JCS chairman accentuates Warrior Care Month

  • Published
  • By Adm. Michael G. Mullen
  • Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  November 2008 is dedicated as Warrior Care Month by the Department of Defense. As we gather together, in the season of both thanks and giving, our nation pauses to recognize the sacrifices of today's service men and women in uniform, along with their families.

Many families still face significant challenges in coping with the wounds of war, both seen and unseen. More than 35,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen have been injured while serving in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

But we owe more than just gratitude to our wounded and fallen, their families and those who stood beside them in combat. We must do everything within our power to ensure they receive the care and benefits they so richly deserve. These veterans have given one-hundred percent, and they deserve one-hundred percent back.

And already, rising from America's great sea of goodwill, thousands of volunteer organizations and individuals have stepped up to support our veterans and their families as they make the critical transition from the rigors of combat to the responsibilities of home.

Our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, placed this issue in a national perspective. 

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war ... shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by this country."

The Joint Chiefs and I salute our Wounded Warriors and their families, as well as the constellation of volunteers and support organizations who give so generously. Each selfless act underlines President Washington's observation: Our treatment and appreciation of our veterans is a reflection of our readiness, and our worth, as a nation. 

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