Our membership is based on the government definition of veteran, and I would like to return to the idea that a veteran is a veteran is a veteran later on. But yes, in that sense, all veterans can join, but there is no provision for civilians at this time with service in operational areas, as you suggest. Civilians may be associate members; however, now that you have mentioned it, I want to take this under advisement and approach my association with that thought.
On June 14th, 2007. See this statement in context.