We’ve all heard the term “homeless veteran”.  But, the term, “homeless veteran” should be a contradiction in terms.  It should not exist.  Our servicemen and women have risked their lives for our country, but for some reason they are forgotten when their tour of duty ends and they return home.  Many returned vets return home with various injuries, depression and PTSD.  Psychological disturbances and trauma can be very impossible to detect and diagnose, even for the patient.  They are beset with emotional outbursts, flashbacks and feelings of “not fitting in”.  Many are unable to maintain relationships or hold down a job.  So they join the ranks of the homeless.  Backpacks for Life (https://www.backpacksforlife.org/) is a 501c(3) non-profit dedicated to providing to providing veterans in need with some of the things that they need for a second chance at life.  There are several things that we can do to help.  First of all, and obviously, you can send monetary donations through their website.  Also, if you click on the “Get Involved” link in the top banner, you will see another link, “Shop to Support”.  You can shop at any of the 150 retailers listed, and Backpacks for Life will receive a portion of the proceeds.  There is no cost to you.  You can shop at AmazonSmile, Target, Nordstrom, Office Mas, Expedia, Advance Auto Parts and Kohl’s, just to name a few.  You can also get together with your church, civic organization or group of friends to have a backpack drive, collecting backpacks and personal necessities such as individually wrapped:toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, chapstick, first aid kits, tissues, body powder, deodorant, hand warmers, socks, gloves, hats, ponchos, notebooks, pens, and reusable water bottles.  With winter approaching, now would be a good time to help a vet.

“There is a destiny that makes us brothers

None goes his way alone

All that we send into the lives of others

Comes back into our own.”

-Edwin Markham