U.S. Army Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, 733d Mission Support Group commander thanks an U.S. Air Force veteran for his service with a free limited-edition Veteran’s Day coin in recognition of protecting our way of life at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2023. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 16.2 million veterans in the United States, making up roughly 6% of the total population who have served. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

U.S. Army Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, 733d Mission Support Group commander presents an Army veteran a limited-edition Veteran’s Day coin in recognition of their service to the country.at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2023. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill proclaiming Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day in 1954, to honor all those who have served in the United States Military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)

U.S. Army Advanced Individual Training students from the 128th Aviation Brigade discuss what it means to be a veteran with Col. Frankie Cochiaosue, 733d Mission Support Group commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 10, 2023. The Army and Air Force Exchange Services recognized veterans visiting the Base Exchange with a free limited-edition Veteran’s Day coin in recognition of their service to the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)