As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we also approach the end of what Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has proclaimed Wounded Warrior Month. We've never had such an observance before, but that doesn't mean we've never needed one. In fact, as a nation and a military we haven't always done a great job of taking care of those who have given so much to this nation.

Today, we are working to ensure not only the best initial medical care possible, but also the best after-care possible for all our service members injured in combat. The military's medical system now has the ability to save more lives on the battlefield than ever before — an excellent reason to be thankful this holiday season.

But with those saved lives comes the need for solid follow-through and focus on continued care. That takes a team effort, from the medical community — including all military service branches and the Veterans Affairs — to the professionals at family readiness centers, who together provide a range of services to those in need. Understanding that injuries are both physical and mental, the Air Force has launched a top-to-bottom policy review, changing the Air Force culture and ensuring enduring well-deserved support to our wounded warriors whether it comes from the physical or psychological challenges they may face.

Though you may not realize it, Hawai'i is home to many wounded warriors. They are mostly taken care of by military or Veterans Affairs clinics and hospitals. Many fly into Hickam AFB from Iraq or Afghanistan on medical evacuation flights and are transferred to Tripler Army Medical Center and our partner — the Veterans Affairs Hospital — which are co-located. We may see them as we walk the streets of O'ahu or around our medical facilities, where the staff is dedicated to the best recoveries possible.

And as a community, we all should be committed to honoring the sacrifices of our wounded airmen and their families, and by working to make sure they are provided with the best medical and professional support throughout their recovery process.

So as we give thanks around our Thanksgiving dinners, I encourage everyone to think about all those who have served freedom's cause and have returned to these beautiful Hawaiian shores with a medal they never hoped or desired to earn — the Purple Heart. It is appropriate that November was named Wounded Warrior Month because it is a time we give thanks for so many blessings that we have — faith, family, friends and freedom.

Faith — the ability to practice in any way we choose.

Family — the great ability to raise a family in an environment that allows anyone to become almost anything for which they are willing to work hard.

Friends — those who make this world so wonderful to enjoy.

And freedom — the ability to do so many things and become anything we want without prejudice or personal interference. All of these are protected by those who serve this great nation, including many who have done so at a tremendous personal cost. That's a commitment we must never forget.

With our focus on the holiday season, I hope that you will keep our wounded warriors and their families in your thoughts. If ever given the opportunity, thank them for their service; let them know that you care.

And don't let Wounded Warrior Month end in November. It needs to be a year-round cause, one that is approached with concern as well as gratitude.

Without the sacrifice of those who put life and limb in harm's way, our lives would be much different. We would not be able to enjoy life's special gifts — faith, family, friends and freedom — in the way we are accustomed.

Col. Sean Murphy is the Pacific Air Forces command surgeon. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.