Countless stories tell of an exploded Humvee in Fallujah. An IED in Kandahar. A routine excursion goes from ordinary to life threatening in a matter of seconds.  A life is irrevocably changed forever.

After the initial excitement of their return, wounded warriors must relearn and reorganize—most often time with limited technology and support—to pursue a well-adjusted, productive lifestyle.

There are many examples of courage and conviction in the perpetually unfolding narrative of The War on Terror, but for wounded warriors, the battle is only beginning when they return home.  Traumatic brain injury.  Lost appendages. Blindness. These conditions are common among injured veterans and make it impossible to use a keyboard and mouse. In the highly critical age of social media and real time communication, the inability to use a computer is devastating.

For example, social outlets we take for granted like email or Facebook are now impassable hurdles for wounded warriors who long to reconnect with loved ones and friends in their struggle to maintain normalcy. In some cases, physically wounded veterans express feeling trapped inside their own bodies.  Though their mental capacity is intact, they are unable to effectively communicate and maintain meaningful relationships because of injuries sustained in battle.

As it says on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., “Freedom is Not Free.”  Our wounded warriors serve as a constant reminder of the real cost of war.  Brave Americans sacrifice their bodies—and sometimes even their lives—so we can live in a free country.  It is the ultimate sacrifice and something we will never be able to fully repay.

OrbiTouch implores everyone to support wounded veterans anyway they can.  Volunteer.  Donate.  Spread awareness. Say “thank you.” They gave their lives for us.  The least we can do is give these individuals tools to succeed and live fulfilling lives.