Column by Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day this week, it is a good time to think of not only what Veterans have done for you as a citizen in the United States, but also what the Veteran has done for self in the process of serving in the military.
Up until the Vietnam War, our nation practiced a military draft where a majority of young men would serve their country in military service for a couple of years. Some chose to volunteer, some chose to serve longer, and some chose to avoid military service by going to college, etc. Women served also, but in a voluntary status.
As a Veteran myself, I can credit many positive habits to formation and strengthening from my military service. I see these in other Veterans also. Some of the most helpful habits to me have been to maintain a “Can-do” attitude, to keep a strong work ethic, and that sense of “Failure is not an option.”
Military training and service requires commitment to do the mission that comes up. Life, like military missions, always has surprises for us. Veterans have built a habit to “shoot on the move” like those cowboys in western TV shows. We move through life and tackle the obstacles that come up.
Think of the work ethic of people in the 1940s up until even pre-pandemic. A job was a valuable component to support life. Also think of the work ethic now where so many people choose to be couch potatoes to collect a check versus work – and the results is that we are losing much of the common supports of the lifestyle we enjoy – from grocery shelves to construction.
Military members in the heart of a conflict must be committed to a win to support effort for the win. To give up or wimp out would cause loss, and we probably would not even enjoy the American lifestyle if that was not a core habit of military members. As they exit the military, this habit continues with them. Compare that to the victim and give-up mentality fostered in our society today.
As we stop and reflect on Veteran’s Day – think about learning from those who have served – or find a way to serve yourself.
