Introduction

Washington DC- Global Transformation Forum: Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. With a tradition tracing back to Armistice Day in 1918, this day of observance has evolved, recognizing not only the end of World War I but the continued service of veterans from all conflicts and eras. Today, as we reflect on Veterans Day 2024, we celebrate progress made in veterans’ care while acknowledging the persistent challenges they face in health, employment, housing, and mental health. To honor their service, the United States must adopt policies that both recognize their sacrifice and provide comprehensive, ongoing support to enhance veterans’ quality of life.

Progress in Veteran Support

Significant advancements have been made in recent years to improve veterans’ access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities. In healthcare, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expanded services to cover more veterans and address needs beyond physical health. The VA’s Whole Health Initiative, for example, integrates complementary and holistic care into treatment plans, aiming to treat veterans as “whole people” (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2023). Additionally, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has empowered over 1.1 million veterans to pursue higher education and vocational training, enabling veterans to transition into civilian careers with fewer barriers (VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, 2022).

Employment among veterans has also seen improvement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the veteran unemployment rate was 2.7% in 2023, down from a peak of over 10% in 2011 during the Great Recession (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Programs such as the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program and private-sector initiatives, including the Hiring Our Heroes program, have contributed to this success by equipping veterans with valuable skills and networking opportunities.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite these advancements, veterans continue to face systemic issues that hinder their well-being and reintegration into civilian life. Among these challenges, mental health remains a significant concern. According to the VA, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide each day, underscoring an ongoing mental health crisis within this population (VA National Suicide Data Report, 2023). Factors contributing to this crisis include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and the difficulty of transitioning to civilian life without adequate support systems.

Homelessness also disproportionately impacts veterans. As of 2023, approximately 33,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night, making up about 8% of the homeless population despite representing only 6% of the U.S. adult population (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023). While programs like the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and the HUD-VASH (VA Supportive Housing) voucher program have helped reduce veteran homelessness by 50% since 2010, continued efforts are necessary to address housing insecurity and homelessness risk factors, such as unemployment, mental illness, and substance abuse.

Policy Recommendations

To support veterans more effectively, policymakers must prioritize a comprehensive approach that encompasses health, housing, employment, and community reintegration. The following policy recommendations aim to enhance existing initiatives while addressing critical gaps:

1. Enhance Mental Health Resources for Veterans
   Expanding mental health services is essential to lowering veteran suicide rates. Increased funding for the VA’s mental health programs is a necessary first step, but beyond this, telemedicine access should be prioritized to ensure that veterans in rural and underserved areas can access mental health care. In addition, Congress could pass legislation to mandate training for mental health providers in veteran-specific issues like PTSD and military culture, ensuring that practitioners are better equipped to address these unique challenges.
2. Increase Support for Housing Initiatives
   To reduce homelessness, policymakers should expand funding for HUD-VASH and SSVF programs, especially targeting those at risk of homelessness. A national policy initiative that collaborates with local governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations could increase transitional housing options, providing veterans with temporary, safe housing while they stabilize their finances or mental health. This program should emphasize rapid rehousing, supporting veterans’ transition to permanent housing as quickly as possible.
3. Support Employment and Entrepreneurship Initiatives
   Employment programs tailored for veterans must continue to evolve to match the changing job market. Investment in digital skills training and modern technology certifications is critical to keeping veterans competitive, especially as remote work opportunities expand. A tax credit program for small businesses hiring veterans could also incentivize greater employment in this sector, which often provides the local, flexible job options many veterans seek. Also read: Welcome to the Global Transformation Movement
4. Strengthen VA Community Care Programs
   Recognizing that VA facilities may be difficult to access for some veterans, particularly in rural areas, policymakers should enhance the VA’s Community Care Program to expand the pool of private healthcare providers serving veterans. This initiative should focus on increasing providers’ familiarity with veterans’ needs, perhaps through a certification process, and on reducing wait times for veterans accessing external care.

Conclusion

Veterans Day is more than a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. It demands that we honor our nation’s veterans by ensuring their rights and needs are met after they have served their country.

While much progress has been made, the pressing challenges faced by veterans—mental health crises, homelessness, and employment barriers—require concerted policy efforts that prioritize veterans’ holistic well-being. By adopting these policy recommendations, the United States can fulfill its commitment to its veterans, honoring their service not only with words but with concrete, impactful support.

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References

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). Whole Health for Life. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/
• VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. (2022). GI Bill Comparison Tool. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Employment Situation of Veterans Summary. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.nr0.htm
• VA National Suicide Data Report. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mentalhealth/suicide_prevention/data.asp

National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2023). Veteran Homelessness. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org/