New York City's Veterans Affairs Commissioner James Hendon appeared on "Mornings On 1" Friday to highlight the work undertaken by the agency in supporting retired and active service members. 

With Veterans Day approaching Saturday, and more than 200,000 veterans residing in the city, Hendon emphasized the agency's commitment to recognizing and repaying the debt owed to those who have served. 

“We feel like the debt we owe to those who served is so great that it transcends life. So even in the next life, we continue to pay honor to these individuals, and that's what we do at times like Veterans Day,” he said. 

While many veterans call the five boroughs home, Hendon said there has been issues with reaching out to those who need support. 

“A huge issue is that many of our veterans don't self-identify. In this city, it's just under one out of four. So you see me, you have three other veterans who don’t actively tell folks that they have served,” he said. 

Hendon stressed the importance of outreach, but acknowledged the humility often seen in veterans, saying, "We're so humble. We say, ‘Hey, not for me. Let the next guy, the next woman take those things so that they can do this.’” 

However, as the veteran population continues to decline – with only 6.4% of all Americans having served in the military, according to Hendon – the commissioner addressed the challenges of a diminishing identity within the community and urged veterans not to conceal their service. 

“As you become a smaller, smaller population, you begin to feel compelled to try to mask an identity in order to fit in more with others. And we tell people, there's no need to do that. Please, you know, just claim this, be honest,” he said.