When a soldier goes off, it is not only a personal sacrifice - but also the sacrifice of a mother, a wife, a brother, a child. They answer the call so "we" don't have to. We should remember this, always - we should not take for granted the sacrifice made by individuals, families and communities. Our soldiers are people first, people who are friends, parents, spouses, children.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a private organization formed with the purpose to "honor and empower wounded warriors" of the United States Armed Forces. Aid directed to soldiers varies quite widely from direct material aid to assistance with rehabilitation, providing services to attend to the special needs of injured veterans, building social support networks between different veterans and among their families and friends, raising public awareness of the existence of and issues related to wounded veterans, and lobbying Congress and participating in the legislative process for the benefit of veterans.
Learn how to get involved - or donate, by clicking HERE. The greatest casualty is being forgotten.
o U.S. Troop Casualties - 4,278 US troops. 54% of US casualties were under 25 years old. 72% were from the US Army
o Non-U.S. Troop Casualties - Total 316, with 179 from the UK
o US Troops Wounded - 31,215, 20% of which are serious brain or spinal injuries (total excludes psychological injuries)
o US Troops with Serious Mental Health Problems - 30% of US troops develop serious mental health problems within 3 to 4 months of returning home.
Those who aren't called to duty have the luxury of simply being able to say "we shouldn't be at war." Those who aren't called have the luxury of not being sent to a battlefield - or being without choice, because you are in the command of the military. Helping and supporting our troops isn't about a decision to support the policies of our leaders - it is a decision to support people who are out there, so you don't have to BE.
