Memorial Day: A Time for Reflection and Action

Memorial Day: A Time for Reflection and Action
By: Michael Boll

Every Memorial Day, millions of Americans attend parades, fire up their grills, and host large backyard BBQs for friends and family. As a veteran, I look forward to marching in a parade and attending a BBQ. However, before the festivities begin, I make it a point to check in on fellow veterans and ensure they are in a good place. For some veterans, Memorial Day is a difficult day, and they could use some reassurance from a friend or comrade.

For too long, our military members and veterans have been facing a heartbreaking crisis. A new study suggests that 44 veterans and servicemembers take their lives every day. This has become a nationwide epidemic, and countless families are struggling with this issue alone. Fortunately, there are many organizations working tirelessly to help our uniformed heroes get through these difficult times.

In 2017, the New Jersey Veterans Network (501(c)3) was created with a focus on the well-being of military members, veterans, and their families. The NJVN is a volunteer-driven mobile outreach team that actively seeks out veterans in need, providing them with free, life-saving resources and services. As a grassroots organization, we have a unique perspective on the needs of our uniformed heroes.

Our approach, combined with the ability to collaborate with other organizations that share our mission, has allowed us to save lives and help veterans live a better quality of life. Recently, the NJVN has ramped up our mentorship and peer support programs. However, our recreational therapy events and functions have produced the most impactful results.

The NJVN has had great success hosting social events such as: movie nights, group hiking, paintball, professional sporting games, fishing trips, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, every year, the NJVN sends veterans to Camp Patriot (a PTSD Retreat) for a week of healing.

Each week, the NJVN provides veterans with food, clothing, housing assistance, VA benefits information, and mental health support. By partnering with numerous other groups and organizations, we can offer our uniformed heroes a better way of life.

If you would like to join the team, please don’t hesitate to contact us at NJVN1775@gmail.com or call 973-332-1556.