[custom_adv] On the one hand, "I'm a sIn this episode we're not reporting on a story so much as taking a snapshot. We think that's important, too. [custom_adv] shortly after her honorable discharge from the United States Army that Assal Ravandi longed for a service oriented satisfaction equal to what she had experienced during her time as a soldier. "I need to do something," she thought to herself. [custom_adv] "I need my sense of purpose back and to continue my service." [custom_adv] In this enthusiastic state, Assal conceived the idea of The Veterans Awards (Vettys); an accountable platform to recognize the positive aspects of the veterans community. [custom_adv] the Vettys was produced for the first time ever and became the first community-wide event that celebrated various veterans projects under one roof. [custom_adv] ldier first," the refugee told us. The military community gave her a sense of self, and a sense of citizenship. [custom_adv] But that doesn't mean politics aren't important, and it doesn't mean getting up in front of a crowd of veterans to give a speech congratulating the new president doesn't feel a little strange. [custom_adv] The e-mailer who inspired this episode told Rupa he thinks veterans of color are feeling divided and unsure under President Trump, whom most soldiers and veterans supported. [custom_adv] He imagined immigrant and refugee vets might be feeling similarly, especially in light of Trump's travel ban. [custom_adv] He imagined immigrant and refugee vets might be feeling similarly, especially in light of Trump's travel ban.