2002.

Traumatic Brain Injuries are very common in veterans and mostly they go unnoticed. However, untreated or undiagnosed TBI in Veterans may cause many years of suffering and stress.

It is said more than 200,000 veterans suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries since 2002. There are many causes of TBI such as

• Blow to your head during close combat
• An Impact of a nearby explosion on your head during battle or training
• Head striking a hard object during a vehicle crash

5. Average Age of Veterans

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Most veterans are rich since they have high income and a large number of them are white people. The overall overage age group of veterans is said to be 58 years old. The age group with many veterans is from 45 years to 64 years old.

6. They have a Veterans Day

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Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States and is celebrated to honor American veterans for their willingness to serve and their love of the country. It is celebrated every year on November 11 despite the day it falls on, either weekend or weekday.

Initially, it was known as Armistice Day and was set as a U.S. holiday to honor the end of War I on November 11, 1918. However, in 1954 with the urging of the Veterans Service organization, it was changed from Armistice Day and became Veterans Day on June 1, 1954.

Veterans Day is known as shopping day by many since prices of many commodities are always on offer and many people take advantage of the day and shop as much as they can.

Read more about Veterans Day here.

8. The United States has the Largest Population of Veterans in The world

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According to a 2021 report, the United States has the largest population of Veterans globally. A total of 16.5 million military veterans were located in the U.S. according to U.S. Census Bureau.

Almost half of the veteran population was 65 years old or older. Men occupied the highest percentage and made up 90.0% of Veterans while 74.7% of all the Veterans were white.

The list of states with a high population of veterans as of 2021 includes Alabama, South Dakota, Washington, Idaho, South Carolina, and Maine among others.

9. Veterans Have a Higher Income

It is interesting to know that Veterans have a higher income compared to the total population. According to a 2019 report, veterans earned $10,000 more than the total population which clearly shows they have a good income.

The median income was calculated and the veteran’s income was higher, it was $72,870 compared to the total population which was $64,070.

10. Veterans have a Higher Homeownership Rate

It is interesting to know that veterans have a very high homeownership rate. According to a 2019 report, 77% of veterans were owners of homes.

Veterans buy their homes later in life and they are older than the typical American hence they are expected to buy homes in their old age.

11. Veterans are Entitled to Several Benefits such as Education, Housing Assistance, Healthcare

Veterans are lucky since they are always entitled to housing allowance, education, and healthcare and this acts as a way for society to recognize and honor their sacrifices and service to the nation.

During their services to a country, Veterans often face physical and mental health challenges hence their access to covered healthcare facilities is of help to them.

Educational benefits such as the GI Bill, assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life and pursuing new career paths while housing assistance programs aim to prevent homelessness among veterans ensuring they have a stable living environment. These benefits demonstrate society’s commitment to caring for those who have defended their country.

12. A Large Number of Veterans Continue to Serve through Volunteer Work in Their Community.

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It is interesting to know that most Veterans serve as volunteer workers in society, this shows the enduring spirit of service that defines veterans even after their military careers have come to an end. Veterans acquire skills, leadership experience, and discipline during their service in the military and they practice these good aspects in their communities making them reliable and valuable assets.  

Veterans also contribute to non-profits, local organizations, and charities voluntarily, and by impacting their leadership skills they can address community needs, including mentoring young, supporting fellow veterans, and disaster relief among others. These contributions provide veterans with a sense of purpose and fulfillment reason as well as making communities stronger and ongoing.

Veterans’ dedication to service is beyond their military duty, showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact both during and after their military careers is a sacrifice, not a duty. We can only enhance their skills by recognizing and supporting them in the roles they partake in the community and country at large.

13. Several Number of Veterans Have Been Awarded the Medal of Honor

It is interesting to note that some veterans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for their unbelievable acts of bravery and valor.

The people who have received the Medal of Honor represent the personification of courage and selflessness since they risk their lives in the line of duty to protect their comrades and the values of their country at large as well as inspiring future generations.  

Their heroic services such as risking their lives for others serve as inspirational examples of dedication and sacrifice which reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by service members. We should always recognize and acknowledge their work at all times.

Read more about in this  article.

14. A Transition from Military to Veteran is Always Challenging

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 It is not easy for veterans to bear with the changes from the military to live are normal life. The transition can be difficult due to differences in culture, routines, and expectations between the military and civilian worlds hence they need a support system that will help in the situation such as friends, family, and veteran organizations.

Most veterans are unemployed since they struggle to find suitable employment that matches their skills and experiences and this may lead to frustration and uncertainty, However, several veterans choose to serve the community voluntarily.

The support the veteran gets from the support system such as friends, family, and veteran organizations is always important at this point and can’t be taken for granted. They help in guidance, assistance, and acceptance, and this helps veterans get through the transition period.

15. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Provide Healthcare Services for Veterans

As we have discussed earlier, veterans benefit from free healthcare services and the Veterans Affairs are responsible for that. They take care of all veteran’s health-related needs by taking care of mental health services, traumatic brain injuries, and special care for PTSD veteran patients.

The main aim of the VA is to honor and appreciate the commitment of veterans hence ensuring they access quality healthcare. Veterans’s sacrifices can’t be compensated but the VA chooses to make them feel appreciated by serving their unique healthcare needs