Numerous organizations and agencies provide assistance to Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans and their families.
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.
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.
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.
Meet the 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. 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.
AARP Radio interviews five families about the hurdles they face when their wounded soldiers return home. Listen to how they say family and faith are helping to heal their loved ones.
Families of veterans disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan are becoming their primary caregivers, and support from the federal government and the military is, in many cases, woefully inadequate. "Inside E Street" visits families, talks to members of Congress, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Veterans of Foreign Wars about the challenges these servicemen and women and their loved ones face.
Photo: Casey with Chuck Norris in Iraq
User Bishop shows off his son's picture with the famous action movie star.
View Photo
Group: Honoring Our Soldiers and Veterans
Say 'thank you' to current soldiers serving and veterans.
Join Group
Since 9/11, more than 90 percent of Puerto Rico's 10,000-member-strong National Guard has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other war-related locales—some for numerous tours. Among the wars' collateral damage are changing family roles, increasing divorce rates, and spiking unemployment among veterans.
Beginning July 1, grandparents and other non-spousal, kinship caregivers will be allowed to receive a one-time, $100,000 "death gratuity" to raise a fallen soldier's child.
Introducing AARP ® Essential Premier Health Insurance, insured by Aetna
AARP members 50-64 and dependents have a new option for health and prescription drug coverage. Find out more...
Learn more about other AARP Benefits that can help you.
