At Grafik we try to avoid politics as we have as many dyed in the wool Democrats as we have staunch Republicans. Except for the occasional jab here and there we do not all agree on the country’s economic path, the health care initiatives, or whether we should be in Afghanistan and Iraq. Yet there is one thing I think we all agree on- that is the need to support our soldiers who are fighting the nation’s battles. And so, on Veteran’s Day we believe it is critical to do more than wave a flag or go on a shopping spree. We need to demonstrate through action how we can improve the lives of our soldiers who have been hurt in battle. It is important to recognize the hardships that our soldiers face- some who have lost limbs, some who have severe psychological disorders, some who have some back with brain damage, loss of vision or hearing, or with severe disfigurement. And it is vital to help them re-enter their lives, help them secure jobs in the worst economic recession, help them re-adjust to their families that no matter how supportive they are have not experienced the battleground, and help them through the months of surgeries and rehab that will get them moving again.

There is one organization that stands above the rest in helping wounded soldiers. The Wounded Warrior Project was conceived in 2002 by John Melia to help battle scarred soldiers and their families. I first heard of this organization when John Melia gave a moving interview on NPR many years ago. His passion and energy were quite evident, and as a former soldier who had been hurt, he knew exactly what his comrades were facing. Facts that support his case:  over 40,000 soldiers have been wounded in the recent battles in Iraq and Afghanistan;  over 300,000 have some type of post traumatic stress disorders as a result of their experiences; this is the highest number of wounded soldiers in any war since the Civil War.

The Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is quite clear: To honor and empower wounded warriors. Their tagline which cuts to the heart of their cause is: The greatest casualty is being forgotten. Through a variety of programs they have tapped into a grass roots effort to support our soldiers by raising money used to help soldiers and their familieis, through events to demonstrate our appreciation, and through lobbying efforts designed to get more assistance funneled towards those in need.

When I first looked at this organization I was moved- and quickly donated. But I also kept thinking how unusual it was for them to use the word “warrior” instead of “soldier”. Now that reasoning is crystal clear. Leaving the battlefield alive is only the start of the battle. There is a battle everyday to get through endless medical procedures, to go through rehab, to wade through mountains of paperwork,  to support families that have been thrown into economic turmoil, to battle emotional demons. And many of our soldiers have looked at these battles head on and fought to regain independence. Today, and everyday it is our responsibility to walk with them- through a show of support and also through financial support.

The Wounded Warrior Project deserves consideration- no matter what your political stance may be. I urge you to take a look at their organization and take a positive step to help our wounded move forward.