Wounded warriors' perspectives: helping others to heal.

Ned Foote (Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, retired); Juan Arredondo (Sergeant, U.S. Army, retired); Jonathan D. Pruden (Captain, U.S. Army, retired). They have walked the walk and paid the price. A very high price. They are veterans who sustained major limb loss during the Vietnam or Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) conflicts. Their names are Juan Arredondo, Ned Foote, and Jonathan Pruden. All three have adapted to their limb loss, but daily struggles still exist for them, as well as for others who have moved on with their postmilitary lives. Jonathan Pruden and Juan Arredondo served during a different military era (OIF/OEF) than did Ned Foote (Vietnam); but despite the differences in age, the three men share a common goal, a common passion: to see that all wounded servicemembers receive the best possible care through a supportive rehabilitation process and a smooth transition from Active Duty into the Veterans Healthcare System and, especially, to receive comprehensive prosthetic care services and other benefits they deserve. Their mission now is to help other wounded warriors navigate through the recovery process and restore a satisfying lifestyle. As active volunteers in national programs that assist fellow wounded warriors, they were invited to participate in the Expert Panel meeting, convened in Seattle, Washington, in 2008, to examine rehabilitation care issues and prosthetic device challenges for the study described in this issue of the JRRD. In addition, they participated in a joint interview to discuss their experience through the recovery process and share valuable lessons learned on how best to adapt to limb loss. We hope their stories will provide guidance and inspiration to others with disabilities.