Air Force veteran pilot Jay Waitte appreciates your thoughts this Veterans Day. But he wishes you could do a little more than just words.

It’s Veterans’ Day. I know the men and women who have served in uniform for this country appreciate it when total strangers walk up to them and say, “Thank you for your service.” I know I do.

But I also know what they would appreciate even more. They fought…and sometimes died…for their country. And many live today less than whole. And sometimes they’re slowly dying right in front of us; in 2017 the suicide rate for veterans was 1.7 times the national average.

So, I think they would truly appreciate more than just your thanks. They would truly appreciate it if you would stand on their patriotic shoulders and take advantage of the freedom they’ve helped preserve. God knows there’s plenty to do.