GIVING THANKS: PROJECT VALOUR-IT

I am thankful for many things in my life... the list is long. And on my list are having the use of my hands and my eyes... and the ability to organize my thoughts and communicate with friends and family far and wide via my computer. Sadly, for any number of wounded soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, they do not... and they can use our help.

The annual fund-raising drive for SOLDIER'S ANGELS' PROJECT VALOUR-IT, which donates voice-activated laptops to disabled soldiers, kicked off last week. It goes through Thanksgiving.

In the years since its founding in 2005, the project has acted to meet emerging needs and its mission of supporting the severely wounded. Valour-IT helps provide voice activated laptops, to our injured Soldiers and personal GPS systems that help compensate for short-term memory loss and organizational/special challenges common in those with traumatic brain injuries -- the signature wound of the Iraq war.

Originally Valour-IT provided the voice-controlled software, but now works closely with the Department of Defense Computer/electronic Accommodations Program (CAP): CAP supplies the adaptive software and Valour-IT provides the laptop. In addition, DoD caseworkers serve as Valour-IT’s “eyes and ears” at several medical centers, identifying possible laptop recipients. Wounded military personnel can also directly request a laptop through the sign-up form or through the Valour-IT/Soldiers’ Angels representatives at the following medical centers:

* Balboa Naval Hospital
* Brooke Army Medical Center
* Madigan Regional Medical Center
* National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda Naval Hospital)
* Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton
* Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital (29 Palms)
* Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Thanks to the efforts of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Valour-IT is also able to reach patients in VA hospitals who would benefit from a Valour-IT laptop.

Valour-IT accepts donations in any amount to support the purchase and distribution of laptops, but also offers a sponsorship option. An individual or organization may sponsor a wounded soldier by completely funding the cost of a laptop and continuing to provide that soldier with personal support and encouragement throughout recovery. This has proved to be an excellent project for churches, groups of coworkers or friends, and members of community organizations such Boy Scouts.

This year in honor of the three Navy guys I love (two veterans and one still serving), I am raising money as part of the NAVY team! Click below to donate NOW! The campaign runs through Thanksgiving!

(Stolen shamelessly for a good cause from LW at Blackfive - but moved to Navy.) WORTH NOTING: It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: IRS INFO for proof for the cautious).

The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put NAVY in big letters on the check):

Soldiers' Angels
Project Valour-IT Fund - NAVY TEAM
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, Ca 91104

Let's be a part of something big.