Everyday Heroes: Honoring Veterans from All Walks of Service with Northerner × GOVX
Every year, on November 11, we pause to reflect on what it means to serve. But Veterans Day is more than a remembrance. It’s a recognition of the people who have worn the badge, the uniform, and the turnout gear. It honors those who once stood on the frontlines and who carry that spirit of service with them long after their official duty ends.
Here at Northerner, we proudly celebrate these everyday heroes from all walks of service. We also recognize that the high-pressure nature of these jobs can lead to an unhealthy relationship with tobacco, even beyond active duty. Through our partnership with GOVX, we offer all age-verified and registered members 25% off their nicotine pouch purchases on our site. It's just one way we try to turn our gratitude for their selflessness into something tangible, opening up a world of tobacco leaf-free possibilities.
Key Takeaways
- The meaning of “veteran” extends beyond military service. It includes former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals who have dedicated themselves to keeping others safe.
- The latest census data reported over 18 million U.S. military veterans, making up nearly 7% of the adult population.
- Many veterans transition from military to civilian service—joining police departments, firehouses, and EMS agencies—continuing their commitment to protect and serve their communities.
- According to The Marshall Project, about 1 in 5 police officers and nearly 1 in 5 firefighters have military backgrounds, reflecting a shared sense of duty that can span multiple careers.
The Harsh Reality Behind Service: Stress & Tobacco
For many veterans—military and civilian—the challenges of service extend beyond their years on duty. Dealing with the demands of a regimented culture and high-pressure situations on a daily basis can shape habits long after retirement, including tobacco use.
What the Data Shows
- The CDC notes, that among military veterans, 29% report currently using a tobacco product with 21.6% smoking cigarettes—notably higher than the civilian average.
- Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare have shown progress, with smoking rates dropping to 13.3% in 2020—nearly half the rate of two decades earlier, as outlined in a report from the Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Studies also show that former police and fire service veterans exhibit higher historical rates of tobacco use driven by occupational stress, the nature of shift work, and cultural factors within those professions.
- These insights reveal not only the lasting impact of service but also the ongoing journey many veterans face. From managing stress and finding work/life balance, to exploring smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches as part of new routines.
Northerner & GOVX: Partnership with Purpose
Our partnership with GOVX allows Northerner to extend exclusive savings to verified veterans—including former military members, retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs.
At Northerner, we believe this service and sacrifice deserves recognition that’s more than symbolic. Our partnership with GOVX is our way of saying thank you—not just in words, but in action.
VP of Retention at Northerner
Are you eligible for the GOVX discount? Read up on the T’s & C’s or sign up today to start saving on your next order.
A Shared Legacy of Service
Veterans Day reminds us that service doesn’t end, it evolves. It’s the former police officer mentoring young recruits. The retired firefighter volunteering in their community. The combat veteran organizing support for others who’ve walked the same path.
These are the stories that bind us—stories of courage, perseverance, and purpose that transcend uniforms.
From all of us at Northerner, we want to thank you for your service, your strength, and your ongoing dedication to others.
