Support American Heroes: 15 Ways to Help Veterans Today
I don’t consider myself a hero, but my wife insists that I accept that fact, considering I acknowledge that truth in other veterans. Active-duty and veteran men and women are willing to sacrifice their lives for Americans, regardless of if they ever see war. When they do, they need a little extra grace. Please give it to them as one of the many ways to help veterans.
Is it Okay to Thank a Veteran for Their Service?
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There are conflicting feelings about receiving public thank yous for our service. It’s a customary tradition I always extend to older veterans. However, many vets from the younger generations have admitted to me it is bothersome.
Some find it annoying (they don’t comprehend the respect in the act), and others are reminded of things they didn’t understand they were signing up for to earn their college money. They don’t want to be thanked for the nightmares in their heads.
You can bet any old-timers with hats on announcing they are veterans appreciate hearing it. I never take offense because I understand the respect someone shows when thanking me for my service.
Sometimes, it’s nice to be acknowledged. But I also sympathize with the other side of the coin. Use discretion, or better yet, pray for discernment.
Finding Ways to Help Veterans
There are numerous ways to help veterans in your community. Consider following popular military influencers and Veterans Affairs (VA) Organizations on your socials to stay informed of volunteer and charitable opportunities. Here are some incredible ways to serve veterans.
1. Help Veterans Get Medical Care
Volunteer for the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to drive veterans to medical appointments. Helping to support veterans by ensuring they get the medical care they need is an understated necessity with life-saving returns.
2. Host a Fundraiser for Veterans
Sign up to host a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. They offer several fundraising opportunities. You can host a fundraising BBQ, sporting event, gala, etc. The Wounded Warrior Project also has golfing events, live streaming and gaming fundraising, and opportunities for schools and youth.
3. Donate Your Vehicle
Do you have a car you’re thinking about trading in or selling privately? Consider donating your car to support a post-9/11 injured veteran. Homes for Our Troops accepts most vehicles, including cars, trucks, trailers, boats, and RVs.
Proceeds of sold vehicles support their mission to build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for seriously injured post-9/11 Veterans, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
4. Build Homes for Veterans
Donate your time and money to organizations such as Homes for Our Troops and Building Homes for Heroes to support the efforts of building homes for veterans. Both organizations have multiple ways to help veterans through donations.
5. Volunteer at Your Local Veterans Affairs (VA) Facility
Volunteer in a number of ways to help veterans through your local VA facilities and hospitals. A few volunteer program opportunities include corporate volunteerism, student volunteers, and volunteering to drive veterans through their transportation network.
6. Provide a Trained Service Dog to a Veteran
Train a service dog for a veteran in need. Services like Puppy Jake and Patriot PAWS are on a mission to train and provide Service Dogs at no cost to disabled American Veterans. Dogs are trained professionally to each veteran’s specific needs.
7. Help Veterans With Career Training
Support Hire Heroes USA’s mission to help U.S. servicemen and women and their spouses achieve success with a rewarding career path once they return home. The organization assists veterans with resumes, interview skills, and job training to help them find a post-military career. They also partner with various employers to host a job board.
8. Hire a Veteran
One of the easiest ways to support American veterans is by hiring them. Post any employment opportunities your company has on the job board on Hire a Veteran.
9. Sponsor an Honor Flight to National Memorials
Many veterans who fought for our freedoms have never visited the national memorials honoring their efforts and those of their fallen comrades. Sponsor their opportunity through the Honor Flight Network, which celebrates veterans by inviting them to share a day of honor at America’s notable memorials.
10. Buy a Veteran a Meal
A simple way to show support for a veteran is to pay for their meal. As a former server, I had the pleasure of telling veterans and their families that somebody had taken care of their checks from time to time. It’s a kind gesture that will be well-received.
11. Help the Homeless Veteran Community
Partner with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans as a volunteer mentor, counselor, or legal aide. Alternatively, you can search “how to help homeless veterans near me” and connect with local resources in your community.
12. Feed Veterans
Volunteer your time at soup kitchens, food pantries, and food banks that help feed America’s hungry vets. Partner with Veterans Produce to help build community organic greenhouse gardens to feed homeless veterans. Veterans Produce also teaches vets how to use hydroponics and aquaponics to grow food and deploys them to build other community gardens.
13. Help Veterans Thrive in Nature
Support Warriors & Quiet Waters‘ mission to help veterans thrive in nature by giving them the necessary tools and support to enjoy unforgettable experiences, including hunting and fishing expeditions.
14. Know and Share VA Resources
Please educate yourself about veteran resources (like this post) and share them whenever helpful. For example, if you know a veteran struggling with getting to medical appointments, guide them to DAV to ensure they begin receiving proper medical care.
15. Send Care Packages to Active Duty Military Members
Okay, this last one isn’t as much about supporting veterans as it is about blessing active-duty military members overseas. One of the only good things about being in the desert was receiving care packages from back home. Our favorite things to receive included snacks, socks, underwear, and hygiene products.
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CJ Ervin is a father of two, husband, and self-professed comic book and money geek. He is an army veteran who served two tours of duty. When he's not advocating for American veterans' mental health, he enjoys immersing himself in Marvel and D.C. fandoms.
