Even the most extravagant gift seems insignificant compared to the sacrifices veterans have made for us.
Veterans Day, which falls on the 13th of November, isn’t the only day when veterans should be honored. Instead, you should dedicate the entire 365 days to giving back to the veterans who have sacrificed their youth, family life, and physical and mental health to safeguard the county and its citizens.
Unfortunately, most civilians aren’t aware of the ordeal veterans go through during military life. Often, people in the military develop post-traumatic stress disorder due to battle trauma, such as seeing dead bodies on the ground, witnessing the death of other people, especially their friends, or receiving death threats.
On the flip side, many veterans return home suffering from various illnesses that are beyond the comprehension of civilians. In such situations, transitioning from military to civilian life is challenging, which is why veterans require emotional and physical support from civilians.
From donating money to treating them with a cup of coffee, there are numerous things you can do for veterans. Continue reading to learn how you can show a veteran you care for them.
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5 Ways to Show a Veteran How Much You Care
While a “Thank You for Your Service” note is considered enough to show veterans that you truly care for them, there are several other ways in which you can honor them. They are as follows:
1. Volunteer at a Veterans Affairs Hospital
Cannot afford to help veterans by offering financial aid? In that case, volunteering at a Veterans Affairs hospital will show veterans how much you care for them.
Several studies suggests that veterans deployed at war zones are more likely to suffer from health concerns than those who weren’t deployed. Parkinson’s disease, Hodgkin’s disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, AL amyloidosis, and musculoskeletal ailments are a few medical conditions veterans suffer from.
It’s worth noting that these medical conditions are quite common among veterans exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Chances are that the majority of veterans you come across at VA hospitals diagnosed with any of the medical conditions mentioned above must be victims of exposure to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water.
While they may recover monetary damages by filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you can offer emotional support by lending an ear to them.
Surprisingly, lawyers at TorHoerman Law state that more than one million veterans and their families have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. According to them, volatile organic compounds were found in the water at Camp Lejeune.
You can alleviate veterans’ pain by listening to them and showing empathy.
2. Donate to a Local Veterans Organization
If there are no veterans in your community or you’re having a tough time searching for them, making donations to a local veterans organization will be wise.
Besides money, you can donate a variety of items that will be useful for veterans and their families. Hygiene kits containing shampoos, conditioners, razors, hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, flosses, combs, body washes, and other items make good donation items.
In addition, you can donate clothing and furniture, kitchenware, appliances, cleaning products, baby supplies, and other household goods.
3. Drop Off Dinner
Inviting veterans over for dinner is the best way to connect with them. But what about veterans with mobility issues? Well, cooking a sumptuous meal and dropping it at their doorstep will be the best bet.
If your veteran neighbor likes it, tell them you’d love to enjoy a meal together someday. Other than dropping off meals, you can shop for groceries for them if they are comfortable with the idea.
4. Shop at a Veteran’s Business
Some veterans dread the idea of sitting idle at home, which is why they may start a small business. Thus, if a veteran of your community sells something in the locality, be sure to shop from them.
By being their regular customer, you’ll be able to help them financially and also show them how much you care for them.
5. Fix Up a Veteran’s Home
Is your veteran neighbor too old? Or do they have mobility issues or are disabled?
Whatever the case, you can help them by doing chores like oiling squeaky doors, clearing the gutter, and raking leaves. If you don’t have time or lack basic DIY skills, donating materials or money to a non-profit organization that can help with these tasks will be a sensible thing.
Showing a Veteran How Much You Care: The Takeaway
Because veterans sacrifice the comforts of life and step away from their families to keep the country safe, they deserve the deepest respect. While no one can repay veterans for the service they render, it is possible to honor them by showing them our utmost appreciation.
Whether you prefer helping them financially or offering them emotional support, remember that no effort is small. In fact, a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone else’s life.