Today is set aside to honor our Veterans, those men and women who have served, and those who are serving, offering their lives in defense of the United States of America. It's really something we should do every day - take a minute to thank the Vets around you for their service, send cards / letters through Soldiers' Angels, AnySoldier or Books for Soldiers, stop at a VA facility and brighten someone's day -- whatever way works for you. But at least, take the time today to seek out and thank as many Veterans as you can.
Thanks to John and SWWBO, Bill, Dusty, Sgt B, Keith, Heartless Libertarian, ChuckZ, Neptunus Lex, Doc in the Box, Maj Pain and America's Son. Thank you to the whole gang at Blackfive, Greyhawk, Michael Yon, Army Girl, Allie, Joel, MacGyver, and so many others I have met through blogging. And thank you to Max (both of you!), Wendell, Sneddy, Rob, and countless more who I've met over the years.
Today is also the perfect day to launch this year's Project Valour-IT event. That's right, it's time to use a little of that inter-service rivalry for a great cause ... the 2008 Valour-IT fundraiser!
Project Valour-IT (formerly Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops)
In memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss
It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl. –Major Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, on using a voice-controlled laptop
Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Technology supplied includes:
•Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
•Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions.
•Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to TBI and severe PTSD.
The experience of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops and other technologies can be to a wounded service member's recovery
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As a Denizen of Argghhh!, I am joining the Army team ...
Check back for updates! Meanwhile - go read more at the Soldiers Angels site. And then donate to the ARMY team!
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