251 Years of Service and Taking Care of Those Who Served

Today, the United States Army celebrates its 251st birthday.

Since June 14, 1775, generations of Americans have answered the call to serve. They have defended our nation through revolution, civil war, world wars, the Cold War, counterterrorism operations, humanitarian missions, and countless moments in between. For 251 years, soldiers have stood ready to protect the freedoms we often take for granted.

As we celebrate this milestone, it is worth asking an important question:

How do we honor 251 years of service? The answer is not found in ceremonies alone.

It is found in how we care for the men and women who carried the mission.

The Promise We Make

When Americans volunteer to serve, they accept extraordinary responsibility. They deploy to dangerous places, endure physical and psychological hardship, and often sacrifice time with family, career opportunities, and personal well-being.

In return, our nation makes a promise. Not simply to thank them for their service, but to care for them when that service leaves lasting impacts.

President Lincoln articulated this responsibility more than 150 years ago when he called on the nation "to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan."

That commitment remains the foundation of the Department of Veterans Affairs today.

Progress Through Policy

Over the past decade, lawmakers, veteran advocates, and service organizations have worked to improve access to care and benefits for veterans. One of the most significant reforms was the VA MISSION Act of 2018, which expanded veterans' access to healthcare both inside and outside the VA system. The law streamlined community care, expanded telehealth options, strengthened caregiver support, improved provider recruitment, and increased access to urgent care services.

For veterans living in rural communities or facing long wait times, these reforms represented an important step toward ensuring care is available where and when it is needed. The legislation also expanded eligibility for family caregiver support programs, recognizing that recovery and wellness often involve an entire family. Recent research suggests that expanded community care has reduced travel burdens for many veterans, while also highlighting the ongoing need to balance access, coordination, and quality across both VA and community-based systems.

The Take Care of America's Veterans Act

As Congress continues to evaluate the future of veteran services, the recently introduced Take Care of America's Veterans Act seeks to build on existing reforms by improving benefits, services, and operational efficiencies across the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation combines numerous veteran-focused initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare access, modernizing systems, and improving support for veterans and their families.

While legislative proposals often receive attention for their funding mechanisms or policy debates, the broader question remains unchanged: How do we ensure veterans receive timely, high-quality care and support after service?

That question extends beyond Washington.

The Missing Link: Community

At Veterans Collaborative, we often say: You cannot have a centralized solution for a decentralized challenge.

America's veterans do not live in one city. They live in all 3,144 counties across our nation. The reality is that healthcare, benefits, employment, housing, food security, mental health support, caregiver assistance, and community connection all happen locally.

Federal policy matters.

The VA matters.

Congress matters.

But so do local nonprofits, faith communities, employers, civic leaders, healthcare providers, and neighbors. No piece of legislation can replace the importance of local access.

That is why Veterans Collaborative continues to invest in community-based solutions, referral networks, coalition building, resource navigation, and initiatives like Heads Up Vet. We believe awareness, education, identification, and connection are often the first steps toward healing.

The Next 251 Years

The Army's 251st birthday is more than a celebration of military history. It is a reminder of an enduring obligation.

Every generation has benefited from the service of those who wore the uniform, and every generation inherits the responsibility to care for them afterward.

As we honor 251 years of soldiers who answered the call, let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that veterans, service members, caregivers, and military families have access to the support, opportunities, and resources they have earned.

Honoring service is not something we do once a year. It is something we do every day.

Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Army!

And thank you to every soldier, veteran, and military family who has carried the mission forward.