Veterans are often unsung heroes. They may have endured harsh physical conditions, long separations from friends and family members, and were perhaps forever changed by the face of combat. Those who want to show gratitude to veterans may wish to offer companionship, technical assistance with recording stories, or hands-on modifications to improve quality of life.
Offer Companionship to a Veteran to Show Gratitude
Some veterans are lonely. They may not have family or friends or may be separated from those closest to them. Many veterans would enjoy a simple one-on-one visit from a caring person who is willing to listen. People who wish to develop a lasting relationship with a veteran may offer to visit at regular intervals.
Many veterans live in homes such as long-term care facilities (nursing homes), assisted living facilities, or VA medical centers. Staff members at those facilities may offer assistance with finding a veteran who might wish to have regular visits. Some veterans may be members of one’s own family and may enjoy some heart-to-heart conversations that could make a lasting impression on someone who takes the time to visit.
Help a Veteran Record His or Her Story
Veterans often have a story to tell, but many of those stories may become lost as these servicemen and servicewomen die. Some have never spoken with others regarding their military service, but those memories may still be quite fresh, even after many years. Offering to record those memories may help a veteran to share his or her story with those around him or her and perhaps to the world. Veterans who share their stories may find a sort of release and closure to help their emotional and mental health.
Someone wishing to offer assistance with recording a veteran’s story should ask permission first and respect any wishes that the person has regarding what information to keep confidential. Check with the veteran about his feelings on the use of audio and/or video equipment.
The veteran may be unsure how to talk about his or her experiences, but he or she often will begin to open up if asked a few questions. How to Make Veterans Day Come Alive for Children offers sample questions that an interviewer may ask a veteran. Some veterans may wish to think about an interview and review questions before speaking.
Offer a Veteran Assistance to Improve Quality of Life
Many veterans are disabled. They may have suffered an injury or experienced conditions, such as cold conditions, that have left them with chronic health concerns. Hands-on service projects would depend on the abilities and skills of the people offering to help and might include:
- running household errands on a scheduled basis
- adapting the environment to help maximize independence, such as building a ramp or installing handrails within the home
- assisting the veteran with transportation or mobility
- providing services, such as reading mail to those with vision problems or helping to feed those who can no longer feed themselves
- helping the veteran to find available resources that they are not currently utilizing – Guide Dogs and Service Dogs Help Disabled Vets gives information about two programs that offer help to disabled veterans
- advocating for a veteran, such as helping those who were denied benefits for undocumented cold injuries sustained during the Chosin Reservoir campaign during the Korean War
How to Honor Veterans
Veterans may be honored in a variety of ways that would best suit their needs, comfort level, and personality. Some people who served in the military are living solitary lives and feel abandoned by the very people for whom they sacrificed. Offering companionship may help to honor a veteran by acknowledging his service and continued value to society today. Recording a veteran’s story may help to enlighten others regarding his or her unique perspective of military service. Offering hands-on service projects may help improve a veteran’s quality of life and offer greater independence.
Most people find that when they begin to serve others that they benefit from the service as much or more than the person to which the help is offered. Perhaps this is just another way that a veteran can once again serve his or her country.
Readers are welcome to offer comments regarding Service Projects to Help Veterans in the comment box below.
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