BROTHERS IN ARMS
My care package effort over the last eleven years has brought a wide
range of emotions and events, as you may have read in some of my
previous writings. This is one unusual story that started with
care packages shipped to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, a unit I have
supported since the onset of the Iraq conflict. However, this
takes place in 2009-2010. My contact was their chaplain, Terry
Roberts, a chaplain I wrote about in a previous article and whom I
met when he visited my sister's home in NC.
I receive email notices from the DoD (Department of Defense)
regarding news involving our troops deployed, which also includes
death notices. Friends have asked why I signed up for these
notices and my explanation is that if one of the Marines or Sailors
in units I support is killed in action, I want to express my
condolences to their families. I want their families to know that
there are folks unrelated to their loved one's unit who share their
burden by offering prayer and support.
On August 7, 2009 Lcpl. Dennis Burrow of 2/8 was killed in action in
Afghanistan. The notice appeared in my email and it broke my
heart. Dennis was from my neck of the woods although I did not know
him personally. I sent a card to his mother and planned to attend
the funeral later that month on August 24. Dennis' funeral was my
first experience with the incredible and dedicated Patriot Guard
Riders (PGR), who stand guard and protect the families of the fallen
from atrocities like the Westboro Baptist Church, a group that
defames and insults the families of the fallen for misguided
reasons. The members of the PGR lined the sidewalk to the church,
and as I made my way inside I shook the hands of each of them and
wept in gratitude for their patriotism and respect for our fallen
warriors. By the time I reached my seat I was already an emotional
wreck!
The service included eulogies from friends and family. One family
member was Dennis' brother Chris, home on leave from the US Army and
deploying shortly afterward to Afghanistan himself. He could have
chosen not to deploy but he felt strongly regarding his commitment
to fighting for our country and also for the memory of his fallen
brother. There were words of humor and of sadness, laughs and
tears, but a sense of closeness for all who attended this memorial
service.
After some time passed I called Dennis' Mom, Daryl, to see how she
was doing. We chatted about our lives, hers in nursing and mine in
retail jewelry. As it happened Chris had purchased a diamond prior
to his deployment to present to his girlfriend when he returned on
leave from Afghanistan, but the diamond needed a setting. I
suggested she stop in and visit the store, which she did soon after
our phone call. Chris had sent his Mom a photograph of the
setting he and his fiance had hoped to find and I had one that was
almost identical to the photo. We set the diamond in the mounting
so it was ready for him to propose while on a cruise with his family
when he returned home. It meant so much to me to have the
opportunity to be a tiny part of their marriage plans.
Often Chris and his fiance would stop in the store to say hello
after his deployment was completed. They kept me abreast of their
wedding plans and continued to visit when in the area. Now that I
am retired I have sadly lost contact with many of these dear young
people whose lives have impacted mine in such unusual ways. I give
thanks to God for His Holy Spirit moving me in all walks of my
life. When a family loses someone it is difficult to see beyond
their grief, but sometimes there is a glimmer of hope that
happiness can exist in the midst of their sorrow.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
CAMP LEJEUNE HOMECOMINGS AND LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
CAMP LEJEUNE HOMECOMINGS AND LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
Homecomings at Camp Lejeune may be a thing from my past but they replay in my mind frequently. They are so emotional that I relive them as if they were last week!
My nephew Alex McBride, who served with 3rdBn/6th Marines from '02-'06 deployed three times. His first deployment was to the Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan where the Marines stood guard duty around the perimeter of the Embassy compound. He considered that deployment so uneventful that he did not even suggest we drive down there when he returned home so we missed that first homecoming altogether!!! Alex's family was still living in Maryland at that time.
His second deployment was to the mountains of Afghanistan. I felt it would be a tremendous stress reliever for us at home to communicate with a few families of the Marines with whom he was close. There were three families and we connected via phone and internet, sharing the range of emotions that families back home experience while their loved ones served overseas. The Lyborgs from AL (son Michael), the Sandersons from FL (son Derek) and Marti Baker from MD (son Arthur). Our friendships grew in a way that was unique to the wartime situation. Watching the news we shared their successes in battle and we mourned their tragic losses....... We shared our fears and our tears. Alex's parents, like countless other families back home, carried on their daily routine while in the back of their mind was that terror of the dreaded knock on the door informing them that their Marine had fallen in the line of duty. Thankfully that day did not come and before we knew it the time had come to plan for their homecoming!!!!
For me, it was so much more than just the homecoming because I was finally going to meet these families. It was exciting planning how we would identify each other in a huge crowd. Choosing certain attire that was easy to locate in the crowd worked perfectly! With cell phones in hand, we found each other over a vast sea of families spread over the parking lot. It was so wonderful to unite before the actual arrival of our Marines and we had more than ample time. In typical military fashion we were told to arrive by 11am but of course there were multiple delays and our Marines did not arrive until 1am. It was difficult for the families with little children, but for us it meant more time for getting to know one another. The aura of anticipation was in the air. There was television coverage, radio coverage......and walkie -talkies along the route where the buses would bring the men home. False reports on and off set the crowd into a frenzy!!! And then at long last they were nearly home. It was late and it was cold but it didn't matter.
A long row of buses snaked around the corner............all eyes straining to see the faces in the windows.....and then, just like in the movies, there was the shouting of names, arms reaching around necks, prolonged kisses, joyful tears, children lifted in the arms of their dads.
Of course Alex was in the very last bus.......and the tears were pretty much gushing by now. It was so incredible to see him, hold him and thank God that he was there with us. We couldn't keep our hands off of him. They turned in their gear, grabbed their sea bags and we were on our way.
Alex's third deployment and our second and last homecoming was timed perfectly for his unit to be home for Christmas!!! That was the best news we could have possibly hoped for! It started out like the previous homecoming except for one unpleasant detail.....the weather! It was cold, dark, rainy and windy. The weather prevented everyone from enjoying the camaraderie we had experienced previously. Everyone was huddled in their cars, so there was none of the warmth of being together and no conversation while awaiting the buses. We greeted each other quickly and then ran for our cars. We exited the cars long enough to grab our Marines and their gear and hit the road. What a let down after our first encounter was so wonderful!!!
Many years have passed since that '06 homecoming. Many lives have changed. The Lybords and the Sandersons and Marti Baker and I will remain friends forever. The Sandersons were here in the area to visit a few years ago and we really enjoyed being together for a short time. The Lyborgs, including Michael, were here last summer and we had a beautiful reunion which we will not be forgetten. Marti Baker and I stay in touch, Arthur is now a fire fighter in Wash DC. Michael Lyborg and Derek Sanderson are still active duty and enjoying their careers in the Marine Corps.
Homecomings at Camp Lejeune may be a thing from my past but they replay in my mind frequently. They are so emotional that I relive them as if they were last week!
My nephew Alex McBride, who served with 3rdBn/6th Marines from '02-'06 deployed three times. His first deployment was to the Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan where the Marines stood guard duty around the perimeter of the Embassy compound. He considered that deployment so uneventful that he did not even suggest we drive down there when he returned home so we missed that first homecoming altogether!!! Alex's family was still living in Maryland at that time.
His second deployment was to the mountains of Afghanistan. I felt it would be a tremendous stress reliever for us at home to communicate with a few families of the Marines with whom he was close. There were three families and we connected via phone and internet, sharing the range of emotions that families back home experience while their loved ones served overseas. The Lyborgs from AL (son Michael), the Sandersons from FL (son Derek) and Marti Baker from MD (son Arthur). Our friendships grew in a way that was unique to the wartime situation. Watching the news we shared their successes in battle and we mourned their tragic losses....... We shared our fears and our tears. Alex's parents, like countless other families back home, carried on their daily routine while in the back of their mind was that terror of the dreaded knock on the door informing them that their Marine had fallen in the line of duty. Thankfully that day did not come and before we knew it the time had come to plan for their homecoming!!!!
For me, it was so much more than just the homecoming because I was finally going to meet these families. It was exciting planning how we would identify each other in a huge crowd. Choosing certain attire that was easy to locate in the crowd worked perfectly! With cell phones in hand, we found each other over a vast sea of families spread over the parking lot. It was so wonderful to unite before the actual arrival of our Marines and we had more than ample time. In typical military fashion we were told to arrive by 11am but of course there were multiple delays and our Marines did not arrive until 1am. It was difficult for the families with little children, but for us it meant more time for getting to know one another. The aura of anticipation was in the air. There was television coverage, radio coverage......and walkie -talkies along the route where the buses would bring the men home. False reports on and off set the crowd into a frenzy!!! And then at long last they were nearly home. It was late and it was cold but it didn't matter.
A long row of buses snaked around the corner............all eyes straining to see the faces in the windows.....and then, just like in the movies, there was the shouting of names, arms reaching around necks, prolonged kisses, joyful tears, children lifted in the arms of their dads.
Of course Alex was in the very last bus.......and the tears were pretty much gushing by now. It was so incredible to see him, hold him and thank God that he was there with us. We couldn't keep our hands off of him. They turned in their gear, grabbed their sea bags and we were on our way.
Alex's third deployment and our second and last homecoming was timed perfectly for his unit to be home for Christmas!!! That was the best news we could have possibly hoped for! It started out like the previous homecoming except for one unpleasant detail.....the weather! It was cold, dark, rainy and windy. The weather prevented everyone from enjoying the camaraderie we had experienced previously. Everyone was huddled in their cars, so there was none of the warmth of being together and no conversation while awaiting the buses. We greeted each other quickly and then ran for our cars. We exited the cars long enough to grab our Marines and their gear and hit the road. What a let down after our first encounter was so wonderful!!!
Many years have passed since that '06 homecoming. Many lives have changed. The Lybords and the Sandersons and Marti Baker and I will remain friends forever. The Sandersons were here in the area to visit a few years ago and we really enjoyed being together for a short time. The Lyborgs, including Michael, were here last summer and we had a beautiful reunion which we will not be forgetten. Marti Baker and I stay in touch, Arthur is now a fire fighter in Wash DC. Michael Lyborg and Derek Sanderson are still active duty and enjoying their careers in the Marine Corps.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
A WARM WELCOME
A WARM WELCOME
One of the benefits of living 45 minutes from Baltimore Washington International Airport is taking part in organized homecomings for our deployed troops. Operation Welcome Home Maryland has been doing just that for six years. Folks from miles away come to take part in these highly emotional events just to let our troops know how much their service and sacrifice is appreciated. OWHM has a detailed website with a calendar of every incoming flight planned each month.
Anyone who wants to attend an event is welcomed and asked to bring items to contribute to gift bags that are made up when we arrive. Sometimes there are a couple dozen volunteers and sometimes hundreds. Same with the troops coming home....... There can be a couple dozen or a few hundred. That figure is unknown until the day of the flight. There is a great sense of patriotism and appreciation for our warriors as the volunteers set up a production line to stuff gift bags with hand made cards, all sorts of snacks and a bottle of water. It is a system that has been refined over the years and takes no time at all to complete. There are corporations that contribute, girl scout and boy scout troops, patriotic organizations, veteran organizations ....many donating much of the contents of the gift bags. Once the volunteers have assembled we open with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance facing a large Stars and Stripes attached to a wall above the area. Without fail I shed a few tears and get goose bumps.....and I doubt I am the only one who has that reaction to our flag and our pledge to our country. It happens every time!
In the area where the homecomings take place the walls are decorated with wonderful handmade posters made by children.There are American flags everywhere and there is a long cordoned off walkway where the incoming troops, men and women of all branches of our military walk past the welcoming crowds.
A horn blasts and the double doors open and the first of the troops come through, completely surprised to see enthusiastic crowds waiting on the other side of those doors, shouting welcome home, shaking hands and hugging them if they can get close enough. You can feel the energy in the air!!!! After long deployments many have their families with them and all are balancing heavy luggage (and sometimes family pets) There are a few in our crowd who are related to someone coming home who will have their reunion for all of us to share ....but the majority are Americans who passionately want to show their support.
The objective is to keep the line moving while we welcome them with open arms and hearts filled with pride ....handing them goodie bags and sending them on their way. For many it is their final destination and for others it is a dash to catch a connecting flight. There is always someone to give them directions or assist any way needed.
For each event I wore my traditional Stars and Stripes tie and a Marine Corps t-shirt. I stationed myself at the end of the line so that I could hand out oval white decals that say "I Served Iraq" or "I Served Afghanistan," stickers that were always a huge hit!!! So many of our troops have served in both countries and were so sweet when they would humbly ask if they could have one of each, and of course they could have them!!! Before we knew it three hours or more had passed and there were no more troops to greet that day............ Everyone felt so exhilarated as the crowd dispersed, knowing that there would be more homecomings to attend......because it feels so good that you want to participate again and again. It has been too long since I have been to one of these events, and now that I am retired I am going to get back to BWI for another day of shared patriotism and camaraderie!
One of the benefits of living 45 minutes from Baltimore Washington International Airport is taking part in organized homecomings for our deployed troops. Operation Welcome Home Maryland has been doing just that for six years. Folks from miles away come to take part in these highly emotional events just to let our troops know how much their service and sacrifice is appreciated. OWHM has a detailed website with a calendar of every incoming flight planned each month.
Anyone who wants to attend an event is welcomed and asked to bring items to contribute to gift bags that are made up when we arrive. Sometimes there are a couple dozen volunteers and sometimes hundreds. Same with the troops coming home....... There can be a couple dozen or a few hundred. That figure is unknown until the day of the flight. There is a great sense of patriotism and appreciation for our warriors as the volunteers set up a production line to stuff gift bags with hand made cards, all sorts of snacks and a bottle of water. It is a system that has been refined over the years and takes no time at all to complete. There are corporations that contribute, girl scout and boy scout troops, patriotic organizations, veteran organizations ....many donating much of the contents of the gift bags. Once the volunteers have assembled we open with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance facing a large Stars and Stripes attached to a wall above the area. Without fail I shed a few tears and get goose bumps.....and I doubt I am the only one who has that reaction to our flag and our pledge to our country. It happens every time!
In the area where the homecomings take place the walls are decorated with wonderful handmade posters made by children.There are American flags everywhere and there is a long cordoned off walkway where the incoming troops, men and women of all branches of our military walk past the welcoming crowds.
A horn blasts and the double doors open and the first of the troops come through, completely surprised to see enthusiastic crowds waiting on the other side of those doors, shouting welcome home, shaking hands and hugging them if they can get close enough. You can feel the energy in the air!!!! After long deployments many have their families with them and all are balancing heavy luggage (and sometimes family pets) There are a few in our crowd who are related to someone coming home who will have their reunion for all of us to share ....but the majority are Americans who passionately want to show their support.
The objective is to keep the line moving while we welcome them with open arms and hearts filled with pride ....handing them goodie bags and sending them on their way. For many it is their final destination and for others it is a dash to catch a connecting flight. There is always someone to give them directions or assist any way needed.
For each event I wore my traditional Stars and Stripes tie and a Marine Corps t-shirt. I stationed myself at the end of the line so that I could hand out oval white decals that say "I Served Iraq" or "I Served Afghanistan," stickers that were always a huge hit!!! So many of our troops have served in both countries and were so sweet when they would humbly ask if they could have one of each, and of course they could have them!!! Before we knew it three hours or more had passed and there were no more troops to greet that day............ Everyone felt so exhilarated as the crowd dispersed, knowing that there would be more homecomings to attend......because it feels so good that you want to participate again and again. It has been too long since I have been to one of these events, and now that I am retired I am going to get back to BWI for another day of shared patriotism and camaraderie!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Radio promotion for this particular show started four months ago and I hoped to obtain tickets for our combat injured warriors and their families by contacting radio station ShineFM in Baltimore. Three weeks prior to the show at the 1st Marina Arena I got the call that the tickets were available and went into action putting it all together. The logistics of coordinating people and transportation to and from such an event is always a challenge that I enjoy tackling. I want to share with you what transpired last evening while it is fresh in my mind. It was very evident throughout the day and evening that God was walking with us.
The event was a Chris Tomlin concert and for those of you who are not familiar with him, he is one of the most popular recording artists in the genre of contemporary Christian worship music. The concert was taking place in Baltimore, about 45 minutes from Walter Reed on a good day with good weather. (You may have heard on the national news that the MD/DC/VA area has been selected as having the worst traffic in the entire country). The weather forecast was for snow and freezing rain but we started praying for good driving conditions as soon as the tickets were ours.
First came the phone calls to invite those who were interested in attending the concert. With thirty seats to fill, I reached out to lots of wounded warriors and their families. The problem is that often schedules change at the last minute due to hospital appointments and procedures so some who want to come find out last minute that they cannot attend while others wait until the last minute to say yes for the same reasons. Once there was a head count the transportation was organized. Thanks be to God, my beautiful friends the Mallarys run a non-profit 'Truckin4Troops' that specialize in transporting our wounded warriors with vehicles that are adapted for wheelchairs. (They have several vehicles for transportation but one in particular that they planned to use for this evening). God was truly working in this situation because the vehicle scheduled to be used died in their driveway.....when those problems might have occurred at the end of the evening in a distant garage! Two other vehicles replaced that one and they arrived at their destination without further issues !!!! During the afternoon we had icy rain and flurries but the Lord heard our prayers and there was only rain to and from the arena.
The 1st Mariner Arena needed a head and wheelchair count in order for us to be seated together and to accommodate the wheelchairs. Meanwhile, the headcount kept changing. Even as late as the afternoon of the show the head count changed. Truckin4Troops is over an hour away from Walter Reed and needed to be at the hospital early to arrive in Baltimore by 7pm, showtime!!! Some guests were driving separately. I needed to be in the foyer of the arena early to distribute the tickets. With guests arriving from various locations in bumper to bumper traffic it would have been a miracle for everyone to reach there on time.......but they did and the show started just as we were seated.
We are all Chris Tomlin fans so we were looking forward to a spectacular evening and that is exactly what we were treated to. There were over 9000 children of God in that arena swaying to the music, lifting their arms reaching up to the Lord.......all of us feeling the Holy Spirit deep in our hearts and souls as we sang along with Chris, listened to the words and let the inspiration flow over us. Have you ever been in a place where there are 9000 lovers of Jesus Christ all singing and shouting to the Lord and praising God? I can tell you there is no other experience like it...... tears flow and hearts soar........two solid hours of praising the Lord and singing as one. I am always moved through song in church on Sunday mornings with 150 in our sanctuary, so a crowd of this size makes an impact and we know the Lord is smiling down on us!!! It was glorious, truly glorious.
One of our guests Tweeted Chris Tomlin and asked if he would acknowledge our wounded warriors by name and before the show was over he did just that and thanked them for their service. The applause was deafening........and tearful. I felt such pride for them and their families as the applause went on and on. Sadly it was time for this worship filled evening to come to an end but the audience was not ready to go home. A standing ovation that lasted minutes brought Chris back on stage for another three songs and the audience roared with delight.
Truckin4Troops carried their precious cargo back to Walter Reed and the rest of us went home.........with our hearts filled and our spirits high and fresh memories that are etched in our minds forever.
Radio promotion for this particular show started four months ago and I hoped to obtain tickets for our combat injured warriors and their families by contacting radio station ShineFM in Baltimore. Three weeks prior to the show at the 1st Marina Arena I got the call that the tickets were available and went into action putting it all together. The logistics of coordinating people and transportation to and from such an event is always a challenge that I enjoy tackling. I want to share with you what transpired last evening while it is fresh in my mind. It was very evident throughout the day and evening that God was walking with us.
The event was a Chris Tomlin concert and for those of you who are not familiar with him, he is one of the most popular recording artists in the genre of contemporary Christian worship music. The concert was taking place in Baltimore, about 45 minutes from Walter Reed on a good day with good weather. (You may have heard on the national news that the MD/DC/VA area has been selected as having the worst traffic in the entire country). The weather forecast was for snow and freezing rain but we started praying for good driving conditions as soon as the tickets were ours.
First came the phone calls to invite those who were interested in attending the concert. With thirty seats to fill, I reached out to lots of wounded warriors and their families. The problem is that often schedules change at the last minute due to hospital appointments and procedures so some who want to come find out last minute that they cannot attend while others wait until the last minute to say yes for the same reasons. Once there was a head count the transportation was organized. Thanks be to God, my beautiful friends the Mallarys run a non-profit 'Truckin4Troops' that specialize in transporting our wounded warriors with vehicles that are adapted for wheelchairs. (They have several vehicles for transportation but one in particular that they planned to use for this evening). God was truly working in this situation because the vehicle scheduled to be used died in their driveway.....when those problems might have occurred at the end of the evening in a distant garage! Two other vehicles replaced that one and they arrived at their destination without further issues !!!! During the afternoon we had icy rain and flurries but the Lord heard our prayers and there was only rain to and from the arena.
The 1st Mariner Arena needed a head and wheelchair count in order for us to be seated together and to accommodate the wheelchairs. Meanwhile, the headcount kept changing. Even as late as the afternoon of the show the head count changed. Truckin4Troops is over an hour away from Walter Reed and needed to be at the hospital early to arrive in Baltimore by 7pm, showtime!!! Some guests were driving separately. I needed to be in the foyer of the arena early to distribute the tickets. With guests arriving from various locations in bumper to bumper traffic it would have been a miracle for everyone to reach there on time.......but they did and the show started just as we were seated.
We are all Chris Tomlin fans so we were looking forward to a spectacular evening and that is exactly what we were treated to. There were over 9000 children of God in that arena swaying to the music, lifting their arms reaching up to the Lord.......all of us feeling the Holy Spirit deep in our hearts and souls as we sang along with Chris, listened to the words and let the inspiration flow over us. Have you ever been in a place where there are 9000 lovers of Jesus Christ all singing and shouting to the Lord and praising God? I can tell you there is no other experience like it...... tears flow and hearts soar........two solid hours of praising the Lord and singing as one. I am always moved through song in church on Sunday mornings with 150 in our sanctuary, so a crowd of this size makes an impact and we know the Lord is smiling down on us!!! It was glorious, truly glorious.
One of our guests Tweeted Chris Tomlin and asked if he would acknowledge our wounded warriors by name and before the show was over he did just that and thanked them for their service. The applause was deafening........and tearful. I felt such pride for them and their families as the applause went on and on. Sadly it was time for this worship filled evening to come to an end but the audience was not ready to go home. A standing ovation that lasted minutes brought Chris back on stage for another three songs and the audience roared with delight.
Truckin4Troops carried their precious cargo back to Walter Reed and the rest of us went home.........with our hearts filled and our spirits high and fresh memories that are etched in our minds forever.
Friday, February 22, 2013
AUTO DECALS
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.
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.
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!
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