One of the things we don't like to talk about, as soldiers and as family members, is what if.  What if something happens?  How will we be able to deal with things?  How will we go on?  Who will help us take care of our loved one if it should come to that?

The Army is trying to answer at least one of those questions.  They have recently established the Disabled Soldier Support System, known as DS3.  The initial focus of the program is helping soliders who are at least 30% disabled due to duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, but according to Col. Jacqueline Cumbo, DS3 Director, they will not turn anyone away.  Their mission is to integrate all the programs that are available to help care for soldiers and to, hopefully, get them back on their feet (sometimes quite literally).  They know that families have a lot to deal with from the situation itself, without the additional difficulties of paperwork and finding ongoing support.  And DS3 is committed for the long haul; they will be advocates for the soldiers and their families for five years.

Thank you to the Army for developing this program.  We often say that more help is needed for soldiers and their families; this is a great example of the military taking the initiative to make the help that is already out there much more readily available to the families that need it most.  For the other services, the Marines are currently developing a similar program, while the Navy and Air Force are in the early planning stages.

Hopefully none of you will ever need this program (which can be contacted at (800) 833-6622 or www.ArmyDS3.org).  However, I encourage everyone to get involved, through the nonprofit foundation, Helping Our Heroes Foundation.  This organization, working in conjuction with DS3, provides for the needs of injured troops and families from all services.  Especially at this time of year, a little extra to help brighten the lives of these folks would be really appreciated.