Ripon Forum


Vol. 58, No. 5

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In This Edition

With over 14 million Americans currently caring for a veteran or military service member in the United States, the 6th Annual Veteran Day Special Edition of The Ripon Forum examines the challenges facing these hidden heroes and what policymakers can do to support them.

“It’s a Day When I Reflect Upon What Made My Own Service so Meaningful.”

With shaven heads and fresh uniforms, we each sworn the same oath to support and defend the United States. In that moment, our differences faded away.

“Being a veteran means being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

No matter their background, whenever I speak to a fellow veteran there is a glimmer of recognition that can only come from our shared service.

“Honoring Our Brothers and Sisters Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice.”

As a combat veteran myself, I know the sacrifices made, the courage shown, and the dedication it takes to serve.

America’s Hidden Heroes

There are over 14 million military & veteran caregivers in the United States in the U.S. And according to the CEO of the Dole Foundation, they need our help.

Safeguarding Sacrifice: Improving Military Quality of Life

Military families make unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide for their basic needs.

Rebuilding Integrity and Trust at VA

Recent instances of mismanagement have left veterans waiting for services and highlight the need for greater accountability within VA.

Comprehensive Support, Data Hold Answers to Veteran Suicide Crisis

Military families make unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide for their basic needs.

SkillBridge is a Win for Veterans, a Win for Business, and a Win for America

Military service creates unparalleled opportunities for young Americans. Whether you serve in the infantry, fix jets, or provide supportive services, the military teaches young men and women how to think critically, be effective leaders, embrace change, and work as a team. These skillsets are becoming more and more valuable to corporate America. Over the last […]

Beyond “Thank You for Your Service”

Veterans face conflicting perceptions, on the one hand seen as being prone to violence, on the other hand seen as a hero and placed on a pedestal.

Beyond the Uniform

In 2010, a Marine Corps veteran saw the destruction caused by the Haiti earthquake and felt compelled to help. He, along with seven others, saw an opportunity to use their skills in a time of need and took the initiative to organize and deploy, aiding hundreds of the injured. Fifteen years later, this group has […]

Should Military Commissaries be Privatized? Yes…

It it will better serve our troops and their families

Should Military Commissaries be Privatized? No…

For struggling military families, commissaries are more important than ever

Ripon Profile of Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales discusses how his service in uniform has shaped his career.

Beyond “Thank You for Your Service”

Supporting veterans through action, not symbolism

As of 2023, there are approximately 16.5 million U.S. military veterans representing conflicts ranging from World War II to more recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. On Veterans Day, we honor their service and sacrifice, reflecting on the cost of peace and freedom. It is also a day of national unity and patriotism, where Americans come together to show gratitude.

But is saying “Thank you for your service” enough? For many veterans, this simple phrase, while well-intentioned, rings hollow, highlighting a larger issue: the paradox of stigma and social aggrandizement they face in civilian life.

In 2022, I coauthored a study on veterans in the workplace with Dr. Jaclyn Perrmann-Graham (Northern Kentucky University) in the International Journal of Human Resource Management that highlights this paradox. Based on qualitative interviews with veterans, our research reveals that many military veterans face conflicting social perceptions. On one hand, they are often stigmatized, perceived as prone to violence or struggling with mental health issues like PTSD, as well as being rigid, unadaptable, or politically conservative. Many of these stigmas can be largely attributed to common media portrayals of veterans in both the news and popular media.

Our research reveals that many military veterans face conflicting social perceptions. On one hand, they are often stigmatized, perceived as prone to violence or struggling with mental health issues like PTSD…

Simultaneously, veterans experience social aggrandizement, where they are glorified as heroes simply for having served. While this may seem positive, it often creates an unattainable image for veterans to live up to, leading to cognitive dissonance. Many veterans feel isolated, caught between these two extremes. As one interviewee described, “Going from an active-duty military culture… then coming here, you’re not clicking with people… It was a bit jarring since you always hear that people respect the military.”

Even the well-meaning phrase “Thank you for your service” can feel empty to many veterans. It often becomes ritualized, disconnected from any tangible support or understanding of the complexities veterans face in civilian life. Without meaningful follow-up or action, this sentiment can serve as a superficial acknowledgment rather than a bridge to genuine integration.

For veterans, the dual forces of stigma and aggrandizement can complicate workplace and school interactions, leading to feelings of exclusion and often turnover. Complicating this, many veterans employ coping mechanisms, such as dark humor, that may not align with civilian social norms. Without intentional support systems, veterans may leave organizations that fail to understand their unique challenges.

So, what can be done to address this paradox?

What companies can do

Organizations should consider going beyond symbolic gestures and focus on substantial, actionable support to veterans. If businesses claim to support veterans, they must back it up with real investment in training, development, and skills translation.

It’s not enough to simply recruit veterans because of their military background; companies must actively assist veterans with adapting their skills to the civilian workforce. Companies must also educate hiring managers and HR professionals on how to properly translate military experience into civilian roles, ensuring veterans are recruited for appropriate positions that align with their skills and potential.

Simultaneously, veterans experience social aggrandizement, where they are glorified as heroes simply for having served.

One practical way to achieve this is by leveraging the experiences of reservists and National Guard members, who straddle both the military and civilian worlds, offering valuable insights into how these transitions can be managed.

What Congress can do

Congress can also play a crucial role in supporting veterans’ integration into civilian life. Much of the legislative focus has rightly been on critical issues such as veteran suicide, PTSD, and healthcare. However, this focus should also expand to include the social aspects of veterans’ reintegration into the civilian workforce. Research into veterans’ long-term career outcomes, workplace satisfaction, and identity evolution in civilian life is essential. Grants should be offered to support studies that examine veterans’ experiences over time (3-5+ years after transitioning), focusing on how veterans’ social identities evolve and how organizations can better support them in the workforce. This approach would provide critical data that can influence policy and drive meaningful change in how veterans are integrated and supported within our economy.

If we are serious about honoring veterans, it’s time we backed our words with action that ensures their long-term success.

Daniel Peat, PhD is an Assistant Professor – Educator in Management at the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, he serves in the U.S. Army Reserves as an adjunct instructor (LTC) for the Command and General Staff Officer Course.