We Take Care Of Our Own…#vetsmatter
This post today is dedicated to our men and women who serve each day for our freedom as part of the Armed Service. I know firsthand the sacrifice our men and women make every day for the freedoms we so boldly seem to take for granted at times. In my family, there is a long history of service. Whether it’s serving in the military like my brother, who is a Captain in the USAF or my grandfather who served through two wars as part of the US Army Cavalry as well his brothers in the Marines. Service has been embedded in my history and culture of family for generations. I never take for granted the service provided by these brave heroes. So many feel it’s okay to bash our military, to make political hay out of the service we as a country are given by these individuals. Our country has become polarized by the political stances on both sides, yet, in the middle of this debate these men and women, who step up to the plate to serve their country.
And to this day, we still have many veterans who come home from the battlefield to only lose their homes or have a harder path to find jobs. Why do we feel we can be patriotic when it’s in fashion yet turn our backs when it comes to bringing our men, women home to enjoy the security they fought so boldly and proudly for us to have each day.
Margie Clayman, a great friend, has started a new hashtag #vetsmatter on Twitter. Under this banner, she has enlisted many of us to help her spread the message that we need to give back to our vets. We need to stand up and take care of our own.
I ask that you join in this battle, let’s tell our vets they matter and show it. I’ve included a few links to organizations that are helping our vets come home to find jobs, secure their housing and rebuild their lives after their service. We can all take part in ensuring no vet is left homeless, and help the ones who are sadly on the streets and give support to the families back home who kept the home fires building through their loved ones tours of service in the theaters they served.
We owe them more than “Thank you” we need to give back with more than lip service. Will you take stand up and help? Check out these links and give with time and service or financial support. Thank you.
Wounded Warrior
Mission: To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history. http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
HireVeterans
Mission: The site is free for ALL U.S. Veterans who seek jobs. And employers to post jobs to hire Veterans. http://www.hireveterans.com/
Pat Tillman Foundation
Mission: The Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active servicemembers and their spouses. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically the ever-growing population of veterans of Post-9/11 conflicts. http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/
Veterans Matter
Mission: “Veterans Matter” is a rapid response pilot program created by 1Matters to fill a gap and immediately help move unhoused veterans into housing. Because of this programs overwhelming success, we have created the “60,000 Soldiers Housed” campaign. Our first spokespersons are Dusty Hill, Billy F. Gibbons, and Frank Beard. Better known as ZZ Top. Join our Veterans Matter mailing list here to keep up to date as other artists sign on. http://www.1matters.org/about1matters/veterans/
