For many veterans, service doesn’t stop
For some, VeteransDay ismarked by amuch-needed day offfromwork and school. For others, it is celebrated via parades and free meals for veterans. For me, it is a day that I reflect onmy service, not only in theNavy, butmy continued service organizing community projects for my daughters and other members of their YMCAcamping program. Being a veteran isn’t just about having servedmy country; it’s about continuing to proudly serve in my community every day inways both big and small.
Earlier this year, theVeterans of Foreign Wars launched #StillServing, a campaign to tell the story of military veterans giving back to their communities, often doing more than the civilian population. According to the Corporation forNational and Community Service’s 2018Volunteering in AmericaReport, veterans give25% more time, are 17% more likely tomake amonetary donation and are30% more likely to participate in local organizations. The prevalence of veterans who are# StillServing is not surprising tome; veterans serve because the sense of teamwork and purpose that volunteering provides is a natural fit for us. Our love of serving others led us to fight for our country and continues to lead us to serve our neighbors after the military. I am#StillServing in part because Iwant to instill a love of service in the next generation. Most recently, I organized a community service project for my daughters’ YMCA camping program. Along with their friends, they made cards and drewpictures for medical workers, andwe sent dinner along with well-wishes to local hospitals. Itmight seem like a small act, but that’s the point. I amteachingmy daughters to help others in whateverways they can, nomatter how small the gesture. Iam#StillServing, even in smallways, and even when nobody is watching.
ThisVeteransDay, aswe thank the veterans in our lives for their service, let us not forget to acknowledge their current service aswell. If you are a veteran, you can share your story of continued service at vfw.org/StillServing or on socialmedia with# Still Serving.
Stephen Engasser, Parkland