Community links to veterans

This Thursday I'm honored to be presenting at the University of Washington Combined Fund Drive. I'm fortunate to be on the Executive Board of Everyone For Veterans and I'm excited to share about our highly efficient programs to connect low income combat veterans and their families to free comprehensive dental care. 

Preparing for this presentation reminded me how much I take for granted the privilege I've enjoyed being in and around our Veterans and Military systems over the last decade. Working with veterans and those who care for them has taught me so much and given me great perspective. I have seen first hand many of the struggles facing them and I have avenues to learn more and assist.

Too many non-veterans in our nation simply do not have that connection, though. Issues facing our veterans like health, employment and education, suicide and mental health, and general social connections are really all community issues. And they require community solutions. But if people have no connection they cannot even be aware much less help.

That's why I'm so excited about our Wingman Project. We're hearing from the veterans we serve that they often have other needs beside the dental care - things ranging from simple every day needs that a Costco shopping trip can fix to a new mattress or even just some equipment to support a hobby they love. So we're enlisting non-veteran community members to link up with a veteran in their community and provide that cover, be their wingman as it were, and take on a "mission" to help that combat veteran find some peace of mind.

We also are again this year hosting our Open Mic Town Hall in honor of Veterans Day. It's a chance for veterans to come and share their stories, their perspective, with the broader community. We all can learn from and help each other when we're together and listening. If you are in the Seattle area please come or share with those you know in the area. https://www.everyoneforveterans.org/events.html

So to help build this community connection, this morning I'm going to ask you, my LinkedIn circle, the same three things I'll ask at UW on Thursday.

First, next time you are in your dentist's office please ask them if they'd consider joining our network and serving those who have served us. You'd be surprised how many are willing and interested in helping but just don't know how. They can reach us on our website and by email or phone anytime - we'd love to have them in our network!

Second, please consider Everyone For Veterans carefully in your giving plans for the coming year. For as little as a $50 to Everyone For Veterans, you can provide free, comprehensive dental care to a low income combat veteran. That's a bargain!

Lastly, please take out your phone and add a contact if you don't already have it. It's the Veterans Crisis Line. The number is 800-273-8255. Get it in there, on speed dial if you can. Now that you have it, if you encounter a vet in crisis - family member, coworker, patient, or just stranger on the street - please dial this immediately because we as a community can support them in their most important moments.

I truly believe that we all - EVERYONE - can be for Veterans.