Comfort Cards: When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take a card and send to this address – say something encouraging to someone who has given so much already, and is far from home this holiday:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
NW Washington, DC 20307-5001
The importance of finding your place: There are many veterans’ organizations, serving a variety of purposes, and each with their own appeal. Several veterans have mentioned that they didn’t feel comfortable with the veterans’ organizations that they had a choice of joining in their towns. Many people are familiar with the American Legion (http://www.legion.org/) or the VFW (http://vfw.org/) but sometimes, OIF/OEF veterans prefer the tone and activities of the IAVA (Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America), which has web-based resources/social networking. Choose whichever associations provide you with the camaraderie and activities you enjoy; if you are/or plan to be a student, don’t forget to join your local Student Veterans Association also.
You can find out more about IAVA at www.iava.org and consider joining or becoming a supporter. From their website: “Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation’s first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the lives of our newest veterans and their families. Through innovative health, education, employment and community programs, IAVA strives to build an empowered generation of veterans who provide sustainable leadership for our country and their local communities. IAVA was recently awarded the highest rating - 4 stars - from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Learn more, get involved and join the over 200,000 Member Veterans and Civilian Supporters now at www.IAVA.org.”
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