Weiers: Veterans’ heart for service should be reciprocated by community

As we prepare for the 11th Annual Stand Up for Veterans event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, I have been reflecting on why it is so important to honor our nation’s veterans.

Let’s start with the basic facts. We would not be living in the land of the free without the brave veterans who have served and sacrificed since before we even became a nation.
Their service and sacrifice have not only earned them our respect, but our debt of gratitude.

Their presence in our community also enhances the overall quality of life as statistically they are more inclined than others to step up and help out communities in times of need.

In fact, according to Medals of America, “Veterans groups have always been an integral part of the local community, organizing food drives, fundraisers and community resources for community members who are less fortunate.”

Researchers at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University found “that military service helps overcome barriers to volunteering by socializing people with civic responsibility norms, by providing social resources and skills that compensate for the lack of personal resources … and is positively related to volunteering among minorities. Veterans are more likely to volunteer than nonveterans. Veterans who served during wartime are more likely to volunteer than those who served in peacetime.”

It is for these reasons and more that I made the welfare of our local U.S. military members and veterans one of my top priorities. As part of my pledge to veterans, I founded the Mayor’s Military Mission, or what is commonly referred to as “Triple M.”

As I have shared before, my vision is for the West Valley to become synonymous with veteran advocacy and support. To that end, my office and Triple M launched various initiatives, such as our Military Induction Ceremony, Big Dog Run, Stand Up for Veterans event and many more.

Our Stand Up for Veterans event provides ample opportunities for veterans to access services, tailored to their life experiences and needs, at Arizona Christian University. From assistance with legal matters to haircuts, the all-volunteer free event has touched the lives of thousands of veterans since its inception.

While dozens of volunteers and donors stand up every year for veterans in need, we all know it is the least we can do.

Jerry Weiers is Glendale’s sitting mayor and was originally elected to the role in 2012.