Second Pattern Today
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Tuesday, the 11th of November, is the day we have the privilege of saying thank you to the men and women who have served our country as members of the armed forces. My amount of respect for these men and women is huge. I never served, and I thank those who allowed me and my family to have a safe and free life.
When our veterans return from active service, they bring home much more than medals and uniforms — they carry the strength, discipline, and leadership that helped defend our nation. These men and women have learned to work as a team under the most demanding conditions, to stay calm under pressure, and to adapt quickly to change. Their experiences foster resilience, integrity, and a deep sense of duty — qualities that enrich our workplaces, schools, and communities long after their military service ends.
We salute our veterans not only for their courage in battle but for their continued service here at home. Many go on to serve as mentors, first responders, teachers, and community leaders, using the skills they gained in the military to build a better world around them. Their dedication reminds us that patriotism doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off — it continues in every act of kindness, leadership, and civic duty they perform. Our nation is stronger because of the values and character our veterans bring into civilian life.
Spend a few minutes browsing the following statistics, and you will see that the US military, in general, trains men and women to be successful if business and helpful to society.
Statistics show that U.S. military veterans are successful in civilian life in many key areas, including lower unemployment rates, higher income levels for younger veterans, and greater educational attainment compared to their non-veteran peers.
Employment and Income
Lower Unemployment Rates: The unemployment rate for veterans has been consistently lower than the rate for non-veterans for nearly every month since at least 2003. In 2024, the unemployment rate for all veterans was 3.0%, compared to 3.9% for non-veterans.
Higher Income: Post-9/11 veterans reported a median household income that was significantly higher than the non-veteran average (e.g., $80,000 for veterans versus $68,000 for non-veterans in 2015).
Career Advancement and Retention: Veterans are 39% more likely to be promoted earlier than non-veterans and remain with their initial company 8.3% longer than non-veterans.
Government Employment: Veterans are much more likely to work for the federal government than non-veterans (10% of employed veterans compared to 2% of non-veterans).
Job Satisfaction: A survey found that 81% of transitioning veterans were satisfied with their work, and 79% were satisfied with their ability to apply their skills and knowledge in their new jobs.
Education
Higher Graduation Rates: Student veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill have a 72% success (completion) rate in higher education, and their average GPAs are 0.40 points higher than their civilian peers.
Increased Attainment: A higher percentage of veterans had completed at least some postsecondary education (associate's degree or some college) compared to non-veterans. In 2024, around 5.1 million veterans had obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher.
Other Indicators of Success
Poverty Rates: The majority of veterans live above the poverty line, and young veterans have lower poverty rates than their civilian peers.
Leadership Skills: Organizations benefit from the unique mindset, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities that veterans bring to the civilian workplace.
While many veterans face challenges in transitioning, particularly regarding mental and physical health or a lack of preparation for civilian life, overall data indicate a high degree of success in key economic and educational metrics. (Source: Google)
The second pattern is Freedom Isn't Free word art. It is 10.25" long and cut from 3/4" thick wood.
The saying “Freedom Isn’t Free” means that the rights and liberties we enjoy come at a cost. It honors the sacrifices made by those who have served, fought, or even died to protect those freedoms. The phrase reminds people that liberty doesn’t just exist on its own—it’s maintained through courage, duty, and sometimes great personal loss.
Salute Veterans Pattern
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