Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday that was created to honor those who served during battles defending the Unites States of America against enemies, foreign and domestic.  More specifically, it celebrates the end of WWI at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Woodrow Wilson was the driving force that transformed a day of remembrance and honor into what we know as Veteran’s Day today. Many businesses offer discounts, freebies and celebrations to honor those who have served in a selfless profession.

As a veteran I can tell you I do not care about the discounts, but I do extremely appreciate the respect and acknowledgment of the service provided to our great nation. I know veterans that never made it home, and some who are still suffering from a life of PTSD, which is a life some cannot live with and ultimately leads to them taking their lives.

I remember when I was part of the Iraq invasion in 2003 and happened to get my hands on a news piece that showed Madison with civil demonstrations against the war. Those demonstrations had a very profound impact on my psychological state. How could my land not support me here? Do they know I do want to be here?

So many questions swirled in my head making me remember how sadly our nation treated Vietnam veterans upon the return from a war that cost approximately 47,424 American combat related deaths, while trying to stabilize the Pacific. People tend to take for granted that America is safe, but it’s safe because while you are sleeping, there are military operations going on in foreign lands to ensure that safety, and they aren’t broadcast for the world to see.

Veterans are being mishandled from our very own Veteran Affairs, with deaths related to individuals trying to ensure bonuses for themselves by altering appointment wait times. A majority of these morally inept government employees do not deserve to take care of our nation’s veterans.  As seen in the news, the maltreatment has been rampant with no recourse of actions that would get a civilian employee likely fired so fast they did not have time to cause the damage we are seeing today.

Many veterans are waiting years for combat service-related disability that altars their every day lives.  According to CNN, 22 veterans commit suicide everyday, and this is a modest number. With injuries of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from explosions and PTSD, this number is not going to go away anytime soon. These invisible wounds we suffer can lead to suicidal ideations or acts.

I gave a piece of myself during my service, but others gave all they had to defend our great nation, leaving behind their children and spouses. Please honor Veteran’s Day by thanking a veteran for his or her services and acknowledging what a majority of the U.S. populace will never be subjected too.

Sometimes a sign of appreciation is not about a discount, but honoring the battle buddies that we as a nation sacrificed to ensure stability in the Middle East and wherever we go next. I charge everyone to never forget the sacrifices so many take for granted at costs so unfathomably high. Happy Veteran’s Day from a Decorated Combat Vet, and to all veterans from the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy.