Laptops for the Wounded

When soldiers get back from war, their returns are often bittersweet. While the bullets have stopped flying and the bombs are no longer blasting, many war heroes now face new battles…this time with the pain brought on by their injuries and the loneliness and depression associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. But now, one patriotic New England family is trying to make a difference for these wounded warriors.

See also: Healing America's heroes—PTSD.

Phil and Kathy Drouin are both IT specialists. In their spare time, they use their computer skills to fix up and then distribute used laptops to injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their organization, Laptops for the Wounded, helps these troops keep in touch with wives, husbands, families and friends while they recuperate from their combat wounds. “I have IT skills and to be able to utilize those skills to help someone else, these wounded soldiers, and have them be able communicate with their family and friends while their recuperating, it’s awesome,” says Kathy.

Seeing loved ones through the laptop’s webcam makes getting through a long day of recovery just a little bit easier. But the family support isn’t the only benefit. A laptop is also a great job search tool that helps veterans network and distribute their resumes.

So far, Laptops for the Wounded has shipped over 200 refurbished laptops to VA hospitals all across America. My Generation got a firsthand look at their inspiring operation.