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By Donald J. Quenneville and Michelle J. Keating
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Nov 11, 2008 @ 06:15 AM
The monumental election of Barack Obama illustrates that, in a nation where freedom and liberty reign, anything is possible. Any dream can be achieved.
So as America prepares for the transition of power to a new commander-in-chief, it is important not to forget the bravery and sacrifice of veterans who have fought to protect the American dream.
In addition to more than 4,800 servicemen and women killed so far during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, thousands more are returning from active duty: some visibly wounded, many emotionally affected, all of them heroes.
And all are trying to pick up life where they left off before service to our country interrupted. Remembering, honoring and memorializing are important. But taking specific action right now to help veterans readjust and recover can make a huge difference to them and their families.
Take a few minutes today to consider what you can do. Here are three ways to have an impact:
Help wounded veterans and their families in recovery.
Wounded veterans heal better when they’re surrounded by family members. And families stay strong by participating in the recovery process.
Just last month, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Roxbury, ground was broken on the Fisher House Boston – a home for families of severely injured and ill veterans. Since 1991, the Fisher House Foundation has helped serve over 120,000 families at over 40 Fisher Houses across the U.S. The $6 million Fisher House Boston will house 20 families in well-designed suites with a common kitchen, spacious dining and living space, and a library. It’s the kind of environment where veterans’ families – free of charge – can focus on aiding the recovery of their loved ones, without the distraction and expense of finding their own accommodations.
The need is considerable: more than 7,000 veterans from around New England – including the South Shore and South Coast, MetroWest, Greater Boston and beyond – are anticipated to require some level of VA care. The Fisher House capital campaign has a target of $3 million. Helping to raise some of that is a big step toward raising the quality of life for recovering veterans and their families.
Hire a veteran.
Or help them find a job. Offer to retrain a returning serviceman or woman whose civilian livelihood has fallen victim to downsizing. The global financial crisis is wiping jobs from the U.S. economy – making it all the more difficult for veterans in transition to re-start the lives they put on hold.
The U.S. Department of Labor is actively seeking employers who want to provide wounded and other veterans with new opportunities. It’s good corporate citizenship, and it’s also good business. The Labor Department’s Hire Vets First program notes that, among other valuable qualities, veterans have an accelerated learning curve; understand teamwork and the proper balance of individual and group productivity; work efficiently under pressure; are familiar with new technologies; and have a strong sense of integrity.
Say “Thank you.”
It makes a difference. It means a lot. It won’t be forgotten.
Your neighbor might have served, or his or her college-age son or daughter. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, construction laborers – all are part of the c
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