The original wounded warrior

Fox News has championed the Wounded Warrior Project on its cable news outlet and raised plenty of dough to help rehabilitate troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. The original Wounded Warrior was started by Col. John Folsom, USMCR, (who has been deployed back to Iraq as you read this) as a "pass the hat" operation on March 19, 2003. His all-volunteer charity is somewhat simpler and focuses on providing rehabilitating troops with creature comforts. Uncle Sam takes care of the major cost of surgery and rehabilitation, but often these men need things like coffee makers, CD and DVD players, food coupons and phone cards in the sparsely-appointed rehabilitation centers. One of the biggest purchases was a really big TV for the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany for an overflow ward.

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Folsom invests most of the funds in enduring assets, not consumables (although WW supported Christmas parties for the nursing staff at LRMC--they work hard and get little attention for their efforts and supported Marine Corps Birthday celebrations at LRMC and the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune).

Folsom is a staff of one and strictly volunteer. The "office" is whatever computer he can use. Benefit: Col. Folsom's expenses are less than 3 percent of total contributions. It's a lean organization and he makes the most of your contributions.

As Second Marine Division prepares for deployment to Iraq, one mission is to outfit 50-75 barracks rooms at Camp Lejeune to accommodate returning injured and' wounded Marines and sailors, who no longer require hospitalization, but who are not yet ready to return to a full-duty status. They need television sets, telephones, coffeepots, shower seats, microwave ovens and other items.

Folsom has pledged support of up to $10,000 for the project. Folsom said, "Whenever I am thanked for providing support, I make it a point of telling people that it isn't my money, but the money that all of you have sent as token of your love and respect for those who have given so much. I only have the privilege of spending it on your behalf."

Folsom pointed out that there are many other ways to help besides giving money. There are plenty of elderly, lonely veterans in Veteran's Hospitals around the country. Perhaps you could pay them a visit to thank them for their service and remember them in your prayers.

Folsom's website is www.woundedwarriorhospitalfund.org.