How to Help Wounded Warriors

Private Matthew Wheeler is a 19-year old young Soldier who was injured in Iraq in June 2008 during a refueling assignment. He has 2nd and 3rd degree burns over about 60% of his body. He was airlifted to Baghdad and then to a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, all within 18 hours. He was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center Hospital in San Antonio, Texas within about 48 hours of his accident, where he has undergone several surgeries to graft skin onto his burns and address infections that can develop with severe injuries. His family has been right beside him as he fights to recover. His mother, Janet, has been keeping friends and family up to date about Matthew's struggles and successes through CaringBridge, a free, personalized website that provides support and connection during critical illness, treatment and recovery. Fortunately, Matthew's recovery progresses providing one more proof that prayer does work. You can access Matthew's site here.

Yesterday, Janet's post listed several links the public can use to support both the wounded warriors at BAMC and their families. I asked Janet for permission to copy her post on my blog. Here it is:

I have been meaning to list some of the organizations and their contact sites that make it possible for the Wounded Warriors and their families to be as worry free as possible while here at BAMC. If you are wanting to be able to help in the recovery of these warriors, these are very noble organizations that are always in need of funds or frequent flier miles.

1.)judith.markelz@us.army.mil

2.)http://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/heroMiles.shtml

3.) http://www.operationcomfort.org/

4.) http://www.returningheroeshome.org/

5.) http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

6.) http://www.facethefire.org/

1.) The email address is for one of the staff at BAMC named Judith. She is the person to contact if you are wanting to make any kind of donation, monetary or otherwise, to BAMC. Many businesses give, as well as individuals, and it goes directly to running the warrior center here at the guest house that lodges the families and transitioning warriors that have reached outpatient status. They receive DVD's, reading materials, toiletries, video games, food that doesn't require refrigeration, bottled waters and juice boxes, and so much more. If in question as to what is acceptable to donate here and where to send it, please contact Judith.

2.) The Fisher House, hero miles program makes it possible for family and loved ones to visit using donated frequent flier miles.

3.) Operation Comfort is another wonderful organization that has assisted us on a few occasions. We have the use of a rental car here for 2 weeks because of them.

4.) Returning Heroes Home donations go toward the construction of a beautiful home here that is being built to house wounded warriors and families as they heal and reconnect their lives.

5.) Operation First Response, provides support to wounded warriors and their families.

6.) Face the Fire is a supportive ministry for survivors of fire, not just warriors and families, and was founded by Brian and Mel Birdwell. Brian is a burn survivor of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon.

Now that Matthew's condition has started to improve, Janet has taken the time to provide support and post about some of the other families there supporting thier wounded warrior. She's a wonder! I want to wish the best for Matthew, for his family, and for all our wounded warriors. Their strength is absolutely amazing.