As the end of 2007 draws near, the Veterans Coalition and the Commission on the Future are working with congressional members to enact legislation to support “The Year of the American Veteran 2008." Accompanying the naming of The Year of the American Veteran will be the motto “Remembering Our Past, Saluting Our Present and Inspiring Our Future”.

  In order to commemorate the year completely the Veterans Coalition has set up a contest for everyone to participate in. The contest asks that individuals submit artwork or graphic designs depicting or representing the motto. The chosen winner will have their artwork displayed on coins, publications and commemorative materials. Deadlines for submissions is December 20 2007.

  Entries should be mailed to: 1200 18th St. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036 or emailed to: christinag@future4vets.org.

Thank you for supporting our troops and veterans.

I am not a supporter of the Iraqi War however I was most impressed and quite frankly moved to read about the AW2 program. The idea that no serviceperson will be left behind, both on the battlefield and at home, is a cornerstone of our nation's ideals. Too often our warriors are left and forgotten even though they will bear the physical scars of conflict for the rest of their lives. Kudo's to our warriors and keep up the good work AW2.
P.S. - This blog is a great idea.

As a member of the Patriot Guard, I am well aware of the sacrifices our Soldiers make. I'm looking for a wounded warrior in the Plano, Texas area I could help (mowing the yard, home repair, shopping, whatever needs to be done). Both my wife and I are vets and just want to help in some small way.

I thank everyone and every organization that has given support and showed respect to the WTCs, and as an injured Soldier from Kuwait, I and others thank you. I don't know if this is where I can show how grateful I am, but again, thank you for starting this program and getting all involved. My transition has been, and still is, very simple and with no stress. So the recuperating time as been good.

Could anyone tell me how to make the federal government adhere to their policy of giving hiring priority to wounded war vets? I have applied for several jobs at different agencies (thru USAjobs) that were well within my capabilities and have yet to receive any notice of consideration, much less, given an interview...

Van Guilder, have you checked with your local ACAP (Army Career and Alumni Program) office? I know the staff at Fort Lewis are extremely knowledgeable of the federal hiring process and can help you strengthen your statements to the position. From experience, other ACAP sites are equally as knowledgeable, helpful and professional. Good luck with your federal job search.  

I am a retired soldier and I would like to get the word out that I would like to assist other soldiers that have been wounded in war. My wife and I own 12.1 acres of land in Hardin/Tyler County, Texas. We would like to develope a community where soldiers that have been wounded and are considered handicapped to live and restore their abilities. We are seeking other retired soldiers that have skills and abilities and are willing to sit on the Board of Directors or on the Advisory Board for the development of this Community. Individuals may contact me at FloodJrlBmnt@aol.com if they are interested. The homes and facilities that are being planned are state of the art homes and facilities, but we need input from many sources that will make it benefitial to our comrades.
Sincerely,
Leo P. Flood, Jr.
US Army Retired

My uncle, Joseph Ecsedy, served in WW II and has 3 Purple Hearts, and Bronze and Silver Stars, etc. He has jungle rot, malaria and curvature of the spine from having parts removed from his body due to wounds. He is 95 years old. I don't understand why he never received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was a master sergeant airborne squad, Merrill’s Marauders, Pacific theatre. I appreciate his service for me and others to remain free. That's why we are in Iraq. Love in Jesus, Stephen 4th Armored Division.

My son is suffering from PTSD. He served 2 tours in Iraq, first at the age of 18. He was a combat engineer. He was in Tallafar, the Syrian Border, Fallujah, Ramadi and other places. He came back to his base in Colorado and had a breakdown. The military discharged him with a pre-existing personality disorder and he was getting bills from the Dept. of Treasury saying he owes his re-enlistment bonus back plus interest. We have been contacted by a gentleman who is with the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Project. He says he want to help, but truly at this point I don't trust the U.S. Army.  The Army's motto is "No soldier left behind," what do you call this? America ought to be ashamed to treat our warriors this way.
signed,
one very mad mother

  I was hoping I could get some good feedback on this situation that I am having, I am suffering from hearing loss due to an IED that I was hit with in April 2004. I am currently deployed as well; my problem is trying to receive my Purple Heart that Walter Reed Hospital said I should have received. The thing is I did not get an LOD, only my gunner did. He was awarded his Purple Heart about a year later through the VA.
  My gunner gave me his paperwork on the LOD and sworn statement; my name as well as my driver is also on the LOD and sworn statement. I just do not know where to start my process. I did not know I had this injury until I returned home. I figured the ringing in my ears would just go away in time, I lost my opportunity to become L.A.P.D officer when I returned home due to hearing loss. I just feel a little cheated out of a career I have been waiting for all my life, so if anyone out there can help me please e-mail me. It would be much appreciated.
  P.S. My twin brother who was wounded in Iraq gave me this website and he also is one of the wounded warrior project members.

  Just like the Wounded Warrior Program, Snowball Express has a mission that supports our heroes who have served in the military. For us, our mission is to provide hope and new memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died since 9/11.
  For the last two years we have sponsored an all expense paid weekend for these children by bringing them and their surviving parent to an event that last year had over 1,100 attendees—the largest gathering of its kind since 9/11—to Orange County Calif. Last year over 700 chldren, who all had lost a parent, gathered together in one place for a memorable weekend.
  Families who are eligible can simply go to www.snowballexpress.org and go to the link that says "sign up" and begin the process. Once we confirm the family's eligibilty by reviewing the properly submitted miltiary casualty report the families are notified and their attendance for Dec. 2008 is assured.
  As of Jan. 9, 2008 there were over 3000 children, 18 years and younger, who represent 1,370 families who have lost a military fallen hero since 9/11. These children will never have the memories that most children will have, but by bringing these children together for a weekend of new memories we provide them hope and encouragement that life can go on and that others do care.
  We were proud to have members of the 9/11 HelpAmerica Foundation wounded warriors greeting the families as they arrived in Los Angeles. Mike Talleda, director, and his volunteers do great work in the L.A. area. We were honored to have them helping us work with these families throughout the weekend.
  Please tell any eligible families of this effort to give these children a reason to smile and meet other children exactly like them.
Lt. Col. Roy White, (RET)
Chairman, Snowball Express Board of Directors