Valour-IT 2009

Valour-IT - How long does it run?

From now (actually last week) until Veterans Day, November 11th, 2009.

Why S-B?

Well, from time to time we've been known to do a good thing, perhaps this way we can help support some of our brave young men and women that have put it all on the line. Now, you can go to Soldiers Angels and donate under one of the other teams, Army, Marines, or Air Force. I picked the Navy because, well, we are water-centric.

How to Donate?

Click on that Donation link on the bottom (or on the right side of the main site pages)

Valour-IT - What is it?

Short version: Every year, web sites and blogs pitch in around November and raise money for technology items to help servicemen and women recovering from their wounds. The different branches of the military reflect different "Teams" and compete to raise money for those injured.  S-B did this a couple years ago and we're doing it again this year. If you can, please help.

Long version: Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries.  Technology supplied includes:

# Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
# Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).
# Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.

The experience of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops and other technologies can be to a wounded service member's recovery.

Read More...

"...It is comforting to know there are people who care so much.  After a year of surgeries, treatment and therapy, it can be discouraging. Although I am a trained attorney, due to TBI, it is unclear what my future will be.  The computer will help with my therapy and my transition back to civilian work." – Captain V, U.S. Army Reserves

I work at the Men's and Women's Trauma Recovery Program at The Menlo Park VA. Our program's mission is to serve military men and women who are suffering from the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. On behalf of our entire program, I want to personally thank you for donating the WII Fit. The Wii gaming system offers opportunities for our patients to actively interact with one another, which is different from other gaming systems. For example four people can actually play tennis or baseball, which helps them engage with one another, and reduce isolation. The Wii fit will allow our patients to actively exercise with others and gives them another avenue to engage in healthy habits. With your donation, you are working with us to help support each person's recovery and building the foundation for a better quality of life for our veterans and active duty service members. - Melissa Puckett, Recreation Therapist/Supervisor, January 2009

January 18th, 2006

Dear Mrs. Smith,

It was brought to my attention that your organization, Soldier's Angels, did something very special for the Marines of our Injured Support Battalion. I want to take this time and thank you so much for your contribution to make special memories for those who sacrifice so much.

Your contribution of laptops is quite above and beyond. I am grateful that you have taken time to honor our injured heroes.
I remain...