Right now, social media is filling up with political memes; many mention the lack of assistance for our veterans. During election time, politicians always make promises that they will make veterans a priority but once they get your votes, all their promises fly out the window and reality sets in. These politicians may truly want to help our nation’s heroes but unfortunately, they are on the very bottom of their priority list.
Growing up, my Dad and my Grandfather taught me that we have the ability to do more for our veterans and active military than the politicians. My Grandfather fought in WWII and my Dad in Vietnam–they were my heroes. Both firmly believed in the military bond and the duty of Vets and their families to help their fellow Vets who are in need. That is why we started this foundation in my father’s memory; to continue the legacy of “taking care of our own.”
So instead of posting a meme about how the government refuses to help vets, do something proactive to make a difference in the lives of our heroes and their families. There are so many things that can be done besides clicking the share button on social media.
Here are some things that we do that will hopefully inspire you to either join us in our activities or find ways to participate in your area:
DONATE TIME OR MONEY TO YOUR NATIONAL CEMETERY. At Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, we participate in their gravestone cleaning days and the placement of flags and wreaths on the graves. I’m sure many have seen pictures of the white military headstones and the little flags placed before them on memorial day. Those flags cost money and my Dad used to raise money to purchase the flags for the graves at Great Lakes. You could do something similar; donate money around Memorial Day or Veterans Day for the flags and around Christmas for the wreaths. You can find out from the Cemetery when they are doing the cleaning and the placement of the flags and wreaths.
We also raise money to replace the large flags that fly over the entrance to Great Lakes National Cemetery. They cost around $65 and you can dedicate them in the memory of a loved one.
PARTICIPATE IN YOUR LOCAL VA’S VETERANS STAND DOWN. The Veterans Stand Down is a one-day or two-day or three-day event (depending on the area) that helps the local homeless veterans get medical care, hot meals, showers, clothes, and assistance with benefits and finding housing. My Dad participated every year and we would always collect donated items to deliver to the stand down. Every donation helps–from water to white socks to hygiene products to monetary donations. Or volunteer to help serve food, pass out water or guide the veterans to the necessary areas. I am volunteering for the Los Angeles Stand Down this Thursday (the day before my birthday and the only way I would want to spend my birthday–helping vets). Here is a LINK to find the Stand Down in your area. If it passed, put it on your calendar for next year. If you can’t get the day off to volunteer, you can always do a donation drive with friends or at your workplace.
KNIT A SCARF FOR A HOMELESS VETERAN. I hold an annual Knit-a-thon because I know from experience that it means a lot to a veteran when you present them with a scarf you made yourself. (I also only use brands made in the USA but that is me. The majority don’t care where the yarn is made). You can also knit hats and if you are super talented, knit them gloves. You can also crochet a scarf and/or hat. We have also accepted no-sew fleece scarves, hats and blankets. You can even just buy them at a craft fair or at a store. With winter weather approaching, a scarf, hat, gloves and/or blankets are always accepted and given to our vets. You could have a knit-a-thon in your area or a donation drive and deliver the items to a local shelter, VFW, American Legion or VA medical center/shelter.
SEND A CARE PACKAGE TO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVING OVERSEAS. With Operation Easter Basket and Operation Thanks-for-Giving, we became experts at sending care packages to our troops overseas. We would get emails and letters back thanking us and telling us how much it meant to them. We partnered with Anysoldier.com to connect with the troops, find out what they needed and where to send the items. They have special military flat rate boxes that you can get from the post office and make sure to fill out the customs form properly–ask a postal worker for help if needed. There are things from the US that can’t be found at a military base and it would mean so much to a homesick soldier to receive a package of goodies from fellow Americans. It is a great way to let them know you appreciate them for all they do for our country.
ADOPT-A-SOLDIER. If you want to do more than just sending a care package, you can participate in the ADOPT-A-SOLDIER program. My Dad loved playing Santa and giving presents to children who wouldn’t normally get very many gifts. To continue his Santa legacy, last year we adopted 3 soldiers and their families at Christmas time. We provided gift cards and presents for their children. This year we are adopting a female veteran fighting cancer and her daughter.
BUY A MEAL FOR A VETERAN. If we encountered someone who was homeless, my Dad would ask them if they were a veteran and if they were, he would buy them a meal and get them help. Not everyone is willing to do that, I know, but the VFWs, American Legions and other organizations often have monthly dinners or Steak-Outs where you can buy a veteran a meal. Many senior veterans are on a fixed income and sometimes struggling to make ends meet. We raise funds so we can buy at least 20-30 meals for veterans at Steak-Outs at our local VFWs. You can contact a local organization or even Meals-on-Wheels to see if you can sponsor a meal for a veteran.
THANK A SOLDIER. The easiest thing to do to help our active military and veterans is when you see them, thank them for their service. And if you meet a Vietnam Vet, tell them “Welcome Home!”
So see, there are other options out there besides posting memes on social media. Actions speak louder than words and actions will help ensure that no veteran is left behind or forgotten.
~Kelly
