For the first time since 1996, both major parties have picked a veteran for vice president -- a fact that some veterans' groups are hoping it leads to greater understanding of military and vet issues.

Vance’s experience as a Marine in Iraq likely gave him a different perspective. The Marine Corps is known for its “can-do” attitude, its focus on efficiency, and for getting things done under the harshest conditions. Vance, unlike Walz, also served abroad in a war zone—an experience he may invoke to defend isolationism.

The Democratic and Republican rivals will square off on television on Tuesday, in the last chance for both campaigns to reach out to a national audience