Written by: November 13, 2008 3:15pm Currently Located : Washington, DC

On this Veterans Day NoIgnoring is mindful of the sacrifices made by those we send to war. We hope through our efforts that America will reconnect with Americas'warriors. War is a force that changes all who participate and witness what war brings. For many veterans the wounds of war can be seen are expertly cared for by our existing systems and this commitment for healing the visible wounds is a strong symbol of our promise to care for veterans when they come home.

There are, however, other impacts and wounds of war which are natural results of operating in an extreme environment. These can create difficulties in coming home and include the inability to readjust, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries that, while less visible, are equally devastating if left untreated.

As a Nation we must recognize and focus on these unseen wounds; we need programs that help our veterans and their families better understand the impacts of the combat experience and help them reestablish balance in their lives. We must put as much emphasis into this type of training when they come home as we do in preparing service members to go to war.

On this Veterans Day let us recommit and focus our energy on understanding the war experience and creating programs which strengthen the combat veteran and their families and empower them to fully recover their potential after war. This is the focus of NoIgnoring and we encourage the President, the Department of Defense, and the VA to move toward a model of strength after service that fully supports the service members and their families.

Honor the dead, care for the living, keep the promise.

Steve Robinson