May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the profound contributions and sacrifices made by current and former members of the U.S. armed forces and their families. In keeping with this spirit of gratitude and recognition, the Virtual Veteran Brigade—a committed team of nearly 150 volunteers—is leveraging its expertise in information access and social media outreach to support the military community. This group of digitally savvy volunteers actively uses platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn to provide essential information to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and the families of those who have served, with a special focus on those aged 50-plus.
Volunteers with the Virtual Veteran Brigade distribute curated information, resources, and opportunities vetted and crafted by AARP’s Office of Volunteer Engagement and the National Veterans and Military Families Team. When new content becomes available for posting and sharing, volunteers are informed through a newsletter.
“Our AARP offices collaborate closely to pinpoint emerging issues of interest and importance to military audiences and their families,” says Will Stoner, director of AARP’s Office of Volunteer Engagement. “Often personally connected to the military community, Virtual Veteran Brigade volunteers are dedicated to sharing useful and heartwarming information with those who can benefit from it or would appreciate it.”
The content covers a wide array of topics, featuring touching stories about surviving World War II veterans and Vietnam veterans. It also highlights content that raises awareness of caregiver support for military families and provides information about discounts available to military members and their families, helping them save money.
Volunteering with the Virtual Veteran Brigade is straightforward. Simply visit the Virtual Veteran Brigade website and click on the link to become a volunteer. Interested individuals should maintain at least one social media profile. Stoner emphasizes that you don't need to be a computer expert to participate.
Volunteers are required to complete online training taking less than 40 minutes. The best part is that you can participate from home, from your phone while on the go, or from any connected device. Whether you have just a few minutes a few times a month or more, becoming a Virtual Veteran Brigade volunteer is a flexible and effective way to support those who have served our country and their families.
For more opportunities to make a difference, visit aarp.org/volunteer. You'll find a variety of ways to lend your support and enrich the lives of others. Join us in making a positive impact on our community and beyond.