Building Better Lives for America's Needy Veterans and Their Families

People like you - people who care about needy veterans

and support NavyVets' mission often ask what more they

can do to advance our crusade to help veterans who

came home from the Armed Forces in need, injured or

sick. They want to work actively to assist the NavyVets

in our mission to "build better lives for America's needy

veterans and their families." And they can help in many

ways.

Fly Your Flag on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day

For many Americans, Veterans Day has turned into a commercial holiday - an excuse to hit the big sales at the shopping malls. Worse yet, many regard Memorial Day as a time to celebrate the beginning of summer rather than a day set aside to honor our nation's war dead. Is it any wonder veterans often feel their fellow countrymen don't appreciate the sacrifices they made? We hope you'll fly your flag on all patriotic holidays, but especially on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. In doing so, you'll show veterans you remember ... and care. Just as importantly, you'll remind others in your neighborhood of the meaning of these two observances. It's such a simple thing to do, but it's so important!

Thank a Veteran for the Gift of Freedom

Many teachers are using patriotic holidays as a way of

getting across an important lesson. They're asking

children to take a moment to thank parents, grandparents

and other relatives who served in America's Armed

Forces. This simple expression of gratitude is something

we could all offer to veterans we know - and at any time

of year. Because people so seldom stop to thank our

veterans, you may be surprised at the reaction you'll get.

But that look of slight embarrassment on the veteran's

face will quickly turn to a smile, and you will have

honored a very special man or woman in a unique and

significant way.

Consider Volunteering at a Veterans' Hospital or Nursing Home

Patients at VA medical facilities are often far from home, family and friends. Many have few visitors; some have none at all. When people from the community volunteer at VA hospitals and nursing homes - or other facilities that care for veterans - it carries a message to the patients on the wards. It tells them that people are grateful to them that they remember and care. Volunteers are always needed, you do not have to qualify as a Veterans Service Officer, and there are so many volunteer roles to play. Some of these activities involve contact with patients; others are more behind the scenes. Even if you don't have much time on your hands, there are always tasks you can do in a few hours each month. All of these volunteer activities are important ways to serve the men and women who once served all of us so well. If there's a VA medical facility near you, just call and tell them you'd like to give a little of your time for America's veterans.

Be Aware of the Daily Struggle of  Disabled and Needy Veterans

It's not a good day when there's no parking places left for a veteran in a wheelchair or on crutches. Nor is it a fine day when that veteran can't get into a store or restaurant - or, worse yet, a job. In our free and prosperous nation, all people should have the same access to services and employment, including those who deal with physical challenges. But the need for good old American equality is most obvious when it's a disabled veteran who can't find a place to park, a way to get into a building ... or a decent job. Please respect parking places reserved for people with disabilities. If you own a building that presents a problem to people whose mobility is impaired, see if there's a way to fix that problem. And, if you have any influence on hiring decisions, please use it to help place needy veterans in jobs.

This website was produced and is maintained,

exclusively, in the United States of America.

The membership of the

United States Navy Veterans Association

is composed of, exclusively,

American citizens and residents.

The Association does not make

grants or gifts to any foreign entity.