Supporting veterans can take many forms, from volunteering at a local event to helping a veteran find resources, transportation or a welcoming place to connect with others. Whether you are a veteran, family member, caregiver or simply someone who wants to give back, there are meaningful ways to get involved in your community. Sometimes even a small act of support can help a veteran feel more connected and remind them that they are not alone.
Below are some ways to volunteer, support veterans in your community and help veterans and their families find opportunities to connect.
Volunteer opportunities to support veterans
Community members can support veterans in many ways, including:
- • Serving as a Honor Flight guardian or volunteer
- • Helping with welcome-home events for Honor Flight veterans
- • Supporting veteran housing programs
- • Donating to veteran-serving nonprofits
- • Helping with local Memorial Day or Veterans Day events
- • Joining a veteran service organization, if eligible
- • Supporting transportation programs for veterans
- • Sharing verified veteran resources with families and caregivers
- • Checking in on veterans who may be isolated or disconnected
Before volunteering, contact the organization directly to ask about current needs, application requirements, training and scheduling.
How families can help a veteran connect with community
Some veterans may not know where to start or may be hesitant to join a group. Family members and caregivers can help by:
- • Asking whether the veteran wants connection, support or a specific type of activity
- • Looking for groups tied to the veteran’s branch of service, interests or needs
- • Offering to attend a first event together
- • Helping with transportation
- • Contacting organizations ahead of time to ask about accessibility or eligibility
- • Looking for low-pressure opportunities, such as volunteer days, breakfasts, workshops or community events
Connection does not have to start with a formal membership. For some veterans, a volunteer day, a phone call or a local event may be the first step.
Before you attend a meeting or event
Before visiting a veteran organization or attending an event, check:
- • Meeting date and time
- • Location
- • Parking and accessibility
- • Membership requirements
- • Whether family members or guests may attend
- • Whether registration is required
- • Whether the event is open to all veterans or limited to certain groups
- • Whether volunteer training or background checks are required
Schedules and contact information can change, so call ahead or check the organization’s website before going.