Our young war wounded service members are rapidly med-evaced from the war zone, and in the process they are separated from their personal belongings. They often arrive stateside in a hospital gown, or sometimes in the field uniform they were wearing when injured. Their necessary personal items may take weeks or months to catch up with them. They are alone, scared, and without any of their personal belongings, and they are often in a great deal of pain. Even something as simple as phoning home is a task in these large military hospitals. Rescue Task Force needs your help to support these injured American heroes that have given so much for our freedom.

The average hospital stay is 10 months, the average age is 20, and the commonality is pain. Your dollars go to help these hurting heroes, and those sick and injured who support the mission, in their recovery. Together we build a backpack of basic necessities and “Heart Medicine” – entertainment items that remind them that they are not forgotten.

Balboa Hospital in San Diego specializes in amputee patients, and Walter Reed's specialty is brain and spinal cord trauma. To meet the need at Balboa and Walter Reed for one year, 780 backpacks are needed.

The original request came from the AGC San Diego. They researched The Rescue Task Force and are confident it is an excellent charity that deserves the support of the construction industry. You can check out their web site, www.rescuetaskforce.org.

Over 25,000 US troops have been wounded in the war, and troops are arriving at our military hospitals daily. Let's show them that the construction industry supports them and appreciates their sacrifice!

Are you on this list?

Checks should be made out to the AGC Foundation. Charitable contributions to the AGC Oregon – Columbia Chapter Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For more information, contact Robin Edgar, 503-682-3363 or 800-826-6610.

Here is an article that details a trip two AGC San Diego staff members took to Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas to deliver backpacks. This should help you understand the importance of your donation.

Every Dollar Helps a Hurting Hero

The following letter was sent to the San Diego Chapter of AGC:

My husband is a wounded warrior currently receiving treatment for injuries he received due to an IED blast in Iraq on November 21, 2007. He received a backpack full of wonderful items, as well as a letter from your organization.

I just wanted to take the time to let you know how much it means to him to receive support, such as this, from all over US. He arrived at Walter Reed, as he says, in his birthday suit. He literally had a hospital gown on, and a bag with his ACU pants that had been cut from him, his boots, and one sock. Everything else was gone, including his dog tags and his ID. Receiving a bag such as the one you sent, helped him feel as if he actually had something he could call his own. It also allowed him to have some items to clean up with and something to wear.

For many soldiers, passing the time is a big issue. Being stuck in the hospital for sometimes months, can get very monotonous. The Game Boy and games were definitely a big hit, as well as the phone.

Currently, my husband is being treated as an outpatient and his prognosis looks good. He was very lucky. He has an amazing story that goes along with all of it, and isn’t afraid to share it. We definitely count our blessings daily.

Again, thanks for all you are doing to help our wounded warriors through their recovery. It is a long road, and acts of generosity such as yours make it much more bearable. My husband as well as the rest of my family extend a big thanks to you all.

With Gratitude,

Gina Hill and Family
Wife of Spc Allen Hill