Better Business Bureau arms consumers and business owners with suggestions on how to support veterans and military service members this Veterans Day: Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.
Volunteer: According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the V.A.'s Voluntary Service is the largest volunteer program in the federal government.
1. Student Volunteer Program allows students to provide care and medical treatment to veterans.
2. Corporate Volunteerism redeems the talents and efforts of employees seeking to "serve those who have served."
3. Homeless Veterans Program connects homeless veterans and their families to community services.
4. National Cemetery Administration honors veterans at commemorative cemeteries and national shrines.
5. Volunteer Transportation Network links volunteer drivers with those seeking care from the V.A.
6. Welcome Home Events around the country welcome back returning military service members and offer guidance on V.A. programs and benefits.
Donate: Door-to-door solicitors, telemarketers and direct mailers plea for donations; but first, find out how the organization benefits veterans.
7. National Resource Directory lists 'Veteran Service Organizations.' Also, check registration with the state and the Internal Revenue Service.
Motivate: An estimated 3 million American veterans own their own businesses, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
8. Center for Veterans Enterprise provides resources for veteran entrepreneurs and an online database of veteran business owners.
9. Small Business Administration's Office of Veteran Business Development maximizes the availability of small business programs for veterans.
10. Veterans' Employment and Training Service, a program of the U.S. Department of Labor, prepares veterans for meaningful careers and protects employment rights.
11. VetSuccess educates veterans who are in transition at work, school or home.
BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington encourages supporters to:
· Find more opportunities on volunteer.va.gov, volunteer.gov and serve.gov.
· Vet businesses, "Veterans & Military Organizations" and charities at bbb.org.
· Utilize BBB Military Line, which offers free guidance on various financial matters.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a neutral not-for-profit organization with the mission to advance marketplace trust. BBB is supported by BBB Accredited Businesses and provides ethical business standards, BBB Reliability Reports, Charity Review Reports, complaint handling, marketplace events and tips. For more information, contact BBB or visit www.bbb.org.
