Capitalizing word 'Veteran' is title earned, says Marine spearheading petition to AP

(KUTV) — A title that is earned but not recognized in print is something Patch Baker is on a mission to change.

The nearly 15-year veteran from the U.S. Marine Corps started a petition to The Associated Press to adopt the usage of capital V in written communication about Veterans.




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The AP style guide does not acknowledge the word “veteran" as a proper noun or title for a person who's served in the military. Baker believes that being a Veteran is an earned title as much as that of a CEO, elected official or active-duty serviceman.

He said, "Marines earn the title of Marine when they cross the Parade Deck on graduation day. Forever after, the title of Marine is capitalized and acknowledged as a proper noun and so should Veteran."