As we think about the nation's veterans today, here are some numbers derived from the 2010 American Community Survey to tell us a little more about them.

The call to serve has changed over the decades ... evident by the 9 million men and women age 65 or older who could call themselves veterans last year, compared to 1.7 million younger than age 35. 

7.6 million of the veterans in 2010 were Vietnam-era.

According to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, we are losing veterans from that war very rapidly.  They're in their 80s and 90s now - and dying at a rate of 740 per day.

Veterans are outpacing the rest of the population in terms of basic education and income.  92% have at least a high school diploma, compared to 86% of the population as a whole.  Median income for the average American is about $25,600.  For veterans, it's about $10,000 more per year.

Three states had a million or more veterans in 2010 ... California, Florida and Texas, but Alaska leads the nation percentage-wise.  14.1-percent of Alaska's adult population served their country. 

Regardless of where they live, many need help.  The survey reveals that 3.4 million of the nation's veterans had some degree of disability connected to their service.  For those who are labeled with poverty status, it's pinpointed to a disability for 26% of them.