Statewide, AZ – (Dec. 16, 2024) – In our Leader Lens series, we share the visions of Arizona leaders who are dedicated to strengthening the support systems for veterans and service members. At a recent Team of Teams meeting, leaders were asked: If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about our work or our military and veteran community, what would it be? Their responses provide diverse perspectives on how we can build a stronger community. Today, we spotlight John Scott, whose focus is on restoring interpersonal connection- a crucial but often overlooked element in the lives of both veterans and service members.

John Scott, Director of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, is a passionate advocate for connection within the military and veteran communities. He’s observed the gradual loss of interpersonal bonds as societal habits shift toward individualism and digital interactions. John highlights that people are increasingly isolated due to the prevalence of online activity and our modern lifestyle. One example of how this plays out in the military is that junior enlisted members have their own rooms. This can be a contributing factor to isolation, as it reduces opportunities for service members to connect in meaningful, face-to-face ways.

John points out that, these days, there are fewer opportunities for people from different backgrounds who share the same mission to mix. People of all backgrounds would just naturally gravitate toward activities or events because they shared a common interest – such as a sporting event, a concert, or even a gathering at a friend’s house. People connected in person naturally – not because they had to, but because they wanted to.  

The Vision: Rebuilding Connection in the Veteran and Military Community
John’s vision addresses an emerging challenge in our digital age: the erosion of interpersonal connection. He notes that even within the military- a space once defined by camaraderie and close-knit relationships- service members are becoming more isolated. Service members, especially junior enlisted, often spend time alone in their rooms, connecting to the world primarily through screens rather than building in-person relationships with their peers. While independence can be beneficial, John sees a critical loss in the lack of shared real-world experiences that traditionally strengthened bonds among service members.

John’s vision is to create spaces and opportunities that bring people (including service members and veterans) together, fostering real, lasting connections. What in-person gatherings can happen to draw people of all backgrounds together to promote interaction?

As service members transition to civilian life, and as we age, it can be difficult to connect with people to establish a new support network. Without the structured environment of the military, veterans often struggle to build the same kind of camaraderie that once supported their mental and emotional well-being. John’s vision is to counter this by actively creating environments and programs that foster meaningful interactions. This could include community gatherings, group activities, mentorship programs, or even simple spaces for veterans to meet and engage in conversation.

John advocates for a renewed focus on connection as a central element of support for veterans and service members. By encouraging interactions and group activities in person, John hopes to revive the sense of community that helps individuals feel understood, valued, and supported. He envisions a culture where connection is prioritized, and veterans and service members feel a sense of belonging.

John’s vision challenges us to rethink how we support veterans and service members in our communities so in-person connection is a fundamental part of well-being.

Further Reading

• We Asked, Amanda French Answered
• We Asked, Dee Person Answered
• We Asked, Lori Highberger Answered
• We Asked, Maureen McCarthy Answered
• We Asked, Steve Sample Answered
• We Asked, Sylvia Preston Answered
• We Asked, Tara Bingdazzo Answered
• We Asked, Thomas Winkel Answered
• We Asked, Wanda Wright Answered