Over 42,000 troops have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers receive support each year through Wounded Warrior Programs that are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement.
I noticed a product on our website: www.tasco-safety.com, which are Digital Camo gloves manufactured by MCR Safety, who donate a portion of the profits from the sales of this particular glove to the Wounded Warriors Project. Later, I noticed the same logo on another product that I had in our home. This made me want to know more about this movement and how many people are involved in helping our deserving troops.
My research showed that Wynonna has an album dedicated to the troops, as well as other celebrities, such as Toby Keith, and Trace Atkins, who have performed charity gigs. Listed among other celebrities are Sean Connery, Al Roker, Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffett, Mike Myers, Joan Jett, Sam Waterston, Tony Sirico, and many others, who have held benefits or helped in other ways. Athletes are not being left out, either. Minnesota Vikings’, Jared Allen, formed Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors in 2009, after he returned home from USO trips to military bases in the Middle East. His is a non-profit organization created for the sole purpose of raising money to build or modify the homes of America’s injured military veterans so they are handicap accessible and comfortable. One can also find a large number of businesses and financial services that support this worthy cause.
Tough Mudder raised more than $1 million in donations for the WWP services. In case you are like me and haven’t heard of this, Tough Mudder is a fast-growing and highly-recognized endurance series, with nine remaining tour stops in 2011. Unlike other endurance events or mud runs, Tough Mudder events are constructed by British Special Forces and consist of a 10-12 mile trail run over rugged terrain, steep inclines, water hazards and 18-25 military-style obstacles testing one’s toughness, fitness, strength, stamina, mental grit, teamwork, and camaraderie. Tough Mudder events are not timed and are won by all those capable of completing the course – a category that to no surprise included wounded warriors themselves!
Efforts have been made to pass the Veteran’s Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services Improvement Act of 2011, which would require the VA to provide veterans who have TBI with ongoing, long-term rehabilitative care, including support services to maximize independence and quality of life. Learn more about the bill and how you can contact your Representatives and Senators to ask for their support on this important bill; this information can be found on the Wounded Warriors Project website.
Wounded Warriors was founded in 2003, with the purpose of providing a voice for wounded warriors and their families. This is accomplished by working with Congress and the Federal government to promote forward-moving policy, organizing calls-to-action, and keeping our constituency informed about changes in laws and regulations. Wounded Warriors Project creates, advocates, and lobbies for legislation that will support wounded warriors and their families into the future. They also find jobs for our service men and women who are anxious to return to the mainstream.
By raising public awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, this project also allows them to help each other, while providing unique services and programs to meet their needs. Isn’t it time we all do what we can to thank our heroes, those who have returned from the most dangerous places in the world, and have had their lives changed forever?
Source: Wounded Warriors Project