Stories From Wounded Warriors.
Recently, I had the opportunity to write an annual report and a series of posters for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose purpose is simply to honor and empower severely wounded warriors who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The impetus of the organization is the inarguable virtue of its cause. It enjoys support from the right and the left. From red states and blue. From people across the political spectrum.
In the course of writing the annual report, I listened to the recorded personal stories of a dozen wounded warriors, and like anyone else, could not help but be affected.
Their reasons for joining the military ranged from economic necessity to patriotism in its purest form. For some, recounting their experience was emotional and painful. Others described the events leading up to their life-altering wounds the same way you and I would describe a trip to the grocery store.
They came home missing limbs, badly burned, coping with traumatic brain injuries, dealing with what they had seen and wondering what was next in this new phase of life. Their photographs are disturbing and powerful and inspirational. In most cases, their injuries seem all too conspicuous. But too many of them suffer deeper, less-apparent wounds. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Broken families. Broken spirits.
There is a part of me that is uncomfortable with how easy it is to go about my business while so many service men and women –and their families—are enduring untold sacrifice. My six year-old keeps a picture of a young American sailor who belongs to our church. The photo is there to remind the boy to send up a prayer each night for the men and women who are far from their homes and loved ones serving our country. I for one am joining my son in his prayer.
The Wounded Warrior Project began by providing bedside backpacks to wounded warriors. Today they also provide advocacy on Capitol Hill, continuing education opportunities, benefits counseling, Warriors to Work, Soldier Ride and other worthwhile programs. To learn more, or to donate, visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.com.
Photo of Wounded Warrior Ian Lennon photo courtesy of the Wounded Warrior Project.