Ah, I misread the article. He was not a 19-YEAR OLD, but, rather, someone who had already served for 19 years. Still, in my day (I am 62) one did not earn the title of veteran until after one had separated from the military (i.e., via discharge or retirement). I served in the USAF from 1970 to 1974. Ergo, I am a veteran. However, I was not a veteran in 1973.
I joined in 2006 (active-duty Army) and was told by my Drill Sergeant during Basic Training that we were all Veterans.
But the real question is why someone would sign up in 1994, when our sink Emporer in chief was President.
I wouldn't go near the military during Clinton's term, but I'd get out as fast as possible under Obama.
After 180 days on active duty, a person is considered a veteran, provided they haven’t been convicted of a
violation of UCMJ articles.