When giving thanks this month (or any time of the year), don't forget our military service members. Many organizations and veterans groups offer ways to support and show gratitude to members of the armed forces. Note that Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Below are ways to communicate to a veteran, deployed service member or military family that you appreciate their sacrifices.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE VIRTUALLY. There are many ways to show appreciation for military service members and families through virtual volunteer opportunities at Soldiers' Angels. Adopt a family for the holidays, "shower" an expectant military mom, adopt a service member and more. Discover all the ways to get involved at www.soldiersangels.org/volunteer/virtual-volunteer.
WRITE A LETTER. Remind veterans and their families that you are thinking about them and appreciate their commitment to our nation. Write a letter to a deployed soldier, a wounded warrior or a veteran who has served in past wars through www.OperationGratitude.com.
CARE FOR FURRY FRIENDS. Support service members on deployment by caring for their pets while they are away. Dogs on Deployment is a nonprofit organization that maintains an online network of foster families to care for pets in a soldier's absence. Learn more at www.dogsondeployment.org.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME. Support the Enlisted Project (STEP), located in San Diego, offers opportunities for locals to help at special events, pick up and sort donations, work a the front desk and more. Discover available opportunities at www.teamstepusa.org/volunteer.
CONTRIBUTE TO PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA. This organization supports veterans who suffered a spinal cord injury. Volunteer, make a monetary donation or collect and donate clothing, small appliances and gently used household goods. To get involved, visit www.pva.org.
SUPPORT DISABLED AND WOUNDED VETERANS. Volunteer at the San Diego Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital (www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate) or support injured service members through the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).
SEND A CARE PACKAGE. Soldiers who are serving far from home look forward to receiving mail and much-needed items. If you'd like to send a care package or shop for necessary snacks and hygiene items on the Friends of the Troops Amazon wish list, visit www.friendsofthetroops.org/donate-items for information.
MAKE NO-SEW BLANKETS. Don't know how to sew? No problem. Create no-sew blankets for deployed or wounded service members overseas. Get all the details and instructions at www.soldiersangels.org/volunteer/virtual-volunteer/no-sew-blankets.
SAY THANK YOU. If you see a soldier in uniform or a veteran, a simple "Thank you for your service" is a considerate way to express your gratitude. If you happen to be in a restaurant at the time (or ahead of someone in the drive-through line) and want to do more, consider paying for their meal.
WHAT IS VETERANS DAY?
Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11, 1919, marking the one-year anniversary of Germany signing the Armistice that ended WWI. It became a national holiday in 1938; President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to rename the holiday Veterans Day. It is observed annually on November 11.
If you're a veteran or know someone who is, click HERE to discover tons of Veterans Day Events and Freebies in San Diego.
Written by San Diego Family staff.
