Friday, November 11, 2011
In Honor of Our Veterans
As far back as I can go, there has been military all over my family tree. My dad, uncle, both grandfathers, great-grandfathers, great uncles.
But not so much in my generation.
I was almost the one. Until I chose a different path. It's one of the only choices in my life that I would honestly say I regret.
I'm so thankful for those that volunteer to go out and serve. To protect our country and our freedom.
There hasn't been a Service in the Spotlight post in awhile and I'm sorry about that. I'm working on a new one for December. But today, in honor of those that serve, here is a short list of some really great organizations that work for our Veterans:
The Fisher House--Because Veterans often have to travel great distances to get to the VA hospitals to receive treatments for injuries and illnesses, the Fisher House has built "comfort homes" on the grounds of VA hospitals and medical centers so that their families have a place to stay that's close by and available at no cost.
Operation Homefront--This organization seeks to help the families of soldiers and wounded warriors, mostly with financial needs. They provide food assistance, home repair, child care, auto repair, and all sorts of other things needs that come up day-to-day. And if there is a service they don't offer, they'll help find someone who does.
Special Ops Warrior Foundation--Each branch of the military has its own units of special operations, and this foundation seeks to support them all. Their two main goals are to provide financial assistance to families of special operations soldiers that are wounded, disabled, or killed; and to provide a full college scholarship to every child of every special ops soldier who dies in combat.
Freedom Alliance--While this organization provides a lot of events and outreach activities to the families of wounded and fallen soldiers, their main purpose is to provide educational assistance and scholarships to the children of soldiers who die in combat.
Freedom Dogs--I know I've highlighted this group before, but I just wanted to remind you (or let you know, in case you missed it) about this wonderful local organization that provides short-term and sometimes permanent service dogs to Wounded Warriors suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries as a way to help them reintegrate into normal lives.
These are just a few of the many, many organizations out there that help and support our Veterans and their families. I hope on this Veteran's Day that you will take the time to visit and learn more about them. And, if you get the chance today, thank a soldier.
You are awesome. And if you share this post, you'll be even awesomer!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I didn't go into the service either, although many in my family served. I've always respected the men and women who serve.
ReplyDeleteI have cousins and friends in the military! Happy Veterans Day to all of them!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you already know this lady, but if it's a decision you truly regret - it's not too late for you to join now!
ReplyDeleteJust for the record though - I say that as someone who knows very well that I would never be cut out for any kind of military service. But I am so grateful to those (like your family) who do make those sacrifices for the rest of us!
My Little brother served 4 years active duty. It was awesome and super hard all at the same time. Both of my grandfathers served in branches in the armed services.
ReplyDeleteHappy Veterans Day!
♥ Celina
May paternal grandfather, my uncles on both sides of the family (we're talking a dozen men), and two of my brothers served in the armed forces. And I know of several friends and cousins' kids who recently joined.
ReplyDelete