Thank you to all veterans for serving our country and keeping us and our freedom safe!

Here in the United States, it's Veterans Day, on which we thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime. And while service in the military comes with some great financial benefits (free medical care and legal services, commissary and base exchange privileges, various discounts), the base pay is disturbingly low. So please consider donating to one or more of the charities below - they all focus on helping veterans and/or military families. I have no personal affiliation with any of them, and have only donated to one of them personally myself. But they all have four-star ratings at Charity Navigator, and provide important services to those who have served us all.

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust - DAV provides free assistance to disabled veterans in obtaining benefits and services earned through their military service. It is fully funded through its membership dues and public contributions. It is not a government agency and receives no government funds. (Charity Navigator rating)

Special Operations Warrior Foundation - The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of Special Operations personnel killed in operational or training missions and provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations troops and their families. (Charity Navigator rating)

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to active duty and retired members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need. (Charity Navigator rating)

Air Force Enlisted Village - The Air Force Enlisted Village provides a safe, secure and dignified place for and financial assistance to indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel. (Charity Navigator rating)

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships for higher education to deserving sons and daughters of Marines and children of former Marines, with particular attention being given to children whose parent was killed or wounded in action. (Charity Navigator rating

Finally, if you are a veteran, thank you for your service and keeping us all safe and free! And be sure to take advantage of these special discounts for veterans. (Via Cash Money Life.)

Image credit: Amazon.com.