Iraq Vets: Picking Up the Pieces

AARP Radio

Lee Woodruff

We talk with Lee Woodruff about her efforts to raise money for veterans through the Bob Woodruff Foundation's Tweet To ReMIND campaign.
Listen now.

 

Lee also talks about her latest book, "Perfectly Imperfect," which depicts the ups and downs of family life. Listen now.

Web-Exclusive Videos

Parsons Interview

Gail Ulerie & Shurvon Phillip

By AARP TV

Shurvon Phillip was paralyzed and left unable to speak by a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq. His mother, Gail Ulerie, remains optimistic and gives thanks for the little victories each day.

Spaulding Interview

Julia Spalding & Kara Wooten

By AARP TV

After Kara Wooten suffered a sixth IED (improvised explosive device) detonation as an Army medic, she had brain trauma and eye damage. While she receives treatment at Fort Bragg, N.C., her mother, Julia Spalding, is raising Kara's son in Kentucky.

Ulerie Interview

Cindy Parsons & Shane Parsons

By AARP TV

Shane Parsons lost both legs and experienced severe brain injuries after an explosion in Iraq. Cindy Parsons, a former trauma nurse, quit her job in Ohio and moved to Texas to monitor Shane's therapy.

How You Can Help

Numerous organizations and agencies provide assistance to Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans and their families.

For a complete list, click here.

Iraq Vets, from AARP TV in spanish

Familias militares,
un nuevo despertar

¡Marque su calendario! El 25 de mayo, Día de los Caídos, V-Me transmitirá una presentación en español del especial televisivo de AARP Familias Militares, un nuevo despertar. Este especial se enfoca en las familias de veteranos que han sido heridos en las guerras de Iraq y Afganistán.

Picking Up the Pieces Broadcast
in Spanish on V-Me

On Memorial Day, May 25th, V-Me will air a special presentation of AARP's television special Picking Up the Pieces in Spanish. The TV special focuses on families of wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers' loved ones are making inspiring and often shocking sacrifices to care for them. Host Jane Pauley talks to family members and also interviews ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee, who share their personal story of recovery and healing. Please visit V-Me's website for local times and channel listings.

Iraq Vets, My Generation

Honoring Those Who Serve

By AARP TV

A compilation of AARP TV segments honoring veterans, including stories on a scandal of fake medals, a community that honors a returning hero and his mother, how dogs are helping returning warriors, and more. Watch now.

From the Online Community

Photo: Casey with Chuck Norris

Photo: Casey with Chuck Norris in Iraq
User Bishop shows off his son's picture with the famous action movie star.
View Photo

Photo: Honoring Vets

Group: Honoring Our Soldiers and Veterans
Say 'thank you' to current soldiers serving and veterans.
Join Group

Picking Up the Pieces

Wounded soldiers' loved ones are making inspiring and often shocking sacrifices to care for them. Jane Pauley talks to some family members and also interviews ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee, who share their personal story of recovery and healing.

Coming Home to Family and Faith

With Barry Yeoman & Mike Cuthbert

AARP Radio interviews five families about the hurdles they face when their wounded soldiers return home. Learn how family and faith are helping to heal their loved ones. Listen now.

Grandparents Get Death 'Benefits'

By Christopher J. Gearon

Grandparents and other non-spousal, kinship caregivers now receive a one-time, $100,000 "death gratuity" to raise a fallen soldier's child.


AARP Member Benefits

Travel Discounts

Member Benefits: Cruise

Travel Discounts
AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia has deals on cruises, car rentals, airfare, hotels and vacation packages.

Health Products & Services
Insurance, med supplies & drug discounts.

Financial & Legal
Guidance for retirement planning.

Insurance Products
Exclusive products for AARP members.

More to Explore

senior woman playing video game

Video Games for Grownups 
Read our latest reviews—with adult players like you in mind—of video games across multiple platforms.

 

Travel Expert Peter Greenberg 
Are airlines giving you worry lines? Need the latest news on the best cruise? AARP.org travel columnist Peter Greenberg can help.

More on Leisure


More From AARP

Show Us Your Jalopy

Send us a picture of your car to show us why you deserve a new Ford Focus!

Member Discount

Save on summer essentials from the Everyday Savings Center powered by NextJump.

Reform Health Care

Millions of Americans are just one medical emergency away from financial ruin!

Vegas@50+

AARP presents Vegas@ 50+, our National Event, coming Oct. 22-24.

'Doughnut Hole' Help

Do you want to avoid the "Doughnut Hole"? Get help here.

Emergency Prepare

We'll show you easy ways to help neighbors get prepared for disasters.

Stonewall Riots

The gay-rights movement lit up one pivotal night; see the role Hispanics played.

Movies & Reviews

Join this group to discuss the movies and actors you love!

Need a Job?

You've come to the right place. Start your job search here on AARP.org.

Facebook Addict

They say you can't have too many friends. Who was he to prove them wrong?

Annual Reports

AARP’s annual reports are now available in a fully interactive format.

West Virginia

AARP will be vigilant for consumers as the state considers a utility rate hike.