Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Begun 2 Years Ago
By:MARY ANN SLATER, Gazette Staff Writer
August 22, 2004
Since late winter, Sgt. Jeremy Feldbusch has been out and about campaigning for money and support for the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project, which is under the auspices of the United Spinal Association.
Former U.S. Marine John Melia, from Roanoke, Va., founded the project about two years ago. He began the organization after seeing a television report about wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
The show prompted Melia to remember his disorientation during the early convalescent period following his injuries in a helicopter crash over Somalia in 1992. "I didn't have any of my own stuff," Melia said. "I didn't have any of my own gear." He wanted wounded soldiers to have the things he missed out on. So he began his efforts to send care kits to those in need.
As of today, the project has sent 1,400 backpacks to wounded soldiers in hospitals both overseas and in the United States.
Some of the items in the backpacks include a zippered and hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a CD player with batteries and a toiletry kit consisting of such items as stick deodorant, shave gel, toothpaste, nail clippers, comb and disposable razors.
Melia's organization also has raised money to buy airplane tickets for girlfriends, boyfriends and family members who want to visit a loved one who is hospitalized.
Feldbusch, of Blairsville RD 2, and Melia became friends through a mutual acquaintance who told Melia about Feldbusch's injuries from combat in Iraq.
The acquaintance told Melia how Feldbusch had turned down assistance from another veterans' group. Feldbusch had instead been more concerned that others less fortunate receive support, Melia recalled.
"Anyone who is that selfless, I can use," Melia said he told the acquaintance.
He and Feldbusch became friends from their initial conversation.
"We kinda had a connection and we have become very involved in the project," Melia said, pointing out that Feldbusch has done a good job, speaking to various businesses, including a group of Wall Street bankers in New York City, to try to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
"Jeremy is an incredible voice (for the project)," Melia said. "And so are his parents."
Anyone who wants to contribute to the group can check the Web site - www.woundedwarriorproject.org - call (540) 342-0032 or write 324 Washington Ave., Suite 1, Roanoke VA 24016.
By:MARY ANN SLATER, Gazette Staff Writer
August 22, 2004
Since late winter, Sgt. Jeremy Feldbusch has been out and about campaigning for money and support for the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project, which is under the auspices of the United Spinal Association.
Former U.S. Marine John Melia, from Roanoke, Va., founded the project about two years ago. He began the organization after seeing a television report about wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
The show prompted Melia to remember his disorientation during the early convalescent period following his injuries in a helicopter crash over Somalia in 1992. "I didn't have any of my own stuff," Melia said. "I didn't have any of my own gear." He wanted wounded soldiers to have the things he missed out on. So he began his efforts to send care kits to those in need.
As of today, the project has sent 1,400 backpacks to wounded soldiers in hospitals both overseas and in the United States.
Some of the items in the backpacks include a zippered and hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a CD player with batteries and a toiletry kit consisting of such items as stick deodorant, shave gel, toothpaste, nail clippers, comb and disposable razors.
Melia's organization also has raised money to buy airplane tickets for girlfriends, boyfriends and family members who want to visit a loved one who is hospitalized.
Feldbusch, of Blairsville RD 2, and Melia became friends through a mutual acquaintance who told Melia about Feldbusch's injuries from combat in Iraq.
The acquaintance told Melia how Feldbusch had turned down assistance from another veterans' group. Feldbusch had instead been more concerned that others less fortunate receive support, Melia recalled.
"Anyone who is that selfless, I can use," Melia said he told the acquaintance.
He and Feldbusch became friends from their initial conversation.
"We kinda had a connection and we have become very involved in the project," Melia said, pointing out that Feldbusch has done a good job, speaking to various businesses, including a group of Wall Street bankers in New York City, to try to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
"Jeremy is an incredible voice (for the project)," Melia said. "And so are his parents."
Anyone who wants to contribute to the group can check the Web site - www.woundedwarriorproject.org - call (540) 342-0032 or write 324 Washington Ave., Suite 1, Roanoke VA 24016.
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