Military Appreciation Month gives us a chance to celebrate our service members and the fine work that they do for our wonderful country. During election years such as this, politicians attempt to use the military and the threats to our nation to their electoral advantage, but our service members deserve our respect and support, regardless of your political beliefs. There are many great ways to show that support, and it usually doesn’t require much more than a little compassion and a few kind words. In many cases, reaching out to your family and friends who are service members or veterans is the best way you can show your gratitude. A simple phone call, letter, or card is a great way to show your appreciation for those who have sacrificed their safety and security to protect your freedom. For those that choose to do a bit more, a letter sent overseas or a care package with hygiene products, photos, and some snacks would be more than enough.
How you wish to support our troops is your choice, but when it comes to donations, you should exercise discretion. Some organizations and non-profits do not utilize the funds in a way that we consider ethical. (Seriously, you know who you are.) LaFleur Legal Marketing would like to share with you one option that we have personally seen put to good use time and time again: The Green Beret Foundation.
Who Are the Green Berets?
You may be asking yourself what a Green Beret is. Special Forces Operators, also known as Green Berets, are an elite branch of the Army that is considered one of only a few units that operate as the “tip of the spear.” They consist of twelve-man teams that are greatly feared by the enemy due to their intense training, skill, and success rate.
The life of a Green Beret is exceptionally difficult and they often find themselves in the middle of intense firefights, suffering 50% more casualties than other special operations units (SEALS, Paratroopers, etc.) in the process. These quiet professionals are hardened and valiant warriors who ask very little in return for their invaluable service to our global society and national way of life.
If you would like to learn more about the Green Berets, click here to read the tale of Sgt. 1st class McClintock, a true American hero who has just been posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s 3rd highest award for valor.
The Green Beret Foundation
The Green Beret Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to Green Berets who are injured or killed in the line of duty and to their families. Ninety percent of every dollar that this organization raises is funneled directly into the Green Beret community. Here are just a few of the financial contributions that the Green Beret Foundation provides our wounded and fallen heroes.
- Casualty Care Process: When a Green Beret is injured in the line of duty, the Green Beret Foundation sends him a backpack (donated by GORUCK) and a check for $1,000 to help cover expenses during his hospital stay.
- Extended Care Process: The Green Beret Foundation also helps support our warriors with supplemental care. They liaison with organizations to arrange financial assistance for life-changing treatments, such as laser nerve therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and adaptive equipment for these brave soldiers.
- Family Care: When a Green Beret is lost, there is a hole in that man’s family that will never be filled. To help as best as they can, the Green Beret Foundation offers family support in the form of weekend events, guidance for spouses, and three scholarships for the dependents of the lost soldier.
- Transition: One of the hardest battles that a Green Beret will ever fight is the transition back to civilian life. When that transition is coupled with a life-changing injury, it can seem insurmountable. The Green Beret Foundation’s commitment to helping ease that transition is critical to the success of these combat veterans as the try to assimilate into society.
We are not asking you to donate. We just wanted to let you know that this wonderful organization exists, and that they do amazing work for our soldiers and their families. If you are looking to donate, please be careful whom you choose to donate to, and if you aren’t planning to donate, that’s okay too. However, please take the time this month to tell a veteran or service person close to you how much you appreciate what they have done for you, your family, our country, and the world as a whole. Your kindness and thanks will make their day, trust me.
In the United States, our citizens and their way of life is defended by the blood, sweat, and tears of our noble service members. At LaFleur Legal Marketing, we would like to extend our personal gratitude for your service and sacrifice. For those of you who are currently overseas, we hope that you come home to your loved ones safe.
References:
Caring for America’s quiet professionals. (2016). GreenBeretFoundation. Retrieved from http://www.greenberetfoundation.org/
Special Forces. (2016). GoArmy. Retrieved from http://www.goarmy.com/special-forces/primary-missions.html
Tan, M. (2016, March 7). Fallen Green Beret earns Silver Star for final act of heroism. ArmyTimes. Retrieved from http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2016/03/07/fallen-green-beret-earns-silver-star-final-act-heroism/81431456/
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