How COVID19 Has Impacted Veterans And How To Help

Top Veterans Stories Of The Decade

Posted

By Dorothy York, President and CEO of North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS)

Memorial Day parades have been cancelled, due to the COVID19 crisis. Many concerned citizens have been preparing to honor Veterans in new ways. Emergency relief efforts for veterans have been launched to help protect those who have protected our country, such as the financial assistance program by PenFed Foundation.  The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for veterans and their families, health care providers and staff, in the face of this emerging health risk. 

Many organizations have been honoring these heroes of our society by telling their stories, and what is being done to help those in need.  We have reflected on some of the most successful stories of the decade for veteran related causes to help our clients to choose formats that are getting the best results. North American Precis Syndicate ranks the top feature news stories of the year by the highest number of placements in media outlets nationwide.  We have compiled the results to show the top feature news stories of the decade, those that have performed brilliantly, way above and beyond what is typically expected. 

The most successful stories included attractive color photos or infographics, helpful advice from experts, celebrity spokespeople, the latest statistics, results from surveys, trends, time-saving tips, money saving ideas and other helpful information.  The stories targeted people across various demographic groups and related to safe, enjoyable and prosperous experiences, protecting the health, and assets, of the readers, their friends and family members. 

We are passionate about working on the kinds of stories that help millions of people nationwide with the news that is potentially life saving or can improve the quality of their lives.  To name a few, here are examples of the top veterans stories of the decade. These are from some of the best and brightest communications professionals for some of the most demanding management teams at leading organizations:

1- Army Historical Museum: “Veterans News And Notes/ Future Army Museum To Salute Service Groups”

A foundation that honors the U. S. Army found a new way to salute the efforts of organizations that serve veterans.  Readers were alerted about the campaign to build the National Museum of the United States Army, the first museum dedicated to telling the entire storied history of  the nation’s oldest and largest military service, and about the interactive galleries that would educate visitors on the Army’s role in times of war and peace, its relationship with the nation and its contributions to geography, science, engineering and math. The Foundation was collecting stories of soldiers and veterans through the Registry of the American Soldier. 

2- Operation Homefront/Fujitsu: “America Salutes It’s Veterans/ Join Fujitsu In Supporting Military Families”

Readers were informed about a new Facebook campaign to help military families, how it worked and how it helped.  The organization mission was stated, to build strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive — not simply get by — in the communities they’ve worked so hard to protect.  Representatives of both the company and the nonprofit organization were quoted to explain the goal of enhancing the lives of our most deserving American heroes. 
3- Elizabeth Dole Foundation/ American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN): “Caregiver’s Corner/ Helping The Helpers”

Peer support was offered to help the 5.5 million caregivers, who were the families and friends who look after those who were wounded, ill or injured as a result of their service to their country.   Readers were alerted about challenges caregivers face, leading to declining personal health, a greater strain on family relationships or employment issues and that, through MVCN, they could reduce their isolation, increase their hopefulness, wellness, knowledge and skills.

4- Disabled American Veterans (DAV): “News Of Jobs/ Why It’s Wise To Hire Veterans With Disabilities”

For the four million Americans with a service-connected disability, at a time when many employers were struggling to fill positions, an expert at DAV was quoted to explain that hiring veterans with disabilities can boost diversity and inclusion efforts.  Results of a survey revealed that 57% of veterans with disabilities transitioning to the civilian workforce feared hiring discrimination due to their disability.  For those who recognize the importance of hiring veterans, readers were informed about a new guide to hiring and retaining veterans with disabilities. 

5- Blinded Veterans Association: “Veteran News & Notes/ A Look At The Vibrancy Of The Human Spirit”

Readers were informed that as a special tribute to the people involved in a 75 year old atrocity, modern American  blinded veterans and others participated in an annual 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death March Challenge.  Information was included about what happened then, what happens now, how they did it, how they felt about it and about a 99 year old that walked 8.5 miles that day. 

6- USO/Belgard Hardscapes: “America’s Heroes/ Paving The Way For Troops Who Are Coming Home”

As an expression of gratitude to servicemen and women across the country, readers were informed about a new program designed to help returning troops transition out of the military and adjust to life at home. The Welcome Home initiative was described as benefiting the USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, connecting and comforting American troops throughout every step of their military journey.  The company spokesperson was quoted as saying this was a way for them to honor those that have served and give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. 

7- Easter Seals/Century 21: “Veteran News & Notes/Homeownership Help”

Results of a survey were revealed, indicating that 75% of military families believe that owning a home is one of the most important things to service members upon returning from active duty.  Readers were informed about one organization that can help them get both a job and a home.  The “Recruiting America’s Heroes” program was described by the franchiser of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, including special training, education, discounts and waived registration fees. 

8- Army National Guard: “America’s Heroes/ Soldiers Looking Out For Their Neighbors”

Readers were informed about the mission of the Army National Guard, including being the military’s first responders on domestic soil for situations such as natural disasters to maintaining the peace.  An awareness was created of the rewards for serving, including being paid for service, a wide range of valuable educational benefits, health insurance, life insurance, and VA home loans with minimum or no down payments.  We are very grateful for the role they have played recently in the COVID19 response effort. 

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