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Military veterans are one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities. U.S. veterans face disabilities, economic challenges, and a difficult transition from military service back to civilian life. In addition to these challenges, many veterans struggle to access the care and resources they need from a confusing veterans benefits system.
The obstacles facing military veterans are substantial, but they’re not insurmountable — especially with the help of concerned community members like you. If you want to help the veterans in your town, this article (presented by MilitaryWives.com) suggests five places to start.
Hire a Veteran
Are you a small business owner? If so, you could be just the employer a local veteran needs. Veterans are often overlooked for employment because their military credentials don’t neatly line up with the qualifications companies are seeking. However, a veteran’s military experience has a lot of overlap with the demands of the civilian workforce, especially when it comes to leadership, analytical, and management skills.
Drive a Veteran to a Doctor’s Appointments
Some veterans have to travel long distances to receive care at a VA medical center. Others have trouble getting to medical appointments due to a disability. If you have a veteran neighbor, ask if he or she needs help getting to doctor’s appointments. If you don’t know a veteran personally, volunteer through the DAV Transportation Network.
Does a veteran in your life need healthcare but doesn’t know where to go? Navigating the VA health system can be confusing, especially when it comes to coordinating Medicare benefits and military health benefits. As a result, some senior veterans neglect their health because they’re not sure how and where they can receive covered healthcare. You can help a veteran take care of their health by learning about how VA healthcare, Medicare, and TRICARE work together. Learning to navigate these benefits can better help you put a veteran in touch with the care they need.
Build a House for a Veteran
You don’t have to be a construction expert to get involved in building homes for veterans. Through organizations like Building Homes for Heroes and Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build, everyday citizens can help build and modify homes so that veterans have a safe and affordable place to live. Habitat for Humanity accepts all willing volunteers, while Building Homes for Heroes accepts licensed tradespeople for volunteer work but accepts donations from all community members who want to help.
Another way you can help a veteran ensure they have the housing they need is to simply point them toward something like a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. This type of loan doesn't require a down payment and has low interest rates, making them more affordable than other mortgage options. Point the vet you know toward information on getting a loan that meets their personal circumstances.
Get Involved in Social Work
If you want to help veterans in a really big way, consider a career in social work. Social workers play a significant role in serving active duty military and veterans. Social workers help military families cope with deployments and economic challenges, guide separating service members through the transition to civilian life, and assist veterans in navigating their healthcare options. While you can’t launch into this career overnight — social workers need a Master’s of Social Work degree from an accredited university and field experience before getting licensed — it’s a rewarding way to advance your career and support veterans in your community.
Donate to a Worthy Cause
Too busy to provide hands-on assistance? You can still help by donating to an organization that serves military veterans. However, donors should be cautious about where they send their dollars. While there are many organizations doing amazing work to help veterans, there are also bogus charities known to pocket donations instead of using them to do good. Always do your homework before donating to a charity.
After sacrificing so much for the country, veterans shouldn’t have to face their challenges alone. Whether you have a few dollars to spare or your own time to dedicate, there’s a lot you can do to return the favor to our nation’s veterans. Need more ideas? Connect with a local veterans organization to discover more ways to help.
Written by
Kelli Brewer