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Over the past 2 months, I’ve spent quite a bit of time at airports across the country, and while the coming and going is mostly routine and often hurried, those moments in baggage claim are the sweetest. Fathers reuniting with their children…husbands embracing their wives…joyful tears and unending hugs from the families of those who have served our country. Today is Veteran’s Day…the day we honor those who have fought for our nation’s freedoms. My uncle served in Vietnam, and during our visits, he would often share stories of heroism, camaraderie, and loss. Whenever I begin to lament over the challenges in my life, I remember what my uncle did for our country and it frames my perspective.
I can only imagine the challenges these brave men and women face as they re-acclimate to life in their hometowns. Many of our veterans are skilled in a variety of fields, yet they face the challenges of securing employment. I’m thankful that Walmart values our Veterans and has committed to hiring more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years. Since the launch of their Welcome Home Commitment earlier this year, Walmart has hired more than 20,000 veterans!
This year, Walmart is proud to support the brave men and women who have served our country in the following ways:
- Walmart will offer employment to any Veteran who was honorable discharged within his/her first twelve months off active duty.
- The Walmart Foundation will donate $20 million through 2015 to help our nation’s heroes and their families prepare for the transition to civilian life through job training, support, and education.
- Walmart has committed to donate $1.5 million to Operation Homefront to provide toys, meals to military families in need of support this year plus help 500 of those currently serving our country to come home for the holidays.
- Walmart’s $500,000 grant to the Fisher House will provide 50,000 nights of free lodging for families with service members currently in the hospital so they can be close for the holidays.
With the holidays quickly approaching, I’ve been thinking about some ways our own family can help recognize and support those heroes who have fought to ensure our freedoms.
Here are 5 ways to honor our Nations’ Veterans:
1. Make a donation to the Fisher House and/or Operation Home front.
2. Recognize a veteran in your life by uploading a photo and writing a message on Walmart’s Wall of Honor.
3. Write a letter or draw a picture for a service member.
4. Participate in a local toy drive.
5. Put together care packages for service members.
How do you recognize those brave men and women who have fought for our country? I’d love to share your ideas below.
Images: Walmart
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