Veterans Day is Friday.
The recognition offers a chance to acknowledge and thank veterans – of whom there are more than 19 million in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Our nation’s veterans deserve our gratitude and support every day,” said Nicole Motsek, executive director of the non-profit Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation. “I find that, especially around Veterans Day, there are people looking for ways to help assist with the needs of our nations’ veterans. Veterans are always thankful for support from their communities, and appreciate that there are people who want to assist them.”
Some simple ways to help support veterans, from the EOD:
- Say thank you. One of the easiest things to do. It’s free, and often overlooked. Thanking a veteran for their service is one of the best ways you can show support and care to them. But don’t just make it a simple thank you. Use it to start a conversation around their service.
- Pick up the tab. If you see veterans having breakfast in a diner or ordering a doughnut at the bakery, why not pick up the tab? This simple gesture goes a long way toward putting a smile on their face and pep in their step.
- Run or bike. Many running, walking, and biking events around the nation benefit veterans. Plan an event for next year. Exercise and positive relationships are healthy ways to live our lives.
- Organize a fundraiser next year. Those who like to help raise funds for veterans' charities can host events like garage sales, car washes, or bake sales.
- Provide jobs. Veterans make great employees. Helping provide military veterans with second careers is a win-win situation for the veteran and the employer.
- Patronize their business. Nine percent of the nation's businesses are owned and operated by veterans. Seek them out and show your support.
“There are many ways for people to be creative supporting veterans and veteran causes,” Motsek said. “We offer many events throughout the year, like golf tournaments, a polar bear plunge, runs, and a bike ride. Each successful event that benefits the foundation is a success because of our volunteers. Their time and service adds up to a huge amount of 'free support.'"
The non-profit EOD Warrior Foundation works to improve quality of life for the EOD family by providing emergency financial relief, scholarship opportunities, physical, social, and emotional support.
The foundation serves active-duty and veteran wounded, injured or ill EOD warriors, and families of wounded and fallen EOD warriors. It offers support, and handles each request on a case-by case basis.
The foundation also provides ongoing care and maintenance for the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, in remembrance of more than 300 EOD technicians who died while carrying out an EOD mission.
See www.eodwarriorfoundation.org for more information.
