Fortunately, various charitable and veteran organizations have stepped up to fill the void caused by our dysfunctional national government. One of these organizations is the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. According to its website the mission of WWP is to honor and empower wounded warriors, to raise awareness, and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members. It works to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back into civilian life. Thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers receive support each year through WWP programs designed to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment.
Because of the proximity of Fort Bliss, there are many wounded warriors in our area. Some remain in the military service. Others transition back into civilian life. Sadly, few receive the support or respect they deserve. There are some who continue to believe that helping veterans is the same as supporting War. For example, the City of Las Cruces refuses to establish veteran’s hiring preferences to facilitate their transition. That seems like such a "no-brainer". Unfortunately, this is the kind of thinking that prevails among the majority of our local elected officials. Otherwise, there would be at least as much empathy for the plight of veterans as they have for stray animals or bicyclists.
While our local governments practice benign neglect, veterans are not without benefactors in our generous community. Jornada Masonic Lodge is organizing a dinner on July 14th to recognize and honor wounded warriors. We should reflect on the commitment and sacrifices these veterans made and show them how proud we are of them. Again, it isn’t about supporting War but about honoring those who gave so much. Businesses around the community are supporting this recognition dinner and have provided additional contributions to assist in their transition back into the community. Independence Day is the ideal time to remember how expensive Freedom was to win, how much it continues to cost, and who continues to pay the price.
If you would like more information about how you can participate in this local effort to recognize and honor these wounded warriors please contact Junior Adams at (575) 644-5774 or email him at: barbjr1@msn.com. For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.
After celebrating Independence Day support these wounded warriors by joining them for dinner on July 14th.
