19 posts tagged “wounded warriors”
If you're on Facebook you may have seen a post linking to Soldiers' Angels Germany requesting assistance with items they are in great need of for the Wounded who pass through Landstuhl on their way from the battlefields to hospitals generally in the US.
From MaryAnn:
You may not be hearing about it on the news, but the fighting in Afghanistan has been very heavy, with many wounded moving through the military medical system. Our wounded heroes, their families, and the doctors and nurses who care for them desperately need our love and support. Please consider how you can help.
MaryAnn, head of Soldiers' Angels Germany, writes about the need:
All summer we have been experiencing a very large number of incoming medevacs, particularly from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the past several weeks have been even worse. We are in urgent need of the following items. Please help if you can. Please also pray for our patients and staff during this very difficult time. Thank you.
Most Needed
2nd Most Needed
- Sweatpants and Zippered Hoodie Sweatjackets (M, L, XL - Gray, Black, Dark Blue)
- Blankets of Hope
- Lounge/sleep pants/pj bottoms (M, L, XL)
3rd Most Needed
- Undershirts and plain T-shirts (M, L, XL)
- Shorts, baggy basketball-type (M, L, XL)
- Men's Boxerbriefs (M, L, XL) 2nd choice boxers. Please do not send "tightie whities"
- Socks
For a complete list of items, see the Soldiers' Angels Germany blog. NOTE: Please do not send clothing sizes Small, 2X, or 3X. Also, please do not send books or magazines.
Friends of mine, Brooke and Brian, decided they wanted to do something to help out MaryAnn and her volunteers at Landstuhl. Brian is a former Seargant in the Army who separated after two tours in Afghanistan with the 173rd, 2-503. Brian's last tour was for 15 months during OEF VIII in the Korengal region of the HIndu Kush mountains.
At the top of their "most needed list" MaryAnn mentions sweat pants and hoodies. Brooke's father has a business that can buy top quality sweat pants and hoodies. He has offered to do so "at cost." For $20.00 a complete set can be purchased and shipped to the hospital in Germany.
If you are interested in joining us on this project please email Brooke at brswisher@eiu.edu for details on where to send you donation. Brooke will ask that you provide them with an email address so that she can send you a copy of the invoice showing that the items were purchased and how many.
Brooke and Brian are collecting donations through 22 October 2009. They plan to ship by 1 November 2009.
Let's join with Brooke and Brian to send MaryAnn and the volunteers a HUGE early Christmas present.
After the cookout at the Mologne House we loaded in vehicles to go out to the Friday Night Freep at the front gates of WRAMC. For those of you who aren't aware of what the Friday Night Freep is or why it began you can read about that here (scroll down to "Beginning and a Brief History") and check out the many links.
I've had the privilege of attending several Freeps but this one felt different from the minute we rolled into the parking lot across from the main gate. The "regualars" where there but many in town for the event on 9/12 were already there as well. It just kept getting better all night long. It may have rained. And it may have been a bit cool but we didn't care. I regret that I didn't get pics of one of the buses that came FULL of great Patriots.
One of the first things I noticed as we exited WRAMC from the gate just to the south of the Main gate was this (I walked back after we parked to take the photos).
This is the area where Code Pink now stands each Friday night with their digusting signs and attitudes towards our troops. I was curious to read the signs on the orange cones. Upon closer inspection:
Boy did that make me happy! It seems that the new Garrison Commander has decided that the Pinkos can no longer prop their disgusting signs on WRAMC property nor can they stand on the property. They have been relegated to the sidewalk ONLY which is what their permit says anyway. HELL YEAH!
Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures during the night as I was assisting the hosts with snacks and other items. We were VERY busy. I did take a few minutes from time to time to walk from corner to corner to chat with people and hope to see a Wounded Warrior. The crowd was HUGE. Several of the Freepers agreed that between 700 and 800 people came to stand that night and said it was the biggest crowd ever. FANTASTIC! Everyone was in a great mood, vehicles passing by were honking, yelling out "thank you", waving - some even waved flags out of their windows. I was told that a Wounded Warrior who had been at the cookout earlier came out to the corner and when someone asked who he was and he told them he was surrounded by people and hugged and thanked over and over. They say he had a smile as big as ever. I hated to miss seeing that but was thrilled to hear about it.
Northwest corner early on:
Northwest Corner a little later:
Shot of the north end of those standing on the northeast corner. It's difficult to get a perspective on this but the actual intersection is at least 100 feet to the left of this shot and it was packed three and four deep.
Milling around the snack tent
A group from Athens, Tennessee drove two truck to DC for the 9/12 event. They were asking people to sign their billboards
Code Pink may have had 15 or so show up during the night.
The young man in the blue jacket and red hat in the above photo engaged several of us in conversation. I listened to him for awhile as he attempted to say he wasn't a Code Pink supporter - and maybe he wasn't even though he was standing WITH THEM. He said he knew nothing about their communist activities and donations to the terrorists in Fallujah. What really ticked me off with him was when he said he was there to protest that the wounded don't get decent health care. Oh really? So I asked him if he PERSONALLY knew anyone who had been wounded? His response, "Well, I know someone who knows someone...." I cut him off there but that's exactly what he said. So I told him that we KNOW Wounded Warriors and know about those who are treated for physical injuries, TBI...he stopped me there and asked what TBI was. As calmly as I could at the moment I admonished him to do a little more research before he decided to flap his gums.
When the first of two of the new state of the art ambulances came through from Andrews I happened to be standing with Yankeemom. We just grabbed each other and stood there and said a prayer of healthing for the Wounded and for strength for their families. Seeing those ambulances is the worst part but knowing they are going into a place with the best care in the world gives so much hope.
The crowd at the four corners grew thoughout the night until around 9:00 PM. By the time the bus returned with the Soldiers who had gone out for dinner the crowd has thinned. I hated that but....those who came and went from the hospital prior to 9:00 had one great night of support to behold. I'm so happy I was able to be there.
If you are ever in DC on a Friday night please go out and join the Freepers. They begin to gather aroung 6:30 PM and stay untl the bus returns. You won't be sorry you did it.
I am still in shock that some great Americans made it possible for me to be in DC this weekend. Twana, Peri, Tiana, Candy and Gene there will never be a way I can thank you enough.
I flew into Dulles and began an hours long odyssey on a shuttle van to what seemed to be nowhere until my dear friend Lynn rescued me at one of the shuttle stops. I was staying with Lynn anyway but trying to keep her from having to fight the rush hour traffic. It was definitely an experience.
Friday morning Lynn and I got up bright and early to get to WRAMC for the cookout. We stopped to pick up burgers, buns and other items Lynn has been assigned then off to the hospital. We pulled up to the Mologne House just as Concretebob (CB) was unloading his truck. CB was in charge of this event and had his truck loaded down with food and beverage. We got everythiing unloaded and CB took off for Reagan National Airport to pick up some Marines who were coming into town for the weekend from BMAC (Brooke Army Medical Center) in San Antonio.
We were more than thrilled when we walked through the breezeway and saw the two new tents that had been donated by the American Legion for the patio area. A huge HOOOOOOOOOOAH to the American Legion for that gift. Definitely needed for many reasons. On our cookout day they were an incredible help in keeping us out of the almost constant light drizzle. On sunny days they will allow the Wounded to relax out of the sun
Grills got fired up and volunteers took on the cookiing duties
Inside those foil packets are Italian sausages and grilled peppers. YUMMY!
Other volunteers were on the hamburger grill. While between the two grills Veterans, Wounded Warriors and volunteers were visiting.
Another Wounded Warrior chatting with several great supporters
Some of the Wounded enjoying the chow
More of our Wounded enjoying the chow and relaxing
Aren't the tents donated by the American Legion just great?
We were thrilled at the numbers of Wounded and family members who stopped by throughout the afternoon.
Three of my best buddies - Jonn Lilyea from this ain't hell, Uncle Jimbo from Blackfive and The Sniper. All Veterans and all three do so much to support our Wounded.
Our special friend, Veteran and medically retired paratrooper, Jedda, manning the sausage and squash grill. WE LOVE JEDDA!
More of the crowd
Many thanks to Concretebob, Lynn, Yankeemom (for the great pies) and all of the volunteers from Gathering of Eagles, Band of Mothers and various Veterans organizations who came to share this day with the Wounded and their families. Concretebob, Lynn and I all agreed it was the largest crowd ever at any cookout we have been a part of. We fed people from around 12:30 until close to 4:00.
There were so many laughs and a lot of new friendships made. Despite the drizzle and chilly winds it was an incredible afternoon and so very relaxing.
We cleaned up. loaded up and headed out to the front gates for the Friday night Freep which I will post about in DC Weekend Part II.
My dear friend and great troop supporter, Donna, was a volunteer for Operation Comfort's annual surf outing over the Labor Day weekend. She sent me the link to this video:
Donna has volunteered at these surfing outings before and always reports that they are incredibly well received and successful. Thanks, Donna, for giving of you time again. You're a great American - as are all of those around the nation who volunteer on behalf of our Wounded Warriors each day.
Operation Comfort has many outreach programs for the Wounded and their families at BAMC. Surfing, automotivation, hand cycling and bike riding, rafting, snow skiing, sled hockey, softball and their Soldier Family Assistance Program. I hope you will check out there site and give them some support.
HOOAH Operation Comfort. And THANK YOU to my friend Donna for being there over Labor Day and EVERY day.
Disabled Veteran Needs Your Support to Participate in “Ride2Recovery” in Memory and Honor of Fallen and Wounded Paratroopers.
Michael Simmons served in the Army for 9 ½ years. The majority of his time in service was as an Airborne Infantryman until a mishap in a training jump October 31st 1998 in Tunisia (North Africa). Michael’s chute malfunctioned in a “cigarette roll” which occurs when a parachute deploys fully from the bag but fails to open. The parachute then appears as a vertical column of cloth (in the general shape of a cigarette), providing the jumper with very little drag. Michael miraculously survived the landing but sustained severe injuries to his legs, knees and ankles.
He was officially discharged from the Army in May 2003. Michael considers himself fortunate. He received excellent health care and rehabilitation. As a part of his rehabilitation Michael developed a passion for bike riding. He rides 100-150 miles a week and participates annually in rides to raise money to support families of Police Officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.
Michael’s younger brother, Stephan, recently completed a 15 month deployment with the 173re ABCT, 2-503 BN in northeastern Afghanistan (OEF VIII). Many of Stephan’s fellow Soldiers were wounded in action and continue to recover at various military hospitals and Warrior Transition Units around the nation. Michael met many of his brother’s fellow Wounded Warriors and decided he wanted to do something to honor them and in memory of those who gave their lives.
In an email to me Michael wrote, “I now have the opportunity to ride for Wounded Warriors and want to ride and dedicate my time to the men (brothers of the 173rd Airborne that served with Stephen) who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country whether it was their physical freedom or their life. I want them to know their efforts aren't forgotten.”
You can learn more about Ride2Recovery at this link. Ride2Recovery is a 501c3 organization produced by the Fitness Challenge Foundation in cooperation with the military and VA Volunteer Service Office to benefit mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity.
Please join me in supporting Michael for this ride. He must raise a minimum of $3000.00 in order to participate in the ride.
To make a secure on-line donation go to Ride2Recovery's Home Page
On the Home Page scroll down and click on “Sponsor a Rider”
Rider’s First Name = Michael
Rider’s Last Name = Simmons
Click on “Click Here To Continue” button and either select a preset amount for your donation or enter the amount you wish to donate. Then click on “Donate” and continue through the screens. If you prefer to pay by check the information appears on the screen just after you click on “Click Here to Continue”. Remember to write Michael Simmons on the memo line of the check so that he gets credit for your donation.
Bloggers please repost this to help get the word out.
Michael can be reached via email at bike4me@hotmail.com.
Regards,
My friend and Canadian Troop Supporter extaordinaire, Brat, over at Assoluta Tranquilita has asked me to help get the word out about a fund raiser for an exceptional group who help out our wounded warriors. Combat Warrior Crisis Network (CWCN) is teaming up with Independence Fund 14 - 17 May, 2009 to host the Independence Ride in Pensacola, FL as CWCN's way of giving back to some of our bravest warriors.
Brat has a flyer up over at her blog which says, in part:
The Independence Fund and Combat Warrior Crisis Network are working together to bring about 250 wounded soldiers from all over the country to Pensacola. We have DOD and VA support.
Take a look at this video and see some of the great work these groups do for our wounded warriors:
Brat has much more information about the event, entertainment and how to help out. They are in real need of donations, small or large, in order to make this weekend a reality for our brave warriors. Please check out Brat's post and do whatever you can to help out by making a donation and spreading the word.
I've said it before and I will say it OVER and OVER again. Our Wounded Warriors INSPIRE me. SSG Luis Rosa-Valentin is definitely at the top of the list.
From Killeen Daily Herald
Wounded sergeant greets his soldiersPosted On: Wednesday, Mar. 11 2009 05:38 AMBy Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily Herald
FORT HOOD – Luis Rosa-Valentin got something Tuesday morning he's wanted since arising from a coma nearly a year ago.
"Sgt. Rosa! Rejoin your formation!"
Steadied by a friend, he rose from his wheelchair and stepped onto the brown grass toward 200 uniformed soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. Excited chattering came to a halt as heads turned and a knowing silence fell over the crowd.
This audience knew what was happening. People were more than willing to forgo their reunions for a few minutes so one soldier could have his.
Staff Sgt. Luis Rosa-Valentin was there to check on his guys.
He lost two legs, part of his left arm, his hearing and some of his sight to an explosively formed projectile – a hardcore roadside bomb – but Luis wanted to see that his guys were OK and he came all the way from Maryland to make sure of it.
They were some of his first concerns after coming out of a two-week-long coma, his wife, America, said. Luis wasn't worried about himself. His biggest worry was that the guys saw him get hurt and how that affected them.
Luis was an infantry sergeant on a road patrol in Iraq on April 21, 2008, when a sniper opened fire. A bullet went through his legs and hit a buddy. Luis was on the lookout for snipers when he walked over a bomb 15 minutes later.
Doctors replaced Luis' legs with titanium prosthetics and inserted a hearing aid and cochlear implant in his ears. He made significant progress and began therapy, but leaving the unit in Iraq was always at the back of his mind.
Watching the soldiers come home was good for Luis because he won't have to worry about them as much and can focus on his therapy, said his best friend, Josh Hubbell. The two military brats have been best friends since high school.
Josh was the one who helped Luis walk across the field and stood next to him in the formation.
"It was an honor," he said. "Probably the biggest honor I've ever experienced in my life."
Josh and America stood back as the soldiers were dismissed and a swarm of camouflage surrounded Luis.
"It means everything to him," America said.
Though his life changed April 21, Luis is the same person, his wife said. He will enjoy life with his 4-year-old daughter Milinda and unborn baby girl, who is due in May.
Luis' personality didn't change either, America said. He has the same "crazy mouth" and make jokes like always.
"That day didn't get him. He's still strong and holding on."
Luis remained after the crowds cleared Tuesday, talking with three of the soldiers who sat on the grass in front of his wheelchair. One of them was the soldier who administered life-saving care soon after the bomb exploded.
Someone brought America a folding chair and she sat and listened to the four soldiers exchange stories. It hasn't been easy, Luis admitted to them. He talked about dark times and he talked about God. He talked about the good times, too, laughing with his buddies as they remembered.
Parked in the middle of the 4th Infantry's parade field, a burning cigarette in his remaining hand and tossing out an occasional cuss word, Staff Sgt. Luis Rosa-Valentin was where he wanted to be – with his guys.
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.
For more on the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division's return, including the experiences of two soldiers' spouses, Haley Fisher and Melanie Pagan, read the March 18 Fort Hood Herald.
From DefenseLink.mil
Be sure to read this story to learn about the great Americans who assisted in starting this opportunity and those who have joined forces with them. HOOAH!
This link will take you directly to the home page for Beck PRIDE Center at Arkansas State University
University Provides Care For Wounded Warriors
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2008 – Wounded servicemembers are finding an unlikely resource for care at Arkansas State University in a new program officials there hope will catch on at other college campuses.
Susan Tonymon, director of the Beck Pride Center at the university’s Jonesboro campus, described the program in an “ASY Live” interview on BlogTalkRadio.com.
The university opened the center in October 2007 as a supplement to Veterans Affairs programs, Tonymon said. The campus is an ideal place to reach out to wounded troops, she said.
“Arkansas State University is a very military-friendly campus,” Tonymon said. With a National Guard armory on campus, an ROTC program and the development of a student veterans group, the campus “provides a service for them to connect with others in this area for social interaction and cohesiveness.”
The center provides services such as physical and occupational therapy, mental health counseling and social services to combat-injured servicemembers, veterans and their families. It was funded for 50 participants and now has 62, Tonymon said.
“We don’t want to duplicate a service,” Tonymon said. “Many of our servicemembers have heard about the vet centers, but sometimes they are too far away and they will choose to come to a center on our campus.”
Participants often go to Arkansas State for services not offered at VA centers near them, Tonymon said. And, with mental health providers trained to help combat veterans, they find the care specific to their needs.
Most participants come from outside the Jonesboro area, some from as far away as California and Washington state, to take advantage of the program’s unique opportunities, Tonymon said.
Program officials recently helped a wounded warrior relocate to Jonesboro from Missouri, where he faced a 70-mile commute to the nearest VA center. The center provided him with temporary housing and got him financial resources because he had not yet been discharged from the military, Tonymon said.
“We have an area on campus where military servicemembers can live in a community with day care and get physical therapy right here on campus,” she said.
Tonymon said she is interested in helping other campuses start their own programs.
“Universities like Arkansas State are in a unique position to help, mainly because we can centralize many of the services that the wounded servicemember may need for recovery,” she said. “The university itself provides a safe therapeutic and healing environment.”
(Jamie Findlater works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Related Sites:
“ASY Live”
Beck Pride Center
Military OneSource
Warrior Care Web Portal
Warrior Care News
National Resource Directory for Wounded Warriors
Well it's not even Thanksgiving yet and it's already started AGAIN. I've received the following in three emails in the past day. Please DO NOT fall "victim" to this. Walter Reed will NOT accept cards addressed as shown below. All mail must be addressed to a specific patient. If you are interested in sending cards to Walter Reed or any other military hospital please email me at tankerbabelc@gmail.com.
GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and
send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these
wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001
