What will you do on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour?
At this moment in 1918, the armistice (end of fighting) went into effect for World War I. Armistice Day as it was originally named would later become Veteran's day. And while we always honor the fallen, Veterans Day is more about the living. It is a chance to recognize those who defend and defended our nation whether combat veteran or not. Aside from husband and father, veteran is one of my proudest titles. It means I have membership among a small group of some of the best men and women, spouses and families our nation has to offer.
"Thank you for your service." I hear this often and I cherish this gratitude. It gives my service and my family's sacrifice and service meaning. It is a common adage but it's usually followed by a strange silence as the 'thanker' wants to say or do something more. I understand. We went our separate ways after 9/11 and we do not know each other. Perhaps on the 11th day this year we can begin to change that. Do you lead a veteran, know a veteran, are you led by a veteran? Here is a way to get beyond, "thank you for your service." This is an excerpt of an article I published shortly after the withdrawal of Afghanistan.
Check on our health
Instead of “thanks for your service,” ask a veteran how they are doing. Heartfelt questions matter more than ever right now:
Ask how their health is and how they are coping with life after the military.
Ask them what the hardest part of transition is or was.
Ask them how recent events in Afghanistan or our national divide impacts their health.
Show genuine interest, then probe them a bit by saying, “tell me more.” Remember that it’s not just combat veterans who experience physical and mental health issues. All veterans cope, at least to some degree, with a sense of disconnection leaving behind a band of brothers and sisters upon our separation from service. The simple act of showing interest through conversation can go a long way to healing the invisible wounds many veterans carry around with us every day.
While it is thoughtful, veterans don’t need a free lunch, a hunting or fishing retreat, or even a “thank you for your service.” We didn’t volunteer for military service for those reasons. And while most of us do a pretty good job staying connected to our veteran “tribe,” we need more than that. We need a friend. We need you.
We have an opportunity this Veterans Day to come together as never before. Veterans and civilians opening their hearts and doors to one another, you and me getting to know one another and coming to discover we’re not so different after all. It starts with a conversation. Let that be your service tomorrow at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 2021.
Happy Veterans Day
Rob Campbell
Rob Campbell