AUTO DECALS
If you saw my Honda on the road you would notice it for sure although it
is the very same model and color that thousands of others drive, my 2005
charcoal grey Civic is very distinctive. It might be mistaken for a
car belonging to a US Marine or perhaps a recruiter. Actually the
recruiter's cars are tame in comparison.
My Honda has window decals on both sides and multiple ones on the rear
window. It also has a license plate frame that says "United States
Marines". There are the circular emblems on the side windows and
bumper stickers on the rear windows with the words "Semper Fi" or
"Marines" in standard red and yellow. There are others from Marine
Corps organizations that I support such as the Semper Fi Fund. There
is one very small decal that only someone who has served in a particular
unit would recognize. It is a sniper platoon
decal that was designed by the unit that created it. It was a gift to
me several yeas ago from one of their Marines, a good friend who used to
serve with my nephew when they were in 3rd Bn/6th Marines and who is
still active duty though has had many other specialties and duty
stations since his days as a sniper with 3/6 back in '06.
As you know, I live not far from Walter Reed. There are many wounded
warriors who are living in the area, off base, but close enough to get
to the hospital for rehabilitation and medical appointments.
This story took place over a year ago. I was on my way to work and
waiting at a red light when a big Dodge truck pulled up in the lane next
to mine on my right. I glanced at them and somehow sensed that those
were Marines in that truck but I couldn't tell you why....there were no
decals, nothing to give me that impression. There was the driver and a
couple in the back seat but I could not see any of them clearly. In my
peripheral vision I saw their rear window roll down so I lowered mine on
the passenger side. The young man in the back yelled and asked if I was
a sniper! I was completely surprised as I yelled back that he was the
first person to ever identify that decal and he shouted to me that he
and the driver of that truck were both snipers!!! I replied that it was
given to me by a friend in appreciation for the care packages I had sent
when he was deployed. I thanked him for his service as the light
changed and off we went figuring I would never see them again. We both
headed in the same direction but I turned into the mall to go to work
and they did not.
An hour or so later three people walked into my store. A single man
with a slightly younger couple and again I sensed they were Marines but
also had a hunch they might be the same ones that had spoken to on the
way to work. Knowing how the Lord is constantly connecting people in my
life by aligning their paths with mine, of course they were the same
three I had met at the light. I now had the honor of conversing with
two wounded warriors/snipers face to face who were in the later stages
of recovery at Walter Reed. They just happened to be with my nephew's
old battalion, 3/6, but several years later! So, what are the odds of
making new friends simply by displaying a tiny decal on my car window?
Only God can answer that question!
We stayed in touch, they visited the store now and then, but have now
moved out of the area and on with their lives as civilians.
Just another little incident that brings the Marine Corps and my life
together in a special way that I will always remember. I am sorry to
say that I have lost touch with both of them and I pray that their lives
are on track, their recoveries are going smoothly and they are achieving
the goals they set for themselves now that they are medically
discharged. I pray that for all of our wounded warriors and their
transitions from inpatient to outpatient. I also pray that we will
meet again.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
CROSSING PATHS
CROSSING PATHS
A few years ago my pastor announced that a member of our congregation would be delivering the Sunday message while he was out of town. He introduced Lee Becknell, a former Navy chaplain who had deployed with the US Marine Corps. As you know by now, that was all I needed to hear to tweak my interest!!!!
Wanting to learn more I introduced myself to Lee after the service and asked what unit he served with. He had been chaplain with 2nd LAR (2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance). I asked if he knew their chaplain to whom I was currently shipping care packages, Ray Rivers. He told me the two of them were together in Afghanistan for a few weeks as Lee was transitioning to come home and Ray was transitioning in for his tour. The situation was extremely dangerous at that time. Combat was at it's peak and their service as chaplains was demanding, draining and emotional. Lee and I spoke briefly about his tour and his years as chaplain with the MC and remarked what a small world the Marine Corps is after all !!
When I arrived home from church that Sunday I did what I typically do. I fixed a little lunch and settled down with the Sunday Washington Post. As I flipped through the paper I came across a full page article with photographs of a chaplain serving with his Marines in combat. The interview just happened to feature Ray Rivers and the 2nd LAR! It was an in-depth story of the life of a chaplain in a combat atmosphere. Keeping the faith in dire and heart breaking situations, dealing with the needs of his troops, their families, financial, religious and many other matters. The high intensity of their surroundings and the depth of these interactions can remain with them long after they return home, if not forever. I did send Ray and his wife copies of the paper so they could share them with friends and family.
It never ceases to amaze me how I seem to be connected to so many people whose paths have crossed before they crossed mine! About the same time there was another chaplain I became friends with through the care packages, Terry Roberts, who served with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. A funny thing happened when Terry deployed. I tried to call him the day he was leaving but he had left his cell phone with his mom in Ohio and it was she who answered the phone. We struck up a conversation that led to the most wonderful friendship via telephone throughout his deployment and beyond. With so many friends in North Carolina I often thought I should spend a week down there and try to meet up with so many of the people I knew via emails and phones.
My nephew the Marine had settled in NC after getting out of the MC and lived not that far from his parents. He was getting married and the wedding was to be on a Saturday with the next day being Mother's Day. What a perfect time to invite the chaplains and other MC friends out to my sister's home for a little gathering. As I look back it seems hard to believe that was nearly three years ago. Ray and Terry were both able to come. Ray brought his wife and five wonderful children and Terry brought his parents who happened to be in town for a short time. One of my first contacts for care packages back in 2004, SgtMaj Courtney Curtis was able to make it as well. Courtney had been to Maryland a couple of times previously so we already knew each other and he and his wife had invited me to dinner a year or two earlier while we were there for one of my nephew's homecomings. What a gathering it was for some of us to meet for the first time and for my family to meet some of my 'military' family. It was a Mother's Day none of us would forget the day after a wedding we would never forget!!! We learned so much about one another and we were so grateful to be together........to give thanks to God for what we have....each other and the blessing of fellowship. To this day I remain in contact with these three wonderful friends and their families. Again I am aware of how God is working in our lives by bringing us together.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
NEW YEARS EVE PHONE CALL
NEW YEARS EVE PHONE CALL
It was New Years Eve 2007, soon to be 2008 in just a couple of hours. I had my work cut out for me. A fire in my apartment building a few weeks before and all my belongings had gone to the dry cleaner that specialized in removing smoke from everything. I was concentrating on separating everything for each closet, a long and tedious job I dreaded but it seemed the perfect time to get it done.
Suddenly the phone rang and I couldn't find the phone......it was buried under a heap of clothes. When I finally found it and answered with the usual 'Hello?" I heard an unfamiliar voice say "Hello?" and it seemed neither of us heard a familiar voice. I repeated my "Hello" and then he did the same. Finally I asked what number the caller was dialing and he repeated my phone number! I explained that he had the correct number which I have had for over thirty years, so I asked who he was trying to reach and he told me he was calling to wish his wife a Happy New Year. I asked from where he was calling and he said Iraq! Well, naturally I was taken aback and felt terrible for him that he could not reach his wife to offer his wishes for the holiday.
However, hearing where he was calling from I had other questions I wanted to ask. What branch of the military, what state was he stationed out of, how long was he in Iraq and were there a significant number of troops at his location. I explained that the reason I was asking all these questions was because I support our deployed troops with care packages. We introduced ourselves and his name was David Young. He was an electronics specialist with the Army and stationed out of Wash. DC with a Reserve Unit out of the DC Armory. And here I was in Maryland, we were practically neighbors! He told me there were several units at his location and I offered to take care of those soldiers with care packages if there was a need for them. He said they were receiving very little mail and no packages at all. Of course I was sitting there with a mile wide smile on my face, knowing that this call was not a coincidence at all........that only God could have arranged this 'wrong/right' phone number.
Those soldiers had another six months in Iraq and I was blessed to be able to bring much joy to them for the remainder of their deployment. David was kind enough to take each box and deliver it to a different unit, and there were ten boxes that he shared with his brothers and sisters in arms. We stayed in touch via the internet and with each care package I got a wonderful email telling me how thankful they were to be the recipients of boxes filled with non-perishable food, toiletries, socks and magazines from someone who did not know them at all.
As for reaching his wife that New Years Eve, I had suggested perhaps a different area code which he tried and actually did reach her that night as intended! We corresponded for several months after he returned home but then he moved out of the area and we lost touch. I hope he and his family are well and healthy and happy where ever they are. I do know that is one New Years Eve I will never forget. Usually I have to reach out to obtain the contacts for the packages I ship. This time the contact came to me.....via a phone call from Iraq! Thank you Lord, once again, for connecting the dots, for connecting David to me!
It was New Years Eve 2007, soon to be 2008 in just a couple of hours. I had my work cut out for me. A fire in my apartment building a few weeks before and all my belongings had gone to the dry cleaner that specialized in removing smoke from everything. I was concentrating on separating everything for each closet, a long and tedious job I dreaded but it seemed the perfect time to get it done.
Suddenly the phone rang and I couldn't find the phone......it was buried under a heap of clothes. When I finally found it and answered with the usual 'Hello?" I heard an unfamiliar voice say "Hello?" and it seemed neither of us heard a familiar voice. I repeated my "Hello" and then he did the same. Finally I asked what number the caller was dialing and he repeated my phone number! I explained that he had the correct number which I have had for over thirty years, so I asked who he was trying to reach and he told me he was calling to wish his wife a Happy New Year. I asked from where he was calling and he said Iraq! Well, naturally I was taken aback and felt terrible for him that he could not reach his wife to offer his wishes for the holiday.
However, hearing where he was calling from I had other questions I wanted to ask. What branch of the military, what state was he stationed out of, how long was he in Iraq and were there a significant number of troops at his location. I explained that the reason I was asking all these questions was because I support our deployed troops with care packages. We introduced ourselves and his name was David Young. He was an electronics specialist with the Army and stationed out of Wash. DC with a Reserve Unit out of the DC Armory. And here I was in Maryland, we were practically neighbors! He told me there were several units at his location and I offered to take care of those soldiers with care packages if there was a need for them. He said they were receiving very little mail and no packages at all. Of course I was sitting there with a mile wide smile on my face, knowing that this call was not a coincidence at all........that only God could have arranged this 'wrong/right' phone number.
Those soldiers had another six months in Iraq and I was blessed to be able to bring much joy to them for the remainder of their deployment. David was kind enough to take each box and deliver it to a different unit, and there were ten boxes that he shared with his brothers and sisters in arms. We stayed in touch via the internet and with each care package I got a wonderful email telling me how thankful they were to be the recipients of boxes filled with non-perishable food, toiletries, socks and magazines from someone who did not know them at all.
As for reaching his wife that New Years Eve, I had suggested perhaps a different area code which he tried and actually did reach her that night as intended! We corresponded for several months after he returned home but then he moved out of the area and we lost touch. I hope he and his family are well and healthy and happy where ever they are. I do know that is one New Years Eve I will never forget. Usually I have to reach out to obtain the contacts for the packages I ship. This time the contact came to me.....via a phone call from Iraq! Thank you Lord, once again, for connecting the dots, for connecting David to me!
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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