Veteran’s Day is typically a time when people thank those who have served and those who continue to serve in the military. This is typically done with either a simple statement of “Thank you for your service” or even gesture of thanks via a free meal or other benefits on Veteran’s Day. However, Veteran’s Day can also be an opportunity for our Veteran’s to demonstrate their gratitude for the opportunity to serve as well.
Serving our military provides various benefits that should be acknowledged by our service members and veterans. These benefits include the act of service in itself, the opportunity to maintain a level of fitness, and the ability to exercise leadership to name a few.
Serving Something Greater Than Yourself
There is a great feeling pride instilled in those who serve something greater than oneself. The opportunity to serve our great nation and its people is a true benefit that we may sometimes overlook. Service not only applies to our nation but extends to the men and women that serve to our left and right. This service falls in line with my personal belief in why I am on this Earth; to serve our Creator and other people.
Physical Fitness
Not many professions offer its people the opportunity to exercise during the workday. Not only does the military afford you the opportunity to exercise but requires it. This inevitably means that our work days tend to extend into the 12-hour range, but the benefits of physical fitness extend into old age.
Leadership
Many corporations don’t offer formal leadership training to its employees or new managers. By contrast, the military provides leadership training in two ways: formal leadership training and leadership by example. The military offers some of the best examples of leadership in the world. Military service provides formal leadership training and the opportunity to work in a “lead by example” culture, which provides a great environment to work in. The military generally doesn’t allow leaders to simply “talk the talk”, but requires them to “walk the walk” as well.
Giving Thanks
This year, when someone thanks you for your service, I challenge you to thank them in return. Also, stop to take a moment to be thankful for the opportunity to serve our military. The military has provided you with the opportunity to defend and serve our nation, its people, and your brothers and sisters who served alongside you, while also forcing you to be physically fit in a culture of leadership. Being thankful provides a lifelong benefit of its own.
Question: What benefits have you experienced from serving our military?
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Photo Credit: A veteran holds an American flag in formation during a Veterans Day Ceremony, Nov. 10, 2017, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 10, 2017. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9555 took part in the ceremony. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Donald Hudson.
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