Programs
Currently, Veterans of Valor has two main programs:
Backpacks – The delivery of packs filled with items like super soft athletic wear, a Nook Color and encouraging audio books.
A Night Out – A chance for wounded service members to step away from their “first community” – the hospital – and into their “second community,” a local place where they can relax and enjoy time with family and friends. While it may seem like simply a good time to the patients, the therapeutic value of these events is immeasurable. It is a crucial step in preparing the wounded men and women for reintegration into their “third community,” their hometowns, away from others who look like them or are facing similar challenges. These events are an important step into the middle ground of transition.
Eligibility – U.S. military service members wounded in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) are eligible to participate in Veterans of Valor programs.
Each recipient receives a backpack that is a lightweight, JanSport LiveWire™ audio backpack with built-in controls which enable a user to navigate an Apple iPod® without pulling it out of the backpack. The backpack also contains two large main compartments, two outside twin mesh pockets, and an organizer inside to keep essentials handy. The backpack easily attaches to a wheelchair.
Each backpack is filled with the following items:
Apple iPod®: 30 GB, capable of saving 7,500 songs. Each iPod® is pre-loaded by Veterans of Valor staff with music, audio books, and movies. It may easily be loaded with personal preferences, too.
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Amazon Kindle®: The Kindle is an electronic device for downloading, storing, and reading electronic books, known as e-books. The Kindle has instant wireless access to Amazon.com and their huge number of e-books (over 115,000 and growing). You can read newspapers, subscribe to magazines and blogs, and even play audio files such as MP3’s or audio books. The Kindle is compact and lightweight so it is easy to handle.
Sony PSP (PlayStation® Portable): Integrated handheld system designed to handle multiple applications including games, video communication, wireless networking, and music. Wounded veterans enjoy 3-D games with full motion video and hi-fidelity audio that delivers an absorbing experience.
Athletic Wear: A full athletic suit is included in each pack. Specially designed break-away pants allow for easy care of lower torso and leg wounds. The matching jacket is comfortable, yet stylish. Cotton shorts and a t-shirt are designed for practical and comfortable wear.
Patriotic Pillow: Perfect-size compact pillow from the official Patriotic Pillow Project encased in a handcrafted quilted pillow cover that features a replica of our nation’s flag. A thank you note of appreciation for the wounded military Hero is tucked in every pillowcase.
Bible: An NIV version of the Bible is included for guidance, encouragement, and help.
In An Instant: A Family’s Journey of Love and Healing: This book, written by ABC correspondent Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee Woodruff, carries a powerful, relevant message of hope.
Binder: Each specially designed binder contains a goal-setting sheet for family members, a place to journal and make notes, and compartments for business cards.
Playing Cards: Each pack contains a set of playing cards to help pass the time between appointments or treatments.
Each month, Veterans of Valor visits the medical wards at facilities in Washington D.C. and San Antonio. One night is set aside for dinner and an evening out for wounded veterans and their families. Such events provide the opportunity for all involved to convene away from the hospital environment, relax and celebrate progress made along the long road of recovery.
Enjoyment and relaxation is only one aspect of this event. Its therapeutic value is immeasurable. During recovery, these service members enter a hospital community filled with other wounded heroes who may look like or face the same challenges they do. Bonds of close-knit support are formed in this setting, and are crucial to the individual’s complete recovery. Our outings are often the first time these brave men and women step into public with disfiguring injuries. We foster and encourage these early steps into public with a wounded service member’s support network and community in tow. Veterans of Valor has seen individuals make impressive progress during this transitional phase from hospital to hometown community.
U.S. military service members wounded in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) are eligible to participate in Veterans of Valor programs.
To be eligible for a Veterans of Valor program, a combat wounded veteran must have a qualified medical professional (usually a physician) state in writing that the veteran will or did require at least 6 months of recovery or treatment time. Please note that the wounded veteran does not have to wait six months before receiving benefits; a qualified medical professional may complete the written statement immediately after the wounded veteran begins treatment.
This written statement of medical eligibility must be sent to Veterans of Valor, along with a referral by a medical professional, or any of the following: U.S. Marine, U.S. Soldier, U.S. Sailor, U.S. Airman, parent, spouse, or child of the wounded veteran. Please contact Veterans of Valor for more information.
