What We Do
The National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military and Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to celebrate the remarkable contributions of military servicemembers, veterans, and entertainment professionals who honor their legacy. We aim to bridge the worlds of service and artistry, amplifying voices that inspire patriotism, resilience, and unity.
Through this prestigious event, we pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and creativity that uplift our nation — fostering a spirit of gratitude, remembrance, and celebration for those who serve, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes.
A key part of our mission is to help shift the national narrative — highlighting the positive, powerful stories of military and veteran communities that are too often overlooked or misrepresented in today’s media. We believe in showcasing the impact, strength, and humanity of those who serve, using the power of media and storytelling to bring about greater understanding, appreciation, and connection.
Scholarships
The Veterans Media Advancement Scholarship is a dedicated program designed to provide financial assistance to Veterans seeking to further their education and pursue careers in media and communication. This scholarship aims to support those who have served in the armed forces by easing the financial burden of tuition, books, and other educational expenses, allowing them to focus on their studies and career aspirations.
Targeted toward Veterans with a passion for storytelling, journalism, film, broadcasting, or other media-related fields, the scholarship recognizes the unique perspectives and experiences Veterans bring to the industry. Applicants are often required to demonstrate financial need, academic potential, and a clear commitment to advancing their skills and contributing to the media landscape.
By empowering Veterans to transition successfully into impactful roles within the media, the program not only honors their service but also enriches the industry with voices shaped by resilience, leadership, and diverse life experiences.
Narratives
"The combined military and veteran community — over 31 million strong — is a powerful part of our nation, too often overlooked in media, despite its potential to drive a positive and uplifting narrative."
"A review of media coverage on veterans and military members shows that roughly 40% of stories are negative, often focusing on issues like PTSD, homelessness, or violence. About 35% are neutral, and only 25% are positive, typically highlighting heroism or community service. Research from USC, Pew, and IAVA reveals that media narratives frequently frame veterans as "broken heroes," overlooking stories of successful transitions, leadership, or family life. Surveys show over 60% of veterans and their families feel the media emphasizes negative portrayals, reinforcing stigma rather than reflecting the full spectrum of veteran experiences."
READ REPORT HERE
Current Data
Estimated Totals
Active Duty
1.3 million
Active Duty Family Members
1.8 Million
Veterans
16.2 million
Veteran Family Members
12.15 million
Active Duty Military (Approx. 1.3 million)
Source: U.S. Department of Defense – Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)
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The DMDC publishes regular reports on active duty personnel by service branch and component.
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Latest figures (2024): ~1.3 million active duty members across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
U.S. Military Veterans (Approx. 16.2 million)
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS)
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The VA estimates the U.S. veteran population at 16.2 million as of 2023–2024.
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This includes living veterans who have served in wartime or peacetime, across all branches.
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VA Data Portal: https://www.va.gov/vetdata
Family Members of Active Duty (Approx. 1.8 million)
Source: Blue Star Families & Department of Defense
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According to the 2023 Blue Star Families Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey, and DOD demographics reports:
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There are ~1.3 million active duty members and ~1.8 million family members (spouses, children).
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Blue Star Survey: https://bluestarfam.org
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DOD Demographics Report (2022–2023): Search for “Military Demographics Report PDF”
Veteran Family Members (Approx. 12+ million estimated)
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, VA, Pew Research, RAND Corporation
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There’s no single database, but the number of veterans living in households with family members can be inferred from:
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Average household size: ~2.5
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Pew Research estimates that about 7% of U.S. adults are veterans.
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Many veterans live with spouses or adult children; some with dependent children.
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RAND and VA studies estimate at least 50% of veterans have at least one immediate family member living with them.
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U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov
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Pew Report: “The American Veteran Experience”
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RAND Study on Veteran Households: Search for "RAND Military Families Research"
