Asking if someone served in the military can help connect them to veteran benefits and resources, education and employment opportunities, peer support, mental health care and more. It can also open the door for community and organizations to receive the benefits veterans have to offer. That’s why Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is launching the Texans Ask: Did Y’all Serve? Initiative.
“Do you know who the military veterans around you are? Former service members are a beneficial resource to communities, businesses and organizations. Also, those organizations may have services, resources or benefits to offer veterans and need to know how to connect with them,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. “Making these connections can start by asking ‘Have you or an immediate family member ever served in the military?’”
To access the many benefits and services earned, those who have served must understand they are valued as veterans, that they have earned benefits, and know how to find and connect with those resources. It is important for local communities, businesses and veteran serving organizations to know who the veterans around them are so that they may respond and connect with them appropriately. Further, businesses that employ veterans get a great employee. Businesses that prioritize hiring veterans may also be eligible for a tax break.
To help individuals, communities, organizations and businesses across Texas identify and connect with the veterans around them, TVC has worked with partners to develop the Texans Ask guide.
( https://tvc.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Texans-Ask-State-Initiative-Guide_SEP2024.pdf )
Dr. Blake Harris, TVC Veterans Mental Health Department Director and psychologist, states it’s important to ask someone if they served because not all veterans openly share that they are veterans or even identify as such. That is also why it is necessary to ask, “Did you serve,” rather than “Are you a veteran?”
“Military service comes with unique experiences and exposures that most civilians will never have,” said Dr. Harris. “Understanding the impact of these experiences and the unique point of view from which a veteran may be operating, is essential for providing competent assistance and support to the many veterans, service members, and their families across Texas. Being military culturally competent means taking the time to learn about what military service can entail, how this can shape an individual, and can help maintain the resilience that was fostered during service. The first crucial step in this process is taking the time to ask did you serve.”
When asking someone if they served in the military, it is important to approach the conversation with respect, sensitivity, and consideration for their privacy and comfort. Understanding the big picture means recognizing that military service can be a deeply personal and sometimes sensitive topic for individuals.
Dr. Harris noted that asking if someone served is a good way to start helping veterans in need. “By asking ‘Have you or an immediate family member ever served in the military?,’ you begin building rapport and understanding, these are critical steps in providing the proper referrals and resources,” said Harris. “Asking if someone served may also be a crucial step toward suicide prevention.”
Additionally, after asking someone if they served in the military, remember to thank them for their service.
Helping veterans starts here. The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC assists veterans with receiving their benefits, provides funding to agencies which provide direct services to veterans and administers the Hazlewood Act education benefits. Learn more at www.tvc.texas.gov .