On Veterans Day, Heroes Club is Open to All Veterans Nationwide: Join Us in Offering Connection and Community

This Veterans Day, Victory Bridge Foundation invites veterans and first responders from all across the nation to join the Heroes Club for a special session at 5 PM PT (8 PM ET). Normally held on the first Monday of each month, Heroes Club provides a space where veterans can connect, find support, and feel truly understood. On this Veterans Day, we’re holding an extra session with an open invitation, ensuring that no veteran spends the day feeling isolated or unrecognized.

For many, Veterans Day is spent with family or friends, in celebration and gratitude. But not every veteran has a place to go or people to share the day with. Some veterans find themselves alone, with no one to thank them for the sacrifices they’ve made, or to listen to the stories they carry. It’s a reality we don’t often talk about, but it’s a vital reason Heroes Club exists.

So, this Veterans Day, whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or not, consider joining Heroes Club to offer connection, understanding, and gratitude. Even if you have family nearby or friends to celebrate with, you can give back by joining this virtual gathering, listening to a fellow veteran, sharing your own stories, or simply lending an ear to someone who may need it.

The Power of Connection: Learning from the Story of Rat Park

The inspiration for Heroes Club is rooted in the knowledge that our mental wellness thrives in environments of connection and support. A powerful example of this idea comes from the Rat Park experiment, a study that changed how we understand isolation, addiction, and the human need for community.

In the 1970s, a psychologist named Bruce Alexander designed an experiment that challenged the prevailing view on addiction. Previous studies had shown that isolated rats, when given the choice between plain water and morphine-laced water, consistently chose the drugged water until it led to addiction. But Alexander suspected that isolation itself played a crucial role. He created an enriched environment, “Rat Park,” where rats could roam freely, play, and connect with others. In this social, supportive setting, even with drug-laced water readily available, the rats largely ignored it. Instead, they thrived on connection and activity, suggesting that social bonds and a sense of purpose can be powerful protectors against destructive behaviors.

Heroes Club embodies this idea for our veterans and first responders. It’s not just a monthly session, but a chance to find the connection that strengthens resilience. The club is a place where our heroes can come together, not just to address challenges but to rediscover the strength that comes from shared experiences and mutual support.

Veterans Day Heroes Club Details:

Date: Monday, November 11

Time: 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET

Location: Virtual - Join Here

On Veterans Day, let’s honor our veterans by doing more than just celebrating. Let’s give back by joining Heroes Club, by being present, listening, and connecting with those who might not have anyone else to talk to on this important day. This Veterans Day, we invite veterans, first responders, and friends to come together in solidarity, gratitude, and compassion. Even a small conversation can make a big difference for someone who feels alone.

Victory Bridge Foundation is here for our heroes—today, on Veterans Day, and every day. Visit victorybridge.org for more information, and join us for this special session. Together, let’s make Veterans Day a day of real connection and community.

Additionally, subscribe to our email list and watch our groundbreaking episode of the Resilience Room, a new web series with the goal to empower veterans, first responders, and families!

Victory Starts Here!