4 Ways You Can Make a Difference for Veterans in 2024
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When one door closes, another one opens. As we say goodbye to 2023 and all of its opportunities, we can now begin to look ahead to 2024 and the promise of tomorrow. With a new year comes exciting new chances to make the world a better place. And rather than making your New Year’s Resolution to finally, truly lose weight this time (for the 5th New Year’s in a row, no less) what if instead you resolved to make the world a better place for someone else? You can still absolutely lose weight, of course. But you could also extend a helping hand to a veteran in need and make their 2024 a year to remember. Here are 4 different ways that you can do just that.
1. Donate to a Veteran-focused charity
The charities listed below all support veterans in one way or another, and with a simple donation you can begin to make an impact right away. If you’re looking to make a year-round difference (like a New Year’s resolution would suggest) then consider setting up a recurring, monthly donation to any of the fine charities listed below.
- The Gary Sinise Foundation: Actor Gary Sinise leads a charity designed to “entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities”, all with a focus on veterans, first-responders, and their families. To date, they’ve built nearly 100 homes for wounded veterans, served over 1,000,000 meals, and donated nearly 15,000 pieces of essential equipment, among several other successes.
- Fisher House: The Fisher House foundation also builds houses, though the kinds of houses they build are unique. Instead of single homes, Fisher has built nearly 100 facilities designed for multiple military families at once. The families may stay here free of charge while their loved ones get treatment in a nearby hospital or military medial facility. Some such facilities have up to 21 separate suites, each with their own private bedroom and bath and a shared access to communal areas that include a kitchen, dining room, living room, and laundry room.
- Faces of Combat: That’s right! We here at Faces of Combat also take donations to support our veterans in a variety of ways. By clicking on the link here, you can choose to make a donation to help send a veteran to one of our healing retreats. You can also choose instead to donate $9.00 to send a copy of our books on veteran PTSD directly to a veteran themselves. Better yet, we’ll match the donation and send another copy to a veteran in need! If all you can spare is $9.00 a month, that’s still 24 veterans who will get access to our informative guide on PTSD and recovery over the course of 2024. That’s two dozen people directly benefiting from your kindness and generosity.
2. Volunteer
If you’re running low on cash, consider donating your time instead. In addition to the charities listed above, many organizations have ways that you can directly volunteer your time to make a difference in the lives of one or more veterans.
- Homes for Our Troops: This charity is one focused mainly on making sure veterans have homes that can accommodate their needs, which sometimes means the home in question must undergo quite a bit of work. They offer people the chance to work with them on some of these projects but if you can’t be there in person, you can also consider setting up a fundraiser in your area.
- The Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project likely needs no introduction, having been around for over 20 years and impacting the lives of millions of veterans. They have a variety of programs designed to assist veterans, ranging from mental health assistance to long-term physical rehabilitation, and everything in-between. You can volunteer to run in a 5k, set up a fundraiser in your area, or even help bring awareness to the WWP by live-streaming and gaming.
- United Service Organizations: The USO has been around since 1941 and in that time has become a household name in veteran assistance. Through a variety of programs, they place an emphasis on keeping veterans connected with their families while stationed elsewhere. They provide care packages to serving veterans to give them a taste of home, in addition to making sure that veterans are welcomed and supported when they arrive back home. In an organization with such a broad scope, there are hundreds of volunteer opportunities available all across the country.
3. Work With Them
One of the most challenging things for veterans upon returning home is the transition from military life to civilian life. The hunt for a 9-5 can be a daunting one, which is why so many programs and organizations exist to help ease veterans into the workforce. If you’re an employer, you can make sure your organization is doing their part by hiring former veterans to come work for you.
- Hiring Our Heroes: Hiring our heroes is a foundation created by the US Chamber of Commerce that helps to connect veterans with employers who are specifically seeking veteran employees. Veterans can submit their applications and companies can post to veteran-specific job boards to ensure the position is filled by a veteran.
- VETS: The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is another government organization, this time from the US Department of Labor. They operate with an emphasis on helping veterans and their spouses reach their full potential through personalized training and workshops, and then connecting those workers to companies looking to hire them. They’ve also compiled a handy guide specifically for employers looking to use their service to hire veterans, which employers can find by clicking here.
- Hire Heroes USA: Not to be confused with the organization above, Hire Heroes USA is a different organization with the same mission: connecting veterans and employers. To date, they have helped thousands of veterans and employers do just that.
4. Love and Support Them
That’s right. Sometimes the only thing you have to do is extend a helping hand or be patient when others might have already given up. It cannot be overstated just how important a sense of belonging, community, and acceptance can be to a veteran returning home.
According to data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 2.8 million veterans had a substance use disorder in 2021.
92.4% of them did not receive treatment.
That same year, 3.1 million veterans suffered from mental health struggles.
43.6% of them did not receive treatment.
By simply being present in the life of veterans you know, you can see warning signs for issues like these and help your veteran navigate the road to healing and recovery. Your love and support alone may even help prevent the issues from manifesting altogether.
If you can only do one thing on this list in 2024, this one is potentially by far the most impactful. It’s something you can do every day that costs you nothing. But you don’t have to wait until 2024 to start doing this.
In fact, you can begin right now.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
Remembering Our Heroes on Veteran’s Day
Every year on November 11th, America comes together to honor and give thanks to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Recognized as a federal holiday, Veteran’s Day serves as a time of both somber reflection and celebration of the people who sometimes paid the ultimate price for their country.
The Origins of Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day, initially known as Armistice Day, traces its roots back to the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918… at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month…an armistice was signed. This monumental event marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. In the years following, Armistice Day became a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in World War I.
In 1954, recognizing the need to honor veterans of all wars, the U.S. Congress officially changed the name to Veteran’s Day. It became a day not just to remember World War I but to pay tribute to all American veterans, acknowledging their service, patriotism, and the tremendous debt of gratitude owed to them.
The Challenges Faced by Veterans
While Veteran’s Day is a time of celebration, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the challenges many veterans face, particularly those dealing with the invisible wounds of war such as PTSD. The experiences of combat can leave lasting psychological effects, impacting the mental health and well-being of veterans.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common challenge among veterans, manifesting as a result of exposure to traumatic events. It can affect daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the unique struggles faced by veterans with PTSD is integral to offering meaningful support and assistance.
Resources for Veterans with PTSD
Numerous resources are available to assist veterans in coping with PTSD and reclaiming their lives. Organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Give an Hour, and the Veterans Crisis Line offer support, counseling, and outreach programs.
- Wounded Warrior Project: This organization provides a variety of programs and services. These include mental health support, adaptive sports, and career counseling, all specifically tailored to wounded veterans.
- Give an Hour: The Give an Hour program sees mental health professionals volunteer their time to provide free counseling and support to veterans and their families. This resource aims to bridge the gap in mental health care for military personnel.
- Veterans Crisis Line: This confidential helpline offers immediate assistance to veterans in crisis. Available 24/7, it connects veterans and their families with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders. To reach the line, you can dial 988 and then press 1.
In addition to the above resources, Face of Combat offers our own page of resources which you can find by clicking here.
Celebrating Resilience and Recovery
As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, let us not only express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our veterans but also remember those facing the silent battles of PTSD. By understanding their challenges and providing access to the necessary resources, we can contribute to the healing and well-being of those who have given so much for our freedom. This Veteran’s Day, let our appreciation be more than words – let it be a commitment to supporting those who have served.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
Helping Veterans During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The month of October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and offers an excellent opportunity to shine a spotlight on the contributions of an often-times overlooked section of the American workforce that is disabled. As an estimated 27% of veterans are disabled due to their time in the service, it’s easy to see how providing resources for disabled workers also means providing resources for quite a few US veterans returning from their tours. Disabled veterans face unique challenges as they transition from military service to civilian employment, and NDEAM serves as a reminder of the importance of providing opportunities and support for these individuals.
Unique Challenges Faced By Veterans
Disabled veterans often encounter numerous obstacles as they seek employment in the civilian workforce. Their disabilities may be physical, such as combat-related injuries, or mental, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These challenges can make the transition from military service to the civilian job market a daunting prospect.
One of the key challenges is the potential mismatch between military skills and civilian job requirements. Many veterans possess valuable skills such as leadership, adaptability, and teamwork but may unfortunately struggle to transfer these skills to their civilian roles in an environment that is quite different from what they’re used to. Additionally, physical disabilities can create barriers to certain types of employment altogether.
Why Is NDEAM Important For Veterans?
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was established to raise awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the contributions of disabled workers. For disabled veterans, this month holds particular importance as it underscores the value they bring to the workforce and the need for inclusive hiring practices. All too often, veterans slip through the cracks in a system that can sometimes seem indifferent to their needs at best and downright hostile to their needs at worst. By utilizing NDEAM’s spotlight on the disabled workforce, we can further hone in on the struggle of our veterans to hopefully get them the help they desperately need and deserve.
What Can Employers Do?
If you’re an employer or other organization that is looking to make your workplace as inclusive as possible for disabled veterans, there are a few things you can look out for. This support includes:
- Reasonable Accommodations: One of the easiest things you can do is to make reasonable accommodations for disabled veterans, such as modifying job duties or providing assistive technology. This can enable disabled veterans to perform their tasks more effectively or in a more comfortable way.
- Veteran Hiring Initiatives: Many organizations have programs dedicated to hiring veterans, and these initiatives often extend to disabled veterans as well. These programs focus on matching veterans’ skills with specific job openings, which is an excellent way to utilize the skills of disabled veterans in your workforce.
- Mentorship and Training: Veterans often benefit from mentorship and training programs that help them navigate the civilian workforce and build on their existing skills. Consider these types of programs to help ease the transition from a veteran’s military life to your civilian workforce, which can be especially jarring for veterans who are disabled.
- Promoting a Supportive Culture: Fostering a workplace culture that is inclusive and supportive of veterans, including those with disabilities, is essential. This includes eliminating stigma around disabilities and promoting diversity and inclusion. Many companies today are already moving towards diversity and inclusion programs, so make sure not to fall behind if you aren’t already implementing these opportunities into your company culture.
Making the Most of NDEAM 2023
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of disabled veterans and promote opportunities for their continued success. By recognizing the unique skills and experiences that disabled veterans bring to the workforce and by providing the necessary support and accommodations, employers and society as a whole can ensure that disabled veterans find meaningful and fulfilling careers after their service to the nation. This October, let us remember and honor the sacrifices of our disabled veterans and take meaningful steps to support their journey in the civilian workforce.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
PTSD and Military Families: The Ripple Effect of Trauma
As September comes to a close and the holidays begin, many families around the world will be preparing for three months of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations. For many military veterans however, this time can be a stressful one as they do their best to cope with life after service and the expectations such holidays place upon them in their new familial roles. For veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this can prove even more challenging.
That’s because the toll of PTSD doesn’t stop at the veteran; it ripples through their families. In this article, we’ll delve into the often-overlooked impact of PTSD on military families. We’ll explore how the trauma endured during service affects not only the veteran but also their loved ones. Understanding this ripple effect is crucial for supporting both veterans and their families on their journey to recovery.
The Veteran’s Burden:
Before delving into the impact on families, it’s essential to understand the weight of PTSD on veterans themselves. These individuals often carry invisible scars from their service, leading to nightmares, flashbacks, anger, and isolation. Coping with these symptoms is a daily struggle, one that can strain both familial relationships and other aspects of a veteran’s day-to-day life.
The Family’s Role:
Military families play a vital role in supporting veterans with PTSD. Spouses, children, parents, and siblings become unofficial caregivers, even if they don’t have formal training. They provide emotional support, offer a listening ear, and, at times, must navigate challenging situations when the veteran is in crisis.
The Strain on Relationships:
One of the most immediate impacts of PTSD on families is the strain it places on relationships. Spouses may grapple with understanding their partner’s unpredictable behavior and mood swings. Children might be frightened or confused when a parent experiences a flashback. This strain can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even resentment, further complicating the path to recovery.
Parenting Challenges:
Military families with children face unique parenting challenges when a parent has PTSD. The need to provide emotional support to both the veteran and the children can be overwhelming. Moreover, veterans with PTSD may struggle with parenting, feeling disconnected or unable to fully engage due to their symptoms.
Financial Stress:
Veterans with PTSD may find it challenging to maintain steady employment, which can lead to financial instability. This instability, coupled with the medical costs associated with treatment, can create immense stress within the family. The burden of managing finances can fall on the spouse, adding to their already considerable responsibilities.
Breaking the Silence:
One of the most significant barriers to healing for military families dealing with PTSD is the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many veterans and their families suffer in silence, fearing judgment or repercussions. Breaking this silence is crucial. Encouraging open communication within the family and seeking professional help when needed can be transformative.
Support Systems:
There is an increasing recognition of the need for support systems specifically tailored to military families dealing with PTSD. These include family counseling services, support groups, and online resources. Organizations like the National Military Family Association and Give an Hour provide valuable assistance to both veterans and their families.
Resilience and Recovery:
Despite the challenges, military families can emerge from the shadow of PTSD stronger and more resilient. The journey to recovery involves both the veteran and their loved ones working together, seeking therapy, and finding healthy coping mechanisms. This process can strengthen family bonds and create a deeper understanding of the experiences faced during military service.
So as the holidays begin, remember:
PTSD’s ripple effect on military families is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. Understanding and addressing this impact is crucial for holistic recovery. By providing support, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and fostering open communication, we can help military families not only survive but thrive in the face of PTSD’s challenges. It’s a reminder that healing is not just an individual journey but a collective one, undertaken by families who stand strong together.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
Recreational Therapy Deep Dive #3: Adventure Therapy/Outdoor Therapy
Today we’re continuing our ongoing series on the different forms of recreational therapy available to veterans by exploring an option that many people may not know even exists: Adventure Therapy, also known as Outdoor Therapy.
What Is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure Therapy is primarily based around the healing properties of interacting with nature in fun, exciting ways, hence why its often referred to as Outdoor Therapy. It can be practiced alone but is often done as a group to utilize the healing power of group therapy through shared activities. Performing Adventure Therapy with others fosters a sense of community among each member involved, leading to many positive benefits down the line in addition to the naturally therapeutic activities each person is performing outside.
These activities can be almost anything, from hiking, fishing, or hunting to ultimate frisbee and horseback riding. Some groups will hike out into the wilderness together and camp for a weekend or more. The sky is quite literally the limit when it comes to Adventure Therapy, so there’s almost certainly an activity out there for everyone.
Does It Really Help?
While there isn’t a lot of data specifically studying Adventure Therapy since its still relatively new, its actually quite easy to see how it could be beneficial for many people. Most of the activities involve some form of exercise, which has many studies supporting it as a form of therapy. Since almost all of the activities take place outside, there are also the benefits of getting fresh sunshine and interacting with nature. When looked at individually, it’s easy to see how the separate therapeutic parts can come together to make Adventure Therapy an effective alternative to more traditional forms of therapy.
Veteran Specific Programs
Knowing the benefits of Adventure Therapy, several organizations have risen up to provide a place where veterans specifically can go through the therapy with other veterans.
The Warrior Bonfire Program is one such program, with an emphasis on providing adventure therapy for Purple Heart medal recipients. They have multiple camping retreats per month and each group is made up of six Purple Heart recipients.
Warriors & Quite Waters provides something similar, allowing their veterans access to a sprawling outdoor ranch located in the heart of Montana for fishing, hunting, and building a sense of community with other veterans. Instead of Purple Heart recipients, this program emphasizes assistance for any combat veterans who served post 9/11.
Outward Bound for Veterans is a program run by the Outward Bound organization and serves over 600 veterans per year. Much like the other programs, the emphasis here is on a camping retreat with other veterans. Outward Bound takes a unique approach however, incorporating certain aspects of military life into the camping retreat in order to recontexualize those experiences in a positive, supportive environment.
These are but three of the many options available to veterans seeking Adventure/Outdoor therapy. Several other such programs exist in a smaller, more local capacity, so it never hurts to search online for similar programs near you!
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.
Recreational Therapy Deep Dive #2: Horticulture Therapy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects a significant number of military veterans, often stemming from their experiences in combat zones. The journey to recovery from PTSD can be challenging, but alternative therapies like horticulture therapy have shown remarkable promise in helping veterans heal and reclaim their lives. Horticulture therapy, the use of gardening and plant-related activities as a therapeutic tool, has gained popularity in recent years due to its proven benefits on mental health and overall well-being.
The Therapeutic Power of Gardening
Gardening has been a beloved pastime for centuries, and its therapeutic benefits are now scientifically recognized. Horticulture therapy involves engaging in gardening tasks such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting plants, as well as caring for them. These activities promote relaxation, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose – factors that can be particularly beneficial to veterans struggling with PTSD.
- Stress Reduction: The act of gardening stimulates the production of endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, which help reduce stress and anxiety levels. The repetitive and rhythmic motions involved in gardening can induce a meditative state, calming the mind and promoting mental clarity.
- Connection to Nature: Being surrounded by nature can have a profound impact on mental health. Horticulture therapy allows veterans to reconnect with nature, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility. The natural environment acts as a buffer against intrusive thoughts and triggers, providing veterans with a safe and therapeutic space to heal.
- Sense of Purpose: After serving in the military, many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose in civilian life. Horticulture therapy provides a structured and meaningful activity that gives veterans a renewed sense of purpose. Watching plants grow and flourish under their care instills a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
- Social Interaction: Group gardening sessions can be highly beneficial for veterans with PTSD, as they offer opportunities for social interaction and support. Working together towards a common goal fosters a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Managing Trauma with Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture therapy is tailored to meet the specific needs of veterans with PTSD. Therapists and horticulturists collaborate to design personalized programs that address the unique challenges faced by each individual. These programs incorporate therapeutic activities that encourage self-expression, emotional processing, and the development of coping strategies to manage trauma-related symptoms effectively.
Within the realm of horticulture therapy, mindfulness techniques hold a particularly crucial role. By encouraging veterans to be fully present while engaging in gardening tasks, they can effectively redirect their thoughts from traumatic memories, lessening the intensity of their PTSD symptoms.
Planting activities in horticulture therapy extend beyond the physical act itself; they also carry symbolic significance. Veterans can draw parallels between their journey of recovery and the growth of a seed into a thriving plant. This symbolism reinforces the idea that healing is not only possible but also achievable through this therapeutic process.
The environment necessary for horticulture therapy also plays a role in the recovery process. Horticulture therapy often unfolds in tranquil garden settings, providing veterans with a safe and calming environment that is beneficial to their healing process. The presence of natural elements, such as fresh air, sunlight, and greenery, plays a pivotal role in reducing stress levels and evoking positive emotions among the participants.
A unique facet of horticulture therapy lies in the creation of gardens specifically designed to be therapeutic both to the people who grow them and the people who visit them. These gardens are purposefully designed to promote healing and rehabilitation. By incorporating sensory elements, wheelchair-accessible pathways, and relaxation areas, they ensure that all veterans, regardless of their abilities, can experience the benefits of this therapeutic approach.
Planting the Seed…
Horticulture therapy has emerged as a powerful and effective tool in assisting veterans with PTSD on their journey to recovery. By harnessing the therapeutic power of gardening and nature, this innovative approach offers a safe space for veterans to process trauma, reduce stress, and rediscover a sense of purpose and belonging. As horticulture therapy continues to gain recognition, it is essential to advocate for its integration into mainstream mental health care, ensuring that all veterans have access to this transformative and life-affirming treatment. Even the most beautiful gardens begin with the planting of a single seed.
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you.If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here