It’s a surprising statistic from the front lines: Veterans are more likely to be smokers than civilians.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that male veterans between the ages of 45 and 54 were 36 percent are likely to smoke, compared to 24 percent of non-veterans of the same age.

According to the Truth Initiative, 38 percent of military smokers pick up the habit after enlisting.

That's why the New York State Smokers' Quit-line is trying to get their message out to veterans.

"If you can make it in the military, you can quit smoking,” said Tony Astran, an information specialist with the New York State Smokers’ Quitline.  “Know that this is a battle, as tough as it is, you can win it. You certainly, after all the great sacrifices that veterans have made for us, shouldn't be suffering from the effects of little tiny cigarettes. Help is there. It's free. Use it.”

For veterans or anyone who needs help putting down the cigarette, the New York State Smokers' Quitline is available at  1-866-NY-QUITS.