How You Can Support Veterans

May has been National Military Appreciation Month since 1999. While this celebration only lasts for a single month, we can continue to show appreciation to military service members throughout the year. Veterans have sacrificed a great deal in order to keep our nation safe. It’s important to show them some appreciation. Here are a few of the many ways you can appreciate veterans.
Attend Services And Events Designed To Celebrate Veterans
If your community is holding an event to recognize military members in your area, make sure you’re in attendance. It can be heartening for veterans to see a big crowd. You should always attend these events, and you should ask friends and family members to participate as well.
Provide Assistance When You Can
It’s likely that you can do a lot to encourage and support the veterans around you. You may be able to pick up groceries for someone or drive a veteran to a doctor’s appointment. We are all safer because of the selfless behavior of these veterans. If you can do something to assist a veteran, you should. You don’t necessarily have to run errands for them; even listening to veterans can be a big help. Veterans have given a lot. Now, it’s time for you to give back.
Send Care Packages
Soldiers that are stationed overseas often miss the comforts of home. Why not send a care package their way? You can send a package through the nonprofit USO Cares organization.
Use Companies that Support Vets
There are loads of companies out there that support veterans and provide them with assistance. Many of these are businesses started by veterans or begun by those with families in the forces. Take for instance, Lots of Honour, a Port Canaveral cruise parking company. They provide offsite parking facilities for the local area at a great price and are owned by a US Army Veteran. They also sponsor a charity called Homes for Our Troops that is working to stop veteran homelessness by building mortgage free homes for disable veterans. It’s a company that helps veterans and one many would be proud to support.
Volunteer With An Organization That Helps Vets  
There are all kinds of organizations that work to support vets. Start volunteering with one of these organizations! They could probably use the extra help.
Create Job Opportunities For Veterans
Many veterans struggle to find work after their period of enlistment has ended. That’s why it’s important to create job opportunities that are available to veterans. Many veterans have experience that is relevant to a wide range of jobs.
Make Sure Veterans Aren’t Alone On Veteran’s Day
It’s especially important to make sure vets feel supported on days like Veteran’s Day. After all, this is a day that was specifically set aside to honor them! If your community doesn’t have any special programming going on this Veteran’s Day, you may want to suggest something. One of the best ways to show veterans that you appreciate them is to be there for them physically. Veteran’s Day events can provide a lot of encouragement to vets, and they can also allow children to learn about the many sacrifices that veterans have made.
Connect Vets With Helpful Information
A lot of veterans don’t know about the discounts and programs that are available to them. These programs can be a big help to vets, and you should do your best to spread the word. Share information about programs and discounts on social media. If you own your own business, you might want to think about offering some sort of discount to members of the military. 
Say Thank You
When everything is said and done, sometimes the best way to thank a veteran is to simply say the words. The next time you see a veteran, you should tell them how grateful you are. Of course, you don’t have to stop with mere words! After that, you could offer your services, pay for their meal, or talk to them about their service.