Understanding Veterans Day
What does Veterans Day truly signify for us? There’s this prevailing idea that veterans are often broken, battling various issues—physical and mental. While that’s undeniably true for some, there’s another side of veterans and their families that often gets overlooked, especially during this period of expressing gratitude for their service.
Having retired after nearly 23 years in special operations, I then spent 15 years sharing stories—writing and performing plays focused on the military community and the war in Afghanistan. Touring across 40 cities and engaging with thousands of people, I ended up learning a lot about how military service is viewed in our country. Here’s what stood out to me:
Veterans and their families carry a strong sense of purpose. They possess unique abilities to manage stress and connect with people from varied backgrounds. They hold the potential to guide our divided nation towards healing and unity.
Veteran Leaders Shaping Our Nation
Let me share three inspiring examples of veteran leaders making a difference today.
1. Ben Owen faced significant challenges before he even enlisted—injuries that ultimately led to his discharge. Life spiraled down into homelessness, crime, and opioid addiction. Struggling in the trap houses of South Memphis, he managed to find his way into a 12-step program. Determined to return for those he left behind, Ben, along with his wife Jess, is now revitalizing neighborhoods by collaborating with local law enforcement and community members. Through their nonprofit, We Fight Monsters, they’re turning drug-infested spaces into places of hope.
2. Elisha “Park” Perkins was an Army communications officer sent to the perilous Korengal Valley. A roadside bomb changed everything—ejecting her from her vehicle and taking the lives of her comrades. Following this, she faced battles with cancer that almost cost her life. During her darkest moments filled with depression, a friend suggested starting a nonprofit to train service dogs for veterans. Today, her organization, Pop Smoke, has successfully paired service dogs with numerous veterans, helping them navigate their challenges.
3. Kari Ellis grew up on the Chippewa Indian Reservation in Michigan, where she faced poverty and trauma. Later, she married an Air Force noncommissioned officer, Carl, and spent over two decades holding their family together through his deployments. After Carl’s tragic suicide post-retirement, Kari grappled with despair but, with the support of her community, emerged as a project manager for Task Force Pineapple. There, she connects with veterans and passionately advocates for suicide prevention through storytelling.
These stories exemplify a broader truth. Millions of veterans and military families harbor a deep-rooted sense of purpose and the invaluable skills needed to guide our nation through trying times. While some may charge forward, others might require a bit of encouragement or someone to listen.
The pivotal question is: Can we move past the conventional “Thank you for your service” and engage with veterans and their families in a more meaningful way? Veterans represent an asset to our nation—possessing leadership skills and resources essential for overcoming our collective challenges.
Spending authentic, non-judgmental time with veterans could yield significant benefits for America. It’s about fostering collaboration between veterans and civilians to build a stronger future for the next generation. That’s what Veterans Day means to me.
