Celebrity chef and Food Network star Robert Irvine, a veteran of the British Royal Navy and founder of a nonprofit supporting service members, urges Americans to extend their support for veterans beyond Veterans Day. Irvine offers practical ways to assist veterans year-round, emphasizing the importance of connection, compassion, and opportunities.
Volunteer and Build Connections
Many veterans and active-duty service members face food insecurity, with one in four struggling to access adequate nutrition. Irvine suggests volunteering at food banks, but he highlights the importance of engaging with veterans personally while there.
“When you put a meal in front of somebody, it drops the barriers down,” Irvine says. Churches, VA hospitals, and USO centers also provide opportunities to connect with veterans. Simply searching for “veteran groups in my area” can lead to volunteering opportunities, offering meaningful one-on-one interactions with those who served.
Check In Regularly
Irvine stresses the value of consistent check-ins with veterans. Conversations, even simple ones, can make a significant difference in their mental health and well-being. He encourages reaching out via social media, phone calls, or in-person visits.
“Just conversation. Putting down the phones. When you make friends, you have someone to share [your] feelings with,” Irvine says. Activities like working out together, sharing a meal, or teaching a veteran how to cook can be transformative.
For homeless veterans, small but thoughtful gestures like providing jackets, socks, or meals can offer immediate relief.
Hire Veterans for Long-Term Impact
Employers can make a lasting impact by hiring veterans or involving them in leadership roles. Irvine highlights their military training in problem-solving and leadership as valuable assets to businesses.
“I have veterans in my company. Why wouldn’t I have somebody like that advising me? It’s a no-brainer,” he says. However, veterans may not seek help on their own, so it’s essential to actively recruit and support them.
“Veterans don’t want a handout. They want a hand up,” Irvine explains.
Care Beyond the Holidays
While Veterans Day and Memorial Day prompt widespread recognition, Irvine emphasizes the importance of caring for veterans throughout the year.
“Don’t care for a minute, care forever,” he says. “It starts with a meal, a hot cup of coffee, and an ear.”
Through consistent support, connection, and meaningful actions, Americans can honor and uplift veterans every day of the year.