The Wounded Warrior Fund
On September 18, 2006, a suicide bomb was detonated in Panjwayi District, Kandahar, Province Afghanistan. Four Canadian soldiers died, and several others were severely injured. One of those was 20-year
old Sapper Mike McTeague of Orillia, Ontario.
Mike was rushed to Landstuhl, Germany where he received urgent medical care and was joined by his family. He then returned to Canada and was cared for at Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto. Mike is currently undergoing treatment at St. Johns Rehab Hospital in Toronto. The physical and emotional ordeal shared by assisting officer Captain Wayne Johnston and Mike’s father, Mr. Sean McTeague spurred them to launch the Wounded Warrior Fund in Mike’s name.
When an injured
soldier leaves an operational theatre, they do so quickly
and without warning. Often they have with them just the
clothes on their back and it is here where they are at their
most vulnerable. This special fund sets out to alleviate
this inconvenient deficiency by contributing quality of life
items to the soldier.
The “Wounded Warrior Packs” drive will contain a variety of
items, which includes individual entertainment devices (like
DVD player, MP3 players) to personal blankets among other
items.
In addition, hospitals that care for Canadian Forces
personnel are to be installed with an entertainment library
of video games, music and DVD movies. As well an
Internet-equipped laptop or computers, items such as pool
tables and other games and telephone services and Personal
hospital TVs will be established.
Many
of you may be wondering if this should be the
responsibility of the Department of Defense or the tax
payer. Although this is a reasonable question the
answer needs explanation. This fund raises monies to
purchase gifts and needs to support the wounded and
their morale. It is very much the same as you sending a
gift to a soldier in theatre over seas. Should the
taxpayer or DND pay for your gifts? Simply no. We would
rather send the gifts from Canadians who wish to show
they care as you would too.
As every Canadian
who lives in this gracious country, must acknowledge the
peace on our land we have for over a hundred years. Our
military involvement world wide has resulted in peace in our
nation by standing in harms way abroad so we don't have too
here in Canada.
This benevolent fund for
the quality of morale and state of mind for injured soldiers
during the healing or rehabilitation process is an honorable
way for anyone to demonstrate their appreciation.
