About
In 2007, Veterans of Valor was launched from the heart and experiences of Sgt. Klay South (USMC, Ret.) after he was critically wounded November 11, 2004. While clearing houses in Fallujah, Iraq, Marine Cpl. Klay South pushed through a door and was met with a fury of gunfire. An AK-47 round ripped through the right side of his mouth and face, while another round went through his foot.
After enduring over 40 procedures and surgeries since 2004, Klay knows first hand the mental and physical strains of being a combat-wounded soldier. Our focus is on the therapeutic aspects of individual and family care. The organization exists to assist combat wounded veterans, and to provide unique items, services and programs to meet their specific physical, mental and emotional needs throughout the entire healing process.
Sgt. South travels to visit the combat-wounded soldiers at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and the Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. At the hospital visits, Sgt South gives each VoV recipient a backpack filled with items useful to their extended stays. In addition to the ward visits, he takes the combat-wounded that are able to leave the hospital or are on outpatient care to outings at Dave & Busters. At these outings, the recipients of Veterans of Valor and their families enjoy fun, food and friendship with each other and the staff of VoV. These outings are designed to get the combat-wounded away from the hospitals, where they can enjoy themselves and get their minds off of their injuries.
Veterans of Valor has assisted hundreds of severely wounded (Level 1 Trauma) service members and their families. As the need grows, so will our efforts. Our sights are set next on launching a long-term mentorship program for these injured service members. Connecting with veterans of previous conflicts who have, and still are, facing the same challenges as this current generation will ease and accelerate the reintegration process. We invite you to join us as we help those who have fought and sacrificed for our nation.
