This past January, I was skiing at my local hill, Wintergreen, when I saw signs and banners welcoming the Wounded Warrior Project. This is a non-profit group that helps wounded American servicemen and servicewomen recover from amputations. The day was dedicated to teaching a group of amputees how to ski. There is something wonderful in seeing someone who has every reason to feel sorry for themselves, get up and do something like this.
The numbers are stagering. Over 18,000 young men and women have been wounded since the war in Iraq began. Of those, close to 500 are amputies. Since the weapon of choice by the insurgency is the improvised explosive device, arms and legs are lost frequently. Furthermore, the number of brain related injuries is much higher than other conflicts.
Regardless of your polititical views, these numbers are troubling. Most of the press does not keep a running tally on the wounded. As a result, the wounded are often forgotten by the American public.
The Wounded Warrior Project provides a much needed service to those wounded and their families. They provide assistance to every wounded warrior from the time they are put into the hospital. These support services include a handy backpack with essentials which help the young soldier or Marine deal with their situation. The WWP also provides counselling and rehab services provided by other wounded service personnel.
Please help these brave men and women. You can learn more at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
