DAV visit to injured troops brings hope.

Rolling his wheelchair down the long corridors of Waiter Reed Army Medical Center, National Commander Bradley S. Barton chatted with National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson about what more could be done for those injured soldiers who endure the pain and loss of their wounds.

There were more than 60 patients from Iraq and Afghanistan recuperating from their injuries at Walter Reed on the bright, warm November day they visited to carry the DAV's message of hope and compassion for all the uncertain days ahead.

"It's difficult in those first few months after being wounded to see much beyond tomorrow," said Commander Barton, who is a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran. "We're here to help ease the emotional burden these service members now carry. There is hope for the future, great hope, and a rich and rewarding life awaits them."

"It is our mission to make their lives the best possible," said Adjutant Wilson. "These men and women carry with them the loss of their friends and the damage to their bodies. And that is something disabled veterans all have in common. So we can help ease their burden and help them build a better life for themselves."

U.S. Army Spec. Calvin Linnett of Suffolk, Va., described how an improvised explosive device shattered the Humvee vehicle carrying him and three others. Linnett and another soldier suffered severe wounds, while two others died in the blast. When the conversation shifted to his friend sitting nearby, Linnett turned his head and wiped away a tear.

Spec. Jeff A. Refiner of Altoona, Pa., delighted to be visited by the top leaders of the DAV, told Commander Barton and Adjutant Wilson that he was determined to fully recover from his leg wounds and to live life to the fullest. Bright and cheerful despite the pain from his wounds, Refiner was pleased to know the DAV would be there for him tomorrow and for the rest of his life.

Commander Barton and Adjutant Wilson included visits to Mologne and Fisher Houses, domiciliaries adjacent to Walter Reed where wounded service members who no longer require hospitalization can stay while they await additional surgeries or rehabilitation.

At Mologne House they met Pvt. Peter Yazgier of Somerset, N.J., who was just checking in while he awaits surgery. Facing an uncertain future, Yazgier was upbeat and determined to fully recover and return to a normal life. Barton and Wilson told him of the mission of the DAV to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families and our commitment to service for those who need our help.

At Fisher House, a temporary residence for the families of recovering service members, Commander Barton and Adjutant Wilson talked with the healing wounded and their families and toured the impressive public and privately-funded facility.

The Fisher House program, began in 1990, now operates residences at 17 military bases and at five VA medical centers throughout the nation.

"It is so important for these service members and their families to know that the DAV is a service for them-dedicated to them," said Barton. "They aren't alone as they face the challenges of disability or baffling government regulations. The DAV will be there for them."

"This new generation of disabled veterans exemplifies leadership and determined spirit. They are the DAV of the future, and our organization will be in very good hands," Wilson said.