Veterans Day 2011

Veterans Day is Friday November 11, so what better way to celebrate our service men and women than discussing how they are returning home and serving in their communities. While many veterans come home and return to their normal everyday routines, a lot of veterans face a tough road assimilating back into life.

A great story by The New York Times talks about former Navy Seals Eric Greitens who founded the nonprofit group called The Mission Continues. After serving and discussing with fellow wounded troops, he noticed they talked about wanting to become teachers, police officers and coaches. “They didn’t use the word ‘serve,’ but serving is what they meant,” he said.

The Mission Continues supports troops by giving them stipends to work in a variety of nonprofit fields. Through the organization, they team up with similar nonprofits which range in giving public talks about their injuries, builds or rehabilitates homes for disabled combat veterans.

A 2009 survey by Civic Enterprises, a consulting firm to nonprofits, concluded that younger veterans feel a hunger for continued service. “Veterans are untapped natural assets,” the survey said. Many psychologists and therapists say community work and volunteerism can also be deeply therapeutic for wounded veterans.

For this Veterans Day, let's thank our service men and women for their commitment to our country. We are proud of their continued service to their communities.