Five ways to support veterans

Every day is the day to support our veterans, not just November 11. Here are some ways to do that, please share your ways in the comments!

1. Donate your things - If you are purging your house, contact Vietnam Veterans of America to schedule a pickup. They are a great organization offering critical support service for returning veterans and dedicated to improving the general welfare and hospital care of all veterans, especially homeless and disabled vets.

2. Donate your money - Hope for the Warriors, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, The Gary Sinise Foundation. Donate Your frequent flier miles via the Fisher House Hero Miles Program.

3. Lend them your voice - call your government representatives at every level and ask what exactly they're doing for veterans. Hold their feet to the fire. Pressure them to take care of the people who put everything on the line for this country. Make sure they follow through on what they tell you - words don't mean shit from these people. Actions, specifically how they vote on veteran affairs, do. This is bi-partisan, so call them all.

4. Help them share their experiences - The Library of Congress is collecting stories of veterans of every war for the Veterans History Project. If you know a veteran who has a story they'd like to share, check it out.

5. Be a human - If you a vet who is homeless or know one at the risk of becoming homeless, call 877-424-3838 to reach The Department of Veteran Affairs' Stand Down program 24/7. If you are a vet struggling emotionally or mentally or are potentially suicidal, call the Veterans Crisis line at 800-273-8255 and press 1 or text to 838255 24/7. You can also chat online. Contact is confidential. If you know someone struggling, please keep the number in your phone and be ready to give it when you see it might be needed.

MFD is a representative for the Homes for Heroes program, so when he represents someone in a home buying or selling transaction who has served our country in the military (active/reserve/veterans or law enforcement, firefighters, healthcare professionals, EMS, teachers), he donates part of his commission so they are presented with a Hero Reward after closing, which amounts to money back in their pocket. If you know a veteran buying a home, tell them to hook up with a Homes for Heroes affiliate. We also give $100 off to any veteran who rents our shore house for the week and I make 95% of my physical donations to Vietnam Vets. These are things we figured out that we can do based on what we have to offer right now. Think in terms of your life and ask yourself what fit is right for you. It's all about looking at the world around you, finding out what is important to you, and doing what you can, with what you have, where you are.

What you can, what you have, and where you are will change many times in life. Adjust accordingly, but never think there's nothing you can do for someone else, particularly someone who has put their life on the line for this country. When the what you have doesn't include money to donate, you'll probably find that you still do have time and effort that you can spare. Some years you might have the money but no time. At the end of the day, we all have something to give, even if it's a smile and a thank you in passing on the street.

Let me know if you have any resources to add!

I can't sign off without saying Happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps. Thank you for being so badass and selfless.

And happy Friday to the rest of you.