Hampton Roads is home to over 217,000 veterans and each year 13,000 military personnel leave their respective branches of service and make the transition to civilian life. Though those numbers seem big, today, less than 1% of Americans have served, which is significantly down from 17% who served in World War II, and fewer and fewer civilians personally know someone in the military. What has evolved are often stereotypes of veterans as heroes or individuals struggling with critical issues, such as PTSD. This has led to a greater disconnect between the military and civilians, known as the military-civilian divide.

Veterans leaving the military bring with them a world of experiences that most of us cannot comprehend as civilian life and military life can be worlds apart.  It is these differences that may contribute to the challenges veterans face and separate the two worlds further when the goal is integration.  And, while civilians are openly appreciative and hold military service in high regard, many do not understand how to support veterans as simply citizens, our neighbors. “Thank you for your service,” though well intended and kind, is often the default for reaching out.

In an effort to help bridge this divide, WHRO interviewed veterans and civilians, who participated in Armed Services Arts Partnership's 8-week stand up comedy workshop-Comedy Bootcamp, to find the answer, "What is it civilians just don't get?" Through personal interviews, these videos may provide insight that dispels stereotypes, offers new perspectives, and provides possible “ah-ha’ or “ha ha” moments for solutions.