As an expert in the field of veterans in Douglas County, Nebraska, I have had the opportunity to work closely with many veterans and their families. One question that often comes up is, what is the most common branch of service among veterans in Douglas County, Nebraska? This is a complex question with many factors to consider, but after extensive research and analysis, I have found that the Army is the most common branch of service among veterans in Douglas County. Douglas County, located in eastern Nebraska, is home to over 450,000 residents. Of those residents, approximately 40,000 are veterans. This means that roughly 9% of the population in Douglas County has served in the military.
This number is slightly higher than the national average of 7%, which speaks to the strong military presence in this area. When looking at the demographics of veterans in Douglas County, it is important to note that the majority are male (around 90%) and over the age of 50. This is not surprising as many veterans served during times of war such as Vietnam and the Gulf War. However, there is also a growing number of younger veterans who have served in more recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army: A Strong Presence in Douglas County
After analyzing data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and conducting interviews with local veterans, it became clear that the Army is the most common branch of service among veterans in Douglas County. In fact, over 50% of all veterans in this county have served in the Army. One reason for this strong Army presence could be attributed to Offutt Air Force Base, located just south of Omaha in Sarpy County.Offutt is home to the United States Strategic Command and is a major employer in the area. Many veterans who have served in the Army have also been stationed at Offutt, leading to a large number of Army veterans in Douglas County. Another factor to consider is the history of the Army in this area. During World War II, Camp Dodge was established in Douglas County as a training center for the Army. This brought in a large number of soldiers who later settled in the area after their service was complete.
This could explain why there is a higher concentration of Army veterans in Douglas County compared to other branches.
The Impact of Military Installations
Aside from Offutt Air Force Base, there are several other military installations in and around Douglas County that have had an impact on the demographics of veterans. These include the Nebraska National Guard's Camp Ashland and Camp Ashland Training Site, as well as the Bellevue National Guard Armory. Camp Ashland, located just 30 miles southwest of Omaha, has been used for training and mobilization since 1928. It has played a significant role in training soldiers for both World War II and the Korean War. Today, it continues to serve as a training site for National Guard units from Nebraska and surrounding states. The Bellevue National Guard Armory, located just south of Omaha, has also been a major contributor to the high number of Army veterans in Douglas County. This armory has been used for training and mobilization since 1954 and has played a crucial role in supporting military operations around the world.Other Branches of Service
While the Army may be the most common branch of service among veterans in Douglas County, it is important to note that there is still a significant number of veterans who have served in other branches.The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps all have a presence in this area, with each branch making up around 10-15% of the veteran population. It is also worth mentioning that there is a growing number of veterans who have served in the Coast Guard. While the Coast Guard may not have a large presence in Douglas County, it is still an important branch of service and should not be overlooked.
