Wounded Warriors Honored in New York City

From Navy Safe Harbor Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Seven Navy wounded warriors were honored Nov. 3, in New York City at the Bob Woodruff Foundation's 4th annual "Stand-Up For Heroes" benefit.

Throughout the week, these Sailors, their spouses, family members, and friends participated in receptions and sightseeing, attended a comedy show, and were part of the Good Morning America audience.

"This is a fun and well-deserved opportunity for these service members," said Capt. Key Watkins, director of Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior program. "They've dedicated so much to our Nation -- to their fellow citizens; it's great for them to enjoy New York City while being recognized for their commitment and their sacrifices."

Stand-Up For Heroes was hosted by Jon Stewart and featured special performances by music and comedy icons such as Jerry Seinfeld, Tony Bennett and Bruce Springsteen. Stand-Up brought together leaders from business, entertainment and philanthropy to raise funds to help injured service members and their families as they return to their communities.

"It was a tremendous honor to be included," said Stephnie Rose, wife of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Justin Rose, who was injured in Afghanistan in July 2009 when an IED explosion rocked the vehicle he was in.

"It meant so much seeing the generosity of organizations like the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and the support of people like Jon Stewart and other celebrities was amazing," said Mrs. Rose.

As for her nerves about walking the red carpet leading up to the event, Mrs. Rose said, "Being beside my husband and being proud of him took all my worries away."

The event was broadcast to troops on Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) and ABC News, reaching hundreds of thousands of service members and support personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as hundreds of service members recovering or rehabilitating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation provides resources and support to service members, veterans and their families to successfully reintegrate into their communities so they may thrive physically, psychologically, socially and economically. Through a public education movement called ReMIND.org, the Bob Woodruff Foundation helps educate the public about the needs of service members returning from war — especially the one in five service members who have sustained hidden injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury and Combat Stress, including Post Traumatic Stress, Depression and Anxiety and empowers communities nationwide to take action.

"The Navy is committed to caring for our wounded warriors and their families, so being part of an event that creates an even greater awareness of their sacrifice and commitment, and also the invisible wounds of war was truly amazing," said Watkins.

For more information about Navy Safe Harbor, visit www.safeharbor.navy.mil or follow the program on Facebook and Twitter.