In 1624, English poet John Donne wrote that “no man is an island.” He was exactly right, and to succeed in any aspect of life, we need help from others around us. This is true from not only a financial perspective, but also emotional, personal and spiritual. Connecting and contributing to our community is essential to our well-being.

I have learned this lesson firsthand a number of different times, but most obviously after being injured in Iraq. I have had a very fortunate recovery, but it is only due to the incredible efforts of my wife, numerous friends and family members, and various organizations that have provided me services and resources. But over this past weekend, I was reminded again of how critical a supportive community is for all of us.

I played rugby for four years in college, and then for another 10 years after that. While on active duty, I played on a number of Marine Corps teams. So a few years ago when I heard the Marine Corps Old Boys team was coming to play in a tournament in Brooklyn, I was excited to go cheer them on and show my support. Several times throughout the weekend, this team paid homage to other Marine rugby players who had been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan over the last 12 years – this is something I really admire about them.

The team did really well, but what really grabbed my attention was the very emotional response from one of the players at the end of the final game. This Marine had several combat deployments under his belt, and has now been out of the Marine Corps for a few years. He suffered a personal tragedy when his daughter died three years ago from brain cancer. And he rarely is around other Marines who can relate to his experience, and this affects him at work.

This rugby tournament was the first time he had been around a team of Marines in years. All the emotions that had been trapped inside his mind and body over the last few years came flowing out of him as the last game wound down. He started crying, not due to any mistakes he may have made, but because he clearly missed his “community” and the brotherhood of the Marine Corps. He needed other Marines to talk to, and that had been missing in his life.

I was proud of my new friend for not being embarrassed by his spontaneous reaction, but owning that he needed others around him he could relate to, and that he missed that familiarity. Like a number of the other Marines there, I reached out to him, shared some thoughts about a way forward, and let him know I wanted to help however I could.

We all have opportunities to make differences in the lives of others around us. People are social beings, and the value of human interaction is immeasurable. I am going to make more of an effort to proactively support others who may simply need a sympathetic voice or a helping hand. Can you commit to the same?