Veterans Day 2013

Remember, thank and support our Veterans (both past and present) today and every day for their sacrifices and service to our country. "Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure." - President Abraham Lincoln.

By U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Dennis Cantrell [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

In Honor of Memorial Day

Memorial Day Thoughts

(A poem by Carole Jakucs)

They are proud to serve and keep us safe.

We are blessed to have them with God’s grace.

It matters not to them one’s race.

They serve with honor from every state.

They form a team of all our best.

And they stand out from all the rest.

We give our thanks to all who serve.

Service is a sacrifice that can throw many curves.

For those that never can come home.

We owe them more than remembrances of stone.

Our thoughts and prayers to all who serve.

We thank you for our liberties you preserve.

Photo By: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Gaines [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons






Even though this is a health blog, I could not pass up the opportunity to give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and recognize those who have served and are still serving now. 

Veteran's Day - Remember Our Veterans and Active Duty Military Members

Please remember today and every day, all of the sacrifices that our Veterans and current members of our Armed Forces make for all of us. Show your appreciation for their time, dedication and loyalty to our country.

• Thank a Veteran for his or her service. Offer to pay for their meal if you meet one in a restaurant.
• Send a letter of thanks and, or, a care package to an Armed Forces member that is currently serving in Afghanistan or elsewhere on deployment.
• Don’t forget the spouse and family that are left at home, holding down the fort: Current members of the Military may be in your own families or communities. Offer to help the spouse and family by helping carpool their children to school, making a trip to the grocery store or calling to say hello.

If you don’t know of any Veterans or a Military Member who is currently serving, consider donating time or money to a Veterans organization. Here is a list of a few.

• If you live in or near Los Angeles: Volunteer drivers needed for The Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The DAV is a Non-Profit Organization serving California Veterans. They need dedicated volunteer drivers to transport Veterans to the West Los Angeles V.A. Hospital for medical appointments.  Vehicle, Insurance, Lunch and Gas is  provided. For more information please contact Blas Barragán at: (310) 478-3711 Ext. 49062 or at (310) 268-3344

Other groups that need monetary donations and/or volunteers:

• Fisher House
• The Wounded Warrior Project
• Team Rubicon
• The Purple Heart Service Foundation
• If you don’t live in Los Angeles but near another VA Hospital or clinic you can contact them to see if they need volunteers.