Since 1999, May has been dedicated to celebrating the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel, both past and present. This month is National Military Appreciation Month, bringing attention not only to those currently serving but also to veterans and military families who bore the burdens of conflict, deployment and reintegration.
However, recognition during this special month should extend beyond usual ceremonial acknowledgement. The realities that many members of the military face during and after service are complex and enduring. While parades and public tributes serve an important purpose in fostering national unity and gratitude, the real measure of appreciation lies in policy, healthcare, and sustained support. A study conducted in 2023 shows that when compared to the general population, veterans experience poorer health outcomes. Consequently, after years in service, veterans find themselves suffering from physical and mental problems, often without full support to enable their recovery.
To mend the gaps, in 2022, with the implementation of the PACT Act, many veterans received benefits and free healthcare for conditions tied to toxic exposure during service. The VA processed over 1.5 million claims, totaling $6.8 billion in healthcare and benefits provided through the PACT Act. Although the PACT Act is periodically updated to recognize more toxic agents and diseases, investigations on the impact of this legislation on veteran health are still missing. Concomitantly, despite strong evidence linking various toxic agents, such as PFAS, to disease development in veterans, these substances and their connected illnesses are yet to be integrated into the act.
Honoring through raising awareness
Florida is the third-largest state based on the number of veterans, counting 1,430,000 from a total of 19.1 million nationwide. In terms of active-duty personnel, Florida has over 60,000 active servicemen across all branches of the military. Located in a state with a substantial military presence, Clay County houses 50,000 of the military force, including active-duty staff, reserve, and civilian personnel regionally, and a total number of 27,984 veterans.
Clay County is adjacent to Jacksonville, located in Duval County, and is part of the larger Jacksonville metro. Jacksonville also has a substantial military presence, hosting approximately 75,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel, contributing to 14% of the area's total employment. With a total of 77,175 veterans, Jacksonville is also home to the largest Navy force in the state, carrying a dark asbestos history during and after WW2.
For decades, Navy personnel serving aboard ships and at naval installations in the Jacksonville area were routinely exposed to asbestos, a fibrous mineral once widely used in shipbuilding for insulation, fireproofing, and pipe lagging. Long-term inhalation of these microscopic fibers is now directly linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer directly tied to asbestos exposure, affecting the lining of the lungs.
In honor of those who served their country and those who still put their lives on the line every single day, celebrations are planned throughout the state. In Jacksonville, a variety of events will be hosted throughout this month, including the Military Spouse Appreciation Event on May 9, Veterans Resource Day on May 20 and Memorial Day Observance on May 26.
Alongside these events, where the public shows gratitude to those in military service, the National Military Appreciation Month is also a timely opportunity to advocate for improved systems of care and access to benefits for veterans, especially those with toxic exposure.
Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for the Asbestos Ships Organization, raising awareness about asbestos exposure on Navy ships.
