Between now and November 11th — Veterans Day — once again I’ll be mixing it up here on the blog. In April of 2008, I wrote my very first post on Soldiers’ Angels: There are angels, and then there are Soldiers’ Angels…

I talked about how I came to adopt my first deployed soldier. Since then, I’ve gone on to write several related posts and to adopt again. I can honestly say that it has been one of the most worthwhile and challenging things I have ever done.

However, that’s not what I’m posting about today. Today — and periodically in the days ahead — I’m going to be talking about a very special Soldiers’ Angels project, a project I’m passionate about — Project Valour-IT. And I’m talking about it now, because SA has just kicked off their major fundraiser for this cause.

Project Valour-IT 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. Items supplied include: Voice-controlled Laptops, Wii Video Game Systems, and Personal GPS…

Each of the devices Valour-IT supplies helps restore confidence and independence. Voice-activated laptops reconnect the wounded with the world and develop self-confidence by showing soldiers they can continue to be engaged and productive despite their injuries. Wounded service members also use the laptops for education about their medical care or preparation for post-military career. Physical therapists report Wii Sports and similar programs are extremely motivational and beneficial when used in physical therapy settings, though they are not standard equipment in military hospitals. And wounded personnel with short-term memory loss due to TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and severe PTSD use GPS systems to keep from getting lost or disoriented when they move on to more independent living.

During this annual fund-raiser, the different branches of the military engage in a bit of friendly competition to see who can raise the most funds for Valour-IT. However, all funds are for a single project and are used to support the wounded of any branch of the military.

I love a little friendly competition. It’s fun to shake things up now and again.

I joined Team Air Force. I know. I know. My adopted soldiers have been Army, but Mr. G, honey… well, he was Air Force. My path is clear.

If you are inclined, and I hope you are, you can make a donation on behalf of Team Air Force by clicking on the widget in the sidebar. Right up there at the top.

Of course, you may make a donation on behalf of any other service branch as well. Here’s a little linky.

Get clicking!

Thank you!!

Elen