Who is a military service member or a veteran?

A U.S. military service person is a man or woman who protects our country’s security and freedoms by serving in one of the branches of the United States military. This includes, the army, navy, air force, marines, or coast guard.  A person who is currently serving is called an “active duty” member.  A person who has completed their time of serving is called a veteran.  

How do military service members help our country?

The main job of all people who serve in the U.S. military is to defend the United States from threats that could harm our country, such as war or acts of terrorism. Most of the time, this means that they will have to fight against others in war. Sometimes, military service men and women have the opportunity to support others that need help by delivering food and supplies after a natural disaster occurs or acting as peacemakers and keeping the calm in dangerous areas.

What kind of support do active duty service members need?   

For the most part, the military provides all of the basic support that an active duty service member needs. They provide all of their food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and training.  The work that military service people do however, often requires them to live and work in some pretty harsh conditions, for long periods of times, far away from their families and homes. So this means they need to find ways to relax from the challenges and dangers of their daily lives and to stay connected to their lives back home. Seeing pictures of family members, receiving packages of comfort items from home, and getting letters of thanks and appreciation are some of the biggest ways that we can support active duty service members while they are away.

What kind of support do veterans need? 

Coming home is usually something that every military service member looks forward to.  However, when it’s time to come home for good, there can sometimes be unexpected challenges. A soldier may have an ongoing injury that affects their ability to live life as they did before.  If they’ve been away long enough, the veteran might not have a home to stay in or a car to drive.  Most likely, they will need help to find a good paying job.  And for many soldiers who have served in war, it may take time to let go of the stressful memories and experiences they dealt with during the war.  Supporting organizations in your local community that provide food, shelter, job training, and other resources to military veterans is an important way you can help. One thing that everyone can do to make a difference is to show your appreciation for a veteran’s service by saying thank you.