Member-only story
A Single Rank, Veteran
Rank was once important and necessary.
After three years, three months, and three days I moved to the rank of Veteran. The Veteran distinction does not specify that I was enlisted or an officer. A veteran is a status.
Our middle son was an E-7 Seargent in the Army Rangers. Today, he’s medically retired. Our middle daughter was in the Army as an E-4. She tells me that two years was the extent of her Commitment.
Now that the three of us are Veterans, what do we do now? In my case, I’ve been a Veteran for more years than most people are fortunate enough to live. I left the Air Force in 1968. That’s fifty-five years.
Today, my status as a Veteran is with many other men and women. Here’s what we’re looking at:
- In 2021, there were 16.5 MM veterans in the United States
- In 2021, 42.14 percent of male Americans aged 75 years and over are Veterans. That’s my group.
- In 2021, there were 876,000 veterans in the State of Nevada
- In 2021 Nevada, there were 193,340 Veterans in the Las Vegas Metroplex.
- In 2021, in Nevada, there were 81,473 Veterans over the age of 75
Y’no, it’s no wonder I see so many of us in the supermarket.
Thanks to my fellow veterans from Vietnam and those that came after. I appreciate your willingness to serve, and to keep us safe.
