Most Americans will never serve in the military or fight for their country . Yet there are countless ways that everyone can help these veterans , who often return home from war to face their most difficult battles . Those severely injured may need to learn how to live with the loss of a limb or limited mobility . For others , brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder can make the return to civilian life a struggle . Here are nine simple things you can do to make a difference on Memorial Day -- or any day -- for the more than 23 million American veterans : . 1 . Give a veteran a ride . Medical care may be needed for some veterans for the rest of their lives . Disabled American Veterans provides free transportation to men and women who ca n't travel to Veterans Affairs medical facilities on their own . You can volunteer to drive a van for those who need a lift . 2 . Donate frequent flier miles . The Fisher House Foundation has a network of homes on the grounds of military and VA hospitals around the country . These homes help family members be close during the hospitalization of a loved one for a combat injury , illness or disease . Fisher House operates the Hero Miles Program , using donated frequent flier miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members . You can also volunteer or donate household items . 3 . Buy veteran-friendly holiday cards . More than a third of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have or will experience post-traumatic stress disorder . And veterans of past wars are still dealing with the ghosts of their time in the service . Coping with PTSD can put stress on not just veterans but also their families and friends . Your holiday card purchase this year can help veterans dealing with PTSD and other similar issues . Puppies Behind Bars is a program in which prisoners train companion dogs for veterans with PTSD , and these canines are featured in holiday cards sold to support the program . ( If you know a veteran dealing with PTSD , the VA offers the PTSD Coach Online to help veterans learn to manage symptoms , come up with ways to cope and find professional help . ) 4 . Help build a home for severely injured vets . Severely injured veterans often come home needing a place to live that better accommodates their physical disabilities . Homes for our Troops builds specially modified homes for veterans that help them live independently . These homes are provided by Homes for Our Troops at no cost to the veterans . The group is able to do so through fund-raisers and donations . 5 . Keep veterans off the streets . In times of war , exhausted combat units were removed from the battlefield to `` stand down '' in a place of relative security to rest . The Department of Veterans Affairs ' Stand Down program is designed to help homeless veterans `` combat '' life on the streets . Stand Downs are usually one- to three-day events to provide food , shelter , clothing and health screenings to homeless and unemployed veterans . To find a Stand Down program in your community , contact your local VA hospital in the VA Medical Center Directory . A phone call can also make difference in the life of a veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless . Call 877-4AID-VET , or 877-424-3838 , to be connected 24 hours a day , seven days a week with help at the VA . The VA has set a goal of eliminating homelessness among veterans by 2015 . 6 . Send a care package or a letter . Operation Gratitude is about to send its 1 millionth individually addressed care package to the military community . The packages are sent to current military members as well as veterans , wounded warriors and their caregivers . As more American troops return to civilian life , the Operation Gratitude veterans program has been growing . It also has a letter writing campaign encouraging everyone to write handwritten letters of gratitude to veterans . Over the next two years , Operation Gratitude hopes to provide a care package to every Vietnam veteran ahead of the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War . 7 . Help them take flight . According to the Department of Veterans Affairs , an estimated 640 World War II veterans die every day . The Honor Flight Network helps veterans of the `` greatest generation '' make a free pilgrimage to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington . You can volunteer to escort these men and women on the flight to see this memorial . Honor Flight also plans to help Korean and Vietnam War veterans visit memorials to those wars in Washington as well . 8 . Share their stories . So many veterans ' stories have been left untold , but the Library of Congress is collecting the tales of veterans of every war with the Veterans History Project . If you are related to a veteran or know one who has a story to tell , the Library of Congress wants to hear it . Help veterans share their stories before it 's too late . For directions on how to get involved , check out the Veterans History Project . 9 . Say thank you . It 's simple , but it can make an impact . And so many veterans have never heard the words `` thank you . '' If you know a veteran or see someone in a military uniform , say something . It may make his or her day and yours .
Simple things can make a difference for the more than 23 million American veterans . Donate frequent flier miles , give a veteran a ride , write a letter or send a care package . Let your actions speak to veterans , thanking them for their service to their country .