BAKERSFIELD, CA - A woman from Bakersfield is encouraging others to support our military men and women by dedicating 10 hours this year to help veterans. She posted the challenge on her Facebook page Monday night -- and already hundreds of people are showing their support.
Laura Mitts says she felt inspired to reach out to veterans after seeing the film that broke the box office record on opening weekend -- "American Sniper." It's a war drama about the true story of Navy SEAL sharpshooter Chris Kyle.
Mitts grew up in a military family.
"My father had his leg blown off in the Korean War, lived with it, he was only 19. He never let it stop him from doing anything," Mitts said.
Seeing "American Sniper" hit close to home.
Mitts said, "I stood up to move over to let other people out and I had to sit back down I was that moved and really kind of moved as I walked out of the theater and it hit me, I just have to do something."
Mitts shared her feelings on Facebook.
She said, "I wrote a post and next thing I knew people were responding."
Hundreds of people pledging to donate their time, giving back to veterans.
Gordon and Suzanne Galindo responded to the post saying, "Count us in!"
Bakersfield National Cemetery Support Committee president Tom Pasek says the need for volunteers is seemingly endless.
Pasek said, "There are veterans that need everything from companionship to just somebody to talk to."
"Them simply knowing that the community is behind them is extremely important, particularly for those with PTSD."
Mitts says commitments of all sizes are welcome.
"It's just in your heart decide, I'm going to do something, take a vet to lunch, just anything that makes them smile and gives back," said Mitts.
This campaign doesn't have any specific guidelines, just take it upon yourself to help local veterans.
Laura Mitts says she felt inspired to reach out to veterans after seeing the film that broke the box office record on opening weekend -- "American Sniper." It's a war drama about the true story of Navy SEAL sharpshooter Chris Kyle.
Mitts grew up in a military family.
"My father had his leg blown off in the Korean War, lived with it, he was only 19. He never let it stop him from doing anything," Mitts said.
Seeing "American Sniper" hit close to home.
Mitts said, "I stood up to move over to let other people out and I had to sit back down I was that moved and really kind of moved as I walked out of the theater and it hit me, I just have to do something."
Mitts shared her feelings on Facebook.
She said, "I wrote a post and next thing I knew people were responding."
Hundreds of people pledging to donate their time, giving back to veterans.
Gordon and Suzanne Galindo responded to the post saying, "Count us in!"
Bakersfield National Cemetery Support Committee president Tom Pasek says the need for volunteers is seemingly endless.
Pasek said, "There are veterans that need everything from companionship to just somebody to talk to."
"Them simply knowing that the community is behind them is extremely important, particularly for those with PTSD."
Mitts says commitments of all sizes are welcome.
"It's just in your heart decide, I'm going to do something, take a vet to lunch, just anything that makes them smile and gives back," said Mitts.
This campaign doesn't have any specific guidelines, just take it upon yourself to help local veterans.