Though I'm a rabid Red Sox fan, I have to say that the New York Yankees are a class act when it comes to helping our injured men and women in the armed forces. I am on the board of the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Yankees have helped our Wounded Warriors in many ways. Without their generosity and that of many others, our Project could not survive. The latest Yankee contribution comes from Johnny Damon, the son of a career Army NCO.
logo_nyy_79x76.jpg PRESS RELEASE 09/29/2006 Johnny Damon joins the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Yankees' center fielder to serve as official spokesperson for wounded soldiers NEW YORK -- In a pre-game ceremony tonight at Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon will announce his commitment to the Wounded Warrior Project, a not-for-profit organization aimed at assisting those men and women of the United States armed forces who have been severely injured during the war on terrorism. Joining Johnny on the field will be Wounded Warriors Robert Loria, Aaron Whitley, Garth Stewart, James O'Leary and Ryan Donnelly. Johnny's father, Jimmy Damon, was a career Army NCO and Vietnam Veteran and instilled in his son a profound respect for the United States military. "l have deep gratitude for the men and women that have been severely wounded while fighting for our freedoms and way of life," said Damon. "I have visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center and witnessed first-hand the enduring spirits of those recovering. My goal is to ensure their challenges and sacrifices are recognized." Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded, the Wounded Warrior Project provides programs and services designated to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process and smooth the transition back to civilian life. Services provided by WWP include benefits counseling, rehabilitation, adaptive sports opportunities and advocacy initiatives....