Veterans Day: A Tribute to America's Heroes

By  Dr. Janette Nesheiwat 

November 11, 2024   8:35am EST

This is not just a photo of a beauty queen hugging an Army Soldier on the tarmac in Baghdad.  These are my two sisters and here is the story behind this photo. 

Veterans Day is a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who served our great nation. Today,  we honor our veterans—those who have stood in defense of freedom and embodied the principles of courage, resilience, and loyalty that define America.

Like many Americans, my family is filled with veterans, each representing the spirit of service that has protected our country across generations. My brother in law, Mike Waltz, served as a Green Beret, my cousin David served in the Navy; my uncle Jamal fought in the Korean War; and another Uncle Hissam, serves in the Air Force. However, two of my sisters share a particularly poignant bond that reflects the depth of this commitment. 

Years ago, my sister Jaclyn Stapp, Miss USA New York, visited our American troops in Iraq. During that trip, she met our sister, Captain Julia Nesheiwat, a U.S. Army military intelligence officer stationed in Baghdad.  In a powerful moment captured on camera, Jaclyn embraced Julia on the tarmac, symbolizing the strength and unity that our military families provide one another.

For veterans and their families, service extends far beyond enlistment. It means facing unimaginable risks, enduring long separations, and committing to a life of duty and servitude even when it demands personal sacrifice. Our veterans give everything, whether fighting overseas or rebuilding their lives back home, and their commitment does not end when they return from service.

Today, over 18 million veterans live among us. They carry with them the experiences of combat offering an invaluable living testament to history.   Yet, sometimes their sacrifices go unseen. The injuries they bear, whether physical or psychological, remind us that the cost of freedom is steep.  

Today, veterans are about 7% of our adult population. The largest group of living veterans served in the Vietnam War, followed by Veterans of the Gulf War and then post 9/11 wars.  Nearly 1/3 of veterans have a disability related to their service like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,  Traumatic Brain injury, anxiety, depression or a combination of these ailments.  Addressing these complex issues require  a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to mental health services, providing specialized support and raising awareness to reduce the stigma around mental health.  Every day approxmately 17 veterans die by suicide according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Improving access to  healthcare and provide ongoing effective support to our incredible veterans help lower this statistic. This Veterans Day, let's renew our commitment to them. Let’s not only express our gratitude but also support the programs that help veterans transition smoothly back into civilian life. Whether it's ensuring accessible healthcare, providing mental health resources, or helping vets reenter the workforce, we owe it to them to be a nation worthy of their sacrifice.  For some veterans, the challenge extends beyond their time in service.  Many return home bearing physical and emotional scars, often requiring support that acknowledges the depth of their sacrifice. As a medical doctor, I recognize the importance of accessible healthcare for our veterans. It is a top priority  

To all who have served and continue to serve, thank you. Your courage is the backbone of our freedom. God bless our veterans, their families, and our beloved country.

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat 

photos of family veterans