More Than Just A "Thank You"

Veterans Day 2024

 Monday, November 11 is a United States’ federal holiday, Veterans Day. The United States Post Office, banks and most credit unions will be closed. Federal employees will receive a day off work. Like many people in this country, though, veterans will be at their place of employment. Therefore, Textron Aviation Military Programs encourage you to pause on Monday 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 the messenger is dismissive of their sacrifices and delivered it out of habit without any real sentiment. To them it highlights that you are probably ignorant of their military service and have no interest in understanding and appreciating “their” sacrifices that contributed to “your” liberty and your family’s safety. And to be honest, most veterans struggle to come up with a meaningful response.

Understandably, there exists a communication and cultural gap between our veterans and those whom they served. This situation can hinder relationships and mutual understanding 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 the work environment.

Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that 16.2 million people identified as veterans. That means only 6.2% of the adult American population 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 put on a uniform. Today, because there is no DRAFT, less than half of one percent (0.4%) of our adult population are currently serving our great nation. This small band of warriors pledge to serve and protect the 99+ percent who enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity. So, a miniscule few adults in our country are negatively impacted when our country engages in conflict while the greater part of our society benefits from those who selflessly serve.

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

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

I have done things that haunt me at night SO YOU CAN SLEEP IN PEACE

I have missed many birthdays and anniversaries while away from my family for long periods of time SO YOU CAN CELEBRATE LIFE WITH YOURS

I have roamed, flown, or sailed in many unsafe environments SO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY REMAIN 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!

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 them continues without interruption. Appreciating this reality and some additional points 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 instead of accepting free treats.

“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

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

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 their 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.

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

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.

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 or non-profit oriented on reducing veteran challenges. 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 material assistance, or voluntarily improve the morale of actively serving “troops,” or wounded or homeless veterans, or Gold Star family members.

“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, 2024, your challenge is to make sure all the veterans in your workplace know how much we appreciate them. Our brave and few warriors know that the liberties we enjoy are not guaranteed. They selflessly served so you could pursue your individual hopes, dreams, and goals. They gallantly volunteered to serve and protect America to advance and defend U.S. values, interests, and objectives, and kept all of us safe and free.

 “Charlie-Mike”