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I'm not military, but my understanding is that a Purple Heart is for those wounded in action. Do these dead and wounded qualify? If not, would it be proper to lobby for them to receive the medal.

This duo is being raffled off to raise funds for the Healing Heroes Network, a charity that benefits injured Veterans. Grand Prize is BOTH cars! A ticket is only $3.00, and is a chance to win these fantastic Shelbys and support a very worthy cause. The 1967 example is a verified Shelby original, number 3139 in the Shelby Registry. The 2010 GT is a one-of-a-kind special edition done up in the same Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes as the old-timer. It has been dubbed the Patriot Edition and features a host of aftermarket changes that make it more...

This duo is being raffled off to raise funds for the Healing Heroes Network, a charity that benefits injured Veterans. So buying a ticket or 10 is a chance to win these fantastic Shelbys, and support a worthy cause. The 1967 example is a verified Shelby original, number 3139 in the Shelby Registry. The 2010 GT is a one-of-a-kind special edition done up in the same Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes as the old-timer. It has been dubbed the Patriot Edition and features a host of aftermarket changes that make it more closely match its ancestor.If you'd like...

White House officials tell ABC News that President Obama will visit with wounded soldiers tomorrow at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The trip was scheduled before the incident today at Fort Hood, officials said. President Obama visited wounded troops at Walter Reed as president-elect in January and has visited wounded troops at Bethesda Naval Hospital as senator. Last week the president made a secret late-night journey to Dover Air Force Base to participate in the dignified transfer of troops and DEA agents killed in Afghanistan. He is in the midst of making up his mind about a new strategy in...

More than 1,000 American troops have been wounded in battle over the past three months in Afghanistan, accounting for one-fourth of all those injured in combat since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The dramatic increase has filled military hospitals with more amputees and other seriously injured service members and comes as October marks the deadliest month for American troops in Afghanistan. Expanded military operations, a near-doubling of the number of troops since the beginning of the year and a Taliban offensive that has included a proliferation of roadside bombings have led to the great increase in casualties. U.S. troops in...

It's an all-volunteer Army. But there were days when Andrew Harriman felt like a draftee. The Largo man signed up for a three-year Army hitch. Harriman, 26, gets out next month — three years, five months and 13 days after his enlistment expired. Not that he's counting. Harriman, whose leg was shot in Iraq, found his Army stint prolonged by a program created to ensure soldiers get the best medical care for their wounds. But critics say the program can sometimes delay discharge long after any medical necessity to do so. An Army spokesman said it was in Harriman's best...

Flying into the besieged Afghan base during a nighttime firefight this weekend was a harrowing mix of overwhelming noise, stomach dropping maneuvers and shadows hurrying through the gloom. When the chopper lifted off moments later with three wounded soldiers, it left behind others who were wounded but refused to be MEDEVACED out of the combat zone so they could return to fight with their buddies. Fighting raged at two remote U.S. outpostsnear the Pakistan border this weekend, that left eight U.S. soldiers dead and 24 wounded. The battle was fought from Friday night through Sunday as hundreds of Taliban insurgents...

On Saturday, October 3rd, a fantastic new show premieres on ESPN2. “Grateful Nation is a unique and compelling outdoor adventure series that goes behind the scenes and into the field with American Veterans. Hosted by Airborne Ranger Tim Abell, this original unscripted program takes viewers inside the minds of wounded combat veterans and returns them to their traditional American hunting heritage. Tim’s innovative interviewing strategy together with stunning HD videography launches Grateful Nation into a unique category that captures a whole new audience of sportsmen and patriots.” The first episode of “Grateful Nation” follows actor and Army Veteran Tim Abell...

Here's his story: "On September 6th, 2009, Dan returned to Kandahar, Afghanistan. With less than 36 hours on the ground, his team received their first mission task targeting Taliban operatives. During the mission, Dan activated a land mine and lost both legs, and sustained traumatic internal injuries. Currently he is at the National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where he is fighting a new battle. Like any other challenge in his life, Dan will face this one with courage and dedication. Already, friends and family have witnessed Dan’s unbelievable strength as he begins what will surely be a long and...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2009 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff noted on a recent visit to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., that wounded veterans recovering there all had one thing in common. “These are individuals, without arms and legs at that point, who had one common desire -- and that was to get back with their unit,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Aug. 25 at the presentation ceremony for the 2009 International Brain Mapping and Interoperative Surgical Planning Society’s Beacon of Courage and Dedication Awards in Boston. “Their only concern was, ‘How do I...

SEAN HANNITY, HOST: Now, each fiscal quarter, the FOX Nation will donate a portion of its merchandise proceeds to a different charity. Now, this quarter, the FOX Nation will be contributing to the Special Operations Warrior Fund. Now, the charity was chosen after hearing the story of Keith Zeier, a U.S. Marine who was severely wounded in Iraq by an IED explosion in July of 2006. Now, Keith's left leg was shattered so badly in that attack that he was told by doctors that he would not be able to walk again without the help of a cane, but Keith,...

Even when half your skull is missing, life goes on. For ex-soldier Erik Castillo, gravely wounded by mortar fire in Iraq in 2004, life is going better than expected. Five years have passed since he woke up drooling and paralyzed in an Army hospital with a coconut-sized hole in his cranium — an injury from which doctors said he would never fully recover. The road back to some sort of normalcy has been rife with pain and indignity. He's been stared at by strangers, coped with countless surgeries and infections, and battled rage, self-pity and depression. Through it all, he...

Generations ago, horses were used to wage war. Now they're being used to heal the psychic wounds of war. In an trend still viewed as strange by much of the mental-health mainstream, some Southern Arizona counselors are using the beasts as co-therapists to treat troops suffering from combat trauma. "When I first heard about it, I thought, 'Are they kidding?' " said Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Richard Quinn, who returned from Iraq in 2007 with a brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. But after a recent weekend spent communing with Kairos, a hulking black draft horse, Quinn is a...

td> WASHINGTON, June 4, 2009 – Before he was wounded in Iraq while serving in the Army as a special operations soldier, Matt Nyman’s life revolved around family and outdoor activities. Now, despite having lost his right leg below the knee, he’s planning on fulfilling a long-time dream as he tries to conquer North America’s highest peak. Army Lt. Col. Marc Hoffmeister, top left; Army Spc. Dave Shebib, top right; retired Marine Capt. Jon Kuniholm, bottom left; and retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Nyman -- all wounded veterans -- are attempting to summit North America's highest peak, June 1,...

This is not disputed at snoopes...... Subject: Fw: Fwd: From my brother Dave This e-mail is from the father of a young man that left a very lucrative position to join the USMC . He was a Lieutenant who sustained life threatening , and permanently disabling injuries from IED in Iraq . It will fill you with emotion . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Joan and Red, Since Dave Jr. has been injured he has met and been overwhelmed by many, many political and military "celebs". The list includes Bob Gates, Sec. of Defense, who came into his room and told him 3...

5/7/2009 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Staff Sgt. Daniel Acosta woke May 7 thinking he was a senior airman. He was surprised to discover that he was promoted to staff sergeant without his knowledge. Lt. Col. Michael Glass, 59th Medical Support Squadron commander, advised Sergeant Acosta that Lt. Gen. Richard Newton, deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel, approved the promotion with an effective date of Nov. 1, 2008. "I am really happy and excited about this promotion," said Sergeant Acosta. "It was such a surprise." Sergeant Acosta, an explosive ordnance technician from Hill Air Force...

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen praised everyone who is participating in Silver Star Service Banner Day; a day set aside every May 1st to remember and honor the wounded and ill or our Armed Forces from all wars.

BOSTON, April 24, 2009 – Two Special Forces soldiers who are close friends have much in common. Both were wounded in combat -- one in Iraq, the other Afghanistan. Both are recipients of the Silver Star Medal for their actions in combat. Both are single-leg amputees. And both were official finishers of the 113th Boston Marathon on April 20. Special Forces soldiers Army Staff Sgt. John Walding and Army Maj. Kent Solheim, both wounded warriors, start the 113th Boston Marathon together, April 20, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Curt Squires  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Army...

Over 1000 cities and counties across the United States have signed Proclamations for Wounded and Ill

BAGHDAD, April 3, 2009 – A Multinational Division Baghdad air weapons team engaged four armed men who were spotted planting a roadside bomb north of Taji, Iraq, last night, military officials reported. The attack left one of the would-be bombers dead and wounded two others. The men, believed to be members of the “Sons of Iraq” civilian security group, were seen emplacing an object in the road, near a critical road junction, with lookouts posted several meters away. The largely rural area north of Baghdad has been the scene of several attacks in the past few months, officials said. A...

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 2, 2009 – Marine Lance Cpl. Louis Stamatelos realized he had two choices after waking up two years ago with severe wounds in the intensive care unit at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Army Staff Sgt. Ramon Padillamunguia, one of three patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, D.C., attending this year’s National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village, Colo., skis down a slope proving the therapeutic benefit of a positive mental mindset. The six-day clinic wraps up April 3, 2009. VA photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Stamatelos...

more than 400 severely injured veterans – 34 of whom hail from Colorado – will take part in the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic from March 29 through April 3. It is the largest adaptive event of its kind in the world. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and co-sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the clinic teaches veterans with disabilities in adaptive alpine and Nordic skiing, and introduces them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. It’s open to U.S. military veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic...

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., March 30, 2009 – Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki opened the 23rd annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here last night, encouraging more than 400 participants he said had found their way “to the top of the mountain in search of miracles.” Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, center, chats with participants in the 23rd annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village, Colo., during a March 29, 2009, “Taste of Aspen” celebration that kicked off the six-day event. Among participating veterans are, left, retired Army Cpl. Allen Babin, an 82nd Airborne...

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2009 – The National Amputee Golf Association’s First Swing program's mission is twofold: to help military golf instructors learn how to work with wounded warriors and to encourage wounded servicemembers to get back into the swing of an active lifestyle. National Amputee Golf Association founder and President Bob Wilson, a double below-the-knee amputee, demonstrates an iron shot during a First Swing Golf Clinic for wounded warriors on the driving range at Admiral Baker Golf Course in San Diego in February 2009. The next stop on the tour is March 22 and 23, 2009, at Fort...

Apparently President Obama did not get the message that was delivered loud and clear last week by both Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill in hearings on the Administration’s proposed Veterans Administration budget.  Rumors had been flying that the Obama Administration was considering a harebrained scheme to charge wounded warriors for the treatment of injuries received in battle.  Asked about the scurrilous rumors by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Richard Burr (R-NC), the left’s favorite general, Eric Shinseki, now Obama’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs, confirmed that the plan was “under consideration. “A final decision hasn’t been made yet,” said Shinseki,...

The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is...

The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 4, 2009 – Three contractors suffered minor injuries in a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack this afternoon near Bagram Airfield, Combined Joint Task Force 101 officials said today. The attack occurred outside the perimeter of the base when a vehicle exploded near an entry control point. The driver, who was carrying explosives, abandoned the vehicle before it detonated. The explosive he was carrying detonated as he ran away from the vehicle. The attacker was killed in the second explosion. It is unknown if there were additional personnel in the vehicle. No military or Afghan civilian...

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla., Feb. 18, 2009 – In an instant, Air Force Senior Airman Alex Eudy went from battling the enemies of Afghanistan to battling for his life. Air Force Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, pins the Air Force Combat Action Medal on Air Force Senior Airman Alex Eudy's shirt during a ceremony at the hospital on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Feb. 3, 2009. Eudy also received the Purple Heart for injuries he received during his deployment to Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Ty Foster  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image...

FORT BRAGG, N.C., Feb. 11, 2009 – The noncommissioned officer in charge of training operations for the Warrior Transition Battalion here appears to be a typical soldier. But if the right sleeve of his shirt should come up a bit, you might catch a glimpse of a story whose protagonist is more than typical. Army Sgt. Cameron E. Stroeh takes an early morning walk in Fort Bragg, N.C., Feb. 9, 2009. Injuries he suffered in 2007 during his deployment to Iraq have limited his physical training. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Victor J. Ayala  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image...

OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2009 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff heard firsthand accounts today about the mission in Afghanistan from Canadian soldiers who recently returned from deployments there, including two amputees who have elected to stay on duty. Cpl. Billy Kerr, left, and Master Cpl. Mike Trauner, right, Canadian soldiers who lost limbs to improvised explosive devices in separate attacks in Afghanistan, say they believe in the mission and will continue serving in the Canadian army. With them is Capt. Stephanie Smith, a critical care nurse who helped bring them home to Canada for care. DoD...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2009 – It was pouring liquid sunshine as the Fisher House Foundation and the Veterans Affairs Department prepared to dedicate the 43rd Fisher House in Brentwood, Calif., on Feb. 6, but the significance of the event wasn’t lost on Mother Nature. The Fisher House located on the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System campus is a 16,800 square-foot building in the California-Spanish stucco style. With 21 private suites, the building, shown in this artist rendering, provides military families a “home away from home” while their loved ones recover from injuries or illnesses. The newest Fisher...

2/6/2009 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) -- A few Airmen from the 931st Air Refueling Group spent their Super Bowl weekend resting from a 12-day aeromedical evacuation mission in Afghanistan. Eight reservists from the 931st manned a specially equipped KC-135 Stratotanker that made four back-to-back trips to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to pick up wounded and sick troops for evacuation to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "It was a long mission," said Staff Sgt. Trevor Derenthal, a crew chief assigned to the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Lt. Col. Tyoshi "T" Tung, a KC-135 pilot assigned to the 18th Air Refueling...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2009 – A troop-support group that provides clothing specially adapted for wounded troops recovering in military hospitals, will roll out a new line of garments later this year. Wounded soldiers show off their Sew Much Comfort adaptive T-shirts while recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The troop-support group provides adaptive clothing free of charge to support the unique needs of injured servicemembers. Courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “We are working on wheelchair garments and halo shirts,” Michele Cuppy, president of Sew Much Comfort, said. “We are also working...

FORT MYER, Va., Feb. 2, 2009 – For the third straight year, the National Football League and the USO of Metropolitan Washington teamed up to sponsor a Super Bowl party for Washington-based servicemembers and their families. Washington Redskins cheerleaders Michelle, left, and Megs give Army Pfc. Sean Dozire an autographed Redskins Cheerleaders Calendar during a Super Bowl XLIII party Feb. 1, 2009, at Spates Community Club on Fort Myer, Va. The USO-Metro and National Football League hosted the party for wounded warriors, military members and their families. U.S. Army photo by Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden   (Click photo...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2009 – Army Spc. Sergio Trejo always dreamed of owning his own home. US Army Spc. Sergio Trejo and his family stand outside their new home in Houston. The Helping a Hero troop support group presented the home to the family, December 2008. Courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. But after he was injured by a homemade bomb during his second tour of duty in Iraq, he said he felt his dream was out of reach. The explosion left him with a broken back, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. “My [Veterans...

Following their mission, the Board of Directors established the Silver Star Families of America Commendation Award. This award is to be given to an individual or organization that has had an exceptionally positive impact on our wounded and ill by one or more of the following:

A video inspired by a trip to Walter Reed, set to the beautiful music of Sara Groves "I Saw What I Saw" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5vKKAGttC4

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2009 – The Army’s adjutant general apologized yesterday on behalf of the Army for a printing error that resulted in the delivery of 7,000 letters without a by-name salutation to family members who lost a soldier in operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Brig. Gen. Reuben Jones expressed his disappointment in the error and his team’s concern for the recipients during a special blogger’s roundtable hosted by the New Media Directorate of Defense Media Activity. The letters, which included the placeholder greeting of “Dear John Doe,” were printed and sent by a contractor in late December to inform...

12/29/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- With precision-guided instrumentation and steady hands, a surgical team here is returning injured warfighters to the fight. Dr. (Maj.) Daniel Todd Rose, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. (Maj.) Craig Kolasch, general surgeon, both with the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group, handle most of the minor surgeries and injuries in the area of responsibility. "What we do here is very important," said Doctor Rose, deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. "Almost every servicemember who doesn't receive care here would most likely be going back to the U.S. or Landstuhl. Once they are in the U.S. they're...

Lord God, there is no other God but You. You alone are Savior. You alone are Redeemer. When we trust in You, when we fear You alone, there You are, by our sides, protecting, providing in Your ever-perfect Way….especially when we do not understand. Lord God, You came on that first Christmas as the Prince of Peace – not the Prince of peace as the world defines it but the peace which You bring to tortured souls, the peace which surpasses understanding and the peace between Jew and Gentile that anyone, yes, anyone who proclaims belief in You as Savior...

Contrary to what the mainstream media did and did not report Bush visited WIA troops and KIA families http://www.thebulletin.us/articles/2008/12/23/top_stories/doc49508431de0b5433741136.txt

12/22/2008 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- A Randolph Air Force Base chaplain is showing his love for wounded warriors this holiday season with a lot of help from his flock. Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer of the 12th Flying Training Wing encouraged base members to contribute to Operation Cheer, a program that brings a dose of the holiday spirit to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from wounds in local military hospitals. In its second year, Operation Cheer takes donations from chapel attendees and uses the money to buy poinsettia plants for warfighters recovering from wounds and their...

SCHWEINFURT, Germany, Dec. 22, 2008 – Danger lurks on every stretch of road in Iraq with the prospect of roadside bombs, which have taken a terrible toll on those serving downrange. Army Spc. Jake Altman knows very well the destruction they can cause. Army Spc. Jake Altman, wounded during his first deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, is preparing to re-join his unit in Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Emily Athens  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. After serving two years in the Army, Altman deployed in 2006 with 9th Engineer Battalion, 172nd Infantry Brigade, stationed just north...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2008 – Air Force Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro has made remarkable strides in his recovery in the three years and 102 surgeries since he and his team were ambushed by the Taliban in the mountains near Qalat, Afghanistan. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro works out at the Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, fitness center. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. His fight to survive started on that mountain, where he refused to leave his 3-year-old son fatherless. He’d lost his father early in...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2008 – Thanks to a recommendation from the Army Wounded Warrior Program at Fort Riley, Kan., retired Army Sgt. Victor Thibeault of San Ramon, Calif., will study general education with the help of a “Sentinels of Freedom” scholarship that also benefits his family. “The Sentinels of Freedom scholarship has helped me to secure gainful employment [and] a rent-free living space and a minivan for my family, not to mention the unwavering support of the local community,” Thibeault said. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation provides four-year “life scholarships” to help severely wounded veterans become self-sufficient. Scholarship...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2008 – Air Force family liaison officers have an important role in assisting wounded warriors and their families, a San Antonio-based Air Force senior noncommissioned officer said. The Air Force’s family liaison officer program “truly is the lifeblood of taking care of our war wounded,” said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen B. Page, assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Page has assisted in the selection of family liaison officers that serve in his area. Family liaison officers, or as FLOs, are appointed by local commanders, according to the Air Force’s survivor...

SAN ANTONIO — Mary Dague hears the catty whispers sometimes. "So ugly," the strangers say when they think she can’t hear. The 24-year-old has bright green eyes, a quick smile, and on the days she gets her husband’s help, perfectly applied mascara and blush. But all the gawkers really see are her arms, each amputated above the elbow. What they don’t suppose — with no fatigues or standard-issue Army T-shirt to clue them in — is that this chatty young woman, who likes to wear a little black dress to fancy parties as much as the next girl, is an...

Operation Healing Angel of Homefront Hugs USA urgently needs cards for our wounded and the docs and nurses who care for them ALL year long- but especially during the holidays...it goes directly to our wounded...so please send that on too... we have 4 hospitals in the sandbox including Iraq and Afghanistan...we have been doing this for many years and you can trust this public charity !!!

11/26/2008 - SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- When her husband deployed to Iraq in January of 2006, Sonja McDonald decided to spend her time waiting for his return home, raising money to help wounded warriors and their families. Mrs. McDonald is married to Capt. Jim McDonald, a nurse at San Antonio Military Medical Center-North, formally known as Brooke Army Medical Center. Mrs. McDonald and her husband are working to help make the war-torn lives of those who are in Irag and Afghanistan and returning from there a little bit better. "He was trying to make a difference for them over there,...