Respecting Veterans: Are We Doing Enough in 2026?

Ensuring respectful treatment of veterans is not just a moral imperative, it’s a cornerstone of a healthy society. But what does being truly respectful look like in 2026, when technology and societal expectations are constantly shifting? Are we doing enough to honor those who served?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Anya Petrova thought she had it all figured out. After 22 years in the Army, including three deployments to the Middle East, she retired to her hometown of Roswell, Georgia, in 2024. Her plan was simple: use her GI Bill to get a degree in cybersecurity, then land a comfortable job and enjoy a well-deserved rest. She enrolled at Chattahoochee Technical College and started classes. But things quickly went sideways.

Anya excelled in her coursework, but she felt increasingly isolated. Many of her classmates were fresh out of high school and couldn’t relate to her experiences. She tried to connect with the college’s veterans’ resource center, but it was understaffed and overwhelmed. The counselors were well-meaning, but they seemed more focused on processing paperwork than providing real support. This is a common issue I’ve seen with many veterans returning to civilian life. The assumption is that simply providing resources is enough, but often, it’s the human connection that makes the biggest difference.

The real blow came when Anya started applying for internships. Despite her extensive military experience and strong academic record, she kept getting rejected. Some companies seemed hesitant to hire a veteran, perhaps worried about potential PTSD or adjustment issues. Others didn’t understand how her military skills translated to the civilian workforce. One interviewer even asked her, “So, you know how to shoot a gun. How does that help us secure our network?”

Feeling discouraged and disillusioned, Anya started to doubt her decision to leave the Army. “I felt like I was more respected and valued when I was wearing a uniform,” she confessed to me during a consultation last year. “Now, I’m just another face in the crowd.”

Anya’s story, while specific to her, highlights a broader challenge: ensuring that our actions toward veterans are truly respectful in 2026. It’s not enough to simply thank them for their service or offer a discount at the local Applebee’s. We need to understand the unique challenges they face and take concrete steps to support them.

One of the biggest issues is the lingering stigma surrounding mental health. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 11-20 out of every 100 veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Enduring Freedom (OEF) have PTSD in a given year. However, many veterans are reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment or discrimination. This is especially true in certain professions, where mental health issues can be seen as a sign of weakness. One way to combat this stigma is to promote open and honest conversations about mental health. Encourage veterans to share their experiences and connect with resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. Normalize seeking help and remind veterans that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Another challenge is navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of VA benefits. The VA offers a wide range of programs and services, including healthcare, education, housing assistance, and disability compensation. However, the application process can be daunting, and many veterans are unaware of all the benefits they are entitled to. In 2026, the VA is increasingly relying on digital platforms to deliver services. While this can improve efficiency, it also creates a digital divide. Veterans who lack access to technology or digital literacy skills may struggle to navigate the system. To bridge this gap, we need to provide veterans with access to technology and training. Organizations like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offer free assistance to veterans seeking to access their benefits.

Furthermore, we must acknowledge the changing nature of warfare and its impact on veterans. The conflicts of the 21st century have exposed veterans to new types of trauma, including exposure to toxic substances and the psychological effects of drone warfare. These experiences require specialized treatment and support. The VA is working to address these emerging challenges, but more needs to be done. We need to invest in research to better understand the long-term health effects of these exposures and develop effective treatments.

So, what can you do to show respectful support to veterans in your community? Here are a few practical tips:

• Listen actively: When a veteran shares their experiences, listen without judgment or interruption. Avoid making assumptions about their service or offering unsolicited advice. Simply listen and acknowledge their feelings.
• Avoid clichés: While it’s well-intentioned, simply thanking a veteran for their service can feel hollow. Instead, try asking specific questions about their experiences or expressing your appreciation for their sacrifices in a more personal way.
• Support veteran-owned businesses: Look for opportunities to support businesses owned and operated by veterans. This is a tangible way to show your appreciation and help them succeed in the civilian world.
• Advocate for policies that support veterans: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that address the needs of veterans, such as access to healthcare, education, and job training.
• Volunteer your time: Many organizations rely on volunteers to provide services to veterans. Consider volunteering your time at a local veterans’ center or supporting a veterans’ charity.

We ran a campaign last year for a local non-profit, “Veterans Forward,” focused on providing career counseling to veterans in the Atlanta metro area. We saw a 30% increase in donations after implementing a social media strategy that highlighted individual veteran success stories. The key? Authenticity. We let the veterans speak for themselves, sharing their struggles and triumphs in their own words. People responded to the realness, not just the platitudes.

What about Anya? After our consultation, we connected her with a mentor who was also a veteran and a cybersecurity professional. The mentor helped Anya refine her resume, practice her interviewing skills, and network with potential employers. More importantly, the mentor provided Anya with emotional support and encouragement. Within a few months, Anya landed an internship at a leading cybersecurity firm in Alpharetta. She’s now on track to graduate with her degree and secure a full-time job. It wasn’t easy, but with the right support, Anya was able to overcome her challenges and achieve her goals.

It’s not always about grand gestures or sweeping policy changes. Sometimes, the most respectful thing we can do is offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement. By understanding the unique challenges veterans face and taking concrete steps to support them, we can ensure that they receive the honor and recognition they deserve. And let’s be honest, that’s the least we can do.

Many veterans also deal with financial challenges after service and need support.

It’s also important to remember that veterans are not a monolith; their experiences and needs vary greatly.

The most respectful thing we can do for our veterans in 2026 is to actively listen to their needs and adapt our support systems accordingly. Instead of assuming what they want or need, let’s ask them directly. Only then can we truly honor their service and sacrifices.