Q&A
Challenges in serving diverse veteran populations and adapting approaches
1:04:41
·
121 sec
Commissioner James Hendon discusses the challenges in serving diverse veteran populations and how DVS is adapting its approach to address these challenges.
- 71% of veterans are 55 or older, primarily from the Vietnam era or earlier
- The current era of veterans faces different challenges, with more strain on a smaller military force
- Women veterans are the fastest-growing demographic, with a 35-100% increase over a 2-year period
- DVS is working to calibrate its approach to address the needs of both older and younger veterans, as well as the growing population of women veterans
Linda Lee
1:04:41
And just really quickly before I pass it on to my colleagues is, you know, have you seen more challenges either in the cultural and linguistic aspects as, you know, we have veterans that are serving in much more various diverse communities and coming from different backgrounds.
1:04:59
And if that's the case, how have you been adjusting your approach to those families?
James Hendon
1:05:04
Make a comment, then I'll pass it to to Lauren and Ellen.
1:05:07
When we look at our veterans, you know, the was 71% of our veterans are fifty five or older.
1:05:13
So we have a lot of folks who are Vietnam era and prior to that.
1:05:17
And that's where the we got rid of the the the draft in 1973.
1:05:23
And so you've got a different population if you look at from that older group of veterans when you fast forward what we have now.
1:05:29
We're now the this era of veterans as far as like Jason and I, you've got a smaller military where we are, you know, we do we put more on that military.
1:05:40
Using contractors to do things that used to have servicers do so, you've got contractors doing things that would be considered you know, jobs that are not in harm's way, let's say.
1:05:48
We also have technology doing more as well.
1:05:50
And so with those factors, when you look at today's force, act the duty and guard reserves, I'm a reserveist right now.
1:05:56
I can tell you we get it as well.
1:05:58
You've just got more and more strain,
Robert F. Holden
1:06:01
if
James Hendon
1:06:01
you will, or more of a load being put on this young group of veterans.
1:06:04
And so it's about being able to calibrate between the older veterans who are our majority, but who may not have as much wear and tear for lack of better words but then also looking at our younger veterans who are a growing group that has its issues.
1:06:17
And then I have to point out the that our women veterans that that's the fastest growing demographic as well, that the number of the women veterans looked at over a 2 year period.
1:06:26
So we saw, like, 35100 percent increase.
1:06:28
And our number of women veterans, even though our veteran population is declining overall, our women veteran population is increasing.
1:06:34
So being sensitive to those needs.
Linda Lee
1:06:38
Thank you.
1:06:38
And I'll pass it back to chair Holden.
1:06:41
Thank you so much.
