Donna K. Mills
2018-2019 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
Happy New Year 2019!
I can’t think of a better, more important way, to start off a new year than to spend quality time working with our veterans and their families. There are just so MANY WONDERFUL THINGS we can do each and every day to make life a little brighter for those who have served and are serving our nation.
For example:
- Take dinner to a veteran – OR – take a veteran out for dinner!
- Take a veteran out of their house – for a day, an afternoon, an hour.
- Share a Thank You Coin.
- Give and post a Resource Rack Card.
- Spend a few minutes talking to a veteran and/or soldier.
- Provide a hug.
- Let our veterans and military know we are here for them.
These small ways of thoughtfulness, caring and gratitude mean as much to our veterans and military personnel as our larger, more talked about projects and services, such as:
- Scholarship Programs
- Welcome Homes
- Care Packages
- Adopt-A-Unit
- Operation Uplink Virtual Pins
Remember that everything, big or small, is appreciated, and those who have given so very much for us are grateful and honored that we remember them, thank them and make them feel special. Personally, I BELIEVE that we can’t help but be in admiration of those who can, and will, do for our country, that which, I, for one, cannot do. I BELIEVE that we can make a difference in the lives of those who have served so proudly and honorably. I know that every single project completed, every single Thank You Coin, Resource Rack Card, Virtual Pin, scholarship application, unit adopted, welcome home celebrated, care package sent, and hug given makes a difference for not only the veteran and the soldier, but for the VFW Auxiliary, we the members, and those who watch everything that we do.
Everything that we do for the Veterans & Family Support Program is seen by more people than we realize. We are setting examples for others to follow when showing their respect and dedication to those who have served and are serving our nation. We need to remember that, with that kind of an impact, we are making a difference in a lot of ways and we are doing it the right way!
Every single item mentioned above, and a lot that hasn’t been mentioned, are reportable for the Veterans & Family Support program. Always remember that if you aren’t sure if you can report it, report it anyway! Let your Department Chairman or National Ambassador figure it out – that’s their job! Let nothing you do go unnoticed, unmentioned and no stone unturned.
I BELIEVE that WE CAN DO IT because I believe that we have done it! Now it is time to tell your story. I, for one, am ready and anxious to listen.
