Turning Battle Scars Into Works: What Veterans Do for US

Each November 11, millions of Americans honor our amazing military veterans. Parades, bands, and placing flags on veterans’ cemetery plots are the activities of the day. Stories will be written about how we need to show our appreciation to those who served in the US Armed Forces – and we should. There is, however, another story worthy of telling. That is what veterans, once they hang up the uniform, continue to do for America every day.

Veterans Helping Veterans – and America

In recounting the historical aspects of the US military, it would be an oversight not to acknowledge the contributions veterans make in improving the lives of their fellow veterans and others in need. Two great examples are Russell Collins and Jacob VandenPlas.

As the Small Business Administration (SBA) publication explains, Russ Collins spent three years in the US Army. He transitioned to civilian life in 1977 and got a degree in engineering through the GI Bill. Russ founded Home Innovations Corp. in 2002, which was recognized as New Hampshire’s SBA Veteran-Owned Business of the Year for 2025. Home Innovations takes simple blueprints and redesigns them into energy-efficient homes that drastically reduce utility bills for families living on modest incomes. However, Russ doesn’t focus entirely on building homes; he is also engaged in outreach to other veterans. According to the SBA, “He has been a community pillar, sponsoring local sports teams, hosting food drives for the local Boy Scouts troop, and contributing to initiatives like Hammers for Veterans, which supports housing for fellow veterans in need.” Veterans helping veterans, paying it forward, the essence of a service mindset.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay publication Inside UW-Green Bay News tells the story of Jacob VandenPlas. While serving in Iraq, Jacob suffered a traumatic brain injury and, after returning to America, found himself homeless and without prospects for the future. He still served in the National Guard until 2014, and after his separation, he longed for the camaraderie that comes with military service. VandenPlas told Inside UW-Green Bay News, “When you hang up the hat of active duty and put on the hat of being a veteran, you experience a tremendous amount of loss. You lose your job, your housing, your friends that have become family – you lose your identity.”

In the midst of the gloom VandenPlas was experiencing, he turned to farming. But Jacob’s motivation was more than just adopting an agricultural lifestyle. The farm provided a platform to serve other veterans. Jacob and his wife launched the non-profit DC Farm for Vets in 2021. The non-profit invites veterans and first responders who are struggling with many of the same problems VandenPlas faced to learn the value of farming, seeing what their hands can produce.

Farming Brings Healing

In many cases, veterans participating in DC Farm for Vets go on to start their own farms. The work is mentally soothing. Studies show that “getting outside can help retired service members feel better. The US Department of Veterans Affairs recommends that doing something as simple as taking a walk or a hike, riding a bike, or doing yard work or gardening can help veterans cope during times of stress,” according to the National Environmental Education Foundation. Again, the value of veterans helping veterans to make life work and, as a result, benefiting us all.

These two stories are extraordinary, but they aren’t rare. Thousands of veterans are busy throughout the country right now working for other veterans and for all of us. This Veterans Day, it’s worth taking time to remember that not only did veterans sacrifice to preserve the security we enjoy every day, but they continue to contribute to making life in America better.

1. After leaving the military, many veterans work to help other veterans and people in need.
2. Russ Collins founded Home Innovations Corp. in 2002 to redesign energy-efficient homes and engages in outreach to other veterans.
3. Jacob VandenPlas founded DC Farm for Vets in 2021 to teach farming to other veterans and to help them heal from their trauma.

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The views expressed are those of the author and not of any other affiliate.