A Season of Gratitude at Soldiers’ Angels
November 21, 2025
Thanksgiving is a season of reflection—a time to pause and give thanks for the blessings, big and small, that shape our lives. At Soldiers’ Angels, gratitude is more than a holiday tradition. It’s a value we live out every day as we serve Veterans, Service Members, and their families.
This year, we asked our Soldiers’ Angels team to share how being part of our mission has impacted their sense of thankfulness. We wanted to know what gratitude means to them, and what they’re most thankful for. Their heartfelt reflections remind us that gratitude comes in many forms and that together, we can make a difference.
Grateful Through Service
Many of our staff shared that their deepest sense of gratitude comes from serving others. For them, the act of giving back isn’t just work, it’s a privilege.
Angela reflected, “Working for Soldiers’ Angels has made me grateful that I am allowed to give back to the military community… A lot of the feedback from those we support makes me proud to be part of an organization that gives to so many that are in need.”
For Vicki, gratitude grows each time she sees the difference a simple act of kindness can make. She shared, “Being a part of Soldiers’ Angels has deepened my sense of thankfulness in ways I couldn’t have imagined… Organizing food distributions and meeting Veterans face-to-face has shown me how something as simple as a bag of groceries or a hot meal can bring not only relief but also dignity.”
Amber put it beautifully when she said, “Being a part of Soldiers’ Angels has really impacted my sense of thankfulness. Every time I meet with a Veteran or Service Member while we get the chance to meet a need for them, and they are always so grateful. It fills me with pride that just by doing my job, I can help someone in need. I truly feel blessed to be a part of something so impactful on the lives of so many.”
Their words remind us that service has a ripple effect. Gratitude flows both ways: from those who give, to those who receive, and back again.
Thankfulness for Family and Community
For many, gratitude begins at home, with family, friends, and the communities that support us through life’s ups and downs.
Angela, who is grateful for her chance to serve, is also deeply thankful for her family. Sharing “I am grateful that I have my family, which I am so proud of. The one thing I am most grateful for is that my mom is still here after suffering a double stroke two months ago, and I have a little more time to make her proud.”
Nancy spoke about the importance of both family and purpose: “I am thankful for family, we have been through lots of ups and downs, and they have always been supportive. Thankful for having a great job, thankful I’m in a position to give back…”. She reflected that her father and husband are both Air Force Veterans. “What makes it such a great place to work is honoring them through helping Veterans and deployed Service Members,” she said.
For Amanda, gratitude is rooted in relationships: “I am deeply thankful for my family and friends who have been my constant source of love and support. Their encouragement and presence in my life give me strength and joy. I’m also incredibly grateful for my work family here at Soldiers’ Angels.”
And, as Susie shared, sometimes gratitude comes in the small things we might otherwise overlook: “Being a part of Soldiers’ Angels has helped to remind me to not take the simple things for granted… The generosity of volunteers fills me with gratitude and thankfulness, as I feel a small part of that. I get to work with them and help them give back. I get to live every day giving back and supporting others.”
Marissa reflected on the sacrifices of military families during the holidays: “It brought the realization of how many people are sacrificing their holidays and time with family to serve their country… and I am thankful for that sacrifice.”
Together, their words paint a picture of gratitude that extends beyond themselves—rooted in family, community, and the service of others.
Living Out Gratitude
While gratitude can be felt, it is also something we choose to live out each day. Amanda expressed this beautifully saying: “To me, gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you’—it’s a way of living. It’s the deep, heartfelt recognition of the blessings we’ve received and the desire to reflect that kindness back into the world.”
For Vicki, that lifestyle of gratitude is visible in the Soldiers’ Angels community itself: “My work with Soldiers’ Angels has shown me the power of community. Whether it’s corporate partners rallying around our mission, volunteers knitting blankets for hospitalized Veterans, or staff tirelessly supporting events nationwide, I see gratitude in action every day. That constant reminder—that none of us can serve alone—has made me more appreciative not just of the freedoms we enjoy, but of the people who make those freedoms possible.”
A Season of Thankfulness
From families and friendships to missions and moments of service, gratitude runs through every part of Soldiers’ Angels. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the spirit of thankfulness that unites us, and we extend our gratitude to each of you, our supporters, who make this mission possible.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Soldiers’ Angels!
About the Author
Dallas Green served in the U.S. Air Force for 5 years. She began her journey with Soldiers’ Angels as a SkillBridge Marketing Intern and now continues to support their mission as a Veteran Intern while pursuing her bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University.
