No matter where you go, you will always see people in support of veterans. You see it on the Internet, hear it on the radio, see it on TV and see people talking about it on the street. Knowing how vets need support is something that everybody feels very passionate about, particularly if they are the families of veterans.
Not only do people want to show their gratitude for the sacrifices made, they want to support them as they try to re-assimilate into civilian life. There are financial services out there that can be accessed with the help of a veteran disability calculator, there are also services out there to help with counseling and mental health. You can definitely make a difference to a veteran, and the difference that you can make will have a big impact. Understanding how veterans need support is so important, and we’ve got a list of ways from one of our guest writers that you can do more to support your veterans below.
Photo by RODNAE Productions
- Offer a ride. One of the best ways that you can support your veterans in your local area is to provide them with a ride when they need one. Getting to medical and mental health treatment appointments is not always easy, and while the VA has a volunteer transportation network, you can still donate your time. If you have time on the weekends, you’ll be able to give an hour or two a day to help your veterans get around.
- Offer your time. Speaking of offering your time, you don’t just have to do it for rides. You can pay a visit to wounded veterans at your nearest VA facility, because they will really appreciate your time. Sometimes, just having somebody to speak to is all they need. You can arrange visits, and you can play games, and you can even help with basic tasks.
- Mean it when you say thank you. Veterans put their lives on the line to keep you safe in your beds at night. One of the easiest ways that you can support them is to recognise the trauma they have gone through and be thankful for it. That simple act of saying thank you for what they faced and what they did, can seem like such a small thing but it can really make a difference in their world. Welcoming them home and thanking them from their service is important, because while they may not receive the support they need from the government, you can offer your personal support.
- Be on their side. If you support veterans then you should support any causes they may champion. Making sure that veterans who face foreclosure, eviction and even homelessness aren’t a factor is important. Volunteer with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and donate your time to Homes For Our Troops. You could, if you have the means, provide financial assistance to. This can go to veteran organizations to prevent the eviction of a military family who have done everything that they can to sacrifice their lives for you.