Wounded veterans face a myriad of challenges when transitioning from military to civilian life. Luckily, most charity organizations have come to uphold veteran rights and ensure that wounded veterans transition with ease.
These organizations offer various services to veterans and their families to enhance their safety, comfort, and quality of life.
As a veteran, it is your duty to learn of the Veterans’ Charitable Organizations in your state, the benefits offered, and for you to join the programs available.
Here are ways to get the most out of veteran charities as a wounded veteran:
1. Join a reputable charity organization
You will come across many veteran organizations in your state. Research their goals and determine whether they are licensed to operate in the state. This way, you can have confidence in joining their programs and sharing your personal information.
Use online resources, such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Charity Navigator, to check their ratings and effectiveness. Join organizations with high ratings, high levels of accountability, and transparency.
An accredited veteran charity organization can help you access the many benefits available for wounded veterans and follow up on your compensation.
2. Understand their mission
Veterans suffer from various disabilities, and their needs vary from one person to the other. That’s why charity organizations offer varied services. Still though, they may not be able to suit your condition or needs. Therefore, learn of the organization’s mission and goals to ensure they align with your needs.
For instance, some charity organizations, like the Wounded Warrior Family Support, offer certified welding training to wounded veterans, a six-month course that positions veterans to secure employment in various industries. They also offer mobility aids to help veterans move with ease.
You can benefit more from such an organization if seeking help with mobility or if you wish to learn a skill. Align with a charity that resonates with your values and needs and choose one that is determined in their actions.
3. Know your rights
Wounded veterans have rights, mostly regarding medical care and nondiscrimination. Some wounded veterans suffer from lifelong conditions that require long-term treatment.
The goal of the army is to offer the best medical care to veterans to enhance recovery and support them to return to duty. However, badly wounded veterans are unable to work, but still have a right to healthcare.
As a wounded veteran, you also have rights for nondiscrimination at work, mostly covering the topic of if you are disabled, and can resume duty in the military upon recovery. As a veteran, you should be aware of your rights and entitlements so as to benefit from them.
4. Join veteran events and family retreats
Wounded veterans often have difficulties when adapting to civilian life and it can feel quite lonely. Additionally, reconnecting with family can be challenging after many years of military service. However, nonprofit veteran organizations organize various events to enhance family bonding, encouraging families to embrace and support their loved ones.
Participating in such events helps wounded veterans bond more with loved ones, share beautiful stories, and create lasting memories. They also include different veteran families and serve as an opportunity for families to learn how to better support veterans in the coping process.
5. Involve your family
Wounded veterans need to be able to connect with loved ones, which can take time. However, involving your loved ones in events and decision-making makes it easier for them to offer the desired support.
Some organizations offer therapy sessions to help veterans cope better and transition to civilian life with minimal difficulties. Family members can immensely benefit from such forums and will gain skills to support veterans better. Also, attending veteran family events creates an opportunity to bond and share feelings and memories.
Conclusion
Nowadays, it’s easy for wounded veterans to get support and transition to civilian life with more peace. This can be attributed to the many veteran charities available. Veterans can enjoy many benefits, like walking aids, and connect better with loved ones through family events. They can also benefit from care giving services and join a training program to help them secure employment and care for their families.
