Valour

It's been a while since I blogged about Project Valour-IT, the initiative from Soldier's Angels to get laptop computers with voice activated software. These laptops will be placed in military hospitals around the country and overseas and will help wounded soldiers who are unable to type to be able to communicate with friends and family, to share their experiences, and to regain some of what they've lost.

Valour-IT was inspired by CPT Chuck Ziegenfuss who was injured in an IED attack in Iraq. Unable to use his hands, CPT Z asked for a laptop with voice-activated software so he could keep in touch with his family and friends via the internet. The idea caught on, and distribution of laptops is taking place at Bethesda Naval Hospital and is planned for seven other military hospitals as we speak.

Each laptop costs only $685 to acquire and equip with the voice software. Consequently, any small donation goes a long way towards giving a wounded soldier a link with home and family and a new window for recovery.

From now until Veteran's Day (November 11), Soldier's Angels is sponsoring a big fundraising drive. EVERY donor who contributes between now and 11/11 recieves a special Soldier's Angels coin (you military types understand what those are) and large donors may also recieve additional goodies.

We're also having a friendly competition between the branches. This blog is proud to be a part of Team Army (led by Milblogger Blackfive) in honor of DH, B-i-L M, friend H, Uncle D, Uncle L, Grandpa H, and Grandpa S, all army vets (9/11, Iraq, Vietnam, WWII, WWI). To learn more about our team, go here.

If you donate $50 or more via the button on the left sidebar to Team Army on behalf of this blog you win the essay of your choice, 300-500 words, written by me and gratutitous linkage (we don't do blogads here). To donate via snail mail, go here for the address. Be sure to mark your check with "For Valour-IT" and "Team Army".

Our fundraising goals are $21,000 and to stick it to those Jarheads, Zoomies, and Squids!

We're already at $2385 after just one day. Even $5 helps.

GO ARMY!