Have you thanked a veteran today? In this busy, “hurry-up” world that we live in, people may not take the time to regularly acknowledge the sacrifices of our military veterans who put their lives on the line for our country. Of course, there’s Memorial Day in May and Veteran’s Day in November that are set aside for this purpose. But, our veterans deserve recognition every day.

A recent study by the non-profit Rand Corporation shows there are more than 1.1 million Americans who are attentive to veterans’ needs every day. They are the caregivers who are caring for veterans who were injured or disabled since the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These caregivers are wives, husbands, parents and friends. They assist the veterans with bathing, eating, managing finances, making medical appointments, and many other tasks that you and I take for granted each day.

In addition to physical injuries, veterans may struggle with emotional and behavioral problems or mental health issues. Others are living on the street with no home or job.

Here at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we have teamed up with the Detroit Training Center to offer job training to homeless veterans so that they can get on the road to financial growth and independence. The veterans are enrolled in our “Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.” Under this new collaboration, they can receive free training in a variety of construction-related careers, such as asbestos abatement contractor or supervisor, forklift operator, and aerial lift operator. Upon successful completion of the program, we will assist the veterans in finding jobs.

It’s only right that we service those who served us.