Veteran Support is More Than Just Lip Service - Part II

Back when George Washington was still a general he stated; “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

Show You Support by Providing Transportation One way to support Veterans in your area is to provide necessary transportation so that Veterans can get to medical and mental health treatment appointments and supplies. The VA has a volunteer transportation network (https://www.volunteer.va.gov/VolTransNetwork.asp) that allows volunteers to donate their time and/or the use of their vehicle for Veterans in need. Donated vehicles may also be used or accepted by the program. On a very local level, just ask the veteran in your neighborhood if they need transportation.

Record the Stories of a Veteran for Future Generations Many older Veterans just want someone to listen, and showing Veteran support can simply mean recording the stories of the Vet for future generations to hear. The Veterans History Project (https://www.loc.gov./vets/) was started so that the stories of our brave Veterans would not be lost. Whether you take part in the Library of Congress project or you do it, record a Vet’s story for history. Print it out and have the Veteran proof read it. Tell the Vet how proud you are to know the Vet.

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Perform Home Repairs or Household Chores for Veteran in need One terrific way to support Veterans is to perform home repairs or household chores for a Veteran in need. Many Veterans in your area may need help with household chores or home repairs because of disability, a severe injury, or even a lack of financial resources. When you help out in this way, you will gain an incredible sense of satisfaction while helping repay a Veteran who deserves it.

Provide Food For Veterans Many Veterans are hungry and a home cooked meal will provide them with much needed nutrition. Even Vets that are not lacking food will benefit from a meal or a homemade batch of cookies. It shows them that someone cares. Contact your local church or Veterans organization to see who might appreciate your culinary delights.

Visit a Vet with your Pet It is a well known fact that animals provide emotional and physical benefits. Animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in people with a range of health problems. Dogs are the most commonly used for therapy and service. A well behaved dog can be able to bring some affection and calmness into a Vet’s life.