On Veterans Day, it is crucial to recognize and express gratitude towards veterans in order to aid in healing their 'invisible wounds'.

It's effortless to express gratitude to an American veteran and then quickly forget about their service.

But what about true and meaningful connection that really lasts?

This Veterans Day, a leading corporation is encouraging Americans to express their gratitude for our country's military personnel in a meaningful way by connecting with them.

On Monday, November 11th at 11 a.m. local time, USAA, a financial services company serving more than 13.5 million members of the U.S. military, veterans, and their families, is urging a "national moment of gratitude."

The Texas-based company's "Go Beyond Thanks" campaign includes an effort to connect with veterans struggling with mental health issues, as more veterans in America face these challenges.

Younger veterans often feel uncomfortable or awkward when people simply say "thank you."

Matt Shifrin, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran and USAA's executive director and CEO chief of staff, stated in a phone interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that there are approximately 17 million living veterans in the United States today. Despite this significant number, there are over 300 million people residing in the U.S., resulting in a divide between those who have served and those who have not.

"You might ask veterans how they're doing."

This Veterans Day, "we're encouraging people to go beyond expressing gratitude and establish connections with veterans in the community," said the speaker. This could involve reaching out to teachers, police officers, or colleagues who have served.

One suggestion is to ask a veteran to share their service details.

"What they did for the country, where they served, and how they're doing are questions you might ask them."

Veterans can reciprocate by asking others about their work, lives, and contributions, both locally and nationally, even what keeps them up at night.

He stated that he believed there would be a significant amount of overlap between the two groups.

"This is one team — and this effort can bring us together as a country."

Another way to express gratitude is by visiting local American Legion or VFW posts or events, stopping by a VA hospital, or checking in with community centers about veterans events. This is about being intentional, as advised by USAA.

There are multiple ways to communicate with a veteran, including sending a text message, making a phone call, or having a one-on-one conversation.

To create a meaningful and supportive connection with our veterans, we must prioritize their needs and provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Shifrin emphasized the importance of those who serve and those who support them in making America work. He highlighted the role of these individuals in generating the economic engine and providing support to veterans. Shifrin emphasized that this is a team effort that can bring the country together.

Serving is a defining moment in people's lives and most people are generally willing to talk about their service.

The interaction and connection can aid in healing "the unseen wounds" that many veterans carry with them.

"We're really hoping to start building those relationships between people."

According to Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob LaBrutta, vice president of survivorship and claims at USAA, as Veterans Day parades and celebrations decline compared to previous years, many Americans are unsure of how to express their gratitude for the country's veterans.

No matter how busy, people should make time for veterans who have served the country.

"The military's mantra is to check left and right to ensure your battle buddies, shipmates, devil dogs, wingmen, guardians, or coasties are safe."

The campaign can be learned more about on social media platforms using the hashtag #GoBeyondThanks.

The coalition formed by USAA and Face the Fight aims to increase awareness and support for veteran and military suicide prevention.

Since its establishment in 1922, USAA has been a prominent insurance, banking, and retirement solutions provider in the United States.