Growing up with an older brother in the military shaped how I see service, sacrifice, and strength. Since 2011, my brother has been deployed multiple times with both the Marines and the Air Force. After 20 years of service, he’s now retired, but the impact of those years remains a deep part of who he is today and healing is an ongoing journey.

For many families like mine, military service comes with both visible and invisible battles. When those challenges are met with understanding, support, and the right resources, they can lead to healing, resilience, and growth.

That experience has taught me something vital: honoring veterans means more than expressing gratitude. It means creating the conditions for lifelong wellbeing, for them AND for their families.

This Veterans Day, as we remember those who’ve served, let’s also commit to standing by them the other 364 days of the year. Here are six ways we can all do that.

1. Start the Conversation and Break the Stigma

Stigma still keeps too many veterans from seeking help for mental health challenges like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Therapy has evolved so much over the past several years, you don’t need to always walk into a counselor’s office.

What you can do:

• Check in on your veteran, not just on military holidays, but throughout the year. A simple “How are you, really?” can make a big difference.
• Normalize therapy and emotional support for all the same way we do physical fitness.
• Start small, therapy doesn’t have to happen in a physical office, there are videos, apps like Nivati, and virtual solutions that may be easier and less intimidating to start.
• Lead by example, talk about your own mental wellbeing openly

2. Create Space for Connection

After military service, many veterans lose the close community they once relied on. That isolation can be difficult to navigate, and isolation often leads to a worsened mental and physical health.

What you can do:

• Invite veterans and their families to community gatherings, volunteer projects, or social events.
• Support veteran-led groups or mentorship programs.
• If you come across the path of a veteran at a restaurant or public place alone offer a smile or small conversation.
• Remember that inclusion goes beyond “thank you for your service”, it’s about belonging.

3. Support Veteran Families

Behind every veteran is a network of family members who’ve served in their own way, through sacrifice, caregiving, and patience. They often face their own stress, burnout, and financial strain.

What you can do:

• Offer help: childcare, meals, errands, or simply time to rest.
• Encourage family therapy and wellbeing programs that include spouses and children.
• Advocate for benefits that extend mental-health and wellbeing support to caregivers.
• Celebrate families as part of your Veterans Day recognition, not just the service member.

4. Help Veterans Find Purpose Beyond Service

The military provides clear purpose and structure. When that ends, many veterans struggle with identity, motivation, or direction. Purpose is a key pillar of wellbeing and recovery.

What you can do today:

• Connect veterans with volunteer opportunities, leadership roles, or community projects.
• Offer career mentorship programs to help translate military skills into civilian careers.
• Encourage learning, growth, and creative expression as new ways to lead and serve.
• Recognize and celebrate their continued contributions outside of uniform.

5. Strengthen Financial and Career Stability

Transitioning into the civilian workforce can be difficult. Many veterans face challenges finding roles that match their experience or accommodate physical and mental health needs.

What you can do today:

• Hire or partner with veteran-owned businesses.
• Encourage your employer to adopt veteran-friendly hiring and benefits policies.
• Support local training programs that upskill veterans or their spouses.
• Offer to review resumes, make introductions, or provide professional coaching.

6. Advocate for Year-Round Wellbeing Resources

Veterans deserve more than temporary support, they deserve systems built for sustainable health. True wellbeing includes access to care, community, and opportunity across all stages of life.

What you can do today:

• Support nonprofits that provide therapy, housing, or holistic wellbeing services for veterans.
• Donate time, funds, or advocacy to expand access to care and community programs.
• Encourage your company or city to recognize veterans beyond holidays, through events, scholarships, or volunteer initiatives.
• Keep learning about PTSD, trauma, and family dynamics so you can be a more informed ally.

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My brother’s story isn’t unique, and that’s exactly why it matters. For so many veterans no matter how long they served their life will have been changed. But with empathy, awareness, and consistent support, healing is possible. I’ve seen firsthand how the right resources, patient conversations, and community care can help someone rebuild, reconnect, and rediscover who they are beyond the uniform.

So this Veterans Day, let’s do more than thank those who’ve served—let’s commit to showing up for them, all year long.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support, call 988 (press 1) for the Veterans Crisis Line, text 838255, or visit veteranscrisisline.net.