Questions to Ask a Veteran
Respectful questions to help you connect with veterans, learn about their experiences, and show appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
1What branch of service did you serve in and what was your role?
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What branch of service did you serve in and what was your role?
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Why this works
Understanding their service background helps you learn about their military experience and the specific contributions they made.
2What was the most rewarding aspect of your military service?
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What was the most rewarding aspect of your military service?
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Why this works
Learning about their rewarding experiences helps you understand what they valued most about their service and what brought them fulfillment.
3What skills did you develop in the military that have helped you in civilian life?
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What skills did you develop in the military that have helped you in civilian life?
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Why this works
Understanding their skill development helps you learn about the valuable abilities they gained and how they've applied them.
4What was the most challenging aspect of your military service?
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What was the most challenging aspect of your military service?
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Why this works
Learning about their challenges helps you understand the difficulties they faced and the resilience they developed.
5How did your military experience shape your values and perspective on life?
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How did your military experience shape your values and perspective on life?
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Why this works
Understanding their perspective helps you learn about the values and worldview they developed through their service.
6What was the transition from military to civilian life like for you?
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What was the transition from military to civilian life like for you?
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Why this works
Learning about their transition helps you understand the challenges and adjustments they faced when returning to civilian life.
7What are the most important lessons you learned from your military service?
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What are the most important lessons you learned from your military service?
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Why this works
Understanding their lessons helps you learn about the wisdom and insights they gained from their military experience.
8How do you stay connected with other veterans and the military community?
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How do you stay connected with other veterans and the military community?
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Why this works
Learning about their connections helps you understand the importance of veteran community and how they maintain relationships.
9What are the biggest misconceptions people have about military service?
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What are the biggest misconceptions people have about military service?
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Why this works
Understanding misconceptions helps you learn about common misunderstandings and how to better understand military service.
10What was your favorite memory from your military service?
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What was your favorite memory from your military service?
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Why this works
Learning about their favorite memories helps you understand what they treasure most from their military experience.
11How do you handle the emotional aspects of your military experience?
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How do you handle the emotional aspects of your military experience?
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Why this works
Understanding their emotional processing helps you learn about how they manage the psychological aspects of their service.
12What are the biggest challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life?
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What are the biggest challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life?
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Why this works
Learning about veteran challenges helps you understand the difficulties they face and how to support them better.
13How do you honor and remember fallen comrades?
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How do you honor and remember fallen comrades?
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Why this works
Understanding their remembrance practices helps you learn about how they honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
14What are the biggest opportunities for veterans in civilian careers?
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What are the biggest opportunities for veterans in civilian careers?
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Why this works
Learning about career opportunities helps you understand how veterans can succeed in civilian life and what support they need.
15How do you handle the physical aspects of your military service?
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How do you handle the physical aspects of your military service?
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Why this works
Understanding their physical experience helps you learn about the physical demands and lasting effects of military service.
16What are the biggest opportunities for veterans to give back to their communities?
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What are the biggest opportunities for veterans to give back to their communities?
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Why this works
Learning about giving back helps you understand how veterans can continue to serve and contribute to society.
17How do you handle the mental aspects of your military experience?
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How do you handle the mental aspects of your military experience?
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Why this works
Understanding their mental experience helps you learn about the psychological aspects of military service and how they cope.
18What are the biggest opportunities for veterans to continue their education?
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What are the biggest opportunities for veterans to continue their education?
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Why this works
Learning about education opportunities helps you understand how veterans can continue learning and developing their skills.
19How do you handle the spiritual aspects of your military service?
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How do you handle the spiritual aspects of your military service?
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Why this works
Understanding their spiritual experience helps you learn about the deeper meaning and purpose they found in their service.
20What are the biggest opportunities for veterans to mentor and support others?
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What are the biggest opportunities for veterans to mentor and support others?
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Why this works
Learning about mentoring opportunities helps you understand how veterans can share their wisdom and experience with others.
Connecting with Veterans
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Showing Respect and Appreciation
Show Respect
Approach conversations with respect for their service and sacrifice, and be mindful of their experiences and feelings.
Listen Actively
Give them your full attention and show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives.
Be Sensitive
Be aware that some topics may be difficult or painful, and respect their boundaries about what they want to share.