How Veterans Serve Our Country Beyond the Military

Veterans are people who have served in the armed forces of the United States, whether in times of war or peace. They have made sacrifices and contributions to protect our freedom and democracy. But their service does not end when they leave the military. Many veterans continue to serve our country and communities in various ways, such as:

• Working in public service. Veterans have valuable skills and experience that make them ideal candidates for public service jobs, such as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency management, education, and health care. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, veterans made up about 31% of the federal workforce in 2020, and more than 50% of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees were veterans themselves.
• Starting or growing businesses. Veterans have the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership qualities that help them succeed in the business world. They can access various resources and programs from the VA and other organizations to start or grow their own businesses, such as the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal, the Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the Boots to Business program. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterans owned 9.1% of all U.S. businesses in 2012, employing 5.03 million people and generating $1.14 trillion in annual revenue.
• Volunteering in their communities. Veterans have a strong sense of civic duty and compassion that motivate them to give back to their communities. They can volunteer for various causes and organizations that align with their values and interests, such as the [American Legion], the [Veterans of Foreign Wars], the [Team Rubicon], and the [Mission Continues]. According to the [Corporation for National and Community Service], veterans volunteered at a higher rate (27.4%) than non-veterans (25.7%) in 2018, contributing 181 million hours of service worth $4.3 billion.

These are just some of the ways that veterans serve our country beyond the military. They are not only heroes, but also leaders, innovators, and helpers. They deserve our respect, gratitude, and support. Thank you, veterans, for your service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸