Raising the level of awareness of and recognition for U.S. Veterans is one of the fundamental goals of the Veterans Resource Network Association.

VRNA operates from a core belief that Veterans have earned and therefore deserve the respect and gratitude of all Americans. We believe that every Veteran is a hero — and — that every Veteran has a story to tell. And we put that belief into action by giving “un-sung heroes” a turn in the spotlight.

Who’s an “un-sung hero?” You might be one! Or your father or grandmother. Or your neighbor. Or the guy you served with during your time in the service. We also encourage the recognition of Veterans who are making a difference in their civilian lives, whether it’s volunteer work, government, the school system, or any other local, regional or national cause.

Share your story! You can contribute a story (short or long) about yourself or about any Veteran you know. It can be autobiographical — about you and your time in the service or your civilian life. It can be about anyone else — someone you know very well or an historical figure who’s made an impact on your life.

You’ll find Members’ stories on the VRNA Web site. Read them and you’ll get a sense of what we mean by “every Veteran is a hero.” You can also use these idea-starters and inspiration-sparkers to get you thinking ...

• What did being in the service mean to you?
• How did participating in the military change you or the course of your life?
• What would you tell today’s young men and women about the value of a military experience?
• If you could pick one really striking memory from your time in the service, what would it be?
• What are your recollections of boot camp?
• If you could turn back the clock and be back in the service knowing everything you know today, what would you do differently?
• What do you believe most Americans believe about U.S. Veterans? What would you like them to think?
• What is your most valued recollection of what a buddy did for you in the service?
• What Veteran (in your own experience or one you’ve read about) has most influenced your beliefs about what it means to be a Veteran?
• Was there a fellow serviceman/servicewoman or an officer who made a big impact on you? Why?
• What deed of good service have you (or another Veteran) done that has touched someone’s life in an important way?
• How have you — or a Veteran you know — made an impact on your community?
• What small, simple act of heroism you observed during your time in the service left the largest, most lasting impression on you?
• What makes someone a “hero” in your eyes?
• In what ways would you say that every U.S. Veteran is a “hero?”

Here’s how it works:
Submit your story to VRNA. You can do so through our Web site under the “American Heroes” section, or you can send your story by mail to VRNA Member Services: P.O. Box 376, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0376.