Thank you to our veterans

As we pause to recall the sacrifices that those who have served and their families have made to solidify and defend the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States, SMART-TD wanted to provide this list of services available to military veterans today and throughout the year.
Those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces were placed in harm’s way in a commitment to a higher calling — that of our country. I am proud not only to serve the membership of SMART – Transportation Division who are among the ranks of U.S. military veterans as SMART-TD president but I am proud to stand with them as an Army veteran myself, having served for three years.
The bonds formed in service of any kind to others are among the strongest of all. Collectively, working toward a common goal, those in our armed forces exemplify the epitome of strength, focus and sacrifice, shielding the United States and preserving our American way of life through the country’s 243 years of existence.
The bond of military service has lifted the country to triumph in times of conflict, reshaped the course of world history and has shielded the constitutionally protected freedoms we all enjoy. Each and every veteran has had a role in the preservation of our country. Each and every veteran deserves to feel a sense of appreciation on this Veterans Day.
On behalf of SMART-Transportation Division, to all U.S. military veterans, we thank you once again for your service.

Fraternally,

Jeremy Ferguson
President — Transportation Division
U.S. Army, 1988-1991

Services and discounts

As an annual tradition, many businesses provide free services or discounts to veterans. Here is a list of some of those available today.

Veterans Administration

The purpose of this federal agency is to oversee the benefits to which the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces are entitled.

VA Crisis Hotline

This crisis line links people to caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs and is available 24/7 via telephone, web or text. Many of the counselors are veterans themselves.
Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

Make the Connection

This online resource is designed to connect veterans, family members and friends and other supporters with information, resources and solutions to issues affecting the lives of veterans.

Mission 22

This nonprofit’s focus is to combat the veteran suicide rate through veteran treatment programs. It also organizes events and builds memorials while engaging people with an an ambassador volunteer program to create social impact and awareness for these issues.

Wounded Warrior Project

The program serves alumni — those men and women who have experienced a physical or mental injury while in service to the United States since Sept. 11, 2001. All services offered by the Wounded Warrior Project are free.

Hope for the Warriors

Hope for the Warriors provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources.

Save A Warrior

Save A Warrior provides an alternative holistic services that equip veterans, military personnel, police, firefighters and other first responders with a community of support and effective techniques to overcome symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress.

Give An Hour

This organization provides care for those who otherwise might not receive it by harnessing the skill, expertise and generosity of volunteer mental health professionals.

Union Veterans Council

Issues surrounding veterans and union employees are not independent of each other, this AFL-CIO affiliated organization says. It brings working-class veterans together to speak out on the issues such as the need for good jobs and a strong, fully funded and staffed VA.

Vets 4 Warriors

A 24/7 confidential peer support network — call 855-838-8255 — for veteran and military communities to provide peer support through confidential phone, chat, text, and email conversations to serve anyone who has ever worn the uniform, as well as the family members and the caregivers who love and support them.

Vet Roadmap

This guide is to help veterans return to civilian life and was created by the coordination of the George W. Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative (MSI) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program.

Hire A Hero

Hire A Hero allows veterans to upload resumes and search for military-friendly jobs.

Show Your Stripes

Another website sponsored by Iheartradio that links veterans to potential employment opportunities.

Union Plus Mortgage veterans grant

The Union Plus Mortgage Program offers a $1,000 grant to veterans and their family members who obtain a mortgage through this Union Plus program.

Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP)

This non-profit, HUD-approved housing counseling organization seeks to increase sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

Homes for Heroes

This large nationwide network of affiliate real estate, mortgage, and local business specialists intends to provide easy ways for veterans to save on a home. The organization connects veterans with specialists who can answer specific real estate and/or mortgage questions, and provide helpful tips.

Team RWB

The goal of this organization is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

K9 Warriors

This is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for disabled American veterans, which rescues dogs and trains them to become service dogs for veterans.

USA Cares

This group provides financial and advocacy assistance to post-9/11 active-duty U.S. military service personnel, veterans and their families.