Standing Together on Veterans Day: Connection, Resilience, and Resources for Our Military Community
- Amy Hamilton
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
When I was a child—probably until I was about six years old—I genuinely believed that Veterans Day was created to honor my mom and her twin brother, my Uncle Richard. Uncle Richard was a Marine who served in Vietnam, and in my young mind, it made perfect sense that a day this important would be dedicated to someone as significant as him.
Of course, I eventually learned that Veterans Day honors all who have served. But that childhood misconception wasn't entirely wrong—it was just beautifully specific. Because that's exactly what Veterans Day should feel like to each of us: personal, meaningful, and connected to the real people who wore the uniform.
Today, as we honor Veterans Day, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to serve—and what it means to continue serving our fellow veterans long after we've hung up the uniform. My Uncle Richard, my own service in the Army, all my family members who have served, and every veteran I've had the honor of knowing have shaped my understanding of duty, sacrifice, and the importance of community.
A Time of Uncertainty
As an Army veteran, I understand the unique stress that comes with uncertainty. Right now, many in our military community are facing the additional burden of the ongoing government shutdown. For active-duty service members, veterans waiting on benefits, and military families navigating an already complex system, this disruption adds another layer of anxiety to daily life.
The irony isn't lost on any of us: on a day meant to honor those who served, many are wondering when their next paycheck will arrive or whether critical services will be available. Others are challenged with concept of legal orders and the invasion of cities within the United States.
The Power of Connection
But if military service taught me anything, it's that we're strongest when we stand together. One of the most critical things we can do—today and every day—is to check in on our fellow veterans and military families. A simple text, a phone call, or meeting up for coffee can make all the difference.
Isolation is one of the greatest challenges veterans face after service. The transition from the close-knit structure of military life to civilian life can feel jarring. During times of stress, like government shutdowns or personal struggles, that isolation can become even more pronounced.
If you're a veteran reading this: You are not alone. Reach out. Connect. Whether it's to a buddy from your unit, a veterans organization, or even someone new in the community—make that connection.
If you know a veteran: Check in on them. Don't wait for them to reach out first. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is ask for help, but it's remarkably easy to answer when someone extends a hand.
Resources and Support
In the spirit of service and connection, I'm making my books available for free Kindle download on November 11 and 12. Whether you're looking for insights on resilience, leadership, or navigating life's transitions, I hope these resources can provide value during this challenging time.
My books are published through Free Agent Press, a veteran-owned business committed to supporting our military community. I'm particularly proud that James Woosley wrote the foreword to my first book, The Project Manager: Life is a Project—a testament to the power of veteran networks and mentorship. James Woosley is the author of Challenge Accepted!: A Simple Strategy for Living Life on Purpose and Conquer the Entrepreneur's Kryptonite: Simple Strategic Planning for You and Your Business.
My second book, The Consummate Communicator: Character Traits of True Professionals, is based on the teachings of Retired Admiral James Stavridis, under whom I had the privilege of serving as an Army Civilian at US European Command. Admiral Stavridis also wrote the foreword to this book. A distinguished naval officer who served as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral Stavridis is also a prolific author whose works include The Leader's Bookshelf, The Admiral's Bookshelf, Sea Power: The History and Geopolitics of the World's Oceans, and Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character. His insights on leadership, communication, and character have influenced military and civilian leaders worldwide, and I'm honored to have learned from him directly.
I've also written speculative fiction under the pen name Ash A. Milton. Decoding History: The Invisible Thread, also published through Free Agent Press, is set in the year 2055 and explores themes of connection, legacy, and the threads that bind us across time—themes that resonate deeply with the veteran experience of service and sacrifice.
These books draw on lessons learned through military service, civilian service, teaching in academia, and years of coaching—about building resilience, maintaining perspective during difficult times, and creating the life you want after the uniform comes off.
Moving Forward Together
Veterans Day isn't just about looking back at what we did in service. It's about looking forward to how we continue to serve—our families, our communities, and each other.
As we navigate uncertain times, let's remember what made us effective in uniform: we took care of each other, we adapted to changing circumstances, and we never left anyone behind.
That mission hasn't changed.
To my fellow veterans: Thank you for your service. Your resilience inspires me every day.
To everyone else: Thank you for supporting our military community—not just today, but every day.
Stay connected. Stay resilient. And remember, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness—it's a sign of strength.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
Photos come from authors personal files
***Some links are affiliate links and may provide a small profit to the author***
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