There are about 18 million military veterans living in the U.S., according to USA Today. The state with most veterans is Alaska. Our home state of Virginia is rated second after the land of the midnight sun.

At Williams Whittle, we love working with nonprofit organizations that support those who serve our country – our military service members and veterans. In fact, our work with the USO inspired us to narrow our focus to work exclusively with nonprofit organizations.

Our team regularly monitors campaigns that highlight our service members. Take out the box of tissues and check out the top five campaigns that will tug at your heartstrings.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Be There

Suicide is the leading cause of death for veterans. The VA debuted this PSA campaign to encourage people to “be there for veterans” and play a role in suicide prevention. This PSA is titled Facing the Challenge and it stresses the importance of having an open conversation with people when they’re facing a tough time in their lives.

Why we love it?

This PSA is encouraging people to do something simple – just be there (and listen). We like how the ad starts like a normal ad-looking PSA featuring two people making a connection, then pans out to show that it is the filming of an ad within the ad. It highlights how all of us can make a difference by reaching out and engaging with veterans.

Budweiser: Service Never Stops

Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships for the spouses and children of military families that are left behind. They partner with Budweiser to brew the Freedom Reserve Red Lager. Profits from the sales of the beer fund the scholarships. Veterans working for Budweiser brew the Reserve Collection beer. The video shows recipients of the scholarship meeting veterans that have brewed the beer, which donated the funds.

Why we love it?

This is a win-win for everyone involved. Budweiser is employing veterans that are brewing beer to help military families. This authentic video showcases true stories from survivors and veterans alike.

Easterseals: The Bank

Easterseals is a healthcare nonprofit organization. Their services include early intervention, inclusive childcare, medical rehabilitation and autism services for young children and their families. They also help military, veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life. In this PSA, they support hiring veterans because of their distinctive set of capabilities.

Why we love it?

It’s a witty PSA with a meaningful message – hire veterans! Veterans have unique capabilities due to their military background. It’s a simple and humorous way to get the message across.

SAMHSA: Learn the Sign

In this PSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) educates viewers about the five signs of emotional suffering. As part of their campaign Change the Direction of Mental Health, they aired this PSA to provide awareness and resources for those in need.

Why we love it?

It’s a heartfelt message that’s totally relatable to veterans or service members on active duty. The transition to civilian life can be tough and this PSA covers all scenarios. It’s short and straight to the point. The message is coming from an actual veteran that used their services, which feel genuine.

TAPS: Visiting Mom

We developed this PSA for our client Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), to raise awareness of the organization and its mission of peer-based emotional support for families of America’s fallen heroes. The PSA has aired over 50K times nationwide which has increased awareness of the TAPS mission and garnered millions in donations.

Why we love it?

It’s a powerful story that highlights everyday moments and conversations that families miss the most and includes a real military survivor and mentor (dad and son).

Our team has vast experience working with military and veteran nonprofit organizations. Check out our website to learn more about how we can work together.