Running three miles for someone else’s shoes
Coming home after a long separation is usually something to celebrate, but when soldiers who have been wounded in combat return, the reunion is more complex.
“Everybody gives up a little bit of themselves when they deploy,” said senior Army ROTC Cadet Kevin Moultrie. “They all need help, whether they get it from a legitimate source like a counselor or friends.”
This need is sometimes met by government programs, such as Military OneSource or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But there are also nonprofit organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) that provide help for those in need.
Moultrie, a senior majoring in political science, is one of the officers in charge of fundraising for the Army ROTC program this year. He said he wanted to do a fundraiser for WWP because they run strictly on donations.
“Because they are a nonprofit organization, they can take things more case by case,” Moultrie said. “They help with therapy, injuries, job placement, they help wounded soldiers coming home to readjust back into society with as few hiccups as possible.”
Saturday, the Army ROTC will hold a 5-kilometer run to benefit WWP. Registrations cost is $15 online and $20 for day the of.
“We’re focusing mainly on students and members of the community,” said Ray Sullivan, also a senior ROTC cadet. “It’s a good opportunity for civilians to interact with the military in a positive way and come together to support our troops.”
Sullivan said he’s helped Moultrie try to get local businesses involved to raise awareness.
“The most important or biggest thing, I think, is that people should be aware of the sacrifices other people are making on their behalf,” Sullivan said. “I’ve known some people who’ve come back, and some who’ve moved on — making the ultimate sacrifice.”
Sullivan is not the only one who knows military personnel who have made sacrifices. Jessica Vasil, a senior majoring in political science and public relations, said she’s had friends who were both injured and killed in Iraq, and she currently has family and friends in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It makes this event even closer to my heart. There have definitely been some emotional moments, but I think it’s important for people to remember why we are doing this,” Vasil said. “I have enjoyed working on this project, because it’s a cause I feel passionate about.”
According to the WWP website, its mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. It offers many sources for families and troops to find comfort and know they are not alone. WWP also produces a magazine, highlighting stories of heroes from around the country. The site contains photos of soldiers who have returned from combat with severe burns, loss of limbs or other physical and mental injuries.
“This isn’t a charity that is faceless,” Vasil said. “There are some very amazing men and women who are doing this for us, who deserve recognition and honor for serving our country.”
Moultrie said basically everyone who has been deployed comes home with some level of PTSD, but the extent of injuries goes further than that.
“There are about 46,000 injuries currently from combat, and that doesn’t even include mental health. Estimates I’ve read range from 60,000 to 90,000 (total injuries),” Moultrie said. “It’s really personal. The army is one big family. When one person goes down, it affects us all.”
Vasil, who has helped to plan and get the word out about the event, said the WWP helps to make sure people who come home from combat are not neglected.
“Our military protect our freedom, and all too often they are overlooked or forgotten upon their return,” Vasil said. “The WWP makes sure this does not happen.”
Moultrie said the goal is to have at least 100 participants at the race, which would generate at least $1500 for WWP.
“I think we’re going to exceed that though,” Moultrie said. “Our Facebook event has blown up, and we have almost 1,000 people invited as a result of the efforts of my program to get the word out.”
The race will begin Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. on the east side of the HPER Building. The first 100 people registered will receive a T-shirt.
– m.noble@aggiemail.usu.edu