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Monday May 29th is Memorial Day, a day to remember the fallen.
Memorial Day’s roots go back to the Civil War. Shortly after the war, in 1868, an organization of Union veterans established “Decoration Day” as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the fallen Union soldiers. The Union and Confederate holiday traditions differed, but were finally merged to become Memorial Day, and the holiday was broadened to include all Americans who fell in the service of their country. The “Memorial Day” holiday was only codified into Federal law in 1967.
A man's country is not a certain area of land... it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. -George William Curtis Share on XWhile we honor those who gave everything, one can’t but help think of all those who served, and those who continue to serve in our defense.
We owe or veterans an incalculable debt of gratitude. Many of them have endured harrowing events. Many have lost close friends. Many have been seriously injured or permanently disabled. Far too many have paid the ultimate price. All have been profoundly impacted and had their lives altered, for better or for worse, by laying their lives on the line and defending our freedom. And it’s not only the veterans that are paying the price, it’s their families too.
While we remember the dead, we can still do something to support the living, the veterans among us.
One way is to hire them and put their commitment, discipline and courage to work for your company. There are good reasons to do so.
What Veterans Bring to the Workplace
Veterans are team players. They were trained and worked day-to-day with other members of the forces to fulfill objectives. They are good communicators and collaborators.
Veterans are mission-driven. In a military environment, objectives are clear and success is measured by how well they are achieved. Veterans are focused on achieving goals and persevering to achieve the most challenging goals.
Veterans are leaders. Military personnel are often thrust into leadership roles early in their duty. They are resourceful and used to handling a diverse range of challenges in a high-pressure environment.
These and many other reasons, such as perseverance and loyalty, make veterans great employees.
Helping Veterans
Another way to help is to support one of the many charities that provide services and support to veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), which helps veterans overcome the challenges of post-service life. WWP supports over 100,000 veterans with health and wellness programs and benefits.
One Network Enterprises’ CEO, Greg Brady is a passionate supporter of local Dallas-Fort Worth organization, Veteran’s Freedom Retreat (VFR) which treats veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Veterans and PTSD
PTSD is a widespread and particularly insidious affliction that leaves little visible signs of the disorder, yet it can wreak havoc on the lives of the sufferer and close relatives.
Consider the effects of PTSD on veterans:
- 9% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans report PTSD symptoms immediately upon returning.
- 31% of additional vets report symptoms a year after deployment.
- Vietnam veterans report lifetime rates of PTSD ranging from 10% to 31%.
Half of those who report symptoms never receive treatment. And of those who seek help, only half receive “minimally adequate” treatment. (Source: Veterans Freedom Retreat.)
Through One Network’s close affiliation with the military and work with the DOD, Brady is familiar with the challenges veterans face, and the relief that the Veteran’s Freedom Retreat can provide.
“We work extensively with the U.S. Armed Services and are always pleased when we can hire veterans at One Network. Through our work with various military branches we have come to understand the challenges these brave men and women face after they leave the service. We are pleased to sponsor Veteran’s Freedom Retreat, and are excited about this particular program, because we have seen how this innovative approach has helped our local Vets deal with this terrible affliction and the tremendous value it brings to military families.”
Read more about VFR: Veteran’s Freedom Retreat Brings Innovative Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome Program to Dallas-Fort Worth
Supporting a veteran’s charity or hiring veterans directly, are two great ways this Memorial Day to honor the heroic men and women who gave their lives in our defense.
References
- “Memorial Day,” Wikipedia
- “Our Veterans,” Census.gov
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The full quote on patriotism comes from American Author George William Curtis: “A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.” – George William Curtis, American Author, 1824-1892, Wikipedia.
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