Saturday, May 9, 2009

Behind the Scenes...


Behind the scenes, we have many Angels, quietly working hard for our warriors. We have Angels who give as much of their time as is possible and all their efforts are greatly appreciated.


One Angel in particular stands out: Joe is one of our senior members of the D.C. Wounded Team. He came to Soldiers' Angels over 2 years ago and has made a huge impact. Joe comes from a family dedicated to service and he is one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You see, Joe's kindness has no limits. He spends countless hours keeping track of our wounded and ill warriors, week in and week out, but his dedication does not end there. Joe will often take out our warriors to enjoy meals outside of WRAMC. He is a native of the area and once you tell him what cuisine you prefer, he makes sure to find and take you to the nicest one. Joe has brought together many a lonely warrior, who had few or no friends and as a result of these nights on the town, new friendships have been forged. He also owns a beach home not too far from WRAMC, and has, on various occasions, taken our warriors and their families for a weekend or even a week away. He has taken warriors to his home, for some good ole home cooking, courtesy of mom and dad. When Joe found out there were special car inverters that our warriors could use to charge their prostheses while in a car, he took it upon himself to keep them in stock and presents one to the amputees he meets. Although we urge Joe to submit for reimbursement for his expenses, he rarely, if ever does. I cannot imagine how much he has spent out of pocket to make our warriors lives a little bit easier, yet he does it willingly and out of the kindness of his heart.

Our team has counted on Joe for so much and he has never disappointed. It doesn't matter what we ask him to do, even if it's the warranted run to Costco to pick up drinks and desserts for our events, he does it with a smile (and his big red truck). Joe never asks for recognition or anything in return.

So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Joe. For all the you have done and all you continue to do in service to our warriors and their families, we are eternally grateful. Having you on our team makes us proud, but more importantly, makes a difference in ways you may never even realize...

MD

3 comments:

LDR said...

Joe rocks!! He's the best! :o)

LDR

Anonymous said...

I work with Joe, as a customer, on the internet...he gives his own money to the Vets to enable them to talk to families and mates alike, selflessly to the point of sometimes running himself out of funds, and his num and dad help out endlessly too with the said home cooked meals and help with outings.
I have endless respect for Joe and his family for their work and count him not only as a client but a great friend...I would like to ask the Association this... seeing I am an Aussie and cannot do, would the Association pls consider nominating Joe for a Congressional Medal for services to the troops (I think that's the one). He sure as hell deserves it, as many will attest.
Thankyou Joe, and troops...from an Aussie in respect
A

Greta Perry said...

Please give Joe a giant angel hug from me!