This is my favorite veteran, my Dad, Chief Warrant Officer III Martin (Retired), USMC. My Dad served 24 years as a weapons specialist in the Marines, did 2 tours in Vietnam, spent a year overseas in the Gulf War and was a wonderful Father to me and my sister in the meantime. I'm so proud of him every day and especially proud of him today on Veteran's Day.

If you're looking for a way to thank a veteran this Veteran's Day, there are endless opportunities for support available online. Here are some options:

Become a pen pal to an active duty soldier
send a care package
organize a Christmas card campaign
volunteer to help Vets that have already returned home
donate money to a Veteran's association

Or, of course, you can just thank a veteran you see on the street today. You don't have to agree with the war to support the men and women risking their lives to fight in it. Freedom isn't free. Thank you for being braver than I could ever be.