With President Obama’s declaration that troop witdrawal from Iraq will begin  in August of 2010…many Americans feel a sense of relief that many of our fighting men and women may soon be out of harm’s way.  And that may be true.  But what we must NEVER forget are those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and still bear the scars of battle.

    I recently learned about a special program designed espcially for injured service by Naval Medical Center San Diego….and thought you might be encouraged to know our injured heroes will not be forgotten.    I want to share with you excerpts from an article written by Mass Communication Specialst 3rd Class, Jake Berenguer.

     “Navy Medicine provides significant treatment to injured combatants not only through first response in theater, but also through a continuum of care starting with the transition back to the United States and throughout the recovery process.

     Project Comprehensive Aesthetic Recovery Effort (Project C.A.R.E.) is a multi-disciplinary patient care initiative to help restore function and appearance of traumatically injured service members.”

     According the Cmdr. (Dr.) Craig Salt….head of the department of plastic surgery at Naval Medical Center San Diego….lack of proper function or the emotional repercussions of a patient with the scars of a severe injury needed to be addressed.  Cmdr. Salt is spearheading Project C.A.R.E. to improve the aesthetic appearance of combat injuries to those who have given so much in the line of duty.

     “Patients often have a hard time coping with the stares of strangers or even looking at their own reflection, says Cmdr. Salt.  “I decided to be proactive and seek them out to let them know what options were available to them.  I wanted to fix what can be fixed and help them with their appearance post injury.”

     According to Berenguer’s article, Project C.A.R.E. consolidates resources through Navy Medical Center to address a patient’s needs through multiple disciplines.   Using a team approach to medical and supportive services, each patient is individually evaluated and a comprehensive treatment plan is formulated.

     Cmdr. Salt adds, “I wanted to work in tandem with anyone who could be beneficial to the recovery of the patients.  I am seeking out contributions of emotional support from chaplains, or the talents of dermatologists and neurosurgeons.  This needs to be a collective effort to restore form, function and esteem.”

     Berenguer spoke with one of Cmdr. Salt’s patients….Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony Guerrero.  “He has helped me out so much.  He is making a huge difference in people’s lives.”  Guerrero was injured in an explosion Sept. 9, 2006 while serving in Iraq.   He suffered serious facial injuries.

    Cmdr. Salt replaced missing bone in Guerro’s face with an artifical structure to fill an indention.  Laser surgery removed the powder furns from the explosion to lessen the visibility of the scars.

      As with so many injured soldiers and Marines….the issue after a debilitating injury is self esteem.    “After the blast, I didn’t look like myself,” said Guerrero.  ” Since beginning the surgical reconstruction, I feel so much better about myself.  I can definitely see a huge improvement and look more like I used to.”

    Cmdr. Salt’s hope is that Project C.A.R.E. will grow through promotion and coordination efforts throughout all branches of the military.

   Project C.A.R.E.  picks up after an injured patient’s regular treament ends.  And for some….that’s where the real recovery begins.   Cmdr. Salts says a handful of patients have been helped so far…and after pitching the idea to several other military hospitals…the potential for growth is immense.     Cmdr. Salt’s hope is this, “We want to help each service member identify their needs and work as a team to restore their form, function and self image.”

     Do our courageous American heroes deserve anything less?       If you’d like more information about Project C.A.R.E. visit:   http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcsd/Patients/Pages/ProjectCARE.aspx.