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A brief perspective on what makes a veteran, from an OpenTable employee and current service member.
Veterans Day 2021 marks the 15th iteration of the holiday since I began wearing a uniform. For every Veterans Day in the past decade and a half, I’ve seen well-meaning community “thank yous” and corporate shout-outs. Given the opportunity, I want to delve a little deeper into who veterans are. I write from personal experience and my own observations. Nothing I write represents the official views or policies of any military organization or that of OpenTable.
To serve one’s country, and a greater purpose, is commonly parroted as a justification for military service. It’s a shared and valid meaning, but people generally have more personal motivations as to why they join. It could be familial tradition, societal obligation, or mandatory conscription. Many take the opportunity to learn a trade, seek adventure, or chart a path to higher education. There are also the less acknowledged entryways of judicial punishment and escape from economic misfortune. Whatever reason or combination of reasons that drive people into the military, it takes them on a unique life course.
Once you’re in the military, you become exposed to a separate culture. One that runs in parallel, yet partially obscured to the rest of society. The organizational focus is readiness and success in combat. Secondary to that there are humanitarian, peacekeeping, and sustainability missions. Among the hundreds of thousands of people that fill the ranks, there are hundreds of jobs in combat, support, management, or research that help achieve success.
It’s a common misconception that military personnel are a monolith, devoid of any character and individuality. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mission success will often depend on singular group focus. Beyond that, personalities shine and contribute to common goals. People do things in their own way. By the end of their service obligation, no one is the same person as when they initially joined, but they don’t lose who they are.
Returning to the “real-world” precipitates a major culture shock. There’s a lot of unlearning and reintegration that needs to take place in transition to civilian life. The friends and family you left behind may not be the same when you return. It may be necessary to rekindle the relationships, or learn to live with them as a memory.
Despite 20 years of troop deployments and ongoing conflict around the globe, there’s a surprising disconnect between society and the work of the military. Where politics drives a large portion of military discourse, it’s difficult to find genuine understanding in the problems we face.
The biggest support channel we have are other veterans. Closely behind are the allies which make an effort to understand and reach out to us. The shared experiences and silent acknowledgement of hardships bring a level of familiarity that reminds us we are not alone. As we begin and further our careers in the civilian world, we bring along the things we learned and help define who we are going forward.
Whether outspoken or reserved, veterans permeate modern society. Much like the populations we originate from, we fit into a wide array of social groups. We exist in white and blue collar jobs. We’re the women and minorities in the office. Workers with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. We could have families, or be single dudes with cats. However you find us, we’ll always carry that additional, uncommon, title.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of what it means to be a veteran. I’ve glossed over the internal and external struggles many veterans continue to face. Opinions will vary depending on whom you’re listening to. If you’re curious about learning more, find one and ask about their experiences. I’m sure most will be happy to have an ear. Essayons.
Martin Buitrago
1LT, EN, U.S. Army
Software Engineer, OpenTable
