Please Take a Moment and Remember to Thank Our Veterans & Their Families this Christmas!

byTFRANTZ

197 followers

5 years ago

It is a well-known fact that the holiday season is difficult for many Veterans and their families. Christmas is just a couple of days away, but thousands of troops around the world will not get the luxury of spending it with their loved ones. Have you considered doing something to help make this Christmas special for them? Some simple, random act of kindness. A card, a cup of coffee, or a donation can have a fantastic effect on a service member or Veteran struggling with a feeling of isolation during the holidays.

I spent two consecutive Christmases deployed to a combat zone, and I remember how challenging that was for my family and me. Not to mention the countless other holidays I missed during my 20+ years of service. But I, and my fellow service members, always appreciated the little care packages we would receive from perfect strangers. Simple things to show they appreciated our sacrifices meant the world to us and kept us motivated.

Even years after leaving the uniform behind, I pray that those service members, and their families, know they are loved and appreciated, and their sacrifices mean so much to us back at home with our loved ones.

Luckily, many organizations are dedicated to Veterans and Servicemembers, but they desperately need your help and support this Christmas and year-round. I want to recommend that you find some local Veterans programs in need of assistance. I have always believed that community support should start locally. Supporting local Veterans allows you to see the results of your generosity first-hand.

There are over 100 national Veterans Service Organizations recognized by the Veteran's Administration. Some more popular ones include Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Vietnam Veterans of America. I am sure if you look, you will find at least one of these organizations locally.

I am not asking you to go out and give a bucket of money to these groups. I understand that the economy is tough right now. Instead, I would like you to visit with some of their members to see how you can help. Maybe they do need money (it is always welcome), but perhaps they could use your help serving dinners to those in need instead. If you have a shelter in your area, they still have many needs. Maybe you can send a Christmas card to the Veterans living alone in nursing homes that can't have visitors due to the pandemic.

This time of year can be even more difficult for military families with children. Imagine the difficulties faced by children whose moms or dads, or both, are deployed.

There have been several times that I have been in uniform and had my meal paid for by some anonymous donor. I cannot describe how honored and thankful I am when this small gesture occurs. If you see a Veteran the next time you are dining out, consider paying for their meal. If they have already paid for it, at least shake their hands and thank them for their service. The gesture will not go unappreciated, and knowing you did so will warm your heart indefinitely.

On behalf of my family and me, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God Bless You!