As you probably know, January marks our one-year anniversary as United Spinal Association. From all perspectives, it has been a great first year. Our membership grew by leaps and bounds, giving us the opportunity to serve an even greater number of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). We are still testing the waters with our donors but, by and large, they are supportive of our desire to use our 57 years of experience, knowledge, and expertise to help all Americans with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). I do want to reassure our veteran members that, as United Spinal Association, we remain a veterans service organization (VSO) certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and ready, willing, and able to represent you and advocate for your rights.
As a VSO, we continue to receive pertinent information as well as invitations to special events sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the White House. This past November, I had the honor to attend a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House where, in addition to general greetings, I had a chance to chat briefly with various government officials. I was also invited to a black-tie affair commemorating the opening of a new wing at the Smithsonian called “Americans at War.” This exhibit documents events from the Revolutionary War up to the present war in Iraq. The portion of the exhibit covering the Vietnam War has a life-size helicopter called “Huey.” Having fought in the Battle of Hue City, it, of course, brought back many memories. I urge anyone visiting our nation’s capital to make a point of seeing this marvelous exhibit.
On Veterans Day, I had the honor of assisting in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. This is always a solemn moment, but it was particularly loaded with sentiment now that our sons and daughters are fighting in Iraq. We are very fortunate that these young people are willing to put their lives in peril to protect our freedoms and we need to recognize their sacrifices and keep them in our prayers.
As part of my Washington, DC visit, I also had the opportunity to share a dinner with about 10 young soldiers recovering at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. The attitudes of these young warriors are nothing short of phenomenal and I always come away amazed and grateful for their unselfishness and bravery.
Let us start off the New Year with a prayer that our soldiers on active duty will come back safe and will be able to resume productive lives in their communities. Let us support our troops and let us honor them for their service when they do come home.
Until next month, please keep your annual appointments, and semper fi!
Peter F. Addesso
President
