Got Your 6
In 2012, nearly every Hollywood studio, network and talent agency in the entertainment industry joined forces to launch Got Your 6. The organization’s goal is to change the way Americans think about veterans and military family members. Through thoughtful programming, it has launched collaborative and culture change programs to shift public perception and eliminate stereotypes so veterans are recognized as the leaders, team builder and problem solvers they are.
The nonprofit works to normalize the depictions of veterans on film and in TV to dispel common myths about the veteran population. “Through our programs, we are changing the narrative of veterans as ‘broken heroes’ to one focusing on veterans as leaders and civic assets,” says Mark Szymanski, director of public relations.
They aim to smash negative stereotypes and instead focus on what veterans bring to the table: volunteerism, engagement with the local government and community organizations, they vote and they help neighbors – all at rates higher than non-veterans. “Our veterans – and our country – will be stronger when we see veterans as civic assets instead of liabilities,” says Szymanski.
Want to help change the narrative about veterans? Spread the word that the vast majority of veterans don’t need charity; they need to be empowered. “One of the best things anyone can do is engage veterans in their communities,” says Szymanski. “Hire a veteran. Volunteer alongside of us. Spend time with us. And most importantly, realize veterans are not broken. We’ve gone through a lot, but veterans are some of the best civic assets we have in this country. We have far too many problems to fix in America, and who better to turn to than the men and women who already volunteered to serve in uniform?”
Learn more at gotyour6.org.
Fisher House Foundation
The first Fisher House opened its doors in 1991 to provide military families free housing close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. Today the foundation has more than 72 Fisher Houses and has provided 305,000 families with more than 7 million days of lodging since its inception.
The foundation also is affiliated with various scholarship programs, and other charities such as Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes.
Learn more at fisherhouse.org.
War Horses For Veterans
Winston Churchill is attributed with saying, “There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.”
War Horses For Veterans, a 501(c)(3) in Stilwell, Kan., knows that, and has created a program to help veterans through equine-based networking. Its basis is that “Healing starts with a horse and ends with empowerment.”
Program applicants go through a two-stage screening process: a tele-video interview for initial screening and an in-person evaluation. If accepted into the programs, veterans go to the Kansas ranch for a three-day equine and networking experience. They bond with horses and with each other. But the commitment goes beyond those three days. The program gives veterans a network of individuals to stay connected to long after they leave the ranch and be part of a like-minded and judgment-free community.
Learn more at warhorsesforveterans.com.
