Project Valour-IT

I know when I was last hospitalized in the VA in Palo Alto, CA, it was difficult to stay connected for work and email; but that was nearly five years ago. Then, there were no networks available for patients, even if like me, we had our own laptop in tow. I spoke to a few people in the IT department there, but after making no progress, left them with the wish that next time I needed to stay I'd be able to connect.

When I was in Palo Alto last week for an appointment, I whipped out my laptop while waiting and to my surprise there was a wireless network I could join. I've wanted for years to help lead an effort to put computers in the hands of veterans in order to facilitate; patient learning; greater collaboration with an individual's health care team; communication with friends, family, and the outside world; and for building awareness about the power of computers and the Interned and the possibilities for vocations involving information technology.

Today, I read about Project Valour-IT. "In just over four years, [this project] has given 4,100 voice-controlled laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and has supplied additional items that may be a surprising fit in a recovery regimen -- Wii game systems and handheld GPS devices."

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit providing aid and comfort to members of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families. For more information, see www.soldiersangels.org or call 623-570-3903.

Read more in the full article.