In November, our country has much to be thankful for. While the election-year antics can sometimes serve to create the occasional disagreement, supporting our veterans has often served as a point of unity for Americans. The month of November is when we come together as families to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy, a privilege that is made possible due to the sacrifice of members of the military.
When thinking about what it means to support veterans, whether it is someone in your family or a friend, co-worker or neighbor, it is vital to consider the myriad ways you can make an impact on their lives. Here are some helpful tips on what we can all do to support them as they return from their assignments both home and abroad:
• Volunteer: Youcanvolunteerataveteranappreciation day in your town or at a local facility (like the American Legion or other community organizations), as well as reaching out to your local VA Voluntary Services Program to provide extra care and treatment to veteran patients.
• Donate: You can donate to a charity that supports veterans.
• Hire veterans: Hiring a veteran is a wonderful way to help them transition back into civilian life – along with earning a living.
• Support service dogs: Organizations like Freedom Service Dogs of America, which provides trained service dogs to veterans in need, is a recognized resource for vet- erans and a great cause to donate to.
• Support mental health: We all know service members are often exposed to conditions leading to unique mental health challenges. You can support Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that sends care packages and let- ters to service members.
• Help with financial support: Donating to veterans causes and/or helping them find gainful employment will make a meaningful impact in their return to civilian life.
On this Veterans Day, let’s dig in to help members of the Armed Forces find comfort at home. We can all pitch in to make sure they are honored for their sacrifice and commitment to country first.
Companies like Cox Communications have similarly made a pledge to help veterans in their daily lives by offering discounted internet services like its Connect Assist program, along with routinely hiring veterans and sup- porting them in internal groups like its Salute ERG.
Thank you to all our veterans, and Happy Veterans Day.
Editor’s Note: Ross Nelson is New England market vice president for Cox Communications. Deb Burton is executive director of Rhode Island Elder Info.
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