The Shadow
WASHINGTON, DC. (VR) — For service members, the transition from military to civilian life can mean more than a change in career – it can also mean losing their community and sense of connection that came with military service. According to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs survey, around half of veterans reported lacking companionship at least some of their time following their transition to civilian life, while more than 43% reported feeling isolated from others.
To help bridge that gap, the American Red Cross is launching the Military 2 Veteran Network (M2VN), a new online community designed to connect transitioning service members and veterans with trained volunteer leaders who understand the military journey, resources and one another as they navigate life beyond military service.
Supporting veterans takes a community. Designed by veterans, for veterans, M2VN combines virtual connection with whole health support to help reduce feelings of isolation, build meaningful relationships and strengthen hope and well-being wherever veterans are. Through a secure online community, participants can take part in regularly scheduled peer-support groups and chats, self-care practices and education, and whole health and wellness workshops designed to support connection, resilience and overall well-being.
“During my transition, I went from being an active-duty service member to being a civilian overnight without any real transition. We need resources like M2VN,” said Mike Seifer, Navy veteran and co-founder of M2VN. “Every veteran that’s out there, every soldier who’s out there feeling like they want to be closer to home, people who want to connect – this is a place for people who want to find connection and hope.”
The Red Cross has proudly supported service members and veterans for decades, and that commitment continues with the launch of M2VN — available to all current and former services members and veterans.
Everyone can play a role in helping connect service members and veterans in their lives with resources and support. Learn more at redcross.org/veterans.
NATIONAL DONORS JOIN LONG LEGACY OF RED CROSS MILITARY SUPPORT Generous donations from Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Giving Program members enable the Red Cross to maintain a global network of thousands of volunteers and employees to support the U.S. military community 365 days a year through emergency communications, whole health and wellness programs and ongoing humanitarian support to service members, their families and their caregivers — wherever duty calls. Contributions from partners like Lockheed Martin Corporation, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Tree of Life Foundation and Wilf Family Foundations ensure the Red Cross is there 24/7, around the globe, to provide comfort and care to the military community as they prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
