"THE NEED" : Why this event is so important

• Since the beginning of the “War on Terror”, we have lost over 5,400 Soldiers and Marines; over 37,000 have been wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan and the surrounding theatres of operation. 

• The wounded come home quietly and anonymously-- many of them for months of multiple surgeries at places like Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland, Walter Reed in Washington D.C. or Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio.   Severe burns, shattered limbs and faces, spinal cord injuries, life-altering amputations, serious internal injuries and deep psychological trauma are not uncommon. 

• Thousands of Americans at home— families and friends of the deceased and wounded —  are often overwhelmed and ill-prepared to deal with the loss or severe injury of a parent, spouse, sibling or best friend.

• Gaps in the System:  Doesn’t the government provide care for our troops?  Yes and no.  While a wounded Soldier’s medical care is taken care of by the government, often there are gigantic hidden costs or “gaps” not covered by the military or any government program.  These costs can zap the financial life out of young, struggling military families.

• These hidden costs surface in many forms.  Examples: 

• The repeated cost of flights/ hotels charges for a Mom visiting her wounded Marine, during his multiple surgeries. 
• Lost income for a Soldier’s Wife—after she quit her job to care for her severely wounded Soldier at home. 
• The cost for specialty equipment, such as:  quality wheel chairs that increase mobility, audio-visual equipment for the blind and software for traumatic brain injuries. 
• The cost of college tuition or childcare—essential to allow a Marine Wife to become the sole “breadwinner”, as her wounded husband is no longer able to work. 
• The huge cost to retrofit homes for handicapped Soldiers 
• Grief counseling for the survivors of a Marine or Solider killed in action.

• Often, discharged, injured Soldiers, Marines and their families “suck it up”, go silent and do without the care and gear they deserve—they simply cannot afford it and often will not ask for a handout.  Yet every single one of these humble warriors deserves to have:
  • Their loved ones present during their long recuperation
  • The best rehabilitation program available
  • The best specialty equipment available to increase their mobility and quality of life 
    
    
• Our troops have laid it all on the line and we are obligated to ensure they receive not only complete care, but also immediate assistance.  Nothing less is acceptable.  Our recommended charities provide this assistance.