By now, many of us have heard about the billions of dollars spent on the War in Iraq and the thousands of human lives lost. Yet, probably fewer of us are familiar with the other human costs of war: the injured and the disabled veterans at home. Conservative official estimates place the number at about 21,000 (combat injuries only) and unofficially at over 53,000 (combat and non-combat injuries).
While these numbers are stagerring, there was a time that supporting the troops meant supporting the President or supporting the war. No longer. Now than more ever, combat veterans of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan need our moral sensibilities as well as our political and philosophical ones.
Which is why Our Fifth Concern addresses the Human Costs of War.
Here's how you can help the troops at home and abroad:
1. Fisher House: Perhaps the largest organization of its kind, Fisher House provides specially-designed homes for injured veterans. The organization now operates 34 homes nationwide, each equipped with 8-21 suites that can accomodate 16-42 family members. The temporary homes also have plenty of living space and are located in close proximity to hospitals and care centers. For ways to help, click Here.
2. Homes For Our Troops: A similar organization, Homes For Our Troops provides permanent individual family homes for injured veterans. The homes are free for the veterans and are financed fully by private contributions. To read personal stories about affected veterans, click Here. To support activity in your state, click Here. To get involved and make donations, click Here and Here.
3. Any Soldier: You can send care packages to Any Soldier in Iraq through this organization. Click Here to learn how and what to send.
4. Books for Soldiers: Register on the Books for Soldiers website and send books, DVDs, and other items to entertain the troops. Seems easy enough.
Post a comment now to share other ways that we can support the vets. Come back later in the week for more suggestions and opportunities to serve Iraqis affected by the conflict as well.
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2 comments:
Hi Jared, I just wanted to let you know of an insightful book relating to the experience of war and the societal implications of violence and warfare (the impact on soldiers as well as on society at large). It's called "War is A Force that Gives us Meaning" by Chris Hedges and, although the title may suggest otherwise, it is a book that advocates for an end to violence from a humanist perspective. It may be helkpful to you in terms of learning more about this particular issue. Just thought I'd pass on the word...
Good words.
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