Ross Meglathery, MPA, Director
VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association
There are over 40,000 non-profit 501 (C) 3 organizations in the United States whose purpose is to support veterans. There are also numerous organizations whose goals are to advocate for those with disabilities. Therefore, it is a reasonable question to ask why United Spinal Association has a veterans component within itself.
Simply put, VetsFirst serves as the bridge between the disabled and veteran communities. This is important because the efforts to connect the two entities, foster an environment that helps both sides to greater effect. In other words, there is a reciprocal benefit.
What I love about VetsFirst is that it is a part of United Spinal Association. VetsFirst is not a competing organization, but rather a teammate of United Spinal. This allows veteran members and non-veteran members to support each other in a positive manner without the baggage of competition. It is this ability to work together that strengthens both organizations and makes them greater than the sum of their parts.
The point is that when veterans need support, they can rely on the non-veteran community of United Spinal to give advice, assistance, guidance and perspective to push their agenda forward. On the other side of the coin, veterans can often command the attention of the public to support issues that affect all disabled Americans.
One of the key takeaways from October’s United Spinal Chapter Leadership Meeting was that local chapters want to work with the local veterans community. I think this is a capital idea! Our disabled veterans need the non-veterans and vice-versa.
There is not a more vulnerable time than when an able-bodied 22 year-old who does not know mortality sustains an injury that requires them to use a wheelchair. They need the guidance of someone who has experience. They need that support, advice and mentorship. But, our veterans are not victims and they do not take without giving back. Veterans can serve as role-models for younger disabled members. They can teach them that perseverance is what makes a person despite adversity.
United Spinal Association and VetsFirst are special because they support each other and they represent hope for all Americans. While many non-profits do great work, they tend to have a narrow focus. United Spinal and VetsFirst tackle many issues, but through their mutual support of each other’s agendas, and they ultimately serve the agenda of all Americans with disabilities and ALL veterans.
Ross Meglathery, MPA, Director
VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association