A neighborly gesture

One of Be Kind 5’s pillars is “Neighbors.” The concept of community and knowing our neighbors has been lost in today’s society. During these troubled times, I believe connecting and supporting our neighbors from the heart is one way to start making this world a better place.

I know people want to help and support veterans and their families, but do not know how or where to go. As a wife of a combat wounded veteran with a 100% VA disability rating whose family has needed assistance, any help directly from neighbors has made the biggest difference. Here are simple ways we have really helped our family. Start a GoFundMe for a veteran in your community that you know is struggling financially. Drop off a care package with gift cards and/or food, like spaghetti sauce, noodles and bread. Small efforts can make mighty changes.

An example of where a well connected and supported community thrives is the military community. However, when a veteran departs the military, they encounter a difficult transition while losing the community and support when it is needed most. This is one of the primary stressors veterans face explaining a suicide rate that is more than double the national average. The Department Veterans of Affairs (VA) does offer programs to ease the transition, but the resources are limited and many veterans and their families fall through the cracks and find themselves in very hard times. The VA has failed many veterans and their families by not following through with their word and this problem is being overshadowed by political scandals in the news.

There are private organizations that do their best to help with the stress of the transition. For example: water rafting trips, hiking, scuba diving, and equine therapies. All of these are great and are well received, however the scariest issue most veterans struggle with are finances so that they may support themselves and their family. There are many organizations out there designed to help veterans with financial crisis, but overhead costs limit the resources available to veterans and their families. These well meaning organizations are doing the best they can, but not everyone will receive the help they need.

The thing with veterans, they are humble people and find it difficult to ask for help. A neighborly gesture or supporting a local organization like Be Kind 5 means a lot to these members of our community. They will be forever grateful. That is the best kind of giving you can do to support those who have sacrificed everything to protect our country and our way of life.

With gratitude,

Shannon