Our Roots: From Simple Vision to Hospital Bedsides by Veterans of Valor Staff

Veterans of Valor was launched from the heart and experiences of Sgt. Klay South after he was critically wounded November 11, 2004. While clearing houses in Fallujah, Iraq, Marine Cpl. Klay South pushed through a door and was met with a fury of gunfire. An AK-47 round ripped through the right side of his mouth and face, while another round went through his foot. Minutes later, Klay's airway closed, and after an emergency tracheotomy, he was airlifted to Germany, then to the Naval Medical Center in Washington D.C. Now, more than four years and 40 surgeries later, most of his facial reconstruction is complete. He's been outfitted with a titanium jaw and 20 titanium teeth.

The healing process has been painful and difficult, but Klay is committed to help other service members who have been wounded in combat through Veterans of Valor. The organization exists to assist combat wounded veterans, and to provide unique items, services and programs to meet their specific physical, mental and emotional needs throughout the entire healing process.

To date, more than 1.6 million of America’s bravest men and women have been deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 33,000 service members have been wounded in combat since the Global War on Terror began in October 2001. Estimates place some 300,000 individuals as suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. These numbers multiply rapidly when one considers that each casualty impacts a spouse, children or extended family members.

During the past year, Veterans of Valor has assisted more than 400 severely wounded (Level 1 Trauma) service members and their families. As the need grows, so will our efforts. Our sights are set next on launching a long-term mentorship program for these injured service members. Connecting with veterans of previous conflicts who have, and still are, facing the same challenges as this current generation will ease and accelerate the reintegration process. We invite you to join us as we help those who have fought and sacrificed for our nation.

Veterans of Valor is unique because of our focus on the therapeautic aspacts of individual and family care.

Our passionate mission is to have a positive effect during the entire healing process, and we recognize that the mental and emotional components of recovery are just as important as the physical aspect.