How Can You Support Those Who Served During Veterans Day?

Where do you start when you want to pay tribute to those who have served our country on Veterans Day? You may decide to donate to a charity, but with so many out there, which one would you choose? You could volunteer at an organization, but which would you commit to?

Not sure where to start? At Lewis Builders, the veterans who have served this country are important to us. We have several on our staff who shared their thoughts on how people can show their support on veterans' day. Here's what they had to say:

"Remember what they did"

Paul Blinn, a Truck Driver for our excavation crew, who proudly served a total of 31 years including 1969-1982 in the United States Army Combined Forces 1st Squadron, 26th Armored Calvary out of Camp Edwards, MA said that reflection is the first step towards getting involved with veteran support.

“Remember what they did. A lot of people are just forgetting what a veteran has done in his or her career. Even just going over and saying ‘hello, thank you for your service’ means that much more to them. More and more of our veterans are passing away daily, so it’d be good to even go down to a veteran’s organization to see what they can do to participate, donate.

“The veteran’s organizations do a lot for the community by helping those who are in need. Right now, we’re trying to help veteran’s that have military sicknesses, PTSD and those diseases."

Paul also instructed Reserves and National Guard Troops on tanks and is currently the Post Commander for the Wilbur M. Comeau American Legion Post 4 out of Haverhill, MA. Paul organizes a parade each Veterans Day through the veteran’s council in Haverhill. The parade consists of members of branches of the military such as the Marines, disabled veterans, and the Army, and runs through Main Street down to the library.

"Say thank you"

Scott Wanner, a mechanic in our equipment shop says just saying thank you can mean a lot to a veteran. Scott served the United States Airforce in the 21st-92nd Crash Fire Rescue for 6 years from 1990-1996.

"Every time I go somewhere and I see a veteran, especially some of the old timers, at a restaurant or a bar, I always buy them a drink. My suggestion is to just shake their hand and say thank you. My father is a retired colonial for the Air Force. My brother just retired as a lieutenant colonial. That's one of the best things you can do is thank them for fighting for us."

Brian Lawlor, one of our shipping and receiving employees, said that a simple thank you could go a long way. He said, it's also important to respect when the veterans don't want to go too much into the details of their service.

"Basically, thank them for their service, and if they don't want to talk about it, just let them be themselves and don't be too pushy on the subject," said Lawlor.

Brian served in the United States Army as an armor crewman on the M1 Abrams Tank with a total of 20 years of service including the 1-12 Cavalry out of Fort Hood, TX, the 1-64 Armor Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division out Fort Stewart, GA, also serving in Hohenfels, Germany in the 1-4 Infantry Battalion (OPFOR) and JMRC headquarters as lead Contracting NCO for our NATO/allied forces in training. His key deployments were Iraq, Kuwait, and Bosnia. Brian received two Bronze stars, an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with valor; and a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).

"Support patriotism"

Ron Broadhead, an equipment operator on our excavation crew, served 3 campaigns in Desert Storm from 1991-1992 in the United States Army 92nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) out Fort Stewart, GA. For Ron, the most important advice to people looking to support the vets is simple.

"Support patriotism," said Broadhead. "Support the flag. People standing on the flag, I can't stand. And just thank them. If you see someone wearing a hat, it just takes a couple of minutes to go up and say thank you."

"Offer help if and when needed"

Cory True, Equipment Operator, explained that for someone who is really interested in helping, gauge who needs it and listen to what they need. Don't bother them, he said, but if you're interested in supporting the vets, food is a good place to start.

"There are a lot of veterans that are homeless. Instead of saying 'hey, thanks for serving' maybe help. Giving them a free meal. If for some reason they're disabled and need help, then by all means help them. Find a veteran and see what they have to offer."

Corey graduated from the U.S. Army's boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and complete six years of active service in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1989 to 1995.

"Make a donation"

Peg Priest, one of our painters and quality control personnel, served in the Vietnam war starting in 1973 and spent four years in United States Air Force. Peg supports charities and said she believes that’s not a bad place to start.

"Myself, I donate to the Disabled Veterans of America. That's always a plus. You could go online and find out. I communicate with them through mail. I'll get something from them and they send appreciation stuff through the mail. Maybe someday, I'll get involved in some volunteer work where needed. It means a lot to me. [A 'thanks'] is nice every once and a while."

Luis Armas, Water Operator, also associates with charities, mainly the Wounded Warriors project. Luis served in the Navy from 1999-2004 and returned from 2009-2013. He was stationed in San Diego and toured around Yemen, Afghanistan, and Bagdad.

"It's very important that we as citizens make sure the wounded veterans are especially taken care of," he said. "Not only the wounded ones but the mentally ill veterans that suffer from PTSD."

Lewis Builders Development has compiled a video showing our support for the veterans. Take some time to reflect this year, and thank you to all for your service.