Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Caring Friend, may I tell you what service means to me?

Dear Caring Friend,

I was in the first wave of troops sent to Iraq after 9/11.

We crossed the border from Kuwait into Iraq on March 20, 2003 — the first day of the war.

About two weeks later, I became one of the first wounded service members when an explosion killed three of my fellow soldiers, wounded others, and left me a double amputee. I knew my life was changed forever.

But with help from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), I was given the opportunity to connect with other injured veterans. They gave me the chance to advocate not only for myself, but for other wounded warriors and families.

Still, my service is never far behind me. I am reminded of it as I put on my legs in the morning. Other veterans might be reminded every time they hear a helicopter or loud noise.

We may be civilians now. But inside, we are always warriors.

There is a reason I am still connected to WWP nearly two decades later. The struggles injured veterans like me face don't go away when the bandages come off. They continue. They change over time. And two warriors may have the same injury but completely different experiences. WWP understands this, which is why the mission will always be relevant.

I'm so grateful WWP has given this country a way to support the men and women who've been injured in service.

When people see me in my prosthetic legs, they may realize I served. They may appreciate me or my service. But most can't relate to what I've been through. I've learned WWP knows what it means to serve. And they know how to help us heal.

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My recovery will never be "complete." It's comforting to know that as long as there is something I need help with, WWP will be there. I am so grateful for that commitment, and I know it's only made possible with the generous support of people like you.

Always a warrior,

John Fernandez
U.S. Army, Retired
Wounded Warrior