( CNN ) -- As our nation salutes the men and women who risked their lives for our country , CNN iReporters share the innovative ways they made a positive impact on veterans ' lives . iReporter Roger J. Stavitz decided to give back to the VA clinic in Lincoln , Maine , that he credits with saving his life from post-traumatic stress disorder and diabetes . This Vietnam vet got his hands dirty in the grounds surrounding the new VA building , planting $ 500 worth of flowers to bring some color and fragrance to his brothers in arms . This small change made a major transformation in not only the austere building , but also Stavitz himself . `` The trip is 90 miles , round trip , but it is worth it for my own therapy , '' Stavitz said . `` It pleased the veterans , it pleased the staff , and veterans would stop to talk to me about what I was doing . '' Those chats about shared experiences became an important part of their healing process . Stavitz recently visited his flowers , marveling that they were still alive at this time of year in Maine . `` They looked like old friends , '' Stavitz said , `` the gift that keeps on giving . '' He admits his gift may be small , but believes it is not insignificant . He hopes that people find one thing that makes them smile , like planting flowers does for him , and think about how that small act can help themselves as well as those who have given so much to our country . Watch Roger 's beautifying efforts , on CNN iReport . For Debbi Fisher , it all started because of Root Beer , her late husband 's horse . `` He needed a job ! '' laughs Fisher , who founded the Rainier Therapeutic Riding Program in Washington state . The program , near the Joint Base Lewis-McChord , is the Northwest 's first branch of the NARHA Horses for Heroes program . In this program , healing occurs on horseback . The horses ' mission is to help injured soldiers overcome the difficulties of returning home after battle , especially physical and mental disabilities . Each soldier is paired with a horse and a lead volunteer for an eight-week program , completely free of charge . `` We teach them to understand how the horse thinks , '' Fisher said , `` to use the thinking side of the brain instead of the reactive one . And all of a sudden a light bulb goes off , and the soldiers think , ' I can apply this , too . ' '' By developing a close relationship with their horse during their time at Rainier , soldiers learn to trust again in a way that is difficult for them to do with people . `` I ca n't say enough good things about the program , '' Fisher said . `` My heart has always been there , and they have done so much for our country ... This really helps them get back to society . '' For Fisher , who has a son in Afghanistan and a daughter in the Air Force , it is a personal joy for her to make this difference . See work being done at the Rainier Therapeutic Riding Program , on CNN iReport . Dentist Michael Teitelbaum was looking for a way to help his young patients avoid cavities , when he came up with a campaign that would also benefit our soldiers ' sweet tooth . After every Halloween he offers a candy buyback , where candy-sharing children receive a dollar coin for every pound of candy they bring in for overseas troops . This November , he has already received about 200 pounds of candy . In eight years of Teitelbaum 's candy buyback program , he has collected over 2,000 pounds . Teitelbaum chuckled when considering the children 's surprising generosity . `` The kids that are quick to give up their candy have the Halloween bags that have been clearly picked clean of their favorite treats , '' Teitelbaum said . He helps those children struggling to give up their Halloween haul with a certificate of patriotism , a picture , and of course , the dollar coins . The soldiers , Teitelbaum said , give away much of the candy to the children in Iraq and Afghanistan , who have never tasted American sweets . But he has also received letters that the troops devour a lot of it themselves , and want more . `` Over there they really do n't get to celebrate Halloween or other holidays , '' Teitelbaum said , `` so it gives them a little taste of home . '' See the candy donations pile up , on CNN iReport . Have you helped make a positive impact for our Veterans ? Share your story with iReport and Impact Your World .
iReporters share innovative techniques they ' ve used for the benefit of veterans and troops . Roger J. Stavitz 's garden made a visible and personal difference for Maine veterans . Debbi Smith applies horse sense to therapy for wounded veterans . Mike Smith , dentist by day , is Candyman to troops overseas .