Web Directories Link Vets With Services
Wounded Warriors Resources
A new generation of Web-based directories from the Department of Defense and private non-profit
organizations are linking wounded warriors with services. The Bob Woodruf Foundation funds local
organizations who make a difference on a national level.
At ReMind.org, the Bob Woodruf Foundation, there are reminders that flash across your
screen:
- More than 1.64 million U.S. service members have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since October 2001. (DoD)
- 90% of today's seriously wounded U.S. military service members are surviving. (VA)
- Nearly 20 percent of U.S. service members returning from combat will report symptoms of PTSD or major depression. (RAND)
- Nearly 5.3 million veterans will receive care at the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2009. (www.whitehouse.gov)
ABC journalist Bob Woodruf, while reporting in Iraq, suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in
a roadside bombing. During his recovery he got to know many of the injured troops. The Bob Woodruf
Foundation funds community programs that improve health, wellness, adaptive equipment,
transportation, education, training, respite, recreation, and support for wounded warriors. While
the initial focus was on those with TBI, the mission has expanded to include all those who suffer
the hidden injuries of war. The Rand Corporation states, "As public concern over these injuries
grows, policy changes and funding shifts are already occurring."
Policy changes are already occurring and wounded warriors can find evidence of this at the
Department of Defense. On November 17, 2008, the DoD in collaboration with the Departments of Labor
and Veterans Affairs launched a resource directory of care coordinators, providers and support
partners with resources for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families,
families of the fallen and those who support them.
Located at
http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, the directory offers more than 10,000
medical and non-medical services. The directory includes resources to help service members and
veterans achieve personal and professional goals along their journey from recovery through
rehabilitation to community reintegration.
Another new Web-based, initiative of the DoD is the Wounded Warrior Diaries. "The diaries are
intended to be sources of strength, encouragement and reassurance for other wounded troops and
their families," Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brook DeWalt, DoD's director of new media, said. "They illustrate
the ultimate triumph over injury – returning to full and active lives through hard work and the
support of loved ones, the community and the military family."
Located at
http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2008/0908_wwd/index.html, the Wounded
Warrior Diaries feature videos of servicemembers relaying their stories in their own words. The
videos are accompanied by a written account of their experiences. The site launched with four
diaries, and a new diary will be added each month. If you are interested in recording your own
experience there is a contact link on the site.
Wounded Warriors seeking employment in the building and construction trades, can find
opportunities for which disabled veterans with a 30 percent or more disability, as determined by
your Veterans Administration disability rating, are encouraged to apply. Opportunities with a
Purple Heart icon indicate employers who are actively seeking to hire disabled veterans. Creating
an account at
www.helmetstohardhats.org is the first step to
finding these opportunities. For more information about the Wounded Warrior program contact Rob
Schwartz, Helmets to Hardhats Wounded Warrior Program Coordinator, at
rschwartz@helmetstohardhats.org.
