Nov. 11, 2022
By Nia Locier
Staff Writer
Every time a soldier steps on the battlefield, they risk getting hurt. They make the truest sacrifice for the sake of their country.
They wake up without knowing what is going to happen next and every second need to be prepared for whatever challenges are coming their way. The risks they take and the trauma they endure can lead them to come home feeling and acting very different than when they left. Some veterans come home mentally ill, and others refuse to talk about their experiences once they return home.
Today and every day, we should take time to recognize the courage and diligence of those serving in the Armed Forces. At basic training, they have to wake up at 5 a.m. every day, and most of them do not sleep in beds; they just sleep anywhere on their base. Basic training includes training for helicopter underwater escape and doing drills underwater. Some even have to do a full session while being pepper sprayed.
Today and every day, we should take time to recognize the courage and diligence of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Soldiers make contributions to the country by joining one of six branches of the Armed Forces: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force. These branches are quite different from one another. For example, the Marines work as a quick reaction force with units that are ready to arrive first when conflict occurs. While the Navy consists of SEALS–an elite, maritime special operation force–most of its navel operations do not consist of hand-to-hand combat. Because of these differences, those looking to enter the military need to take time to do their research before committing to a specific branch.
Being in the Armed Forces can be very stressful and comes with a great deal of responsibility, but being a veteran comes with a lot of benefits. For example, they receive free life insurance options. Counseling and support, personal or group therapy, mental health treatment programs and drug and alcohol treatment services are also available for free or at a low cost for veterans.
Those veterans who choose to go to college have 15 years to use GI Bill benefits to help pay for college, graduate school and training programs. Career counseling and assistance with job applications are additional benefits available to veterans preparing for the workforce.
Veterans do a lot to keep this country safe and they deserve to be appreciated and celebrated for their service.
