As veterans, we worked in diverse and dynamic locations. We worked with people from all over the United States, and all over the world, and we did it well. We have the communication and leadership skills to get things accomplished; continue to utilize those skills as you integrate yourself back into civilian life, both in and out of uniform.

If you have an interest or a passion that is important to you, don't wait to be voluntold, seek out opportunities to get involved! Talk about your experiences in the military, and use your story as a way to connect with and remind others how American ideals are still important in your life even after service. Don't think of yourself as another random voice in the crowd; you're a veteran.

By Cal Hickey

In April 2016 my wife Kathy and I fulfilled a longtime dream to take a Viking River Cruise down the Danube River. The trip exceeded our expectations in every imaginable way.

We cruised past castles, quaint villages and vineyards as we relaxed in the upper deck lounge of our ship, “Freya.” It was magical, one of those instances where you feel as if you have to pinch yourself just to prove you’re not in a dream.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania--Yesterday, Saturday, July 14, Scott Cooper, founder of Veterans for American Ideals and director of nationals security outreach at Human Rights First, accepted the annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's Humanitarian Award, along with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthia of Illinois. The award is presented each July to “individuals who honor fundamental and universal human rights guaranteed both in the Holy Quran and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.”

Matthew Deibel is a U.S. Marine veteran and artist. Thematically, Deibel explores his experience and perspective of combat, often focusing on civilian casualties in Iraq, but touching on other urgent humanitarian issues as well, specifically, the global refugee crisis.

“To me, it’s very important,” he says, “and my art is about things I find important…I try to make art that is accessible and sparks a dialogue.”

Veteran, first-generation American, and career guru, Eric Ahn's message to fellow veterans this Fourth of July: “We can still fight for those same people and I think veterans are the perfect people in American society to help bridge divides, bridge gaps, build people together to make this country a much more inclusive and engaging society.” Eric, the son of South Korean immigrants, enlisted in the Marine Corps after college and deployed to multiple countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman. Watch below.

Washington, D.C.—In response to continued reports that many immigrant U.S. Army reservists and recruits are being discharged and having their legal status questioned, Scott Cooper, founder of Veterans for American Ideals and Director of National Security Outreach at Human Rights First issued the following statement:

As people protested the Supreme Court's travel ban ruling all around the nation, people in downtown Dallas joined in. One of those was Asad Shalami, a Muslim-American, an Afghan refugee, and a U.S. veteran. "When you are a minority and you go certain places in public, you get looks and stares. Especially if you're Muslim," said Asad. He’s concerned that more and more people are starting to view Muslims negatively because of the Trump Administration.