In today’s episode of The Practical Prepper Podcast, Joe speaks about Veterans Day with a little bit of a new perspective by interviewing 2 women who are mothers of men who are in the army and marines.
Both Claudia and Donna’s children joined around the time of the events of 9/11. This was also the case for many individuals during that time who were around the age of 18.
They speak all about experiences in communicating with their sons while they were active in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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We also hear about some of the best ways to support veterans overseas and in your community.
From donations through schools to workplaces and businesses showing support can be simple. When someone is overseas, there is nothing better than receiving a care package or thank you note from home.
Towards the end of the podcast, they really hit on the importance of mental health and speak about some great information on ways you can not only recognize that someone needs help, but guide them towards the right resources.
We also have a plethora of resources listed at the bottom of this page.
We appreciate these women sharing their perspectives and Valley Food Storage gifted a couple of buckets for each woman to help bring them peace of mind in their homes. The Family Emergency Kit is a great way to prepare you and your loved ones for global food shortages and other unexpected disasters that life throws at us.
We hope this podcast will help you get the conversation started with someone in your life. Maybe you know a military mother who you can continue the conversation with. Take the time to listen. You’ll be glad you did.
What is Veterans Day?
As a broad overview, we observe Veterans Day to celebrate the service of our former United States Armed Forces personnel. This includes Service members from all military branches: the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
Everyone who served our great nation deserves more honor and respect than any of us can give in just one day, but Veterans Day is a great jumping-off point for the rest of the year.
A Brief History of Veterans Day
The reason Veterans Day is on November 11th is that it was originally called “Armistice Day” in recognition of the armistice agreement signed in 1918 at the end of WW1 on November 11th.
WW1 was called “the war to end all wars” and even though that wasn't accomplished, it was certainly a huge celebration when the brave men and women came home.
And since 1926 it has been a federal holiday. To celebrate men and women across the country who have dedicated their lives to defending the greatest country in the world. So when you see “Veterans Day” on the calendar, it's not just a day off. It’s a day to celebrate the greatest fighting force in the world.
It differs from Memorial in that Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the military.
Veterans Day, observed every November 11, recognizes all who have served in the Armed Forces.
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Some Quick Stats
The military men and women who serve and protect the United States come from all walks of life; they are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors and coworkers, and are an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the veteran population of the United States:
- 19 millionliving veterans served during at least one war as of April 2021.
- 11 percent of veterans are women.
- 5.9 million veterans served during theVietnam War.
- 7.8 million veterans served in the Gulf War era.
- Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 240,000 were still alive as of 2021.
- 933,000 veterans served during theKorean War.
- As of 2021, thetop three states with the highest percentage of Veterans were Alaska, Virginia and Montana.
- The Army is the largest, oldest, and most senior branch of the U.S. military, and can be traced back to the Continental Army, and was founded in order to fight in the Revolutionary War.
- The U.S. Army had the highest number of active duty personnel in 2010, with 479,785 troops. In the same year, the Coast Guard had the fewest number of active duty members, with 40,830.
Mental Health Resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). When prompted, press '1' to be connected to a VA call center. This hotline also provides a confidential chat option for veterans on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
- Domestic Violence National Hotline. Call 1-855-838-5444 or 1-855-838-5444. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors who can provide crisis assistance and other information. Resources can also be found on The National Domestic Violence Hotline website.
- National Child Abuse Hotline. Call 1-855-838-5444. This hotline is dedicated to preventing child abuse and is staffed 24 hours a day by professional counselors. Additional resources are available on the Child Help website.
- National Veterans Foundation. Call 1-855-838-5444 or visit the National Veterans Foundation website. The National Veterans Foundation's mission is to offer crisis management, information referrals and outreach for veterans in need.
- Homelessness Hotline. If you are currently experiencing homelessness or are on the verge of homelessness, call the VA’s homelessness hotline at 1-855-838-5444.
- SAMHSA National Helpline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline offers free, confidential information on where to find mental health and substance abuse resources. You can also search for mental health treatment centers on the SAMHSA website.
- It's Up to Us. Call (855) 838-5444 or visit their website. This San Diego-based organization offers an informational access line for veterans in need of mental health resources.
Free Online Communities And Peer Support
Many websites offer veterans a way to connect directly with other veterans for support.
- Patients Like Me. In partnership with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), is a community where you can learn from others who are living in similar situations and connect with people who understand what you're going through. Sign up for free at the Patients Like Me website.
- Vets 4 Warriors. This organization offers veterans and active duty military free, confidential peer support from other veterans. Connect with them on the Vets 4 Warriors website or by calling 855-838-5444.
- Mission Reconnect. Through this program, veterans can practice mind-body techniques that increase mental well-being and resilience. Learn more about the program on the Mission Reconnect website.
