Funds are critically needed this holiday season, to help the Nassau County Firefighter Operation Wounded Warrior program deliver as many computer pads as possible, to wounded veterans on Long Island, as well as at Fort Bragg, Camp Lajune, and Walter Reed Hospital.
The firefighter’s holiday donation drive is ongoing now, with trips planned in early December. The NCFF OWW is all-volunteer, firefighters and supporting organizations provide funds and donations beyond what the VA provides.
Last December, the LI firefighters delivered 80 IPads, 10 PCs, and two packed trucks to wounded military personnel at Fort Bragg and Camp Lajune.
An additional 60 IPads, 10 PCs, and other necessities were provided to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed and on L.I. These computer items cost about $80,000, all raised by donations to the program. Importantly, helpful personal computer technology is not provided by the military. At present, there are no major sponsors for these items.
Among necessary donations of less expensive items, such as toiletries, blankets, toys, and clothing, the firefighters have also been able to provide specialized motorized wheelchairs, as well as an anti-gravity treadmill to Camp Lejeune, at a cost of approximately $15,000 each.
Computer pads are especially needed by wounded soldiers and their doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and physical therapists, to be able to upload medical information and histories, treatment programs, schedules, and medications, so as to be convenient, efficient, and portable.
Computer pads are vitally important over paper records in use, especially since the military frequently moves soldiers to various specialized treatment centers located throughout the country, depending on the injury. For example, serious burn victims are often sent to Austin, Texas, for treatment. Fort Bragg, in Va., has an excellent traumatic brain, spinal column, and PTSD Intrepid Spirit Program.
A similar program is located at the Madigan military center in the state of Washington. Walter Reed handles certain injuries and care, as do other locations.
One important thing to consider, while we know from the news that war-related injuries are fortunately down, the number of wounded from training and related accidents is a constant.
Each year many soldiers are wounded or otherwise incapacitated in this manner, with required treatment at various military locations—both short and long-term. This is a norm, in addition to the combat-related injuries.
Please consider helping the NCFF OWW volunteers this holiday season by donating specifically for computer pads. Send your donation by check made out to: Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, sent to P.O. Box 295, Garden City, NY 11530.
Also feel free to contact the program’s president, Joseph O’Grady, at 516-462-4617, to inquire about other ways you can help. Or email: Jogrady1@NCFF-oww.org.
Submitted by Stephen Cipot.
