When returning from active duty, many veterans go directly to higher education. With legislation such as the GI Bills in place, it's clear that this is an encouraged path. However, to follow this route, vets need to navigate the transition from military life to academic classes, with all the behind-the-scenes work that entails. It's important to ensure individuals are aware of the resources available to them and overcome the challenges associated with finding an ideal college program.

Solving the course credit conundrum
Time Magazine recently spotlighted an issue that has vexed some veterans moving from military roles into higher education: It can be difficult to receive college credit for skills learned while serving. The source noted that there are reasons for this lack of connection. For instance, there is no standardized framework creating equivalencies between military training and classroom learning. Furthermore, there are some key differences between what military personnel are trained on and what they might learn at a college.

Faced with the above disconnect, organizations have attempted to craft a happy medium that will placate both vets and schools. Failure to do so leads to absurd situations. Time recounted the case of Navy vet Steve Mayou, who initially qualified for no physics credit, despite the fact that he had worked directly with nuclear reactors on submarines. With veterans slowed and stymied in their educational careers by an inability to receive credit for training, groups such as the Council for Adult and Experimental Learning have pointed out the need for new systems.

Fortunately for college-ready vets, states are becoming aware of the need for recognition and taking direct action to create a streamlined approach. Time reported that 13 states are members of the Multi-State Collaborative on Military Credit. This is a working group designed to ensure there are better ways for vets to receive college credit in the near future. The source explained that every participant in the system has an incentive to make it work correctly: Veterans want a good education, colleges want a fresh supply of enrollees and states want the qualified new workforce members who will emerge with degrees.

Changing circumstances
The differences between serving in the military and attending college classes can be stark, and serve as another barrier between vets and a complete education. Thankfully, The Durango Herald noted that there are groups attempting to close this gap, too. Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) programs try to take the shock out of going from active deployment overseas to the less structured world of school.

The source noted that many different factors can harm veterans' college performance if left unaddressed. For instance, individuals who have experienced combat and the stresses that come along with it have a very different background from their civilian classmates. They can find it hard to relate and form connections at first. Mentors can also help military students cope with the fact that they have just come from an environment where they were surrounded by fellow service members who became as close as family. No matter the stresses facing vets, PAVE mentors help find solutions and get students on the path to success.

Service members come from a great diversity of backgrounds, and the veteran experience will vary somewhat based on these divergent origins. Therefore, it's worth investigating the needs and perspectives of different groups of veterans to find out how to better serve and honor these individuals who have given so much for their country.

It's to this end that President Barack Obama recently created a commission specifically to study and work with foreign-born veterans to ensure these new Americans have access to services and benefits that suit their requirements. Honoring all service members means ensuring everyone is receiving exemplary treatment, whatever that may entail on an individual level.

Serving new American service members
The official White House blog post announcing the new Interagency Working Group explained that foreign-born service members have made extraordinary contributions to the armed forces, playing a part in the long-term American traditions of immigration and building strength through diversity. Ensuring their adopted country gives back to these personnel is the commission's primary task.

Veterans born overseas are often interested in becoming naturalized citizens, sometimes during military programs such as the Naturalization During Basic Training Initiative. The White House posting pointed out that despite the existence of such processes, some service members still encounter too many setbacks during their quests to move through the immigration system. Smoothing this pathway is an example of a service the new working group can tackle right out of the gate.

It's important that during and after their military service, veterans are afforded the opportunity to live life well, the White House explained. The post quoted Obama's address to naturalized veterans and family members, explaining his commitment to their continued well-being.

"All of you did something profound: You chose to serve. You put on the uniform of a country that was not yet fully your own. In a time of war, some of you deployed into harm's way. You displayed the values that we celebrate every Fourth of July – duty, responsibility, and patriotism," the president stated.

Secretary of the Army praises diversity
A naturalization ceremony also provided an opportunity for Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning to explain how diversity among recruits strengthens the military and country. Two veterans were among those naturalized at the ceremony where Fanning gave his address, and he noted that the diversity of backgrounds among soldiers is one of the elements that makes the Army strong. Fanning explained that nearly 20 percent of Medal of Honor recipients have been immigrants, demonstrating that valor in military service comes from individuals from a multitude of origins.

At the ceremony, French immigrant and retired Army Captain Florent Groberg received "Outstanding American by Choice" honors, an award given to naturalized citizens who have given back to their adopted country. Groberg received the Medal of Honor after a tour of duty in Afghanistan and explained that his ability to achieve so much in service of the nation despite being born overseas demonstrates that anything is possible in America with the application of effort. These are the types of stories that have led to the creation of the new working group to assist foreign-born vets.

Affordable and available places to live are essential facets of creating a comfortable life. Without housing stability, families will always have trouble achieving peace of mind. This is why it's so important for government and private-sector programs alike to develop affordable homes for veterans to inhabit upon the end of their military service.

The transition period between active duty and settled civilian life is noted for its unique challenges, especially for veterans who are still very young, or who experienced physical or mental trauma. It's therefore hugely reassuring to know there is a comfortable and affordable place to live while receiving professional help to cope with the strain of combat and the readjustment period.

Sizable new housing development set for New Jersey
The South Jersey Times recently described a new project called Camp Salute, a several-unit development going up on former farmland in Clayton, New Jersey. The apartments will give preference to veterans and Gold Star families, and the developers have set aside 19 units for vets with disabilities. While many housing projects targeting veterans are designed as transitional spaces that will get homeless individuals into more hospitable surroundings, the company behind Camp Salute sees it as the next step – it's a permanent home for those who have stabilized their lives and need an affordable place to live long-term.

Camp Salute is also set to offer services beyond housing. A permanent staff of accredited claims agents will staff a resource center on the premises. Veterans from the region will be able to go to this center for help with Department of Veterans Affairs filings and claims, and seniors will gain a place to get help with Medicare, Medicaid or other medical program issues.

Developers of the property told the South Jersey Times that the advantages are numerous for veterans who move into their new apartments. For instance, the presence of many vets living within the same community could tap into a sense of camaraderie and create a great feeling of connectivity. The property's benefits include more general housing advantages, too, such as convenient access to transportation.

Racine project gets new attention
Another development with veteran preference is set to emerge in Racine, Wisconsin. The project to create 74 high-quality housing units meant for vets lost momentum this summer, but was recently revived by a different developer, according to The Journal Times. The apartments will replace an abandoned industrial complex that has fallen into disrepair, and are intended to include impressive amenities such as a medical office, a business center and even a patio for train watching. A private company is set to begin construction, bolstered by tax credits.

Permanent homes hold importance
The above projects are both cut from the same cloth: veteran-preference developments that will serve as long-term, comfortable homes for vets and their families. These projects have an important role to play alongside the temporary homes that act as the backbone of plans to help homeless vets and those struggling to find places to stay. While the latter kind of communities are designed to help individuals at their lowest point, the former point the way toward a more settled future.

In some ways, it's easy to think less about historical wars, and the people who fought in them, as time goes by. Decades have passed since World War II and the Korean War, and many of those who took part in these conflicts have passed away. However, in spite of the march of time, it's essential to let surviving vets from that era know that their service to their country has not been forgotten. One way to keep the bond with these generations strong is to ensure that honors are handed out where they've been earned, even though more than half a century has passed.

South Korea honors American vets of Korean War
Although there have been times when the Korean War has failed to attract the historical notice it deserves, the South Korean government recently took the time to remember and honor the American military personnel who served. According to Deseret News, a recent ceremony in Salt Lake City involved the presentation of Ambassador for Peace medals to 67 Utah-based veterans of the war.

The event came about at the behest of John Cole, a Marine Corps veteran. When he received the Ambassador of Peace Medal in Korea, he realized that it is an honor that deserves to be shared by his fellow vets. Now, he works with state organizations and the Korean Consulate to make it possible for others to receive recognition.

Participants reflected on the meaning of the service to Deseret News. Former Marines draftsman Gene Christiansen explained that seeing the progress South Korea has made in the decades since he fought alongside its military makes him proud of his time there. Army vet James Willis expressed surprise at having the ceremony after all these years and noted that it is a timely event as veterans of the Korean War are aging. It's important to let vets know their contributions are valued while they're with us.

Wartime Service Medals handed out in Connecticut
Another effort to give out overdue honors took place in Connecticut. According to the Hartford Courant, assisted living facility One MacDonough Place and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a ceremony for veterans from three different conflicts. Korean War Army vet Richard Hassett and World War II Navy vet Bob Steele are among the facility's residents, and the community's dining services director Edward Gorman III served on a submarine during the Gulf War. All three men received Wartime Service Medals, cementing ties between decades of service and branches of the military.

The ceremony also served as a remembrance for four veterans who have passed away. Four men received posthumous medals, two of whom served in World War II, and the other two in the Korean War. The Hartford Courant explained that Connecticut uses the Wartime Service Medal as a way to commemorate state residents who fought during times of crisis. The efforts these veterans made in wartime have had repercussions through the years.

Veterans from some of the conflicts that defined America and the world are getting older, but it's not too late to honor their sacrifices and contributions, and to let them know they are remembered.

Furthering their education is just one route veterans can take after leaving active duty. Moving from the military into undergraduate, vocational or advanced schooling can equip former military members with the tools they need to carve out successful new roles within the civilian sphere. With the assistance provided by legislation, vets are going back to school and realizing their potential. However, assuming current programs are perfect as is would be a mistake. There are still ways for individuals to fall through the cracks, and efforts to keep students on the path to good degrees and job opportunities are still necessary.

New bill meant to fight unaccredited programs
What happens when a veteran goes through a whole academic program, only to learn that the school is not accredited? This scenario could result in lost job prospects, and lawmakers are eager to make sure it doesn't occur anymore. According to Inside Higher Ed, the government spending bill recently approved in the Senate contains the Career Ready Student Veterans Act. This piece of legislation is meant as a way to block non-certified schools from taking G.I. Bill funds to train veteran students.

According to Veterans for Education Success Policy Director Walter Ochinko, some states require colleges to get their programs for specific vocations such as teaching or nursing accredited at the state level to make students eligible for state exams. When educational institutions fail to go through this process, they can claim G.I. Bill funds, teach veterans – and leave the graduating pupils unable to sit for their exams. Inside Higher Ed stated that when Ochinko studied 300 G.I. Bill-approved programs at for-profit colleges, he found 20 percent of them lacked proper accreditation.

Providing a specific example of a course of study that failed its students, the news source noted that Westwood College ran a Chicago-based criminal justice course that did not give its students the credentials needed to move into law enforcement work in Illinois. Westwood is now defunct. Furthermore, Inside Higher Ed pointed to the Federal Trade Commission's action against online college Ashworth. The FTC says Ashworth didn't accurately represent the credentials it could give out.

Other education provisions
The protection from unaccredited programs is only one of the legal provisions for veteran education currently moving forward in Congress. According to Military Times, the most recent omnibus veterans reform bill ensures war widows are able to claim some of the education benefits promised to veterans. Some spouses of military personnel killed between September 11, 2001, and January 1, 2006, were previously excluded from claiming educational credits, and they have now been added to the coverage. The education provision was among what the source described as a non-controversial assortment of items in the spending bill.

When it comes to veterans and spouses, education benefits are important and worth defending because they point the way to a more productive and positive future in a civilian setting. Legislators have taken action several times in recent years to work more educational benefits and protection into laws, and every time a veteran successfully makes the transition from the military to the workforce via a degree or vocational certification, their efforts pay off.

As more military members came home from service over the past few years, some might have struggled to find job opportunities that aligned with both their skill sets and their passions. For this reason, a large number of veterans have decided to turn to entrepreneurship as a means of supporting themselves and their communities. And in many cases, they've also found that those communities were more than happy to support them as well.

Veteran entrepreneurship is growing in both success and popularity nationwide, as an ever-larger number of former service members find fertile ground for their business ideas across the country. One of the big cities where such activity is increasingly located these days is San Diego and its outlying suburbs, because the region is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans already, according to a report from The New York Times. In fact, no metro area anywhere in the country has a larger veteran population. Today, veterans are 45 percent more likely to run their own businesses than those who did not serve in the military.

Why start in Southern California?
The reason so many veterans live in the San Diego area is two-fold: First, the climate is quite nice, and second, the city is home to significant military operations, the report said. In fact, many of the businesses veterans start in the region after leaving the military cater directly to these bases and both active and former service members. Moreover, the city of San Diego itself has tried to concentrate on fostering an environment in which veteran-owned small businesses can thrive.

Currently the greater San Diego area has dozens of services designed to help small businesses thrive, across a number of fields, the report said. But where veterans in particular are concerned, separate organizations exist to help them work their way through the startup process, which can include the tricky task of obtaining capital to get going in the first place. Often, vets may not have the easiest time in this regard – especially in competitive markets such as San Diego – because they don't have any real business background financial institutions or private backers might otherwise like to see. Training to help bridge that knowledge and experience gap can therefore go a long way.

"When you're starting a brand-new business and you don't have any type of business track record because you've been serving in the military, it's very hard to get a loan or find investors," Carlos Figari, director of the SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center, which puts together programs for would-be veteran entrepreneurs, told the newspaper. "If you are starting a company that's directly connected to the experience obtained while you were in the military, then you have a network to tap. But if you want to open a Subway, that's a totally different story."

Other efforts proliferating as well
Of course, San Diego isn't the only place where public and private organizations are working to help veterans get a leg up as they set out for themselves in the business world. At New York University's Tandon School of Engineering, located in Brooklyn, a number of vets recently completed a short training period of 14 weeks designed to help them start their own businesses off on the right foot, according to a report from the Brooklyn Eagle.

The no-cost program was created through collaboration between NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and funded by a locally based state lawmaker's office, the report said. Specifically, it works to help vets develop what their companies will offer to the world – be it goods or services – as well as some basic how-to about getting the word out with public relations, fundraising and so on.

The training effort is designed to help vets with just about any business vision hit the ground running, even if they're working in collaboration with other business partners, which they often are, the report said. One recent graduate was planning to launch a media production company, while another had developed a product that measures water quality and reduces waste, and others planned subscription services and emergency alert equipment for motorcycles.

When these programs work as intended, they can provide a massive benefit to many of the men and women who served their country but also have big plans for their post-service lives. And the good news for those vets who may have a business idea brewing in their heads but aren't sure of how to proceed is that such efforts exist all over the country. All it may take to connect them with a training program that can help them advance their ideas from concept to execution is an hour or two of online research.

More than 250,000 Filipino veterans fought in World War II, according to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. These men participated in some of the conflict's most intense combat operations, including the famous 1945 raid on the Japanese internment camp in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, which resulted in the liberation of over 2,000 prisoners of war. However, most never received official recognition for their service and were denied military benefits.

On Nov. 30, the House of Representatives took a step toward righting this injustice, passing legislation that would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino fighters who served during World War II, NBC News reported.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, cosponsored the bill with Reps. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawaii, Mike Honda, D-Calif., Judy Chu, D-Calif., Joe Heck, R-Nev., and others. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation into law.

"Today is truly a great day, a significant seminal period in American history – second only to the liberation of the Philippines and surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces on August 15, 1945," retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, chair for the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, told the news organization. "Now we can tell our veterans with pride in our hearts that this grateful nation has, at last, granted them recognition for the selfless sacrifice they endured in war, and restored their dignity and honor in service to their nation."

An unofficial force
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on the citizens of the Philippines, then a U.S. commonwealth, to contribute to the war effort. The administration armed civilian guerrillas and fighters enlisted in the Philippine Army, and promised them full military benefits and citizenship in exchange for their sacrifice.

One year later, these Filipino soldiers saw their first action, engaging Japanese forces, who had invaded the island and installed a puppet government in the capital city of Manila, according to the Los Angeles Times. The conflict ended in March 1945, after local fighters and U.S. troops collaborated to retake Manila and repel the remaining Japanese soldiers from the Philippines.

Despite their exceptional performance and immense bravery, the Filipino soldiers involved in World War II never saw the benefits they were guaranteed. In 1946, Congress passed the Rescission Act, which stated that the service of Filipinos "shall not be deemed to be or to have been service in the military or national forces of the United States or any component thereof or any law of the United States conferring rights, privileges or benefits," PBS reported.

Though the bill included more than $200 million to pay the Philippine Army, veterans from the commonwealth were vexed. President Harry S. Truman, who signed the legislation, later expressed regret over the decision not honor his predecessor's agreement with Filipino forces. 

Making up for mistakes
In the decades following the passage of the Rescission Act, activists and veterans lobbied the U.S. government to intervene and correct the mistake. And, over this time, many of the Filipinos who served in World War II passed away.

After years of hard work, advocates achieved their first victory in 2009, when President Barack Obama signed into law the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Act, which called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to distribute one-time lump sum payments to Filipino veterans who fought in their home country during the conflict. Those in the U.S. were eligible for remunerations of $15,000, while Filipino service members who still lived back home could receive payments of $9,000. The agency has received more than 180,000 claims since Obama signed the bill.

"…the proud service of many of these Filipino veterans was never fully recognized by the United States. Many were denied the compensation they had been promised. It was an injustice. So in recent years, my administration, working with Congress and others, have worked to right this wrong," the president explained during a speech at Fort Bonifacio, home of the Philippine Army, in 2014.

Earlier this year, service members from the nation scored another victory, when Citizenship and Immigration Services established a special program that allows those living in the U.S. to obtain visas for family based in the Philippines.

This recent bill marks yet another step in the U.S. government's effort to honor and rightfully compensate the Filipino soldiers who fought during World War II. Though only 18,000 of the 260,000 who served remain alive today, they will finally receive the recognition they deserve.

"Today's House passage is the culmination of decades of work by these veterans and their families to recognize their key role in the Allied victory, and their decades-long fight for benefits," Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who brought the bill to the Senate floor in July and oversaw its passage, told NBC News.

If Obama signs the bill, the House will make arrangements for presenting the Congressional Gold Medal. The award itself is scheduled to go on display at the Smithsonian Institute, according to congressional records.

When veterans return from active duty, they may choose to branch out  and start their own businesses instead of joining the everyday workforce. While it takes grit and determination to take the lead and start a company, this is just the kind of mindset honed by military training and service. These new businesses can take any form, and seeing examples of a few that have succeeded, as well as noting the funding methods they used to get their start, could be inspirational for vets pondering the same kind of move. Companies just starting out now have the potential to go far in the years ahead.

Social connections, apparel, coffee and more
CNBC recently spotlighted several companies founded by veterans starting up around the nation. For instance, 82nd Airborne Division veteran Raymond Collazo has launched a social network for members of the film, stage and television worlds that will help individuals staff their productions. The startup is not his first project on returning from active duty – that was writing a movie about a veteran's post-deployment experiences. The process of filmmaking, and the difficulties therein, pushed him to create the social network.

According to the news source, Collazo gained support from services designed to get veteran-helmed startups off the ground. A collaboration between the New York State Small Business Development Center and law firm Cahill, Gordon & Reindel smoothens the founding process, with pro bono legal services and consulting knocking down roadblocks veteran entrepreneurs may encounter in their companies' early days.

Another of the company founders profiled by CNBC, 17-year Air Force veteran Robert Pricipato, launched his two companies without working with third-party organizations, though he did note that his base offered such services. Pricipato's two new firms are in different areas, one in the coffee business and the other an apparel provider. They do share a link, however – both companies are connected with programs raising awareness of high suicide rates among veterans and aiming to bring those numbers down. Pricipato told the source being mission-driven is a great asset in entrepreneurship.

The right skills
Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families recently released a report on the connection between military skills and success as a company founder. According to the Salisbury Post, the study found that some of the abilities gained in military training – namely leadership and communication – can stoke an interest in leading a business. While confirming that there is a connection between veterans skills and founding companies, the study also pointed out that the challenges to becoming an entrepreneur remain. Businesses need capital and know-how to get going.

Thus far, veterans have done well in becoming company founders, despite the hurdles. The Syracuse research found that company ownership is more common among the veteran population than civilians who have never served. Also encouragingly, more women and ethnic minorities are among the latest wave of veterans founding their own companies. As for what's next for entrepreneurs with a military background, success rates may depend on the support systems that exist. For their part, the next generation of potential founders have the experience and abilities to succeed.

Founding a small company has become more than just a business strategy in recent years – it has been enshrined as a way of life. Entrepreneurs turning a bright idea into an industry-disrupting force have made their mark on many industries. Joining the ranks of these company founders is an exciting move, and it could be a great career pivot for veterans returning to civilian life from active duty. With the leadership, determination and decision-making skills they honed in the military, vets can tackle the managerial challenges of entrepreneurship and enrich their communities through bold and promising new business ideas.

The case for investment
Fortune contributor Chris Gosselin recently urged venture capitalists to back veterans' companies with their funds, explaining that former members of the military have what it takes to found great companies. The author explained that no one in the business sector is more prepared to lead than veterans, due to the intensive training they receive while serving. With an ability to focus on the mission at hand, military members are top-notch decision-makers.

Gosselin pointed out that some of the businesses that have dominated their respective fields were originally founded by veterans. From Nike to Esurance to FedEx, leading organizations have military experience as part of their makeup. The author explained that FedEx founder and CEO Frederick Smith credits his time in the Marine Corps with giving him the principles that have guided his leadership of the firm and its massive expansion over its history.

At present, the number of veterans starting companies is declining rather than increasing. Gosselin lamented this fact and explained that there are programs that can help individuals get started, including entrepreneurship courses and specialty loans. Getting larger venture capital funds involved could deliver tremendous aid to vets considering joining the field, and the results could be great for the firms that take the plunge. The author noted that venture groups led by veterans tend to invest in vet-led companies, seeing good return on investment.

Fighting veteran unemployment with entrepreneurship
Claudia Viek of the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity, contributing to The Huffington Post, explained that some sectors of the veteran population have significantly greater amounts of unemployment than the average. Women and young people are experiencing higher unemployment rates at the moment, which is the same trend observed in the nation as a whole. Viek noted that when opportunities for employment are scarce, founding a small company can help. Vets who begin their own businesses can create circumstances uniquely suited to their particular abilities.

In addition to gaining work in a self-designed environment, a veteran beginning a new company is able to target unique goals. Viek also noted that when vets return from service with unique physical or mental health needs, the standard workforce may be a difficult fit. Founding a company or joining a small enterprise created by a fellow veteran could place an individual in a more suitable setting. Viek stated that with the right coaching, an infusion of capital and connections in their target markets, vets can enter business ownership with confidence.

Taking care of a wounded veteran is one of the most important services a nonprofit or government agency can render, but these organizations aren't there with patients 24/7. In the end, a great deal of care is provided by caregivers, often spouses or other family members of the injured service members. Taking a moment to recognize the people who care for injured vets is important, as these contributions are too vital to go unnoticed.

Partners learn to help
Wisconsin Public Radio recently spotlighted Barbara McNally, author of a guide that gives knowledge and support to the spouses of wounded vets. McNally explained that witnessing a veteran's tragic suicide galvanized her to write the book. She explained that returning from active duty with a serious wound can be a surprising trauma, one that both the injured parties and those closest to them feel unable to handle or cope with. By giving out common-sense information, she hopes to help improve these situations.

Military spouses can have a huge positive impact on their wounded partners, and McNally wants to be sure they meet this potential. She recounted the story of a vet afflicted with severe depression. The vet's wife introduced him to a fly fishing program meant for military members. Husband and wife participated together, and he managed to reconnect with the world, via an activity he loved, and communication with other vets in the program. By knowing him well enough, the vet's wife put him on a track back to normalcy.

In addition to having a lack of experience dealing with mental or physical injuries, many veterans' caregivers are very young. McNally noted that there are 5 million caregivers helping veterans in the country today, and 20 percent of them are under 30. A young couple coping with a severe wound may be blindsided by the strain, but with the right mindset and some knowledge, they can persevere.

Treating vet caregivers
Some organizations aimed at helping vets make a point of acknowledging the vital role caregivers play in helping injured warriors re-integrate with the civilian world. Events planned to salute the troops or give out free services can increase their scope to caregivers. WHNT pointed out one such program in Huntsville, Alabama, in which the Salon Professional Academy gave out free beauty care to women who are either veterans or caregivers. The salon closed to the public and served 16 caretakers and two vets, giving makeovers ahead of the Marine Corps Ball.

Marine veteran Lori Martin explained to WHNT that the beauty care proved to be a helpful bonding experience for the vets and wives. Considering the vital role caregivers play in helping wounded vets – and the amount of effort it can take to step into that time-consuming position, it's heartening to see caretakers honored alongside veterans in promotions, giveaways and other events dedicated to saluting the military. While there are many great programs that provide assistance for wounded vets, spouses and other family members are still the backbone of the support system upon their return from service.