As we approach this Veterans Day in 2026 I’m mindful that in four years the United States census will do its 10 year population count.
This matters a lot to veterans because they have not been counted in the long form census since the year 2000. The census folks will tell you that doesn’t matter because they use something called an America’s Community Survey; that is a survey sent out to less than 10% of the population asking veterans questions. But in my view, it is no substitute for the actual counting of veterans.
In my view, America’s community survey is nothing more than an estimate. Often polls will estimate who will win the election and frequently they are wrong.
Why does this matter?
The veteran population is the basis for many programs that affect veterans, principal among them is the allocation of veterans’ nursing home beds. According to the VA, Utah has exceeded the number of authorized nursing home beds that the VA will help pay for. (Having the VA pay for a bed saves the average veteran’s family about $2,000 a month.)
I have spoken at length for several years to members of Utah’s congressional delegation, their staff and even local, elected officials with one request: that veterans be physically counted in the census. Sadly, no member of Utah’s congressional delegation has been willing to take this on. I expect that if the president understood this, he would direct the census to add this question. Further, I suspect that if the speaker of the House and the majority leader of the Senate expressed support, then it would happen.
I now call upon you, my fellow citizens, on this Veterans Day to ask members of Utah’s congressional delegation to ask the leadership in the House and Senate to demand that veterans be counted in the census.
If you are a veteran or know one, please encourage them to file for their veterans benefits — particularly if they were hurt or injured as a result of their service. Many veterans are eligible for VA healthcare but have not enrolled. I urge them to do so.
No one knows more about veterans and their particular health conditions than the VA. Service officers from the American Legion and many other organizations will help veterans with their claims for free. Please do not pay as you have already paid the price through your service to our country. I urge my fellow veterans to record their stories as it matters to your families.
Terry Schow, South Ogden