During Veterans Health Week, held October 21-25, I reflected on my transition from a career in the United States Marine Corps to my current role in higher education. Each speaker's story resonated deeply, reminding me of my challenges: loneliness, isolation, and struggle to forge a new identity. I could relate to their experiences as service members and those who have gone through the complex journey of reintegrating into civilian life.
At Monday's town hall, Dr. Marla De Jong highlighted the qualities veterans bring to the community: leadership, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose rooted in service. Her words brought back memories of my time in the Marines, where service was more than a job; it was a commitment to something greater than myself. The camaraderie and unity of shared sacrifice are aspects I've missed deeply since leaving the military. Finding that same sense of connection and shared purpose in civilian life was challenging.
On Tuesday, the focus shifted to veterans transitioning from military to student life. Panelists discussed veterans' resilience and maturity in the classroom, enriched by life experiences that often set them apart. Yet, these strengths come with challenges. Veteran students frequently experience a sense of isolation in academic settings where few can relate to their backgrounds. The hardships of military life, missing family events, and enduring the uncertainties of deployments leave marks that linger. I remember my feelings of isolation and confusion when I first re-entered civilian life, but Veterans Health Week made me reflect on the impact my service had on my family. The prolonged separations, missed milestones, and strain on relationships left lasting effects on my wife and children that I had not fully recognized until recently.
Wednesday's session on social connectivity and health underscored the importance of strong social bonds, especially for veterans who struggle to connect after leaving the military. Although the focus wasn't directly on veterans, the theme resonated. In the military, we are surrounded by people who understand us on a level that's hard to find outside that world. After leaving the Marines, I felt an intense sense of isolation, and the lack of community made my transition more difficult. Social bonds offer veterans a vital sense of belonging, acting as a lifeline in civilian life.
On Thursday, Col. Jim McDonough's keynote addressed veterans' views on VA healthcare as a finite resource. Many veterans, myself included, prioritize others' needs over our own, often reserving VA care for those most in need. Although I have an 80% service-related disability, I frequently rely on other healthcare options to leave VA resources available for those with fewer choices. This ingrained self-sacrifice, while honorable, can sometimes lead veterans to neglect their health. Balancing personal care with the desire to support others remains a difficult struggle, even after military service ends.
Throughout the week, a common theme emerged: missed moments. Due to our service, we missed significant milestones, weddings, funerals, and birthdays. These sacrifices weigh heavily, reminders of a life we left behind and can never fully reclaim. The transition from service is marked by these quiet losses, often misunderstood by civilians who may view veterans through simplified narratives as either heroes or victims. But our reality is more complex. Our identities are forever shaped by our time in uniform, and adapting to life in a world where these experiences are not always understood is one of the most challenging aspects of transition.
Veterans Health Week reminded me that, while my time in uniform has ended, the values and lessons from that chapter continue to shape me. Transitioning to a career in education has allowed me to serve in a new way, guiding students and instilling in them resilience and discipline. This role enables me to build community and create purpose, echoing the camaraderie I knew in the Marines. The week's discussions reaffirmed that although our active service may conclude, our contributions do not. Veterans bring unique strengths and perspectives to civilian life, enriching the communities we join. We are resilient, adaptable, and determined, and though the journey from military to civilian life is difficult, it offers the potential for new missions and connections. I hope this week has helped the community better understand veterans' unique qualities, encouraging them to value and utilize these skills in meaningful ways.
