What have veterans done for us?

What Have Veterans Done for Us?

It is often said that our veterans have done more than their fair share to secure our freedom and way of life. But what does that really mean? What exactly have they done for us? As we pause to reflect on the sacrifices they have made, let’s take a closer look at the countless ways in which our veterans have shaped the world we live in today.

Securing Our Freedom

Veterans’ Role in World War II

World War II (1939-1945)

The Second World War was one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, involving nearly every country in the world. The Allied Powers, led by the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, fought against the Axis powers, comprised of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

• Liberty Ships: In an effort to support the war effort, the US Government launched a massive shipbuilding program, producing over 2,700 Liberty Ships. These vessels played a crucial role in transporting supplies, equipment, and personnel across the globe, sustaining the Allied forces.

• Code Breakers: The US Navy’s Cryptanalysis Battalion at Pearl Harbor broke the Japanese Code, providing critical intelligence to the Allied forces. This breakthrough helped the US make informed decisions about naval warfare, ultimately contributing to Japan’s surrender.

Veterans’ Role in Vietnam War

**The Vietnam War (1955-1975)**

The Vietnam War was a long and brutal conflict between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union and China.

• Ground Combat Operations: US Forces served in various capacities, from infantrymen to artillery and air support, playing a significant role in counterinsurgency efforts, search and destroy operations, and firebase defense.

Veterans’ Role in Desert Storm and Afghanistan Wars

**Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991)**

The Gulf War was a brief conflict between a coalition of US-led nations and Iraq, sparked by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

• Air Support and Ground Operations: Pilots and crew flew sorties, dropping over 1.5 million tons of bombs, destroying key infrastructure, and dislodging Iraqi forces. US Forces engaged in ground combat to liberate Kuwait City.

• Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2001-2014)

In response to 9/11, US forces were deployed to Afghanistan and later Iraq, waging war against al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

• Countering Terrorism: JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command) teams conducted high-risk raids, capturing or killing high-value targets, dismantling terrorist networks, and disrupting enemy communications.

• Nation Building and Stabilization: Civil Affairs teams, Security Forces, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) efforts were key to stabilizing both Afghanistan and Iraq, paving the way for reconstruction and political development.

Medical Services and Advancements

**Medicinal Breakthroughs

The scientific advancements and medical innovations pioneered by our veterans have been nothing short of revolutionary:

• Polio Vaccine: The work of Dr. Jonas Salk, a World War II veteran, led to the development of the polio vaccine, eradicating this debilitating disease from the US and significantly reducing global cases.

• Organ Transplants: Dr. David "Sandy" Stryker, a Vietnam veteran, pioneered organ transplantation, enabling hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide to receive life-saving transplant surgeries.

• Medical Research: Research conducted by veterans in collaboration with scientists has led to breakthroughs in fields like tissue engineering, burn care, wound healing, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment.

Advances in Technology

**Innovative Technologies

Veterans have been at the forefront of technological innovations, transforming industries and societies:

• Computers and Networking: John McCarthy, a World War II veteran and computer pioneer, co-founded the computer company, System Development Corporation (SDC), developing operating systems, computer programming languages, and telecommunications.

• Satellite Navigation: The development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) by US military scientists, including Dr. Bradford Parkinson, enabled precise navigation and revolutionized mapping, transportation, and countless other industries.

Veterans in Leadership

**Influence in Government and Society

Many veterans have risen to positions of leadership, shaping public policy and governance:

• US Presidents: 14 out of the 45 US Presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and George H.W. Bush, served as veterans, bringing valuable perspectives to the White House.

• Cabinet Members: 12 out of the 27 living Secretaries of Defense, including Robert McNamara and Donald Rumsfeld, have been veterans, influencing national security strategies and policy decisions.

• Congress and State Government: More than 30% of current US Senators and 15% of the House of Representatives have served in the military, bringing valuable experience to their legislative roles.

Giving Back to the Community

**Post-Service Contributions

Veterans’ contributions to society don’t stop after their service ends:

• Volunteerism: Many veterans participate in local volunteer initiatives, dedicating their time to community organizations, non-profits, and disaster relief efforts.

• Supporting Wounded Warriors: Non-profit organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, Task Force Dagger, and Hire Heroes USA, founded or co-founded by veterans, provide crucial support to injured service members.

• Sharing Their Stories: Veterans play a vital role in educating the public about their experiences, fostering empathy, and promoting awareness about the impact of war on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, our veterans have made extraordinary contributions to our country, shaping our world, and securing our freedom. Whether through groundbreaking medical research, technological innovations, or inspiring leadership, their selflessness and bravery have had far-reaching effects on society.

As we honor their service, let us remember that their sacrifices have allowed us to enjoy the many comforts and liberties we often take for granted. Let us continue to support our veterans, providing them with the care, resources, and recognition they deserve.

**Table 1: Breakdown of Veterans’ Contributions**

Let us remember to always respect, honor, and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our veterans. They have done so much for us, and we should strive to make a meaningful difference in their lives.