Thanks to our veterans

This week I started summer classes and my professor happens to be a Vietnam veteran. At the end of class Wednesday night he wished us a safe weekend and asked us all to think about what we can do to reach out to thank a veteran this Memorial Day.

He spoke to how we all have the opportunity to celebrate our country's veterans by giving some of our time. Whether it is through companionship with a veteran at the local VA Hospital or a retirement home or even an educational experience to learn more about our history; we all can learn a lot about why our country is what is today, in part, thanks to those who have served our country through national service.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), veterans account for approximately 23 percent of all homeless people. While no amount of homelessness is acceptable whether veteran or not, there are things that the NCHV suggests we can all do to help homeless veterans in our area:

-Visit with homeless veteran providers.
-Involve others. If you are not already part of an organization, pull together a few people who might be interested in attacking this issue.
-Participate in local homeless coalitions.
-Contact your elected officials, and discuss what is being done in your community for homeless veterans.

If you are interested in connecting with homeless or veteran organizations please don't hesitate to contact me and I'd be happy to help connect you. You can also search for opportunities and Memorial Day related events online.

I want to say thanks to all the veterans I know including my grandpa Jack (pictured with me above), my deceased grandpa Jim, my uncle Rex, and my professor. Thanks for everything and to your friends that served beside you.