There’s a shocking amount of misinformation surrounding how professionals should work with veteran stories and the veterans themselves. Are you sure you’re not operating under some common, but ultimately harmful, misconceptions?
Key Takeaways
- Only use veteran stories with explicit, written consent, specifying how the story will be used and for how long.
- Avoid generalizations about veterans; their experiences are diverse, and treating them as a monolithic group is disrespectful.
- When sharing veteran stories, focus on the individual’s resilience and skills, not solely on their trauma or military service.
- Always compensate veterans fairly for their time and contributions when sharing their veteran stories for professional purposes.
Myth #1: All Veterans Are the Same
The misconception: “If you’ve met one veteran, you’ve met them all.” This is patently false and incredibly disrespectful.
The reality: The experiences of veterans are as diverse as the population itself. Someone who served stateside in the National Guard during peacetime will have a vastly different perspective than someone who saw combat in Afghanistan. To assume a shared experience based solely on military service is a dangerous oversimplification. For instance, a Vietnam War veteran might have faced vastly different challenges regarding public perception and support compared to a veteran returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. Even within the same conflict, experiences vary wildly based on military occupational specialty (MOS), unit, and location. A 2022 study by the Pew Research Center [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2011/11/03/war-and-sacrifice-in-the-post-911-era/) highlights the diverse range of experiences among veterans, emphasizing the importance of individualized understanding. I had a client last year, a former Marine, who was constantly being asked about his “PTSD triggers.” He found these questions intrusive and demeaning because they reduced his entire identity to a stereotype.
Myth #2: It’s Okay to Use Veteran Stories Without Explicit Permission
The misconception: Because veterans served their country, their stories are public domain or freely available for use.
The reality: A veteran’s story is their personal property. Sharing it without explicit, informed consent is unethical and potentially illegal. This means obtaining written permission that clearly outlines how the story will be used, where it will be published, and for how long. It also involves ensuring the veteran understands their rights and can withdraw their consent at any time. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when developing a marketing campaign for a veterans’ employment program. We assumed we could use testimonials from publicly available interviews. We quickly learned that even if a veteran had previously shared their story, we still needed to obtain their specific consent for our intended use. This included explaining the reach of our campaign and providing them with the final content for approval. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [Department of Veterans Affairs](https://www.va.gov/) emphasizes the importance of protecting veterans’ privacy and ensuring their stories are shared respectfully.
Myth #3: Focusing on Trauma Is the Best Way to Honor Veterans
The misconception: The most impactful way to showcase veteran stories is to emphasize their experiences with trauma, hardship, and suffering.
The reality: While acknowledging the challenges veterans face is important, solely focusing on trauma can be exploitative and reinforces negative stereotypes. It’s crucial to balance discussions of hardship with stories of resilience, strength, and post-service achievements. Highlighting the skills and leadership qualities veterans gained during their service—problem-solving, teamwork, discipline—can be far more empowering and beneficial. For example, instead of exclusively focusing on a veteran’s struggles with PTSD, a story could highlight how they used their military training to start a successful business or become a community leader. A report by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) [Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families](https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/) underscores the value of focusing on veterans’ strengths and transferable skills. We can also look at how tech and community can turn hardship to hope for veterans.
Myth #4: Veterans Are a Charity Case
The misconception: Veterans need pity and handouts. Showcasing their stories should primarily focus on generating sympathy and charitable donations.
The reality: Veterans are not a charity case. They are skilled, capable individuals who have served their country. Framing their stories solely through a lens of pity undermines their agency and reinforces harmful stereotypes. Instead, focus on opportunities for employment, education, and community involvement. Many veterans possess unique skills and experiences that make them valuable assets to any organization. Consider this case study: A local Atlanta-based tech company, “Code Warriors ATL” (fictional), partnered with a veterans’ coding program. The company hired five veterans who had completed the program. Within six months, these veterans were outperforming their civilian counterparts in several key areas, including problem-solving and project management. Code Warriors ATL saw a 15% increase in project completion rates and a 10% improvement in client satisfaction scores. The success wasn’t due to charity; it was due to recognizing and valuing the skills the veterans brought to the table. To help veterans succeed in the job market, it’s essential to translate military skills and unlock job opportunities.
Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Compensate Veterans for Sharing Their Stories
The misconception: Because veterans are “doing it for the cause” or “for the good of the country,” they shouldn’t be paid for their time and contributions when sharing their stories.
The reality: A veteran’s time is valuable. Asking them to share their personal experiences—often involving reliving potentially traumatic events—is a significant request. Failing to compensate them fairly is exploitative. This compensation can take various forms, including monetary payment, in-kind donations to a charity of their choice, or providing professional development opportunities. What constitutes “fair” compensation will vary depending on the scope of the project, the time commitment required, and the veteran’s individual circumstances. Before I began working with veterans, I made the mistake of assuming that because they were passionate about their cause, monetary compensation wasn’t necessary. I quickly learned that this was not only disrespectful but also a barrier to participation for many veterans, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s just as important to make sure veterans are getting all their financial benefits.
Working with veterans and sharing their stories is a privilege and a responsibility. Approaching this work with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to ethical storytelling is paramount. The most important thing we can do is listen to veterans, amplify their voices, and advocate for their needs, ensuring their stories are told accurately and respectfully. To ensure we are really listening to veteran stories, we must address these myths.
How do I find veterans willing to share their stories?
Connect with local veterans’ organizations, such as the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). You can also reach out to veteran-focused non-profits or universities with strong veteran support programs. Be clear about your project and what you’re looking for.
What questions should I avoid asking veterans?
Avoid overly personal or intrusive questions about their combat experiences, especially those that focus on trauma or violence. Never ask questions that could be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive of their service.
How can I ensure I’m sharing veteran stories ethically?
Obtain explicit, written consent. Provide veterans with the opportunity to review and approve the final product. Compensate them fairly for their time and contributions. Focus on their strengths and resilience, not just their trauma.
What resources are available to help me learn more about working with veterans?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [Department of Veterans Affairs](https://www.va.gov/) offers a wealth of information and resources. Several non-profit organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project [Wounded Warrior Project](https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/), also provide valuable training and support.
How do I handle a situation where a veteran wants to withdraw their story after initially consenting?
Respect their decision immediately and without question. Remove their story from your project and destroy any copies you may have. Acknowledge their right to change their mind and thank them for their initial willingness to share.
Treating veteran stories with the respect and care they deserve requires continuous learning. Start by actively seeking out resources and training that will deepen your understanding of veteran issues and ethical storytelling practices. This investment will enable you to work responsibly and effectively with veterans, ensuring their voices are heard and honored in a meaningful way. If you want to learn more about how AI can unlock untold veteran stories, read our recent article.
