Every year on November 11, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who served our nation. But for Hope For The Warriors, that mission doesn’t stop when Veterans Day ends. Supporting service members, veterans, and their families is a 365-day commitment, one that continues long after the parades and ceremonies fade. For many veterans, the hardest battles begin after service.
A New Mission: Charlie’s Story
“Hope For The Warriors has a good outreach. They tell you, ‘This is what we have. We can help you, whatever your problem is, we can help you.’”
That’s how Marine veteran Charlie Mills describes his initial encounters with HOPE.
After leaving the military, Charlie struggled to find what so many veterans search for: connection, healing, and purpose.
“It’s hard once you get out,” Charlie shared. “You pretty much start alone.”
Through Hope For The Warriors, Charlie found more than just support. He found community. From shared conversations to moments of camaraderie, HOPE reminded him that he wasn’t alone, and those experiences planted a seed: a desire to help others heal the same way he had.
Full Circle: From Healing to Helping
Not long after, Charlie joined the Hope For The Warriors Veteran Peer Support Team, a role built on empathy, understanding, and lived experience.
“Getting a veteran to speak about their problems without backlash is amazing,” he said. “We can relate to each other. No judgment, because we’ve been through the same thing.”
Now, Charlie helps plan and lead events that bring veterans and families together:
- Warrior Weekend in Rockaway, New York, where service members rediscover connection through recreation and fellowship.
- The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square, where veterans and their loved ones celebrate together without the hassle.
- The Annual Striped Bass Fishing Tournament on the Hudson River, where shared experiences on the water spark new friendships and healing.
Through these moments, Charlie helps others rediscover a sense of purpose and belonging.
Supporting Military Families, Near and Far
November is Military Family Month, a time to honor the sacrifices of those who support our service members. But support doesn’t have to end with a calendar reminder. Checking in on your veteran friends and family can make a world of difference, even if they live miles away.
Technology and thoughtful gestures bridge the gap. A simple phone call, video chat, or even a shared virtual activity can remind veterans and their families that they are not alone. HOPE programs are designed with this in mind:
- Through the Veteran Peer Support program, trained veterans stand ready to help others navigate the challenges of transition, trauma, and reintegration.
- Clinical and Family Support Services provide counseling, resources, and guidance for both veterans and their families.
- Team Hope for the Warriors builds camaraderie and resilience, creating shared experiences whether in-person or virtually.
- Financial Assistance and Stability Programs help veterans and families navigate unexpected challenges, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
Honoring veterans doesn’t have to be limited to a single day. You can:
- Volunteer at local events that support veterans and their families
- Donate to the Hope For The Warriors Veteran Peer Support program
- Volunteer at the Hope For The Warriors military lounge at the Jacksonville airport
Every action helps a veteran feel seen, valued, and supported, turning gratitude into impact.
HOPE Every Day of the Year
Stories like Charlie’s remind us that veterans’ needs don’t end on November 11. From peer support and clinical care to transition assistance, and sports and recreation, Hope For The Warriors empowers veterans and families to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive.
When you support HOPE, you’re not just honoring veterans; you’re helping them heal and helping them give hope to others.
