It may be hard to believe, but the United States has been at war in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade now. During that time, more than 2.4 million American men and women have been deployed to the region, and according to the Pentagon, more than 48,000 have suffered some sort of physical injury.
Many facial plastic surgeons volunteer their time and expertise in various humanitarian efforts including the Faces of Honor program operated by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The Faces of Honor program attempts to help repay some of the debt it feels society owes to these veterans for their service and sacrifice. Co-Chairs of the program Donn R. Chatham, MD, and Ifepo O. Sofolo, MD, FACS say Faces of Honor is simply a way to say “thank you.”
Faces of Honor is not meant to compete with services and treatment already provided by the Department of Defense or the Veteran’s Administration. Rather, it is meant to complement it. Surgeons work on a pro bono basis, performing surgery or serving in a consultative role for those veterans and soldiers who are affected.
To qualify for treatment through the program, a person has to be either an active duty member of the Armed Forces or a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom with an honorable discharge. Further, the person must have sustained a face, head or neck injury during combat or combat support related activity.
If you think you might be eligible for the Faces of Honor program,contact your local facial plastic surgeon or call the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Foundation.
Post provided by Benjamin Stong MD