Nick,

I think the standard definition of veteran is anyone who has successfully completed a tour of duty in the armed forces and been honorably discharged.


>>A LOT late but hats off to Jim and Dan. From a fellow vet:
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>><- Strategic Air Command, USAF, 1978-1982
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>>>A little late, but here is a Toast to my Fellow Vets!!!
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>Just curious about the veteran definition in US.
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>The Google search brings this:
>http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=define%3Aveteran
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>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.
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>However some references say:
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>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
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>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!