High-Tech Help for Wounded Vets by Tom Neven on 11/11/2009 at 7:50 AM

Today is Veteran’s Day, the day we set aside to honor all those who have worn our country’s uniform.

We are engaged in two hot wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The skill and dedication of our frontline medical personnel are saving more lives than ever, but the result is wounded veterans coming home and having to learn to live with horrific wounds that would have killed soldiers in earlier wars.

If a war might be said to have a signature wound, today’s would be missing limbs and severe brain injury due to these wars’ unique weapon: the improvised explosive device. The concussive violence of an artillery shell or a few pounds of C4 going off anywhere near you is unimaginable to those who haven’t experienced it. (Forget what you’ve seen in Hollywood.) Even for soldiers who escape without an obvious scratch, that concussion can do severe damage to soft tissues, particularly the brain.

The Veteran’s Administration, while often doing great work, has at times also shown scandalous neglect. Fortunately, the Washington Post exposé is improving the lot of our wounded warriors. But there’s more than needs to be done in terms of long-term care, and that’s where you come in.

Project Valour-IT raises money to provide wounded men and women with technology to help them heal and adapt to life after their wounds. Voice-controlled laptops, operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world.

Wii video game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists. And handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to traumatic brain injury.

Project Valour is having a fund-raising challenge that runs through the end of today, Nov. 11, 2009. But even if you come to this page after that time, you can still donate. I know times are tough and money can be short, but if you want to say thanks to a veteran who was willing to give his or her life to protect your freedom, please consider sending a donation their way.

Thanks.

High-Tech Help for Wounded Vets by Tom Neven on 11/11/2009 at 7:50 AM

Today is Veteran’s Day, the day we set aside to honor all those who have worn our country’s uniform.

We are engaged in two hot wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The skill and dedication of our frontline medical personnel are saving more lives than ever, but the result is wounded veterans coming home and having to learn to live with horrific wounds that would have killed soldiers in earlier wars.

If a war might be said to have a signature wound, today’s would be missing limbs and severe brain injury due to these wars’ unique weapon: the improvised explosive device. The concussive violence of an artillery shell or a few pounds of C4 going off anywhere near you is unimaginable to those who haven’t experienced it. (Forget what you’ve seen in Hollywood.) Even for soldiers who escape without an obvious scratch, that concussion can do severe damage to soft tissues, particularly the brain.

The Veteran’s Administration, while often doing great work, has at times also shown scandalous neglect. Fortunately, the Washington Post exposé is improving the lot of our wounded warriors. But there’s more than needs to be done in terms of long-term care, and that’s where you come in.

Project Valour-IT raises money to provide wounded men and women with technology to help them heal and adapt to life after their wounds. Voice-controlled laptops, operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world.

Wii video game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists. And handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to traumatic brain injury.

Project Valour is having a fund-raising challenge that runs through the end of today, Nov. 11, 2009. But even if you come to this page after that time, you can still donate. I know times are tough and money can be short, but if you want to say thanks to a veteran who was willing to give his or her life to protect your freedom, please consider sending a donation their way.

Thanks.

Comments

[1. Spunky said the following at 12:51 PM on Nov 11:]

1

I'm glad there is such a project like this, I wish the VA could do more to help veterans, however the hospitials are overflowing with veterans whose doctors barely have time to help them.

[2. Carl said the following at 8:37 AM on Nov 12:]

2

How about at shout out for occupational therapists, who can more than qualified to work in the rehabilitation of our physically and emotionally damaged military personnel? :)

[1. Spunky said the following at 12:51 PM on Nov 11:]

1

I'm glad there is such a project like this, I wish the VA could do more to help veterans, however the hospitials are overflowing with veterans whose doctors barely have time to help them.

[2. Carl said the following at 8:37 AM on Nov 12:]

2

How about at shout out for occupational therapists, who can more than qualified to work in the rehabilitation of our physically and emotionally damaged military personnel? :)