Words Are a Start
"Thank you for your service" is well-intentioned. Most veterans appreciate the sentiment, even if hearing it for the ten-thousandth time can feel hollow.
But gratitude without action doesn't pay bills, doesn't help someone navigate the VA, and doesn't reduce veteran suicide rates. If you want to do more than say the words, here are five ways to actually make a difference.
1. Spend Money With Veteran-Owned Businesses
This is the most direct, most impactful thing you can do. Find a veteran-owned business in your community — or use a directory like Veteran Owned USA — and give them your business.
Don't make it a charity purchase. Make it an informed consumer decision. You'll often find that veteran-owned businesses deliver better service, because they were trained to.
2. Hire a Veteran
If you're in a position to hire, actively seek veteran candidates. Partner with organizations like Hire Heroes USA or American Corporate Partners (ACP) that connect employers with veterans.
Veteran employees often bring:
- Exceptional reliability and punctuality
- Leadership ability that accelerates into management
- Security clearances that cost companies hundreds of thousands to sponsor otherwise
- Loyalty and mission focus
3. Volunteer With Veterans Organizations
Organizations like the VA, Vet Centers, and nonprofits serving veterans are chronically understaffed and underfunded. You don't have to be a veteran to volunteer.
- Drive veterans to VA appointments (DAV Transportation Network)
- Mentor a transitioning veteran through ACP
- Support a veteran housing organization
- Volunteer at a stand-down event for homeless veterans
4. Educate Yourself on Veteran Issues
Veteran suicide, homelessness, disability claims backlogs, and transition challenges are systemic issues — not individual failures. Understanding them makes you a better advocate.
Read. Listen to veteran podcasts. Engage with veteran-created content. Don't just consume the narrative — understand the reality.
5. Advocate Politically
VA funding, the PACT Act, veteran housing, and education benefits are all shaped by legislation. Contact your representatives about veteran issues. Vote for candidates who prioritize veteran care.
Political advocacy is uncomfortable for some people, but it's how systems change.
The Standard
Veterans held themselves to impossibly high standards in uniform. The least we can do is hold our support of them to something higher than a phrase we say in airports.
Pick one thing on this list. Do it today.