*Special thanks to Great Clips for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions are my own*Before moving to Chicago when I was three, I lived off and on different military bases throughout the US (I was even born on the Navy Base in Charleston, South Carolina.) Although my mom finished her term in the Navy when I was only four (both of my parents were in the Navy but I was only raised by my mom,) I still consider us to be a “MilitaryFamily.” The Military has helped my family in more ways than I could ever imagine. It allowed my mom to go to college for free so she could pursue her dream of teaching. I’m happy to say that this year marks my mom’s 15th year of teaching (way to go Lilo!) Today’s post is really near and dear to my heart. It’s so important to give back and thank those who’ve help us by serving their (our) country! Here’s four really simple ways to thank Veterans on Veteran’s Day:

1. Volunteer Your Time. There are numerous ways to volunteer and help those who dedicated their lives to serving their country. You can volunteer at our nation’s VA hospitals, drive veterans to their appointments or provide specialized help based on individual veterans’ needs.

2. Talk With Them. One of the easiest ways to give back to a veteran is by simply talking with them. Back in High School, I volunteered with Alzheimer’s patients at a local nursing home and one of the residents I was assigned with was a war vet. He didn’t remember much about the last 20 years but he loved talking about his time in the service (he loved showing off photos of him in his uniform.) He could go on for hours talking about his experience overseas and what being in the military taught him. Seeing his face light up as he shared various stories from his time in the service always made me feel like I was really making a difference. Remember, a simple conversation (or thank you) really does go a long way.

3. Donate Supplies. Clean out your closet and contribute gently used household goods and clothes to Vietnam Veterans of America. 

4. Give a FREE haircut! For the third year in a row, Great Clips is giving their customers a way to show appreciation for the veterans in their lives with the“Thank a Veteran Free Haircut Card” promotion. On Nov. 11 only, customers who stop in for a service at any Great Clips salon in the United States can receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran. The free haircut cards are redeemable by all current and past members of the military including active, inactive, retired, disabled and reserve members from any branch. In addition, veterans can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov.11 and receive a free haircut that day or receive a free haircut card to be used before the end of the year (free haircut cards are redeemable until Dec. 31, 2015.) You can learn more about this amazing promotion (and find a Great Clips location near you) here.
Thank the veterans in your life and visit your local Great Clips on November 11th to redeem a free haircut card to share with a veteran of choice!