Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss was the inspiration for Valour-IT. In addition to being a Hero, the Captain is also a milblogger, known to many in the blogosphere. And in June, Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss was wounded by an IED. He is currently in Walter Reed. Like so many of our wounded, the Captain and his family are facing a long road of surgeries, ups and downs, expenses, struggles, and hurdles. They're gamely facing it all.
Captain Z inquired about voice-activated software to assist him with using a computer, as injuries to his hands make conventional computer use almost impossible. It was an idea that Soldiers' Angels has worked with before for some of our wounded, and they immediately stepped in to help. Captain Z has his software, and is blogging again.
But it didn't stop there. Captain Z provided the inspiration to get the work from the one soldier at a time stage to an ongoing project, and a mission. Project Valour-IT was born, and is in memory of Captain Z's father, SFC William Ziegenfuss. So many of our wounded heroes could be given new opportunities, new hope, with this technology. But it ain't cheap.
Enter the bloggers. A number of bloggers, after finding out about Project Valour-IT, posted about it. A number of readers responded, helping with donations. But this project requires significant funding, and more is needed.
The three-phase project is going to require approximately $600,000. Each fully equipped laptop costs about $625 (plus shipping), thanks to generously provided software donations and retailer discounts.
For details on the full project, you can visit the Valour-IT page here. In addition, the project has a blog, located here. You can read Castle Argghhh's posting of the Operation Order here.
If every person who visited this blog donated one dollar, we would buy two fully equipped computers. If everyone donated five dollars, we would buy ten computers. Ten dollars, and we've bought twenty. You get the idea.
So I'm issuing a challenge to my readers - if you visit this blog, and you like what you see, please donate to Project Valour-IT. If you don't like what you see, but you support our heroes, please donate to Project Valour-IT.
If you're a blogger, please help get the word out. Put up a post about Project Valour-IT and join the roster of bloggers in this effort.
And if you can't donate funds, and don't have a blog, but you can assist with software, media connections, can send a press release to your local media, or can offer other support, please let us know.
Here are just some of the current volunteer needs for the Project:
Public Relations Support: We need guidance and advice on writing press releases, contacting local media, and generally increasing project visibility.
Written Materials: We need to create "executive summary"-style handouts, mostly condensing the contents of the project website (for use in presentations, info requests from corporations, etc.).
Graphics Design & General Artwork 1: We need to develop an eye-catching flyer/poster for display at businesses, churches, etc.
Graphics Design & General Artwork 2: We need samples of suggested Fusileer and general Project logos for everything from letterhead to mousepads and T-shirts.
Tech Support: We're gearing up for Bethesda. We have a coordinator onsite, but we need tech-savvy volunteers to help set up the computers and teach people how to use them.
Secretarial: FbL needs some help keeping track of contact information for suppliers, volunteers, etc.
The first three listed above are high-priority needs. If you can't help, see if you know someone else who can.
--FbL, Captain of the Fusileers
If you have donated to the Project, please consider sending me an email so that I can say thanks, and I'll try to keep track of how many computers we are able to buy together. As a Soldiers' Angel, a blogger, and a proud American, thank you for any assistance you are able to put forward. Thank you for supporting our Heroes.
UPDATE: Thanks to American Dinosaur for the post - and the donation. Thanks for helping Project Valour-IT, and our wounded heroes.
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