Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we experience the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, our hearts are heavy with the memory of that fateful day. On this somber occasion, we ask that you take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave service members and their families. Over the past two decades, military families have faced numerous hardships, and it is our duty to support them in their journey. In this newsletter, we discuss the challenges military families have encountered since 9/11 and how our nonprofit organization is working tirelessly to provide assistance and resources that are culturally responsive to those who have Served our country.

The Impact of 9/11 on Military Families

The events of 9/11 forever altered the lives of military families. Many service members were deployed to combat zones, leaving their loved ones behind to grapple with uncertainty and fear. Some of these challenges included emotional and mental health issues, frequent deployments, and loss and grief. Military spouses and children often experienced heightened levels of anxiety and stress as they awaited news from their deployed loved ones. Repeated deployments of service members also strained family bonds and placed added responsibilities on those left behind. Tragically, some families lost loved ones in the line of duty, leading to profound grief and loss.

The Ongoing Hardships

While the nation's focus has shifted over the years, military families continue to face hardships such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), reintegration challenges, and financial struggles. Many Veterans return home from deployments with the invisible scars of PTSD, affecting their families' daily lives. This can affect the transition back into civilian life and often poses difficulties for Veterans, impacting their families' dynamics. Some military families face financial hardships due to lower wages for service members and the high cost of healthcare.

How We Help

Community Action for Veterans is dedicated to improving the quality of life for military families, making our communities even stronger. We have made it our business to ensure access to culturally responsive care is easily accessible. We do this by facilitating community conversations focused on the needs of military-connected individuals, organizing special events designed to provide a safe space for a warm hand off to a community resource, and by making informed decisions based on what we learn from both military-connected individuals and the communities in which they live. In short, we follow the need by listening.

How You Can Help

As we remember the events of 9/11 and the hardships military families have faced since that day, let us also remember the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of our service members and their loved ones. Together, we can make a difference by providing the support and resources they need to thrive in the face of adversity.

Join us in our mission to develop communities of care for veteran and military families. Your contributions, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, can make a profound impact on the lives of veteran and military families.

Sincerely,



Jill Baker

Executive Director

Community Action for Veterans