Join Us for Good – Honoring Veterans (my grandfather)

My grandfather loves when I write about him. He says he doesn’t understand what the blog is but don’t let him fool you, he knows exactly what it is!-ha. As many of you know, he is a Veteran and served in the Army a gabillion years ago. We were recently contacted by Eastern Bank, which is a local bank here in New England.  We were thrilled to join their “Join Us For Good” movement which honors veterans, advocates for small business owners as well as many other local groups. Eastern Bank has been the #1 Small Business Administration lender in New England for the last 8 years.  Being that my grandfather is a Veteran and I am a small business owner (yes my little o’l blog accidentally turned into a career and business), I thought it fitting to share this amazing campaign with all of you. 

(My grandparents celebrating 69 Years of marriage a few weeks ago – HOLY SMOKE RIGHT?) 

Eastern Bank opened its doors in 1818 on the premise that they believe in doing good things to help people prosper. The Join Us For Good campaign encompasses this and brings it to life- it is all about helping local communities and advocating for people who have served serve, as well as helping local businesses and people thrive and grow. Eastern Bank doesn’t just support Veterans, they support many local charities and organizations, this one just holds a special place in my heart. I am particularly passionate about The Veterans Legal Services and The Mass Fallen Heroes organization. Do you have any idea what it’s like to navigate insurance, legal paperwork and the amount of documents that need to be taken care of when you are elderly? I know first hand because I have been my grandparents advocate for the last few years. My grandfather is lucky, he has me to help him along with our other family members but not all Veterans are as lucky. The Veterans Legal Services helps with navigation of legal barriers, helping low income or homeless Veterans be self sufficient and financially security. I can’t even imagine if my grandparents were homeless and had no help. There are though, many veterans who have no family, no help and this program provides them with the help they need. I have taken my grandfather to our local VA in Worcester, Massachusetts for the last 7 years (prior to his Nursing Home Stay) for all of his medical care and it was always a treat to talk to all the Veterans and hear their stories. I can remember one particular visit to our local VA where a man didn’t have anyone there helping him and he didn’t understand the check-in process and it gave me great pleasure to help him. 

Many of you who have followed us for a while, know that New England has been our home for many generations and will continue to be for many more. Whether it be volunteering at our local school or with our local bank, being a part of our local community is so important. 

     I told my grandfather a bit about this campaign and shared how Eastern Bank is a community advocate here in the Greater Boston Area on efforts like helping veterans and their families and local charities and he said, “They opened in 1818,  that’s back in my day.”  I said, “you are not quite that old yet gramp.” -ha.

My son who is 11 years old is fascinated with the part of my grandfather’s life where he served in the US Army. My grandfather currently tends to get a little confused about his activities during that time (it comes with being 88 years old!) but he has so many great stories about the time he served and I love how he shares them with all of us, especially the kids. My son wants to grow up and be a medic in the Army just like his great gramp. I think it’s so important these days for the younger generation to connect with and have a relationship with someone older and to hear about how life “was back then” vs how it is now. My son has a such a great appreciation for the elderly because he has lived with his great grandparents and grandparents since he was 2 years old.  

For me personally, I think the mindset of Join Us For Good should be embodied in every aspect of our daily lives. If we raise our young children to appreciate, value and honor our heroes of past, present and future, we are making a change. We are encouraging them to do good. What better way to honor those who have served right? I am so impressed that Eastern Bank gives an average of 10% of their yearly net profit to charity since 1999 (9% more than the industry standard) and has donated over 50,000 volunteer hours since 2016. I think that is pretty amazing.  You can find many more stories, organizations and learn more about Join Us For Good details by using the hashtag, #joinusforgood on facebook, twitter or even watch how Eastern is doing good in our communities on Instagram.