No matter what you think of the politics of war, for Americans, today is the day to honor the individuals who have served.

My Father spent a career in the military, and I'm grateful our family never had to make the kind of sacrifices asked of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today. Our volunteer armed forces are stretched thin, and so many men and women are being sent into harm's way again and again.

I'm no hawk when it comes to opinions of international conflict, but I know we live in a dangerous world. It makes me sad to contemplate that following the 20th and bloodiest century ever, the 21st century — so far — has so much history of war.

I think about the people whose lives that's touched, from the men and women serving to their families and loved ones at home. That's why I've decided to donate to The Hero Miles program — An organization that collects frequent flier miles to reunite injured soldiers with their families.


The miles buy airline tickets for wives and children of war wounded to visit them at faraway VA treatment centers. Those well enough to travel can get a ticket to visit home.

My contribution is small in the grand scheme of things, but I'm hopeful those miles will go a long way. If you are in a position to, or are inclined to make a cash donation in honor of Veterans, here are some other charitable organizations to consider:

The Soldier’s Project, thesoldiersproject.org Canines for Combat Wounded, www.caninesforcombatwounded.org Blue Star Mothers, www.bluestarmothers.org Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org