All I know that after six years in the Marine Corps and 25 years, 9 months and 27 days in the Air National Guard, including 77 combat missions in Afghanistan, and being honorably discharged, I qualify as a veteran.
Yes, you qualify!
It’s never too late to say “Thank you” to you and all others who served, regardless of what label is attached to it.
Yes you are and thank God for you.