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May 2008 Downloadable PDF
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A SALUTE TO WISCONSIN'S PARALYZED VETERANS
August Krieser, Government Relations Officer, WPVA
Two weeks ago Paralyzed Veterans of America proclaimed April 13 19, 2008 as Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Week. This week may have appeared like any other week for most Wisconsin residents and most Americans. But just over 61 years ago a band of seriously wounded, paralyzed servicemen who had risked their lives for our cherished freedoms came back from World War II.
These men returned home to a grateful nation but a world with few solutions for the new challenges they faced as spinal cord injured vets. However, these servicemen made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity. In 1947, these men created the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
This is an organization built by paralyzed veterans for paralyzed veterans: built on our members continuing courage to serve and passion to lead: Courage to serve our great nation, greater courage to deal with a life-changing injury or illness, and enduring courage to move forward to move forward and rebuild our lives.
The Wisconsin chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, as well as the other 33 chapters nationwide, our national office, and 64 national service offices have, continue to work for all veterans rights in addition to enhancing the lives of all individuals with disabilities. We have helped to increase the lifespan and quality of life of paralyzed veterans from zero to almost normal. We have assisted in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, making our state and nation more accessible for everyone.
Manitowoc Mayor Kevin Crawford, Manitowoc County Executive/ 25th District Assemblyman Bob Ziegelbauer, and State Senator Joe Leibham of the 9th District proclaimed the aforementioned week as Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Week. In a bipartisan effort, all came forward and presented these proclamations. I commend these elected officials for their actions in coming to a common goal to honor our areas paralyzed veterans.
The Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America have interacted on a state-wide level with activities, demonstrating our Courage to Serve, Passion to Lead, our concept of how we, as paralyzed veterans, desire to work with our elected officials and fellow Wisconsinites. Our chapter was adopted by the 1st grade class at Jackson Elementary School in Manitowoc and this was one of the highlights of the week. Gus Sorenson, WPVAs Government Relations Director, and I visit this class twice a year. This is just one instance of our activities, with many other similar activities occurring throughout the state.
With this thought, I sign off... "Think more about the challenges facing paralyzed veterans, their families and loved ones --- from having to fight for good health care and striving for a barrier free accessible nation for everyone." I am proud to be from Wisconsin!
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