Terrence Hayes wants Black Americans to know it’s OK to serve your country.
In light of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, the press secretary saluted all who served and explained why Black people should be open to joining the service.
For all those young brothers who have never been invited to protect and serve this country, as you did for 20 years, why should they take this opportunity to join and serve the best country in the world?
I know when I joined, a lot of people were questioning, “Why did I do that?” Sometimes, it’s about finding a team that you want to be on that’s bigger than yourself. That’s what I found in joining the Army. I wanted to do something and give something of myself that was just more than me. I found that in the military, and I think there are a lot of young brothers, a lot of young sisters out there who are looking for some sort of team to join. I say, consider the military. Whether that’s the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, Space Force, there are several opportunities you can thrive in by joining our nation’s military.
This isn’t the military of 50-60 years ago, this is the most educated military we have. This is the strongest military in the entire world. Folks who join our military tend to come out well-positioned to either become entrepreneurs or to become civic leaders you see making a difference in our communities. Again, it starts with these young folks raising their right hand, stating the oath, and protecting and defending the Constitution.
I encourage any young person, especially folks who look like me, to give the military a shot. Use it as an option. But I guarantee you that you’ll join a team that is well beyond yourself, and you’ll continue that brother[hood]and sisterhood well into your adult life just like I am today.
What can we do to better support veterans and remove the stigma of mental health issues?
I think the average veteran will tell you they don’t want a handout. But they may want a hand up. Just an opportunity for them to show you what they are capable of. Whether that’s in the workforce, or in their communities, they just want to be able to contribute and show they are continuing their service in whatever capacity they may be in, and at no point, are they looking for some sort of handout. That’s just not how many of these veterans are built. And they’ll tell you that straight up.
It’s just showing that interest in what they have done for this wonderful country, and giving them that opportunity. If there are employment opportunities out there, veterans are at the heart of all of these remarkable things we’re doing right now. I encourage you to consider a veteran for those vacancies you have. You will probably receive one of the most hardworking, accountable, respectful individuals you have.
