Douglas MacArthur Elementary Presents Check to Klay South

Students from Douglas MacArthur Elementary School in Greenwood, Ind., presented an $800.00 check to wounded Marine Sgt. Klayton South, Dec. 18th, 2008.

The money was raised by students through a month-long bracelet drive. Their goal is to support Veterans of Valor, a non-profit founded by South to provide resources and services specifically tailored to meet the needs of the more than 30,000 combat wounded veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“This drive came from an outgrowth of Red Ribbon Week,” said Barbara Campbell, a 4th grade teacher at Douglas MacArthur. “Klay came and spoke about making wise choices in the fight against drugs, and since Veterans Day was the next week – we tied the two (ideas) together.”

The money will be used to purchase backpacks for severely wounded veterans. Each backpack is filled with items that have specific therapeutic value. For example, the packs include a new iPod pre-loaded with a variety of music, and audio books written by veterans who have suffered extreme wounds, but have recovered, adapted to the physical, emotional and mental challenges, and thrived.

A Night Out at Dave and Busters, Dec. 11, 2008 - Washington D.C.

The Veterans of Valor team hosted a Night Out at Dave & Busters for 18 service members, Dec. 11, 2008. In addition to a dinner buffet, the Marines and Sailors were treated to unlimited games. Such events provide a much-needed respite from hospital routines, and the pain of treatments and therapy.

Thank-You from a Backpack Recipient

Hi Janet,
I don’t know if you remember us, but my husband was Matthew Shiver, and I’m Tiffany. We met at Bethesda Medical Hospital almost a year ago. My husband was the one injured by the helicopter. We just wanted to thank you and your family for helping us get through that time in our lives, and for your son helping my husband believe that everything was going to be ok. Your support meant a lot to us, and we can’t thank you enough for the generosity you have shown us. I personally couldn’t get over what had happened to my husband, but with your warm welcome and caring heart, you showed me that if you have the will to make things positive you can make it through anything.

We now live in California. Matthew is back at work (here) and doing great. They are going to send him back to Iraq for six months (soon). I don’t want to take up any more of your time, but I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for us and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you guys. It’s hard to find people who care, and I’m glad we had a chance to have met you and your family.

Sincerely,
Tiffany and Matthew Shiver