Remember, Honor, Support

Remember, honor, support.

Those words are floating around social media full blast today as it is Memorial Day in the United States when I am writing this. 

It is a day set aside for remembering those who died in military service. The first national observance was commissioned by Commander in Chief John A. Logan on May 30, 1868. He called it Decoration Day honoring the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. By 1873 most states had joined the day of recognition.

In 1971, Congress standardized the day, making it a national holiday. They changed the name to Memorial Day and designated the last Monday in May for observance.

I have never heard anyone say they do not support our military or appreciate their sacrifice. You see hundreds of “Support Our Troops” bumper stickers and window decals on the highways. 

We all have family members that served, still serve, and even gave their lives. My dad’s oldest brother, Alton Hudson was wounded at the battle in Normandy and died a few days later. His picture, along with my Uncle Hubert (dad’s other brother), dad, Caston’s uncles and dad hang in our guest room. I call it our family military wall. We have a niece serving in the navy now.

So, yes, we support our troops 100%. Or do we?

It’s a proven fact that a very large number of our country’s homeless men and women are ex-veterans. The older ones alive today lived through Vietnam and returned home mentally and emotionally bankrupt. 

I have heard countless stories from Caston’s side of the family about how all family members made it home safe, but none would talk about their experiences. They served in WWII and Korea.

They return home and try to reintegrate into their daily lives and discover they cannot function or shut out the nightmares. Families fall apart, relationships crumble, and a cycle begins that many times ends badly.

I know there is no easy fix, there never is. First, someone must want help. While it is heartbreaking, some people will never ask for help or accept it when offered. For those who DO want help, why haven’t we made it easier? Anyone who must deal with federal agencies knows how time consuming (wasting) it is.

Many join the military right out of high school – just kids. Three years ago, Caston began working for Instant Teams. They provide remote call center support to larger companies. The business was started by spouses of military men and women.

They hire military spouses to work remotely from their homes giving them another stream of income. Many are on bases around the country and world with small children and let’s face it, our government does not pay them enough. Traditional jobs are not able to support a military spouse if they need to move, sometimes rather quickly, etc. Instant Teams is able to work with the family and allow the employee to keep their job. (Obviously, they also hire non-military people, but only because they grew large enough.)

He frequently tells me that their living conditions aren’t great, or they are moving yet again to another base and have two weeks to pack. These families sacrifice a lot! 

I know this is a very generalized statement, but it seems we do fine with the remember and honor portion for those who died in service. It’s the support for the ones who survive or currently serving that need our attention.

Listed below is a list of charities that provide help to veterans and the homeless. My family gives regularly to the Disabled American Veterans, but there are many others to choose from. 

If so inclined, I encourage you to think about adopting one of these charities. It’s a small start, but we must begin somewhere. If you live in a city with a large homeless population, please research agencies near you that you can support or even volunteer. 

Veterans Charities:

Samaritan’s Purse

Wounded Warrior’s Family Support

Disabled American Veterans

Homes for Our Troops

Operation Homefront

National Homeless Charities:

Homeless Empowerment Program, Clearwater, FL

Beverly’s Birthdays, North Huntingdon, PA

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago, IL

Home of the Valley Rescue Mission, Van Nuys, CA

Solutions for Change, Vista, CA

Project Hawaii, Inc.

Shelter Partnership, Los Angeles, CA

I am sure there are many more to be found. If we are a country that says we support, then we need to make sure we are doing that. I challenge you, and myself. Remembering and honoring is easy, supporting takes work!