I want to ask you something today: why are so many veterans struggling in civilian life? This may piss some of you off…
Let’s rewind. After World War II, the majority of American men went to war, came home after four or five brutal years, and reassimilated into society. They became community leaders. They built manufacturing. They became entrepreneurs. That generation helped drive the engine of modern America.
Fast forward to today. Only 14% of entrepreneurs in this country are veterans. That’s crazy. We’re struggling to get veterans into leadership, into business, into the rooms where decisions get made.
Part of it is math, veterans now make up roughly 1% of the U.S. population. There’s a disconnect between civilians and an understanding of what veterans actually bring to the table.
But there are two problems I see within our own community, and I want to be honest with you about both.
Problem #1: The Race to Be Broken
Our disability system exists to take care of veterans who were injured in service. I earned mine: 40 surgeries, shot multiple times, no question there. That system is supposed to be a bridge, a buffer, so you can get out and build something new.
But I’m watching too many veterans become consumed by chasing 100% disability. Every year, if you’re not permanent and total, you have to convince the VA, and yourself, that you’re still broken. That takes a toll on your brain. When you spend your energy proving you’re broken, you start believing it. And I think that’s quietly contributing to the mental health crisis in our veteran community.
I want every veteran to get everything they’ve earned. But your disability payment should be a supplemental safety net, not your identity, and not your primary source of income or purpose.
Problem #2: Lost Mission and Purpose
In the military, we had units that carried history, pride, brotherhood. The SEAL teams had a clear mission: be the premier maritime special operations force in the world. We had that. And then we get out, and suddenly civilian life feels chaotic, disconnected, purposeless.
Here’s the truth: your new mission has to be built from within you. Nobody hands it to you.
Mine is my family. I want to build generational wealth. I want to create jobs and opportunity for others. That mission was born the day my daughter walked into my hospital room and saw the sign I posted on my door. That sign became my launch point, a reminder of who I am and what I stand for, no matter what adversity comes next.
Your Assignment This Week
Sit down and ask yourself: what is truly important to me? What is my why? Because if you’re chasing purpose without doing that deep work first, while also caught in the race to be broken, you will struggle. I guarantee it.
But if you get everything you’ve earned, AND you find your new mission, your success rate is going to hockey-stick upward. I promise you that.
How We’re Helping
This is exactly why we built Turbo Vets, a free, lifelong platform that connects veterans to every benefit they’ve earned, from disability to employment to education to entrepreneurship. One ecosystem. Free forever. Your data never sold.
If you’re a veteran trying to figure out what you’re eligible for, or you know one who is, go sign up now at TurboVets.com
Let’s kill the race to be broken. Let’s find your mission. Let’s get after it.
Jason
Sign up for free veteran support at TurboVets.com because you’ve earned it, and you shouldn’t have to fight to prove it.
YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/Vs4KBvd5kqY