Here’s a version that keeps your conviction, includes a small amount of political criticism, and keeps the focus on veterans, prostate cancer awareness, and your mission.
BEHIND EVERY UNIFORM IS A PERSON
Behind every uniform is a person.
A son.
A daughter.
A husband.
A wife.
A father.
A mother.
A brother.
A sister.
Someone who matters.
Someone whose family loves them.
Someone whose health matters long after military service ends.
As a veteran who served 22 years in the United States Air Force, one thing that continues to frustrate me is watching people praise our troops while too often overlooking the challenges many veterans face after their service ends.
We hear a lot about supporting the military.
We see the speeches.
We see the flags.
We hear the promises.
But supporting our troops cannot stop when the uniform comes off.
Our service members are not political props.
Our veterans are not campaign talking points.
Patriotism should not be measured by the words we speak. It should be measured by what we do when veterans come home and need us.
Because military service does not always end when active duty ends.
Some veterans come home with injuries everyone can see.
Others come home carrying battles nobody can see.
And some come home only to face serious health challenges years later.
For me, that challenge was prostate cancer.
As a veteran and prostate cancer survivor, I know firsthand how important early detection can be.
I know how frightening that phone call can be.
I know the questions that race through your mind.
I know the uncertainty.
And I know how grateful I am that my cancer was detected before it was too late.
That’s why I speak openly about prostate cancer.
That’s why I encourage men to get screened.
That’s why DeFeat Cancer® by ACCCOLPH® exists.
Too many men avoid talking about their health.
Too many men delay doctor’s appointments.
Too many men assume they’ll deal with it later.
But later is not always guaranteed.
Early detection saves lives.
I especially want my fellow veterans to understand that military service may affect our health long after we leave the military.
Some veterans may have been exposed to toxic substances during their service. Others may face increased health risks as they age. Whatever your situation, knowing your risk and staying informed matters.
Don’t ignore the warning signs.
Don’t put off the conversation.
Don’t wait until your body forces you to pay attention.
Know your PSA.
Know your family history.
Know your risk.
Talk with your healthcare provider about what screenings may be appropriate for you.
And if you’re a veteran, learn about the healthcare resources and benefits that may be available to you through the VA.
There is nothing weak about asking for help.
There is nothing weak about going to the doctor.
There is nothing weak about taking care of yourself.
The strongest thing many men can do is take action before a problem becomes a crisis.
Through DeFeat Cancer® by ACCCOLPH®, our mission is simple:
Educate.
Encourage.
Support.
We want men and their families to understand the importance of early detection, make informed healthcare decisions, and know they are not alone in this fight.
So tonight, pray for our troops serving around the world.
Pray for military families.
Pray for our Gold Star families.
Pray for veterans facing battles nobody can see.
Pray for veterans battling cancer.
Pray for those waiting for appointments, treatments, answers, and healing.
And then tomorrow, do something.
Call a veteran.
Check on a friend.
Encourage a father, brother, son, or fellow veteran to get screened.
Share information.
Start a conversation.
A simple conversation could save a life.
Remember:
Know Your PSA.
Know Your Risk.
Take Action Today.
Because serving those who served means more than saying “thank you.”
It means caring about their health.
It means standing beside them when they’re facing cancer.
It means helping them find hope, support, and information when they need it most.
Behind every uniform is a person.
Behind every veteran is a story.
And every veteran deserves the opportunity to fight for a healthier tomorrow.
Arthur Bendolph
Founder, DeFeat Cancer® by ACCCOLPH®
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