With smoking prevalence among our servicemen and women estimated at 31% — far exceeding the current national rate of 19.3% — working to decrease these rates is critical. And as the U.S. Department of Defense now moves to implement comprehensive smoking cessation programs under TRICARE, this issue is at a crucial and timely juncture. Saving the lives of our young people and service members is vital, as tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in this nation.

In honor of Veterans Day, Legacy hosted a thought-leader discussion focused on smoking in the military and how curtailing tobacco use among military families stands to dramatically improve health, save lives and save money in the armed forces.