Reaching Out to a Veteran in Need

Millions of men and women have served in various capacities with the US armed services. This important experience requires enormous strength of will and an unwavering commitment to duty; this is the reality that connects all veterans, past and present. The sacrifices made in service of our country should be honored and remembered by people on the home front. After all, even if you have never served or know anyone who has, the sacrifices of veterans have made it possible to enjoy a comfortable life. Everyone should keep this simple truth in mind in order to feel truly thankful for everything we enjoy.

Do You Know Who Your Veterans are?

No matter where you live, there is a good chance that there are any number of veterans in your community. Big cities, small towns, thriving suburbs, and busy main streets are frequented by veterans. You may have met a few today and not even known it.

If you do not know any veterans personally, ask yourself why. This might be an indication that you should become more engaged with your local community. Joining neighborhood clubs, service groups, and other civic-minded organizations are a great way to meet lots of people, including veterans.

Unfortunately, many veterans face unemployment, homelessness, and chronic health problems. All of these factors tend to isolate service members even from their own families. Volunteering at shelters or with veterans’ aid groups can help you do good where it is needed most.

Many Ways to Say Thank You

There are many different ways to express gratitude to veterans. In fact, the actions you undertake can speak much loudly than your words. Here are some simple and profound ways that you can make a difference in the life a veteran:

• A warm smile and a firm handshake to say “Hello,” and “Thank you”
• Volunteering with groups that provide services to veterans and the family members of active service members
• Donating money, time, and needed items to groups that actively serve the needs of veterans
• Participating in civic observances intended to honor and thank veterans
• Listening to the stories that veterans have to share
• Expressing gratitude to the veterans in your own family
• Spend time with the veterans you meet during the holidays or weekends
• Encouraging other people to become engaged in this important work

You will quickly find that one act of kindness leads to another. Finding your own spirit of service puts you in contact with others who share your spirit of participation; you will certainly have many valuable experiences as a result of simply wishing to reach out to veterans in your community.

The Value of Gratitude

Expressing gratitude for this incomparable gift is a way to let veterans know that you value their sacrifice and respect their service. Cultivating a feeling of gratitude in your heart is an important exercise in personal growth, too. Not only will you come to understand the lives of the veterans you meet in a more personal way, you will gain a very real appreciation for the many types of sacrifices people have made and continue to make for our national well-being.

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