During my time with Special Operations Command Central, located at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, I had the opportunity to observe a few Naval retirement ceremonies. The one part of these ceremonies that felt different from other services was a line that was repeated multiple times during the ceremony. “We have the watch.”
Retirement is not the end
That line told me one clear thing about my time when I met with retirement, and that was my brothers and sisters-in-arms were now the responsible ones for taking care of our nation, both foreign and domestic. But where does that leave me? Is my time to serve really done? Is it my time to be selfish? I decided that it wasn’t.
I decided at that point to start my own non-profit, to serve whatever community I ended up in. I could support my military family at home to ensure when they are not fighting the enemy in a far-off land, that they can rest easy and we veterans can take care of the ‘home’ stuff.
Organizations with a big impact
But what if you don’t have the time, or availability to start your own organization? Here are a few that you can volunteer with to make a big impact on a lot of lives.
1. Team Rubicon
- Mission: Mobilizes veterans to respond to disasters and humanitarian crises.
- Activities: Disaster response, medical aid, and rebuilding efforts.
- Website: Team Rubicon
2. Wounded Warrior Project
- Mission: Supports injured veterans and their families.
- Activities: Fundraising events, peer support, and advocacy.
- Website: Wounded Warrior Project
3. The Mission Continues
- Mission: Empowers veterans to continue their service in their communities.
- Activities: Community service projects, leadership programs, and mentorship.
- Website: The Mission Continues
4. Travis Manion Foundation
- Mission: Empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
- Activities: Mentorship programs, service projects, and character-building workshops.
- Website: Travis Manion Foundation
5. Honor Flight Network
- Mission: Honors veterans by transporting them to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service.
- Activities: Organizing and supporting trips, fundraising, and veteran companionship.
- Website: Honor Flight Network
Take your dedication back to your community
Each of these organizations has a huge impact on their audience. I have witnessed each in action and the faces of those when they participate in an event; it is truly inspiring. To all of the veterans who have, are, and will transition from the service, remember that service doesn’t have to end when you take off that uniform. You can still be value added to your community, to your peers, and to your network. Just look for what you are passionate about and pursue it. You might be surprised that you are able to fill a gap or a need, and it is up to you to start it. Carry on!
