THE CIVILIAN SUPPORTER TOOLKIT: HOW TO MEANINGFULLY SUPPORT THE MILITARY COMMUNITY

The military community is made up of service members, Veterans, and their families—each experiencing unique challenges and making significant sacrifices. While many civilians are deeply grateful, it can often feel overwhelming to move beyond simply saying, "Thank you for your service."

But meaningful support doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most impactful ways to support the military happen on an individual level. Whether you’re looking to support a neighbor in uniform or advocate for national policies that benefit Veterans, here are clear, actionable tips to help you get started.

4 Ways Civilians Can Support the Military Community

Showing military families support is about much more than just saying 'thank you.' It's about gaining an understanding of the challenges that they face, and offering help in meaningful ways.

The emotional strain of long deployments, the constant uprooting, and the isolation that comes with these changes are rarely fully understood. However, civilian supporters have the power to change this.

Civilians are the lifeline that help military communities connect and thrive. As civilians, there are many things that you can do to show the military community your appreciation. Below, we are sharing four tips that civilians can use to start showing their support.

Tip #1: Invite Military Families into Your Community

Tip: Create a welcoming environment for military families near you.

If you live near a military base, or in a town that frequently welcomes new residents, you’re likely to cross paths with military families.

Relocating often—sometimes every two to three years—is part of the military lifestyle. That means military families are constantly navigating new schools, unfamiliar neighborhoods, and the challenge of building friendships from scratch.

If a military family moves in, try to find a way to invite them over for dinner, or simply swing by and say hello. It can be intimidating to move to a new place, and being welcomed by a friendly face can make a place feel like home.

When we moved to Los Angeles in 2014, our neighbors were quick to come by and say hello and welcome us to the neighborhood. While we had met our neighbors over the years, we lived in Ohio we had never felt so welcome so quickly. It was a special place that still held neighborhood events throughout the year, and being welcomed into our new home was special.

For our first assignment we moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico in 2007. The internet wasn’t the powerhouse of search results that it is today. And instead, we relied on the guidance and support of what at the time were strangers that we had been connected with by one of my co-workers in California.

They helped us figure out where to live and understand the lay of our new town. They also regularly invited us to dinner, often a home cooked meal. We even spent our first Thanksgiving in New Mexico with their family. Welcomed with open arms into a place that we didn’t really fit into. But they made space at the table for us. And we felt welcomed and loved.

Tip #2: Support Veterans Programs

Tip: Volunteer your time or resources to groups doing the groundwork.

Even if you don’t live in a place where current military members reside, there likely are Veterans living in your community. Find out if there is a Veteran organization within your town, and if there is a way you can support the organization either as a volunteer or by attending events so you can meet Veterans.

Additionally, you can attend local Veterans events to show your support, can volunteer for community drives, service projects, or ceremonies, or even donate to causes that align with your interests—housing, employment, mental health, etc.

Below is a list of some organizations that you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

• Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) – Builds community through fitness and connection.
• American Legion – Offers support, camaraderie, and advocacy for Veterans.
• USO – Supports active-duty members and their families.
• Honor Flight Network – Transports Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials.

Tip #3: Help Support Military Legislation

Tip: Use your voice to shape the future for service members and Veterans.

Behind every benefit or service available to the military community is legislation. Congress plays a pivotal role in determining healthcare, housing, education, and retirement benefits for both active-duty personnel and Veterans.

One way to get involved is by finding out if there is legislation under review near you that is affecting the military community. You can get legislative updates from the Department of Veteran Affairs, can contact your representatives about key military or Veterans issues, and lastly can support national groups that work to influence policy all year-round.

Some organizations that you might want to follow include: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and American Veterans.

Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Tip: Learn more about the military experience through respectful conversation.

Asking questions is the best way to learn about someone’s experience. But it can feel scary. Maybe you don't understand military terms, or don’t want to offend someone by saying the wrong thing.

Maybe you don’t even know where to start. These are all valid concerns, but it’s okay to start by asking questions.

It is complicated, and service members and Veterans know this. They don’t expect someone who never served to know the terminology of the military. But, knowing that you are interested in my experience as a Veteran, and the challenges my family faces, goes a long way to feeling supported.

When thinking about ways to engage in conversation thoughtfully, consider the following:

• Avoid assumptions and let individuals share on their terms.
• Don’t worry about not knowing military jargon—ask politely if you’re unsure.
• Be patient—some experiences are hard to talk about, and trust takes time.

Show Support for the Military Year-Round

You don’t have to make grand gestures to support the military community. Here are a few simple ways that you can show support, daily:

• Shop Veteran-owned businesses or products that support military nonprofits.
• Volunteer your time by offering to help with childcare, or offering a helping hand a military family centers. Consider volunteering at Veterans organizations, local Veterans homes, the American Red Cross, or with nonprofit organizations.
• Use social media to highlight military awareness days, share support campaigns, or amplify Veterans' voices.

It doesn’t take a lot to support military communities. Even if you don’t know a Veteran or service member, there are many different ways that you can support the military community. However, to meaningfully support the military community, you must take action. After all, showing support for the military community is more than simply saying "thank you." It's about action, and showing up for military families when they need it most.

Suggested reads:

• Courage Over Kerr County—Coast Guard Aircrew Recognized for Life-Saving Mission
• A 3.8% Military Pay Raise Has Been Proposed: What This Means for Your Wallet
• A Peek Inside Fort Knox: The Most Heavily Guarded Military Base