More Than Just A "Thank You"

Veterans Day 2022

Tomorrow is a United States’ federal holiday, Veterans Day. The United States Post Office, banks and most credit unions are closed on that day.?Most federal employees will receive a day off work. Like many people in this country, though, veterans will be at their place of employment. Therefore, Koch VETS encourage you to pause tomorrow and find a meaningful way to show appreciation to those veterans who work alongside of you.

Veterans Day is a time to thank all those who accepted the nation’s challenge and honorably served in the U.S. Military – in times of war or peace.

On Veterans Day, “Thank you for your service!” is a well-intentioned greeting. However, it can be perceived by veterans as a conditioned and unemotional greeting. I’ve heard from many veterans who, upon receiving this acknowledgment, feel their sacrifices are dismissed and the message was delivered out of habit without any real sentiment.?To them it highlights that you are probably unaware of their military service and have no interest in understanding and appreciating “their” sacrifices that contributed to “your” liberty.?And to be honest, most veterans struggle to find a meaningful response.

Understandably, there exists a communication and cultural gap between our veterans and those whom they served. Besides complicating the military-to-civilian transition, this situation can hinder relationships and mutual understanding in the workplace and can very quickly complicate the work environment. Avoiding a conversation contributes to the growing abyss between these two communities. So, we encourage you to instead have a meaningful discussion.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis

Having a conversation can reduce the negative effects of the communication and cultural gap and improve relationships on your team.?But, first, you might want to understand the conflict and some of the underlying issues. Then, if you are considerate, genuine, and willing to listen, you will more likely have a healthy discussion which will ultimately improve your work environment.?

In 2020, veteran surveys revealed that less than six percent of U.S. citizens ever served our country. And, with the passing of the last few remaining World War II and Korean veterans and our Vietnam veterans at retirement age, there remains less than 3% of Americans in our workforce who ever put on a uniform. Today, because there is no DRAFT, less than half of one percent (>.05%) of our population are currently serving our great nation. This small band of warriors pledged to serve and protect the 99+ percent who enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity.?So, the greater part of our society benefits from those who selflessly serve, and a miniscule few in our country will be negatively impacted if our country engages in another conflict.

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” – Thomas Paine

Military members find gratification when serving our nation and attain fulfillment when their service benefits others. In many cases, our veterans put their hopes, dreams, and goals on hold, allowing you and your family members to pursue your hopes, dreams, and goals unimpeded.?While risking their future, they believe they protected yours. They do this because they found something larger to serve.?But while serving, many veterans experienced first-hand that freedom isn’t free. Consequently, they may hold disdain for those who seem to take our freedom for granted.?

The impact of these points that provide the framework for the communication and cultural gap is that in peacetime or in war, our American public has no reason to be engaged nor informed about the sacrifices our military personnel are making for them. Most of our population is not affected by our nation engaging in conflict. Life for the majority continues uninterrupted.

"I have done things that haunt me at night SO YOU CAN SLEEP IN PEACE I have been away from my family a long time SO THAT YOURS CAN BE SAFE I have sacrificed a lot in my life SO THAT YOU CAN LIVE FREE I have done these things because I HAVE SWORN AN OATH TO MY COUNTRY And I will live by this oath UNTIL THE DAY I DIE because I am and ALWAYS WILL BE??????? ???????? a U.S. VETERAN"

There is a whole lot more to this communication and cultural gap. Understanding some of these points, though, may help you understand why “Thank you for your service” is inadequate.?On the other hand, veterans are not looking for a hand-out. They aren’t even expecting a pat on the back. Certainly a few of us veterans enjoy the free ice cream cone or meal on Veterans Day, but most of us would prefer a meaningful and reasonable display of gratitude for our service. We would rather accept an acknowledgement of our sacrifices from those who benefitted from them instead of accepting added pounds from the free treats.

So, then, how should you show your appreciation for a veteran and acknowledge their sacrifices??

“Veterans put their lives on the line to guarantee the freedoms we enjoy; they did not run from battle, yield to fear, or abandon their cause.” – Judd Greg

You can learn what inspired the veteran to join the military. You can ask what service branch and component they were in and what military skill or career field that service assigned to them. You can learn about some of the jobs they held in the military, the duration of their service. And you might even ask them how their transition into the civilian sector is going. And then, maybe offer some coaching or mentoring in areas where they might be struggling. In other words, take a deeper interest in the individual who sacrificed for you.

You may find that some veterans do not wish to discuss their military past. So, in these cases, learn more about what they are doing now. You can learn where they work, or about their job today, or about their hobbies. You might ask how their military service simplified their transition into their current job.?In this way, you may help destroy the anonymity that many veterans feel upon completing their military-to-civilian transition and close the communication and culture gap in your work environment somewhat.

America needs men and women with pride in their country and faith in freedom, unafraid to declare: “I believe in liberty and justice and will fight to defend the dignity of man.” – Richard K Sorenson, USMC Medal of Honor

Probably the best way to reveal your appreciation for our veterans is to initiate veteran advocacy in your workspace. You could start a giving program to a veteran service organization. There are many highly rated, trustworthy nationwide and local organizations providing a variety of services to our veteran communities.?With the giving season quickly approaching, nothing would be better than informing a veteran that you and your teammates have decided to provide financial or voluntary assistance to the morale of actively serving “troops,” or to wounded or homeless veterans, or to Gold Star family members.

Our brave and few warriors know that the liberties we enjoy are not guaranteed. So, they gallantly volunteered to serve and protect America to advance and defend U.S. values, interests, and objectives. They selflessly served so we remain safe and free and enabled you to pursue your individual hopes, dreams, and goals.

“The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” – George S. Patton Jr

Veterans Day is unique in that we honor our living military veterans. This occasion is a blessing, and we should exercise it with pride, purpose, and enthusiasm. Every American is a beneficiary of our veterans’ service and sacrifice; and, therefore, we should honor their dedication to our nation by showing our gratitude for at least one day.

On November 11, 2022, your challenge is to make sure all the veterans in your workplace know how much you appreciate them.

“Charlie-Mike”

?”Our Mission Is Your Success”

Check out our current employment opportunities on our?Veteran Career Page;?then use our?Transition Guide?to help you transition into your new career!