Honoring Our Veterans: Make It More Than Just a Day

Veterans Day is a symbolic reminder that more than just a day is needed to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our freedom, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

Honoring veterans is not enough. It’s also important to acknowledge the challenges that many of them face. Veterans are at increased risk for a number of mental and physical health problems, including PTSD, TBI, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic pain. They may also face challenges accessing healthcare, finding employment, and maintaining stable housing.

In addition to these general challenges, veterans also face a number of specific challenges, such as toxic exposure, military sexual trauma (MST), and homelessness.

We can do more to support our veterans and address the challenges they face

Here are some specific actions we can take:

• Increase funding for VA programs and services: The VA provides a wide range of programs and services to veterans, including healthcare, housing, and employment assistance. However, these programs are often underfunded, and veterans may face long wait times for services. We need to increase funding for the VA so that all veterans can access the care and support they need.
  

• Streamline the VA benefits claims process: The VA benefits claims process can be complex and time-consuming. We need to streamline this process so that veterans can more easily access the benefits they have earned.
  

• Expand access to VA healthcare facilities and services: VA healthcare facilities are often concentrated in urban areas, making it difficult for veterans in rural areas to access care. We need to expand access to VA healthcare facilities and services, particularly in rural areas.
  

• Address the root causes of homelessness among veterans: Veterans are more likely to experience homelessness than the general population. We need to address the root causes of homelessness among veterans, such as mental illness, substance abuse, and lack of affordable housing.
  

• Provide job training and placement assistance to veterans: Veterans may face challenges finding and maintaining employment after leaving the military. We need to provide job training and placement assistance to veterans, and encourage businesses to hire veterans.
  

• Raise awareness of military sexual trauma and provide support to veterans who have experienced MST, a serious problem that affects many veterans. We need to raise awareness of MST and provide support to veterans who have experienced it.
  

• Address the unique challenges facing women veterans: Women veterans face unique challenges, such as gender discrimination and sexism. We need to address these challenges and ensure that women veterans have access to the same opportunities and resources as male veterans.
  

By taking these actions, we demonstrate to our veterans that we appreciate their sacrifices by committing to support them in their transition to civilian life.

On this Veterans Day, let's honor our veterans by addressing the challenges they face. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.