Supporting our Veterans & their families all year long
Veteran’s Day is a widely acknowledged holiday in terms of schools and offices being closed, but many folks aren’t actually sure how to observe it. Rather than throwing a generic “thank you” online (or to any Veterans you may encounter) why not consider a deeper way to show your appreciation to the folks that have served our country.
The Wounded Warrior project gave some great suggestions that we’ve expanded upon to include some local events to attend & organizations you can support:
- Learn more about VA loans and why they are an excellent benefit for Veterans and active duty service members – and why Sellers should NOT be afraid to accept an offer utilizing VA financing.
- Buy a meal or volunteer at a local Veteran’s Shelter. Tacoma Rescue Mission is one shelter that specifically houses Veterans. They can always use your assistance or financial support. Find out more here: https://www.trm.org/veterans/
- Lend a hand to a Veteran or the family of someone who is deployed. Bring them a meal or help with a project like Tacoma Pierce County Habitat for Humanity does with Veterans through their Aging in Place program. (You can also join in at a Veteran Build on one of their new home sites through 11/14!)
- Take time to listen to Veteran’s Stories. Story Corp has some great suggestions about open ended questions you can ask as part of their Military Voices Initiative. You could also host or participate in a Veteran Social
- Go to a parade or wreath laying ceremony. There are a number of them across Pierce county, including the 20th annual at War Memorial Park. Co-sponsored by Tacoma Historical Society, this event starts at 11 am (rain or shine!) on Wednesday the 11th.
- Send a care package to a deployed soldier you know – or one you don’t via Hero Box.
- Learn about mental health support programs for veterans and crucial services like the Veteran Crisis Hotline or make a donation in support programs for Veterans like the Wounded Warrior project.
- Hire a military spouse! It can be difficult for partners who are making frequent moves to maintain continuity in their career. That doesn’t mean they don’t have great experience to contribute.
- Buy a gift to lighten the load for a military family during the holidays. We will be supporting Santa’s Castle, which lightens the load for service members and their families who are stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord.
- Advocate for Veterans or financially support an organization that does, such as the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
