I'm curious if there's a misunderstanding of terms here. She served in the U.S. Army as a social worker; one whose duty it was to deal with the psychological work involved with people who did things such as shot themselves in the foot to get out or became overly stressed. She served a term throughout the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. I can't really give you an accurate figure as to how long she served, though. Both of my parents would rather forget it: father through trauma and mother angered at the way she experienced being looked down upon due to the thoughts on the war at the time. I do know it was certainly longer than 180 days, though. Very much so.
I know there's the definition by law, but there's plenty of combat veterans I've encountered that say calling her any kind of a veteran is a "disgrace" to them. They're just too macho about it; maybe they deserve to be, but I don't agree with them.
The misunderstanding is that you stated her occupation within the Army originally, not the fact that she was in the Army. Your not just a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman. You have a job specification. Infantryman, Jet Engine Mech, Administrative Chief.. so on and so forth. These are only job titles, and they do not restrict anyone from being considered a "Vet". A "Vet" is someone that served their country Honorably, for at least 180 active days..with some other small requirements.
A "Combat Vet" or "Campaign Vet" is someone that served in a combat/campaign during a time of war/conflict. There is little difference in the actually rewards for the titles other then Combat Vets get a higher score they can use to obtain other federal/government jobs upon leaving the military. If a prior military/active military person is saying your mother after her tour of duty in the service is not a "Vet" then they are simply being pigheaded and overall retarded. Many of them may as well not seen combat and where clerks in admin, you never know. It is their ego's talking because they do not want to be grouped with women in a title they believe is reserved only for them.
I would ignore it and move on. She served, that's all there is to it.
