Our Mission

When we swore an oath to defend this country and its constitution, we did more than commit to a period of service. We joined the brotherhood and sisterhood of Soldiers, Americans willing to give the full measure of sacrifice in service to our families, our communities, and our ideals. At some point, we all take the uniform off and rejoin those we have served, as Veterans. While that may change the clothing we wear, it does not change the people we have become. Our journey does not make us better than our fellow citizens, but it does make us different, special.

The identity built in service follows a Soldier back into civilian life.

Working together, we will reinforce the cultural identity that begins when a Soldier enlists, builds through active service, and then follows them back into civilian life. Once achieved, there are definite benefits for all of us. Positive recollections of Army service by Veterans improve future recruiting prospects. Pride in Army service has the potential to shape civilian views of what it means to be a Soldier, bolstering the connections between an increasingly isolated all-volunteer military and the communities it draws its members from. It can begin to reduce the stigma, popularized by the media, of the Veteran as broken, replacing that narrative with the countless untold stories of selfless service. Building on Veteran successes strengthens Army ties to States and communities. It counters the negative message that being a Soldier ends with unemployment, homelessness, and rising suicide rates. Over time it increases the Army's ability to shape policy and pursue its legislative agenda as communities and employers compete for Army Veteran talent. At the individual level, a vibrant connection between Veterans, serving Soldiers, and the Army has every chance of reducing a range of negative outcomes simply by virtue of creating a community that takes care of its own.

Just as importantly, those enrolling in Soldier for Life will realize tangible benefits. Whether that is better job prospects, connections to community services, or assistance with disability claims, we will demonstrate value.

We can and will make a difference in the lives of new Army Veterans. They deserve nothing less.