Mike Haynie from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) tells it like it is!
Too few of us support our veterans the way we should!
Since the draft ended in 1973 every parent breathes a sigh of relief that their child will be kept out of harm’s way. But what about someone else’s child? What about the young men and women who volunteer to defend our freedoms as we sleep peacefully? Can we really sleep peacefully knowing that these young men and women are fighting terrorism in countries we can’t pronounce?
With the longest war in U. S. history well into its thirteenth year, many of us have become immune to the effects of war on our youngest veterans. Yes, we shed a tear when we see a father united with a child he’s never met and we feel patriotic when we display our flags on holidays honoring our country’s freedom. But where are we when 22 veterans commit suicide every day because they feel ostracized and invisible in their own community? Those statistics make us uncomfortable (as Mike says) because we are complicit in our lack of veteran involvement. Veterans see themselves through our eyes. If they feel invisible it’s because they know we don’t see them. We don’t see their pain or understand their needs. Every one of us needs to do more to show that we care…to show that we SEE them!
I implore you to do something…anything!
Please watch this TedX talk from Mike Haynie:
Find an organization in your community that gives back to those who have given so much. Give of yourself in a meaningful way. Be a mentor – help them find a job – share your knowledge – show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made!
Here are a few veteran organizations in your community that are making a difference:
