Renewal by Andersen’s Post

As we head into the holiday season, many of us are planning gatherings with friends and family, taking time to reflect and give thanks. Yet, for our military families, the holidays can be a time of added stress and financial strain, particularly for those who are separated due to deployments or transitioning out of the military. For the last couple years, I've gotten the chance to volunteer with Operation Homefront, a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building strong, stable, and secure military families. I'm excited to get to do so again this year. Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront provides crucial support to military families through a range of programs designed to alleviate short-term difficulties and prevent them from becoming long-term hardships. With a remarkable 85% of expenditures going directly to programs and services, the organization has received a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for 11 consecutive years. In the Omaha area? Good news! Operation Homefront is giving away free Thanksgiving meals to military families who meet certain eligibility criteria. This program, known as Holiday Meals for Military, is a small but impactful way to say thank you for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. To find out if you’re eligible and how to participate, check out the below link. I think they're near max capacity - take a peek soon if needed. **Eligibility:** - Post 9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service members of any rank, both currently serving and those no longer serving in the military. - All ranks, Active Duty, Guard, and Reserves, in any duty status. - Transitioning service members within 12 months of their discharge/retirement date. Let's do our part to support those who have served our country. Help spread the word about this organization and this event and let's make this holiday season a bit easier for our military families.

Every year, over 300,000 people join the United States military. There are many reasons people enlist: education benefits, access to healthcare, a sense of duty to their country. A lot has changed since I made the choice to serve in the United States Navy over 30 years ago, but one thing remains the same - military life impacts not only the servicemember but their entire family. There may be cross-country moves, deployments, late nights and early mornings. Sometimes the unthinkable happens and an entire family is left grieving their loved one. This is why organizations like Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) are so important. TAPS provides support to anyone impacted by the death of a servicemember or veteran, including individual counseling, peer support groups, and a 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline. In honor of National Philanthropy Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month, I’m donating a portion of the November proceeds from my book, Soar Into Joy: A Combat Pilot’s Wisdom on Falling in Love with Your Life to support TAPS. Please consider supporting organizations, like TAPS, who directly support the families of those who gave their lives in service to our country.

🇺🇸 Today is Giving Tuesday, and I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work being done by Operation Military Family (OMF) in supporting our veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life. By supporting OMF today, you can help provide pathways of purpose to our heroes, directly impacting the alarming suicide rate in the #veteran community. #transitioning from #military to civilian life can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for our veterans and their families. Many face difficulties in finding meaningful employment, accessing healthcare, and adjusting to a new way of life. These challenges often lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and hopelessness, contributing to the high suicide rate among veterans. OMF is dedicated to changing this narrative by offering comprehensive programs and resources that empower veterans and their families to thrive in their civilian lives. Through career coaching, job placement assistance, mental health support, and community engagement initiatives, OMF provides the necessary tools and support to ensure a successful transition. Let's come together as a community and make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Join me in supporting Operation Military Family today and help provide pathways of purpose to our veterans and their families. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that no veteran feels alone or forgotten. #GivingTuesday #SupportOurVeterans Mike Schindler Paul A. Perez, MS, PCC, CVB Monica M. McNeal Comcast Boeing Seattle Seahawks Community Council for Veterans of South King County US Army US Navy United States Air Force U.S. Coast Guard JBLM https://lnkd.in/gk7DxCJg

USA Cares' November newsletter is out! 📰 Join the rest of our supporters in catching up on all the latest news with USA Cares, including ways you can make a positive impact on military families this Veterans Day. Click here to read: https://conta.cc/3u3yJEp #nonprofit #newsletter #veteransupport #veterans #veteransday #makeanimpact

ON TRACK - 05/10/2023 An important event, highlighting mental well-being in Dorset. See more & book here : https://lnkd.in/easjtSQ3

Calling all veterans, serving members of the armed forces and their partners. Take a minute and consider your partner, and your family. Maybe you have children. Do you know what will happen to them if anything happens to you? Where will they live? What will happen to the schooling and education for your kids? What community will wrap around them and support them when they need it most? Will it be the community they are part of now? Sadly there is little information on the outcomes for the bereaved partners and children of Service families. Even less than the information on the Armed Forces. If you don't track it; you don't know if there's an issue; you don't have to do anything about it. Or am I being too cynical? In this week's podcast, we are talking with Jilly Carrell, "The Accidental Activist for Bereaved Military Community". Thank you for trusting us to share your experience and for all you're doing to change this. The support when there is a death in military service should reflect the service, commitment and oath of allegiance. You would think that ✅ Your family would be assigned someone to help with welfare and emotional support. ✅ There would be a joined-up after-service support ✅ Easy access to things such as dentists, doctors and schooling. For veterans, there is Op Courage, Fortitude, Nova and Prosper. Where do bereaved partners and children sit in terms of how they are supported and their needs tracked and met? Are they part of the Veteran Community? Seems not. They fall into no man's land. Not quite civilian, not quite Armed Services or Veteran. Isn't it about time the Office of Veterans Affairs looked at having an Op Families for the joined-up wrap-around service support? This country has been at war, peacekeeping on major exercises for the past 80 years. Things have to improve. The families serve just as much as the service person. Who can you share your views on this with? Grant Shapps  Johnny Mercer Leo Docherty Your local Veterans Champion If you are an organisation, company, or charity please get in contact with Jilly here: www.beyondthewire.org.uk Links to the podcast in the comments. #whatmakesthedifference #militaryspouses #militarychildren #dandelions #armedforcescovenant #dobetter British Army Royal Air Force (RAF) Royal Navy Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Royal British Legion SSAFA the Armed Forces charity Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities UK Ministry of Defence RMA - The Royal Marines Charity   Royal Star & Garter Hire a Hero UKWho Dares Cares Walking With The Wounded Scotty's Little Soldiers Forces Children Scotland Forces Children's Education Forces Children's Trust (Denny Wise)  Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Armed Forces Community HQ CIC Armed Forces Veterans Association - Met Branch ARMY PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION Royal Marines The Poppy Factory RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries) GenDitNetwork The V Word

A couple of Decembers ago, Paul Cucinotta and I called one #Veteran a day for 22 days leading up to the holidays. They were Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen we had served with over our 47 collective years on active duty. As fellow Veterans and close friends, we had done the same thing for each other — at times we were doing well and at times we were struggling — over the past 27 years. During those 3 weeks in December of 2021, we called to check on our brothers and sisters in a very simple way. It required no money or support from big corporations, the government, or nonprofits. It only took time, understanding, kindness, and empathy. These simple actions not only made a difference for the Veterans we called, but it lifted our spirits too. Last week the VA announced an initiative called “Buddy Check” with a call to action for Veterans to check in on one another. There is a realization in this effort that, while the public and private sectors continue to spend billions of dollars to study and to help prevent Veteran suicide — the real solution lies with each of us. Veterans supporting Veterans. So the next time you’re thinking about doing 22 push-ups or making a charitable donation — pick up the phone instead, and dial a Veteran you served with. I promise you two things. 1) you will make a difference in that’s person's life even if they aren’t struggling; and 2) you will make a difference for your own health and well-being. The solution lies with #Veterans helping #Veterans. It always has and it always will. To learn more about the VA's #BuddyCheck Week go to the link in comments.

Being a military spouse, I firsthand understand it’s important when there are companies and people who understand the transition, understand the lifestyle, the hardships you endure through every process. It’s a lifestyle ♥️ Heroes for Healthcare has your best interest at heart when it comes to your transition out. The people behind this program are there to support you through your changes.

🇺🇸🎖️ Never Forget: Supporting Our Veterans Matters! 🎖️🇺🇸 Every day, brave men and women risk their lives to defend our freedom. Their sacrifices shouldn't be forgotten once they return home. 🏡 That's why it's crucial to rally behind our veterans and the organizations dedicated to supporting them. 💙 Why It Matters: Our veterans face unique challenges, from transitioning to civilian life to coping with physical and mental wounds. Yet, their strength, courage, and dedication never waver. It's our duty to ensure they receive the respect and assistance they deserve. 🤝 Supporting Organizations: Countless nonprofits and support groups are working tirelessly to provide veterans with essential services like healthcare, housing, employment assistance, and mental health support. By backing these organizations, we're directly impacting the lives of those who've served. 🌟 How You Can Help: Whether it's volunteering your time, donating funds, or simply spreading awareness, every action counts. Let's honor our veterans not just with words, but with meaningful deeds that show our gratitude and respect. 🔗 Take Action Today: Don't wait for a special occasion to show your support. Reach out to local veterans' organizations, participate in fundraising events, or lend a helping hand to a veteran in need. Together, we can make a difference and ensure our heroes are never forgotten. 🙏 #SupportOurVeterans #NeverForget #Gratitude #VeteransMatter #MilitaryVeteransWellnessProgram Military Veterans Wellness Program