HONORING OUR VETERANS

HONORING OUR VETERANS

It all started months ago when the founder of Quilts of Honor,  Gail Belmont,  Army veteran herself,  told me about an upcoming quilt exhibition that was to take place at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia.   It was to be held October 4-6 with a quilt presentation planned for 2pm on that Saturday.   Then the federal government shutdown  and the Museum was closed to the public.   A museum that really lent itself to the display of quilts draped from walls and railings.   There were multitudes of quilts, all hand made and created by quilters from all over the country that were packed and transported to the Museum.    The quilters spent months, years creating military themed quilts which are their specialty for this exhibition.

The quilters traveled here from states east and west with plans to visit all the military memorials in Washington DC as part of their week in the area.   As you know, along with the museum all the open air memorials were also closed.   It was obvious throughout their visit here, God was at work opening doors for every door that closed.   A new venue was found for the exhibition and presentation.....Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington, welcomed Quilts of Honor and did a splendid job displaying their quilts, although fewer than originally planned for the larger museum.  They opened a portion of their gift shop and offered their small auditorium.   But before I tell you about my visit that Saturday to see the quilts I want to share the other miracles that took place for the quilters.

A trip to the WWII Memorial that was closed to the public, but barricades were opened and they were free to visit and also meet many Veterans who were there with an Honor Flight.   The Vietnam Wall, also closed, was a very special visit.   The name of the brother of one of the quilters is on the wall, and they were determined to lay a wreath and also lay quilts in front of the wall for magnificent photos.

I was in the best of company with two good friends who are moms of combat wounded warriors at Walter Reed.  We were  blessed to attend the events on Saturday, not realizing just how emotional the afternoon would become.   The quilts were the most beautiful we had ever seen.   QOH does not sell them...they make them strictly to present to combat veterans of all generations.   Each quilt was more beautiful than the next, some more intricate, all patriotic.....eagles, flags, stars and stripes.   After closely examining the handiwork of the quilters, we took our seats in the auditorium for the presentation.  Gail and her volunteers had previously met many combat veterans while visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and invited them to Mt Vernon, not divulging the real reason for their invitation which was to present them with quilts and also gift them with passes to visit the Museum.

The ceremony started with members of our National Honor Guard, four (over 6ft tall) handsome Color Guard marching to the stage.  No matter where or when I see our flag and sing our national anthem, I get teary.   It never fails...the tears run.  One of the members of QOH, Marsha Borelli Silva is a singer and songwriter who performed two songs she composed, "Freedom is Not Free" and "America" and then the tears really started flowing.    I am extremely patriotic and get very emotional when it comes to honoring our country.   Then the presentation began.  The name of each veteran was called and a member of QOH presented a quilt that was related to his or her branch of the military.   Each presentation brought a round of applause from an approving auditorium.   In closing the Color Guard marched out, and then returned unofficially and they were given quilts as well.   More tears.   Finally, an announcement that at 3:30 there would be an unplanned presentation to some WWII veterans.   Well, there was no way I was going to leave and miss that ceremony!!!!!

These WWII Navy Veterans, here with an Honor Flight,  all sailed together on the USS Indiana.   As I sat there watching each of these precious elderly gentlemen I could picture my Dad and was overcome with sadness, missing him after losing him two years ago.   These patriots had no idea why they were invited to the museum and  were totally taken aback when their names were called and each was presented with a beautiful quilt.   Some could barely stand on their own, some had family with them, some were so touched that they cried.   What an incredible honor it was to be there to witness this display of appreciation for our older Veterans.   I will never forget that afternoon.

Before all the volunteers left our area to return home to their respective states, Gail,who is an accomplished bugler and has played at many funerals and military functions, played taps at the graveside of George Washington.  What a beautiful final gesture for them before they departed, and what an honor it was for us to be there to share the love and gratitude America feels for it's Veterans.

CARRYING ON TRADITION

CARRYING ON TRADITION

I have to admit that my memory fails to recall far too many details of how I became connected with some of the recipients of my care packages.    The internet was, without a doubt, the most significant means of locating troops I would ship to throughout their deployments.    I cannot remember how some of those troops found me or how I found them.....possibly through Marine forums, through friends, through previous recipients.......a multitude of possibilities.

Back in 2006 I received an email with the name of a Marine who was looking for support for his unit deployed to Fallujah.  They were a reserve infantry unit, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, Charlie Company, "New England's Own" out of Enfield, CT.   The Marine who was the author of that email was 1stSgt Ben Grainger.   I immediately replied that I would be honored to support his Marines and Sailors with care packages.   That was the beginning of a most unique friendship.

Ben was a prolific writer and every evening before he retired after a long day he would sit at his computer (when the power was working) and send an email out to all the families of his troops calling it "The Daily Life Corner."   I say he was unique because daily communication with their families was high priority.  He wanted to reassure all of them back home.   So, no matter how exhausted he was after all day patrols or missions outside the wire, he would pour himself a strong cup of java and write....always with a sense of humor.  Describing daily life in "the Ville", sharing names of Marines not getting mail, tips for men only, tips for women only, marriage tips, always acknowledging and speaking proudly of his Marines...he would write until his eyelids were closing.  He should have been a journalist and I told him that many times because he had a gift, bringing alive what he expressed with words.    He  was able to reassure the families with his humorous descriptions of everything going on around them.   He dubbed Fallujah "The Ville" and their building that they secured as their home the "Holiday Inn Express".  He  loved to write about the unpleasant problem they encountered with rats and other crawling insects and rodents, how the rats chewed through electrical cables and rendered their electronics useless (reason for computer blackouts).  He described the rats as "stealthy insurgent rats that took a liking to his favorite snacks I sent him like trail mix and beef jerky" and in detail shared his plans to eliminate them.   He referred to his Marines as 'the boys.'

In their building Ben set up a gallery with photos of family and friends, explaining to  me that the guys were motivated by the support from home and seeing their photos was a great comfort.    He even had a version of the USO shows.....with photos!  He would place a photo of a famous person like Brittney Spears in a frame in the chow hall and tell them she was the server that day.   Creative, always thinking of new ways to keep their spirits up.  He was there for his boys no matter what the need.   They respected and trusted him.

One of Ben's creations caught the attention of their local press back home, the Hartford Courant.   They sent a reporter over to Iraq to spend some time with Ben and his Marines.  Back home everyone was talking about his nightly reports and his 'new religion', as Ben called it....."Americantology".   At night, for an hour on the sandbagged roof of their building they would meet, erect a flag pole from a radio antennae, haul a boom box up there, and play requests from each of the Marines.   Their favorites, from  patriotic to country to heavy metal.....whatever music made them feel closer to home.  Ben would be their chief prophet, preacher and proselytizer of Americantology.   I truly felt honored to be included in the 1/25 family.

Ben and I corresponded almost daily and stayed in touch when his unit returned home, but not often.   We did communicate a few times a year.   I knew that Ben had kids, but back in 2006 they really were just kids but did not recall how old his boys were.    Just the other day I got a message from Ben on Facebook.   He was inquiring whether I would consider sending care packages to his son, now enlisted in the Army and serving in Afghanistan!!!!   Well, you can imagine how excited I was to be able to support the son of a Marine I had shipped to years ago.   Carrying on the tradition with the next generation really touched my heart.  Today my first box will be shipped to Ben's son, Ben Jr!!!!!   When I started writing for the The Glidden Graphic, I knew one day I would share the story of Ben Grainger and now I had a perfect reason to write it....a father and his son serve their country.    What a blessing for me to keep the tradition going forward!!!

DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS VISIT WALTER REED

DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS VISIT WALTER REED

In order to relate the story of the Marines Helping Marines cookout on August 22, 2013 I have to travel back in time a couple of years.  I also need to emphasize how the internet has impacted the last ten years of my life.  How the Lord connects people and circumstances is something that never ceases to amaze me.  This story starts with a friend of mine  in Michigan who maintains a large internet network of people supporting our troops.   One very special person on her email list is a man in Delaware who himself has an extensive email distribution list sharing prayer requests and news about our troops.  That man, Dan Dobson, is a Vietnam Air Force veteran and a compassionate patriot who loves his country and our wounded warriors.

A few months ago I received a request from Marines Helping Marines seeking sponsors for our monthly cookouts at Walter Reed which I in turn forwarded to my email list.   One of the recipients of that request was Dan, with Trinity Logistics in Seaford, Delaware.   Dan presented the request to the employees of Trinity and their response was overwhelmingly positive.   He informed me that each employee pays into a fund that is designated for supporting a worthy cause.   You have no idea how blessed I felt when he contacted me that the vote was unanimous....they wanted to sponsor our cookout for August and not only that, they wanted participate by driving down to Maryland to meet and serve our wounded warriors and their families.

Thirteen of them were able to make the trip......employees and a few family members.  Trinity is a very family oriented company which employs multiple generations of families.   They arose early to leave Delaware at 7am and arrived safely at Walter Reed around 9am.   I had time to explain the buffet set up procedure while we awaited the arrival of the MHM Veterans who were bringing the equipment and the food.  This was a first for the team from Trinity......spending time with severely wounded Soldiers and Marines, and they were looking forward to taking part in serving our guests, who number around one hundred and fifty.

For the first time this season the veterans with the supplies were running late!   There is quite a lot of organization and labor involved in the preparation........ setting up tables,  arranging the order of the many courses,  cutting dozens of trays of fresh fruits and veggies, grilling  the  steaks, chicken, kababs, burgers and hotdogs .....six long tables arranged with a wide variety of side dishes including desserts, cookies and brownies baked by our volunteers.     What was most impressive was that with all those helping hands we were set up in record time.....less than forty-five minutes.  Normally it takes well over an hour but we were ready with time to spare!    That's how determined and enthusiastic our volunteers were!!!

11:30am.   Time for our guests to arrive.....a nonstop procession of warriors with wheelchairs, crutches, Segways and gurneys accompanied by their families with children and strollers.  They filled their plates and sat to relax and enjoy a real barbecue, a welcome change from their daily hospital fare.   It was extremely hot that day.....over ninety in the shade.....but the heat did not dampen spirits in the least.   Each of the volunteers from Trinity was grateful to have been in the presence of such true American heroes.  As Dan so aptly wrote when he returned home,  "Team Trinity was honored to host a lavish barbeque for our Wounded Warriors and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Building 62. If the cowardly enemy who have maimed these troops think they have broken their spirit, that delusion joins the many that cloud their perverted minds. We were humbled by these men and women who represent the finest we have to offer. They have set the gold standard for perseverance in the face of what many would see as insurmountable odds. God has blessed them as they have given so much for so many of us. It was inspiring to meet them and serve them."

Volunteering is a beautiful opportunity to serve God...... there is no greater sense of reward than serving others.   Whether it is wounded warriors or a special need in one's community, the mission is to provide for their needs.  This is just one of many stories of  groups or individuals who have stepped up to the plate when they saw a chance to give back to our wounded service men and women.   Trinity Logistics was instrumental in lifting the spirits of those who attended the cookout that day.   They shared with me that this event was an experience they would never forget and they look forward  to returning  next summer.  

AN INJURED MARINE'S FAMILY AND THEIR DOGS

AN INJURED MARINE'S FAMILY AND THEIR DOGS

It all started back in March 2012 when Major Eric Burkett was severely injured while piloting his Osprey Tiltrotor helicopter that crashed during a training mission in Morocco.    (You may recall a previous column I wrote last November entitled "Kilts and Bagpipes"... about Major Burkett and the MCFD Pipes and Drums).   This journey began when he was flown to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda.   His family, living in Jacksonville, NC immediately came to the hospital to be at his side.   His family consists of his wife and four adorable children.  Left behind were their two dogs Honor and Izzie, English setters that are inseparable.

This is the story of Honor and Izzie, two English Setters,  and how their lives were altered since Eric was injured.   It was necessary to place them in a kennel in NC indefinitely with the future completely uncertain.   That was sixteen months ago and the family is  still living here as Eric prepares for another surgery this week which will require remaining here for another ten to twelve months.

Eric's wife Melissa has returned to NC many times since he was admitted to the hospital to check on the dogs and to retrieve items needed for the lengthy stay here in Maryland.   A few of those trips allowed her and the kids and sometimes Eric, to stay for a few days....an opportunity to bring Honor and Izzie home from the kennel.   However, for almost the entire time they have been here the dogs have been there in the kennel.  Thankfully that kennel was a loving one where they could remain together with spacious quarters and plenty of room to exercise.   Nevertheless, they were far away from the family who loved them and the separation was difficult for everyone including the dogs.

Fast forward to July 2013.   Realizing that the family would not be moving back to NC for quite some time they decided to find a kennel in Maryland which would allow them to visit Honor and Izzie regularly.   Some very close friends, the Mallarys, who live in Maryland, had a kennel on the property adjacent to theirs.   How perfect!!!   Next door to friends whose home they already visited frequently.     The dogs were moved up here in June  hoping this would be the best possible solution for everyone.   You can imagine how hard it was for their children to be separated from their 'best friends' for so long.

Sadly, this solution was not the final one.  The kennel was less than satisfactory.  Too small, lack of space, and not enough attention.  It was painful for the family to see their dogs in such a setting and something needed to change.   Researching other arrangements Melissa found and related to me the existence of organizations that match foster homes with military pets, a service I had no idea existed, but a service that is surely a blessing to those military families that often cannot take their pets with them for a year or more when they transfer locations.    Foster families will take the pets on a extended temporary basis so the pets do not have to be given away permanently.   What a beautiful concept!!!    This is where this story really gets interesting..........

August 1, 2013.   First thing in the morning I checked my Facebook page, and there was a message from Rick Blandford, manager of the Pipe and Drum band which read,   "This is the longest I've been without a dog in my life.  Next week I will be looking for a 'loner dog' to take to the river....must be a large dog that loves water.  I will return him clean and tired".   That post sparked an idea in my mind.....perhaps Rick and his wife Bonnie would consider being foster parents for the Burkett's two dogs!!!   Keep in mind Eric and Rick had met at the first cookout last year so they were not strangers.     I sent a message to Rick inquiring if they would consider taking the Burkett's two dogs for as long as needed.   Rick said he would check with Bonnie.   My heart was so excited at the possibility!!!   Rick wrote back asking about the dogs and whether they are used to being around cats since Bonnie has two cats.     I got the necessary information from Melissa and forwarded it to Rick.    My anticipation was growing by the minute!   Then, on Sunday, the 4th, Rick came to visit the Burketts at the barracks where they live to discuss the details.

Later that evening when I met with Eric and Melissa and asked how things were looking, I got the awesome news......this Thursday, August 8th, the day before Eric's surgery, Rick and Bonnie will be picking up Honor and Izzie at the kennel to bring them to their home.....a real home with a real family and a large fenced in yard.....praise be to God!!!  Only He could choreograph all of this...........from one kennel to another to a message on Facebook that would bring all if this together.   Days later and I am still in complete awe of how the Lord can do absolutely anything!!  

There is one little detail I saved for last.  When Eric and Rick first met,  Eric had inquired about learning to play the bagpipes.   Due to  their busy schedules, a year has passed with no opportunity for that to happen.   With the dogs at Rick's home, there will be many visits and many hours to learn to play the bagpipes!!!!   So things really did come together in many many ways.  As Rick so beautifully posted on Facebook on Sunday evening...."A few days ago I was looking for a loaner dog, today I meet with a USMC Major who will be at Walter Reed for ten more months while he gets a new leg.  Bonnie Blandford, Erik Blandford and I just got the honor to be foster parents for his two dogs......how cool."   Did I shed a few tears?  You bet I did!!!

To be honest, the true benefit of having the Burketts here for so long is that I have been blessed with their friendship, getting to really know their kids and love them more than  I can express.   They are a big part of my life and I am so thankful for our friendship.   Above all, I thank God for guiding all of our lives and bringing us together.   He is so wise!!!

A GIFT THAT STARTED IN AFRICA

A GIFT THAT STARTED IN AFRICA

Way back when I started shipping care packages to our Marines overseas I often inquired if they would share with me addresses in other locations that I might support.  One of those locations was Djibouti, Africa and that was back in 2004.  One of those recipients, a first sergeant, wrote to thank me and that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that has continued to this day, and I believe will continue forever.

1stSgt Courtney Curtis, who was with the 3/2 India Company, 4th MEB (Marine Expeditionary Brigade), CJTF (Command Joint Task Force) Djibouti at the time was my new contact in Africa.  He shared photos of himself and his Marines, camels, the terrain (hot dry desert) and the chow hall and helped to give me a sense of the base where they lived and worked.   It truly makes a difference when I can visualize who receives the boxes I ship and where they go!!!!

Not long after Courtney and I connected,  it was time for him to come home on leave during his year deployment.   It was around Easter that year and while he was home his father became ill.   He had to return to Florida to be with his Dad and on his way back to Africa had a stop over in Maryland, at BWI airport.   I had the opportunity to meet him while he was waiting for his connecting flight.  What an great day that was......we had a couple of hours to chat about our families, get to know each other and then say goodbye.

Not long after that I received a very special gift.   My first American flag, flown in my honor, accompanied by a certificate stating that it was flown on Memorial Day May 31st, 2004.  Along with the certificate was a letter from 1stSgt Curtis that said: "Susan, a small token of our appreciation.  From all of us to you, we thank you for your support of our troops deployed.  This flag was flown in Djibouti Africa in your honor.  We think the date is a special one, as we remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we share today.  We also remember those that have given a part of themselves each and every day ensuring that our troops deployed are not forgotten.  Thank you, may God bless you in all that you do."   Well, you can imagine my reaction to such a meaningful gift......by now you know me......I broke down and wept.   My brother in law was kind enough to mount these items in a beautiful shadow box which is displayed proudly in my home. I also received some cultural gifts such as a wooden African mask that I love.

Courtney had been in the Marine Corps since he graduated from high school, and shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart Becky.   To this day, they are still like high school sweethearts with a precious love that has gotten them through multiple deployments, as well as a son who followed his dad's footsteps into the Marine Corps.   In 2005 when my nephew Alex was returning to Camp Lejeune from a deployment to Afghanistan, my family and I were there for the homecoming.   Courtney happened to be between deployments himself so I was invited to their charming home for dinner.   What a memorable evening that was!   I felt very welcomed and knew that our friendship was something out of the ordinary. During that trip he arranged for a visit to the new Wounded Warrior Barracks (Maxwell Hall), a refurbished barracks on base for our wounded warriors who were transitioning from hospital to home or back to active duty.   I had no idea at the time that my life would be moving in the direction of volunteering with our wounded warriors at Walter Reed (then Bethesda Naval Hospital).   Now that I look back I can see where the Lord was positioning me for what was to come!!!!

No matter where Courtney was stationed I supported his Marines with care packages.   His next deployment was to Iraq in  2005 with VMA 223.   (Marine Attack Squadron with Harrier Jets).   I received a second folded American flag with a certificate that was flown on September 11, 2005, the date chosen by Courtney, knowing how meaningful that date would always be.

When he returned from that deployment he was preparing for the Marine Corps Marathon.  I knew that if he was running that race he would have to be back here in the Maryland DC area.   I had the opportunity to cook him dinner!  On a Sunday morning he was invited to my Dad's for breakfast, so the whole family got to meet him.
Now everyone in my family understood what a treasure he is and why our friendship means so much.

Courtney has transferred a few times since then, traveled all over the country, and finally retired from the Marine Corps as a Sergeant Major just a couple of months ago.   Their family has settled in Yuma, Arizona, where he was at one time stationed and he and Becky fell in love with the climate and the area.   We stay in touch, something that will be much easier now that he will not be deploying again, and will be employed close to home.  Living with Becky full time is a new experience and one that I know they are cherishing after a long career of deployments.

My life has been blessed by his friendship....in so many ways.  He taught me quite a bit about the Marine Corps over the years.   I hope that our paths will cross again, but I feel sure that they will.   Courtney is one of the gifts that the care package ministry have given me.   I have only my God to thank....for only He knows His plans for me........and so far He has done a perfect job of guiding me.

A CHANCE MEETING

A CHANCE MEETING

Timing truly is incredible and when I look back at some of the unexpected events that took place at a specific moment in time I am stunned and in awe of how God is always there working in my life. Care packages are the root of most of the events I have described in previous articles.   The sight of a stack of identically labelled large boxes often brings out the curiosity in people so they inquire as to what they are and where they are going.  I am used to this curiosity and thankful because it often opens doors to new donors or gives me the opportunity to encourage others to support our troops through care packages or a variety of ways.

This event took place on my front doorstep, a large condo highrise with over 400 units.  Naturally I do not know all of the other residents...far too many to get to know.    At the time I was shipping ten to fifteen boxes per week  with the help of a friend, Nancy, who assisted me  for nearly a year and whose  larger vehicle enabled us  to get the boxes to the post office in one trip.   When Nancy  was not available I called on the dedicated Marines from our local recruiting office (the same office where my nephew was recruited) who were always ready and willing to do what was needed to get a shipment to their brothers in arms.

On this particular day while we were loading her van, a tall middle aged gentleman was entering the building and inquired about the boxes.  I launched into my explanation with a big smile and explained that they were heading to Iraq for our Marines in combat at different locations throughout the country.    From that point on the conversation really boggled my mind!!!!

I explained that my nephew was in Iraq serving with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, India Company and his unit was to receive a couple of the fifteen packages that were addressed to many different units. Well, his reply nearly knocked me off my feet.   He was a Marine veteran and served with 3/6 India himself decades ago.   Once again I learn that the Marine Corps world is a very small one indeed. Right here at my front door I met a veteran who served in the same unit as my nephew!!!   That has happened several times since this meeting took place and each time I am surprised!!!

He proceeded to ask for details.....how the care packages were funded and how I obtained the funds.  Evidently he had not seen any of the local TV interviews or newspaper or magazine articles that featured my ministry.  I also told him I counted on word of mouth. Until last September I worked in a mall which gave me access to a constant stream of people, both friends and strangers...... and I was not timid about bringing up the subject of supporting our troops overseas.    He asked what the cost was to fund such a project, and I explained in detail the cost of the contents and the shipping. The trips to Costco, Sam's Club, the Dollar Tree, etc.   I had a distinct feeling  I should ask if he would like to make a donation to support our Marines and he said sure, how much would I like? Well, I thought to myself, why start small, right?  So I asked him if he would be willing to donate $1000.   By now you probably figured out what the answer was, hence my writing this article and sharing this story.    He said 'YES' and asked me to write down my name and where to send the check!!!!

That was not the only time this generous veteran offered to support the Marines in combat.   On several occasions over the years he would send me a check for $500.   This was yet another example of Marines supporting their brothers.   I have come to realize that support extends beyond Marines and  includes their families and supporters as well.   I know that I have been blessed mightily over the years by a multitude of generous folks who responded just as this gentleman did and I am so very grateful and thankful that those donors have been there for our troops for eleven long years.  These donations are all the more meaningful because I am not a registered non-profit organization and their donations are not tax deductible......they are truly giving from their hearts!!!!!!

As the military continues its draw down, deactivates many units and their entire game plan changes, there will be less need for the weekly care packages that have gone out faithfully over the years. I cannot imagine my life without them.....cannot picture my apartment not looking like a mini version of Sam's Club, the entire perimeter piled with non perishable food,  toiletries and magazines.    I have always known that the time would come for this ministry to be over, and trust the Lord to open a new door when that day comes.    I think this year will be the last.   The end of an era in my life that has brought me more joy and friendships than I could have ever conceived.   These eleven years have been life changing in many ways and if you have read my previous articles you already know what I am talking about.

Thank you to my neighbor and ALL the others who have been there, believing in me and my desire to bring happiness and comfort and a sense of home to our troops deployed!   I will never forget what these years have meant to me.   Writing these stories  and sharing them with the reader gives them a sense of permanence.   To God goes the glory........for only He is capable of arranging each event that I write and publish.   I truly love knowing that all of you appreciate and enjoy my writings.

LIVING HISTORY

LIVING HISTORY

Have you ever read an article somewhere that was so unusual that it stuck in the back of your mind and keeps coming to the surface every now and then?  That is what I want to share with you today.   There was a story of a young boy who asked his grandfather to come to his elementary class and tell his schoolmates about his service in the Army.   All I could think about was how mesmerized those students must have been hearing those stories firsthand instead of from a history book.  How exciting and how real....bringing history to life!!!!!   That article remained buried in my memory for a few years before it popped up again in 2009.

You know by now that I have a great love and appreciation for our veterans of all generations.  I love to share with my readers how their lives have impacted mine or how their service has changed their own lives.   It occurred to me that perhaps the local high schools might benefit from hearing those stories firsthand just as the class of that little boy many years ago.   It was time to do some research.

I sat down and made a list of all the local high schools.....then called each school's resource department inquiring as to whether they would be interested in veterans coming to speak to their history classes.   I learned that the speakers would need to coincide with the curriculum as it progressed through the school year and that would be in the spring, closer to Easter and not too far from the end of the school year.     Of course any speakers would be from WWII or later.    Several schools were very enthusiastic about my idea so I started reaching out to veterans.

Thank goodness for the internet and the many Marine Corps and military forums that I frequent.   Working in retail in a mall also allowed me to meet veterans too.  I put ads in a couple of magazines and posted my request in as many places as possible.   Within a couple of weeks I had a terrific list of several veterans, from WWII,  Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq.   I have to say I was pretty excited that this was working out!!!   The one drawback for me was that I could not be in class for most of the visits because I was working.

However, there were two Vietnam veteran speakers whose classes I was able to attend and I was, without a doubt, as mesmerized as the high school kids.   One very special speaker happened to be a friend as well, Everett Alvarez, longest held POW in Vietnam, eight and one half years.   His story was spellbinding to say the least.   You could have heard a pin drop and there were four classes gathered together in the cafeteria to hear him speak.   The details of his incarceration in the Hanoi Hilton was breathtaking.   I was so incredibly grateful that Everett took time from his busy schedule to speak to the students.

Another speaker of that era spoke of the history of Vietnam before, during and after the war.   It was a history lesson that was far more interesting in person than from a textbook.   Even the teacher was completely absorbed by his delivery.   The other classes at other schools I was not able to hear, but the teachers contacted me and thanked me for bringing the living history to their classrooms. They sent thank you notes to the speakers and hoped to repeat the experiences in the future.

Sadly the next year the weather reeked havoc on the curriculum....too many snow days so there was no time for extra curricular special lessons.   It turned out to be a one semester endeavor and then I was so involved with the care packages that I let it go.   I do believe I need to attempt to repeat the project.

Perhaps there are some of you reading this article who might consider volunteering to speak at the schools of your children or grandchildren.   I know it would be a wonderful experience for everyone involved.   So many veterans have such meaningful stories to tell......some have never been told before and some have been repeated many times........but to the ears of the children....all ages........those stories may be what triggers a deeper interest in our country's history!!!   Think about it!!!