The vets talk very little about their military experiences. Mostly I learn about the military from their demeanor. Polite, contained, well-practiced at dealing with bureaucracy.

I hear your point about "heroic" vs. "doing one's job." At the same time, killing and being killed aren't part of most jobs. ...thinks about industrial accidents... At least they aren't the main point of most jobs.

I think low pay and low quality healthcare are part of overall oppression. Poor men (and women) fight rich men (and women)'s wars. If soldiers were protecting us from real threats, they'd look a lot more like heroes. Protecting rich people's profits just doesn't have the same ring to it.