A worthy cause

When confronted with yet another maddening computer glitch, I tend to remark bitterly that I’m so glad computers are making our lives so much easier. Well, here’s someplace where computers really are making lives not only easier but better: the Soldiers’ Angels Valour-IT Project.

Here's the description of the Project from their Website:

Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Technology supplied includes:

* Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
* Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).
* Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.

From October 26 to November 11, Project Valour-IT has an inter-service fundraising competition going on: Air Force vs Army vs Marines vs Navy. Bloggers sign up for a particular team and the competition is reportedly fierce. If you want to donate to Valour-IT and have an affinity for a particular branch of the service, you can have your donation credited to that team during the competition.

Click here to donate to a particular team over the Internet. You can also see how the teams are doing. When I started writing this the Marines were ahead; now Army has a commanding lead.

If you prefer to mail in a donation write the name of your service branch on the check ALL IN CAPS and mail the check to:

Soldiers Angels Project Valour-IT
(Your service branch here) TEAM
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

If you’re like me and don’t have an attachment to a particular branch of the service, you can donate without playing favorites. Go here to donate over the Internet or you can mail your donation to the same address as above but without the team designation.

Soldiers' Angels
Project Valour-IT Fund
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, Ca 91104

If you want more information or to cheer on a team, three of the bloggers I read regularly are on the Marine team: Villainous Company (team leader!), Grim, and TigerHawk. I’m sure there are some perfectly nice bloggers on the other teams as well.