We all know that everything’s bigger in Texas, and our veteran population is no different. Texas is home to nearly 1.5 million men and women who proudly served in our country’s armed forces, including the largest women veteran population in the nation.
These men and women – and their families – have made countless sacrifices to ensure that you and I can continue to enjoy the freedom and liberty that many in the world only dream of. And each year on Veterans Day, we pause to commemorate our veterans and their selfless service to our nation. But our veterans are greater than many recognize, and our gratitude should match.
Veterans have the skills and experience that employers need. In addition to their leadership and mission-driven approach, 37 percent of U.S. veterans have had some college or an associate’s degree compared to only 24 percent of nonveterans. Veterans also tend to have a lower unemployment rate than nonveterans. Unfortunately, this year’s devastating coronavirus pandemic has not spared veterans, many of whom now find themselves struggling to find work. While still slightly lower than the overall jobless rate, the unemployment rate for Texas veterans is up 30 percent over last year.
This Veterans Day, let’s commemorate the service of our men and women in uniform as we always do, and let’s carry that appreciation forward as we work together to show our gratitude not only in word, but in deed.