Today, November 11th, we celebrate our veterans.
“Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” - U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
With our veterans top of mind today, we share with you some examples of military and veterans service organizations, associations and advocacy groups commanding our attention in social media.
Through video, photos and compelling stories, veterans organizations are taking social media by storm. They are leading by example in sharing timely, relevant and helpful content to support and encourage our veterans while educating, informing and inspiring their supporters.
Here are a few examples of how initiatives by and for our veterans are receiving an outstanding amount of engagement in social:
The DAV organization works to better the lives of American disabled veterans through grassroots advocacy and services in communities nationwide. It drives the mission home with an active community on several social channels, particularly YouTube, with hundreds of videos and more than 1.5M views. The current ThankAVet campaign allows users to upload photos and messages, which generates a video to share in social and with the veteran they are honoring.
The VA is active on the top social hubs, most notably Facebook, with its highly engaging photo posts, including "Then and Now" pictorials, veterans in the community, and memorials. The VA also provides updated ceremony details and media each year for Memorial Day and Veterans Day for vets, teachers, students and supporters, including a poster you can share for Veterans Day.
The USO is taking charge on Twitter with more than 100,000 followers, posting engaging content daily in an effort to lift the spirits of America's troops and their families. Posts are typically military discount offers and thank you messages to supporters and sponsoring companies, as well as meaningful communication with followers.
Provide meals like Flapjack Fridays for #troops http://t.co/2hVslU5GEZ Give $11 on 11/11 #USOmoments #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/ZPQgBrztdf
— USO (@the_USO) November 7, 2014
In its effort to enhance and safeguard the entitlements of our veterans, AMVETS helps to keep followers current on news, upcoming events and important information on veterans benefits.
Through "the power of community," Team RWB centers outreach through fitness events across the nation to get vets and supporters together in activity to inspire friendships and camaraderie. This group will get your heart rate up just looking at its photos! From the visually appealing branding to the rock star social media skills, Team RWB is getting it done in social.
Day 51 of @TeamRWB Old Glory Coast to Coast Relay is underway in Ohio from Cincinnati to Dayton! #RunWithGlory pic.twitter.com/jBo23RwTAm
— Team RWB (@TeamRWB) October 31, 2014
The VFW's mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts; to serve our veterans, the military, and our communities; and to advocate on behalf of all veterans. In social, the VFW has an impressive reach on an unlikely channel—Google+. Nearing 50,000 followers, the content shared is a variety of news, veteran benefit resources, entertainment and promotions geared toward vets.
The Wounded Warrior Project thrives to honor and empower Wounded Warriors through awareness, service and assistance through one another and supporters. They're getting the message across loud and clear on Facebook with more than 2.5 million likes and consistently engaging content.
Fisher House assists families of veterans by providing housing free-of-charge while caring for a loved one receiving treatment. Fisher House makes the list for its fresh content on micro-video sharing site Vine.
Honor Flight has a unique and singular mission—to transport veterans to Washinton, D.C. so they may visit the memorials dedicated to their sacrifice and service. The group's social media superpowers are in sharing the experiences of the many veterans who travel to D.C. with their assigned guardians from hubs across the country.
The Lone Survivor Foundation was established by Navy SEAL(Ret) Marcus Luttrell, author of "Lone Survivor" with a mission of restoring, empowering and renewing hope for our wounded service members and their families through health, wellness and therapeutic support. The number of likes and shares on this photo say they are "doing it right" in social!
Operation Gratitude sends more than 150,000 care packages annually to New Recruits, Veterans, First Responders, Wounded Warriors, Care Givers and to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas. The group shares content over eight social networks to connect with veterans and supporters. We particularly like its Instagram channel for the inspirational images and snapshots of the org's mission in action.
We would love to see more examples! Please add them in the comments. And make sure to thank a vet today!
