Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services Elite (CAUSE)

CAUSE was formed to serve US Armed Services members injured in Afghanistan and Iraq operations. This organization, through its programs, promotes relaxation, recreation and resiliency for its members. It was founded in April 2003 by four graduates from West Point and their wives. These who previously served in Vietnam started providing clothing and personal care items to soldiers who arrived at Walter Reed from Afghanistan and Iraq battlefields.

This organization today reaches across to thousands of service women and men injured and who face the challenge of going through months of medical care away from their homes. A lot of fun and relaxation is offered to these suffering and recuperating men through programs organized by CAUSE. Realizing that these soldiers require much more than medical attention as they recover from injuries, CAUSE offers them pleasurable activities and engaging social interaction designed to deal with depression and isolation. This they do by collecting support and appreciation from a grateful nation.

Ever since it started, CAUSE is supported by businesses, groups, organizations, schools and churches. All of them have pitched in to make this program a huge success. This organization offers many different programs.

The C-DEL or Cause Digital Entertainment Library is one of their most popular programs that provide free access to gaming systems and DVDs. The first branch opened in the year 2005 at Walter Reed.

Video games are used as a therapeutic source apart from entertainment as this activity is known to reduce stress related tension through parasympathetic nervous system stimulation. CAUSE also offers Spa programs and program sin yoga, reiki and massage to help ease effects of PTSD and combat stress. There is a huge demand for such programs in the military today and this critical need is being met by the CAUSE initiatives. Instructors and practitioners are adept at meeting the special needs of the wounded soldiers.
Apart from these, CAUSE also organizes picnics, brunches and dinners offered by community members to give a welcome break to wounded soldiers and their families from the cafeteria food. These events are sponsored by businesses, churches, scout troops, schools and sports teams.

The Gift Pack program gives an opportunity for people to send ‘thank you’ packs with items that provide recreation and comfort to wounded soldiers. These packs are delivered at Walter Reed on a monthly basis. Main donors in this program include book clubs, quilting circles, scout groups, schools, churches, retirement communities, businesses, VFW chapters and sports teams.

To find the link to this and many other military aid and charity organizations, please visit the Military Links & Resources page.