On Veterans Day, Americans pause to honor those who have served in uniform. But according to James J. Woodruff II, chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and an Air Force Reserve major, genuine gratitude requires more than ceremonial recognition—it demands concrete legal protections that safeguard veterans' opportunities in civilian life.
Writing in a personal reflection, Woodruff traces a 160-year legislative tradition aimed at ensuring that military service does not become a barrier to civilian employment. From the post-Civil War era, when Congress first extended hiring preferences to disabled veterans, to the 1994 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which shields service members from job discrimination and guarantees reemployment rights, the nation has repeatedly codified its obligation to those who answer the call.
These protections are particularly critical for National Guard and Reserve members, who juggle civilian careers with ongoing military duties. As Woodruff notes, they may be called away from workplaces and families to serve the country. Safeguarding their jobs is not just a personal benefit—it is essential to maintaining a ready military force.
The 1998 Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) added teeth to these promises by creating enforcement mechanisms. Veterans who believe their preference rights were violated can seek redress through the Department of Labor and the MSPB. Woodruff, who leads the board, emphasizes that this law transformed veterans' preference from a symbolic gesture into an enforceable commitment.
Woodruff is careful to clarify that veterans' preference does not guarantee federal employment. Veterans must still meet qualification standards and compete through normal hiring processes, though some noncompetitive authorities exist. The preference simply ensures that military service receives the consideration Congress intended—within, not outside, the merit system.
The chairman argues that recognizing military service and maintaining a merit-based civil service are complementary goals. Veterans bring valuable skills and leadership honed in uniform, and the nation benefits when they can continue contributing in civilian roles. Sacrifice should not become a source of disadvantage.
Woodruff's remarks come amid broader debates about veterans' care and national appreciation. Recent reports have highlighted systemic failures in veterans' healthcare and rising suicide risks, underscoring the gap between rhetoric and reality. Meanwhile, political clashes over honoring veterans, such as the Arlington ceremony overshadowed by impeachment fallout, illustrate the charged nature of these issues.
Woodruff concludes that the nation's duty to its veterans is as pressing today as it was over a century ago. Those who serve should return to a country determined to keep faith with them—not one that offers diminished opportunity. As he puts it, a grateful nation must translate words into action.
The views expressed are Woodruff's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Defense or the MSPB.
