Veterans Day is a day to honor and remember those who took the oath to defend America and wore the cloth of this nation. The holiday is an annual call to action, reminding us to thank the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. Each year, we pause to reflect on the contributions veterans have made to protect our nation and how they continue to enrich our communities after they come back home.
While our gratitude often comes through words, true appreciation is shown in the actions we take to support veterans as they navigate life after service. At Helping a Hero, our mission is to design and build specially adapted homes for catastrophically wounded veterans injured in the Post 9-11 Global War on Terror. These adapted homes allow our heroes to live with dignity, independence, and renewed hope.
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans, but for those who have returned home with life-altering injuries, the road to reintegration can be even more daunting. Simple, daily tasks that many of us take for granted—like bathing, cooking, or moving freely around the home—are major obstacles for veterans with severe physical injuries. At Helping a Hero, we believe that a specially adapted home can be transformative for these heroes, helping them reclaim their independence and improve their quality of life.
Each home we build includes modifications based on the veteran’s unique needs, such as zero-entry showers, wheelchair-accessible hallways, wider doorways, and safety features that allow for a safer, more comfortable living environment. These adaptations are more than functional upgrades. They are symbols of our commitment to help veterans maintain a life of dignity.
Building these homes and supporting the men and women who have served requires the collective effort of individuals, businesses, and communities. The generosity of the private sector, as well as contributions from individual citizens, have enabled us to make significant strides in reaching veterans in need and making a difference for them and their families.
Through initiatives like the “100 Homes Challenge” launched by Johnny Morris, Founder and Lead Outfitter of Bass Pro Shops, Helping a Hero has partnered with countless builders, suppliers, and patriotic citizens. Bass Pro Shops agreed to donate 25 percent of the cost of our next 100 adapted homes. To date, 50 have been awarded.
Witnessing the outpouring of support from America, it is a powerful reminder of the difference that each of us can make. Builders across the country donate their time, materials, and labor. Community members volunteer to assist in the construction and offer their services, while many Americans offer financial support or participate in local events to benefit veterans. These actions highlight a collective understanding that true patriotism isn’t merely a matter of sentiment but one of action.
The private sector plays a particularly critical role in this mission. By pooling resources and expertise, companies and nonprofits alike have the capacity to uplift the lives of veterans who sacrificed so much.
For the veterans who receive these homes, the benefits go far beyond the physical modifications. An adapted home is a sanctuary where a veteran can rebuild their life, spend time with loved ones, and experience a renewed sense of purpose. It provides a space where veterans can overcome the limitations posed by traditional homes, allowing them to regain control over daily life and even contribute actively to their communities.
Veterans often tell us that these homes symbolize a turning point in their journey, helping them to focus on their futures and strengthen their bonds with family and friends.
In addition to building homes, Helping a Hero offers veterans and their families additional support through programs like marriage retreats, caregiver resources, and emergency grants. We recognize that the needs of veterans go beyond the physical realm. The psychological and emotional toll of service can be just as demanding as physical injuries, and our programs create a strong support network for our wounded veterans and their families.
This Veterans Day, I challenge you to do something special for a veteran. Perhaps you could buy a cup of coffee, paint a fence, or whatever needs you come across. Whether through volunteering, corporate partnerships, financial contributions, or simply lending a listening ear, we can each play a role in showing veterans they are not alone in their journey. Our heroes have fought to protect our freedoms and it’s our duty to help ensure they live with the dignity and respect they deserve.
To our veterans, we offer not just our gratitude but our commitment to supporting them every step of the way. When we come together to support our heroes, we reaffirm the values that define our country including respect, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with those who serve.
If you know of a veteran injured post-9/11 who could benefit from an adapted home, I invite you to visit HelpingaHero.org’s website to complete our Nominate a Hero form. On this Veterans Day, let us commit to building not just homes, but building a brighter future for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.