AFA's New Wounded Airman Initiative

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association and its chapters have taken on a new initiative to help care for wounded Airmen as they make their way from the front line to their home. AFA Chapters around the world are participating in this effort along with the Air Force Recovery Care Coordinators to provide support to Airmen's needs while in various phases of recovery.

When Airmen are injured and returning to the United States, they are typically bereft of their belongings. They do not have personal clothing or items with them, and are unprepared for their needs as they arrive to begin medical recovery. As they find themselves in hospitals and centers distant from loved ones, this new program was created to help ease their discomfort by offering a variety of both required and congenial items. These items range from immediate small sundries, gift cards, casual clothing, bags, entertainment and technology to connection with larger support agencies for longer term support. They may also require support for family members that may arrive to assist their recovery and rehabilitation.

Three AFA chapters are implementing the first phase of this new initiative: the Nation's Capital Chapter and D.W. Steele, Sr. Memorial Chapter in the D.C. area and the Alamo Chapter in San Antonio. These three particular chapters were initially selected due to the volume of injured Airmen sent to the Army Medical Centers in their locations. These chapters, along with AFA Headquarters, are putting together packages of needed items for wounded Airmen who arrive at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and at San Antonio Military Medical Center in San Antonio, TX.

At this time, this project is also monitoring wounded Airmen arriving in both Germany and Hawaii. In the near future the AFA will be following not only these arriving Airmen, but Airmen injured in the past and determining their needs and challenges as well as arranging for support in cooperation with the US Air Force and other Warrior Support Agencies. If you would like to contribute, we are accepting monetary donations at this time. Do not hesitate to contact Lois O'Connor at 703-247-5832 or [email protected] for more information. Donations can be sent to her attention at AFA, 1501 Lee Hwy., 4th floor, Arlington, VA 22209, or can be sent electronically here.

"Wounded Airman have served our nation alongside the warriors of our sister services, they are injured in the same way and suffering similar challenges in recovery. This initiative is a small way for the AFA to show gratitude to the brave airmen and their families who devote their lives defending this nation," said Don Taylor, AFA National Director.  "These men, women, and families have continuously supported America and faced severe sacrifices.  Many more sacrifices are ahead for them.  They have demonstrated strong dedication, and illustrated remarkable courage and deserve our support.  This initiative is an opportunity for the AFA to show Airmen we care."

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage.  To accomplish this, we:

• EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
• ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
• SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.

AFA has 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 108,000 members.  Visit AFA on the internet at www.afa.org.

SOURCE Air Force Association