After twenty-six years on active duty, Steve could have easily retired into satisfaction, hanging his hat on an impressive career of service to this nation. But he felt a calling to continue serving the ideals that he defended in uniform—freedom, generosity, and dignity for all.

So, Steve and his wife Diane began a new mission: welcoming the world’s most vulnerable.

During our service, we often followed the person with the loudest voice, or we were that voice, giving orders and staging the charge. Now, as a veteran, when I raise my voice, others listen. Veterans are given a platform in our society, so I intend to use it to for the better of my community. It’s my hope that by speaking out, that others will join me in my charge.

As a veteran, I feel that our service never stops. Our country gave us so much and it is incumbent upon veterans to give back to our country and to our communities. The United States is hungry for positive leadership and veterans can provide the leadership our country needs at the local, state, and national levels.

Being a veteran in the current “thank you for your service” culture amplifies our voices. People listen. People want to hear our stories. People know that we have been deployed and fought through difficult circumstances. As a result, we have a responsibility not only to continue our service in whatever way we are called, but also to speak up and to speak out for the issues that need our voices.

by Cate Klepacki

Each year, on Veterans Day, America honors those who served. This past weekend, towns held parades, families visited graves, and veterans shared memories with their loved ones.

By Fiona Tomlin

On Friday, November 2^nd, I was honored to attend Shabbat at the Ohev Sholom synagogue in Silver Spring, Maryland. As a show of unity and love against hate, we were there to #ShowUpForShabbat.

This Veterans Day we’re committed to continuing our service to our nation, and calling on our fellow veterans to join us to do the same. We’re partnering with the Travis Manion Foundation and The Mission Continues to bring veterans together across the country to help make their communities better. From cleaning up parks, to supporting the homeless, to laying flags at the graves of local veterans, we’re coming together with people from different backgrounds and political affiliations for the common good.