JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
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The holidays are widely considered the season of giving, generally when people give gifts to loved ones and donate toward helping the less fortunate. However, for two companies, the gift-giving season has been non-stop for several years.
"Footwear Care Package for Wounded Service Members" launched in 2007, when New Balance initiated the program with Army and Air Force Exchange Services, according to Chris Ward, AAFES public relation specialist. Additionally, care packages are offered through the Navy and Marine Corps Exchanges.
Active-duty wounded veterans rehabilitating from battlefield injuries can receive one pair of any in-stock style of athletic shoe free of charge to assist them in their recovery.
Ward said the program is directed towards individuals affected during Operations Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Noble Eagle. Members of Wounded Warrior Battalions or Warrior Transition Units are also eligible under the program.
To receive the footwear, Service members must first see their installation chaplain, Ward said.
"The program provides a pair of sneakers to each wounded Service member who needs one," explained U.S. Air Force Chap. (Capt.) Christopher Underwood, 633rd Air Base Wing chaplain. "The wounded veteran needs to see their installation chaplain to complete a form to receive a certificate to get their sneakers."
With the certificate, he or she can visit their installation's Exchange to choose the New Balance athletic footwear of their choice.
Brian Garnett, New Balance's national military sales manager, said the company felt chaplains should play an integral role in the program because of their involvement and assistance with wounded Service members during their rehabilitation process. Garnett hopes wounded Service members will be able to take advantage of the program.
Although the program is beneficial to wounded veterans, Garnett explained that many Service members aren't aware of the program, or understand how to take advantage of the benefits, and hopes to get the word out.
"This past March, we had a meeting with AAFES to explain the program procedures," said Garnett. "After that meeting, we've seen an increase in footwear distribution. We are happy to see the Service members take full advantage of this program.
"We want to be able to give back to the community," Garnett continued. "Helping wounded Service members is the right thing to do."
According to Ward, initially, the program was projected to distribute 1,200 certificates to Service members in 2013. However, due to an increase in awareness of the program and demand, an additional 500 certificates have been allotted in November.
"I can't think of a group of people who deserve these simple tokens of our appreciation more than our wounded Service members," Underwood said. "I am honored to be a part of the process."
The "Footwear Care Package for Wounded Service Members" is scheduled to run until June 2014, when the program will be reevaluated for its effectiveness in serving wounded veterans.
For additional information and assistance on the program, contact your installation chaplain.