Washington, D.C. – Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, gathered with U.S. veterans, defense officials, military spouses and nonprofit leaders Wednesday night to discuss how communities can more effectively apply the skills of service members returning to civilian life.
Roundtable focused on practical transition
Hosted in a hotel ballroom and organized by The Independence Fund, a nonprofit that assists critically wounded service members, the 80‑minute discussion highlighted a gap: many veterans’ leadership, communication and high‑stress‑environment experience are not being fully transferred to the civilian workforce.
“The world needs more heroes,” Harry said. “They already live among us. We need to value their expertise and experiences.” He suggested a forthcoming commercial solution that would reward veterans for their service rather than expecting them to volunteer without compensation.
Veterans share personal challenges
Veterans at the table spoke candidly about rehabilitation, health‑care access and employment hurdles. Retired Marine Corporal Garrett J. Carnes, who lost both legs, emphasized the importance of physical activity, noting, “I give all glory to Jesus Christ, but I am so thankful that he invented Jiu‑Jitsu.” Others called for better‑equipped health centers in smaller towns and more robust mental‑health resources at overburdened Veterans Affairs offices.
U.S. Navy and Army veteran Jason Wheeler described the difficulty of obtaining military benefits for a recent surgery, calling the experience “humiliating” when he had to crawl off a commercial airplane with his service dog. Despite being told he would never walk again, Wheeler has since walked over 1,000 feet and affirmed, “I will not stop the fight. I will not quit. We don’t have it in us.”
Philanthropic background
Harry’s involvement with veterans dates back to the 2014 launch of the Invictus Games, an international Paralympic‑style competition for wounded service members. Through the Archewell Foundation, he and his wife Meghan have focused on veterans’ services and mental health, including visits to wounded personnel abroad, such as a Ukrainian rehabilitation clinic last year.
During the roundtable, Harry praised the younger generation of veterans for expressing a desire for “purpose” and “service after service,” regardless of branch or country of service. He highlighted their moral leadership, communication skills and ability to thrive under pressure.
Local impact and broader concerns
Sarah Verardo, CEO of The Independence Fund, noted that Harry’s presence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center left a measurable impact on patients, many of whom reported feeling “taller and stronger” after speaking with him.
Jane Horton, a senior defense adviser who served in the Trump administration and is a Gold Star spouse, said Harry’s example of turning personal pain into public service resonated throughout the veteran community.
Harry also raised concerns about a small group of individuals influencing global politics and technology, suggesting that a new generation of leaders with less “testosterone” might bring needed balance.
Looking ahead
While Harry declined to comment on rumors of an extended stay in the United Kingdom with his family, his advocacy for veterans’ transition remains a focal point. The roundtable underscored the need for local and national stakeholders to create pathways that honor veterans’ contributions and address gaps in health‑care and employment services.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
