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As members of the military and Veteran communities, we know the immense sacrifices our service members and Veterans make for our country. It’s important that we find meaningful ways to regularly express our gratitude and appreciation.

VA invites you to explore some meaningful ways you can give back and say “thank you” to Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors from Nov. 24 – 30 during “Veteran Thanks-Giving.” While you’re passing out food at the table this holiday season, pass out some thanks as well for your family and friends of service.

Ways to show gratitude

Operation Gratitude facilitates a variety of programs that allow individuals and groups to create personal connections and show their appreciation.

Volunteer. The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Habitat for Humanity, Home Depot Foundation and VA–just to name a few–all need volunteers to help with Veteran outreach programs. Say thank you by giving your time.

Vet Tix provides free tickets to events for Veterans, active duty military and their families. Attending an event together is a fun way to create shared experiences and show your gratitude.

Call or text. Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean the most. Reach out to a Veteran you know and let them know you’re thinking of them with a quick phone call or text to say “thank you for your service.”

Write a letter or email. Take the time to write a thoughtful letter expressing your gratitude. Reflect on how the Veteran’s service has impacted you or your community and share specific memories or stories.

No matter which approach you choose, the most important thing is to find authentic ways to express your gratitude.

Not sure how to find your buddies to show gratitude?

Explore new ways of finding your battle buddies and friends using the Together We Served Buddy Finder and RallyPoint.

Last month, VA hosted Buddy Check Week to check on each other and reduce isolation. Let’s carry that forward and keep connecting!

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4 Comments

  1. Jeannette Herbord November 27, 2024 at 03:16

    Sure would be nice to have a truck to pick up and deliver donations!!!! Or being able to go to events without having to rent a truck from my pocket. Just pray we get a property as our mission is to house homeless veterans for 24 mo. To give them back freedom and pride

  2. Lora November 22, 2024 at 00:41

    I thank you guys for the support. I’m a care giver for a veteran.
    But I I don’t understand ,
    My husband was a veteran for years. I loved my husband. Unfortunately, my husband passed a d left us at a very young age 54 yrs old, with a young son which loved him very much and affectec him very much. Sgt Danny Byse served his vountry and due to the US Armex forces war he died. You guys talk about one’s who live a d doing and giving for the current. I say what about the service that has been done. And what the wife and very young son ehose career is damagex because of his death caused by the war. Everything the living get the dead tbat served
    His family is still him, should be desteving of everything thats availa le for living get.

    I’m starting SVOP…
    SURVIVING SPOUSES OF PATROITS/PASSED.

    LETS NOT FIRGET ABOUT THEM OR THEIR FAMILY/CHILDREN.

    THANK YOU

  3. Terry Cotton November 20, 2024 at 20:30

    Thank you for all the info you put forth for veterans and active duty personnel. Even though I personally don’t need most of the info, I appreciate your attempts to help.

  4. prue November 20, 2024 at 20:18

    thanks for all you do

Comments are closed.

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