As all of you are
probably aware, today is Veteran’s Day. A day to celebrate the heroism,
service, and sacrifice of all the men and women who selflessly served/are
serving in our United States’ Armed Forces.
What we must not
forget on this day of red, white, and blue, stars&stripes, is that for many
of our returning veterans, although they are no longer actively serving on the
battlefields, the battle is not anywhere close
to being “over”.
Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) is just one of the many long-lasting and invisible wounds of war. Another, which especially resonates with
me, is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). There are numerous organizations
established to ensure that our bravest are “taken care of” when they return
home after their deployment. Most of these programs, such as the Wounded
Warrior Project, focus more on the physical
wounds, such as missing limbs, loss of eyesight, and many more mobility
issues. There is one program, which not only aides these brave warriors’
physical necessities, but also the silent
wounds of war. That organization is The Bob Woodruff Foundation.
Established by ABC News’ Bob Woodruff
and his wife, Lee, the foundation’s main mission is “…to ensure injured veterans and their families are thriving long after they
return home… find and fund innovative programs in communities where veterans,
their families and caregivers live and work” (bobwoodrufffoundation.org).
Mr. Woodruff is also
a SURVIVOR of TBI, which he sustained back in January 2006 while covering the
war in Iraq. At the time, Bob was ABC’s
newly appointed news anchor, and the vehicle in which he was traveling was hit
by a roadside bomb. His TBI nearly ended his life, yet it inspired him and his
family to focus on and pioneer one thing: “Give our injured heroes access to
the high level of support and resources they deserve, for as long as they need
it.”
Although I myself am
not a veteran, I am so incredibly appreciative of foundations such as this. Not
only does it ensure that our bravest are taken care of, but was founded as a
result of Bob’s journey through TBI. It also gives me even more motivation to,
as Robin Roberts says, “Make my mess my message”.
From the bottom of my
heart, with the utmost sincerity and gratitude, I would like to give a
resounding “THANK-YOU” to every veteran, on this day and every day!
