Welcome to my blog and my first time participating in Lisabet Sarai’s Charity Sunday Blog Hop!
The charity I am featuring is Code of Vets, an outstanding grassroots organization that has grown with the help of social media and the fiery veteran who leads it, Gretchen Smith.
How This Works
Code of Vets
With just a Twitter account and a nothing-will-stop-me attitude, Air Force veteran Gretchen Smith launched Code of Vets, a grassroots organization that operates with the motto “Taking care of our own—One veteran at a time.”
Code of Vets relies on social media to help spread the word about veterans who have fallen between the cracks and need immediate help. Whether a veteran needs a ride to the hospital—or a new place to live—Smith puts the word out and gets the job done. Code of Vets is always ready to provide immediate intervention for veterans in crises, at risk, or in need.
Just as importantly, Code of Vets strives to bring awareness to the daily struggles and issues of the veteran community. The need is critical considering that there are approximately 40,000 homeless veterans on any given night, and that a veteran commits suicide roughly every 70 minutes. (Think about that)!
In the past year alone the number of diagnosed PTSD cases in the military jumped 50 percent (this is only the reported and diagnosed cases). Transitioning from military to civilian life is often overwhelming and stressful. Transferring military job skills, training and education is a common problem for veterans.
Gretchen is determined and focused on her mission, and takes each case to heart. The inspiration for the organization comes from her own father, Sgt. Danny E. Smiley. A Bronze Star Medal recipient and 100 percent disabled Vietnam veteran exposed to agent orange, Sgt. Smiley lost his battle with PTSD at the age of 57.
I touch on the topic of PTSD in the novel Lacewood with the hope that readers will gain a little understand of the depth and complexity of the obstacles faced by our veterans. Part of the rules for taking part in this book blog hop is posting a book excerpt, so here it is…
Blurb: Two people trying to escape their pasts find a connection through an old house—and fulfill a destiny through the secrets it shares. Part love story, part ghost story, Lacewood is a timeless novel about trusting in fate, letting go of the past, and believing in things that can’t be seen.
Excerpt from Lacewood
A new onslaught of rain began, pelting the windows with horizontal gusts that continued to gain in force as the storm descended on Lacewood with all its fury. Katie felt her way down the stairs in the darkness, opening her eyes wider when she thought she heard another bang coming from inside the house.
Just a few moments later, a hand reached out of the darkness and grabbed her around the waist. Katie was too frightened to even scream.
“Get down.”
The miracle of hearing Will’s voice caused Katie to lose the last shreds of her self-control. She threw herself into his protective arms and sobbed. “What is happening?” Thunder cracked as if it were in the same room with them, requiring Katie to yell to be heard above the havoc.
“Stay down.” Will took a few deep breaths and repeated the words as he pulled her down against him and sat on the steps. “Stay down, man.”
The security of his embrace made her glad he held on tight. But after a few minutes she began to understand why. He was breathing hard. Shaking. The sound of the storm made it difficult to talk, but there was more to it than that.
He was soaked with both sweat and rain—and his voice quaked. His heart pulsed against her cheek in a wild rhythm that told her he was fighting something she couldn’t see. The sound of the storm—or perhaps the utter chaos—had opened a wound inside him.
The man who was usually a mountain of strength was being torn apart.
Katie wanted to comfort him, but she didn’t know what to do or say. Her father had moments like this. Thunder, or even backfiring cars ignited memories that left him dazed and unreachable—sometimes completely unapproachable for days.
Everything about Will was beginning to make more sense now. He’d been in the military…lost a close friend. Perhaps that was why his instinct now was to push everyone away…not get too close.
“It’s okay, Will.” She rubbed his arm to comfort him, wanting to hold him for as long as it took for his heart rate to ease. “It’s only a storm.”
He repeated her words over and over, as if he might lose them while the tempest continued to vent its wrath. Breaths came in great spasms, and his arms trembled as he held her.
For a few long minutes no reassurance seemed good enough. Katie tightened her embrace, and Will returned the gesture, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe.
She wanted to tell him she understood but was afraid that would be too bold. How could she possibly understand what he was going through? The storm had kindled something beyond her experience or understanding.
Anyway, they were practically strangers—bonded together by this house…and now perhaps by the fact they both had deep wounds that still bled freely.
Will pulled away slightly as the storm’s fury began to diminish. Katie glanced up at him just as lightening flickered through the window and glimpsed an unspoken pain alive and glowing in his eyes. Agonizing thoughts—or memories—darkened his countenance as he trained his gaze on the wall, trying to regain his composure.
“I’m sorry.” His expression was vacant, as if he didn’t know exactly where he was or how he’d gotten here.
Katie pretended her own fear had been too great to notice his. She knew the military culture was one of toughness, that he wouldn’t want her to see any sign of weakness.
“For what? Scaring me to death when you grabbed me?” She forced a laugh.
“The thunder.” He put both hands to his head and covered his eyes as if to stop the images still assailing him. His whole demeanor spoke of a grief and anguish he was powerless to banish.
“Sometimes I can’t stop the movie playing in my mind.”
End of Excerpt
If you believe that veterans deserve a helping hand and the opportunity to be lifted up — don’t forget to leave a comment and visit Code of Vets. (I’m hoping for lots of comments, but have to state a limit at 200).
You can visit the other authors and the charities they support with the links below:
Hello, Jessica,
I’ve never heard of this charity. Thank you for explaining how it works – and for sharing your poignant and emotional excerpt, which makes the reality of PSTD much more vivid.
Thank you for your support for Code of Vets a worthy charity.
Of all those claiming to raise money for people on Twitter, this is the only one I’d trust. She’s the real deal.
Thanks for supporting Code of Vets.
Wonder if this reply counts as a reply?
Thank you for highlighting Code of Vets and for donating to this worthy cause. This charity does everything it can to help veterans in need. Follow them on Twitter and see first hand what your donations are doing!
Code of Vets is a wonderful group. Heartbreaking to see how hard some vets have it.
Gretchen and her team at COV are amazing!
Thank you for your generosity to those needing the most while having already given the most
Code of Vets found me in a dark place. I went to bed each night hoping I wouldn’t ever wake up. They shined a light into my darkness. Then they got a fund together to have my teeth fixed. I now have renewed hope.
Thank you for spotlighting this awesome group. They do so much for some many of our most-deserving…veterans. they also inspire and inform.
Hi Jessica,
As a spouse of a retired vet with PTSD, I would like to thank you for shining a light on this wonderful charity, Code Of Vets!
Veterans helping veterans with something as small as an ear to listen, up to a place to live and everything in between….it’s amazing to be part of such a fantastic “family”!
Thank you again for helping us, help our Veterans!
We love Code of Vets for all they do!!!!!
COV is AMAZING in what they are helping Vets with they personally address the issue. That you for your support.
Gretchen is doing a wonderful job with Code of Vets. As a USAF Brat , am proud to support her tireless work to help our US. Vets!
God Wins
Most effective organization to help Vets in crisis I’ve seen. Incredible outreach, Vets trust her and she has an enormous following because she’s laid her life down for her brethren.
Love Code of Vets for all they accomplish for veterans needing assistance.
Code of Vets ❤
Thank you. This brotherhood gets ignored by too many in Congress and too many of our family struggle with life. And for the shout-out to our sister and godsend Gretchen. She does so much for no personal gain. Just love for the family she is part of. There is not a more noble cause
God bless Code of Vets!
I support Code of Vets and Miss Gretchen
I’m not even from USA, but I’m all in when it comes to support, assist & help Veterans.
Code of Vets is a great organization! Thanks for sharing 😁
Code of Vets is an outstanding network of people, led by Gretchen who make a positive impact in the lives of veterans in crisis. No more worthy group to support.
Code of vets is amazing looking out for our veterans and everything she is doing for them. Any and all helps for a great cause supporting our vets.
Code Of Vets is AMAZING! I was referred to them through another veteran. I reached out & they were on it. They saved us. They saved my daughters life, they helped get us out of a very unhealthy unsafe situation & for that I will forever be in debt. I will support them in any way I possibly can. The love & compassion they put into our veterans is more then I have ever seen anywhere else.. It’s just so breath taking. Please support them.. EVERY dollar goes back into the veteran community.
Thank You for supporting COV
I’ve been following Code of Vets on Twitter since it’s beginning. It’s heart warming to watch Vets being lifted up 1 at a time with awesome support from the Community. As a Veteran, I’m proud to help this entire Volunteer Team & support them as much as I can. One Veteran at a Time
Michael, I too have been following COV since the beginning.. Grechen is a force to be reckoned with in protecting veterans. This is how it’s supposed to be.
Code of Vets is doing great work for vets. A committed organization.
When I found out about Code of Vets and Gretchen I was thrilled to help out. She heads up a great group that is helping so many, well deserving people. Thank you for your service and your families sharing you with us. May GOD bless you and your work. Thank you for featuring them and making others aware of them.
Very commendable. COV does a lot of great work for veterans.
CALLING ALL VETS: TODAY 1-4 PM Pacific Time. NE Corner of Wilshire & San Vincente Blvds. Outside of Los Angeles VA, West of 405 Freeway. 600th Consectutive Sunday of Peaceful Rally.
@codeofvets
https://canadafreepress.com/article/600th-consecutive-sunday-rally-bring-our-homeless-veterans-home
Code of Vets is an AMAZING Organization!!!
COV does a great service and is raising awareness that we need to take care of our veterans. I fully support them and their mission. Let’s do this for our veterans!
I am very proud to be a part of the COV family. These are wonderful people that are making a difference in vets lives.
Code of Vets small team are moving mountains for veterans and their families. They work tirelessly until they get results. God Bless you for helping them in this way!
CodeOdVets sounds awesome! Thanks for helping.
Code of Vets is an amazing org. They are so filled will love and compassion for the men and women that have and are serving this country. Led by God they have helped many through some very tough times and continue to be a blessing to many more.
Code of Vets is an AMAZING Organization!!!
Thank you!
We love our Veterans. Thank you for spreading the word about COV.
Code of Vets has stepped up to take care of our nations hero’s. Support Code Of Vets by sharing their tweets and building up this honorable organization.
Code of Vets makes helping our veterans more attainable 🇺🇸
May God Bless all our Veterans!
Thank you.
Code of vets is awesome!
I’ll check back in on this blog and see where the story continues to go.
Thank you for supporting COV
Thank you for supporting Code of Vets.
Code of Vets ( Gretchen) is amazing and genuine. She puts so much of herself into every mission.
This organization is one of the best charities for vets. Every dollar supports veterans in desperate need. Gretchen and her team dedicate their lives, for free, to any vet that reaches out, at any time day or night.
Thanks for introducing me to Code of Vets and Gretchen Smith. She puts the lie to the idea that one person can’t make a difference.
Code of Vets has helped me a great deal. I love those guys so much.
Thank you for spotlighting Code of Vets!
It is these help programs I donate to. This way I know my donation is going to something I believe in. Unlike most gov system (forced taxes), I’m paying into something I don’t use or support.
A person feel better given with Love, not gov taking.
Thank you for sharing Code of Vets and what they do for our great veterans. An incredible organization that works endlessly until they get results.
I fully Support Code of Vets!
Thank you for your support of Code of Vets.
I ran across Gretchen on Twitter and watched the great things she and her TEAM do for veterans.
Such a beautiful soul.
Although i am not a vet i fully support the work she does an will continue to to support financially, physically and spiritually whenever i can.
Thank you for supporting COV!
Code of Vets has done so much in providing support for so many in despair. Keep up the great work.
I’m not a vet or related to any vet. I knew vets at church but almost all have passed on now. Yet I have looked at Code of Vets and this organization seems to do great work in helping vets. I would be happy to support Gretchen at COV. She seems to be a special and wonderful person.
96% of every bit of money taken in goes out to veterans! The only other charity that I know of that does this is the Salvation Army! Your money goes much farther with code of vets than it does with any other veteran organization!
I have been following Code Of Vets on Twitter. God Bless Gretchen for this grassroots group that is dedicated to helping one Veteran at a Time! God Bless our Vets!
Thank You! @codeofvets is doing a great thing helping our vets.
Code of Vets does such amazing work! They not only help with financial needs when they can they support veterans who need emotional support as well. I wish I could support the organization more.
I remember a call one day from my Mother. She called to talk to me and she seemed fine. I asked her how Dad was. Dad? oh he’s good, he’s asleep in the bathroom wedged under the sink. He doesn’t look comfortable. Mom, why is Dad under the sink? Is he working on the plumbing? No, she said, he fell asleep there last night, screaming about being under fire from beyond the hillside. Mom…hang up the phone with me and call 911!! Why? Because if you don’t DAD WILL DIE!!!
My Dad a 3 tour VIETNAM Veteran had a PTSD episode and had taken cover with a weapon under the sink to return fire to what he saw was a group of Vietnamese who were hunting him in the jungles. He’d slept on the floor and his muscles had begun to deteriorate, a condition known as
Rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious syndrome due to a direct or indirect muscle injury. It results from the death of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications such as renal (kidney) failure. This means the kidneys cannot remove waste and concentrated urine. In rare cases, rhabdomyolysis can even cause death.
Mom called 911 and the ambulance arrived and got Dad to the hospital. He’d mixed some alcohol with meds and the walls broken in his compartmentalization of his PTSD and all hell broke loose. He spent the next 45 days in the hospital and a center to get off drinking again for the umpteenth time in his life. He lost weight and had a renewed reason to live after that…
Later in life Cancer from exposure to Agent Orange would take his life 2 mins after he and me finished a 45 minute conversation saying everything we needed to say in this lifetime.
Never, EVER forget our Veterans
Michael Murdock, US NAVY DISABLED VETERAN & Supporter of CodeOfVets!
Code of Vets is an amazing grass roots organization of volunteers helping veterans succeed. Thank you for supporting this charity.
Code of vets!
I’m not on Twitter, so I hadn’t seen this, but I’m glad to know about it now.
Thanks for all you do.
Amazing group of people! Helping those who need it the most. It’s free to post a comment but the help each Dollar can bring is priceless!! Thank you to all our Vets for your service!
Gretchen @CodeOfVets and COV Team are extraordinary people. They do amazing work for our veterans.
Thanks for getting CoV more attention!
I did not know how Code of Vets got started. But now I know and now even more determined to help Our Veterans anyway I can h
Thank you for spreading the word about Gretchen and COV!
Thank you for your support and thank you to CoV!
Thank you for supporting Code of Vets and our beautiful veterans!
Thank you for supporting Code of Vets.
The ones that live with PTSD know the triggers well. Then at times, triggers happen that we are unaware of. Ive had it happen to me quite a few times over the years. Gretchen does amazing work and its only getting better.
Thank you for supporting Code of Vets. They are making a real difference for veterans in crisis
This is a great cause to donate to! Code of Vets helps a lot of war veterans get help for whatever they need. So many of them are forgotten and alone! Thanks to Gretchen and her crew they are helped! I have contributed too.
Thank you for supporting my friend Gretchen and Code of Vets! She gives from her heart everyday!
Please keep up the work. Gretchen works herself to exhaustion and can use the support.
Gretchen and Cindy at CodeOfVets are the real deal! The needs of my brothers and sisters in arms, are many! But this organization is making a huge impact on our community! Thankyou for sharing their passion!