Changing the Narrative: Military Spouses and Veterans Empowered to Shift Perceptions

A growing movement is opposing the dominant narrative that depicts military spouses and veterans as "broken" or "challenged." Kevin Schmiegel, the CEO of ZeroMils, a social impact consulting firm, is a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who is at the forefront of this transition. He is of the opinion that it is imperative to reframe the public's perception of military life in order to cultivate support and comprehension.

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At the most recent Defense News Conference, Schmiegel declared, "We do not believe it is appropriate to portray veterans and spouses as broken." In order to confront the problematic portrayals of veterans and military families that are observed in a variety of sectors, he co-founded ZeroMils. It is imperative to alter this narrative in order to address challenges such as veteran recruitment and military spouse unemployment. According to a 2022 National Military Family Association survey, only 9% of young individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 have expressed a propensity to enlist.

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Schmiegel emphasizes that the misconception that all veterans suffer from psychological disorders is primarily perpetuated by narratives that are disseminated by certain nonprofit organizations. He cited a Defense Department statistic that stated 62% of young individuals believe that all veterans have a psychological disorder, which contributes to a distorted perception of military service.

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ZeroMils endeavors to collaborate with corporations and nonprofits in order to alter this narrative and unleash the potential of veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses. Schmiegel underscores that the mission is not limited to the creation of jobs; it also encompasses the cultivation of a culture of purpose. ZeroMils endeavors to establish a more optimistic perception of military life by redefining the discourse surrounding military service, which will ultimately benefit veterans and their families.

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