Reflecting on Military Appreciation Month: Honoring Service, Embracing Challenges
As the founder of Veterans Collaborative, my journey is deeply intertwined with a profound commitment to serving those who have served. It's a journey that stems from personal experiences, shaped by the challenges and triumphs of military life as an active-duty spouse, parent, family member, friend, and advocate.
For over two decades as an active-duty spouse, my life has been a whirlwind of change, marked by frequent moves, nearly a dozen job transitions, long absences, and organized chaos. Through it all, my family and friends have been my anchor and my treasured community, providing support, camaraderie, laughter, and unwavering love. It is not only my family, but my fellow Veteran and mil spouses in service, their strength in the face of adversity, their sacrifices, and their unwavering dedication to our Nation that have inspired me to do more, give more, and be more for our community.
My thoughts are circling on the words “two decades” and maybe I should pay homage in some way to time, as memories easily flood with a mixture of nostalgia, gratitude, and heartache too. It feels like just yesterday that I was picking up my new husband, brother, and friends from their breaks in Ranger School, navigating the not too familiar streets of Victory Drive to Denny's and the laundromat before the next phase commenced. Those moments, prepping for long deployments and hard goodbyes, now seem both like a lifetime ago and a distant dream, as if belonging to someone else's story.
For the first time in my adult life, I find myself rooted in the same zip code for more than three years, with no immediate plans for relocation. It's an unusual feeling, one that brings with it a sense of stability and belonging, yet also a lingering restlessness when we stay too long in one place. And yet, amidst this newfound sense of permanence, there are signs of growth and continuity — my youngest child will complete his elementary journey in a single school and not three like his older brother, a testament to the passage of time and the steady rhythm of family life.
In embracing the ebb and flow of military life, I've come to appreciate its unique blend of challenges and opportunities. Time has softened the rough edges of many past trials, while also imparting new lessons and insights into the strengths and defining characteristics that distinguish our Veterans, service members, and military families- mine included. With each passing year, I am reminded of the power of time — not merely as a marker of days gone by, but as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and the enduring bonds that unite us as a community.
It's this deep-rooted connection that drives the work of Veterans Collaborative. Our mission is simple yet profound: to enable access to resources and charitable support for those who have served our country. It's a mission born out of gratitude and respect — a recognition that you stood up for us with unwavering courage, and now it's our turn to stand up for you. Whether it's providing services like fiscal sponsorships, partnering to invest in local resources, or advocating for mental health awareness or transitional support, our goal is to empower Veterans, service members, and their families to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month this May, we honor the commitment, bravery, and sacrifice of our Veterans, service members, and their families. There is such goodness that comes from being a family that serves, but equally, we acknowledge the unique challenges and risks that are entwined in the name of that service. We know there is power in that acknowledgement too.
Every day, I'm reminded of the privilege of belonging to this extraordinary community. This month, as communities nationwide honor the sacrifices and commitment of our Veterans and service members, I'm profoundly grateful to stand among them. Yet, "thank you" will never be enough. Together, let's commit to more than just words of gratitude. Through our collaborative efforts, we can create a brighter future for all who have served.
Written by: Natalie Worthan, Founder