Happy Veterans Day 2013!

We honor the dedicated service men and women who served in our country’s Armed Forces and made sacrifices to safeguard America and the freedoms we are so blessed to enjoy in our country. Our office is proud to have two veterans — and the mother of a veteran — in leadership positions on our staff.

As we pay respect to the living veterans and honor the memory of the veterans who are unfortunately no longer with us on this important national holiday, we can also find ways to take actions to help veterans in our community.

The City of Jacksonville provides numerous resources to veterans, and details can be found on their website at: http://www.coj.net/departments/military-and-veterans-affairs/veterans-services.

Shopping or making donations to The Thrift Store is another way to offer support to veterans in north Florida. The Thrift Store, which is one of 20 Red, White and Blue Thrift Store locations in the U.S., is located at Emerson Plaza at 3851 Emerson St. in Jacksonville. According to their website, “The Thrift Store offers an amazing selection of clothing, shoes, linens, jewelry, accessories, housewares, toys, books, records, CDs, DVDs, small electrical appliances and furniture for the entire family.”  The Thrift Store is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday.” Also, to arrange for a donation, you can call Vietnam Veterans of America at: 1-800-775-VETS (8387); or visit The Thrift Store’s website at: http://redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com/how-to-donate.html.

The Wounded Warrior Project offers many ways to support wounded veterans. According to the Wounded Warriors website, their mission is, “To honor and empower Wounded Warriors.” Their Vision is, “To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.” Their purpose is, “To raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; To help injured service members aid and assist each other; To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.” If you’d like to give back to these Wounded Warriors, there are numerous opportunities for you to sponsor and participate in their important programs. Information about these opportunities can be found at: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/give-back.aspx.

We are so grateful to veterans and active duty military for their sacrifices and their loyal service to our country.