If you want to serve Veterans, consider donating $22, volunteering 22 hours, supporting Veteran-owned businesses, or creating community & connection.

It is great to see so much awareness of Veterans, and all of the amazing things they do to serve others, both in their careers and when they return to civilian life. There has been a lot of press about PTS and suicide. These are important topics, and I am passionate about both. Passionate. I also understand that there are few people in my large circle of friends and community across the country who are comfortable talking about this with me. I respect and honor that they may not read my posts and they may never share them. I do my best to love people where they are at. While I will continue to fight for causes that matter to me, it is important to me personally that I focus publicly on things that invite others to join me, or that I share the stories Veterans tell about themselves. CSM Christopher Greca is on the top of the list of stories to share. My gratitude to CSM Greca for his Leadership in telling his story.

I try to keep up with The Havok Journal and there are two articles that really moved me. As in, punched me in the chest moved me. I reached out to both immediately, and I am grateful to call Derick Carver of Team Some Assembly Required a friend. Former Army Ranger Brandon Young, Development Director at Team Red, White & Blue says it better than I could ever hope to: "You don't have to be "understood" to be cared about. Period."

If you aren't sure how to get started, Task and Purpose shared "The 22 Pushup Challenge Isn't Actually Helping Anyone." Donate $22. Volunteer 22 hours. Support Veteran-owned businesses. Create community and connection. Join Team RWB on the Old Glory Relay. If you need some ideas and inspiration, there are lists of incredible non-profits serving Veterans and their Families on all 3 SFV program tabs. If you live in the Portland, OR area and are looking for community and connection, please join us on 18 October for our Program on Creating Success. Meet Gold Star Dads Wendall Pelham II and Mr. Tom McKinley and hear how they are honoring the memory of their sons. Veteran Entrepreneurs Matthew "Griff" Griffin, former Army Ranger and CEO of Combat Flip Flops & Dawson Officer, Army Veteran and Founder of 4 Spirits Distillery will share their stories. CSM Shane S. Lake, Former Oregon State CSM (2012 - 1 October 2016) will join us again as Chair of the Day. Our programs are free, all are welcome, and we will never ask you for a donation.

To wrap it all up, You don't have to be understood to be loved. Period.

Very Respectfully, Sara Carlson - Sister, Daughter, Friend