When I tell people I’m still working to support initiatives in Afghanistan, many are surprised. They assume America’s efforts there ended when President Joe Biden withdrew combat troops from the country more than three years ago. But the truth is, the work for peace and freedom — for Afghanis and others — is far from over.
Veterans like me have a profound need to continue serving others long after we hang up our uniforms. I’ve found supporting nonprofits is one of the best ways to do that. Recognizing that veterans are uniquely qualified and eager to help people in even the most dire circumstances, organizations should tap them for both staff and volunteer positions.
I’ve served in the military since 1988 and am currently a Command Sergeant Major in the Wyoming Army National Guard, 115th Field Artillery Brigade. However, my deeper connection to service beyond the battlefield started in 2013, when I was deployed to Farah Province, Afghanistan, near the Iranian border. Living and working among Afghan women and children, I quickly realized that their hopes and dreams were not so different from mine. They want safety, education for their children, and a chance at a better future.
I was in awe of the resilience of the women I met in Farah Province. They were navigating a war zone while striving to create better lives for their families. Despite living under the oppressive restrictions of the Taliban, they worked hard every day to provide for themselves and their children, often while enduring unimaginable hardships and horrific violence.
When I left Afghanistan later that year, a piece of my heart stayed with these courageous women. Like many veterans, I couldn’t just walk away having known their struggles so intimately.
After I returned home, I sought ways to continue to help people like them. That led me to Hagar, an organization that supports survivors of human trafficking, slavery, and abuse — many of whom are women and children affected by war. I initially volunteered on Hagar’s finance committee, assisting with its operational and fundraising efforts. But as my appreciation for the organization and its mission deepened, I expanded my role and became board secretary.
Value of Service
Veterans know all too well the costs of war, but they also know the value of service. Though my contributions at Hagar may be small, they feed my soul. My work includes spreading awareness about Hagar’s mission throughout the country, advocating for additional financial support, performing operational tasks such as budgeting, and helping plan the organization’s growth strategy. I enjoy hearing updates about the status of our staff and clients, and I’ve even introduced Hagar to like-minded friends who now support the nonprofit in tangible and intangible ways.
Crucially, Hagar has provided a way for me to directly help Afghan women and children, and other vulnerable populations, no matter where they are in the world.
Veterans often ask, “What now?” after they leave the military. The answer, for many, lies in the nonprofit field. Veterans are unique in that they understand missions, know how to work under pressure, and most importantly, know how to help others. When a veteran believes in a mission, they do all they can to accomplish it. Often, they’re great teachers and advocates, naturally gifted to train and communicate goals to others.
As the nonprofit field experiences high turnover and worker shortages, organizations of all kinds would benefit from the skills, leadership, and heart that veterans bring to the table. They’ve witnessed firsthand the suffering in war-torn regions and understand the need for compassion and action. With that in mind, veterans are well-suited for work at organizations that support disaster relief, under-resourced communities, military families, or that address mental health issues, including PTSD.
Volunteering is also good for the mind because it provides a sense of purpose, includes teamwork, and involves setting and achieving goals to meaningfully improve people’s lives. For veterans who find it challenging to transition to civilian life after serving, volunteering is a healthy and rewarding option.
Nonprofits looking to recruit veterans as volunteers and staff members can speak with veteran groups in their communities and online or contact the public affairs offices at nearby military bases, armories, or reserve centers. They can also include language in volunteer announcements and online job postings that specify a desire for veterans to fill roles. Another avenue is to recruit veterans for board openings.
The American troop withdrawal in Afghanistan was disheartening. Women, who were just beginning to experience newfound freedoms, saw them suddenly taken away. Today, their movement is restricted, and their futures are uncertain. Americans may feel like our country has moved on, but Afghan women are still living in unimaginable conditions. This reality has weighed heavily on many veterans, including me. But there are still ways to make a difference.
Women and children around the world need someone in their corner — someone rooting for them even when the rest of the world moves on.
So, as the nation celebrates Veteran’s Day on Monday, I encourage nonprofits to find a place in their organization for those who have served in the military. The world can still benefit from their skills and passion. After all, their desire to help others didn’t stop when their military service ended.
