Celebration Honoring Wounded Warriors Will Be Enjoyable and Inspirational

Dear Readers,
 

It has often been said that Americans have short memories. For me, the 10th anniversary of 9/11 brought this to light. Save the marking of an anniversary, a birthday, a milestone with a day of remembrance, maybe a celebration, we go about our lives focused on the day or task at hand. While many people can tell you where they were on September 11, 2001, they do not think about it every day and for most people, there was little if no impact to their lives unless they were directly affected. The moment of memory is the anniversary, and then it is gone until the next year. In fact, as you read this, many of you have already forgotten and are onto the next thing in your life. However, for those that were directly impacted that day, such as losing a loved one or being directly involved with the cleanup, the event remains fresh, just under the surface, ever ready to reappear.
 

For those in the armed services and their families, the impact has been continuous over the past ten years. But what is striking is that these wars have affected less than 1% of the US population. During World War II, that number was closer to 45%. Today, for the other 99%, there have been no price controls, no additional taxes, no rationing, no wartime mobilization, no sacrifice; in essence, no impact. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, during World War II defense spending rose to levels as high as 37.8 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). Even including war-spending supplements and terror-war expenditures on top of the normal defense budget, today that number comes to about 6.2 percent of GDP. This difference translates into far fewer of our citizens shouldering the burden for the rest of us.
 

Experts say some of the gravest economic effects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are also among the hardest to define quantitatively. And, of course, the 2008 financial meltdown and its long-term consequences continue to ripple through the American, and world economy. However, it’s the sacrifices made by our military and their families that are the least measured and most underappreciated.
 

United Way focuses on providing help and hope to those in need in our communities.  A part of that community is those who have been wounded at war, defending America.  Once a Wounded Warrior returns home, they are faced with the difficult part of adapting to the daily challenges of everyday life.  

We do not want to ever forget these special Americans; it is critical to raise awareness, build support and forever honor those that answered the call of duty on our behalf.

It is for this reason that UWGMC is sponsoring a Celebration honoring Wounded Warriors and their families. We invite the community to join us at a Celebration honoring these dedicated Americans. Held at the Visitors Center at Rutgers and Highpoint Solutions Stadium, this event will begin 3 hours prior to the Navy VS. Rutgers Homecoming game on Saturday, October 15th. Our keynote speaker is Colonel Greg Gadson.  

Colonel Gadson is a highly decorated career Army officer, who continues to serve on active duty despite being severely wounded in Iraq.  He is an inspirational speaker who received notoriety for his role with the 2009 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, for which Coach Tom Coughlin awarded him a Super Bowl ring.

The day is certain to be both enjoyable and inspirational. Please consider joining us as we honor those that defend our way of life each and every day. For more information, please visit our website (uwgmc.org) or call our offices at 609-896-1912.

Sincere regards,

Herbert Klein III