Last Updated: November 25, 2009

Second Annual Run for Hope for the Warriors

•Adam Grohman

Members of the Locust Valley Fire Department and other members of the community took part in the Second Annual Run for the Warriors on Sunday, November 8, in Lindenhurst. Paul Long of the Locust Valley Fire Department noted that “also taking part in the event were many injured troops who were visiting New York with the help of Hope for the Warriors organization. Among these injured were recent amputees who, despite their injuries were still able to complete the 5k run. Because of their tenacious spirit and love of their country, some of these amputees continue to serve in our military today.”
This run is a fundraising event for Hope for the Warriors, a non-profit organization, which is comprised and managed by wives of injured military personnel and other community volunteers. Long noted that “Hope for the Warriors helps our injured troops in a multitude of ways from getting them back into the work force or school, to redesigning their houses so as to make it somewhat easier for them to get around with whatever injuries they may have sustained. They also try to provide some basic necessities to these injured troops during prolonged stays in hospital which range from helping their spouses and children visit them and providing a place for the families to stay while visiting.”
According to the organization’s website, “it is not well known that wounded service members are currently spending months sometimes years in hospitals and rehabilitative facilities. The signature injuries of this conflict, including amputation, severe burns and traumatic brain injury require lengthy hospital stays and lifelong care as do the multiplicity of other injuries. However, the spirit and resolve of our nation’s wounded heroes transcends the sublime and is tantamount to their warrior ethos. Because exhaustive rehabilitation can dampen that spirit, Hope for the Warriors has established the Warrior Hope & Morale Program. The new program provides life experiences allowing injured service members to participate in opportunities for respite and recreation outside of their rigid rehabilitative schedules. The Warrior Hope and Morale Program celebrates and reengages the fighting spirit of wounded warriors by meeting emotional needs, restoring hope and inspiring a steadfast recovery as an important part of their long-term rehabilitation. Whether it is a golf outing, fishing trip or chance to attend an event such as Fleet Week, New York City, the Warrior Hope & Morale Program provides Wounded Warriors the opportunity to move forward, embrace new experiences and in the process forge new friendships that will enhance their inner spirits.”
“It has been our experience that opportunities like this,” Long commented, “can make a significant impact on recovery and posture.” Long urged members of the community to visit the organization’s website to see the numerous programs they run in an effort to help the injured troops and their families cope with life in a world suddenly turned upside down for them and in ways that most of us cannot begin to imagine!

 

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