>A LOT late but hats off to Jim and Dan. From a fellow vet:
>
><- Strategic Air Command, USAF, 1978-1982
>
>
>
>
>
>>A little late, but here is a Toast to my Fellow Vets!!!

Just curious about the veteran definition in US.

The Google search brings this:
http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=define%3Aveteran

Most of definitions point that veteran is somebody who have seen the active service - war time, any combat operations, etc. The same is true in Russia.

However some references say:

International term similar to "master" in the U.S. According to the IAAF, men become "veterans" on their 40th birthday; women, on their 35th birthday.
http://www.runnersworld.com/home/0,1300,1-0-0-439,00.html

I don't consider myself as a veteran, however I have served 2 years in Russian Naval Air Forces in the time of Cold War. :)

In any case congratulations to all veterans!