Sgt. McLaughlin sustained a head injury and swelling to the brain during his second tour in Iraq. As a result, he is suffering from hearing and vision loss. He lives four hours away from the VA Polytrauma Center and unable to drive to the hospital for treatment. Sgt. McLaughlin says the new Defenders Lodge will help with morale as he and other veterans fight to recover. “Soldiers who have housing and transportation issues have one less thing to worry about so they can concentrate on their appointments and help themselves to get better and back on track with their lives.”
"One thing is certain, with concerns about their health, finances and transportation, the last thing they need to worry about is where they will sleep."
The Defenders Lodge will be a hotel facility supporting the thousands of veterans who travel from all over the west coast and Pacific Rim to the VA Hospital at Palo Alto to visit the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, Traumatic Brain Injury Center, the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center, Geriatric Research Educational and Clinical Center, and National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Defenders Lodge will replace an existing "Hometel" that is scheduled to be torn down in 2012. It will provide a free, safe place to stay for patients who come to the Palo Alto VA Hospital for outpatient treatment.
Last year almost 11,000 patients had to find temporary housing; many had to drive 50 miles to find an affordable hotel while they waited for treatment. This lodge will solve the problem.
We know you would gladly open the door to your home to a wounded warrior in need. Instead of hosting a veteran in your home, we are asking for your help in building a lodge that will be a home-away-from-home for wounded veterans. Please give and encourage others to give to build this needed lodge.
Contact us to host an event.
Help us ensure these patriotic men and women have free lodging at the hospital. With concerns about their health, finances and transportation, the last thing they need to worry about is where they will sleep. Contact us about supporting our new project at the Palo Alto Polytrauma Center.
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