The Military Separated Me; You Cannot Connect Me

Abby K. Kinch; Jared S. Lyon

doi:10.21061/jvs.v10i1.561

The Military Separated Me; You Cannot Connect Me

Journal of Veterans Studies

Volume 10 (2024): Issue 1

By: Abby K. Kinch and Jared S. Lyon

Open Access

|May 2024

Abstract

Amid the growing population of the term military-connected to act as an umbrella for all who have been in some manner connected to the US Military, this paper sets within Veteran Critical Theory, with support from Pragmatic Theory, an examination of the linguistic constructs within the veteran, Latin American, and LGBTQIA+ spaces. By juxtaposing these seemingly disparate ecosystems, this paper underscores the need for the veteran space to glean insights from the LGBTQIA+ community’s journey in developing an inherently inclusive and adaptable lexicon, thereby fostering an environment that more authentically mirrors the lived experiences and unique exigencies of members. The paper discusses the negative impact of the term military-connected and its conceptual misalignment with the US Department of Defense’s classification of veterans as separated while discussing the severed connection experienced by survivors. It calls for a reevaluation of the lexicon, emphasizing the importance of accurate and respectful language in addressing veterans’ unique needs and experiences.

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