Veterans may no longer be in the headlines, but we cannot overlook or forget their service to our nation. We ought to honor them for their sacrifices during service. Luckily, there are various practical ways to support veterans in 2024. Continue reading to find out.

Generous and kind giving

Vets have served our country. While we can never fully compensate them, we can always support them. You don’t have to make a big show of it. There are plenty of realistic ways to express your gratitude to veterans. Consider practicing small deeds of generosity and kindness, like: 

Donating to a group that aids or represents veterans

You can identify a local or national group that addresses the needs of veterans, whether housing aid, getting veterans into high-quality treatment, or helping those going through a crisis. Consider donating to wounded veterans charities that carry out the cause you care about.

Recruiting a veteran in your company

It’s a common belief that veterans make the best employees. We can see why, given their well-known perseverance, self-control, variety of skill sets, and capacity for high-pressure labor. If you manage a company or own a business, consider hiring a veteran for a vacant position. 

Patronizing veteran-owned businesses

Find veteran-owned businesses in your area and patronize them. 

Help veterans in their pursuit of a job, an education, or an affordable home

Even though veterans provide so much to society, a sizable portion of them are homeless. Lack of support networks, ignorance of government benefits and resources, and the scarcity of affordable housing are some of the common causes of veteran homelessness. 

In addition, some veterans experience difficulties finding work or enrolling in education as they adjust to civilian life. You can lend a hand to the groups that keep veterans safely housed, employed, and able to pursue their right to education. This way, you can contribute to reducing veteran homelessness and unemployment.

Discuss veteran’s issues with your congressional representatives

Our elected leaders, as well as the federal organizations and initiatives designed to assist veterans, owe it to them to do better. There are numerous ways to voice out your concerns. 

First, check out the webpage of your representative in Congress to learn how to get in touch with them. From there, you can write them emails or letters asking them to follow up on their past legislative accomplishments pertaining to veterans’ issues and to give veterans’ causes top priority throughout their term. Additionally, you can tag your reps in social media posts that highlight special stories of veterans.

Refer crisis-affected veterans to appropriate services and organizations

If you are aware of a veteran who is contemplating suicide, encourage them to get in touch with one of the organizations available to assist them, like the Wounded Warriors Family Support. A persistently low mood, self-harm, substance misuse, social isolation, loss of interest in activities, and expressions of pessimism are some warning symptoms.

Consider doing volunteer work for groups that actively work to prevent veteran suicide. You can also routinely check in with the veterans in your life to let them know you’re here for them; you never know when a quick call can go a long way.

Support veterans with PTSD by sponsoring a service animal

Service dogs are trained to support and help people with a range of requirements. Some may even be able to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and nightmares for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can sponsor a companion or service dog for a veteran through veteran organizations.

Summing up

As individuals, we can demonstrate our support through small deeds of kindness, volunteering with veteran-serving organizations, and requesting that our congressional representatives prioritize veterans’ causes.