July 23, 2009

Right now thousands of veterans throughout America are taking advantage of the resources and programs available through Help Hospitalized Veterans, including Captain James McCormick of New Haven, West Virginia.

McCormick, a U.S. Army veteran, served for nearly 24 years before recently retiring. He isn't one to boast about his military accomplishments, even if it includes coming home from two tours including one in Iraq. With three Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars awarded with valor, McCormick was also nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star.

McCormick's wounds are from being shot multiple times - in the hand, chest and leg. His injuries have left him partially disabled but you would never know it by talking with him. He describes himself as "lucky," and gives praise for the soldiers he served with over the years. He insists, "There is nothing special about me." Capt. McCormick is married to his sweetheart, Heather, and recently celebrated the arrival of their seventh child.

Frequent hospitalizations due to his injuries, however, have taken their toll on McCormick, and the use of his hand is limited. He also suffers from a traumatic brain injury. He says that working with the computer HHV gave him has made a huge difference in improving his fine motor skills as well as with his concentration and patience.

And McCormick had lots of praise and appreciation for the donors who make the computers possible for war injured GI's. He said, "I don't even know where to begin to thank the many people who have made a difference for me and my his family through the many programs HHV sponsors."

He added, "For many of us returning veterans, getting to know our children again after being separated from them is tough. When they're young, time spent away can create an awkward situation when a veteran returns home. For me, working on the kits was a huge part of reconnecting with my kids."

"We would work on the craft kits together, laugh and have a good time. Putting the kits together with my kids was the best thing that could have happened for me and my family."

The other thing McCormick enjoyed speaking about was the many pen pal relationships he's developed over the years. "Every time I work on a new kit, I mail out the included donor thank-you card. I have pen pals from California, Michigan, New York and many other places. We stay in touch."  McCormick says it's great to know that people care enough about him and his fellow veterans to sacrifice and donate on their behalf.  He wants other veterans to know of the many programs and services HHV offers and routinely encourages fellow veterans to visit HHV's website.