5 Non-profit Veterans Organizations You Need to Know

The Mission Continues is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri and founded by author and former Navy SEAL, Eric Greitens. The Mission Continues challenges military veterans to begin to serve and lead in their own communities across America by awarding community service fellowships to post 9/11 veterans. Once again they are challenged and empowered to transform their own lives by serving others and directly impacting their communities. Many veterans struggle to find the same purpose at home as they found in the military. Some veterans seek the accomplishment of a meaningful goal, camaraderie and the security and discipline of a structured environment. The Mission Continues does not offer charity rather it challenges returning service members to utilize their hard earned skills and leadership to continue serving our country at home. Through service, veterans find renewed strength and purpose while building stronger communities. Their mission is fueled by a deeply respected philosophy and belief that our veterans are assets whose leadership is needed now more than ever right here at home.

The Mission Continues to date, has offered more than 450 fellowships to veterans to serve at nonprofit organizations across 41 states including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity. The Fellows have worked to address issues ranging from mentoring at-risk youth to examining homelessness and wildlife conservation to disaster preparedness. These experiences and challenges bridge the gap between the military and civilian life often allowing veterans the benefit of feeling more connected to their communities and helping civilians gain a better understanding and appreciation for the men and women who have served. It is a win/win for every one involved.

The War Writer's Campaign is focused on the therapeutic release and benefits of storytelling. Ryan Weemer, a former Marine who earned a Purple Heart during the Battle of Fallujah, helped found the group after earning his degree in psychology and working as an education counselor at IAVA.(Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)

Writing has always been considered a catharsis as it serves as part of a deep healing process. Many veterans with post-traumatic stress and other psychological disorders are able to express their pain for the first time by sharing their stories which will provide a form of advocacy for improved future veterans services.

“The mission right now is to promote social change surrounding veterans’ issues through written awareness,” Mr. Weemer said. (New York Times.guide-to-a-few-nonprofit-groups-providing-care-to-veterans.). Other service organizations, government and especially family members are able to truly learn and empathize with the experience of veterans by reading their work. That is the power of therapy through communication.

Operation Gratitude as their mission statement explains seeks to lift morale in the Military Community by sending thousands upon thousands of care packages addressed to individual soldiers, sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed overseas, to their children left behind at home, and to Veterans, First Responders, Wounded Warriors and their Care Givers. Operation Gratitude Care Packages contain much needed food, hygiene products, entertainment and handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with respect, good wishes and especially love and support.

Many Americans are unaware that right now tens of thousands of American Service Members are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for extended periods of time. The care packages they receive can be a practical life saver and morale booster.

How can you help right now? Here is a link to the Operation Gratitude Volunteer page

http://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/volunteer-info-schedule/

or for more information regarding the entire organization check out the link below.

Hero Dogs, Inc. is a Maryland 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide independence and improved quality of life to our nation's veterans by raising, training, and placing service dogs or "Hero Dogs" with injured or disabled military veterans who have served honorably in the United States Armed Forces.

A specially trained Hero Dog will assist disabled veterans by providing balance support in sitting or standing. Dogs will alert their humans to important sounds such as the doorbell, phone, a name being called, or a child crying. They will retrieve items, open and close doors and cabinets, operate light switches and automatic door openers. Most importantly, the Hero Dog will seek help for a veteran in emergencies. For more information check out the website. You can even sponsor a dog in training by providing necessities and financial support.

Launched on May 10, 2012, the Got Your 6 campaign demonstrates a measurable impact through their work by bringing together veterans and civilians in America. Got Your 6 is a collective initiative that unites the entertainment industry with veteran-oriented nonprofit organizations and federal government stakeholders. Got Your 6 is starting and changing the conversation in the US to ensure that veterans and military families are perceived as leaders and civic assets returning home to reenergize our own communities. The initiative hopes to accomplish these goals through an awareness building campaign, alongside an activation strategy focused on six pillars of veteran reintegration:

* jobs

* education

* housing

* health

* family

* leadership.

Got Your 6 in military terms mean that someone is watching and protecting you from harm. They got your back. They got your 6. Check out even more great information on their website.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. “
—Joseph Campbell