As Veterans Day approaches, it can be difficult to know how you can contribute and give back to our nation’s wounded warriors. There are many charities that focus on everything from veterans assistance to more targeted organizations focused solely on Special Forces soldiers.
There are numerous ways to support veterans and express your gratitude for the sacrifices they have made. Even a modest action can occasionally make a significant difference. Our veterans face many needs and challenges as a result of their military service, and they can get support and assistance in a variety of ways that aren’t always obvious.
Why Should We Support Veterans?
But sometimes, people ask: why are Veteran Supportive Services so important? We are happy to provide more information. For Veterans and their families, here is why we do what we do.
Veterans Have Mental Health Crisis
A mental health condition requiring treatment affects 30% of active duty and reserve military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. Less than half of returning Veterans who require mental health care, however, receive it at all! Which is why we provide free and vital mental health services to Veterans— regardless of their role while in uniform or discharge status.
Veterans Have Families
Veteran family members are the unsung heroes of the military, and we are so thankful for them. They endure protracted periods of family separation, uproot their lives at the drop of a hat, and invest a lot of time in their local communities. We provide veteran services beyond those for Veterans and their families because we care. These services range from helping prevent homelessness to providing parenting advice and mental health care.
Veterans Deserve the Best
Veterans have given so much for our country, and we are incredibly appreciative of their sacrifices and services. To ensure our safety at home, these courageous men and women have risked their lives, livelihoods, and financial stability. Because they carried out this courageous duty, we think they deserve the best care possible.
Veterans Deserve a New Life
Veterans thrive in ways they could never have imagined when we are able to connect them to the appropriate social services, which is why the brand-new San Antonio Veteran Wellness Center we are constructing is so crucial.
Everyone can contribute significantly to society if given the right tools, and our Veteran Supportive Services program is the ideal place to start.
How to Support Veterans?
Every town has veterans who deserve support and appreciation. Before this Veterans Day, learn how you can help local veterans and think about volunteering your time to support America’s heroes. Examine these chances, then inform your neighborhood about them.
Help DAV Support a Vet in Need
DAV is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans by giving them free transportation to doctor’s appointments and helping them submit benefit claims. In addition to making a donation to this deserving nonprofit, you can fill out the DAV Volunteer For Veterans form to find out about specific volunteer opportunities, such as helping veterans with housekeeping or errands.
Take the Time to Listen to a Vet
Spending time with and paying close attention to a veteran who was willing to give everything up is one way you can repay them. The social isolation that many veterans experience can be detrimental to their physical and mental health. Get to know veterans in your area and spend time with them so that they have social opportunities and do not end up isolated.
Volunteer at a Local VA Facility
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and medical facilities welcome volunteers, who can fulfill a variety of roles. Find the facility closest to you using this locator, and then inquire about volunteering thereby calling or visiting the facility’s website.
Help Veterans Get Hired
The nonprofit Hire Heroes USA helps veterans, active members, and military spouses secure jobs outside of the military through career counseling, resume editing, and mentorship. The best part: you can help local vets and vets around the country right from your own home! You can select from a variety of potential assignments when you submit a volunteer application, including holding dummy interviews, sharing your knowledge of a particular field, or even giving phone and online career advice to potential volunteers.
Providing Transportation
One way to support veterans in your local area is to provide necessary transportation so that veterans can get to medical and mental health treatment appointments. In order to help veterans in need, volunteers can donate their time and/or use of their vehicles through the VA’s volunteer transportation network. Donated vehicles may also be used or accepted by the program.
Say “thank You.”
Thanking a veteran for his or her service is a simple action that can make a huge impact. If you are aware of any local veterans, you might want to consider leaving them a thank-you note in the mail. Operation Gratitude, which sends letters, cards, and care packages to veterans and service members, allows you to write and submit letters even if you don’t know any veterans. The best part: it’s a fantastic kids’ craft idea! It’s never too early to start learning about community support for veterans.
Final Thoughts
Whether you help veterans by volunteering your time or making a donation, remember that every little bit counts.
FAQs
What Issues Do Veterans Face Today?
There are many challenges that veterans face after they leave the military.
- Unemployment: When they return home, many veterans have trouble finding employment.
- Connection to Oneself. Serving their country is a noble act for veterans.
- Homelessness.
- Physical Handicaps.
How Do Veterans Impact Our Lives?
Veterans are crucial to the history and future of our country because they are good citizens who sacrificed much in order to defend it and ensure that we would always be able to live in the land of the free as proud Americans.
