years after my discharge. In 1975 when the Vietnam war ended I sponsored three Vietnamese refugees, a young man and an older guy with his wife. I housed and fed them for months while I got them integrated into our society (best we could). The young guy we got into the University of Minnesota, where he later got a degree in economics, and I got the older guy and his wife a job and an apartment. So many people were willing to help me with the job, furniture, clothes, food, etc. that I was overwhelmed with their generosity.
My point is that you don't have to join the military to serve. Not to diminish the role of our warriors but there are many others that serve our country in many different ways including the families of the Vets and we should thank them also.