Military Appreciation Month – How To Help

National Military Appreciation Month is a time to give.

Share your time, resources, household goods and much more to honor and assist our nation\’s military heroes.

Here are just a few organizations bringing resources to current and former members of the U.S. Military.

Fisher House Foundation

Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. Fisher House has a network of homes on the grounds of military and VA hospitals around the country to help family members be close to a loved one during hospitalization for a combat injury, illness or disease. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. You can also volunteer or donate household items.

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Operation Renewed Hope

Operation Renewed Hope Foundations provides quality housing and supportive services to our Nation’s homeless Veterans, assisting Veterans and preventing or breaking their cycle of homelessness. Donate household items in good condition, services such as moving or cleaning, or make a financial donation.

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USO

For 75 years, the USO has been dedicated to supporting America’s service members and their loved ones. The USO provides programs, entertainment and services at more than 180 USO locations worldwide, including Afghanistan, Djibouti, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, Japan, Iraq, South Korea and the United States. Join us in keeping them connected to their family, home and country.

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Blue Star Families

Committed to improving the lives of military families, Blue Star Families’ wide range of programs includes career development for military spouses, fun and educational events for children, caregiver support, and most importantly, the chance to build community with other military families. Volunteer to build or support a chapter in your area.

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Homes for Our Troops

Homes for Our Troops is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Donate time, money, land, even cars, or become an event volunteer.

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Yellow Ribbon Fund

The Yellow Ribbon Fund assists injured service members at Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval Hospital and Ft. Belvoir, as well as their families by providing free hotel rooms, apartments and rental cars, allowing family members to spend more time with their loved one during long recuperations. Support our war injured heroes by donating.

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Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation

The mission of Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation is to assist severely wounded, post-9/11 Veterans in their efforts to become productive and self-sufficient members of their communities as they transition back into civilian life. The foundation awards “life scholarships” tailored to the needs of individual veterans and may provide housing, mentoring, financial planning or career networking. Join a mentoring team, or donate vehicles or household items to support a Sentinel in your area.

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Vet flag

Operation: Tohidu

Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu® is a free, 7-day, local retreat that helps veterans and active duty service members with PTSD overcome obstacles to their recovery without drugs or hospitalization. Donate cash or a used vehicle to help. Click below for information or call 301-856-6358.

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Pets for Vets

Pets for Vets believes our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our troops have been brave but many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Pets for Vets\’ goal is to help heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with a shelter dog that is specially selected to match his or her personality. Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the dogs and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. You can volunteer to support the organization in a variety of ways, including short and long term pet fostering.

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The Military and Veterans Crisis Line

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders answer a confidential toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1). Confidential help is also available in a chat online, or by sending a text message to 838255.

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