The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced its request for a $243.3 billion budget for fiscal year (FY) 2021. The new figure signifies a 10.2% increase from the VA's FY 2020 budget.

This is the current administration's fourth consecutive VA budget increase proposal, which is consistent with the pattern of gradual increases over the past two decades. Military Times has reported that the proposed $243.3 billion budget for FY 2021 marks a 440% increase from the $45 billion VA budget just 20 years ago.

Priorities reflected in the new VA budget

Increasing veterans' access to traditional and mental health care services is a significant focus of the new budget. The budget proposes $313 million to fund suicide prevention programs and $626 million for expanded women's health care services. It also provides support for a modern medical care scheduling system designed to improve veterans' experiences and provide greater access to critical health care resources.

According to the VA budget documents, this proposal "supports key Administration priorities such as veteran suicide prevention and opioid abuse prevention programs, and continues to integrate the changes enshrined in the VA MISSION Act of 2018, providing veterans greater choice in and access to the medical care they deserve."

Streamlining and modernizing the VA's IT systems is another major priority reflected in the FY 2021 budget. A proposed $2.6 billion is earmarked for replacing outdated infrastructure through the ongoing electronic health record (EHR) modernization plan. This will ensure a seamless transfer of health data between the Department of Defense and the VA to ease the transition from active duty service to civilian life.

The budget documents explain that the proposal supports "critical priorities, such as electronic health record modernization and information technology (IT) enhancements, to strengthen efficiency, transparency and accountability within the Department."

Key VA budget changes

Notable VA budget increases in the FY 2021 plan include:

• An 82% increase in the funds available for EHR modernization.
• A 32% rise in the budget for suicide prevention programs, as part of a 7.2% increase in the budget for mental health services.
• A 14.1% increase in the resources allocated to health care, benefits, national cemeteries and discretionary funding.
• A 12.4% boost in the funding for IT infrastructure modernization.
• A 9% boost in the budget for women's health care services.
• A 7.2% increase in funding for benefit programs including veterans' housing, insurance, compensation, pensions and readjustment benefits.

"The budget request will ensure Veterans and their families experience health improvements and technological modernization advancements," said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in a statement. "That's evidenced by the increase in budget funds we're receiving — that not only increase health care services and benefits to Veterans — but allow VA to lead the way in forward-thinking innovation."

Additional budget highlights

Under the current administration's proposal, titled "A Budget for America's Future," the VA is the only agency to see such a substantial budget increase.

If the $4.8 trillion funding plan is adopted by Congress, The Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon would experience modest budget increases of 3.4% and 0.5%, respectively. The Commerce Department, the Department of Interior, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Labor would see double-digit budget reductions.

Despite the cuts, the budget documents assert that one of the top DOL budget priorities will be to "[support] the transition of the Nation's veterans, servicemembers and their spouses from active duty to civilian life."

On March 5, we commemorate the Navy Seabees by remembering their heritage and extensive contributions to Naval history.

Who are the Navy Seabees

Working under the motto "Construimus, Batuimus," meaning, "We Build, We Fight," the Navy Seabees do exactly that.

The Seabee designation refers to enlisted members and officers assigned to the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions, the Naval Construction Force (NCF) and enlisted members in the Navy's occupational field 7 (OF-7).

The unit's unusual name comes from the pronunciation of C.B. for "Construction Battalions." This has inspired the Seabee logo, which depicts a buzzing bee wielding construction tools.

Since WWII, Navy Seabees have been part of every major conflict the U.S. military has participated in. They have also dedicated their unmatched trade skills and military prowess to protect our nation and further humanitarian efforts, even in times of peace.

How the Seabees began

The Naval Construction Battalions were born out of a long tradition of utilizing Sailors' building skills to construct and maintain bases. But the Seabee unit was not formalized until the Second World War.

During WWII, the U.S. had contracted some 70,000 construction workers who were located at shore bases around the globe. But the use of civilian labor in international war zones was highly problematic. As civilians, these tradespeople had no legal protections and could not defend themselves against enemy attack. If they were to fight back, they would be classified as guerrillas and could be subject to battlefield execution, according to international law.

To address the need for skilled tradespeople with military might, Admiral Ben Moreell put forth an innovative proposal on Dec. 28, 1941. Moreell conceived of a new type of military unit that possessed the necessary construction trade skills and the flexibility to participate in a wide variety of large-scale projects.

On Jan. 5, 1942 the Bureau of Navigation granted Moreell the power to recruit construction workers for three newly created Naval Construction Battalions. U.S. Civil Engineer Corps officers were granted command authority over the enlisted members and officers of these units.

During recruiting, the emphasis was put on technical skills, so the earliest Seabee population skewed much older than the average Navy recruit. Experienced in more than 60 trades, some of the first Seabees had honed their craft working on highways, subways, quarries, dams, docks and skyscrapers. But they also received advanced military training, which came in handy during frequent interactions with the enemy.

The Seabee name was officially adopted on March 5, 1942 — hence the birthday commemoration on this date. By the end of WWII, roughly 325,000 enlisted members and nearly 8,000 officers called themselves Seabees. Together, they participated in building more than 400 bases which helped pave the way to an Allied victory. Initially considered part of the Navy Reserve, this militarized construction unit became a permanent part of the Navy in 1947, so that they could serve in peacetime as well as wartime.

Remembering Seabee contributions to Naval history

While most Seabees are part of Naval Construction Battalions or the NCF, the unit has and continues to serve in additional capacities.

Notably, during WWII, Seabees served on Naval Combat Demolition Units and were among the first ashore at Normandy on D-Day, being responsible for dismantling the German-built barriers designed to prevent amphibious landings. Other Seabees have worked tirelessly throughout the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Throughout their history, special units have been assigned to complex projects that call for advanced, highly specialized trade skills. Seabees have also made contributions to the U.S. Marine Corps and are consistently involved in public works projects, disaster recovery initiatives and humanitarian efforts.

On the March 5, we recognize and honor the men and women of the Navy Seabees.

Paul Olesniewicz, an Arizona-based sculpture designer, veteran and former firefighter, has created over 40 memorials honoring first responders and the military.

The sculptor's early career as a servicemember and first responder

Olesniewicz completed his service with the United States Army in 1972. He then returned to his home state of Arizona and began a firefighting career spanning three decades.

"There is an old saying that time flies when you're having fun," Olesniewicz said in an interview with the Professional Firefighters of Arizona Magazine. "Well, I must have had the time of my life, for my 32 years in the fire service seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye — an eye with crows, feet that is," 

Olesniewicz began with the United States Forest Service in Flagstaff, then spent a few years at the William Air Force Base in Mesa as a civilian firefighter where he worked in structural firefighting and crash and rescue. The majority of his fire service career was spent with the Tucson Fire Department.

911 Sculptures unites a passion for firefighting and fine arts

Six years after leaving Army service — and in the midst of his firefighting career, Olesniewicz earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture at Northern Arizona University.

It was not until 1994 that he founded his own creative business, 911 Sculptures. Olesniewicz and his team design and create statues honoring first responders including firefighters, EMTs and police officers, as well as members of the military, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As Olesniewicz says on the business's website, "My goal is to convey the dedication and pride exhibited by firefighters throughout the history of the fire service. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to combine my firefighting experience with my love of art and sculpture."

His work is on display at memorial sites, museums, fire departments and private residences. In 2007, he retired from his firefighting career and began running 911 Sculptures on a full-time basis.

The creative process behind each custom project

To create one of his lifelike statues, Olesniewicz starts with a steel armature and builds out the form using clay. This enables him to achieve an impressive level of detail in the figures' uniforms and expressive faces.

He then takes the full-sized clay sculpture off to a foundry where ceramic molds are created. Molten bronze is carefully poured into the molds. Once cool, the metal pieces are sand-blasted, assembled and welded together. Finally, Olesniewicz applies a patina and protective coat of wax.

Once complete, pieces created by 911 Sculptures are ready to weather the elements and stand as reminders of the daily sacrifices first responders and military members make in service to their community and country.

Olesniewicz works with departments of all sizes across the nation to create custom projects of all scales. One special example is the Tucson Fallen Firefighters Memorial, completed in 2009. This features five life-sized bronze sculptures, including one firefighter wearing full turn-out gear, holding his helmet over his heart. This figure faces a memorial wall engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

"I like to believe my firefighting background gives me a unique perspective on how important firefighter commemorative and memorial sites are to their communities, departments and their loved ones," Olesniewicz said. "I find it very rewarding to help in my small way to honor our hard-working and brave brothers and sisters. It is the best of both worlds."

Visit the interactive map on the 911 Sculptures website to find Olesniewicz's work at a public site near you.

According to a Pew Research Center study into the lives of post-9/11 military veterans, 36% suffer from post-traumatic stress. For some, a service dog may provide a sense of security and empowerment. Unfortunately, accessing such resources has proven to be a challenge.

While there are channels through which veterans can get paired up with service dogs, there are still certain limitations. Additionally, there's an ongoing conversation about proposed legislation that could subsidize service dogs for veterans with PTSD.

VA support stalls while clinical research continues

While the VA subsidizes service dogs for vets diagnosed with physical disabilities, the department has cited a lack of clinical proof as its reason for withholding support for psychiatric service dogs for veterans with PTSD. The VA has dedicated $16 million to studying this subject since 2011. Findings from the VA study — titled "Can Service Dogs Improve Activity and Quality of Life in Veterans With PTSD?" — are slated for release later in 2020.

In the meantime, a growing body of evidence suggests that there are definite benefits. During a 2018 Purdue University study, members of the College of Veterinary Medicine compared the cortisol production patterns of veterans with service dogs to those on the waitlist without a canine companion.

According to researcher Kerri Rodriguez, the team observed patterns "closer to the cortisol profile expected in healthy adults without PTSD. Having a service dog was also associated with less anger, less anxiety, and better sleep."

As Suzy Wilburn of the nonprofit Southeastern Guide Dogs told Military Times, "The dogs are never going to be a cure for [PTSD], they're simply going to be a tool to help [veterans] in their recovery with it."

Service dog advocates in Congress have proposed a new piece of VA legislation known as Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members, or the PAWS Act. This would create a grant program through which diagnosed veterans could receive $25,000 from the VA to adopt a service dog. However, progress has stalled since 2016.

Nonprofits offer service dogs for veterans with PTSD

Those interested in finding service dogs for veterans with PTSD should connect with accredited nonprofits that are members of the following organizations:

• The International Guide Dog Federation.
• Assistance Dogs International.
• The Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans.

The process of adopting a service dog can take years, with many approved vets assigned to waiting lists. It can be expensive, too; the VA estimates that training and follow-up support for just one dog and its recipient cost $25,000.

It can also change a veteran's family dynamic, so support is essential. In an interview with Military Times, Mike Drafts of K9s for Warriors advised that "this is a lifestyle change like no other, […] it's almost like you're adding a third person to a relationship."

The application process typically includes:

• Submitting formal application documents.
• Sharing a medical history and diagnosis.
• Consenting to a criminal background check.
• Providing personal references.
• Completing a series of interviews.
• Attending training courses.

However, not all those who apply to these programs qualify. Nonprofit personnel look for veterans who are actively receiving mental health treatment and who don't have any history of violence that would jeopardize the dog.

They also work with vets to understand their goals in working with a service dog. For instance, some veterans look for assistance in coping with daily activities and outings while others need support for nightmares and panic attacks at home.

Access to psychiatric service dog support is more limited than it may be in the future. However, veterans can always access the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, texting 838255 or initiating a live chat conversation with a VA responder.

One in five veterans living today served on active duty following the 9/11 attacks. New data from the Pew Research Center demonstrates how their experiences differ from earlier generations of armed servicemembers.

"The American Veteran Experience and the Post-9/11 Generation" summarizes the results of a 2019 Pew survey. Respondents included nearly 800 veterans whose military service was completed before the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and nearly 500 vets who began serving afterward.

Among the key findings is the fact that younger veterans struggle more during the transition from active duty to civilian life.

The transition from active duty to civilian life

Of the 1,284 U.S. military veterans surveyed in the study, 45% felt that the military did not prepare them well for the transition to civilian life.

However, nearly half of post-9/11 veterans reported that the transition to civilian life was challenging, with 16% describing it as very difficult and a third describing it as somewhat difficult.

This stands in contrast to the relatively smooth transition experienced by pre-9/11 veterans: 78% considered the transition somewhat or very easy. Only 4% described it as being very difficult.

Civilian work-life challenges

In the first months and years following reentry into civilian life, veterans struggled with:

• Paying bills.
• Finding employment.
• Obtaining medical care.
• Alcohol or substance abuse.
• Emotional distance from friends and family.
• A lack of structure in civilian life.

The study found that about two in five post-9/11 veterans believed they were overqualified for their first post-military civilian job, although the majority stayed for at least one year. However, more than two-thirds reported that their deployment had a positive financial impact compared to the majority of pre-9/11 vets who felt it had no impact.

The older generation was more likely to feel pride in their service and optimism about their future, while the younger generation was more likely to find government assistance levels inadequate.

Mental and emotional health consequences

The post-9/11 generation was more likely to have experienced emotionally distressing or traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress as a result of deployment.

The Pew study concluded that post-9/11 combat veterans, in particular, were the most likely to have experienced emotional trauma and were, therefore, more likely to struggle generally. The research revealed that 57% of all combat veterans had witnessed someone they served alongside be killed or seriously injured.

Because twice as many veterans saw combat in the post-9/11 era, twice as many came away with the emotional scars of those experiences. Of post-9/11 veterans, 42% reported that their service had negative mental health consequences, compared to only 17% of pre-9/11 veterans who felt similarly.

However, the post-9/11 generation was more likely to seek out help for emotional issues (35% compared to just 10% of pre-9/11 veterans).

Higher likelihood of serving in a combat zone

The difference between the experiences cited by both generations, according to Pew researchers, was the greater likelihood of serving in a combat zone. Post-9/11 veterans were far more likely to have experienced at least one deployment and were twice as likely to be combat veterans.

Over three-quarters of post-9/11 vets were deployed at least once, with 10% having been deployed eight or more times. Additionally, about half of post-9/11 vets experienced combat; less than a quarter of pre-9/11 vets did.

And yet, despite experiencing a more difficult transition from active duty to civilian life, roughly four in five post-9/11 veterans said that they would still encourage a young person to enlist.

The complete results of the study are available on the Pew Research Center's website.

During the holiday season, families around the U.S. remember loved ones serving on active duty as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. National Wreaths Across America Day gives communities around the nation the opportunity to gather in fellowship in remembrance of our fallen heroes.

Wreaths Across America

Through the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America (WAA), volunteers and community members gather together to lay holiday wreaths on the graves of U.S. veterans. This nationwide event is part of WAA's mission to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve in the armed forces and teach the next generation about the value and price of freedom.

The commemorative day has taken place on the second or third Saturday of December since 1992. Following a week-long escort down the East Coast, National Wreaths Across America Day is being recognized on Dec. 14, 2019 this year.

The escort, which began in Maine on Dec. 7, will pass through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C. before concluding at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Dec. 14. Led by Mona Gunn, the national president of American Gold Star Mothers, the escort will host ceremonies and dinners at local schools, civic spaces and religious institutions along the way, as well as at war memorials in the nation's capital.

As wreaths are laid in Arlington, concurrent ceremonies will occur at more than 1,600 locations throughout all 50 states and overseas. Nearly 1.8 million wreaths were placed on veterans' headstones in 2018. The organization anticipates a similar impact this year.

'Everyone plays a part'

The theme for the 2019 Wreaths Across America Day is "Everyone plays a part." This theme was chosen by Miles Worcester, the 10-year-old grandson of the organization's founder, who observed that "those serving in the military are doing their part, but it is our part as Americans to remember and honor them, and that's what Wreaths Across America does."

As such, there are many ways to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day. Beyond attending an event along the escort route, members of the public may also attend wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries throughout the U.S. During these ceremonies, volunteers place wreaths on the markers of our fallen heroes, speaking each veteran's name to remember and honor their legacy of service and sacrifice.

WAA relies on volunteers to place wreaths, coordinate ceremonies at new locations, lead fundraising efforts, offer corporate sponsorship and donate trucking services to transport the wreaths. Individuals may also sponsor one or more wreaths or a specific cemetery. Those interested in becoming location coordinators, wreath-layers or sponsors can express interest through a volunteer form on Wreaths Across America's website. 

Remembrance Trees

In Columbia Falls, Maine, balsam tree boughs are harvested to make the wreaths that grace veterans' graves. Through WAA's free Remembrance Tree Program, the nonprofit produces customized dog tags for families to display on a specific evergreen. These Remembrance Trees become living memorials honoring those who are no longer with us.

Karen Worcester, Miles' grandmother and WAA's Executive Director, has explained that this is a more permanent way to uphold the organization's mission.

"This endless forest is a truly visual representation of our unwavering commitment to our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach and to recognize our veterans and families this year and for many years to come," Worcester said.

Produced by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), a graphic novel series titled "Medal of Honor" illustrates the true stories of the real-life action heroes who have been awarded the U.S. military's highest and most prestigious award.

AUSA's 'Medal of Honor'

The medal itself recognizes those who have distinguished themselves by valiant action against enemy forces.

Part of AUSA's Book Program, the graphic novel project strives to make these remarkable stories of valor accessible to new audiences in a new medium.

Legendary comic book artists and writers helped bring these stories to life. Each episode is illustrated with vivid frames and action-packed plotlines summarizing true events on battlefields around the world and throughout history.

Available as free PDFs, the first four issues can be read online or downloaded and shared. They were also bound in a free compendium at AUSA's annual conference in October 2019.

Alvin York

The first issue in the series honors WWI hero Corp. Alvin York, the most decorated veteran of WWI.

On Oct. 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne campaign, much of York's platoon was brought down German machine gunfire behind enemy lines. York quickly assumed command of his unit. His seven surviving soldiers took a defensive stance, guarding their German captives.

Meanwhile, York led a decisive solo attack against the machine gun nest. With no time to reload his rifle, the Tennessee sharpshooter switched to his pistol, leaving few survivors. His fearless advance led 132 enemy soldiers to surrender.

Roy Benavidez

The second issue recounts the herculean efforts of Special Forces Staff Sgt. Roy Benavidez.

On May 2, 1968, Benavidez survived countless injuries on his way to rescue a dozen members of a reconnaissance team trapped by the North Vietnamese infantry. After racing across 75 yards of open fire to provide medical aid to the wounded soldiers, he went back again to assist those wounded by the crashed rescue helicopter.

Once another helicopter evacuated the group, Benavidez was placed in a body bag; he had lost so much blood the medics assumed him to be dead. However, his determination that day saved his own life and those of eight other soldiers, making him a Green Beret legend.

Audie Murphy

The third issue in the series highlights the most highly decorated U.S. soldier, 2nd Lt. Audie Murphy.

Murphy single-handedly held off six Nazi tanks in Holtzwirh, France on Jan. 26, 1945. For over an hour, he resisted waves of infantry assault from a disabled American destroyer tank with flames and smoke billowing out of it.

As the enemy closed in on his position, the 5-foot-5-inch, 110-pound Texan maintained communication with his men, coordinating artillery missions while taking down as many Nazis as possible. After using up all of his ammunition, Murphy returned to his unit to launch a triumphant counterassault.

Sal Giunta

The fourth issue honors Spc. Sal Giunta, the first living Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War.

Under the cover of night in Afghanistan's Kkorengal Valley, Giunta's platoon was ambushed by Taliban enemies on Oct. 25, 2007. The Iowa-born soldier advanced into the line of rifle fire and rocket-propelled grenades to drag one of his own men to safety. "There were more bullets in the air than stars in the sky," he remembered in an interview.

Refusing to leave anyone behind, Giunta then rescued another from the arms of two Taliban attackers. His heroic deeds turned the tables so that American gunships could close in on the enemy.

Future issues

Since the decoration's introduction in the 1860s, 3,508 soldiers have earned the Medal of Honor. There are thousands of equally remarkable stories to share — and AUSA plans to bring more to the forefront in 2020.

Until then, military families and comic-book lovers can read Issues 1 through 4 for free on AUSA's website.

A new study published by the Pew Charitable Trusts revealed that federal spending on veterans' education has grown 250% in 10 years' time.

Titled "Two Decades of Change in Federal and State Higher Education Funding," the Pew study detailed the decrease in state support and the concurrent increase in federal higher education support.

In 2017, the government dedicated $13.6 billion to veterans' education benefits. The third-largest category of contribution behind financial aid grants and research funding, veterans' education amounted to about 18% of all federal higher education support.

That was a significant departure from where things stood a decade prior. In 2007, the U.S. government dedicated only $3.9 billion to veterans' education.

"Between 2007 and 2017, federal spending on veterans' higher education benefits grew nearly 250 percent, in inflation-adjusted terms, primarily because of the Post-9/11 GI Bill," the Pew study explained. "Other veterans' education support programs shrank over the past decade." 

Indeed, other veterans' education initiatives — including the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, and the Montgomery GI Bills — have been cut back. Spending on these programs, and others, shrunk by about 48% to $2.4 billion in 2017.

It's the Post-9/11 GI Bill that has been single-handedly driving the change. 

Veterans' education and the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Of the $13.6 billion allocated to veterans' education in 2017, $11 billion came from the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Approved by President George W. Bush, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 extended GI Bill eligibility and educational benefits to those who have served since September 2001.

The bill was designed to cover many of the expenses that veterans and their families incur when pursuing higher education or vocational training. It funds up to three years of tuition and fees with an annual stipend for textbooks and supplies. It also covers certification test fees, plus a housing allowance with possible relocation assistance

For public universities, all tuition and fees are covered at in-state rates. A set amount is available for private institutions as well; it's capped at roughly $24,500 for the 2019-2010 academic year, although this figure increases each year. 

According to the 2019 Pew study, most of the bill's beneficiaries choose to attend private colleges and universities. Of the veterans and service members financing their education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, roughly one-third attend private nonprofit schools, one-third attend private for-profit institutions and one-third enroll in public schools.

More changes are coming with the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, known as the Forever GI Bill, which was signed by President Donald Trump in 2017. This program expands eligibility even further with a few other modifications and added benefits, including more support for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and the elimination of some benefit-related expiration dates.

How to apply for benefits

To qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans and active-duty service members, including reservists, must have served for at least 90 days in total since Sept. 10, 2001. Those who served for 30 continuous days before being discharged on the basis of a service-related disability during this timeframe are also eligible.

Some veterans and service members are also eligible to transfer these benefits to a dependent such as a child or spouse.

Eligible individuals may apply online or call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to request an application by mail. It's also possible to apply at one of the three VA regional offices that handle GI Bill claims. At many schools, VA Certifying Officials are available to help within the financial aid or registrar's office.

Michigan business owner Meredith Rogan has found a creative way to support service members.  

"When we [would] do the pledge of allegiance or sing the national anthem and there were vets in the audience," she remembered, "I would look at them in awe, like they did something I know I can't do. And I have always been looking for something to do to give back to them."

Rogan co-owns Joy Abendmode Bridal Boutique with her sister Diana in Royal Oak, Michigan. This November, the salon is partnering with Brides Across America (BAA) to give free wedding dresses to military and first responder brides.

"If you are a first responder, if you are a veteran and if you are a spouse of one of these people you are important, and we think that we think that deserves recognition," Rogan said in a local news interview.

Operation Wedding Gown

Founded in 2008, Brides Across America is a nonprofit organization that hosts dozens of "Operation Wedding Gown" events across the country. So far, BAA has matched up 24,000 brides with donated wedding dresses and arranged free weddings for 22 couples.

To participate, either the brides or their fiancés must be military service members, veterans or first responders. BAA caters to those planning weddings within the next year and a half. They also work with couples who were legally married in civil ceremonies and are now planning formal celebrations.

At Operation Wedding Gown events, dresses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A variety of styles and sizes are available thanks to donations from retailers, designers and individual sponsors, but the boutiques do all they can to help brides find gowns they love.

In July 2019, Something New Boutique in Colorado Springs, Colorado, gave away some 30 wedding gowns valued at $1,000 to $4,000 while Ashley Grace Bridal in Lynchburg, Virginia, had 70 gowns available during their July giveaway.

Military and first responder brides get the VIP treatment

Vera Wang, wedding dress designer to the stars, partnered with BAA on her namesake brand's 30th anniversary in fall 2019. She styled 10 couples and their wedding parties in Vera Wang attire — and gifted the couples jewelry, stationery and bedding from the brand's various product lines.

The designer personally attended all of the fittings and gave brides the full VIP treatment. In interviews with WWD, brides called the experience "surreal" while BAA founder Heidi Janson considered the collaboration "a dream come true, a fairy tale."

"Many military women lose their femininity being consumed by their careers," one giveaway winner's submission noted. "I want her to see that she should be just as passionate about herself as she is with keeping our country safe."

How to partner or participate with Brides Across America

BAA's Operation Wedding Gown giveaway events are held in July and November in honor of Independence Day and Veterans Day, respectively. BAA also hosts events on the first Friday of every month at its headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts.

To participate, couples can find local events and register through BAA's website. The boutiques ask to see proof of service and identification and will then assist brides in choosing a dress from the available selection. There is a tax-deductible registration fee to cover administrative expenses and costs of the event, and dress alterations are covered by the brides themselves.

For those looking to give back, there are a few ways to get involved with Brides Across America. Individuals can donate new and used wedding gowns as long as they're in good condition. BAA also accepts donated rings and jewelry, veils, wedding favors, gift cards and other special occasion gowns. Bridal salons can register to host future events, as well.

Joy Abendmode Bridal Boutique is currently gearing up for three days of appointments with military and first responder brides. "They served us; it's time for us to serve them," Rogan explained.

Originally celebrated as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, Nov. 11 became Veterans Day in the U.S. in 1954 to recognize all who have served during times of war and peace. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that there are 19.2 million veterans living in America today.

Here are eight ways to share your time, resources and gratitude with our veterans.

Make a donation

Veterans of all ages and circumstances can benefit from a range of support programs. Many nonprofit organizations, including United Service Organizations (USO) and the Wounded Warrior Project, offer extensive services to the veteran community. Support the work that they do with an individual donation or host a local fundraiser to bring your community together around a worthy cause. If you're interested in supporting a specific project, consider organizations like Building Homes for Heroes, which gifts mortgage-free homes to vets, or the Honor Flight Network, which takes vets to see the national memorials honoring their service.

Help a vet find employment

Nonprofits like Hire Heroes assist veterans in finding rewarding civilian careers after years of military service. Donate your time and skills to provide job counseling, mock interviews or professional headshots — or hire a veteran if you can.

Train or sponsor a service dog

Service dogs offer mental health support and companionship for veterans suffering from PTSD. Socialize a service dog in-training as a "weekend puppy raiser" through an organization like Patriot PAWS or sponsor the training process with a donation to a nonprofit like Puppies Behind Bars.

Connect homeless vets with essential resources

Hosted by the VA, local Stand Downs are one- to three-day events that provide homeless veterans with clothing, food, health screenings, VA Social Security benefits counseling and referrals to other support services. Visit the VA's website to find an upcoming Stand Down in your area and see how you can participate.

Document a veteran's story

The Library of Congress' Veterans History Project "collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war." Participate by contributing an oral history or video interview with a veteran in your life. You can also share photos, journal entries, sketches, letters and other first-hand accounts.

Send a letter or care package

Through an organization such as Operation Gratitude, you can send a veteran a heartfelt, handwritten message of thanks. Bring your family or community together for a card-writing session on Veterans Day to show your gratitude for those who have served. Find a local care package collection drive where you can donate treats and essentials.

Assist a local veteran

The Disabled American Veterans' (DAV) Local Veteran Assistance Program makes it easy for volunteers and vets to connect. Vets often request home maintenance, yard work, meals and companionship; search your area to see how you can help. You can also join the DAV Transportation Network and drive vets to doctors' appointments. Or, contact your local VA hospital to find out about volunteer opportunities there. 

Say "thank you"

This Veterans Day, tell a vet how much you appreciate their service. If there's a veteran in your life, or if you see someone who identifies themselves as a veteran, don't be afraid to approach them to say "thank you." Pay it forward and treat someone who served to a meal or a coffee if you can, but remember that a simple smile and a word of gratitude can go a long way.