On this Veterans Day, we reflect on a sobering statistic: In 2024, the VA housed 47,925 veterans who were experiencing homelessness. (Source: VA.gov)
This number is a stark reminder of the challenges many veterans face after their service, including housing instability and mental health struggles. At VEG, we are proud to support our military veteran employees, providing a workplace where they can thrive and feel valued.
INTERVIEW WITH A MILITARY VET IN VET MED
We sat down with one of our Medical Directors and U.S. Veteran, Dr. Mike White, VEG Medical Director; US Army Veterinary Corps / Command Veterinarian - 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), to discuss his thoughts on this statistic. We also examine how VEG has found a way to say YES to support him in his dual roles as a veterinary professional and a member of the U.S. Army.
Hearing the statistic on veterans experiencing homelessness, why do you think this is the case?
For better or worse, I think the strain placed on Soldiers is very similar to those placed on veterinary professionals. In the Army, we use "service member" interchangeably with "Soldier," and I think this highlights the similarities between a service-oriented profession like veterinary medicine and how we operate in uniform. In each case, the service we provide is inherently taxing. We speak a lot about empathy fatigue and the toll that these jobs take on us. The wins are big, but often the losses overshadow them.
My mom was a nurse for 35 years, and she used to describe medical practice like being a soccer goalie: you make 20 saves in a game, but we only remember the ones we let by. Whether it’s veterinary medicine or service in the Army, we know the work will take a toll. I think tragedies like the rate of homelessness among veterans or the rate of suicide among veterinarians happen when individuals lack a strong support network or, worse, don’t feel comfortable communicating their grief.
We share these burdens amongst each other, so when we lose the ability to be vulnerable and grieve, suicides and homelessness spike. I struggle with this often—the Army (and VEG) provides so many resources for at-risk individuals, but unless you are willing to raise your hand and admit “I need help,” then it’s for naught.
What was the hardest part about transitioning from the military back into work life in the U.S.? What, if anything, made this easier for you?
Grass—I forgot how green it is here in the United States. Sandals made it easier. But jokes aside, I’ve been fortunate. I haven’t had any trouble transitioning, and I count myself lucky for that. Whether I give credit to my career in the Army or my training as a veterinarian, I’ve always been adept at compartmentalizing my work life and my home life. But at times when I do take stuff home—no one’s perfect—I lean on my best friend Meghan, who understands better than anyone the sacrifices we make and how much I carry on my shoulders.
How has VEG supported you in being an active member of the U.S. Army?
VEG’s support for me as a Soldier has been unwavering and unconditional, so much so that I’d call it a non-issue. As I commented during [our company-wide meeting], I used to be surprised; now I’m not surprised at all, because the support has been so consistent that it’s become expected. I would say it’s unexpected. But with this company, I’ve come to expect anything.
Whether it was my first Medical Director tailoring my schedule to Drill weekends, my current Medical Officer supporting my career aspirations, or my beloved Georgetown and Falls Church vet hospital families offering to babysit my wild minions (emphasis: WILD), VEG always "finds a way to say yes." Even (VEG CEO) David Bessler, who now employs over 5,100 people, called out to my wife at the airport to wish her well and offer support. At what other company would that happen?