The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, in conjunction with New Balance, is helping wounded service members take a step forward in their recovery process with free athletic shoes through the Wounded Care program.

Since 2007, the Exchange and New Balance have provided complimentary footwear to service members who have been injured in action. More than 400 free pairs have been provided to Wounded Warriors this year alone.

"These warriors have already sacrificed so much that the very least we can do is make sure they've got a good pair of shoes for their road to recovery," said the Exchange's Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels.

Members of any branch of service returning injured from Operations Iraqi, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Noble Eagle or any current member of a Wounded Warrior Battalion or a Warrior Transition Unit (AW2) are eligible to receive a free pair (any style) of in-stock New Balance athletic footwear. Certificates for the shoes can be obtained from the installation chaplain.