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Get the facts.

Assumptions and stereotypes about veterans can make it more difficult for them to transition back to civilian life. Ask yourself how these facts challenge what you think. Share them with friends.

MYTH:
Veterans are not likely to be involved in the community.

The Truth?

FACT:

Veterans are more likely to vote, belong to a community organization and volunteer than civilians.

SOURCE: 2016 Veterans Civic Health Index

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
Most post- 9/11 veterans have severe physical injuries.

The Truth?

FACT:

Of the 2,726,102 individuals deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001:
0.3% have had penetrating or severe traumatic brain injuries.
0.06% have lost limbs.

SOURCE: US Military Casualty Statistics

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
Veterans are much more likely to be unemployed.

The Truth?

FACT:

Veterans are more likely to be employed than their civilian counterparts. But, veteran UNDERemployment is a significant problem for transitioning veterans.

SOURCE: Military Times

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
Post-9/11 veterans are conflicted about their service.

The Truth?

FACT:

96% of veterans who served on active duty in the post-9/11 era are proud of their service.

SOURCE: Pew Research Center

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
Veterans have all the services they need.

The Truth?

FACT:

Only 38% of veterans are satisfied with services in this region.

SOURCE: November 2015 Needs Assessment: Veterans in Southwestern Pennsylvania

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
A large percentage of veterans are homeless.

The Truth?

FACT:

There were only three unsheltered veterans in the Pittsburgh region in 2016.

SOURCE: Point in Time Estimate of Homeless Veterans

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
PTSD is uniquely experienced by combat veterans.

The Truth?

FACT:

7.7 million Americans without military service deal with PTSD each year.

SOURCE: Got Your 6

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
Veterans make good police, firefighters and mechanics, but that’s about it.

The Truth?

FACT:

Veterans have the same wide range of skills and competencies as civilians, but usually a broader depth of experience.

SOURCE: US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.
MYTH:
Most veterans are struggling.

The Truth?

FACT:

On average, veterans surpass civilians in income, home ownership, civic participation, and educational success.

SOURCE: A Snapshot of our Nation’s Veterans

RethinkVets encourages you to dispel the misperceptions about our area veterans by sharing the facts.