Banding together to help badly wounded U.S. soldiers

Wednesday night, some of the most hard-core musicians and their fans in Seattle will launch a national effort to help the soldiers whose bodies were ripped apart by war.

The Strange Noize Tour debuts at Moore Theater, beginning a 32-date national tour for which special black-and-gold football jerseys have been designed. Proceeds from the sales of the shirts will benefit the many amputees from Ward 57.

"There is no political affiliation. This is supporting wounded soldiers once they have been blown up in our name. We just need to make sure they are taken care of," Deborah Semer of Seattle said.

Helping these particular soldiers is important, of course, but I would like to point out that the other wards often get scant attention compared to Ward 57. It might not seem like a big deal to lose an eye compared to a leg and other life threatening injuries, but having known someone at WR who was not in Ward 57, I can tell you the other guys need stuff, visits, and mail. They get caught in a type of limbo there; not being able to serve yet, and not being able to leave.

Also, a person can bring goodies to WR to be distributed anytime. Friday nights are especially popular, since the soldiers are milling about after the dinner they go to, and the supporters are milling about after the FReep counter protests (God Bless them!). Boxer shorts, sweats, and comfy clothing is key, and buy sizes large and XL, and a couple of XXL, to accomodate someone’s wound dressings. Also, I hate to say it, the guys love ciggarettes. And candy.

In no way do I want to demean this effort listed; I only want to point out that the other wards kind of get the shaft.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.