Do Something Meaningful for Veterans Day
Nov 06, 2014, 01:31 ET
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Veterans Day, the Real Warriors Campaign honors all veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. You are encouraged to do something meaningful for those who have served, even if you do not know anyone personally. While a simple "thank you" is always a good way to show your support, below are six direct ways you can demonstrate your appreciation and encourage strong psychological health for our nation's veterans.
Thank Veterans – Make a Difference
- Send an e-card through the American Legion to a friend, relative or neighbor who has served or is serving or send a care package, letter or email.
- Salute a service member or veteran through the Real Warriors mobile app, an online photo-sharing service, and encourage veterans to download the app for peer-to-peer support and easy access to 24/7 confidential resources.
- Treat a veteran to a yoga class or direct them to iRest's military webpage to listen to a free download of iRest Yoga Nidra. These mind and body skills focus on the mind to strengthen physical functioning and promote psychological health. For more tips, read the article "Breathing, Meditation, Relaxation Techniques."
- Volunteer at a VA medical center including VA hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. If volunteering is not possible, consider sending notes or cards.
- Participate with Operation Homefront – Operation Homefront provides services to alleviate the direct or indirect burdens of military service on an individual or family. Read the organization's current volunteer opportunities, and check out specific family needs in local communities across the country.
- Reach out to a military family. November is also Military Family Appreciation Month. By thanking the family, you also thank the veteran. Share resources to support the psychological health of warriors such as the campaign article "Supporting your Service Member with Psychological Health Concerns" and videos of service members, such as retired Army Maj. Ed Pulido and 1st Sgt. Aaron Tippett, who share the importance of family support in coping with psychological health concerns.
To learn about more opportunities to honor our veterans near and far, read the campaign article "Do Something Meaningful for Veterans Day."
Keep in mind that Veterans Day may be difficult for service members and veterans, and they may feel stress returning to their routine or attending social events. Be mindful of what makes your veteran or service member feel uncomfortable, and be sensitive in how you behave in response to different scenarios. Talk with your veteran prior to Veterans Day to ask how he or she would like to spend the day. Make plans to spend time with friends and family in places where your veteran will feel comfortable. Preparing in advance may alleviate any stress and anxiety surrounding the holiday.
It's a sign of strength to reach out for help. If your veteran or service member is coping with psychological health concerns, the Real Warriors Campaign offers tips and resources to help service members, veterans and military families recognize and cope with invisible wounds. Warriors and their families can confidentially speak with a trained resource consultant 24/7 at the DCoE Outreach Center by calling 866-966-1020 or through the Real Warriors Live Chat.
SOURCE The Real Warriors Campaign, a component of the Deployment Health Clinical Center at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury
Share this article