Reciprocity Is the New Service: Giving and Growing in the Veteran Community”

By Kat Johnson, Chairwoman of Ohio Western Reserve Ladies

In the military, we learned to share what we had—even when we didn’t have much. We backed each other up, passed along knowledge, and paid attention to the smallest needs because lives depended on it. That instinct doesn’t fade when the uniform comes off. In fact, it becomes more important.

At OWRL, we’ve learned that the most powerful force in veteran support isn’t funding or rank. It’s reciprocity.

The Power of Shared Resources

No one organization can do it all. But together, we can do more than we ever imagined. Whether it’s folding chairs for a funeral, an extra wreath at the holidays, or sharing transportation to a memorial event, resources stretch farther when they’re offered with open hands.

Reciprocity means we don’t just ask for help—we offer it. If your nonprofit has a trailer, lend it. If your organization has volunteers, send them to another group’s event. If you’ve learned a better way to honor our fallen, share it. This is how we move the mission forward—not alone, but together.

Community Is a Two-Way Street

We often say that veterans need community. But the truth is, communities need veterans too. We need your stories, your leadership, your presence at ceremonies, and your voice in boardrooms.

Veterans, families, and civilian allies alike should be encouraged to not just receive support, but to also offer it—to show up, pitch in, and stay connected beyond their own needs. That’s the heart of OWRL. We attend funerals not just for the service member, but for the family. We show up even when it’s cold, inconvenient, or quiet—because we know presence speaks louder than words.

Time Is Our Greatest Currency

If there’s one thing every generation wishes for, it’s more time. But the way we spend the time we have is what defines our legacy.

Volunteering with purpose, mentoring someone newer to the mission, or simply listening when someone needs to be heard—these are all acts of reciprocity. And unlike money, time can’t be stockpiled. It can only be given.

OWRL volunteers are some of the busiest people we know, yet they find the time to show up—again and again. Not for recognition, but because this is what service looks like now.

Ideas Are Meant to Be Shared, Not Shelved

If you’ve figured out how to bring more veterans to an event, how to engage students in remembrance, or how to fundraise in small towns—say so. Our community doesn’t need guarded secrets; it needs open-source solutions.

At OWRL, we believe in legacy through leadership. That means passing on what works, refining what doesn’t, and refusing to hoard information. Whether you're a volunteer, director, student, or surviving spouse—your idea might be the next tradition worth building.

A Closing Reminder

Reciprocity doesn’t require perfection. It just requires intention.

You don’t have to do everything—you just have to do your part. Because every time we give, we grow. And every time we share, we serve again.

So if you’ve got a resource—offer it.If you’ve built a community—invite others in.If you’ve got time—give a little.And if you’ve got an idea—don’t keep it to yourself.

Because in this mission, we’re not meant to serve alone.

We have mentioned a number of requests currently needed with OWRL and at the cemetery. Easy ways to help us with those requests—even if you can’t fulfill them personally—include forwarding our emails to others who might be able to help, commenting on and sharing our social media posts, following us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or making a donation to support our mission. Every small action has a ripple effect. Your engagement helps us reach farther, serve deeper, and ensure that no veteran is ever buried alone. We appreciate all that we have in our community, and we’re truly glad you’re here. Together, we can keep this mission alive and growing.

Kat Johnson is the Chairwoman of Ohio Western Reserve Ladies, a multi-generational military family member, and the founder of Oxygen Coaching Group, where she equips leaders and organizations to serve with impact and integrity.