Veteran's Post
Wounded warriors
By FREDDY GROVES

While there are a number of organizations devoted to helping veterans, only a few focus on the needs of severely wounded soldiers. The Wounded Warrior Project, a program of the United Spinal Association, steps in at the beginning, right at the bedside once the soldier is stateside.

Its mission: to provide programs, counseling, employment information and services for the needs of wounded service members to help in transition to civilian life.

One of the tools: organized sports and physical activity. In July, severely wounded soldiers participated in the O&P Extremity Games in Orlando, Fla., in rock climbing, skateboarding, biking and more. Wounded Warriors held kayak races and demonstrations. Last summer it was water skiing, scuba diving and sail instruction in New York. In February it was snow skiing. The programs run year-round.

The WWP sports project provides everything that's needed: transportation and lodging, instructors, adaptive equipment, meals - whatever it takes.

Another tool is the nowfamous backpacks. Upon reaching stateside, each soldier is given a backpack packed with things designed to offer a bit of comfort during transition: hooded sweatshirt and pants, CD player, toiletries, phone cards, personal notes and more. WWP has, through generous donations, given out literally thousands of these.

Check out www.woundedwarriorproject. com or call 1-800-404-2898. It's nonprofit, and 80 percent of every dollar goes to the programs. Maybe you'll donate for a backpack?

Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL328536475, or send an e-mail to letters. kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.