"What is a veteran?" Topic
9 Posts
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 Editor in Chief Bill   | 19 Dec 2025 1:17 p.m. PST |
In researching my family history, I found it interesting whether my relatives considered themselves to be a veteran or not (this was a question on some US censuses). In some cases, I knew the person had served in the military, yet they apparently did not consider themselves a veteran. In one case, a man was called up for WWI, sworn into the service, trained for several months, then was discharged as the war had ended. He did not consider himself a veteran. In another case, a man who served in the National Guard did not consider himself a veteran. How do you define 'veteran'? |
 ColCampbell  | 19 Dec 2025 1:30 p.m. PST |
Here are the current requirements from the US Department of Veterans Affairs to be considered a "veteran." link Jim (a retired US Army officer and a proud veteran) |
| Korvessa | 19 Dec 2025 2:04 p.m. PST |
I think there is a difference between "Veteran eligible for benefits" and a veteran. I was just a peacetime weekend warrior (86-91) who never saw active duty except annual training and AOBC – but I consider myself a veteran as I have an "Honorable Discharge." In some ways, I don't think it matters for status as to whether or not you have "seen the elephant," that can just be a matter of luck, sometimes. If you signed the blank check and served honorably, you're a veteran as far as I am concerned. Whether or not you qualify for veteran benefits is a different question. |
| mildbill | 19 Dec 2025 2:25 p.m. PST |
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 Dal Gavan | 19 Dec 2025 2:29 p.m. PST |
How do you define 'veteran'? No idea. It's another politically manipulated and over-abused word, which means different things in politics and often ignores reality. True veterans know who they are and are proud of their service, like Jim and Korvessa above. Anzac Day warriors ("wannabes' in Yanklish), gossip-mongers and politicians- who can't tell the difference between a parking cop and a rifle platoon- will have their own definitions. Me? Ask DVA (Oz species), because I'm flocked if I know. |
| robert piepenbrink | 19 Dec 2025 4:24 p.m. PST |
I think Korvessa's answer is reasonable. In my case, I served in the Air National Guard 1972-83, the Regular Army 1983-1998 and did DoD-related contract work c.2002-2015, but from the VA's standpoint, only 1983-1998 is relevant. I generally answer that I'm eligible for VA benefits when the question of "are you a veteran?" arises, and--especially in the presence of those who have "seen the elephant"--note that I was always somewhere else when people were actually being shot at. I never planned it that way, and SOMEONE had to be underneath the Pentagon parking lot for DESERT STORM, for example. But I had a brother in The Sandbox with a mortar platoon, and his perspective is different. Nonetheless, at the VA we're both vets. |
| TimePortal | 19 Dec 2025 4:46 p.m. PST |
Qualifications for benefits is a key element among current ex-soldiers. There are about as many different views as men who served.
My father served over 30 years in the National Guard. He was a veteran since his unit was sent to Korea as a Medevac hospital. Heneber mentioned being a veteran until he joined the VFW.
His brother joined but went to Europe rather than Asia. He never Ed said he was a veteran until he came down with cancer in the 1970s.
I had a WW2 uncle who was an MP assigned to riding trains in the USA. My other uncle was an MP and served in England until the Bulge when he went to Germany as a volunteer replacement. Lost the use of both legs and an arm. His mother collected his veteran benefits. And they do change from State to State.
My Grandfather was in basic training but sent home after finding out that two of his brothers were killed in action (Benny and Earl) died in combat. Never claimed any benefits but the VA put a marker on his grave when he died.
Many other stories of loss and survival but maybe later. |
 Parzival | 19 Dec 2025 5:02 p.m. PST |
As a civilian, I consider anyone who has served in our military in defense of our country, whether in peace or war, is a "veteran" and worthy of my thanks. I make no distinction between the cook or the tanker. They did a job that was needed, in combat or out. If that applies to you, I say "Thank you for your service." And I mean it. Historically, I would have that same view. Though in times and settings where there was no standing army, as such, I would consider actually having fought a battle to be veteran service— but in such times, that's largely when there was any way to be a soldier. Otherwise, everybody was a civilian. |
| TimePortal | 19 Dec 2025 5:03 p.m. PST |
Qualifications for benefits is a key element among current ex-soldiers. There are about as many different views as men who served. |
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