As of 2015, there were 18.8 million military Veterans in the United States. Our Veterans selflessly served our country and fought for our freedom. They deserve honor and to be served not just one day out of the year, but continually. Take a look at these easy and helpful ways you can lend a hand.
Veterans Day is a day to remember and honor those who have served in the armed forces. What better way to assist those who protected our freedom than to build a home for them? You can work with organizations like Home for Our Troops or Building Homes for Heroes. Donations and volunteering can range from monetary, giving your time, donating building supplies, and even hosting a community fundraiser.
Helping Veterans goes beyond just assisting them. If you have frequent flier miles, you can donate those through organizations like Hero Miles Program. Operation Hero Miles is a national program, which provides free airline tickets to families of injured military men and women.
More than one-third of returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Coping with PTSD can be a struggle for not only the Veteran, but their family as well. There are several programs involving companion dogs that can assist with managing day-to-day life. If you’re unable to assist with sponsoring or training a dog, consider donating food or money to help these organizations like Pets for Vets or Pets for Patriots continue to grow and serve.
Don’t forget a simple thank you can go a long way. Serving in the military can be a thankless job, so stopping and recognizing the sacrifice they have made to protect our country can really make a difference. Next time you see someone in a military uniform or a Veteran, say thank you.
As Veterans return to civilian life, they may require assistance getting around. Make sure your business or home can be easily accessed by using an accessibility solution from EZ-ACCESS. If you live in or near Washington State, come on out and join us at the largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi in Auburn, Washington this Veterans Day. We look forward to celebrating our Veterans on November 11.