©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Veterans Day is different in so many ways. Many holidays honor people from the past, celebrate historical happenings, or promote clever marketing concepts. Veterans Day is a day designed to to say “Thank You” as we honor men and women for their prior military service to our nation. Their commitment, their valor, and their service has helped ensure the stability and tranquility enjoyed by Americans.
In most cases, after they take off the uniform, veterans usually keep serving – in jobs, in communities, in charities, and in leadership. And, those 15.8 million veterans in the U.S. who make up only 6.1% of the civilian population 18 and over, contribute significantly to the fabric of our nation. Some 1.7 million (10.9%) veterans are females.
Throughout history, veterans have gone on to have notable impact in business, entertainment, sports, politics, government, and non-profits, as well as volunteer positions.
Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, Kris Kristofferson, Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash are among the well-known singers with military service. Actors Tom Selleck, Morgan Freeman, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, James Earl Jones, Alan Alda, Chuck Norris, Humphrey Bogart, Mr. T, Ice-T, Morgan Freeman, and Golden Girls Bea Arthur also served.
In the business realm, founder and former FedEx CEO, Frederick W. Smith, was a Marine officer. Ken C. Hicks, who served in the Army, later became CEO of Academy Sports. And Air Force veteran David Liniger co-founded the real-estate company RE/MAX.
And, did you know that the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton, served in the Army Intelligence Corps in World War II?
Former chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, Alex Gorsky, served in the Army. Navy veteran James A. Skinner served as CEO of McDonald’s and later as executive chairman of the board of Walgreens Boots Alliance (Walgreens and U.K.’s Boots pharmacy).
Interestingly enough, military service is part of the background among about 8% of the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, according to some researchers.
But less nationally familiar names and faces make up the vast numbers of U.S. military veterans. They are among the teachers, coaches, pilots, managers, bus drivers, fitness trainers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, IT workers, small business owners, advocates, government workers, elected officials and many, many more important roles in our communities.
Yes, most succeed after military service, but some struggle. About 13% of the American populace experiencing homelessness are veterans. And, the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report shows suicide to be the second-leading cause of death among veterans under 45 (2021). But that stealer of life knows no age or gender boundaries. VA data shows that 6,392 veterans committed suicide in 2021; 350 of those were female veterans. A 2022 interim study by America’s Warrior Partnership supported by Duke University suggests the numbers could be even higher.
Veterans may have experienced significant time away from family, lower income than civilian counterparts, and dangerous environments and conflicts while actively serving.
Some serve four years; others eight, ten or twelve, or somewhere in between. Some chose to make it a career, retiring after 20 years, or in my husband’s case 34+ years.
Most veterans say their time of military service made a significant impact on their life. For some, it amplified a sense of purpose, for others it provided discipline to their days. Many found deep camaraderie and loyalty with other service members, and others relished knowing they were contributing to a cause greater than themselves. Some experienced all of those positives.
How can we bless and encourage veterans?
Consider these 5 ways to lift up veterans – not just on Veterans Day, but that’s a great day to start!
Speak an encouraging word. If you see someone with military clothing or a cap on, engage in conversation. Express appreciation. Know a veteran? Ask them to share a story of their time in service. And, on Veterans Day, reach out. Call, text, email, message. Let them know you see them.
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
Contribute time or donations to vetted organizations that help veterans. Keep in mind many are soaring, but others are struggling. Seek ways to show support.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17
Pray for them. With a thankful heart, ask God to protect and direct them. Express gratitude to God for His call on their lives to serve. Pray that they will bless others in their civilian lives with purpose and integrity. Pray that they feel appreciated and valued, and that they know their purpose in this present season. For those who don’t know God in a personal way, pray for their salvation. For those who are hurting, unhealthy, and in need, ask God to open doors for assistance.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:17-18
Let their service and sacrifice inspire you. Veterans served in various ways to protect our freedoms, and to help others in need, whether supporting allies under attack, or coming alongside communities hit hard by hurricanes. It’s a good look – and one that’s found in the Good Book – to act in sacrificial love.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13
Seek to hire or connect a veteran. If you’re in a position to hire, or to engage qualified volunteers, interview veterans and explore how the training, teamwork and commitment they’re used to employing, can be of benefit. Look for ways to pull veterans in so as to utilize their talents and leadership skills.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Encourage. Support. Pray. Connect.
And, be inspired.
Those are important actions to employ daily, but this Veterans Day – make sure to speak it, show it, share it.
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25
- What veterans do you know?
- What lessons can we learn from the commitment of veterans?
- How can you encourage a veteran today?
- Which of these Scriptures most touches your heart today?
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Psalm 91:1-2
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)