Wednesday, January 30, 2013
ARMY NURSE
As I sit and reread some of the touching letters I received from the recipients of my care packages, there are so many that stand out for one reason or another. The sharing of their personal stories, their war stories, their day to day life in a war zone or close to one, from all branches of the Armed Forces that I shipped to, from 2003 to the present. I don't recall how I got the contact information to ship to this location, but what a blessing that we connected.
One very special soldier's letters stood out because she shared the horror of what she saw as an ICU nurse in a CSH (Command Support Hospital), specifically the 67th CSH. Her first letter to me was a simple thank you note for the package she never expected. As the packages continued and her letters as well, she shared with me her life back home and her deployments. Sgt. Laura Baker was her name and she hailed from Texas. In 2004 she had been in the Army for five years. She had been in Iraq for just three months with fourteen more to go and this was her third deployment. Laura was a single mom and her 16 year old daughter was living with Laura's parents in Arizona while she was deployed.
She always started each letter telling me how much everyone at the CSH looked forward to the care packages, how each had a favorite snack and hers were the trail mix that I always included just for her. She always stated how proud she was to be an American serving in our military, how proud she was to show the Iraqis how kind and caring we Americans are. She was a Godly woman who had great faith in the Lord and wanted others to benefit from that faith through her kindness, often giving them some of the contents of the care packages.
She spoke of the daily deaths, how hard it was to have our troops die in her arms, and how she "would never complain about a pimple on my face when I've seen a man with no face or head". As disturbing as this was to read, I knew it was my honor to be here for her to tell of these horrors. Her perspective had been altered by her experiences on the front lines, as is true for all who serve in those circumstances. She spoke of bombs going off all around them daily. The rush of wounded coming in.
Then in the next paragraph she would write lovingly about her precious daughter whom she missed terribly. Her plans were to come home and take a short cruise together, just the two of them, to "dump all these nightmares and refresh with happy memories." Many of her junior soldiers would get their leaves first she explained, but they did take that cruise. While Laura was home we had our first phone conversation and it was as if we were old friends. She was full of life and love and so thankful to be there with her daughter. Then there was the difficult separation as Mom went back to Iraq. While she was overseas I spoke to Laura's mom Loretta an rare occasions and learned where Laura got her beautiful and caring personality.
Time passed.....the numbers of casualties and injured became less and the hot months wore on. Then it was time to come home. I did get a great big 'thank you' from all those who worked with Laura at the hospital. She was back in Texas with her daughter and settled into a new life and work at the hospital there. Somehow we lost touch after a few years. Until last night when I found her mom's phone number. I was compelled to call to learn how Miss Laura was doing after not speaking to her for so long. Sadly Loretta told me that last year Laura went home to be with the Lord. Her once teenage daughter is now in her twenties and about to have a baby of her own.
When I tell you that I have memories that I will cherish all the days of my life....I mean it sincerely. There will be many stories that come out of my beloved thank you letters. Some of the authors of those letters are still friends, most were just wartime friendships. I will attempt to find some of those old friends and bring their lives up to date......the successes, the struggles.....how their lives have evolved since they served in combat and came home, some whole, some broken, but all special troops whose paths crossed mine at a time when God meant for me to be there for them.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
SPECIAL REQUEST
SPECIAL REQUEST
Last year I received a very unusual request from a unit I was shipping packages to.
I got this email from the RP (Religious Programmer), assistant to the chaplain. The chaplain happened to be home in the states for a few weeks and his assistant was in a quandary.
The RP was serving with a large unit of over 150 Marines and Sailors. One of his Marines, of Russian descent, came to him asking how he might obtain a Russian version of our NIV (New International Version) of Scripture. The RP investigated through military channels and found that in order to get one copy he needed to order in bulk, over 100 copies. Obviously that was not satisfactory! He recalled that his chaplain had been in touch on a regular basis with me because I was supporting their unit with care packages.
I have to say, when that email arrived I was scratching my head and wondering where in the world I would find a Russian bible for this Marine. My first attempt was to locate the local Russian churches in my Maryland/Washington DC area. I spoke to two churches who did not have any information, as they were only familiar with the Russian Orthodox version. I left my contact information with them hoping they might come up with a solution. I then did what we all do, I did a Google search for Russian bibles.
What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. What I found was the Russian Christian Publishing Company, in Kansas, USA!!!! I spent some time perusing their website only to find such a large selection left me completely unsure of how to proceed. I then clicked one of the links on their site and found a page that caught my breath in my chest.......the owners of the company had a son who had served in the US Army and had been killed in action in Iraq. The fact that I had a Marine in combat seeking a Russian bible and a company that supplied Russian bibles and had lost their son in combat was to me, astounding. Once again, it was clear that God was working in this situation. I reached out to the owners of the company, the Waglers, and spoke to them. It was a conversation I will never forget. Mrs Wagler was so moved at what was transpiring and so gracious in wanting to assist, that when I asked if she would make a selection and perhaps donate it to our Marine she said she felt very blessed to be able to do so.
I had one special favor I wanted to ask of her. Would she consider enclosing a personal letter to the Marine, whose first name was Dimitri. I explained how meaningful it would be to him to receive a Russian bible with an enclosed letter explaining her personal connection to our US military. She was hesitant at first but agreed to enclose a letter. A week later I received the bible along with her note and shipped it off to Dimitri in Afghanistan. Dimitri was a newlywed and deeply missed his new wife and as the RP told me, he felt a deeper need to know the Lord while he was there in Afghanistan with the dangers of war. What a blessing to be able to provide for him a bible in his native Russian language to give him the means to spend time with our Lord.
I am constantly in awe of how God is working in my life. From what seem to be the smallest to the most enormous circumstances, His hand is guiding me. His will is done. His proof that He is here is so clear. As time goes by I will be sharing more of these chronicles with you. I hope and pray that you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy living them.
Last year I received a very unusual request from a unit I was shipping packages to.
I got this email from the RP (Religious Programmer), assistant to the chaplain. The chaplain happened to be home in the states for a few weeks and his assistant was in a quandary.
The RP was serving with a large unit of over 150 Marines and Sailors. One of his Marines, of Russian descent, came to him asking how he might obtain a Russian version of our NIV (New International Version) of Scripture. The RP investigated through military channels and found that in order to get one copy he needed to order in bulk, over 100 copies. Obviously that was not satisfactory! He recalled that his chaplain had been in touch on a regular basis with me because I was supporting their unit with care packages.
I have to say, when that email arrived I was scratching my head and wondering where in the world I would find a Russian bible for this Marine. My first attempt was to locate the local Russian churches in my Maryland/Washington DC area. I spoke to two churches who did not have any information, as they were only familiar with the Russian Orthodox version. I left my contact information with them hoping they might come up with a solution. I then did what we all do, I did a Google search for Russian bibles.
What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. What I found was the Russian Christian Publishing Company, in Kansas, USA!!!! I spent some time perusing their website only to find such a large selection left me completely unsure of how to proceed. I then clicked one of the links on their site and found a page that caught my breath in my chest.......the owners of the company had a son who had served in the US Army and had been killed in action in Iraq. The fact that I had a Marine in combat seeking a Russian bible and a company that supplied Russian bibles and had lost their son in combat was to me, astounding. Once again, it was clear that God was working in this situation. I reached out to the owners of the company, the Waglers, and spoke to them. It was a conversation I will never forget. Mrs Wagler was so moved at what was transpiring and so gracious in wanting to assist, that when I asked if she would make a selection and perhaps donate it to our Marine she said she felt very blessed to be able to do so.
I had one special favor I wanted to ask of her. Would she consider enclosing a personal letter to the Marine, whose first name was Dimitri. I explained how meaningful it would be to him to receive a Russian bible with an enclosed letter explaining her personal connection to our US military. She was hesitant at first but agreed to enclose a letter. A week later I received the bible along with her note and shipped it off to Dimitri in Afghanistan. Dimitri was a newlywed and deeply missed his new wife and as the RP told me, he felt a deeper need to know the Lord while he was there in Afghanistan with the dangers of war. What a blessing to be able to provide for him a bible in his native Russian language to give him the means to spend time with our Lord.
I am constantly in awe of how God is working in my life. From what seem to be the smallest to the most enormous circumstances, His hand is guiding me. His will is done. His proof that He is here is so clear. As time goes by I will be sharing more of these chronicles with you. I hope and pray that you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy living them.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
WOUNDED WARRIORS: OVERCOMING TRAUMATIC INJURY
When a warrior is wounded he/she is flown from a (CSH) combat
support hospital near the field of combat to Germany to Andrews AF
Base to Walter Reed. With each stop the patient required
stabilization over days or weeks, their families often flown to
their hospital bedside overseas. Many in a medically induced coma
while their families spend days at their side, watching the medical
staff tend to their patients, everything so unfamiliar and
frightening.
In time clarity comes, the wounded begin to heal. Each warrior recovers at a different pace. You can imagine the enormous range of injuries, both internal and external, including the loss of limbs. The visits I made were, for me, a blessing as well as an eye opener. So many of our combat wounded want to share their personal war stories.....want to relate what happened to them when they were blown up or shot. I know that for them it is therapeutic to repeat what they see in their minds over and over. For others it is too painful to speak of what caused them to be here. Each of the warriors expressed gratitude when groups of veterans cared enough to visit and listen to their horrific stories of their experiences in combat.
Most crucial to the healing process is the presence of family and friends. Without them the healing process would be much lengthier. The sacrifices that their families endure is not stressed nearly enough. Usually families are split up with one parent or spouse here while the other parent and siblings remain at home holding down a job. Family life is utterly broken apart. The benefits in these circumstances are the non-profit organizations that supply all the needs of the family members that are here. A free place to live, transportation, assistance with expenses back home and also providing airfare to bring families together when possible, both here or when the wounded are able to visit home. Remodeling homes and refitting vehicles are also covered. These organizations are the backbone of survival for every one of the families that have dropped everything to be here.
Their progress is evident with each of my weekly visits. Through numerous surgeries, hours of rehabilitation, more surgeries, more rehab, countless hours adapting to their new prosthetic legs and arms, they rebuild their bodies and rebuild their spirits. Sometimes the bodies heal faster than the spirits, sometimes the reverse. I can tell you that what they endure on a daily basis is astounding and not what any civilian could ever imagine. With many there are the issues of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Whether physical or psychological, they have months and years of therapy ahead of them. I have known some multi-limb amputees who were so motivated that they were out of the hospital in less than a year! That is not the norm, as the usual stay is one year or longer.
The most unbelievable examples of motivation have been amputees who have tackled all sorts of athletic activities that they never imagined possible prior to being injured. Skydiving, surfing, snowboarding, cycling, rock climbing, court sports, archery.... and the list goes on. Some have taken up musical instruments such as guitar and piano......for we all know music is a therapy all it's own. These fearless warriors know no bounds. They are willing to try things they never dreamed possible before they enlisted.
One of the major catastrophic results of our years in combat are the hidden wounds........the psychological damage that is causing so many suicides in our military ranks. Self inflicted deaths were up to 345 in 2012. All branches of the Armed Forces are affected. The numbers of veterans who are suffering is astronomical and the VA system is overwhelmed. Our military attempts to bring about changes to the system.......there are hotlines, there are non-profits that have been formed specifically for assisting these veterans in need of help. One of the greatest and seemingly insurmountable issues is the stigma of seeking help. I am not sure how this can be addressed, as one cannot force someone to reach out for help if they fear it will somehow be a black mark on their record. Changes must be made to overcome this high rate of suicides in our military.
The bittersweet end of this story is saying goodbye to these brave warriors as they recover and move on with their lives. I know God places each of us together for a certain time. To be a part of someone's healing process is so special that I will carry those memories with me always. As I have written in previous articles, some of the patients and their families I met eight years ago are still part of my life. Again I thank God for this path He chose for me.......these opportunities to share with our warriors their roads to recovery. I have such great respect and admiration for each of them as they move from Walter Reed back home to live their 'new normal' lives.
In time clarity comes, the wounded begin to heal. Each warrior recovers at a different pace. You can imagine the enormous range of injuries, both internal and external, including the loss of limbs. The visits I made were, for me, a blessing as well as an eye opener. So many of our combat wounded want to share their personal war stories.....want to relate what happened to them when they were blown up or shot. I know that for them it is therapeutic to repeat what they see in their minds over and over. For others it is too painful to speak of what caused them to be here. Each of the warriors expressed gratitude when groups of veterans cared enough to visit and listen to their horrific stories of their experiences in combat.
Most crucial to the healing process is the presence of family and friends. Without them the healing process would be much lengthier. The sacrifices that their families endure is not stressed nearly enough. Usually families are split up with one parent or spouse here while the other parent and siblings remain at home holding down a job. Family life is utterly broken apart. The benefits in these circumstances are the non-profit organizations that supply all the needs of the family members that are here. A free place to live, transportation, assistance with expenses back home and also providing airfare to bring families together when possible, both here or when the wounded are able to visit home. Remodeling homes and refitting vehicles are also covered. These organizations are the backbone of survival for every one of the families that have dropped everything to be here.
Their progress is evident with each of my weekly visits. Through numerous surgeries, hours of rehabilitation, more surgeries, more rehab, countless hours adapting to their new prosthetic legs and arms, they rebuild their bodies and rebuild their spirits. Sometimes the bodies heal faster than the spirits, sometimes the reverse. I can tell you that what they endure on a daily basis is astounding and not what any civilian could ever imagine. With many there are the issues of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Whether physical or psychological, they have months and years of therapy ahead of them. I have known some multi-limb amputees who were so motivated that they were out of the hospital in less than a year! That is not the norm, as the usual stay is one year or longer.
The most unbelievable examples of motivation have been amputees who have tackled all sorts of athletic activities that they never imagined possible prior to being injured. Skydiving, surfing, snowboarding, cycling, rock climbing, court sports, archery.... and the list goes on. Some have taken up musical instruments such as guitar and piano......for we all know music is a therapy all it's own. These fearless warriors know no bounds. They are willing to try things they never dreamed possible before they enlisted.
One of the major catastrophic results of our years in combat are the hidden wounds........the psychological damage that is causing so many suicides in our military ranks. Self inflicted deaths were up to 345 in 2012. All branches of the Armed Forces are affected. The numbers of veterans who are suffering is astronomical and the VA system is overwhelmed. Our military attempts to bring about changes to the system.......there are hotlines, there are non-profits that have been formed specifically for assisting these veterans in need of help. One of the greatest and seemingly insurmountable issues is the stigma of seeking help. I am not sure how this can be addressed, as one cannot force someone to reach out for help if they fear it will somehow be a black mark on their record. Changes must be made to overcome this high rate of suicides in our military.
The bittersweet end of this story is saying goodbye to these brave warriors as they recover and move on with their lives. I know God places each of us together for a certain time. To be a part of someone's healing process is so special that I will carry those memories with me always. As I have written in previous articles, some of the patients and their families I met eight years ago are still part of my life. Again I thank God for this path He chose for me.......these opportunities to share with our warriors their roads to recovery. I have such great respect and admiration for each of them as they move from Walter Reed back home to live their 'new normal' lives.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
BARBECUES FOR OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS
We all have our favorite seasons of the year and usually they are
related to the weather. I have one very long season that runs from
March to October when we plan our barbecues at Walter Reed National
Military Medical Center Bethesda for our outstanding wounded warriors,
their families, and the dedicated staff who treat them. Those eight
months are unique because the third or fourth Wednesday of each of those
months I volunteer with a local Marine Corps League's Marines Helping
Marines Foundation, which puts on the cookouts. The events are
sponsored by various Marine Corps League Detachments and/or local
businesses or individuals. I suffer withdrawal during the four months
of no cookouts because I miss them so much.
Each month the anticipation builds for the big event. We plan for approximately 150 people. The Marine who runs the whole show, Tony Begenwald, a Korean War Veteran, has many fellow veteran volunteers who are there with him each month without fail, including the other volunteers and me who are not members of the League. It brings us such pleasure to serve our guests.
Much camaraderie surrounds the preparation for each event. One thing we are never sure of is the weather but we have been blessed with only one cookout each season that was forced indoors. Setting up long tables and organizing the food is great fun. We all have certain responsibilities each month to make things run smoothly. Tony is famous for his marinated steaks and his 'famous' baked beans and his reputation has grown over the years for all the delicious foods we serve. The comments we hear most often are that the barbecued steaks, hotdogs and burgers are a welcome change, as well as the fresh veggies, fresh fruit, and fresh baked goods made lovingly by our volunteers.
Then the guests start to arrive. They come in wheelchairs, on crutches, some even on gurneys.....any way they can get there. The cookouts are located on a patio behind a barracks with lovely umbrella tables so that everyone can relax and enjoy an hour or two in the fresh air and the outdoors. For us it is a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with our wounded warriors and their devoted families. To hear their stories and to share this time is what warms our hearts. Each month we look forward to renewing those friendships but are encouraged when we learn that some of our warriors were well enough to be discharged after a year or longer recovery at the hospital. We will miss them but we know they were ready to move on with their lives and accomplish new goals.
Some cookouts we have live entertainment, like the earlier article I wrote about Major Burkett and the Fire Department Pipe and Drum that played for us. We have had rock bands, jazz bands, steel drum bands, and solo vocalists. What a pleasure to have these artists take time to come and share their talents with us! Those artists are so grateful to be able to perform for our wounded warriors.
One regular Marine Corps League volunteer was a Navy Corpsmen and is retired. His passion is photography and he is there to snap each event and post them for all to view. His name is Paul Gunther and he captures each cookout and gives us wonderful photographs to view and bring back the memories. For anyone who is interested in seeing them, the photos are on this site:
http://prgunther.shutterfly.com/
I, for one, can't wait for the new season to begin.....but I know all of us feel the same way......and March is almost here!!!!
Each month the anticipation builds for the big event. We plan for approximately 150 people. The Marine who runs the whole show, Tony Begenwald, a Korean War Veteran, has many fellow veteran volunteers who are there with him each month without fail, including the other volunteers and me who are not members of the League. It brings us such pleasure to serve our guests.
Much camaraderie surrounds the preparation for each event. One thing we are never sure of is the weather but we have been blessed with only one cookout each season that was forced indoors. Setting up long tables and organizing the food is great fun. We all have certain responsibilities each month to make things run smoothly. Tony is famous for his marinated steaks and his 'famous' baked beans and his reputation has grown over the years for all the delicious foods we serve. The comments we hear most often are that the barbecued steaks, hotdogs and burgers are a welcome change, as well as the fresh veggies, fresh fruit, and fresh baked goods made lovingly by our volunteers.
Then the guests start to arrive. They come in wheelchairs, on crutches, some even on gurneys.....any way they can get there. The cookouts are located on a patio behind a barracks with lovely umbrella tables so that everyone can relax and enjoy an hour or two in the fresh air and the outdoors. For us it is a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with our wounded warriors and their devoted families. To hear their stories and to share this time is what warms our hearts. Each month we look forward to renewing those friendships but are encouraged when we learn that some of our warriors were well enough to be discharged after a year or longer recovery at the hospital. We will miss them but we know they were ready to move on with their lives and accomplish new goals.
Some cookouts we have live entertainment, like the earlier article I wrote about Major Burkett and the Fire Department Pipe and Drum that played for us. We have had rock bands, jazz bands, steel drum bands, and solo vocalists. What a pleasure to have these artists take time to come and share their talents with us! Those artists are so grateful to be able to perform for our wounded warriors.
One regular Marine Corps League volunteer was a Navy Corpsmen and is retired. His passion is photography and he is there to snap each event and post them for all to view. His name is Paul Gunther and he captures each cookout and gives us wonderful photographs to view and bring back the memories. For anyone who is interested in seeing them, the photos are on this site:
http://prgunther.shutterfly.com/
I, for one, can't wait for the new season to begin.....but I know all of us feel the same way......and March is almost here!!!!
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