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/
