A Tribute To Our Wounded Warriors

Taking a little different angle on this blog, I'd like to talk a little about the heroes that work to make our country safe.

Most of you know that my son, Jason, is currently serving in the Army and doing his part for all of us. He recently deployed to Iraq and is making me very proud. It's very disconcerting to know that he's in harm's way, but he loves what he does and he does it very well.

One of the tragedies of war is injuries sustained by our brave men and women of the military. There has been a lot of press about troubles at Walter Reed, but it's worth pointing out that we do take very good care of our wounded warriors. Last year the military instituted a new unit at most of the major bases around the country called a Warrior Transition Battalion. Like a combat battalion, the WTB has a typical command structure, but there is a difference. The soldiers of the WTB have all suffered severe injuries in the war. With their primary injuries treated and on the mend, these troops are receiving ongoing physical therapy and other treatments as needed. They are housed together which allows them to support one another during this difficult time.

It's called a transition battalion because this is a temporary place for them as they transition from injured status back to regular duty or back to civilian life. They are supported during this time by a tremendous staff of doctors, therapists, and others who not only help them to get well, but also to prepare for the next stage of their lives.

At Ft. Bragg, NC the WTB currently has about 300 members. I've been blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with members of this group of warriors along with retired Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman (USMC) on Saturday July 26. Jay is a decorated veteran of multiple combat deployments to Iraq and recently wrote a book (From Baghdad to America) which deals with his own transition to civilian life and his battle with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I'm honored to have a chance to tell these young men and women how much I appreciate the sacrifices they've made and to wish them well. Jay will be donating and signing copies of his book and I expect to do the same with my book, The Tangled Web.

I hope you'll one day have an opportunity to meet a soldier, sailor, marine or airman and that you will remember to thank them for their service.

I'll update in a few days to tell you about the visit.