Eugene Community members leave heartfelt messages for veterans in the community at Alton Baker Park during the 36th Annual Truffle Shuffle Run, benefiting the veterans assistance programs for St. Vincent DePaul.

By: Jeff Dean

The number of American citizens who have served overseas in the military is less than one percent of the population.  These brave men and women represent a small portion of society who have put their lives aside, for one reason or another, to protect the larger population from harm.  The shift from military to civilian life requires a support group of family, friends, and community members to ensure veterans transition in a way both beneficial to the veteran as well as the community as a whole.