Sixteen million Americans—about 6% of the U.S. population—carry the title of veteran. They live quietly among us, yet their acts of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism have shaped our freedoms in ways most of us will never fully grasp. We honor them with parades, ceremonies, and endless “thank yous.” But what happens when the bands stop playing?
In this episode of What Do I Know?, we look beyond the public salutes to explore what life after service really looks like for veterans. Many face challenges that extend far beyond their time in uniform—mental health struggles, housing insecurity, substance abuse, and the physical and emotional toll of combat. Joining me is Navy veteran Phil Delgado, headmaster of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399. Together, we’ll unpack the VFW’s mission, the evolving needs of veterans across generations, and how organizations like Post 399 are adapting to support those returning from recent conflicts. From the camaraderie of the VFW hall to the quiet battles fought in everyday life, Phil shares a candid look at what it means to serve, transition, and keep moving forward.
💡 Inside the Episode:
💬 Why This Conversation Matters:
Our freedoms—speech, press, bear arms, religion, protest, privacy—aren’t guaranteed everywhere in the world. Veterans have defended them for decades, often at great personal cost. This episode challenges all of us to think about what comes after the parade, and how we can show up for the people who showed up for us.
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