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BRIGHAM CITY — Researchers at BYU and West Point Academy are taking a look at how military service impacts income long-term.
In a recent study, they found Black veterans are benefiting more than their white counterparts.
They took a closer look at whether serving in the military was a good or bad lifelong experience. There were some positive findings, but there's always a question whether more could be done to help veterans.
Black history is part of America's history. That is part of the idea behind a powerful display at the Brigham City Museum.
"My father was a World War II veteran. Every fight for freedom, we were there," said Betty Sawyer. "We served with honor and dignity and we're not always treated as others with that same dignity and honor, getting the lowest of jobs in the military, getting the lowest pay in the military."
Sawyer helped put the Utah Black Veterans exhibit together as part of her role on the board of the national Juneteenth Foundation.
By reading the stories, you can see how the way Black people in the military are seen has improved.
"Often times the big picture hasn't been shared," Sawyer said. "The story hasn't been told to the extent it should be."
A recent study done by West Point Military Academy and BYU finds that after serving in the Army, Black veterans, on average, are earning between $5,000 and $15,000 more a year than their white counterparts.
Sawyer believes that's thanks in large part to the skills learned while enlisted.
"And it's good to find out that the benefits have impacted positively for some of those folk that went in. We know that's not everybody's story," she said.
Researchers said Black veterans are finding better jobs.
Meantime, Sawyer said it's important to remember that many of our Black veterans still struggle to access the services they were promised.
"Looking at that disparity of health needs and health services and benefits for black veterans is something that we have to continue to work on," she added.
She said all of us can work together to better help our veterans.
The Black Veterans of Utah exhibit will remain on display at the Brigham City Museum through Jan. 28. There are plans to have it shown at museums around the state afterward.
