May is Military Appreciation Month — a time to celebrate anyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, consider taking time to specifically honor veterans facing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Learn how you can get involved.
What Is Military Appreciation Month?
Military Appreciation Month takes place every May and is marked by a wide range of celebrations for veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Capped by Memorial Day, which is celebrated on the last Monday in May, Military Appreciation Month helps us honor the sacrifices of those who served every day.
Military personnel risked their lives to defend America and her freedoms. Upon returning home, many veterans also had to deal with health problems stemming from their service, including cancers such as mesothelioma.
During Military Appreciation Month, take time to honor and support those who have served. There are so many ways to do so, from going to local military-themed events or simply thanking a veteran for their service.
For veterans facing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, we’re here to help. Get a Free Veterans Packet to explore military benefits, treatments, and compensation options to make a cancer diagnosis easier to bear.
Honoring Veterans Facing Mesothelioma
While Military Appreciation Month is a time to celebrate anyone involved with the Armed Forces, consider how you can honor veterans with mesothelioma and other rare health conditions.
Mesothelioma affects U.S. veterans at higher rates since asbestos, the only known cause of this cancer, was used by the military from the 1930s to the early 1980s. In fact, one in three mesothelioma patients is a U.S. veteran.
Members of all military branches are at risk of mesothelioma, including:
U.S. veterans didn't know they were at risk since private companies that made and sold asbestos-containing products hid the dangers for decades.
“I never thought I would be affected by something like mesothelioma. It never occurred to me that I even was exposed, until I was diagnosed.”
— Alan Bonnin, U.S. Army veteran with mesothelioma
How to Celebrate Military Appreciation Month
There are plenty of ways to get involved during Military Appreciation Month, such as making donations to organizations that support veterans, attending events honoring service members, or even just thanking those who served.
Find specific ways and ideas on how you can get involved below.
Showing Support to Veterans and Service Members
Expressing your gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving is a simple gesture that goes a long way.
Great ways to support service members and veterans include:
- Offering discounts or promotions: If you own a business, consider giving special deals to military personnel and veterans.
- Spending time with those who served: Set aside time to thank a veteran or service member in your life. If you can’t be together in person, a phone call or video chat is a great way to connect.
- Writing letters or sending care packages: Partner with organizations like A Million Thanks or Operation Gratitude to send supportive messages and supplies to deployed troops.
Showing support helps veterans, service members, and their families feel appreciated and remembered.
Participating in Military Events
Many local and national events are taking place to celebrate Military Appreciation Month, particularly around Memorial Day.
See if you can participate in events like:
- Community service projects: Volunteer for organizations that serve veterans, such as building homes, cleaning graves, or creating care packages.
- Military appreciation nights: Sports teams, schools, and businesses may host special nights recognizing service members and U.S. veterans.
- Parades: Many communities host Memorial Day parades around the last weekend in May and throughout the month.
- Veteran panels or ceremonies: Find out if there are local talks or events where veterans will share their stories of service.
If you’re looking to get even more involved, consider organizing an event of your own with help from those in your community.
Support Military Charities and Veterans Organizations
Contribute to groups that provide critical services to military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Ways to show your support to veterans and service members include:
- Donate: Support reputable nonprofits like the Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House Foundation, and Operation Homefront.
- Fundraise: Host a fundraiser — such as a walkathon, charity auction, or online campaign — to generate awareness and money.
- Sponsor a military family: Programs exist to "adopt" or sponsor a military family in need, especially those with deployed service members.
You can also support organizations related to mesothelioma if a veteran in your life has this cancer. These include the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
Saluting Veterans With Mesothelioma and All Who Served
Military Appreciation Month helps us to never take for granted the sacrifices that service members and veterans made for our country.
At the Mesothelioma Veterans Center, we work to honor all who served, particularly veterans suffering from mesothelioma. Each year, thousands of veterans and their families must deal with the stress of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Our team can help veterans with mesothelioma:
- Access or increase their VA benefits
- Find top doctors and treatments
- Pursue compensation and justice
Get a Free Veterans Packet or call (877) 450-8973 to see how we can help veterans like you. And, on behalf of everyone who has served our country, thank you for protecting America and all she stands for.
