Written by Carol Huls | 12 November 2009

My birthday is a federal holiday - not because it's my birthday, but because I was born on Veteran's Day. So I often have the day off work and usually try to do something fun. A few years ago I encouraged my friends to join me on a day of service. That was a fun time and we did some good for the world too - Win-Win!

This year I was scheduled to work, but got to attend an event representing The Corps Network. The event was the kickoff for Service Nation's Mission Serve. The keynote speakers at the event were First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and Mrs. Alma Powell. Although I'm sad to report I didn't meet any of them in person, it was good to feel like I had spent part of my day with them.

 

The event was about civilian-military partnerships -- particularly highlighting programs that help military families and returning veterans. All of the speakers spoke about the same basic point: here's a group of people who have the willingness to serve their communities and the skills to serve - all they need is the opportunity.

 

Part of the announcements for the day was the release of Civic Enterprises report All Volunteer Force: From Military to Civilian Service, which made some sobering points about the high rate of suicide and homelessness among returning veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder is very prevalent. Becoming involved in a service project is proven to help provide focus and relieve some of the symptoms of PTSD. As many said yesterday, service is in the DNA of these veterans - and finding ways to serve at home helps them find themselves again.

 

There were a number of other speakers from a wide range of civilian-military partnerships. Big Brothers-Big Sisters has a program with the Air Force matching up kids with servicemen and women. The Mission Continues encourages soldiers departing from the Armed Forces to continue working with their communities at home. I'm pleased to report that one of the best speakers was Jason Lawrence from Southwest Conservation Corps. Jason talked about his training in the Air Force and how he now works with Veterans Green Jobs on US Forest Service lands. Our own Sally Prouty also was honored to speak about her connections with military-civilian partnerships from her days in Ohio and to give recognition to other Conservation-related groups working with veterans.

 

I was glad to spend the afternoon learning about all of these programs and hearing these great speakers. It was a good birthday!