This Veterans Day, Let’s Celebrate Those Who Serve – and Their Families

Every?year on Nov. 11, we as a nation collectively pause and show gratitude to all those who have dedicated their lives to keeping our country free and out of harm’s way. Veterans Day is a time to celebrate everyone who has served our country.??

During vacations to Washington, D.C., my family and I always visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. More recently, we’ve added the stunning World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004 after years of effort by former longtime Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, a veteran of that conflict.?

These memorials are among the most revered places in the United States, serving as poignant reminders of those who gave up their lives for our country. During our visits, I was also touched by the family members who came to pay their respects.??

Supporting the community of military families?

While Veterans Day honors those who served in the military, it’s also important to remember their families. They uprooted their lives for base transfers, experienced long absences during tours of duty, and provided care and comfort when service members were injured or wounded.?

We want to call out two projects that provide support to the military community.??

Bob Dole’s wife, Elizabeth, who was also a former senator and Secretary of Labor, now runs?The Elizabeth Dole Foundation , which helps support over 5.5 million military caregivers.??That includes their spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans.?Her work is near and dear to us as the mission is close to our hearts. (I also had the pleasure of getting to know Elizabeth when we served on the?Gateway board?together.)??

And, first lady Jill Biden?has recently revived a decades-old initiative,?Joining Forces ,?which is a government-wide commitment to those who serve in the military and their families, caregivers, and survivors. Its goal is to focus on employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for military families, and the overall health and well-being of these families.??

Connecting with those who have served??

On Thursday, let’s show gratitude for all military veterans and their loving and supporting community of families. Take time to think about all the people who have served that you know, whether it’s someone in your family or a colleague at work. Don’t think, “Do I know them well enough to reach out?” Call, text, write a note to express yourself in whatever way you choose. I promise: It will have the power to make their day.?

Should There Be a ‘Year of Service’??

We often talk about Israel as a hub for tech. I suspect one reason for its success is the country’s mandatory military service that teaches important skills like discipline, bravery and commitment to a cause and to your fellow service people. Such skills are not only useful in a military setting but also in business.??

I recently spoke to?Dr. Dafna Bar-Sagi, executive vice president and vice dean for science at NYU Langone Health. She talked about her time in the Israeli army and how big of a role that had played in her life.?Today, as Chief Scientific Officer, she manages a team of 600 scientists, and she attributes much of her leadership abilities and success to those years in military service.???

As a country, should we explore what a “year of service” might be be? We’d love to hear from you, especially those who have served in the military or other service organizations like?Teach for America, the Peace Corps, other social-service programs. Email your thoughts [email protected].?

What service does for people?

Last weekend, I had the chance to play golf with a few good friends. My caddy was a young man who I know because his mom works at IGHL , home of our?first Smile Farms campus.?

This young man's future will be impacted by his service.?My caddy just signed up for the Air Force and qualified for a special rescue unit.?He also said that this would define his transition from youth to adulthood.?I was impressed by his maturity and thought should, everyone?define this transition as a “Year of Service”???

IGHL’s mission in concert with government, community leaders and the families of those they serve is to develop and implement innovative programs, services and support for people with intellectual disabilities, so that they can realize their full potential, and become contributing members of their community.

Daylight saving and an effective transition??

Daylight saving time will end this Sunday, I'm sure everyone will make good use of the extra hour. Daylight savings is a good opportunity to reset our routines, in addition to our clocks. I spoke to some experts who came up with some tips to manage the reset:?

Use the Additional Time Well:?With the additional hour, you can take a jog or you might reach out to a friend with whom you’ve been meaning to connect.?

Regulating Your Circadian Rhythm:?You can take a nature walk or even just make sure you get some extra daylight into your home while there’s still time.?

Stick With What’s Working:?Try to keep the things that are working well for you with your nighttime routine intact and remember to limit screen time, caffeine, and alcohol in the evenings.??

Community Happenings: Smile Farms?

We?are proud to support?Smile Farms , which provides meaningful work opportunities in agricultural settings to individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization’s mission is to build a movement that fosters a world where people with differing abilities are always fully included.??

Smile Farms?held its annual gala at the end of October.?Our?friend,?Kevin O’Neill, was honored?for his ongoing dedication to Smile Farm’s mission, and guests enjoyed entertainment from his daughter,?Rory O’Neill, who was recently an?American Idol finalist during the Hollywood round.?

The Farmer of the Year, Christine Kunze, was recognized for her commitment, positivity, and achievements at the Smile Farms?Campus at FREE: Skills Unlimited campus?in Suffolk County, NY?.?This year they are leading the charge with peppers and are having a big role in our hot sauce production!??

A few hundred guests joined the gala in person and another few hundred attended via livestream. Our hybrid event was hosted by Raphael Miranda, NBC 4 New York meteorologist.?Jane Hanson, former NBC 4 New York anchor and communications coach, and Gus Rosendale,?co-anchor of “Weekend Today in New York,"?provided commentary and conducted exclusive interviews for viewers at home.

PS: John M. Griffin of Accessibility and I spoke about?Smile Farms?as well as some of the challenges people with disabilities face. Click here to watch the full interview.?