THE SONG THAT CAUGHT MY HEART

THE SONG THAT CAUGHT MY HEART

The last eight years visiting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda allowed me to experience so many friendships at so many levels.   From patients to their families and staff.   As I have written in previous columns, I consider each of these relationships a blessing in every way.   Naturally I feel acutely aware of the issues that affect our wounded warriors......their challenges and their goals.

In the summer of 2011 a friend posted a video on the internet that captured my ears and my heart.   That video was "Still in The Fight" produced by Bill Brown, and featuring three wounded warriors......Kyle Carpenter, Spanky Gibson and Aaron Mankin.   The singer/songwriter is Mike Corrado, LtCol of Marines at the Wounded Warrior Regiment.   It is a tremendous video that draws attention to the struggles and the courage of our war wounded warriors.  

One of those warriors, Kyle Carpenter, I had the honor of meeting shortly after he was admitted to the hospital in November 2010.   Of course he would not remember that visit, as he was not in very good shape at the time due to his serious injuries.   But I can tell you meeting him had quite an impact on me.   He was a fighter.........it was evident from the start.   His family was there surrounding his bedside that Christmas.  Today Kyle has become an inspirational example of overcoming those injuries...far surpassing even what the doctors believed possible!!!  

Back to the video............when I first watched it I was so impressed that I watched it numerous times and then knew I had to contact the producer and tell him what an incredible film he had created!  At the time there was a fund drive taking place to raise money to make the video into a feature film.  I found a link that provided the name of Bill Brown's company and when I got the phone number I called Bill directly.   It was a call that was meant to be.   We spoke for nearly an hour, but if you know Bill, that is easy to do!   He is such a personable guy and we had so many facets of the military, the wounded and such that we could relate to.  Most important was that I wanted him to know that I was truly impressed by the video and the song.    That was the beginning of a special friendship.

As time passed and it became 2012 the video gave birth to the documentary of the same name, 'Still in the Fight.' Bill made several visits to Walter Reed for filming and that gave us the opportunity to meet over lunch with his partner Billy Lewis.    What a pleasure it was to spend a little quality time together and speak of the film and it's future.

The rest of the story is history......later that year, October to be exact, Bill asked me if I would consider writing some of the experiences I had relayed to him over the phone.   He believed that the wondrous ways God has been working in my life would make good reading....stories that others would appreciate.   At first I hesitated, having not written seriously except business letters when needed
or when requesting donations for the care packages I ship that you have read about.   After a few minutes I realized he was right.......that the stories that were floating around in my head might be worth putting down on paper.   Thus the beginning of my new career as a columnist!   I am indebted to Bill for opening that door for me....a door that God knew would open one day.....and last October was the time.    I have to say that I feel incredibly blessed by the responses I have received when friends and strangers read about the events that have taken place in my life.   I regret not keeping a journal all those years, as friends suggested I do......so I have to wait now for something to trigger the memories and then I am able to share them with you, the readers.   Thank you all for your positive reinforcement and comments.   Perhaps if Bill would allow, I would love to hear from some of you who are not in my familiar circle of friends.   Hopefully I can continue to count on my memory to bring these ever so special recollections to you on a regular basis!

A FAMILIAR NAME

A FAMILIAR NAME

Eleven years ago when I embarked on this journey to support our troops in the Middle East with care packages I decided I should print many of the emails that pertained to the packages.   Not just 'thank you' emails, but newsletters from the various units I shipped to, news articles from all media sources, and more.   I had no idea what I would do with them, but I printed them and saved them.  Files for particular individual recipients, specific units and each of their deployments, etc, many of whom I have written about in the articles you have read.   The funny thing is, from the beginning, dozens of people suggested I keep a journal of all the amazing things that have transpired over those eleven years.   I am not the sort of person who journals every day.  Of course now I regret not doing so, as I have to rely on my memory for the multitude of notable experiences  that have had such an impact in my life.   Too late now.....and I have been through all the files, mountains of them.   There are still a few good stories to relate in those files, and today I am sharing one that really is amazing!

As I have written in the past my nephew Alex McBride was with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and was deployed to Iraq 2005-2006 for his last deployment based out of Al Qaim.   There were several significant missions during that deployment, one being Operation Steel Curtain, and it was a difficult tour filled with too many casualties.   Multiple missions, one after the other, nearly constant combat and constant danger.   The chaplains deployed with their Marines and Sailors had their work cut out for them.   Offering advice of all sorts, along with sharing God's word and comfort in times of fear.   As many of you know from being in combat, often one feels closer to God in times of terror and the unknown.   I can only speak from the stories that have been related to me by those who have lived with that fear and from the chaplains themselves.

As I was reading through a folder last week for Alex's last deployment, I came across the name of the chaplain who was serving with 3/6 at the time.  His name was LT Bryan Crittendon.   Not exactly a common name, and surely there could not be more than one Navy Chaplain with the same name.   The reason it caught my eye was because I am shipping packages now to a chaplain....LCDR Bryan Crittendon.

Immediately I wrote an email to the current Chaplain Crittendon, inquiring whether he was in Iraq with 3/6 back in '05-'06 and whether the name Alex McBride sounded familiar.    He replied almost immediately that the name rang a bell, but he could not place the face that went with the name.   I responded with a short description.....Alex was 5'4", had been with India Company and had sent me a photo of him being baptized.    Alex had written that although it would have been meaningful to be baptized in the Euphrates River it was dangerous and very dirty.   Well, guess what?   Chaplain Crittendon remembered distinctly building a baptistery outside their little chapel and baptizing Alex!!!    That was seven years and many deployments ago, but he remembered vividly that day near the Euphrates where Alex was baptized and could now put a face to the name.    We were both stunned at the connection after all these years!  

Chaplain Crittendon is still serving with the Marines and Sailors of Camp Lejeune but with a different unit.   Once again I have the honor of supporting him and the men with whom he is serving, imparting his wisdom, advice and comfort.   Once again life comes full circle.......connecting each of us in a very special way that only God could orchestrate.

EASTER IN AFGHANISTAN

EASTER IN AFGHANISTAN

My care packages are fairly similar in content and do not change throughout the year.   The boxes contain lots of non-perishable food, some toiletries, socks and lots of reading material.  The Marines like to read magazines such as Guns and Ammo, American Rifleman, Car and Driver, Sports Illustrated, Bowhunter, Motorcycles, Rolling Stone, Men's Journal, and a daily devotional "Our Daily Bread" for those who seek spiritual enrichment every morning.   Each year a local Girl Scout troop reaches out to their friends and families to purchase cookies for my care packages and I am astonished when multiple cases are delivered to my home.   Those cookies are always cherished by the recipients and a tasty reminder of home.

This past January started with a new challenge...a special request from one of my contacts, a first sergeant with 8th Communications Battalion.  We had been in contact since they arrived in Afghanistan.   She wrote that she had 130 troops at her location and wondered if it would be possible to supply items she had included on her Easter wish list.   The list included Easter baskets, grass for the baskets, plastic Easter eggs, chocolate Easter candy and stuffed animals.  

I felt in my heart that when I sent out the email request to friends who have supported the care packages over the years their enthusiasm to participate would be contagious, and it was.   One of those friends shared my email with some of her friends and then things really began to take off!!!   Nevertheless I was truly stunned at the responses I received from friends and strangers alike.    One sewing club offered to hand-make 130 burlap Easter baskets with hand braided handles (burlap would fold up and be much easier to pack and ship than straw baskets)......but can you imagine hand sewing 130 of them, and then adding braided handles?    One couple offered to supply the stuffed animals.  Another donor offered to supply the plastic eggs, and another the grass.   Lastly a club  I belong to offered to supply the chocolates.... foil covered  eggs, individual chocolate crosses and chocolate bunnies, as well as 130 signed Easter cards, hand delivered to me.  Thank goodness we started in January!!!!

Each of the donors shipped their contributions directly to the Marines because the donors were scattered all over the US.   The candy and cards I shipped because  they were local.   Arrival date in Afghanistan was of great concern.   Since this project started in January we assumed we had plenty of time.  However, that is not always the case when you are counting on the mail system.   Items arrived over a span of several weeks starting in February with the grass arriving the day after Easter.   The 1stSgt managed to put everything together in such a way that each recipient received a basket with each of the items.   They were also treated to a cookout in celebration of the Easter holiday.

The pleasure derived from giving is as great, if not greater, than receiving.    Each of us who contributed was anxious to see photos of our troops enjoying their Easter gifts.   To know that from so many distant places this project came together almost flawlessly was truly uplifting.    It is a wonderful feeling to know that there are Americans out there who want to show their support, to let our troops overseas know that they are loved, appreciated and not forgotten, on holidays and every day.

GOD SPOKE

GOD SPOKE

There are five tall high rise condominiums and several garden apartments that make up the complex where I live.  There is also a security staff that rides in little golf carts around the property twenty-four hours a day.   Back in 2005 my Mom was chatting with one of the security guards, a charming Pakistani gentleman whose son just happened to be deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps!!!   Naturally my Mom wanted us to connect so that I might support his son with care packages, which you know is one of the passions of my life.   I got his son's address and commenced shipping immediately.   His son Ali  was with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, out of California.   That was the beginning of a most unusual journey for both of us. 

 Ali was stationed in Ramadi, Iraq during that deployment and as you may recall 2005 was an intense time of combat in many areas of the country.   Ali and I corresponded as he received and shared the care packages.   All was going smoothly until late one night I received a phone call from his Dad.   He was informed that Ali had been shot in the head, but no further information was available.   His Dad called me hoping I might know someone who could give him more details.  I spent hours calling everyone I knew in the Marine Corps, and no one was home.  Then I remembered I could reach the liaison office at Bethesda Naval Hospital (now Walter Reed).   I gave the liaison  his Dad's phone number and what little information I had.   Not until early the next morning did his Dad call to let me know he had just heard from Ali and  that his injuries  was not as severe as previously reported.   Shrapnel wounds to his head, eye, upper body, and one eardrum.... he had stepped on an IED and thanks be to God he was still alive!!!!     Ali spent a short time mending physically and then returned to the fight to complete his deployment,  but not without a deep fear that had not existed prior to his injuries.   

When Ali returned home to Maryland for his two- week leave he invited me to dinner so that we could meet.  It was an evening I will always remember.  A tall handsome young man with a warm and caring demeanor, he  brought me an enormous  Patriotic basket arrangement with huge stuffed Patriotic bears and wood Americana carvings.  I was so touched by such a perfect but unnecessary gift!!   With his permission I donated the stuffed animals to the local Fisher House at Bethesda Naval Hospital and the carvings still adorn my wall.   Ali and I formed a unique friendship  because I was the one civilian with whom he could discuss his military life and share his stories that others would not understand.

Ali deployed again in September of 2006.   He was at sea on a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) returning to the Middle East.   About that same time I had been introduced via emails to a Marine Veteran who was serving in Iraq, Johnny Russo,  and in his emails he quoted Scripture.   He quoted Psalms 91 and 121 which related to warriors and God's protection.   That was my introduction to Scripture and it was so beautiful that it moved me to purchase my first Bible and read the Word of God regularly.  

Mid-November I got a call late one night from Ali who was back in Kuwait mobilizing to return to Iraq within hours.   This time he spoke of his dread and feared he would not return alive from this tour.   I tried to calm him and tell him that he would be safe but I felt his fear in my heart.  He had to hang up quickly but said he would try to call one more time before heading into the unknown.   I got down on my knees and I cried and prayed and cried and prayed until I crawled into bed and cried myself to sleep.   In the black of night and in a sound sleep I was awakened by the brightest white flash of light and I awoke trembling.   I knew that God had spoken to me.  White light is a sign of peace and hope.   I was wide awake and I knew that Ali and his Marines would all survive this deployment.   Again my phone rang.   The timing was God's........I was able to impart God's message to Ali....I told him what had just happened.........how God woke me up with the message that he would not be hurt.   He could return to combat knowing  he was covered with the Lord's hedge of protection.   We were both so relieved and he said he was so thankful that he had called because he was at peace now and would not be afraid.   Needless to say, Ali and his brothers returned home safely.  No one was hurt.  Praise God for His power and love!!!!

Throughout Ali's deployment he wrote  several times to tell me that he truly felt the presence of God protecting him and that his fellow Marines also thanked me for sharing God's message with him which he had relayed to them.   Ali completed his enlistment obligation in July of 2007.   We remained close friends and my Mom and I attended his wedding  a couple of years later.  Now he is happily married but does not stay in touch.   I understand how that works....as many of my contacts stay close in trying times but when they settle into their new civilian lives they separate their new lives from the old.  

How blessed I am to have experienced such an event as God speaking to me.  I realize that this gift from God is a rare gift, and one that had a profound impact not only on my life but the lives of others.   A turning point, you might say, that brought peace to a terrifying moment.   My prayer is that my God will open up many more opportunities to serve him and share just how powerful He is.

BROTHERS IN ARMS

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.  

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.

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!