Twice in the last two weeks, I’ve gone out to dinner with my husband and have been approached by a very kind man or woman who thanked my husband for his service (the haircut always gives it away) and offered to buy our meal. These encounters always overwhelm us. Mainly because we’re pretty fortunate and know that while their generosity is heartwarming, there are other ways for $50 make a much larger difference. On this July 4th I think about all our service members and their families who sacrifice so much for our country. But, I also think about the people who give selflessly to support our community 365 days out of the year. I want to thank them for their service. On that note, here are ten great ways to get involved and support our military year round.
- We’ve written before about the great services the USO provide. But, they can’t do it alone. This summer they’ve teamed up with Sweethearts candies with the goal of shipping two million care packages this year. For every $25 you donate, they can ship a care package valued at $75, which includes the brand new Red, White and Blue Sweetheart candies.
- Operation Open Arms is an initiative launched in Southwest Florida to give U.S. service men and women on leave free or discounted benefits to enjoy brief R&R before returning to a foreign duty station. The grassroots program relies on corporate sponsors throughout Florida like theme parks, restaurants, hotels, fishing charters, golf courses and much more to distribute these benefits. They also have some great ways you can contribute, listed on their website.
- The Wounded Warrior Project raises awareness for and assists men and women in our armed forces that have been severely injured in combat. Consider donating $99 for a Wounded Warrior Project Backpack – a transitional care pack sent directly to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide comfort for service members in military trauma centers. The backpacks are filled with toiletries and personal items to make their hospital stay more comfortable and your donation even includes the opportunity to write a message of thanks for your warrior’s service.
- This cause is especially close to my heart. Carolina Canines for Service, which trains and provides service dogs for people with disabilities launched a program in 2008 to train service dogs in Camp Lejeune’s brig to for wounded warriors. The program is a “triple win” for the dog, which is a rescue, the prisoner who gets a second chance to help a comrade and the wounded service member who gets a “new leash on life.” Visit their website to learn more and donate.
- Blue Star Families is a new friend of Janes-List.com and serves an important role as the bridge between military families and the policymakers who affect military life. The non-profit was formed by military spouses in December 2008 and offers lots of great ways to be involved if you are military family.
- eMail Our Military was created in 2001 when the Department of Defense canceled the “Any Service Member” and “Operation Dear Abby” mail programs. Service members can register to receive mail and are matched with civilians who sign up to show their support. This is an excellent way to get involved and won’t cost you a dime, just time and a big heart.
- The Military Child Education Coalition levels the educational playing field for military children around the world. Military children will move six to nine times during the K-12 school years, which means inconsistent academic standards, access to programs and much more. These unique challenges, combined with the stress of a parent’s deployment can be a source of trauma for a child. Help by making a donation or volunteering to build awareness in your own school district.
- I’m of the belief that there is a mental health crisis among our service members, pushed to the brink fighting in two simultaneous wars for more than five years. In 2007 the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) launched the Real Warriors Campaign to combat the stigma associated with psychological health care and treatment. It staffs a 24/7 call center (866-966-1020) that provides confidential support to active duty service members, veterans and their families. Partner in their mission by visiting their website.
- Operation Homefront is a nonprofit that provides help to military families struggling with emergencies when a service member is deployed, or when a wounded warrior returns home. Its network is comprised of more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 nationwide chapters. Visit their website to donate money, household items or volunteer your time.
- American Heroes Return is a non-profit military transition program that helps troops returning from combat assimilate back into civilian life by providing a supportive living environment and offering out-of-the box solutions to post traumatic stress disorder. That out-of-the-box solution centers on a rural setting conducive to personal development and healing. Visit their website to make a donation or volunteer.
Photo by: Randy Son of Robert
