Military Veterans face complex challenges accessing VA benefits and services, and while there have been strides in support, many issues persist in 2024, like access to care, barriers to employment and education, transition, homelessness and housing, and other social, cultural, and policy hurdles.
It’s important to remember that these are just some of the major challenges, and the individual experiences of Veterans vary greatly. However, acknowledging these issues and working toward solutions is crucial for honoring their service and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive in civilian life.
How you can help
There are many ways you can help Veterans, depending on your time, resources and interests. Here are some ways for you to positively impact Veterans over the coming year:
Raise awareness and advocate
- Talk to friends and family. Share information about the challenges Veterans face and encourage them to learn more.
- Support Veteran friendly businesses. Choose to patronize businesses that hire and support Veterans.
- Contact your elected officials. Voice your support for policies that benefit Veterans, such as increased funding for health care and affordable housing.
- Recognize and support caregivers. Support legislation to have caregivers recognized and supported.
Donate to organizations that make a direct impact for Veterans
- Support Veteran-focused charities. There are many reputable organizations that provide essential services to Veterans, such as job training, health care and housing assistance. Do your research and choose charities that align with your values.
- Donate goods or services. Many organizations accept donations of clothing, toiletries, furniture or even professional services like legal aid or financial planning.
- Organizations that effectively apply donations that directly benefit Veterans include the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the West Point Association of Graduates.
Volunteer your time
- Mentor a Veteran. Share your skills and experience to help a Veteran transition to civilian life or navigate the VA system.
- Volunteer at a VA hospital or clinic. Assist with administrative tasks, provide companionship to patients or participate in recreational activities.
- Help with fundraising events. Organize or participate in walks, runs or other events that raise money for Veteran support programs.
- Offer transportation. Provide rides to Veterans for medical appointments, grocery shopping or other errands.
- Share your story. If you are a Veteran yourself, consider sharing your story with others to help raise awareness and understanding.
Pursue small acts of kindness
- Thank a Veteran for their service. A simple expression of gratitude can go a long way.
- Offer to help. If you see a Veteran struggling with something, offer your assistance.
- Educate yourself. Learn more about the challenges Veterans face and ask how you can support them.
- Hire a Veteran. If you are an employer, consider hiring a Veteran. Their skills, experience and work ethic can be valuable assets to your team.
If you’re interested in getting involved in supporting Veterans, here are some helpful resources:
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV): [https://www.dav.org/]
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): [https://www.vfw.org/]
- American Legion: [https://www.legion.org/]
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: [https://www.nchv.org/]
- The Jed Foundation: [https://www.jedfoundation.org/] (mental health support for Veterans)
Remember, every little bit helps. By getting involved, you can make a real difference in the lives of Veterans.
About Robert A. McDonald
Bob McDonald served Procter & Gamble for 33 years with the last four as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO of P&G, Bob helped to expand the footprint of its company brands.
Following his career at P&G, Bob was selected by President Obama in 2014 to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. While at the helm of VA, Bob was able to help transform the agency into one that truly delivered better care for our Military Veterans.
Bob is currently Chairman of the Board of the West Point Association of Graduates and Chairman of the Board of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
For more information about Bob please visit https://www.robertmcdonald.com/.
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We have been helping out a struggling 100% DEAF Vietnam Veteran for many years now. During his service he worked as a first line medic on helicopters. I believe he is receiving 70 % disability and is widowed. He takes multiple prescriptions and we have done are best to support him with his shopping and driving to and from out-of-town Doctor appointments. We live in smaller California town where receiving VA resources can be challenging. My concern for this Vet is that he might at some in time need more help. Are there VA retirement homes for elderly veterans?
Ridgecrest, California another name for the area is China Lake national weapons research center.
I’m also Vietnam era Vet.
How do I volunteer at a VA hospital or clinic to assist with patients who became paralyzed from a spinal injury and unable to use their arms or legs.
Worthless opinion piece. Any opinion providing insight to improve Veterans lives, should come from a veteran. Especially us that have been disserviced repeatedly at this Denver VA. There are countless of insight and harrowing experiences on how to correct the VA. As long as only folks in the system are making recommendations to change internally, all issues persist. It’s tangible and measurable overtime how ineffective internal recommendations have been to deliverable to continues dissatisfaction from Veterans like myself and the plenty of veterans that talk about their experiences of racial animosity and clear discrimination Weaponized against them as black veterans. Ask for any of the recommendations I’ve made; no to worry my degree(s) of educational expertise are sociology: the study of human interaction. I am the subject matter expert with the informative suggestions that show how to fix yourselves.