re: Why is being a veteran such a big deal for candidates

Because a military veteran is a person who chose to put his or her life on the line for country and fellow citizens. A veteran knows what honor and integrity is and applies it to everyday life. A veteran knows comradery and above all things, a veteran is a patriot.

Here is the enlistment oath that we swear on:
I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
You can't buy veteran status...you have to put blood, sweat & tears forth to obtain it.