The anniversary of September the 11th is rapidly approaching and we can all still recall our horror of the events of that day. I am sure all of you can re-live exactly what you were doing when we heard or saw the news replays of those attacks on so many icons of the American landscape and our freedom. Following 9/11, patriotism was at an all-time high. We bought flags for our cars, bumper stickers in support of our troops and tee-shirts to announce our patriotism. We prayed and did whatever we could do, wanting to do something when most of us were many miles away from Ground Zero.

Eventually our troops went to war, to prevent future terrorist attacks, and whatever your convictions are about that decision, we know VA nurses are going to be the ones to support the returning troops. We applaud our trauma facilities and the great work they are doing to welcome home our soldiers and ease all of the adjustments of the families of these VA Heroes.

This year we are once again participating as a charity partner in the Marine Corps Marathon and we need your help. The registration is closed for the Marathon, but we do have spaces available for walkers/runners for the 10K. This is your chance to support our troops! Our patriotism is still alive and we want the very best VA nurses caring for our returning soldiers! If you are unable to walk or run the 10K, you can help enormously by making a contribution to our scholarship fund.

Go to our website: www.vanurse.org and pledge your support today in memory of all who perished on 9/11 and all of the nurses, past, present and future, who will care for the returning defenders of our freedom. In memory of Sept. 11 and to insure a viable VA nursing workforce for the future, please sign up for the 10K prior to 9/11 or send your contributions by the day of our event, Oct. 28th. Semper Fi!