Get Social - and Honor our Deployed Military - Senior Planet from AARP

Memorial Day is just one day but there are many chances to join with others to honor our military throughout the year.Deb Kehoe, whose husband, James, is a Vietnam veteran and her friend Kathi Skelton, whose son was in the military, were looking for a charity to give to after attending an annual military ball in Bradenton, FL, that honored veterans.Skelton suggested Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), based in Taunton, Massachusetts, that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for injured Veterans.We started small.They sent us a Plexiglass box for cash donations; we put it in our pro shop where we play golf and then someone suggested we do a golf tournament;.Weve been doing one every year in April since 2013, says Kehoe.Last year, the cocktail party and golf tournament along with other events they do throughout the year (including a yoga class and tennis tournament) raised $430,000.We came in number one as far as raising money for HFOT and even have a rivalry with a group in Minnesota that raises money for HFOT.

Not bad for two little old ladies, Kehoe laughs, offering her age of 77.Anyone at any age can help with our events and none of the jobs require heavy lifting.We have volunteers who do registration for the tournament or help to get sponsors or silent auction prizes.Its also a great way to meet other people, she adds.Throughout the year we meet other volunteers and vets for breakfast just to keep in touch, Kehoe says.But the most gratifying aspect of this charity is coming together for the key ceremony where the veterans family moves into their new home, says Kehoe.

Weve met some super incredible veterans who have sacrificed for us, so were grateful were able to give back to them.Honoring Her FatherShelley Kalfas (at left) retired eight years ago and was looking for volunteer opportunities to honor her fathers memory.He was a Korean War veteran who spoke to her about his service in the Navy.He talked about it more than he ever did while we were growing up and he was so proud, she says.Shes been working with Soldiers Angels, an organization providing support to deployed servicemen and women, ever since.Kalfas turned her fathers nature photography into Honor Flight thank you cards she sends, and also revived a long-lost love of baking to the benefit of troops in bases in Africa, the Middle East, Poland and Germany.Some of my cookies have traveled thousands of miles, she says.All Year LongKalfas says its important to remember our military and veterans throughout the year.

They need the morale boost all year long and these small gestures carry a lot of weight, she says.Retired Master Sargent Vera Sadler, agrees.She works during the year at various Soldiers Angels food distributions and once a month takes snacks on the Comfort Cart around Floridas VA hospital in Lake Nona to the veterans waiting to see their doctors.The vets are so appreciative during the food distributions, and Ive met so many nice volunteers.I dont do it for a pat on the back, it just makes me feel good and brings me joy.Let me Count the WaysYou can offer ongoing support to our deployed military or veterans throughout the year through volunteering, advocating for their needs, or donating to veteran-related organizations.

Here are a few:Homes For Our Troops: (https://www.hfotusa.org) Builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.Soldierss Angels (www.soldiersangels.org) offers dozens of ways to volunteer virtually or in person to support deployed Service Members, Veterans and their families.United States Department of Veterans Affairs(VA): (https://www.va.gov) The VA provides a range of benefits and services for veterans, including healthcare and financial assistance.Veterans Inc: (https://www.veteransinc.org) Offers housing, behavioral health support and employment assistance.Tips For Volunteering*Start small(maybe an hour or two a week) and consider volunteering at several charities to find your right fit.* Look at opportunities close to home.If its hard to get to the location, its easy to look for reasons to cancel.*Go solo.Volunteering by yourself will gently force you to meet new people!Photo: (left to right)Deb Kehoe, Army SFC Aaron Cornelius, retired, Kathi Skelton, courtesy ofHomes For Our TroopsJennifer Juergens Thomas has a lifelong interest in how people get together.As a former AP reporter she covered feature stories and later wrote about conventions from Anaheim to New Zealand as editor of Meetings and Conventions magazine.

She was a public relations consultant for clients like the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives focusing on how and why people need to get together.An Orlando resident, she continues to contribute to Meetings Today magazine among other ventures.