Former President George W. Bush says his focus on a new initiative helping returning veterans also aids him emotionally.

The George W. Bush Institute and Syracuse University are undertaking a study on issues affecting veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001.

Bush described on ABC News “This Week” how his spirits are always lifted when he meets with veterans. He said that many in the U.S. are incredibly comfortable and yet have a “woe is me” mentality. He says that’s not the case with veterans, who ask how they can continue to serve.

Bush said the mission of his institute is to help society serve veterans more efficiently. For example, it’s working to show employers how various military experiences can translate into marketable job skills.

(AP)