Then, when they tell me I am a hero or thank me for my service, I kind of lose my mind. It has happened to me, usually around the Memorial Day and Veterans Day holidays. I just did what you do when someone is hurt and doesn't have a heartbeat. Veterans were estimated to be predominantly white (98%), male (90%) and / or aged 65 and over (63%). Retired Veteran â Retired veterans serve a minimum of twenty years of active duty or reserve duty. Medically retired veterans receive injuries that prevent them from remaining active duty and are thereby retired regardless of years of service. Retirees are eligible for supplementary federal benefits, privileges, and access to military installations, and some VA services. I am a veteran myself (24 years in the US Air Force) and I don't mind people calling me a hero, or people thanking me for my service. I lost several friends when one of my squadron's aircraft was shot down. What is a "veteran"? Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as âa person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.â This definition explains that any individual that completed a service for any branch of armed forces classifies as a veteran as long as they were not dishonorably discharged. Don't thank them, just genuinely spend time with them. Tossing out the label of "hero" has become an almost knee-jerk response. There are different types of veterans, but regardless of the type, they are all veterans. However, I appreciate it nonetheless. I am not ashamed of my service, I am proud to be a US Marine and will always be proud. or Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Veterans UK delivers the Armed Forces Pension Schemes (AFPS), War Pension Scheme (WPS) and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), making payments to those injured or disabled due to Veteran definition, a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like: a veteran of the police force; a veteran of many sports competitions. He didn't ask for anything in return. In America only about 1% of the population is directly involved in our seemingly never-ending wars. --George Orwell, The Balance Careers uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Veteran definition: A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces of their country, especially... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples A military veteran is a person who has served and is no longer serving in a military. The sooner we understand that, the sooner we, as a nation, will truly begin to honour our combat veterans. Somehow, fortunately for his life but not so much his ambitions and intentions, he never saw combat. RE: What makes a person a veteran? Compared to that, I count myself lucky. Under federal law, a veteran is any person who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. He joined in 1998 at age 19 and served in the Royal Signals until 2012. You can imagine how many more I had to deal with throughout my entire enlistment. Whilst in Afghanistan, his actions saved the life of his 16 colleagues, for which he received praise (due to the nature of the operation he was never officially given a commendation). If you haven't signed the paper, taken the oath, felt that obligation and pride, you'll never know what you're talking about. There is also information about council tax and housing costs, national insurance, payment of benefits and problems with benefits. My husband and I both served and we're not comfortable with the term hero either. Some survived, some didn't. Video, The secret apartment behind my bathroom mirror, 'First dogs' leave White House over biting incident, The US mogul who gave Meghan and Harry a home, Man held over Capitol riot after Kenya deportation, Charity criticises Morgan's comments about Meghan, French teen admits lying about murdered teacher, Microsoft-led team retracts quantum 'breakthrough', 12 things we learned from Meghan's Oprah interview. By using The Balance Careers, you accept our. And as so often happens, the pendulum swung too far in that new direction. I don't know any soldier who enjoys it other than the soldiers that other soldiers don't want to be associated with it. And if the soldiers - ALL the soldiers - represent some form of glory, doesn't that mean the fight itself is also worthy of glory? I think most people who are called heroes are actually survivors whose individual and/or group integrity and sense of purpose helped sustain them through a bad or extremely difficult time. (Heather Thein), We need to understand that every country has men and women who choose to enter military life. Better stop before I really lose my rag! Most people ask right away did you … They did not receive the gracious welcome back home that the younger veterans are currently receiving. I do not view myself as such. We had 17 suicides just from the first eight months of my service. It wasn't until the end of the first Gulf War that I began to feel some sense that we Vietnam vets were finally being recognised along with the veterans of the current war. Who truly was the most dishonest president? I think it's often a way of some to assuage a feeling of guilt at not serving. I also have come to dislike the phrase, "Thank you for your service." Thanking me for my service is about as useful as saying sorry for your loss when someone dies. Our premium quality 11 oz ceramic mugs feature unique double sided military designs that are not available anywhere else. All veterans were invited on the floor before the game for the national anthem - I saw a couple of Vietnam veterans, and that put a lump in my throat. Actually try and act like you care. I participated in an illegal war in Iraq that completely destabilised the region and did absolutely nothing for the American or British people. "Heroes" remain fixed and constant, unaffected by what they endure and witness. I'm an Air Force vet and I would not call myself a hero. The same goes for the phrase, "Thank you for your service". Not everyone who puts on a uniform is a hero. Plus, after working in casualty and mortuary affairs as a civilian, and after taking part in arranging many active duty funerals and flights to send our deceased service members home, I feel that they're the true heroes. This article seeks to identify whether characteristics by which UK ex-Service personnel self-identify as veterans are aligned with official policy/public opinion, and which factors are associated with self-identification as a veteran. David himself is a veteran and he will answer your questions about the film in a live Facebook Q&A on 11 November at 1600 GMT (1100 EST, 0800 PST). The reason I say that is because there was an enormous amount of suicides in my first unit in Beaufort South Carolina. Currently, the term is much too overused. Driving a classic car is a state of mind, it is a stirring of the soul, a tug on the emotions, it is not done out of any necessity or requirement. It's become an empty term that reminds me of how the nation turned its back on its returning veterans just like after Vietnam. But I wasn't a hero. There are few heroes in the world in the same sense there are few among soldiers. That's the ultimate benefit. I'd merely done my job. This individual served as active duty and received a discharge that was any type other than dishonorable. These pages give you information on benefits and tax credits if you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person or a veteran. (Jeff Scott), I think anyone that puts their neck on the line to defend or help people in turbulent areas of the planet are heroic - that doesn't just mean military. But it never felt right. "It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. You might be amazed how much info is publicly releasable about any servicemember. You will know his type of discharge, where he served, duty stations, awards, training, combat, other things, but not medical information. Learn more. What is a Combat Veteran? In fact, it makes him feel guilty because he never saw combat, but many of his friends from training did and were maimed or killed. A veteran (from Latin vetus, meaning "old") is a person who had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field. And those not directly involved can lift themselves up by lifting the military onto some imaginary pedestal and heaping praise upon them. At the same time, no one called me a baby killer either, something that happened to far too many vets returning from that war. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.â âJohn F. Kennedy,  âSome people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines donât have that problem.â -- Ronald Reagan, A popular veteran phrase often seen on Veteranâs Day:"A veteran whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve is someone who, at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check to their government for an amount of âup to and including his or her life.". And not every hero is a soldier. Most of the soldiers I know try to avoid anything that would provoke a conversation because they just don't like what usually results, even if it is a person trying to be kind. If you are, then you must be against our "heroes", right? We signed up to do a job. Or maybe it's worse than meaningless. Lots of partying but nothing 'heroic' on my part. I don't think I'm a hero, that's for people who save lives and things like that. In the absence of that, calling them, calling us, all heroes is nothing but lip service. I'm a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Even if no words are spoken the whole time, just being there for a veteran is the greatest way to pay respect. But I was never deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. That, and voting. On the other hand, about seven months ago, I couldn't get my truck to start (in a parking lot here in Reno, Nevada). After taking these views into account, we believe if an individual meets the required standards of the British Armed Forces by completing the necessary basic training to deploy, then this is sufficient enough to qualify as a Veteran. Make an appointment with your County Veteran’s Service Officer…every county in the US has at least one. Not only did this guy check my engine (alternator or battery problems?) What if the person is dead. What does upset me is when yahoo 'Mericans equate body count to heroism. A combat veteran is any GI who experiences any level of hostility for any duration resulting from offensive, defensive or friendly fire military action involving a real or perceived enemy in any pre- or post-designated theater of combat (war) operations. Sadly, due to PTSD from a traumatic event I departed my military service early. We wanted to change this so we started the first and original Veteran Owned Business Directory for the UK. Plus what are people thanking me for? diagnose the problem and give me a jump, but he followed me to a nearby auto parts store, explained exactly what was wrong (the battery) and replaced it for me right there in the store's parking lot. He has struggled with PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder] as a result of his service but is being supported by Combat Stress. You don't trust a person who says they're a good person in the same sense you don't trust someone who embraces the hero title people bestow on them. I detest this and think that it is a jingoistic, nationalistic ploy to cover the terrible decisions US politicians made in declaring these wars. We provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments. I always appreciate it. What hurts the most is that when I do speak of this to civilians, or ask if they have any idea about the suicide rate with active duty military or veterans, they normally have no idea. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag. What makes a hero is a person who just does what they need to do when they need to do it instead of running the other way. I went back into the casino to see if I could use a phone to call for a tow truck, or get a "jump". I do feel uncomfortable. See more. See details. Thank God for them and their decisions - which are not taken lightly! [See #3, below] NOTE: 1. We did it for us and it made us better human beings. I was just simply doing my job. I will say that the American people are very quick to say thank you once they find out. I did what I thought needed to be done at the time to help out in a bad situation. During the 13 months I spent there, I flew on 151 combat missions, and was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. People I know would say it and I'd thank them. All ancient trees are also known as veterans. Discharges marked “general and under honorable conditions” also qualify. RSL National President Ken Doolan told News Corp that the term “veteran” had meaning under the Act, but many younger veterans don’t like it because it makes them sound old. Yes, I'd served in combat. There are heroes in war. This Site Might Help You. Coronavirus: The 99-year-old war veteran raising money for the NHS Close Captain Tom Moore, who served in World War Two, is aiming to walk the … Other offered benefits allow for retired veterans to have base access and store privileges and all veterans are offered the GI Bill if they opted in at some point in their career. Most people assume anyone who has served in the military a veteran, but there is actually an official definition of the status of veteran.In order to meet the requirement for many of the benefits available to veterans, you’ll need to meet these qualifications. It diminishes those incredible moments when it is truly deserved. However, it can be very difficult knowing exactly what you are eligible for and how to go about getting everything you're entitled to. I served in the US Marine Corps from 2008-12. Like when people ask if we've ever killed anyone, or thank us for our service. We did it for the life experience of being among the great Americans doing what Americans do for their country. Video, Philippines reef littered with PPE face masks, The secret apartment behind my bathroom mirror. I never really advertise the fact that I am a veteran and most people are surprised when they do find out. The types of veterans below offer different awards and benefits from home loans, retirement and medical/dental. I worked in the air wing with the Marine Corps and had to deal with a different type of combat that I call the combat of suicide. I believe they are all heroes, some more than others but still all heroes! However, if you served in the armed forces of another country, or even served alongside the UK armed forces, for example in the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force, you are not eligible. " --Father Dennis Edward OâBrien, USMC, We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. In any form, I hate it. Instead, you have to … Veteran Owned UK was set up by a former British Army Royal Engineer to help support ex-military business owners. I prefer, "I appreciate what you've done." Even with a short enlistment I had great times while in the Air Force. But I do have some insight on why some may not feel comfortable with praise. Suddenly everyone was calling the collective "us" who were Vietnam veterans "heroes". Veterans are often surprised at the number and types of benefits that are available. (Phil Harrison), My friend hates this. Read about our approach to external linking. A simple thank-you is enough. The common theme is of an older car of sufficient historical interest to be collectible and worth preserving or restoring rather than scrapping.. Organisations such as the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) maintain lists of eligible unmodified cars that are called "classic". During this unprecedented time, we’re still here for you 24/7. A veteran must meet the ADA’s definition of disability. It's egotistical, it has so many poor qualities. So it really makes me not want to speak about my service or be asked about it. We noticed that supporting Veteran Owned Businesses has been very popular in the USA, but has very little presence in the UK. Nobody is going to hand you your veterans benefits That would be too easy. If you are in doubt and you have served in uniform, please call our office. He does however consider his colleagues to be heroes. Hundreds of veterans have responded to the film by sharing their stories and experiences. It's quite common for military to consider others heroes but themselves "just doing their job". After all is said and done. A 99-year-old army veteran who has raised more than £4m to help the NHS in the fight against Covid-19 has vowed to keep going even though he has smashed his original £1,000 target. Perhaps Remembrance Day needs to commemorate other brave, selfless folk as well such as volunteer nurses fighting Ebola? The veteran profile was heavily influenced by those who served in the Below are just a few of the messages we have received so far. Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence and is a dedicated support organisation for service personnel, veterans and their families. Veter UK is the MOD’s support organisation for service personnel, veterans and their families. And in so doing, it has become all but meaningless. Anytime anyone applies that label "hero" to me, it is awkward. If he served during WWII he is considered a WWII veteran. No, not every soldier is a hero. If you’re just getting started in applying for veterans benefits, there are some basic things you should know. People hear that he was in the Marines and thank him for his service and have used terms like "American hero" and he doesn't feel it's deserved. If that's the case, who could possibly be against our wars? He enlisted in 2002, intending to serve overseas in combat. As a veteran you know you are eligible for benefits. (William Kelly), As a combat veteran, I feel that the overuse of the word hero has diminished the gravitas for when it's actually warranted. Stew Smith is the U.S. military expert for The Balance Careers, a Veteran Navy SEAL Officer, and a freelance writer and author. Covid vaccines: How fast is worldwide progress? He spent at least an hour helping me out and probably saved me a few hundred dollars in the process. They are the ones running toward the gunshots, the fire, the car crash instead of running away, or grabbing their cell phone and taking pictures. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.â-- Abraham Lincoln, âI can imagine no more rewarding a career. Honorable service in the military typically makes you a veteran for life. It is the soldier, not the organizer, who gave us the freedom to demonstrate. Philippines reef littered with PPE face masks. Most people ask right away did you kill anyone or how many people have you killed. And NO I did not feel that way. These features include missing branches, hollow trunks and habitat features more commonly associated with ancient trees. I had medals to prove it. VideoPhilippines reef littered with PPE face masks. It will be great to understand more and it is sheer stupidity to call armed forces assassins. Harry and Meghan rattle monarchy's gilded cage, The secret apartment behind my bathroom mirror. (giglio_associates_ltd), The blood, the fears, the cries, the tears, By Rob Aitchison (submitted by Dave Quinn), Urgent Palace talks over Harry and Meghan claims. True "heroic" soldiers don't seek the glory of such fandom. Talk to one of our friendly advisors 24/7 on 0808 802 1212. I was impacted by the event and it has altered both my perception of life as well as how I choose to live my life. Because although we all put our lives on the line and sacrificed our family time, we got to come home alive while those men and women didn't. The woman at the machine next to mine, overheard me explaining my dilemma to the cocktail waitress and called her son on her cell phone (a mechanic who happened to be at the other end of the building). As far as being called a hero, I think that really only happens during Veterans Day. He carries the emotional and psychological scars to this day. Read about our approach to external linking. That's far too dangerous a form of circular logic to buy into. Another classic veteran quote that demonstrates the many freedoms that we have the veteran is responsible for defending - even with his/her life if necessary. veteran meaning: 1. a person who has had a lot of experience of a particular activity: 2. someone who has been in…. I pretty much have a good idea what makes one a veteran but does being a veterans daughter or granddaughter make them one or being married to one make them a veteran. 'We women are pushed out of work because of childcare' Video, 'We women are pushed out of work because of childcare', Philippines reef littered with PPE face masks. In 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Every President has honored our military members in some fashion since George Washington who wisely stated: "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. You can still apply on behalf of someone who has died, as long as you get: a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension I didn't expect it; didn't want it. I've been called a hero hundreds of times by people who don't know me. Anytime he goes anywhere with his family, they bring up the fact that he is a Marine to waiters and the powers-that-be to get discounts. He is now 36. Pressure grows on Buckingham Palace to respond to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Oprah interview. Doing my job didn't make me a hero. (Debbie Smith), I have been called a hero. George Floyd: Chauvin trial jury selection begins. On Remembrance Day in the UK, and Veterans Day in the US, military veterans are thanked for their service and described as "heroes". Upon my return, my family and some friends said they appreciated what I'd been through, but no one called me a hero. We're just one of many veterans who are proud but humble. Being a veteran who didn't get deployed to those combat zones makes it pretty tough to hear these statements you express in the video. (Sharein N Jose), None of us did it for the glory or respect of others. (Terry Long), Just call us veterans and refer to us as men and women who served. Many would do it again if they were needed and were able to contribute. The ADA defines an “individual with a disability” as a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. If people really want to thank a veteran, go down to the VA and volunteer. © 2021 BBC. And, then, maybe ask what the person did over there. I served one tour in Iraq and my husband served two or three tours in Iraq, one tour in Afghanistan, and is still serving on active duty. There were many heroes in the field of battle. Owning a classic car is not a normal decision, it’s not something that makes a whole lot of sense unless you have the passion for and want to reconnect with the real meaning of driving. George Floyd death: How will jurors be selected? To this Army veteran, it means: Advil is the narcotic of choice for a bad back and creaky knees, both earned like an invisible Purple Heart. Now, no matter what you did in any conflict since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, upon your return home you are deemed a hero. I was an Operations Manager, which is a fancy way of saying a controller/dispatcher. It isn't much. But for many this word "hero" feels uncomfortable, as the BBC's David Botti discovered in his web documentary What Makes A Hero? You can probably find his records, on which he was probably awarded the WWII victory medal. A fantastic way to make your morning cup of tea or coffee a little more special and start off your day on the right foot. You're probably talking about your grandpa being a veteran of a specific war. Honorable service in the military typically makes you a veteran for life. Key Points There were an estimated 2.5 million UK Armed Forces veterans residing in households across Great Britain (GB) in 2016. What does it mean, on a day-to-day basis, to be a veteran? Think about this… if these people did not choose, forced conscription and national service would be inevitable since all countries need defence just in case! Aircraft on which I flew routinely came under enemy fire - both anti-aircraft artillery and heavy machine gun. (Christopher P Gehringer), Yes I've been called a hero. I am grateful for all I've been given just for being born here and I love the United States and all of my brethren who pledge allegiance. To be eligible for the variety of veteran benefits depends upon many elements from time in service, permanent injury. If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program. I got to be an American because of someone else's sacrifice and it is still the greatest community of heroes that the world has ever known. But war does not make heroes. In many instances a certain bitterness may build up and only over the course of time may those walls come down. Being a veteran who didn't get deployed to those combat zones makes it pretty tough to hear these statements you express in the video.
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