Bo Derek Gushes Over Giving Back To American Veterans – ‘It’s Just So Rewarding’

These days, it often seems like American veterans don’t get the respect that they deserve from the stars in Hollywood. That’s why it’s so refreshing that the legendary actress Bo Derek of 10 fame is going all out to help the men and women who have served our country!

Derek Loves Helping Veterans 

Derek, 66, comes from a family of veterans, so helping them has always been important to her.

“I remember I ran into the [former] secretary of veterans affairs, Anthony Principi, and he tells me about the rehabilitation events for disabled veterans,” Derek told Fox News. “These are incredibly moving events. And yet they were having trouble going because some people, perhaps, maybe were uncomfortable – we’re talking about 400 people with all kinds of disabilities.”

“But when I went to my first Snowmass event, I was moved,” she continued. “Just seeing 400 disabled veterans and the volunteers who were there… [The volunteers made] sure that they would offer them whatever they needed, whatever they wanted to do in winter sports, no matter their disability. Even if it required adapting some equipment, it didn’t matter, it could be done. That does something to you.”

Related: Bo Derek Confesses Why She and John Corbett Never Tied The Knot

Derek Honored To Help Veterans

Derek went to her first event back in 2001, and it’s changed her life forever.

“They say ‘miracles on a mountainside,’ but it really is,” she explained. “I ended up becoming a chairperson for all the events. It was just so much fun. I did that for seven years. It’s more than just sports, although they’re incredibly fun. You really get to sit down and get to know these heroes on a personal level. It was an honor.”

While Derek is calling on others to help veterans, she made sure to warn that people should be mindful of the organizations that they support.

“There are some great ones, but just be careful with anything that attracts scammers,” she warned. “There’s a special place in hell for those people who scam people out of money from veterans. But, thankfully, there are many other organizations that aim to genuinely help. You just have to do some homework. But it’s so rewarding.”

“As for me, I’ve always worked directly with the Veterans Administration,” she continued. “My brother, who passed away, loved the games and what they meant to our veterans. We created a family fund to support those veterans and help pay their expenses to go to these events.”

Related: Patricia Heaton Gets Why Gary Sinise’s Dedication To Our Military Is So Important

Derek Grateful For ‘Blessings’ In Her Life

In the end, Derek’s work to help veterans has only made her more grateful for her own “blessings” in her life.

“My mother embedded into my psyche a long time ago how fortunate I am and how many blessings I have received in my life,” she said. “There’s contentment in my life. My glass is looking half full. I know we all go through grief, and I have certainly experienced some pretty heavy grief… But all I can do is appreciate the blessings I was given.”

God bless Derek for using her platform as a Hollywood star to help the men and women who have put their lives on the line for this country. If only more Hollywood stars would do the same!