NEW YORK – The realization brought Qwynn Galloway-Salazar to tears.
She was looking for civilian work two decades ago after leaving the Army Reserves, but what she saw was the disconnect between her and the panel of interviewers. As a Black woman, she didn’t fit the stereotypes of who veterans were or what military service looked like.
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“They thought of a veteran to be a white male who served in Vietnam,” said Galloway-Salazar, who has built her professional life since then around veteran issues and working to increase the public’s awareness.
“I realized the minute I sat in that room that that interview panel did not know what the heck to do with me,” she said. “And I remember going to my car and crying because my thought was, what am I going to do now?”
Her experience highlights two important questions that society often overlooks: How can military and civilian life be so far apart in America? And how can this gap be bridged?
The Military’s Role in American Life
Military service is deeply woven into the fabric of American history. From the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, the military has played a significant role in shaping the nation.
While many Americans express gratitude with phrases like “Thank you for your service,” the reality is that most people have little personal connection to military life. This disconnect can lead to misunderstandings and stereotypes about who serves in the military and what their experiences are like.
The U.S. military today consists of about 2 million active-duty members, which is a small fraction of the total population. This is in stark contrast to World War II, when nearly every American family had someone serving. As a result, the burdens of military life often fall on a limited number of families, leading to a lack of shared understanding in the wider society.
Historical Context
The founders of the United States were acutely aware of the delicate balance between needing a military for protection and ensuring that it does not pose a threat to the republic itself. Initially, they favored a small, professional military, which has evolved into the all-volunteer force we see today.
This shift has created further disconnects, as military service has become less common across the population. Only a small percentage of Americans have direct ties to military service, which can lead to a lack of awareness about the challenges faced by service members and their families.
Bridging the Gap
Kathy Roth-Douquet, co-founder of Blue Star Families, emphasizes the importance of expanding the demographic pool from which military members are recruited. Many recruits come from families with a military background, creating a cycle that can isolate military experiences from the broader community.
Sheila Rupp, a military spouse, shares her perspective on the need for greater civilian engagement. “I think the average American really wants to support military families, but they often don’t know how,” Rupp remarks. Building connections with military families can help bridge the gap and foster understanding.
To truly support military families, it’s essential for civilians to engage with them, understand their unique challenges, and build relationships that transcend the military-civilian divide.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, reflecting on the relationship between military service and civilian life is more crucial than ever. By working to understand one another, both sides can contribute to a stronger and more unified society.
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This article is part of a series exploring life in the United States as the country marks its 250th anniversary. Click here for more stories and insights.
