On one hand it can quickly and securely expedite top-secret information across the globe, though on the other it allows enlistees to broadcast themselves. This outpour of information lets soldiers flex their right to free speech, even if higher authorities have compromised it for security reasons.

Veterans however, should find the medium much more of a blessing than when they were enlisted. Thanks to the high tech and benevolent mindset of Dave Maher, founder of USA Together, a Web site dedicated to connecting veterans in need of assistance with individuals looking to provide, the Internet can serve as a beltway to expediting relief rather than chaos.

“I can’t imagine a more worthwhile group of individuals to help,” said Maher who began brainstorming ways in which he could help veterans one day while driving past the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs hospital. “I had never been there and I have no military background, but I went in with the sole goal of helping them out.”

Maher’s reactivity may sound spurious, but it was not the first time he set out to assist the community as such. The Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit and the Mountain View & Los Altos Educational Foundation, were both borne from Maher’s inspiration; this isn’t a new step in his repertoire.

Maher’s first point of contact at the hospital was Kerri Childress, public affairs officer with Palo Alto Veterans Affairs. Over a cup of coffee, Childress informed Maher some of the typical struggles which veterans deal with, often being brought into an area and subsequently having no resources upon which to call. Newspapers would sometimes run stories that led to an outpour of assistance, but this relief was temporary at best.

“It’s like a Craigslist for wounded warriors,” said Maher who was inspired by the free classified site and kiva.org, an organization that connects people through lending aimed at alleviating poverty.

The pithy phrase that dons the USA Together’s Web site definitely holds truth, but it also differentiates itself from the popular classified site in a variety of ways.

Tailored e-mail subscriptions allow donors to alert themselves to veterans who are in need of particular services, or within particular geographic areas. It’s not always monetary relief that is sought, often times it can be legal advice or even baby cribs.

“We wanted to broaden the pool of Americans that can help. It’s not always monetary assistance … this lets a larger portion of people to get engaged,” said Maher.

Having a background in technology, the most significant obstacle for Maher in getting the service up and running was surprisingly not the coding, but melding two different communities, the military and non-military, together and spreading the word.

“It was two very different marketing efforts,” said Maher. “We knew that many Americans wanted to help, but just didn’t know who or how. This Web site lets them read the stories of those injured and find someone they can connect with to help — either right in their own community or across the nation.”

Maher attributed this marketing challenge to the fact that military and non-military families are often contrasting demographics; they read different journals, talk with different people and listen to different media outlets.

“About this time last year we were in late testing. We had a dozen or so families, now we have thousands,” said Maher. “We really exploded on Jan. 22 when we aired on NPR. Essentially 100 percent of needs posted have been met,” he added.

The next phase of USA Together is continued outreach and visibility. Beyond the NPR broadcast, the organization gained exposure when it was presented first prize for the 2009 Newman’s Own Award.

The award, presented at the Pentagon Sept. 10, by Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and Newman’s Own President Tom Indoe, has nothing to do with dressings. Rather, it recognizes ingenuity and innovation for programs that benefit service men and women and their families.

Without the advent of communications technology such as the Internet, it was still possible for veterans to seek assistance, but not with nearly the same amount of resources.

Maher pointed out that up to this point in time, a veteran in need of assistance was traditionally put into contact with a broker, often a federal recovery coordinator. This single point of contact possessed a vast knowledge base, but is also typically overloaded.

“The resources are far too vast for a single broker to know all the information. This pool provides a better service,” said Maher. “A veteran can feel forgotten by their country, the outreach from of an unknown person is immense. Such an emotional connection is huge and much more valued than the money itself.”

For more information about USA Together visit www.USAtogether.org.