Elevating Your Support for U.S. Veterans & Military Spouses: Beyond the Ordinary

In the whirlwind of my travels, meetings, and networking events, a recurring question echoes: "How can I genuinely support our U.S. Veterans?" This inquiry recently resurfaced during a lively panel discussion, prompting me to explore the diverse perspectives that surround this vital topic. Candidly speaking, I found some responses fell short of the mark, failing to capture the essence of meaningful support.

Certainly, contributing to veteran service organizations and dedicating time to noble causes is essential—I, too, am a fervent advocate of these endeavors, actively participating daily. However, what if I told you that there are three distinctive actions you can undertake that transcend the mere act of donation, engendering a profound sense of fulfillment on your journey?

Here are my Top 3 ways to truly make a difference.

One: Empower Through Mentorship

Diving deeper than a perfunctory "thank you for your service," mentorship encapsulates an intimate commitment, one that radiates beyond boundaries. By mentoring a U.S. veteran or military spouse, you become a beacon of guidance, propelling them toward unparalleled growth. Countless mentors echo the sentiment that this venture is not just rewarding but transformative.

Mentorship—akin to an illuminating conversation or an insightful informational interview—has the potential to shape destinies. Investing a slice of your time yields immeasurable dividends, as you share your distinctive narrative of navigating the professional landscape, launching a business, or charting a course through educational avenues.

Within this realm, three pivotal realms beckon mentorship:

·????????Employment and Career Readiness

·????????Entrepreneurial Pursuits

·????????Educational Pathways

For me, the ideal platform to foster this mentor-mentee synergy is Veterati—an invaluable space that facilitates connections without the need for employer sponsorship. The bedrock of the military community's strength lies in the bonds that unite it. Mentorship, in essence, is a remarkable manifestation of giving.

Two: Enriching Lives Through Veteran-Made Products

Amidst the heartwarming surge of donations, consider an alternative avenue that speaks volumes—purchasing products meticulously crafted by veterans. The ripple effect of these purchases extends beyond financial support; it fuels the aspirations of those laboring passionately each day. A veteran entrepreneur once aptly stated, "Every sale is a testament to dreams realized."

Initially, my motivation to explore veteran-made products was to offer an additional form of "donation," spurring the relentless spirit of those who forge their paths. But it swiftly became evident that some of these products are too extraordinary to overlook. Here's a glimpse into a selection of veteran-made marvels that continue to grace my life:

·???????Alpha Coffee

·???????Heroes Vodka

·???????Grunt Style

·???????Pocket Square Heroes

·???????Cruise Customs

·???????Grill Your Ass Off

?BTW: I also purchase these products as gifts for friends and clients. And occasionally, I open doors of opportunities for these veteran brands to be seen and heard through various insider events.

Three: Do Business with Veteran-Owned Companies

?When I worked in the corporate sector, I made it a priority to collaborate with the Diversity Supplier team to ensure that I was able to engage with B2C and B2B veteran-owned businesses.?I leveraged veteran-owned businesses for projects related to marketing, tech, recruiting, professional services, social media, and entertainment.?You will be surprised at how many businesses exist that are led and owned by veterans and military spouses.

?One recent example of this was when a client needed some help to remove garbage and bulky materials that were dumped on their property.?I referred them to a JDog Franchise owner and the next day the problem was resolved and positioned for continued business moving forward.

If you need services, consider including and hiring a veteran-owned business. ?Here is a great link to see all the Veteran-owned businesses across the United States. Veteran Owned Businesses by State – American Veteran Owned Business Association (avosba.org)

In Conclusion, Elevate Your Impact:

In this pursuit of uplifting our U.S. Veterans, let's transcend conventional paths. Embrace the profound potency of mentorship, celebrate the stories woven into veteran-made products, and unleash the might of your advocacy. These three avenues go beyond the ordinary, igniting a chain reaction of transformation that extends well beyond the present moment. Let's stand united in fostering lasting change that reverberates through generations.