Over the last 20 years, more than 20,000 American military service members have been wounded and nearly 2,500 American military service members have given their lives in Afghanistan. As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we must never forget the service and sacrifice of our brave heroes and their families and loved ones. There is no doubt that they made the world safer. Because of all who served and sacrificed, Americans and Afghans alike were saved from the brutality of the Taliban for almost two decades.
We echo the comments of Congressman Brian Mast, one of Helping a Hero’s first home recipients who lost both his legs while serving in the army in Afghanistan in 2010, “For us as service members that stand shoulder to shoulder with one another and are brothers-in-arms that maybe wore a different uniform, there’s no more serious commitment that we make to one another than this. We don’t leave our men behind.”
America’s veterans are our priority. We will continue to do all we can to provide specially adapted homes and resources that help our wounded veterans lead healthier, happier lives. Check with the veterans you know to make sure they are doing okay. Helping a Hero has compiled a list of resources and support groups that we’ve shared below.
Join us as we keep our nation’s military, our veterans, and our Gold Star families in our prayers.
God bless our heroes and our nation,
Your Helping a Hero Family
Veterans Resources
- No One Left Behind – Do you know an interpreter, their families, Americans and others who need to get out of Afghanistan? Call No One Left Behind.
- RallyPoint – Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
- Veteran Wellness Alliance – Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@
veteranwellnessalliance.org. - Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes – Join the Community or call 202-249-7170.
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You! or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) –
Contact them 24/7/365 by calling 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) or digitally at www.quickreaction force.org. - Travis Manion Foundation – 1-215-348-9080 or email [email protected].
- Together We Served – Find your battle buddies through unit pages.
- Team Red, White & Blue – Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
- Hope for the Warriors: Veteran Service Organization
- Challenge Aspen – If you need support and to get back with nature, apply with Challenge Aspen for winter and summer sports.
- Independence Fund – support and recreation programs and Track Chairs for our wounded warriors.
- Team Rubicon – volunteer to help with disaster aid.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Join a local Post and you can serve again, and you can meet men and women who have walked in your shoes.
- The American Legion – Local chapters available.
- Disabled American Veterans Charity (DAV)
Nominate a Wounded Hero in Need of a Home
Helping a Hero has launched the 100 Homes Challenge in partnership with Bass Pro Shops. If you are aware of an injured service member who needs a specially adapted home, we encourage you to participate in the “Nominate a Hero” program and enter the veteran in the selection process to become a home recipient. In order to qualify, a veteran must be 100% permanently disabled and injured in combat during the post-9/11 Global War on Terror.
Join us in letting our injured service members know they are not forgotten. Building an adapted home to restore their daily independence will remind our veterans, “America supports you!” Fill out the form and nominate a hero today.
