guest post from Mike Longsdon of elder freedom.net

We published an article written by Mike some time ago, and once again he has produced another useful and informative piece in support of our veteran and Active Duty service members. Please take the time to read, and share.

"How You Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Service Members and Their Families"

"Veterans and their families make many sacrifices for the country. Deployed soldiers spend countless weeks away from their loved ones and have trouble adjusting when they get back. For veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, for example, the number is as high as 44%, says The Science Behind Health. They deserve love and support for their dedication – and their families too. 

You can show your gratitude for service members and retired veterans and give back through concrete actions. It doesn’t have to be an exalted gesture – something as simple as an hour of your time can make a world of difference to service members and families. Below are some meaningful suggestions, courtesy of Rolling Thunder, Inc Chapter 1 Florida.

Visit senior or wounded veterans

Senior or wounded veterans who once served the country proudly should never be forgotten. A simple visit from you can brighten their day and make them smile. If you don’t know any suitable people in your community, you can call a local nursing home or hospital and ask for suggestions.

Make them a part of your meals and holiday celebrations

Cooking a delicious, wholesome meal for military personnel – or their loved ones when they’re away – is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. You could also invite them over to celebrate an important holiday celebration or two.

Donate what you don’t need

You probably have several knickknacks lying around that you don’t need. Consider donating them to military families who need them. What can you donate? Almost anything works, from clothes and shoes to gadgets and appliances. There are a variety of charities for veterans, so consider how you want to contribute.

Give them a job

Own a family-run business or know someone who needs help? You could help a veteran land a job. This is one of the best ways to support a veteran meaningfully, as many veterans fall on hard times and are in danger of homelessness. Whether you are hiring or just helping a veteran, remind them that their skills transfer into the civilian world. They bring attributes like loyalty and trainability, and they likely have many examples of their problem solving skills from their service. Learn how to read an ex-mil resume and interview them appropriately, and you can find a true gem for your workforce.

Facilitate their education

When you can’t help them get a job, you could facilitate their education to help them get one – or simply inform them that education post-service is an option. Nowadays, you can acquire a stellar education online. And because these programs are online, veterans can continue to hold down jobs while they learn.
For example, if you know an educated veteran who is struggling to land a job in a conventional field, you could inform them of master’s degree programs that can push their careers forward. Going back to school to earn an IT master’s degree would offer them skills in technology management, cybersecurity, and data analytics – all areas with high demand.

Volunteer your time and money to a related cause

Many veteran-related causes could use your assistance. You could volunteer your money or your time. AARP suggests charities like Hope for the Warriors, Homes for Our Troops, and Operation Gratitude. If you’d prefer to contribute to something closer back home, you could help a veteran hall – they have fallen on hard times recently.  

Volunteer your time to them directly

Instead of serving an organization, you could lend a helping hand to a veteran in your community in person. You could babysit for them, help them do the groceries, mow their lawn, or simply spend an evening with them. Everything helps. When service members know they are cared for – and their families are being looked after in their absence – they can serve with pride and peace of mind. And you can be happy knowing you did your bit to make your community, and the world by extension, better for everyone.

Our veterans have done a lot for our country. We need to honor them, and those who have not come home. Rolling Thunder, Inc Chapter 1 Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing awareness of POW and MIA soldiers. Visit their website to see how they are serving the community, and what you can do to help."