What would your world look life it veterans hadn’t sacrificed?

Veterans, whether airmen, sailors, Marines or soldiers, are all devoted to a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor. They are proud of a heritage rooted in a cause greater than themselves: freedom.

Veterans embraced a calling to protect and defend our Constitution and our nation’s democratic principles, and in so doing, extend that commitment to friends and allies across the world. Far too many have paid the ultimate price so those remaining may enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice.

The world and our precious lifestyle could have been much different today had Nazism, communism or terrorism prevailed. Veterans understand that, as well as the risks and sacrifices required to stop it from happening. They don’t consider themselves heroes. They are warriors with a mission they pledged to accomplish, and indeed they have.

Over the last four decades, our nation has been protected by an all-volunteer force. These are men and women driven by a sense of duty and devotion to our country. This brave and intrepid cadre of citizens today represents less than one-half of 1 percent of the U.S. population. And they come from all walks of life. Yet they have become a melting pot of audacity second to none, feared by enemies and respected by allies.

Veterans are service-oriented, and this attribute does not dissipate at the end of their military commitment. They go on to employ their gained talents, traits and skills for the betterment of our educational system; our medical, technological and scientific knowhow; our public service; and our community at large. Corporate America thrives with military veterans’ entrepreneurship, expertise and loyal service.

San Antonio has benefited from that reservoir of talent. Bill Greehey ascended from airman basic in the Air Force to lead Valero and Nu Star Energy as CEO and chairman of their boards. Retired Army Maj. Gen. Joe Robles followed a similar path to become president and CEO of USAA. Former Mayor Phil Hardberger served as a pilot in the Air Force. District 10 City Councilman Clayton Perry is a retired lieutenant colonel civil engineer. Our city’s director of Military and Veterans Affairs is retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala. The list goes on and on.

The debt of gratitude is immense. President Ronald Reagan alluded to its magnitude in 1985 remarks: “What they gave us is beyond our power to repay.” President Barack Obama shared that sentiment and added, “It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It’s about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they have earned when they come home.”

His message was unmistakable. The way veterans were treated after carrying out the constitutionally sanctioned orders of their political leaders during the Vietnam War should remain an aberration from the utmost respect and admiration our country has historically reserved for our men and women in uniform.

Military City, USA, should pride itself on being a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of kindness for veterans, especially those enduring hardships beyond their control. As the gateway to service in the Air Force and as a multiservice training center for multiple military disciplines, San Antonio should be at the forefront of every initiative aimed at improving the well-being of our veterans.

Veteran homelessness has become a major concern. Reportedly, last year, more than 40,000 veterans were facing this dreadful condition. Texas accounted for 2,000 of them, and more than 300 meandered the streets, sidewalks and parks of our city.

Something is wrong with this picture. Continuous engagement is required to secure shelter and food for these deserving patriots.

Modern war scenarios have had devastating physical and mental effects on our troops. Technology has made it possible for warriors to survive their injuries, but traumatic amputations and brain impairments have left troubling mental scars, leading to debilitating mental health disorders and substance abuse. On average, 20 veterans commit suicide daily. This needs to stop.

Military services continue to struggle with issues of sexual assault. Veterans Affairs reports 1 in 4 female veterans experiences sexual traumas. Unacceptable. More accountability is required.

Let’s pay our debt of gratitude with actions. Let’s honor our veterans every day of the year.