Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a tribute to Veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In contrast with Memorial Day, which honors the brave men and women who died while in service, Veterans Day honors all Veterans, including those still with us.
In addition to being a day of remembrance, it is time to express gratitude as well as honor Veterans and their families for their many invaluable contributions.
According to government statistics, thousands of Veterans of suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, and they face disproportionate rates of homelessness, struggles to find employment, and long-term physical and mental wounds. Veterans Day is a reminder that we as a community can give back to Veterans to ensure they have healthy, productive lives after service.
United Way of Broward County is very proud to provide comprehensive care to Veterans though our MISSION UNITED initiative. Broward County is home to nearly 100,000 Veterans, and MISSION UNITED focuses on supporting Veterans and their families with essential care when they make the often difficult transition to civilian life.
The very first MISSION UNITED started at United Way of Broward County in 2013, and this initiative has expanded to national levels, delivering expert care to hundreds of thousands of Veterans across the U.S. This care includes employment opportunities, legal resources, financial empowerment, housing support, services for mental and physical health, and much more — all at no cost.
We recently spoke with James Heaton, vice president of United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED, about the support MISSION UNITED is bringing to Veterans, the overall impact to Broward County, and why Veterans Day is a powerful platform to advocate for Veterans.
What inspired you to get involved with working with Veterans and MISSON UNITED?
Heaton: I always have been working in the Veterans space, primarily with legal services. Being an attorney gave me the fulfillment to help people in need, and in my view, Veterans are the most deserving. They have sacrificed their well-being, mental health, and safety for our country. When I moved to Broward in 2015, I looked for a Veterans-based organization, and I immediately found MISSION UNITED. I started as a volunteer with its legal aid services, helping folks navigate through the complex benefits system, and eventually I took a full-time position.
What challenges do Veterans often face, and how does MISSION UNITED support Veterans and their families?
Heaton: The biggest challenge Veterans usually experience is the absence of support and structure the Armed Forces provided. When returning to civilian life, Veterans experience fragmented support or maybe none at all. Without having a system of care, issues can escalate, such as experiencing problems related to PTSD, employment difficulties, and the complex maze of administrative systems. At MISSION UNITED, we are a single system of support — a central navigation tool where Veterans can be connected to comprehensive resources. Our teams do the legwork for Veterans, remove obstacles and guesswork, and streamline processes to connect Veterans to direct services.
Are you particularly proud of any specific initiatives or programs with MISSION UNITED?
Heaton: We do so much good for the Veteran community, and since our launch in 2013, MISSION UNITED has provided extensive care to over 22,000 Veterans in Broward County with housing support, employment services, education, legal assistance, access to healthcare, and support for financial stability. Everything we do is amazing, and I’m especially proud of the phenomenal work we are doing related to supportive services (SSVF), specifically our focus on housing support and homelessness prevention. A few years ago, we helped 350 Veterans and their families, and last year alone, MISSION UNITED helped nearly 1,200 Veterans and their families. Given the overall housing crisis in South Florida, it’s extremely gratifying to know we are helping Veterans find stable, permanent homes.
How can people get involved with MISSION UNITED?
Heaton: It is so important to have community support for Veterans who either are returning to Broward County or coming here for the first time. These are folks who are extraordinarily loyal, productive, and prosperous when given the tools they need to succeed. By embracing Veterans, our community can bring out the best in people who are innately exceptional. MISSION UNITED has several ways people can show their support for Veterans. We always have events throughout the year. Fo example, this month, we have our annual Operation Turkey Dinner on November 20, which provides over 500 Veterans and their families with healthy, robust meals. Without a doubt, volunteers and donors play a tremendous role in the great work we do. Broward is home to 100,000 Veterans, and MISSION UNITED’s team can’t do it alone. Volunteers can assist at events, join our monthly advisory council, and become advocates for public policy. Donors certainly are needed. MISSION UNITED receives financial support through federal funding, but there are so many critical needs among Veterans that only donor dollars can fulfill, like housing support and transportation.
What message do you have for Veterans Day? 
Heaton: Veterans Day is a powerful platform for creating awareness. Our teams at MISSION UNITED do great work every day, and we are on the frontlines of knowing the difficulties Veterans face and in bringing maximum care when we can. Veterans Day is a time for our community to reflect on the profound contributions Veterans have made, express our gratitude, recognize the complex challenges they experience, and then become advocates and change-makers for better care. Veterans are outstanding people, and when surrounded by a supportive community, Veterans can become their very best selves.
Get involved with MISSION UNITED today! Whether you are an individual looking to give back to the Veteran community or a company looking to connect your employees to rewarding team-building opportunities, your support for Broward’s Veterans can change lives.
