SwiftVets.com

[Mary Ann Parker]

New Effort Launched to Support Injured Soldiers


I have not seen this before. If it is a dupe, zap it.
However, there may be other forums that need the see it.
Thanks,
Mary Ann
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New Effort Launched to Support Injured Soldiers
By Bobby Eberle
Talon News
November 10, 2004
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2004/november/1110_freedom_alliancep.shtml

DULLES, VA (Talon News) -- In a week that combines Veterans Day with a new offensive in Falluja, Iraq, an effort to help America's wounded soldiers is underway which involves participation by ordinary Americans.

Under the banner "Wounded Service Members Need Your Help, America Promised to Never Forget," Freedom Alliance, an organization which honors and encourages military service, announced a campaign to help injured Service Members. The organization is asking Americans to help them "remember our vets" -- particularly active duty injured service members.

"We have had the opportunity to visit wounded heroes at both Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Medical Center, and while these service members are receiving fantastic treatment, they still need our help," said Tom Kilgannon, President of Freedom Alliance.

"While America has pledged to 'Never Forget' what our heroic service members, firefighters and police did on 9/11, many are unaware of the injuries sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq since then - and now. Service members across the country at the military hospitals can really use donations," Kilgannon added.

While their medical care and necessities are paid in full by the U.S. government, families are often unable to afford to travel to be with their injured loved ones as they recover and many of the simple pleasures that Americans take for granted in everyday life are not available to the injured service members.
The cost of airfare and hotel stays are beyond the means of the families of many enlisted soldiers.

Freedom Alliance says this is where the American people can make a difference. The organization welcomes monetary donations, but even those who cannot afford to send money will be able to contribute a cheery note or greeting card. Children are encouraged to send drawings to be given to service members who are isolated from their families.

"The Freedom Alliance Support the Troops Campaign has been going strong and Americans have truly rallied to deliver supplies to these brave souls and their families," Kilgannon said. "But the needs of these service members have changed and we are asking people to send monetary donations to the Freedom Alliance Headquarters in Virginia so that we can purchase the following items listed below:"

Air fare -- For family members who cannot afford to fly to see their injured sons and daughters.
Hotel fare -- For family members who cannot afford accommodations otherwise.

Portable/Individual Digital Video Disk (DVD) Players and Compact Disk (CD) Players -- Many service members are hospitalized for several months and these entertainment items will help them pass the time.

DVD's -- Movies for the service members to watch while hospitalized -- action, comedy and suspense-thrillers are most appropriate.

CD's -- Music tracks of classic rock, country, pop, and other types of music are most helpful.

Cards and Notes -- Many service members requested cards and notes -- especially from children. They are hundreds of miles from family and friends, and holiday cards and notes, especially from school-aged children would be appreciated.

Donations may be sent to:
Freedom Alliance - Support the Troops
22570 Markey Court, Suite 240
Dulles, VA 20166
800-475-6620

Donations will go into the Freedom Alliance Support the Troops Fund to buy the listed items or assist in other situations, which may arise.
Copyright © 2004 Talon News -- All rights reserved.

_________________
The bad news is time flies. The good new is, you're the pilot. -- Michael
Althsuler