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As the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran population ages, fitting tributes and special programs honoring their service have become more prevalent in recent years.
A Way to Say Thank You
While it’s well deserved, the honors sometimes leave a younger generation of veterans, specifically soldiers from the post-9/11 wars, feeling left out.
A Million Thanks, a nonprofit organization, aims to address that issue through a letter-writing campaign, according to a press release from EIN Presswire. While A Million Thanks has spearheaded letter programs for veterans before, this is the first time the nonprofit is fueling a campaign designed for veterans of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Veterans can go online and pull up the www.AMillionThanks.org/request page, click on the “Request Letters” tab, and ask for a free package of 22 handwritten notes. The letters will carry a message of gratitude and encouragement. And, since veterans tend to be a humble bunch, friends and family members can register for the letters on a veteran’s behalf.
Over Two Decades of Support
A Million Thanks has worked for more than two decades to deliver boxes of letters through the mail to veterans, either still living at home or in assisted care facilities throughout the U.S. The organization’s new initiative is geared toward a younger generation of veterans who live on their own and sometimes yearn for personal connections.
“These letters remind veterans that their service still matters,” said Michele Holley, executive director of A Million Thanks. “We know that isolation and disconnection can quietly impact mental health. A simple act—like opening a letter—can shift perspective and remind someone they are not alone.”
Every package features personal, handwritten notes by volunteers coming from different age groups and walks of life. So far, veterans have embraced the program, describing the joy of receiving a bundle of letters as “uplifting and grounding,” according to the press release.
“I keep my letters in a drawer by my bed,” said one Army veteran who was sent a package in September. “When the noise in my head gets too loud, I read one. It reminds me that people still care.”
A little bit of effort can go a long way. Especially when someone – in this case, total strangers – takes time to sit down, put pen to paper and handwrite a letter, a simple act of kindness that has become a lost art in this digital world filled with instant gratification.
In the press release, A Million Thanks said that studies have documented how meaningful and positive interactions can help a veteran struggling with mental health issues. Reaching out to someone in need can help prevent loneliness and isolation, two main causes of suicide.
“This new program ensures that no veteran, regardless of age or location, misses the reminder that their life and service continue to matter,” said the organization.
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21 Comments
The quote from the Army veteran who keeps the letters in a drawer by their bed and reads them when they need reminding that people care is particularly moving, and highlights the importance of human connection.
The press release mentions that the organization has worked with veterans living in assisted care facilities, but I’m curious to know if they have any plans to expand their reach to other populations, such as homeless veterans.
I’d like to know more about how the organization plans to reach out to veterans who may not be aware of the program, and how they plan to ensure that the letters are reaching those who need them most.
I’m excited to hear about the impact that this program has had on veterans so far, and I think it’s a great example of how a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
I’m curious to know how the organization plans to evaluate the success of the program, and what metrics they will use to measure its impact.
I’d like to know more about the volunteers who are writing the letters, and what motivates them to participate in the program.
I appreciate that the organization is taking a proactive approach to addressing the mental health of veterans, and I think it’s a great example of how a small organization can make a big difference.
The idea that a simple act like opening a letter can shift perspective and remind someone they are not alone is a powerful one, and I think it’s a great reminder of the importance of human connection in our digital age.
I’d like to know more about how the organization plans to expand the program in the future, and what their long-term goals are for supporting veterans.
I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of a letter-writing campaign in addressing the complex issues of isolation and disconnection faced by veterans, but I appreciate the effort to provide a personal touch.
I understand your skepticism, but sometimes it’s the small gestures that can make a big difference in someone’s life.
The fact that the program is focused on providing a personal touch, rather than just a generic message, is really important, and I think it’s a great way to show veterans that their service is valued and appreciated.
The fact that the letters are free and can be requested online makes it easily accessible to veterans who may not have the means to seek out support otherwise.
It’s heartwarming to hear that veterans have described receiving the letters as ‘uplifting and grounding’, and I think it’s a great idea that friends and family members can register for the letters on a veteran’s behalf.
I’m curious to know how the organization plans to measure the impact of their letter-writing campaign on the mental health of veterans, as mentioned by executive director Michele Holley.
The quote from Michele Holley about the importance of reminding veterans that their service still matters is particularly striking, and I think it’s a great reminder of the importance of showing appreciation for those who have served.
I appreciate that the organization is focusing on post-9/11 veterans, who may have felt left out of previous tributes and programs, and I think it’s a great way to show appreciation for their service.
I appreciate that the organization is taking a holistic approach to supporting veterans, and is not just focused on providing a single solution, but rather a range of support and resources.
The fact that the letters are handwritten by volunteers from different age groups and walks of life adds a personal touch, and I think it’s a great way to show veterans that their service is valued by people from all backgrounds.
The fact that A Million Thanks has been working for over two decades to deliver boxes of letters to veterans is truly commendable, and their new initiative to focus on post-9/11 veterans is a great way to show appreciation for their service.
The fact that the program is not just focused on providing support, but also on providing a sense of connection and community, is really important, and I think it’s a great way to address the complex issues faced by veterans.