what is the difference between retired military and veteran
Veteran The most common usage is for former armed services personnel. A veteran is one who has served in the armed forces, especially one who has served in combat. The National Guard and Reserve is included. It is especially applied to those who served for an entire career, usually of 20 years or more, but may be applied for someone who has only served one tour of duty. A common misconception is that only those who have served in combat or those who have retired from active duty can be called military veterans.
Vietnam veteran In 2004, the US Census Bureau reported there were 8.2 million Vietnam era veterans who were living in the U.S.,[needs update] 2.59 million of them being reported to have actually served "in country."