'World News Tonight' Launches 'The Home Front'
Feb. 9, 2006 — -- The survival rate of Americans injured in Iraq is higher than in any other war in U.S. history, due in large part to improved body armor and helmets, and advances in battlefield medicine and rehabilitation. This means, however, that survivors are returning home with more serious injuries than ever, and they must learn to live with the lasting effects of war -- both physical and psychological.
Beginning Thursday, Feb. 9, "World News Tonight" will launch "The Home Front," a series on the war's wounded and the challenges they face once they leave the battlefield and return home. "The Home Front" will examine the care that service members receive upon return, including physical and mental treatment; the adjustment to life at home; and the impact their injuries and care have on their families and communities.
"We have been covering the wounded and their return to life here at home since the start of the war. When Bob Woodruff and Doug Vogt were seriously injured in Iraq, we were reminded yet again that there is much more to the war than covering what happens in the war zone; the story continues long after the wounded come home," said Elizabeth Vargas, co-anchor of "World News Tonight."
"Thousands of service members and their families are adjusting to life following a serious injury. The medical advances are amazing, but there are important questions to examine about the long-term impact on the wounded troops, their families and their communities," said Jon Banner, executive producer of "World News Tonight."
In addition to reports on "World News Tonight," the series will also be featured on "World News Now," the broadcast's live daily webcast.
"World News Tonight" directs viewers who want to help wounded service members to two organizations: the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which provides financial grants and other assistance to wounded Marines, sailors and their families; and Fisher House Foundation, an organization that provides "a home away from home" for families of patients receiving care at major military and VA medical centers throughout the country and overseas.
