Red Cross: Healing heroes

By Trish Muntean, Fort Wainwright PAOOctober 15, 2010

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Christmas came early for members of the Warriors in Transition Battalion, courtesy of the American Red Cross said Luke Wetzel, Red Cross station manager, Fort Wainwright.

The local Red Cross received more than $3700 from the American National Red Cross from a Department of Defense grant which was used to improve the morale, welfare and recreation of Soldiers.

"The WTB had some wonderful gaming consoles, but nothing to use with them. What we were able to get for them was three of the Wii Fit units, one for each of their systems as well as some additional Wii remotes, and rechargeable batteries," Wetzel said.

"We were able to get some iPods for them and some I-tunes gift cards," Wetzel said. "Those will be loaned out to service members who will be first-come, being service members with limited mobility."

"Since 1881, the American Red Cross has been helping American Soldiers in a time of need, " said Capt Charlea Allen, commander, B Company WTB-AK . "Their generous contribution of the Wii Fit systems and iPods to the WTB-AK is just another example how diverse their aid truly is. Items such as these not only give our wounded Soldiers tools with which to aid in their recovery but also boost morale and remind them that we are all behind them."

"Support for all veterans, especially those who have been wounded is extremely important to the American Red Cross of Alaska," Wetzel said. "The Service to the Armed Forces Grant allowed ARC to supply therapy items for the WTB. It has been proven that the most beneficial therapy item is one that aids in recovery but it also entertaining. Because of the funding from the Service to the Armed Forces Grant, the Red Cross was able to purchase three Wii Fit systems and 10 iPods to help our service members in their recovery."