Due to significant advances in medical technology for the treatment of combat injuries, the ratio of wounded to killed in action in the war on terror is 16:1 - during Vietnam it was 1:3.  In other words, during Vietnam, there was 1 soldier wounded for every 3 who died, but now there are 16 wounded for every soldier who dies. 

Although horrific war wounds may be survivable, our wounded warriors usually require extensive rehabilitation as they and their families adjust to their "new normal."  The families may be doubly stressed as they live in temporary quarters to be near a loved one in hospital, and children struggle with the "why" of mom or dad's injury.  

VA chaplains and medical staff are stretched to meet the ministry needs of these heroes, but a number of civic organizations and self-initiated veterans groups are helping.  Several amputees have organized long distance bicycle trips, and some have even returned to active duty.  14 wounded veterans recently accompanied President George W. Bush on a three day, 100 kilometer bike ride through the Big Bend mountains of Texas, and a softball team of wounded warrior amputees is routinely beating physically whole teams such as the FBI.