6 ways you and your credit union can help our heroes

Send a care package to a veteran
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Operation Gratitude has been sending care packages to our armed services with the help of local communities since 2003. Now totaling over 1.5 million, the care packages sent contain snacks, entertainment, hygiene products, handmade items and personal letters of appreciation addressed directly to both active duty and veteran U.S. Service Members.

Drive a veteran to an appointment
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Disabled American Veterans offers a variety of services to disabled veterans and their families. Everything from helping with disability assistance, VA pensions, job programs and more. Volunteers are able to assist in any capacity from transporting our nations heroes to get the treatment that they need, to running a few errands they may not be able to do without help.

Help a veteran heal with a companion
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The road of transitioning back into civilian life can be a long one for many of our nations heroes, but medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health. The Pets for Vets team provides a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them veterans based on their personality to reduce the unfortunate stress, depression and anxiety that many of our soldiers experience when they return home.

Help build a home for our injured heroes
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Home for Our Troop has been providing our injured veterans with specially adapted homes since Sept. 11, 2001. With help from communities like your own they raise money for building materials and labor free of charge to vets and their families.

Help our wounded warriors get back on their feet
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The Wounded Warrior Program provides rehabilitation, activities and career counseling for our nation’s wounded warriors and their families. Thanks to supporters fundraising and donating their time, over 100,000 warriors have had access to programs and services focused on physical, mental, and long-term financial well-being.

Thank them
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While it may seem like it isn’t much, a simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Sadly, so many of our veterans don’t hear it enough, so next time you see a veteran or someone in active duty, tell them how much their service means to you.