GOD LOVES LIFEGUARDS by Susan Warren
It began with our new lifeguards at my condominium. This year we
hired a new pool company that brings lifeguards to the US for the
summer to guard some of the pools in this Maryland area as well as
all over the country. The company offers summer jobs to dozens of
Serbians. They are provided an apartment and bicycles to get
around. Little did the residents of my highrise realize that we
would be blessed with a young couple who would become like family.
Their names are Marko and Dragana (aka Gaga), a couple perfectly suited for each other. Not only are they the most
professional guards we have ever had, but they are the most
personable and the most engaging. However, the purpose of this
article is not about how wonderfully they managed our pool all
summer... this is about people connecting with people, a topic you
know I love to share with my readers.
Marko has a degree in working with children who have disabilities at
home in Serbia and Gaga is completing her college education. They are in their
mid-twenties. Marko also loves to teach swimming to anyone who
wants to learn, from children to senior citizens, with patience you rarely see in young people today. They are always
smiling, always agreeable and always endearing.
Dozens of us wanted to get to know them better and to learn about
their homeland. We loved to help them get around the city, show
them the sights, take them out to eat, feed them while they were
working (long days from 10:30am to 8pm six days a week). They
learned to travel all over Washington, DC, mastering our public
transportation system of buses and underground metro. They saw most
of the sights on their days off, including the National Zoo, the
Smithsonian museums, the Air and Space museum. They went on several
shopping excursions from shopping malls to thrift shops.
The woman who teaches water aerobics offered them the completely
furnished basement apartment in her home for half the cost of the
apartment
provided by the pool company.
They could then take the metro and no longer have
to bike all the way to and from work. The apartment was available
for all but
the last two weeks they would be here in the states. Another of
our residents,
with a two bedroom apartment, offered to take them in! Their
living arrangements seemed to fall into place every time there was a
need.
Marko hoped that when he initially came to the states he could
extend his visa and remain here to work, which he was able to do. He
wanted to
learn to drive a semi tractor trailer, a profitable career for the
next four years. His boss' best friend owns a trucking company
which enabled Marko to stay with a guaranteed job. All of this
required getting to Boston and again, there were new friends who
helped to make that possible. Had it been anyone other than
Marko I doubt all of this would have taken place.
Summer passed so quickly, just three short months and the pool
closes for the season. It is mid September and we are planning a
big farewell pool party with gifts to show our appreciation and
love. In two weeks Gaga goes home and Marko goes to Boston. However, the
question was, where would he live for eight weeks while he trained
for his trucking license? I grew up in the suburbs of Boston, but
left in '55, and none of my family is there any longer. Then an
idea hit me! Most of you who have read my previous articles know
that Walter Reed, its wounded warriors and their families have been
a huge part of my life, and one of those families happens to be from
Boston. The injured warrior healed, was medically discharged and
retired from the Marine Corps earlier this year, remaining here in
Maryland. His Mom, whom I befriended when they first arrived at
Walter Reed three years ago, still lives in the city of Boston.
I rely on God for much of what I do, not as much as I should, but
most of the time when He speaks to me, I listen. The Holy Spirit
nudged me to call this Mom and inquire as to whether she might
consider taking Marko in for eight weeks. She is from the Ukraine
and he is from Serbia so I thought they would have a few things in
common. She emphatically said "YES", that she would love to have
Marko stay in her son's apartment in her home, and not only that,
but rent free!!! At that moment I thanked and praised God and wept
for joy!!! She told me that now she would have someone to cook
for.....dishes that she rarely cooks since she lives alone. And to
top that off, she lives very close to public transportation which he
will have to rely on.
Marko and Gaga will visit this amazing Mom next week, get the
details worked out, and then return here until Gaga goes home to
Serbia. Then Marko starts his new life as a trucker, beginning with his training. We will
pray for his safety on the roads and look forward to seeing him
when he is in the area. Hopefully Gaga will be back next summer as
our lifeguard and Marko will visit with all of us when he comes to see her. Of course, we will all be staying in
touch with them via Facebook and email.
Let this be a reminder:
there is nothing that happens by accident, there are no
coincidences, it is all arranged by God. Every person who
crosses our path is there by design, whether or not we understand
the reason at the time. This summer it was truly remarkable to
watch God working in so many lives. To witness the enormous
outpouring of love for Marko and Gaga gave us all hope, that our
fellow man is inherently good and kind. It will be a long winter
and we will look forward to seeing our friends again next year.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Monday, July 7, 2014
EXTRAORDINARY SUPPORT FOR A WOUNDED WARRIOR
EXTRAORDINARY SUPPORT FOR A WOUNDED WARRIOR by Susan Warren
Last Thursday morning I had the opportunity to witness a number of generous non-profit organizations combining their efforts in their support of a severely wounded warrior, Sgt. Adam Keys, Army Airborne, who lost three limbs after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan three years ago. It was the ground breaking ceremony for Adam's future home on a beautiful wooded property near Annapolis, Maryland. It began with a beautifully sung rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which, of course, I teared up singing! You should know me by now!!! Storms were predicted the night before, but the Lord knew how special this morning was and He gave us clear blue skies.
Adam has been a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center-Bethesda since he was injured, and has had a long roller coaster recovery. He has endured over one hundred surgeries and numerous setbacks, but he has been tenacious in his determination to return to a life with big plans for his future. His parents Julie and Steve have been by his side through his recovery, or taking turns when issues with home and family called one of them away. Adam's healing has been lengthy and tedious. After multiple surgeries that brought advancement and then complications that set him back..... through it all he has remained positive and caused everyone around him to do the same. His strength and courage affect all those who come in contact with him. To describe him as inspirational is an understatement. His personality and his sense of humor truly uplift all those who know or meet him. He is always smiling!
This event, as well as the land, the architects, the builders, the interior furnishings and everything else, will be donated by a multitude of patriotic sponsors, all pulled together by John O'Leary and Bob Saunders of Warrior Events, and the Stephen Sillers Tunnel to Towers Foundation/Building for America's Bravest. Stephen Sillers was a firefighter who ran into the towers on 9/11 and gave his life on that fateful day saving others. His family formed a foundation to show their support for those who are severely wounded while serving our country and also for firefighters injured on duty. The Gary Sinise Foundation/Lt. Dan Band organizes concert/fundraisers throughout the country to help raise the money needed to provide personally modified homes for those service men and women whose lives are forever altered by their injuries. They create homes that allow them their independence and sense of self. Sponsors include sports teams, architects, builders, designers, suppliers of appliances, furniture, paint......you name it........all donated to create an adapted home for their specific needs, that will make their lives 'normal.'
There were speakers representing the above-mentioned sponsors, each expressing how incredibly grateful they felt to be a part of this endeavor. Home Depot, for example, hires veterans and promises them a future with their company. Adam, using two canes to stand from his wheelchair to address the audience, recited the names of those soldiers/brothers with whom he served who did not return home...stressing that they are the true heroes, and he would always carry memories of them in his heart.
As the ceremony came to a close, the vocalist asked us to join her in singing "America the Beautiful" (again more tears), and then the skies darkened, the thunder clapped and the rains came! God's timing was perfect, once again. As several of us drove away to a nearby restaurant to continue celebrating Adam and his future home, I could not help but appreciate such a memorable gathering of Americans who deeply love their country and those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms here at home. I look forward to seeing Adam's completed home, and I thank God for the multitudes of supporters/sponsors who are so willing to be a part of something much larger than themselves. Patriotism in not dead, not by a long shot!
Last Thursday morning I had the opportunity to witness a number of generous non-profit organizations combining their efforts in their support of a severely wounded warrior, Sgt. Adam Keys, Army Airborne, who lost three limbs after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan three years ago. It was the ground breaking ceremony for Adam's future home on a beautiful wooded property near Annapolis, Maryland. It began with a beautifully sung rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which, of course, I teared up singing! You should know me by now!!! Storms were predicted the night before, but the Lord knew how special this morning was and He gave us clear blue skies.
Adam has been a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center-Bethesda since he was injured, and has had a long roller coaster recovery. He has endured over one hundred surgeries and numerous setbacks, but he has been tenacious in his determination to return to a life with big plans for his future. His parents Julie and Steve have been by his side through his recovery, or taking turns when issues with home and family called one of them away. Adam's healing has been lengthy and tedious. After multiple surgeries that brought advancement and then complications that set him back..... through it all he has remained positive and caused everyone around him to do the same. His strength and courage affect all those who come in contact with him. To describe him as inspirational is an understatement. His personality and his sense of humor truly uplift all those who know or meet him. He is always smiling!
This event, as well as the land, the architects, the builders, the interior furnishings and everything else, will be donated by a multitude of patriotic sponsors, all pulled together by John O'Leary and Bob Saunders of Warrior Events, and the Stephen Sillers Tunnel to Towers Foundation/Building for America's Bravest. Stephen Sillers was a firefighter who ran into the towers on 9/11 and gave his life on that fateful day saving others. His family formed a foundation to show their support for those who are severely wounded while serving our country and also for firefighters injured on duty. The Gary Sinise Foundation/Lt. Dan Band organizes concert/fundraisers throughout the country to help raise the money needed to provide personally modified homes for those service men and women whose lives are forever altered by their injuries. They create homes that allow them their independence and sense of self. Sponsors include sports teams, architects, builders, designers, suppliers of appliances, furniture, paint......you name it........all donated to create an adapted home for their specific needs, that will make their lives 'normal.'
There were speakers representing the above-mentioned sponsors, each expressing how incredibly grateful they felt to be a part of this endeavor. Home Depot, for example, hires veterans and promises them a future with their company. Adam, using two canes to stand from his wheelchair to address the audience, recited the names of those soldiers/brothers with whom he served who did not return home...stressing that they are the true heroes, and he would always carry memories of them in his heart.
As the ceremony came to a close, the vocalist asked us to join her in singing "America the Beautiful" (again more tears), and then the skies darkened, the thunder clapped and the rains came! God's timing was perfect, once again. As several of us drove away to a nearby restaurant to continue celebrating Adam and his future home, I could not help but appreciate such a memorable gathering of Americans who deeply love their country and those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms here at home. I look forward to seeing Adam's completed home, and I thank God for the multitudes of supporters/sponsors who are so willing to be a part of something much larger than themselves. Patriotism in not dead, not by a long shot!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
HONORING OUR WALTER REED CAREGIVERS
HONORING OUR WALTER REED CAREGIVERS
Over the last three years I have been blessed with the opportunity to assist in coordinating a luncheon for some of the ladies/caregivers from Walter Reed. Our Women's Republican Club sponsors a spring luncheon in a beautiful private home not far from the hospital. As many of you already know, over the years I have grown very close to many of these caregivers and their families, so I was honored to be responsible for invitations and transportation. I wanted to share with you this exceptional afternoon that took place last month.
As our guests arrived they were first greeted by the sound of a solo bagpiper, Dan Friz, a Montgomery County policeman who is a member of the MCFD Pipe and Drum. I have written in the past about the band entertaining at the cookouts I am involved with at the hospital. As the ladies approached the house there were warm welcomes from many of our club members, greeting them throughout the house and out to the backyard. Immediately there was a wonderful sense of camaraderie that was shared by our eighteen special guests and our sixty members and their friends. Threatening weather turned to intermittent sunshine and our hostess' beautiful home was once again the perfect venue for our gathering.
Our pot luck luncheon was a varied array of salads and desserts made by some of our members with love. With guests and members settling throughout the house and the backyard, it was an opportunity to give these ladies our undivided attention, to hear their personal stories, their journeys, the obstacles they have faced and the goals they have attained. Stories of their wounded loved ones, their lives turned upside down, their lives here at Walter Reed with their children, and all things related to the recovery process. This intimate time together is what makes our luncheon so special and the reason we want to open our arms and our hearts to the women who are the heroes behind the heroes.
After lunch we gathered in the living room to hear our guest speaker, Mary Jo Myers, wife of Gen. Richard Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. You can imagine with that many people squeezed into one room it was crowded with ladies sitting on the floor, on the sofas and chairs and standing in a circle, but it was quite comfortable. Mary Jo clearly understands the plight of the military family, the setbacks, the challenges, and all that they go through as their lives continue to adapt to changes. What was so touching was that her compassion brought her to tears many times as she spoke. She truly has a heart for what they endure day after day and she captured our hearts from the start. We were very blessed to have her with us to share her knowledge and experience with military families.
Next we set aside time for any caregivers who might be willing to share their personal stories. First was Claudia Avila, wife of a soldier, whose husband suffered grave injuries in Iraq. She shared with us that her husband's medical team felt he would make a partial recovery, but that his brain damage would not improve. She knew in her heart that she would not accept that prognosis, and through her determination and advocacy, his recovery has been miraculous. Kelly Burke's message was about a family pulling together through unusual circumstances. First Kelly's husband was wounded and she became his caregiver. Not that long after, her son-in-law was also injured in combat. She requested a transfer for her family to be here on the east coast so that she could once again assist in the recovery process along with her daughter. As she said to me later, it was unusual to hear sniffles from the caregivers, but the emotions run deep when you hear these compelling accounts of resilience, courage and tenacity. Two or three of the guests attended our luncheon for the second or third time!! Their wounded have been here for close to three years!
Our club is an extremely generous one which enabled us to give each of our caregivers a gift of appreciation for all that they have sacrificed. Packaged in bright yellow envelopes we distributed them and then selected names from a basket for door prizes....more generous gifts.......gift cards to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Underarmour, Target and more. Then it was time for the ladies to return on the bus provided them by the Yellow Ribbon Fund for the trip back to Walter Reed.
The event was without a doubt a wonderful success for all who attended. I thank God for opportunities like this one, and I believe everyone there felt the same. It is imperative that the civilian world understand the sacrifices these women make on a daily basis for their husbands, sons and families. For the caregivers it is our genuine interest and compassion that give them a sense of hope and comfort and on that day we could honestly say "Mission accomplished".
Over the last three years I have been blessed with the opportunity to assist in coordinating a luncheon for some of the ladies/caregivers from Walter Reed. Our Women's Republican Club sponsors a spring luncheon in a beautiful private home not far from the hospital. As many of you already know, over the years I have grown very close to many of these caregivers and their families, so I was honored to be responsible for invitations and transportation. I wanted to share with you this exceptional afternoon that took place last month.
As our guests arrived they were first greeted by the sound of a solo bagpiper, Dan Friz, a Montgomery County policeman who is a member of the MCFD Pipe and Drum. I have written in the past about the band entertaining at the cookouts I am involved with at the hospital. As the ladies approached the house there were warm welcomes from many of our club members, greeting them throughout the house and out to the backyard. Immediately there was a wonderful sense of camaraderie that was shared by our eighteen special guests and our sixty members and their friends. Threatening weather turned to intermittent sunshine and our hostess' beautiful home was once again the perfect venue for our gathering.
Our pot luck luncheon was a varied array of salads and desserts made by some of our members with love. With guests and members settling throughout the house and the backyard, it was an opportunity to give these ladies our undivided attention, to hear their personal stories, their journeys, the obstacles they have faced and the goals they have attained. Stories of their wounded loved ones, their lives turned upside down, their lives here at Walter Reed with their children, and all things related to the recovery process. This intimate time together is what makes our luncheon so special and the reason we want to open our arms and our hearts to the women who are the heroes behind the heroes.
After lunch we gathered in the living room to hear our guest speaker, Mary Jo Myers, wife of Gen. Richard Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. You can imagine with that many people squeezed into one room it was crowded with ladies sitting on the floor, on the sofas and chairs and standing in a circle, but it was quite comfortable. Mary Jo clearly understands the plight of the military family, the setbacks, the challenges, and all that they go through as their lives continue to adapt to changes. What was so touching was that her compassion brought her to tears many times as she spoke. She truly has a heart for what they endure day after day and she captured our hearts from the start. We were very blessed to have her with us to share her knowledge and experience with military families.
Next we set aside time for any caregivers who might be willing to share their personal stories. First was Claudia Avila, wife of a soldier, whose husband suffered grave injuries in Iraq. She shared with us that her husband's medical team felt he would make a partial recovery, but that his brain damage would not improve. She knew in her heart that she would not accept that prognosis, and through her determination and advocacy, his recovery has been miraculous. Kelly Burke's message was about a family pulling together through unusual circumstances. First Kelly's husband was wounded and she became his caregiver. Not that long after, her son-in-law was also injured in combat. She requested a transfer for her family to be here on the east coast so that she could once again assist in the recovery process along with her daughter. As she said to me later, it was unusual to hear sniffles from the caregivers, but the emotions run deep when you hear these compelling accounts of resilience, courage and tenacity. Two or three of the guests attended our luncheon for the second or third time!! Their wounded have been here for close to three years!
Our club is an extremely generous one which enabled us to give each of our caregivers a gift of appreciation for all that they have sacrificed. Packaged in bright yellow envelopes we distributed them and then selected names from a basket for door prizes....more generous gifts.......gift cards to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Underarmour, Target and more. Then it was time for the ladies to return on the bus provided them by the Yellow Ribbon Fund for the trip back to Walter Reed.
The event was without a doubt a wonderful success for all who attended. I thank God for opportunities like this one, and I believe everyone there felt the same. It is imperative that the civilian world understand the sacrifices these women make on a daily basis for their husbands, sons and families. For the caregivers it is our genuine interest and compassion that give them a sense of hope and comfort and on that day we could honestly say "Mission accomplished".
Monday, April 7, 2014
SUPPORTING AND HONORING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
SUPPORTING AND HONORING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
I am not a fancy person, to say the least and I prefer to be casual almost all the time. Rarely do I have formal events that I attend throughout the year (except for the Marine Corps birthday balls in November). This year has started off with two of them, one week apart, but two events which I was not willing to miss. These were special gatherings because they were all about our combat wounded and their families. After reading all my previous articles you know that is where my heart lies. These two evenings were so spectacular that I wanted to share them with you.
The first was the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Ball. This organization provides funds and grants to the families of Marines and Sailors for education, home repairs, living expenses, bills, whatever is necessary in their time of need. Entering the hotel there was a bank of computers with Marines registering those who were planning to bid on an enormous array of items in a silent auction. All the items were on display, well over one hundred, from jewelry to vacations. After examining the auction items and perusing an exhibit of combat art by well known artists such as Rob Bates and Michael Faye, we proceeded to our table. There were eight hundred and thirty guests, from Four Star Generals to Admirals, lots of brass from the Marine Corps and the Navy. It was quite an impressive sight for a civilian like myself!
The opening to all military events is the ceremonial music, hymns from both branches, the Navy and the Marine Corps. The color guard always gives me chills and our National Anthem always makes me cry. I cannot get through them without tears flowing. There were moving opening remarks by Admiral Gortney, Commander, US Fleet Forces Command and Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps. Following their remarks was an outstanding performance of "Still in the Fight", sung by the composer, Lt Mike Corrado. I have to say it is one of my favorite songs of all time as well as the theme song of the DVD of the same title. Then we heard from our guests of honor, Cpl. Kyle Carpenter speaking about service and sacrifice (Cpl Carpenter will be receiving the Medal of Honor later this year), and Lt. Jason Redman, US Navy SEAL, retired. His message was incredibly moving. He spoke about his recovery, his determination and perseverance to push forward. His time at Walter Reed with other combat wounded influenced his decision to create a clothing line of adaptive clothing for those who now have prosthetic limbs, as well as raising money through his nonprofit Wounded Wear to support them and their families. To hear his passion for his mission really touched everyone's hearts. The applause when they concluded their messages was deafening. A standing ovation that lasted a good several minutes. That was the height of the evening. It was evident how appreciative everyone was of their service. The food was delicious too, I might add, but the highlight of the program was the speakers. I love seeing everyone in their formal attire. It certainly makes you feel like it was not an ordinary event, but a very special evening.
A week later I was honored to attend the Luke's Wings Annual Hero Gala. Luke's Wings provides airfare for our combat wounded and their families and friends to and from military hospitals throughout the US. They also do the same for elder veterans in hospice care. Their motto is "Flying Families, Lifting Spirits". The military is only able to provide 3 flights at the inception of the injury. With wounded warriors recovering at military medical centers for sometimes up to 4 years, it is up to the wounded or their loved ones to pay for travel. With airfare averaging around $500 a person, this can be one of the most expensive line items in a wounded warrior's recovery.
They had a raffle with some wonderful prizes, as well as local vendors who donated a portion of their sales to Luke's Wings. Their mistress of ceremonies was Shannon Bream of Fox News. They opened with a presentation ceremony to their corporate sponsor Lockheed Martin, and also to Lt Jason Redman, the Hero Award. It seems I run into Jason everywhere I go!! Our entertainment for the gala was the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band, who have played many times at award ceremonies for our veterans and our wounded. The band is comprised of combat wounded and is always inspirational.
After the opening ceremonies there was a very special video about a young warrior who lost his fight to cancer. It showed how closely the members of Luke's Wings become involved with those to whom they provide airfare. Luke's Wings consists of much more than what they are created to do. They become family to the families they serve. This one particular family whose wounded son developed and lost his battle with terminal cancer, wanted to share with everyone just how much Luke's Wings meant to them throughout their hospital experience and their time of grief. Everyone in the room was weeping. It was the most tender message and really pulled it all together for those who do not know Luke's Wings personally. I am blessed to know them and I witness them working tirelessly every single day to bring families and friends together.
Next was the live auction, and that was absolutely wonderful. Those bidding held up a large sign with their number in it. Signs were waving all over the ballroom. Bids kept rising, and donations were growing. It was so exciting to watch and feel the enthusiasm in the room!!! The spirit of the auction was contagious, as it should be, and the bids kept going higher. With the cost of an airline ticket so high, the auctioneer asked who would like to bid at least $350 toward a ticket and over twenty people waved their signs in the air. As the bidding slowed down it was time for the highlight of the night.....a fashion show with local and national designers, modeled by wounded warriors and their spouses and military members from Walter Reed. The applause was endless, the cheers went up for each of the models and then the dancing began. I am not much of a dancer, so with both of these events that was my time to depart.
Looking back on the two patriotic and uplifting evenings, I can reflect on our heroes and their families and all that they have sacrificed for all of us. Were it not for their selfless service to our country, we would not have the lives we cherish so dearly. To honor them is our gift, to lift them up and praise them is a privilege. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have to attend an event that honors our distinguished service men and women.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website: http://www.nmcrs.org/
Luke's Wings website: http://www.lukeswings.org/
I am not a fancy person, to say the least and I prefer to be casual almost all the time. Rarely do I have formal events that I attend throughout the year (except for the Marine Corps birthday balls in November). This year has started off with two of them, one week apart, but two events which I was not willing to miss. These were special gatherings because they were all about our combat wounded and their families. After reading all my previous articles you know that is where my heart lies. These two evenings were so spectacular that I wanted to share them with you.
The first was the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Ball. This organization provides funds and grants to the families of Marines and Sailors for education, home repairs, living expenses, bills, whatever is necessary in their time of need. Entering the hotel there was a bank of computers with Marines registering those who were planning to bid on an enormous array of items in a silent auction. All the items were on display, well over one hundred, from jewelry to vacations. After examining the auction items and perusing an exhibit of combat art by well known artists such as Rob Bates and Michael Faye, we proceeded to our table. There were eight hundred and thirty guests, from Four Star Generals to Admirals, lots of brass from the Marine Corps and the Navy. It was quite an impressive sight for a civilian like myself!
The opening to all military events is the ceremonial music, hymns from both branches, the Navy and the Marine Corps. The color guard always gives me chills and our National Anthem always makes me cry. I cannot get through them without tears flowing. There were moving opening remarks by Admiral Gortney, Commander, US Fleet Forces Command and Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps. Following their remarks was an outstanding performance of "Still in the Fight", sung by the composer, Lt Mike Corrado. I have to say it is one of my favorite songs of all time as well as the theme song of the DVD of the same title. Then we heard from our guests of honor, Cpl. Kyle Carpenter speaking about service and sacrifice (Cpl Carpenter will be receiving the Medal of Honor later this year), and Lt. Jason Redman, US Navy SEAL, retired. His message was incredibly moving. He spoke about his recovery, his determination and perseverance to push forward. His time at Walter Reed with other combat wounded influenced his decision to create a clothing line of adaptive clothing for those who now have prosthetic limbs, as well as raising money through his nonprofit Wounded Wear to support them and their families. To hear his passion for his mission really touched everyone's hearts. The applause when they concluded their messages was deafening. A standing ovation that lasted a good several minutes. That was the height of the evening. It was evident how appreciative everyone was of their service. The food was delicious too, I might add, but the highlight of the program was the speakers. I love seeing everyone in their formal attire. It certainly makes you feel like it was not an ordinary event, but a very special evening.
A week later I was honored to attend the Luke's Wings Annual Hero Gala. Luke's Wings provides airfare for our combat wounded and their families and friends to and from military hospitals throughout the US. They also do the same for elder veterans in hospice care. Their motto is "Flying Families, Lifting Spirits". The military is only able to provide 3 flights at the inception of the injury. With wounded warriors recovering at military medical centers for sometimes up to 4 years, it is up to the wounded or their loved ones to pay for travel. With airfare averaging around $500 a person, this can be one of the most expensive line items in a wounded warrior's recovery.
They had a raffle with some wonderful prizes, as well as local vendors who donated a portion of their sales to Luke's Wings. Their mistress of ceremonies was Shannon Bream of Fox News. They opened with a presentation ceremony to their corporate sponsor Lockheed Martin, and also to Lt Jason Redman, the Hero Award. It seems I run into Jason everywhere I go!! Our entertainment for the gala was the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band, who have played many times at award ceremonies for our veterans and our wounded. The band is comprised of combat wounded and is always inspirational.
After the opening ceremonies there was a very special video about a young warrior who lost his fight to cancer. It showed how closely the members of Luke's Wings become involved with those to whom they provide airfare. Luke's Wings consists of much more than what they are created to do. They become family to the families they serve. This one particular family whose wounded son developed and lost his battle with terminal cancer, wanted to share with everyone just how much Luke's Wings meant to them throughout their hospital experience and their time of grief. Everyone in the room was weeping. It was the most tender message and really pulled it all together for those who do not know Luke's Wings personally. I am blessed to know them and I witness them working tirelessly every single day to bring families and friends together.
Next was the live auction, and that was absolutely wonderful. Those bidding held up a large sign with their number in it. Signs were waving all over the ballroom. Bids kept rising, and donations were growing. It was so exciting to watch and feel the enthusiasm in the room!!! The spirit of the auction was contagious, as it should be, and the bids kept going higher. With the cost of an airline ticket so high, the auctioneer asked who would like to bid at least $350 toward a ticket and over twenty people waved their signs in the air. As the bidding slowed down it was time for the highlight of the night.....a fashion show with local and national designers, modeled by wounded warriors and their spouses and military members from Walter Reed. The applause was endless, the cheers went up for each of the models and then the dancing began. I am not much of a dancer, so with both of these events that was my time to depart.
Looking back on the two patriotic and uplifting evenings, I can reflect on our heroes and their families and all that they have sacrificed for all of us. Were it not for their selfless service to our country, we would not have the lives we cherish so dearly. To honor them is our gift, to lift them up and praise them is a privilege. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have to attend an event that honors our distinguished service men and women.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website: http://www.nmcrs.org/
Luke's Wings website: http://www.lukeswings.org/
Monday, March 3, 2014
A LITTLE KNOWN HERO
A LITTLE KNOWN HERO
This is the story of a career Marine who has had a pivotal impact on the Marine Corps, in particular the wounded warriors. Col. Tim Maxwell has had numerous articles written about his personal experience and how he turned it into a model for treating our wounded warriors. Unfortunately I have not had the honor of meeting Col. Maxwell; there were a couple of times we planned to meet but at the last minute unforeseen circumstances prevented our connecting.
Back in August 2004, while serving in Iraq, Col. Maxwell had been hit by a mortar round to his head and was severely injured and sustained a traumatic brain injury. His recovery took place here at Bethesda Naval Hospital (now Walter Reed) until he was discharged to return home to his wife and children in North Carolina. At that time Gen. James Amos (the current Commandant of the Marine Corps) asked Col. Maxwell, while recovering from his devastating injuries, if he would visit with other wounded Marines who were on base at Camp Lejeune or at local hospitals. Col. Maxwell's suggestion was that those injured Marines needed to be together during the healing process since they were accustomed to being part of a team in combat. He knew that for those wounded who were isolated, perhaps at home or in an empty barracks while their brothers were still at war, the downtime could be detrimental and they would benefit from living together.
Col. Maxwell had an idea......a barracks set aside as a residence for these recovering Marines....so they could encourage each other, support each other and just be there for each other. They could share their fears, their combat stories and help each other. Gen. Amos approved of the idea and let him run with it. He and a Gunny, who served with him in Iraq, were given an old barracks. They reached out to the local community and businesses for contributions and turned that old barracks into living quarters. They were assigned twenty wounded Marines with the mission of recovery for duty or transitioning to civilian life. The Injured Support Unit was born.
It was at this juncture that I was at Camp Lejeune for a few days to attend the homecoming of my nephew, returning from Iraq. I contacted a friend, one of the Marines I had shipped care packages to, and who was home between deployments himself. He arranged for us to visit the wounded warrior barracks prior to it's official opening ceremony when it would be christened "Maxwell Hall." We were supposed to meet with Col Maxwell but at the last minute he was called out of town. His Gunny gave us a tour of the humble abode that would be the 'new home' for those recovering.
Throughout all of this, Tim Maxwell was still dealing with his own injuries. He still traveled back and forth from North Carolina to Bethesda for follow-up medical appointments.
That barracks was replaced with a new Wounded Warrior Battalion-East on Camp Lejeune and then a Wounded Warrior Battalion-West was built on Camp Pendleton in CA. Eventually the Wounded Warrior Regiment Headquarters at Quantico, Va. was up and running. There are case managers, care coordinators and counselors all over the country who track and assist the wounded Marines, which was Col. Maxwell's intent from the outset. He wanted to make sure they did not drop off the radar after they were discharged. The Regiment now serves non-combat and ill troops as well. Currently there are about 2000 Marines at the two barracks East and West.
I have had the pleasure of spending time with Col Maxwell's wife Shannon on a few occasions. She is as dedicated to our wounded warriors as her husband. Together they have a nonprofit SemperMax Support Fund that supports and advocates for the wounded and their families. Last year the Bob Woodruff Foundation gave them a grant for a 'couples retreat' for troops, who are suffering from TBI, and their wives. Shannon has worked tirelessly on similar issues that are unfortunate symptoms of the traumatic brain injury. Shannon and her daughter have authored books for children dealing with combat injuries, highly acclaimed for their insight relating to invisible and visible wounds combat wounds.
The Maxwells are little known Heroes but their contributions to the lives of the wounded will never be forgotten. Tim may have retired from the Marine Corps a couple of years ago but his work is not done. He still visits the wounded at Bethesda and at the Barracks.
As they say, "Once A Marine, Always A Marine".....you can take the man out of the Marines, but you cannot take the Marine out of This Man.
This is the story of a career Marine who has had a pivotal impact on the Marine Corps, in particular the wounded warriors. Col. Tim Maxwell has had numerous articles written about his personal experience and how he turned it into a model for treating our wounded warriors. Unfortunately I have not had the honor of meeting Col. Maxwell; there were a couple of times we planned to meet but at the last minute unforeseen circumstances prevented our connecting.
Back in August 2004, while serving in Iraq, Col. Maxwell had been hit by a mortar round to his head and was severely injured and sustained a traumatic brain injury. His recovery took place here at Bethesda Naval Hospital (now Walter Reed) until he was discharged to return home to his wife and children in North Carolina. At that time Gen. James Amos (the current Commandant of the Marine Corps) asked Col. Maxwell, while recovering from his devastating injuries, if he would visit with other wounded Marines who were on base at Camp Lejeune or at local hospitals. Col. Maxwell's suggestion was that those injured Marines needed to be together during the healing process since they were accustomed to being part of a team in combat. He knew that for those wounded who were isolated, perhaps at home or in an empty barracks while their brothers were still at war, the downtime could be detrimental and they would benefit from living together.
Col. Maxwell had an idea......a barracks set aside as a residence for these recovering Marines....so they could encourage each other, support each other and just be there for each other. They could share their fears, their combat stories and help each other. Gen. Amos approved of the idea and let him run with it. He and a Gunny, who served with him in Iraq, were given an old barracks. They reached out to the local community and businesses for contributions and turned that old barracks into living quarters. They were assigned twenty wounded Marines with the mission of recovery for duty or transitioning to civilian life. The Injured Support Unit was born.
It was at this juncture that I was at Camp Lejeune for a few days to attend the homecoming of my nephew, returning from Iraq. I contacted a friend, one of the Marines I had shipped care packages to, and who was home between deployments himself. He arranged for us to visit the wounded warrior barracks prior to it's official opening ceremony when it would be christened "Maxwell Hall." We were supposed to meet with Col Maxwell but at the last minute he was called out of town. His Gunny gave us a tour of the humble abode that would be the 'new home' for those recovering.
Throughout all of this, Tim Maxwell was still dealing with his own injuries. He still traveled back and forth from North Carolina to Bethesda for follow-up medical appointments.
That barracks was replaced with a new Wounded Warrior Battalion-East on Camp Lejeune and then a Wounded Warrior Battalion-West was built on Camp Pendleton in CA. Eventually the Wounded Warrior Regiment Headquarters at Quantico, Va. was up and running. There are case managers, care coordinators and counselors all over the country who track and assist the wounded Marines, which was Col. Maxwell's intent from the outset. He wanted to make sure they did not drop off the radar after they were discharged. The Regiment now serves non-combat and ill troops as well. Currently there are about 2000 Marines at the two barracks East and West.
I have had the pleasure of spending time with Col Maxwell's wife Shannon on a few occasions. She is as dedicated to our wounded warriors as her husband. Together they have a nonprofit SemperMax Support Fund that supports and advocates for the wounded and their families. Last year the Bob Woodruff Foundation gave them a grant for a 'couples retreat' for troops, who are suffering from TBI, and their wives. Shannon has worked tirelessly on similar issues that are unfortunate symptoms of the traumatic brain injury. Shannon and her daughter have authored books for children dealing with combat injuries, highly acclaimed for their insight relating to invisible and visible wounds combat wounds.
The Maxwells are little known Heroes but their contributions to the lives of the wounded will never be forgotten. Tim may have retired from the Marine Corps a couple of years ago but his work is not done. He still visits the wounded at Bethesda and at the Barracks.
As they say, "Once A Marine, Always A Marine".....you can take the man out of the Marines, but you cannot take the Marine out of This Man.
Friday, January 31, 2014
THE BACKBONE OF OUR COMBAT WOUNDED WARRIORS
THE BACKBONE OF OUR COMBAT WOUNDED WARRIORS
It starts with a phone call from a hospital far away.......usually from Germany. The phone call that causes your world to change forever in a moment. The only upside to this story is that it is not the dreaded visit to your home by three men in uniform to inform you of the death of your loved one. This is about the difficult journey of the caregivers, whose service man or woman has been injured in combat. They are parents, spouses, and siblings.
The injuries their loved ones have sustained while doing what they are trained to do, in Iraq or Afghanistan. Over the last nine years my visits to Bethesda Naval Hospital, now Walter Reed, have given me a personal view of the sacrifices made, not only the wounded, but their families. You've heard about it, you've read about it, you've seen it on the news. Their world comes crashing down while they hold the phone to their ear. Words cannot fully describe the emotions that are played out in those minutes on the phone.
Often the families must quickly arrange to fly to Germany to be at their bedside while they pray their husband or son can be stabilized for the flight to a hospital back home, usually Walter Reed or Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. Often that flight to Germany is the very last time they see their loved one alive because their injuries are so horrific that they die before they can be transferred home. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and grief these families go through during this time.
Caregivers arrive here either from Germany or from their home towns with very little time to plan anything. Hasty airline tickets and living quarters arrangements are made. In a matter of hours a normal day at home becomes a living nightmare of confusion and unknowns. No time to think about what to pack.......just throw a suitcase together and off they go. They often arrive here in winter with no proper clothes, and certainly no clue how long they will be here. Jobs are left indefinitely, siblings left with relatives, life is altered with many questions and no answers. Incomes are lost and often jobs are lost due to the length of time required to be here.
Suddenly they are thrust into a life in a hospital room. Some more critical than others. Some revolve around an ICU unit for days or weeks. Most are not as critical, so their inpatient hospital room becomes the new home for everyone. This is where it is so crucial that family are there at the bedside all day and into the night. To be the eyes and ears for the patient.......to watch, listen and advocate for their loved one who is often in an induced coma. Now the caregiver becomes the lifeline between the medical staff and the wounded. Caregivers have literally saved lives by their presence and that is a fact. Keeping track of medications, tests, and appointments. This is the 'new normal' life of a caregiver. At the end of each day they return to their 'hotel room' which is the Navy Lodge on base or one of five Fisher Houses, built on military hospital bases for this reason...to house the families while they are here to assist in the recovery of their wounded warriors. That hospital room could be home for days, weeks or months until the wounded are transferred to another hospital closer to home or transferred to the outpatient barracks on base. Some of these families are literally parents and their other children...entire families uprooted and now living in this small apartment.
All the while the caregivers are managing the care of their loved ones and then helping them set up their new apartment in the barracks. At Walter Reed it is building 62, Tranquility Hall. Each apartment is a small two bedroom, two bath apartment with a tiny living room and kitchen. One room for the injured and one for the caregiver. These apartments come with the bare minimum. Four sets of dishes and cutlery and very few appliances. No toaster, no blender, no vacuum cleaner. When you take into consideration this apartment will be 'home' for many months or even years, it is impossible for anyone not in this situation to fathom how they manage. But they do......because they are military families and they are adept at improvising, adapting and overcoming. They get their children enrolled in local schools or in daycare.
Once they have set up residence in their new apartment, now their lives turn to assisting the injured who are more often than not in wheelchairs to and from their appointments. I neglected to mention that this new barracks is up a steep hill from the hospital where the rehabilitation area is and all the doctors are. Frequently the weather makes it very inconvenient.........ice and snow, driving rain, freezing wind....and it is the caregiver who is there to make the short trips possible.....often multiple times in one day. Caregivers do the cooking, the laundry, the shopping (last year a new exchange was built on base to make that task easier). They do everything including attending the medical appointments. Their lives revolve around those appointments....daily. Most of them will need a vehicle as they build a new life in a new town. A car so they can live some semblance of normalcy by shopping, getting out to restaurants, movies, whatever.
The one beautiful blessing that I have witnessed through all of this is the generosity of people who want to help better the lives of the caregivers. One way or another the word gets out that there is a need.....that these families who have moved from their hometowns and their careers to an apartment with little to offer.....that their lives could be much improved with little things like small appliances, toys for their kids and such. As I wrote in my last article at Christmas, there are hundreds of individuals and nonprofit organizations who step up to the plate to supply their needs and they do it by pulling out all the stops. Their generosity knows no bounds. Caregivers are invited to dinners, ladies spa days, weekends away from the base, all sorts of events to give them some respite from their daily schedules.
From the moment they arrive here to take charge of the recovery of their loved ones, they are the lifeline to that recovery. It takes a strong backbone to be an advocate and a sharp mind, but beneath all that is a love that is deeper than any well. Often while they are here their houses back home are being modified to allow for wheelchair accessibility along with many other alterations. Together they get through this ordeal and together they will finally go home, back to where they came from, to begin again.
For me and the myriad of friends who get to know these warriors and their families we witness the journey from their arrival to their departure. It is with joy and sadness that we bid them goodbye. Friendships that have been forged in the most tumultuous of times.....and memories.....from the days of critical care to the days of independence for those warriors we have become so close to. It is hard to say goodbye when the time comes, but our lives have been forever impacted by these friendships that will last a lifetime.
It starts with a phone call from a hospital far away.......usually from Germany. The phone call that causes your world to change forever in a moment. The only upside to this story is that it is not the dreaded visit to your home by three men in uniform to inform you of the death of your loved one. This is about the difficult journey of the caregivers, whose service man or woman has been injured in combat. They are parents, spouses, and siblings.
The injuries their loved ones have sustained while doing what they are trained to do, in Iraq or Afghanistan. Over the last nine years my visits to Bethesda Naval Hospital, now Walter Reed, have given me a personal view of the sacrifices made, not only the wounded, but their families. You've heard about it, you've read about it, you've seen it on the news. Their world comes crashing down while they hold the phone to their ear. Words cannot fully describe the emotions that are played out in those minutes on the phone.
Often the families must quickly arrange to fly to Germany to be at their bedside while they pray their husband or son can be stabilized for the flight to a hospital back home, usually Walter Reed or Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. Often that flight to Germany is the very last time they see their loved one alive because their injuries are so horrific that they die before they can be transferred home. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and grief these families go through during this time.
Caregivers arrive here either from Germany or from their home towns with very little time to plan anything. Hasty airline tickets and living quarters arrangements are made. In a matter of hours a normal day at home becomes a living nightmare of confusion and unknowns. No time to think about what to pack.......just throw a suitcase together and off they go. They often arrive here in winter with no proper clothes, and certainly no clue how long they will be here. Jobs are left indefinitely, siblings left with relatives, life is altered with many questions and no answers. Incomes are lost and often jobs are lost due to the length of time required to be here.
Suddenly they are thrust into a life in a hospital room. Some more critical than others. Some revolve around an ICU unit for days or weeks. Most are not as critical, so their inpatient hospital room becomes the new home for everyone. This is where it is so crucial that family are there at the bedside all day and into the night. To be the eyes and ears for the patient.......to watch, listen and advocate for their loved one who is often in an induced coma. Now the caregiver becomes the lifeline between the medical staff and the wounded. Caregivers have literally saved lives by their presence and that is a fact. Keeping track of medications, tests, and appointments. This is the 'new normal' life of a caregiver. At the end of each day they return to their 'hotel room' which is the Navy Lodge on base or one of five Fisher Houses, built on military hospital bases for this reason...to house the families while they are here to assist in the recovery of their wounded warriors. That hospital room could be home for days, weeks or months until the wounded are transferred to another hospital closer to home or transferred to the outpatient barracks on base. Some of these families are literally parents and their other children...entire families uprooted and now living in this small apartment.
All the while the caregivers are managing the care of their loved ones and then helping them set up their new apartment in the barracks. At Walter Reed it is building 62, Tranquility Hall. Each apartment is a small two bedroom, two bath apartment with a tiny living room and kitchen. One room for the injured and one for the caregiver. These apartments come with the bare minimum. Four sets of dishes and cutlery and very few appliances. No toaster, no blender, no vacuum cleaner. When you take into consideration this apartment will be 'home' for many months or even years, it is impossible for anyone not in this situation to fathom how they manage. But they do......because they are military families and they are adept at improvising, adapting and overcoming. They get their children enrolled in local schools or in daycare.
Once they have set up residence in their new apartment, now their lives turn to assisting the injured who are more often than not in wheelchairs to and from their appointments. I neglected to mention that this new barracks is up a steep hill from the hospital where the rehabilitation area is and all the doctors are. Frequently the weather makes it very inconvenient.........ice and snow, driving rain, freezing wind....and it is the caregiver who is there to make the short trips possible.....often multiple times in one day. Caregivers do the cooking, the laundry, the shopping (last year a new exchange was built on base to make that task easier). They do everything including attending the medical appointments. Their lives revolve around those appointments....daily. Most of them will need a vehicle as they build a new life in a new town. A car so they can live some semblance of normalcy by shopping, getting out to restaurants, movies, whatever.
The one beautiful blessing that I have witnessed through all of this is the generosity of people who want to help better the lives of the caregivers. One way or another the word gets out that there is a need.....that these families who have moved from their hometowns and their careers to an apartment with little to offer.....that their lives could be much improved with little things like small appliances, toys for their kids and such. As I wrote in my last article at Christmas, there are hundreds of individuals and nonprofit organizations who step up to the plate to supply their needs and they do it by pulling out all the stops. Their generosity knows no bounds. Caregivers are invited to dinners, ladies spa days, weekends away from the base, all sorts of events to give them some respite from their daily schedules.
From the moment they arrive here to take charge of the recovery of their loved ones, they are the lifeline to that recovery. It takes a strong backbone to be an advocate and a sharp mind, but beneath all that is a love that is deeper than any well. Often while they are here their houses back home are being modified to allow for wheelchair accessibility along with many other alterations. Together they get through this ordeal and together they will finally go home, back to where they came from, to begin again.
For me and the myriad of friends who get to know these warriors and their families we witness the journey from their arrival to their departure. It is with joy and sadness that we bid them goodbye. Friendships that have been forged in the most tumultuous of times.....and memories.....from the days of critical care to the days of independence for those warriors we have become so close to. It is hard to say goodbye when the time comes, but our lives have been forever impacted by these friendships that will last a lifetime.
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