Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to honor those who have worn the uniform. But the call to serve doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Across the country, veterans continue to answer that call — leading in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities with the same sense of duty, teamwork, and purpose that defined their military service.
At a time when trust in major institutions is at historic lows, veterans continue to earn remarkably high public confidence. That’s why our partners at the With Honor Institute joined with Gallup to launch a landmark study measuring public trust in veterans as a unifying force across America’s political divisions.
The Gallup–With Honor survey of more than 2,000 adults found that 55 percent of Americans are more likely to vote for a candidate with military experience. In contrast, only 7 percent say it would make them less likely. That trust doesn’t come from politics — it comes from experience.
Veterans have consistently proven they can lead under pressure and work towards a shared mission. Eighty-two percent of Americans say veterans demonstrate strong leadership skills. Seventy-eight percent believe they put the nation’s interests ahead of their own. And nearly as many agree they know how to bridge divides and work across differences. These qualities, shaped by service and sacrifice, remain essential to the health of our democracy.
Service That Continues
Today’s generation of veterans is carrying that ethos into new forms of service. In Congress, the 37 veteran members of the For Country Caucus are working across the aisle on issues that strengthen our country and support those who serve. Representatives Don Bacon and Chrissy Houlahan, for example, joined forces to deliver the most significant pay raise for junior enlisted service members in decades. Senators Todd Young and Mark Kelly are advancing bipartisan legislation to rebuild America’s shipbuilding capacity — a critical investment in national security and economic growth.
These leaders demonstrate that principled service doesn’t end when military service does. It simply takes on new forms.
Veterans as Bridge Builders
The Gallup–With Honor study also found that Americans trust veterans well beyond the ballot box. Eighty-three percent trust veterans to lead disaster response efforts. Seventy percent trust them to help shape foreign policy. Sixty-eight percent trust them to serve effectively in community leadership roles. From city halls to Capitol Hill, veterans are viewed as steady, solutions-oriented leaders.
A Call to Lead Once More
That trust is being met with action. Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, With Honor is tracking 474 verified veteran candidates running in federal races nationwide — 395 for the House and 79 for the Senate. With more than seven months to go before final filing deadlines, veterans are on pace to surpass the 513 candidates who ran in last year’s elections.
These men and women are stepping forward to serve again, this time in a different uniform. Their sense of duty, discipline, and results-oriented approach can help restore civility and purpose to our governance. But they can’t do it alone. They need a nation willing to support leaders who put the country above party and service above self-interest.
This Veterans Day, let’s do more than express gratitude. Let’s support veterans as they continue to serve — leading our communities, strengthening our democracy, and reminding us that unity is still possible. When veterans lead, America is stronger, steadier, and more united.