Tangible ways to thank veterans for service

Veterans Day brings a yearly spate of special sales, discounted meals and events for those who served, speeches to mark the day and exhortations to thank a veteran.

And while it’s nice to give cheap (or free) meals to vets, and always good to thank those who fight for our freedom, these gestures are a drop in the bucket compared to what these men and women have given of themselves and what they deserve from us.

Movies like the recent “Midway,” “Hurt Locker” and “Full Metal Jacket” offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of war — but can’t come close to capturing the lasting effects of combat.

When men and women return from war zones, they often do so with combat-related injuries, including mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and brain injury. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, veterans are at greater risk than nonveterans of becoming homeless. It’s a growing problem in Massachusetts — a 2018 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that the number of homeless veterans went up 15.5% in the state.

So how do you thank a veteran?

By helping the people who are helping veterans.

For starters, Disabled American Veterans (davma.org), a non-profit that helps procure benefits and services for disabled vets and their families. One such service is driving veterans to VA medical centers for appointments. You can donate money, or your time

The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) helps veterans and active duty service members. The Blue Angels Foundation is currently matching donations dollar for dollar, up to $500,00, in support of the Warrior Care Network. There are several ways to donate — monthly, annually, etc.

Vehicles for Veterans (vehiclesforveterans.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit vehicle donation program dedicated to providing funding that will help to build better lives for veterans and their families. They will come and get your cars, boats (with trailer), RVs, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles, whether they are running or not.

New England Center and Home for Veterans (nechv.org). Its mission statement says it all: to equip veterans who are facing or at-risk of homelessness with the tools for economic self-sufficiency and to provide them a path to achieve successful and dignified independent living. There’s a bevy of ways to donate, and they hold road races, golf events and a gala.

There are more, lots more, and a little Googling will help you find the charity, or more, that resonates with you.

And the beauty of it is you can thank a veteran substantively even if you don’t have money to donate. Many if not all of these charities have opportunities to volunteer — whether by driving a veteran to a doctor’s appointment or starting your own fundraiser (and bake sales count).

Those of us who have never put on a uniform have no idea what it’s like to be in battle, to endure combat, to be separated from our loved ones for months and years at a time.

We’re safe at home — and we have veterans to thank for that.

Happy Veterans Day.

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2rxaFtz