Brian Burridge has a wide smile, bright blue eyes and stands 6 feet 2 inches tall. He grew up on a dairy farm in Averill Park, due east of Albany, N.Y., where manure “piled high,” but fresh air and beautiful Holsteins dominated, along with a family as tight as a ball of spaghetti.

In the Vietnam era, Brian Burridge had a draft number of 25 when he was first required to register, at age 18. This led him to become a draft dodger. Later, Burridge joined the Navy to be a helicopter mechanic. This led him to chase helicopters in the Philippines, Taiwan, Egypt, Persia and the Mediterranean.

Now, Burridge is on another mission. His goal in life is for everyone to thank veterans for their service and to inquire of them “Are you getting the benefits that you’ve been promised?” If not, call the Veterans of Foreign War, any veteran service, or Brian Burridge directly; his number is (860) 287-2683. More information can be found at nextdoor.com/groups/21895510, which also lists events.

Car shows, picnics, barbecues, golf tours, fundraisers, boat shows and sailing activities are all posted on this website as well as helpful information that will hyperlink you to different veteran benefits.

Brian Burridge sees himself as a “hall monitor,” telling veterans regardless of branch where to go. If you need help with education or finances, contact Norwich. For medical services, Shaw’s Cove in New London assists veterans. For information on the veterans coffeehouses, call (860) 425-6617.

Burridge explained that veteran’s programs are organizationally complicated and navigating through their systems difficult at times. For instance, programs exist to assist with housing, tax deduction on property, a plaque at gravesites and a flag for the casket, or for the spouses of veterans. Help is there but it is important to get the word out. Registration at your town hall is critical; every veteran should complete a DD-214.

Registration for a DD-214 is also important for legislative purposes and for our government to support and continue the programs for veterans. Currently in East Lyme, Burridge indicated that there are 6,822 registered veterans at Town Hall. His estimate is that it should be closer to 10,000. “Where are the missing veterans?” he asked.

Burridge wants to know.

Burridge is also a chaplain, visiting veterans near the end of their life and eulogizing their contributions prior to their passing.

As our WWII veterans outlive their families and friends, they face isolation and solitude. Burridge illuminates their darkest days, and he is ready with a joke and a hardy laugh. He knows the travesty of being teated like cattle,

receiving shots as well as the “hurry up and wait” message frequently grunted.

Now the work Burridge does helps him and the veterans he serves. When asked how his current mission made him feel, he retorted, “[I] feel happier than a pig in mud!”

Kindness in Real Life is a regular feature in The Times. To submit, email times@theday.com.