WeSalute has been supporting active-duty military, veterans, and first responders for over 25 years.
Founded by Vietnam veteran Scott Higgins, the organization provides a wide range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, career support, and recognition programs.
One of the most impactful features of WeSalute is its awards program, which honors the achievements and contributions of U.S. military veterans after their service. Through this recognition program, WeSalute is making a significant difference in the lives of military veterans as they transition into civilian life.
In this article, we explore how WeSalute’s awards program recognizes outstanding individuals and the lasting impact it has on military veterans’ lives after their military careers.
The Need for Recognition in Post-Service Life
Military veterans face unique challenges when transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Many struggle with finding a sense of purpose after service, while others face difficulties reintegrating into society. According to a 2018 study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 30% of military veterans report feeling disconnected after returning to civilian life. Recognition plays a crucial role in easing this transition.
Scott Higgins, the co-founder of WeSalute, understands these challenges firsthand. He believes that military veterans should be celebrated not just for their military service but also for their achievements after service. “When I came home from Vietnam, it wasn’t easy to find support,” says Scott. “That’s why we created the WeSalute Awards to recognize those who continue to make a difference after their military careers.”
The Purpose of WeSalute’s Awards Program
WeSalute’s awards program is designed to give military veterans the recognition they deserve for their post-service accomplishments. These awards are meant to shine a spotlight on military veterans who make major contributions to their communities, excel in their personal achievements, or make a difference as leaders in various fields such as business, education, sports, the arts, and philanthropy..
The program not only rewards military veterans but also helps raise awareness about the achievements of military veterans in their civilian lives. “Our awards highlight the diversity of contributions military veterans make after their service,” says Lin Higgins, co-founder and CEO of WeSalute. “We want to show that military veterans are not just former soldiers. They’re using the skills learned through their military service to become leaders, innovators, and community builders.”
Categories of WeSalute Award Recognition
WeSalute offers many types of awards, making sure to recognize various aspects of veteran’s achievements, and impact of their service on others. WeSalute’s areas of recognition include:
Community Leadership: Awarded to veterans who have made significant contributions to their local communities or nationally through volunteer work or leadership roles. “HeroVet Awards”, are bestowed on military veterans who, having given service in our military, and gone on to distinguish themselves by their continued contributions to our society.
Business Leadership : Recognizes military veterans who have translated the lessons learned from their military experiences into successful business careers. “TopVet Awards”, are bestowed on men and women who, after completing their military careers, further distinguish themselves through their extraordinary leadership in their professions outside the military.
Family Influence: “VetFamily Awards”, are bestowed on men and women of high achievement in the public or private sector, whose family lives have included the influences or the legacy of a veteran or active duty serviceperson. VetFamily Award recipients often describe their achievements as greatly influenced by their household military legacy.
Public Figures: “CelebVet Awards” recognize actors, entertainers, and others in the public eye who have served our country and gone on to achieve artistic fame.
Active Duty Service: “TopRank Awards” recognizes those who are making a difference by serving today at the highest levels in our nation’s military or have made extraordinary military achievements.
These areas of recognition allow WeSalute to acknowledge our military veterans in a way that goes beyond military service, showing how they continue to contribute to society in meaningful ways,and serve as valuable stories of inspiration for the millions of others in the WeSalute community.
How the WeSalute Awards Program Impacts Veterans
The WeSalute Awards program has a significant impact on the lives of military veterans. It provides a platform to share their stories and accomplishments. For many military veterans, receiving an award can be an emotional experience as it validates the hard work they’ve put into their post service careers and offers a public acknowledgment of their dedication.
Veterans who receive WeSalute Awards often find that the recognition opens new doors. Many report increased opportunities for career advancement, new business partnerships, and even invitations to speak at events. “Having served in the military has made us stronger, and most challenges we face in civilian life pale in comparison to what we have already overcome“” says Justin, a veteran and inspirational public speaker. “Getting recognized by WeSalute helped me gain credibility in my industry. It showed people that my work mattered, and it opened doors for me that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
In addition to advancing career opportunities, the WeSalute Awards program helps military veterans find a renewed sense of purpose. When veterans are honored for their achievements, it boosts their confidence and helps them see that their post-service contributions are just as valuable as their military service. This recognition is critical in helping veterans feel connected to their communities and generates a sense of pride in their post-service lives.
WeSalute’s Role in Veterans’ Mental Health
In addition to offering financial benefits and career support, WeSalute Awards play a key role in improving veterans’ mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), military veterans are at higher risk for mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Feeling disconnected from society or overlooked can worsen these conditions.
The recognition that comes with the WeSalute Awards program helps mitigate some of these mental health challenges. It provides veterans with a sense of accomplishment and pride, which are vital for their emotional well-being. “The generations of men and women who have defended our nation, and safeguarded our freedoms are one of the greatest blessings we have,” says Linda Schwartz, a veteran who received a HeroVet Award. “This award is a reminder that our service didn’t end the day we left the military. It’s nice to be recognized for what I’m doing now, which is as important as what I did when I was in uniform.”
The awards program also connects military veterans with others in the WeSalute community who share similar experiences. This sense of belonging is crucial for their mental health. Veterans who feel like they’re part of a community are less likely to experience feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Finally, these stories of inspiration are a spotlight and beacon of hope for many military veterans who are struggling in transitioning their service into fulfilling careers after service.
The Ripple Effect: How the WeSalute Awards Benefit the Larger Community
WeSalute Awards also benefit the larger community. By highlighting the achievements of military veterans, the program inspires others to take action. “We’ve seen how one award recipient’s story can motivate an entire community,” says Lin Higgins. “When people hear about what these military veterans have accomplished, it sparks a sense of possibility in others.”
The awards also encourage civilians to support veterans in their post-service lives, whether by hiring veterans, volunteering for veteran organizations, or simply showing appreciation. This ripple effect helps build stronger connections between veterans and their communities, and the country as a whole, creating a more supportive environment for those who serve.
How to Nominate a Military Veteran for a WeSalute Award
If you know a military veteran who deserves recognition for their post-service accomplishments, you can nominate them for a WeSalute Award. The process is simple and open to all current and former members of the military community. Nominations are typically accepted online at WeSalute.com, and nominees are reviewed by the WeSalute Advisory Board of veterans and business leaders.
Actionable Steps for Nominations:
Gather Information: Collect information about the nominee’s achievements, including their contributions to their community, career, or cause.
Write a Nomination: Submit a detailed nomination, explaining why the nominee deserves the award.
Follow Up: Join WeSalute’s mission for free and support all the other programs and benefits that recognize service to our country.
The WeSalute Awards program has a lasting impact on the lives of veterans by recognizing their achievements after service. This program not only honors their contributions but also provides veterans with the confidence, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive in civilian life. By shining a light on veterans’ post-service accomplishments, WeSalute helps them build new paths and continue making meaningful contributions to society. Whether you’re a military veteran or know one who deserves recognition, the WeSalute Awards are a powerful way to celebrate the ongoing impact of our nation’s heroes.
