When servicemembers enter life after service, it can be a frustrating time of adjustment. Veterans who are used to strict regimens and busy schedules may find it difficult to adjust to a civilian lifestyle. In fact, Jacksonville.com reported that 42 percent of veterans have difficulty with the switch.
Former servicemembers may seek military-esque programs to which they can commit their time and still feel like they are serving their communities. Many crave service programs where they can experience the camaraderie and structure of the service. The Mission Continues is an organization that was founded to give veterans that exact opportunity.
"[Mission Continues] helps veterans reconnect and have a sense of purpose in the community as well as helps them reconnect on a social level," Laura L'Esperance, a spokeswoman for the organization, told Jacksonville.com.
Veterans are grouped in "Service Platoons" and sent to work with local nonprofits or community service organizations. They may assist with projects like building houses, cleaning up roadsides or mentoring youth.
With 5,000 veteran members across the country, The Mission Continues is growing in popularly. Participants range in age from their early 20s to late 70s. The program has completed 169 missions nationwide so far and hopes to complete many more.