Staff Sgt. Jeral Majetic (left) and Cpl. Charles DuPree comfort Staff Sgt. Christopher Bain as he visits the site where he was injured in 2004. These three, along with eight other wounded warriors, came out to the site as part of the Operation Proper Exit program’s most recent trip to Baghdad, June 12 - 16. The veterans spent the week touring Iraq, visiting the sites where they had been injured while taking time to meet with troops to talk about their experiences.
There is a solemn but praiseworthy operation that has been underway for a short time, but the results have been so compelling that I am sure it will continue for a long, long time. Sponsored by the Troops First Foundation in partnership with the USO, Operation Proper Exit brings wounded troops back to the spot of their “alive day”, the day they survived. From the Troops First website: “For troops that have been injured in battle, this initiative provides them the opportunity to make a “proper exit” on their own terms as they walk to the aircraft and climb the ramp rather than being medically evacuated. This component has a positively resounding effect in offering closure to that chapter of their lives.”
Look at the photos (click here, on the image above, and visit the Troops First Foundation website here)and you will indeed see closure. You will also see the embrace of fellow warrior who understand the sacrifices the wounded warriors have made.
What a wonderful effort by those organizations who are making it possible for our wounded troops to return to the battlefield, reconnect with their comrades, and return home with their dignity intact and their heads held high.
