Nov
11

Veterans and Refugees: Byproducts of War

DOD Public Domain

DOD Public Domain

Thank you veterans, for your service to our country.

When things go wrong in the world, the United States often seeks to project our power to make things right. We asked you to give part or all of your life to make things right. Some times it worked, some times it didn’t. But you did what we asked.
Agree or disagree with the policy that put you in harms way, we owe a debt to you. Some of you served while we were still deciding what we wanted you to do. Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq come to mind.
However you served, wherever and whenever it was. Thank you.
Refugees are another group produced by human inability to avoid conflict. Refugees and veterans share many similarities. Refugees are asked to make life changing sacrifices, too. We bear some responsibility to them also.
I thought it fitting to highlight two websites today. One supporting veterans and one supporting refugees. Each gives you an opportunity to help people living with the effects of war.

Refugees United

Refugees United provides refugees with an anonymous forum to reconnect with missing family. By registering with nick- names, scars, former locations and other markers only identifiable to family and close friends, everyone can remain ‘invisible’ to all but relatives.

  • All refugees are welcome, regardless of conflict, place or time.
  • Refugees United is an independent, non-political, non-religious NGO.
  • No third party is involved. No official papers need to be filled in.
  • The service is free of charge, easy and safe.

The Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation’s greatest citizens. The WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns, and blast injuries that will retire these brave warriors from military service.

From the battlefield to their bedside, WWP is there to meet the needs of our wounded heroes:

  • Provide them with unique programs and services.
  • Raise awareness and enlist public support.
  • Provide a means for veterans to help each other.
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8 Responses to “Veterans and Refugees: Byproducts of War”

  1. Willis Whitlock
    November 11th, 2008 at 6:54 pm

    Sent by ar0cketman via StumbleUpon:

    I’ve done quite a few things with my girlfriend who is a Blue Star Mother to support the Wounded Warrior project. I committed to volunteer several hundred hours of my time cutting and welding steel for the remodel of the local veteran’s park. I’m a vet.

    When I was active, I volunteered my liberty time around the world to take part in several projects to help refugees.

    I’ve got a policy, I only volunteer my personal labor, only in that way can I be sure it isn’t squandered. True, it has limitations, primarily in portability and reach, but “Think Global, Act Local” does work.

    Thanks for your service ar0cketman.

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  2. claudia goldstein
    November 11th, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    Thank you for sharing these 2 websites. Thank you to the veterans that worked so far to keep us free.

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  3. Willis Whitlock
    November 11th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    @claudia goldstein -
    Welcome, and thanks for your comment Claudia.

    Reply Quote
  4. aliasinkhorn
    November 12th, 2008 at 10:03 am

    I had unexpected difficulties to comment to this post and, tho a day late, will add my thought.

    I have traveled the world and have seen in some instances the mark of war on the lives of the survivors. It is a testament to the human constitution and resilience that these people contain the inner light of love and compassion - and hope passively to receive both. Nearly all these people have an appreciation for life and labor that is unequaled among those of us who think daily inconveniences are great troubles. I am pleased to learn about Refugees United. Being disconnected with family and loved ones as a result war is understandably often overlooked or dismissed by NGOs in their efforts to assist and help.

    Veterans are those citizens that put their lives in front of our nation and our nation’s values. In doing so, they placed their honor and faith, blood and lives, will and grit to defend our land and those of others. Their service is out of proportion to their pay; this is a testament to their love of country.

    It is our duty to assist those who have been injured in the service of our country. It is our trust to compensate their needs by any assistance that will ease them in their lives and daily routines. I’m pleased to learn of The Wounded Warrior Project and its programs. Citizens helping citizens who have put their lives on the line for our country. I salute them all.

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  5. Willis Whitlock
    November 12th, 2008 at 10:17 am

    @aliasinkhorn -
    Thanks for your insights.

    You are welcome to comment here anytime. I don’t keep track of tardies and I don’t take off points for late work. :))

    Reply Quote
  6. Julie
    November 12th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

    Willis:

    Thank you for bring to our attention these two wonderful sites. Vets often go overlooked and like we know from their return Vietnam were ridiculed and treated badly. Veterans day is a day of reflection for all Vets and their families. Some made it home and some did not. Let us never forget what they do for us and our country. God Bless The USA and all it’s Veterans.

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  7. Willis Whitlock
    November 12th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    @Julie -
    Forgotten heroes is the label often associated with Vets. It should not be. Thanks for your comment.

    Reply Quote
  8. Beverly
    November 20th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks Willis for helping us to see more of the needs in this world and knowing that the love of Jesus will make a difference.

    Reply Quote

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