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Members of our military are serving
every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many return safely to their families, but
some come back with life-changing physical and emotional injuries. My son did return after serving in Iraq without any visible
scars, what he was left with were emotional scars, or what is called post
traumatic syndrome (PTS) . Some families are grieved to learn that their
service member has been killed and will not be returning to them. All military
families are impacted when a loved one is deployed into a war zone, even if
they return safely. Some returning military members and their families face
major hardships, and that is where thankful
Americans like you can help.
Thousands of US military veterans
have returned to civilian life in the past few years. Some easily reconnect
with their families and the civilian workforce, but many go through a difficult
period of adjustment. I know I just wanted my boy back and wasn’t prepared for
his emotional changes. There is a service call Thankful Americans which can help veterans and their families
through their difficult times.
Thankful Americans
states that many people personally know a family with a member who is currently
serving, or has recently served, in the US military -- in which case it may be
easy to recognize someone who needs help. This November, please reach out to
someone who has and had a family member in the military. We can choose to
invest our time and money in those who have already sacrificed for their fellow
Americans.
Direct Person-to-Person &
Family-to-Family Support
One of the most powerful ways to impact a struggling service member and their family is to personally and directly help meet their needs. While military organizations and support groups provide major medical care to physically and emotionally injured service members, there are still problems that can sometimes be better handled by family, friends and caring thankful Americans. Help given by one individual directly to another is powerful "medicine", and when several individuals directly help one in need, the impact can be tremendous.
One of the most powerful ways to impact a struggling service member and their family is to personally and directly help meet their needs. While military organizations and support groups provide major medical care to physically and emotionally injured service members, there are still problems that can sometimes be better handled by family, friends and caring thankful Americans. Help given by one individual directly to another is powerful "medicine", and when several individuals directly help one in need, the impact can be tremendous.
Time & Money
You can help a former service member by giving of your time. Helping to prepare them for a job interview, being a partner in a sports or recreational activity, or just being there to listen and advice them during their time of transition are examples of ways to invest in their future by spending time with them.
You can help a former service member by giving of your time. Helping to prepare them for a job interview, being a partner in a sports or recreational activity, or just being there to listen and advice them during their time of transition are examples of ways to invest in their future by spending time with them.
 Gift cards are an easy way to provide direct support to someone that is struggling financially. They are easy to obtain, and can be given anonymously if desired. A gift card, along with a note saying "Thanks for your service", can have a positive impact on a service member and their family. If you know their specific needs, you can give gift cards from merchants that sell the items that would be of greatest use. |
How Much to Help?
How much help should you consider giving a service member or family in need? That question may best be answered after reflecting on the sacrifices already made for fellow Americans by the person needing your help.
How much help should you consider giving a service member or family in need? That question may best be answered after reflecting on the sacrifices already made for fellow Americans by the person needing your help.
Who Needs Help?Many current and former members of the US military and their families could benefit from your help. If you do not personally know of a service member or family that needs help, it should not be difficult to find someone in need by talking to others at your workplace, church, school, etc.
See organizations listed below for
more opportunities to help those in the US military who have sacrificed for all
Americans.
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