The term “veteran” as used within this document shall be defined as any person, male or female, who served on active duty, whether commissioned, enlisted, inducted, appointed or mustered into the military or naval service of the United States during any war in which the United States has been engaged, and who shall have been discharged or released from such services under conditions other than dishonorable. (Ala. Code § 31-5-1 (1975)).