In a little more than two weeks, many of us will be elated to have a day off from classes. We have been going full throttle and have not had a second to breathe between Welcome Week and Homecoming. Many people might start their weekend early that Thursday, but I am preparing cards to send to friends and family who have served in the military. It is an opportunity to demonstrate gratitude.
In case you have not checked your calendar recently, I am talking about Veterans Day. The fact is that there are many veterans coming to Ohio State, Columbus State and Franklin University because of reforms to the G.I. Bill that make it easier for veterans to return to school. That transition is not a cakewalk.
Several weeks ago, I read the most alarming fact — at least 6,500 female veterans are homeless. I know homelessness is a huge issue for the U.S., but I had never thought about the possibility of veterans in that level of devastation. Among the homeless population in America today, approximately a third are veterans. In general, women are 24 percent of the homeless population.
According to the Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans, there are approximately 1.7 million women veterans in America today, and they make up approximately 15 percent of the active duty forces. Female veterans can be at risk for homelessness because many lack support as they transition out of active duty. Women are more likely to be primary care providers to children and when they have trouble securing housing, they and their children are at risk of being homeless.
I come from a family of soldiers. Men and women in my family have served from the Air Force to the Army and none of them ended up homeless. That does not mean I can ignore the issues facing thousands of men and women who have faithfully served this country.
I think about the legacy of more than 1.7 million women who have bravely served this country, and I believe I can make the effort for at least one day. Perhaps some of us will not send a card, but at least attend the Veterans Day events here at the university and in the city. There are countless opportunities every day to remember and honor our veterans. I hope you will take advantage of one of those in the coming week.
