Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s Post

Happy Warrior Wednesday, everyone! As we move through Military Appreciation Month, it’s the perfect time to truly reflect on and celebrate the incredible dedication and bravery of our service members and their families. This month isn’t just about recognition; it’s a heartfelt thank you to those who have given so much to ensure our freedoms. Why Military Appreciation Month Matters: 1. Honor the Sacrifices: From the long deployments to the missed family moments, our troops make countless sacrifices. This month, we’re taking extra time to acknowledge and thank them for these selfless acts. 2. Support for Military Families: Behind every service member is a family that serves in their own way. Let’s make sure we’re also supporting the spouses and kids who keep things running at home. 3. Get Involved Locally: Check out the parades, memorial services, and community events happening this month. Whether you’re attending or volunteering, it’s a great way to show your support. 4. Educate and Share Stories: Use this month as a chance to spread the word about the military’s vital role and the personal stories of those who serve. Whether it’s through social media or in conversations at school or work, every story told is another layer of appreciation. 5. Shop Military-Owned Businesses: Let’s give back by supporting businesses run by veterans and military spouses. It’s a small way to uplift those who’ve already given so much. A Personal Note from Next Move Military: Here at Next Move Military, our commitment to supporting military members extends far beyond just this month. We’re here all year round, helping military families find, settle into their new homes and integrate into their communities, making transitions as smooth as possible. This Military Appreciation Month, let’s make a real effort to show our gratitude. Reach out to someone you know who serves or has served, and simply say thank you. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact.

So powerful and so memorable

Today, several Triangle Veterans had the honor of meeting with the team at Charlie Mike, a local non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of veterans grappling with unseen wounds of combat, one veteran at a time. Charlie Mike's mission resonates with the belief that standing together at home, just as they did during wartime, can facilitate each other's journey back to a fulfilling life. During our visit, we delved into one of Charlie Mike's cornerstone programs: the Canine Battle Buddy Training Program. Dogs have proven to be invaluable companions in addressing emotional needs, with documented outcomes showing that emotional support and therapy animals significantly contribute to emotional healing and stability. These benefits are directly linked to reduced suicide rates and the cultivation of a renewed sense of purpose in veterans' lives. The team at Charlie Mike identifies and rescues dogs from animal shelters, transforming them into "battle buddies" trained to support veterans. In this process, they are not only saving the lives of these animals but also offering vital support to veterans in need. This initiative is just one of the three pillars of support that Charlie Mike offers to veterans. At Triangle, we take pride in our partnership with Charlie Mike and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting their noble cause. If you know a veteran who could benefit from their services, please share the link with them. The battle against unseen wounds is often silent and unnoticed, but together, we can help Charlie Mike in their mission to save veterans' lives, one at a time. https://loom.ly/deOq13g

Today, several Triangle Veterans had the honor of meeting with the team at Charlie Mike, a local non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of veterans grappling with unseen wounds of combat, one veteran at a time. Charlie Mike's mission resonates with the belief that standing together at home, just as they did during wartime, can facilitate each other's journey back to a fulfilling life. During our visit, we delved into one of Charlie Mike's cornerstone programs: the Canine Battle Buddy Training Program. Dogs have proven to be invaluable companions in addressing emotional needs, with documented outcomes showing that emotional support and therapy animals significantly contribute to emotional healing and stability. These benefits are directly linked to reduced suicide rates and the cultivation of a renewed sense of purpose in veterans' lives. The team at Charlie Mike identifies and rescues dogs from animal shelters, transforming them into "battle buddies" trained to support veterans. In this process, they are not only saving the lives of these animals but also offering vital support to veterans in need. This initiative is just one of the three pillars of support that Charlie Mike offers to veterans. At Triangle, we take pride in our partnership with Charlie Mike and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting their noble cause. If you know a veteran who could benefit from their services, please share the link with them. The battle against unseen wounds is often silent and unnoticed, but together, we can help Charlie Mike in their mission to save veterans' lives, one at a time. https://loom.ly/deOq13g

Lets learn about the new nonprofit firefighter air coalition.

Military & Veteran families in San Diego County....Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) invites you to join us at our first warehouse distribution of the year! Come stock up on the items you need. The distribution will be held on January 20. REGISTER! To register, click the link below and complete the application; then click ‘Save Record’ on the top right corner. You will receive a confirmation email within minutes to let you know we’ve received your application. BYOB! Please bring your own bags so you can stock up on the things you need. Don't worry, we have volunteers that can help you get the items to your car! INVITATION! This distribution is by invitation only, so we are sure to have enough for everyone who has registered. NEXT STEPS! Once registered, families will receive an email and/or a phone call the week of the distribution, which will provide additional information to include their confirmed registration, location, and scheduled time for arrival. SHARE! Please share this information throughout your networks inviting families to sign up soon. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gSCBqiS5 Hope to see you there! #teamstepusa #stepexperian #nonprofit #nonprofitleadership #community #communitypartnerships #collaboration #communityimpact #makeadifference #strongertogether Tony #strongcommunities #volunteer #communitypartnerships #communitydevelopment #militaryspouses #military #militarycommunity #militaryfamilies #ombudsman #communityresources #sdvc #sdmfc #volunteers

Why do we put so much significance & importance behind recognizing our military kiddo’s? This is why. Turn your sound up & get your tissues ready…🥹 YOU can be the force behind making these moments possible alongside your organization & communities. Share this video with a co-worker, supervisor, ERG, or tag your organization & make some magic happen in a little one’s life as they’re going through a rough time. Check out Operation Gratitude for more info.❤️ #operationgratitude #giveback #socialimpact #communityengagement #employeeengagement #monthofthemilitarychild #volunteer

If you're not familiar with One Tribe Foundation please take a few minutes to dive in. It's a top-notch organization helping veterans, first responders, and their families, and it's run by a topper-notch (we're making up words now) group of individuals. They've just launched their Season of Giving to benefit these families during the holidays and it's well worth your time & attention to click & learn below, and give if you're able. #OneTr1be #Giveback