There are some things in life that, until you experience them, can never be fully understood.

Military service comes with sacrifices, fears, pride, experiences and effects that, unless you’ve served, are impossible to comprehend.

Three organizations in Suffolk are dedicated to helping veterans in ways only veterans themselves can fully value: the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“A lot of people forget about what has actually happened in our nation’s history and the wars we have fought for our country,” said Kevin Meisel, quartermaster and past commander of Suffolk’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post. “We have our freedoms and liberties because of veterans who fought for our country. If we don’t take care of ourselves and watch out for our own, who will?”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a group of individuals who have served in wartime overseas. The Suffolk branch has been in Suffolk for more than 40 years, according to Meisel.

While members range in age from their mid-20s to their late 80s and have served in many different wars, the one thing they have in common is their understanding of what it’s like to be uprooted and fight a war.

“We’ve been through things many people can’t understand,” Meisel said. “Especially for the younger generation, they don’t know what to say. Sometimes people don’t understand at all why we do what we do. It’s important to be around people who understand what you’ve done. But if you have someone who has been through the same situation, it’s easier to talk to them because they’re at your level. Camaraderie is a very, very important function of what we do.”

The group also raises money to take to veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hampton during the holidays. They also help veterans find help when they need it.

The Disabled American Veterans has been at work in Suffolk since the 1940s to specifically help veterans who have suffered combat-related injuries.

The DAV helps with disability compensation, Veterans Affairs pension, death benefits, Veterans Affairs medical care, Social Security disability benefits and veterans’ job programs.

In addition to what they do for their members, the members are an active community organization that raises funds to help those at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, hosts a soup kitchen that benefits anyone in need of a warm meal and help veteran families in need.

“When I first came to them for help, what stood out to me was the DAV members who were in wheelchairs and crutches, and had other disabilities you couldn’t see, who were involved in trying to help others in the community,” said William Goodman, commander of Suffolk’s DAV. “The thing is that most of the members in DAV have been involved in one war or another and seen the results of it. We know what pain and suffering is, and it’s what motivates us to help others.”

Also at work in the community is the American Legion, which has two posts in Suffolk. The group accepts all military veterans and focuses on mentoring youth and sponsoring youth programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continuing devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

“We’re all about patriotism and recognizing those who have served our country,” said Jim Thorsen, commander of the American Legion Post 57. “We do that through volunteering, sponsoring youth activities, athletic teams, Memorial Day ceremonies and other events to honor our military. It’s an opportunity to continue service to our country, which is what all of us believe in doing.”