Take time this week to support veterans for their service

According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are more than 16.2 million veterans currently living in the United States.

Wisconsin ranks 21st among states in veteran population with just under 320,000 residents who are veterans, which comes to about 6.1% of the total population of the state. Locally, veterans make up about a little higher than the state average.

What this means is that over the course of an average day, the odds are pretty good that you have come into contact with at least one, if not many more people who are veterans without even being aware of it.

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a veteran as anyone who has served in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. As definitions go it is straightforward and to the point with little room for ambiguity. Either you are a veteran or you are not.

Demographically, veterans are similar to other groups in most superficial ways. They encompass young and old and mirror local populations wherever they live as far as economic status, family size and the numbers of pets they might own.

However, there are some key differences. According to the Census Bureau, more than 30% of the veteran population, live with a disability of some level. This number has increased 15% over the last 10 years. By comparison this is twice the disability rate of the general adult population.

Beyond the wounds that can be seen, veterans, especially those who have been in combat situations, carry with them things such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health issues. If left untreated these can lead to tragic results.

According to the Veterans Administration, when adjusting for age and gender, the suicide rate for Veterans was 57.3% greater than for non-Veteran adults in the U.S. Among those suicides, firearms accounted for 71% compared to 50.3% within the general population.

These sobering facts make resources such as county Veterans Service Offices vital for veterans and their families. It is why it is important to support the work those offices do as well as work done by private non-profit agencies in providing outlets and the therapy needed for veterans to heal physically, mentally and spiritually.

While there are many reasons why people choose to go into the military, all share the common bond of answering the call to service and being willing to put themselves in harm’s way for the people at home and for their country. This selfless act sets veterans apart no matter their circumstances, length of service or any other measure.

Each year on Veterans Day, we say thank you to our veterans for the service they have done, and the service they continue to do in our communities, organizations and families.

Take time this week to attend a local Veterans Day program, to show respect and to thank Veterans for their service today, and throughout the year.

Central Wisconsin Publications Editorial Board consists of publisher Kris O’Leary and Star-News editor Brian Wilson