National Military Appreciation Month, celebrated every May, was introduced in 1999 to encourage US citizens to observe the month as a symbol of unity. Characterized by six national observances highlighting the extraordinary contributions of those who have served and sacrificed, each day offers a distinct significance. 

May 1: Loyalty and Silver Star Service Banner Day

Honors the sacrifices of the US military personnel as well as those awarded the Silver Star

May 8: Victory in Europe Day

Also known as V-E day, it marks the German surrender to the Allies and the end of WWII

May 12: Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Recognizes the contributions, support, and sacrifices of the spouses of the Armed Forces

May 13: Children of Fallen Patriots Day

Honors the pain and sacrifice of children who have lost a parent in the line of duty

May 20: Armed Forces Day

Pays tribute to the men and women who serve in all branches of the US military

May 29: Memorial Day

Also known as Decoration Day, a day for remembrance of those who have died in service

Whether you are a veteran or know and love someone who is, the entire month of May presents a perfect opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude. Below are seven advocacy organizations that are doing amazing things for veterans. 

ACT Now Education

ACT Now is an acronym for "Apprenticeship, College (and Certification), and Training: No Opportunity Wasted." They share reliable FREE resources and opportunities for Active Duty, Veterans, Reservists, National Guard, Military Spouses, and Military Dependents. From resume and interview help, certification study resources, and scholarships job, networking, and mentorship programs, ACT Now boasts connections to more than 40,000 resources for the military community. 

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers families to thrive as they serve. They are committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support. BSF does this through job and career training, family care and support, and community building. 

Military Family Advisory Network

In addition to their advocacy efforts for food insecurity, housing, moving and PCSing, finances, health and well-being, MFAN also focuses on employment, education, and entrepreneurship for military spouses. They provide partnership opportunities for jobs through the DoD's MSEP and Hiring Our Heroes program; for education through MYCAA and National Military Family Association; for entrepreneurship through The Rosie Network, Dog Tag, Inc., and Seed Spot. 

NMFA

Since 2004, NMFA has cheered on military spouses by awarding scholarships to help pay for everything from GEDs to PhDs, professional licenses and certifications, including re-licensure, business and entrepreneurial expenses, supervised clinical hours, continuing education courses, and more. NMFA hosts the Operation Purple network of camps offering respite for all service branches' families. 

Student Veterans of America

Through a network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, Student Veterans of America ensures that student veterans and military-connected students achieve their potential. SVA is a premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for student veterans through and beyond higher education.

Veterans Education Success

Veterans Education Success encompasses bipartisan policy experts, academic researchers, lawyers and advocates. Members of this organization are veterans and non-veterans dedicated to bridging the military-civilian divide to ensure career and education success for military families. They provide free legal services, advice, and college and career counseling for the GI Bill®️, non-partisan research on issues of concern to student veterans, help policymakers to improve higher education quality and veterans' success and to protect the integrity of the GI Bill®️, help veterans participate in their democracy by engaging government officials and the media, and offer free legal assistance for military-connected students.

Warrior-Scholar Project

Out of 200,000 veterans who separate from the military annually, nearly 150,000 transition to higher education. Warrior-Scholar Project empowers enlisted student veterans to succeed in higher education and beyond through their intensive, one- and two-week college-preparatory academic boot camps in three disciplines: Humanities, STEM, and Business & Entrepreneurship.